Southeast Asia is no doubt a popular destination for many Australians. With its diverse and interesting mix of culture, art, history, food and traditions, one can never tire of exploring this region. One of the best ways to discover the gems of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand is by train. Travel between the modern and vibrant cities of Singapore and Bangkok via Malaysia on a luxury rail journey that speaks of the old world colonial charm. Here, you’ll pass through the region’s vast landscapes, towns, quaint villages, tropical jungles, winding rivers and ancient temples, while enjoying the tastes of specialties and rich flavours of the local cuisines.
Venturing below the earth’s surface may not conjure thoughts of soaring vast distances with abandon. But beneath the countryside of Snowdonia, the Zip World Caverns are challenging the status quo. Caves within 200-year-old slate mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog have been sectioned off and transformed into the world’s largest underground zip-line course.
The grotto’s 11 zip-lines, as well as rope bridges and via ferratas, are suspended almost 30 metres above the cavern floor, ensuring non-stop adrenaline. Colourful lights illuminate the immense caves and narrow chambers as you zoom through. Becoming part of the underworld has never been more exhilarating.
Majlis al Jinn Cave is bloody hard to get to, and even harder to get inside of – but it’s so awesome we couldn’t resist including it in our must-do experiences. To get to the remotely located cave, you’ll have take a five hour 4WD journey and vouch on good weather. If you want to abseil inside this cavernous chamber – which could comfortably accommodate 10 jumbo jets wing-to-wing – you can try your luck at obtaining a permit.
Unfortunately though, this cave is indefinitely closed for redevelopment to make it easily accessible to tourists. Be patient, and one day, you’ll be able to explore this colossal wonder.
What could be more relaxing than soaking in a deep bath of sawdust. Wait, what? That’s right, no bulldust here – sawdust is the new bathing buzzword of modern alternative therapies. Immersing yourself in cedar enzymes is an ancient Japanese tradition that boasts a bundle of health benefits.
Although taking a bath in fine wood chips sounds like a prickly splinter-fest, when heated, the enzymes from the cypress and cedar trees ferment, creating healing, detoxification properties. Cedar baths are renowned for reducing muscle tension and even boosting the digestive system. Get that chip off your shoulder and give it a go.
Dublin’s draconian-looking lockup, built in 1796 and complete with its own hanging cell, Kilmainham Gaol has incarcerated an eclectic mix of unfortunates in god-awful conditions, from women and children accused of petty crimes through to some of the most influential figures to ever stride through Irish history – rebels, politicians, poets and nation shapers.
It was here that the British executed the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising, leading to the War of Independence and all manner of punch-ups ever since. No longer in service, these days – when it’s not being used as a film set (it’s starred in many movies, from The Italian Job to In the Name of the Father) – it’s a popular attraction for visitors.
As the first luxury safari cruise ship in Africa, the Zambezi Queen sets the standard rather high. This chic floating hotel boasts panoramic views of the famous Chobe National Park, home to an astonishingly dense population of wildlife. Gawk at elephants from the comfort of your bed, or opt for a small boat excursion for a more up-close view. Don’t fancy a dip with the crocodiles? Instead, why not retreat to the top-deck spa with a glass of Stellenbosch’s finest as a herd of zebra graze just metres away.
The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, in fact) and a magnet for tourists who visit to spot giant birds of prey at Cruz del Condor and see the pre-Incan ruins of Kallimarka. But few venture into the canyon itself, a rugged knee-crunching hike that rewards the energetic with a valley-floor dip that’s not to be missed.
The oasis of Sangalle is where the desert becomes sub-tropical and lush vegetation surrounds a surprising series of man-made swimming pools filled with spring water. Most do the three-hour downhill hike from the town of Cabanaconde and stay overnight before hitting the trail for the steep walk back.
A visit to Cuba isn’t complete without making your way down to the idyllic, cobblestoned town of Trinidad. If you can tear your eyes away from the colourful houses, and quaint villages, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take part in a salsa dancing lesson. Cuba has a vibrant music scene, and being the birthplace of salsa, there’s no better place to let your hair down and give it a whirl. In a lesson, you’ll be guided through the basic steps of the salsa, which you can dance alone or with a partner. Sway your hips, smile and just let the music guide you.
It won’t be long before you’re confidently stepping out onto the dance floor with the locals to show off your new moves. In between putting your best foot forward, Cuba consistently surprises and delights on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Cuba tour. You’ll get lost in the old-world charm of Havana, plunge into the iridescent waters of Bahia de Cochinos in Cienfuegos, shimmy to Afro-Cuban beats in Santiago de Cuba, and savour the taste of prawns in coconut sauce and banana-stuffed tamales in Baracoa. Sure, people will tell you the internet is slow and expensive and there’s occasions where creature comforts can be few and far between, but Cuba’s charm is undeniable.
To the outsider, Australia is broken into two categories – major cities and small towns that fringe its technicolour reef coastlines and the outback. And the latter is considered wildly off the beaten track – an arid, desolate landscape; a place the late Steve Irwin wrestled with crocs; where all kinds of creepy critters live, from giant funnel web spiders to fire ants, snakes and dingos. It’s all true, of course – after all, Australia has myriad landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet – and thankfully Intrepid Travel’s Journey into East Arnhem Land tour, based in the Northern Territory, will make you look beyond the surface where you’ll find ancient history imbued in one of the country’s most remote regions.
Australia’s indigenous people are the oldest living culture on Earth and this incredible journey gives you a unique opportunity to experience it. You’ll be welcomed by the Yolngu people, the traditional owners of East Arnhem Land, who have lived here for many millennia. Clan leaders will guide you in learning how to hunt and gather, dance and make bark paintings and you’ll learn about traditional gender roles and responsibilities, kinship and the history of the region.
You’ll also experience the remote Island oasis, Bremer Island. It’s a complete privilege to have access to East Arnhem Land and there really is no other way to fully experience Indigenous Australia and it’s cultural connection with the land.
If you go to Peru, but don’t visit Machu Picchu, did you really go? We’re all for getting lost (pun intended), but there are some destinations, that no matter how well trodden, are simply too epic not to witness or experience.
Located on the border of where the soaring Andes meet the lush Amazon Jungle, Machu Picchu is an immense and jaw-dropping archaeological site. Built by the Incas around 1450 AD, it was occupied for a just over a century before it was abandoned when the Spanish Conquest arrived. In fact, the Spanish never discovered it during their time there. I wouldn’t be uncovered again until one fateful day in 1911 when Hiram Bingham, an American historian, would stumble upon it – more than 350 years later. Since then the ancient Incan estate has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most popular attraction in Peru, if not in all South America. Better still, your journey there can be experienced two ways – take the scenic train ride or embark on the hiking trail to reach its magnificence on Intrepid Travel’s Inca Trail Express.
Sitting among the clouds and often shrouded in mist, the site has a mysterious otherworldly quality and, despite its popularity, rarely feels as crowded as many other similar archaeological sites around the world given it’s spread across such a large area. This makes it easy to get around and really take it in without feeling the need to move on or rush through it.
A local expert guide will give you the history of the site (the local llamas that live here also make it easy to imagine what life was like in this incredible city in the clouds). A guide is a must as, unlike other sites, there are no markers or plaques explaining the significance of each area, so your options are a flimsy pamphlet or a knowledgeable and passionate local who knows the area inside out and will ensure its an depth and enjoyable experience (plus, who wants to be reading when they could be looking anyway?) A visit here isn’t just about seeing though, it’s about feeling and wondering and imagining – and this part of it? That’s an experience you can’t buy.
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