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Venturing off the beaten path

15 Jun 2023

Adventure travel: A recent poll shows more tourists are visiting locations where you can push your limits, and some of these are within easy reach of Singapore.

TEXT: MELODY TAN

PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, UNSPLASH

There’s nothing wrong with going on a vacation purely to relax, but there are times when you crave something a little more exciting than a holiday spent lazing by the pool. In fact, a survey last October by travel portal booking.com found that 79 per cent of Singapore travellers want to get out of their comfort zones and push their own limits, with 25 per cent of them hoping to explore destinations that are off the tourist radar. So, if the call of the wild sounds irresistible, it’s time to pack your bags and choose your own adventure.

DIVING IN RAJA AMPAT

Scuba enthusiasts might already be familiar with Indonesia’s Raja Ampat, which lies just off the northwest end of Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua. Renowned for its pristine waters and jungle-covered islands, Raja Ampat comprises four large islands – Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool – surrounded by over 1,500 smaller islands, shoals and cays. The Raja Ampat regency is home to over 1,000 types of coral fish and 540 coral varieties, so there’s plenty to see when you venture beneath the waves. It offers a variety of accommodation options to suit various budgets.

Swim with placid sea turtles amid the vast coral reefs, marvel at manta rays gliding by and encounter schools of tuna, snapper fish and giant trevallies. Pro tip: Diving season for Raja Ampat is between October to April.

KAYAKING IN LAOS’ 4,000 ISLANDS

Despite not having its own coastline, Laos has a chain of islands known as Si Phan Don, which are part of a delta in the Mekong River near where the southern Laotian border meets Cambodia.

There are three main islands – Don Det, Don Khon and Don Khong – which have budget hotels and tour agencies. Book a guided kayak tour and explore the numerous islands, many of which are wild and uninhabited. Navigate the tricky rapids at Pai Soi near Don Khon before going ashore to the majestic Khone Phapheng Falls, where you can catch your breath and luxuriate in the view. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin playing in the Mekong waters – a memory to treasure for life.

ZIPLINING AND PARAGLIDING IN SABAH

Sabah is home to the Coral Flyer, Borneo’s longest island-to-island zipline. Stretching 250m across the glittering aquamarine waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Kota Kinabalu, the Coral Flyer takes you on a ride you won’t forget, with the wind whipping through your hair as you get a flying start in the mountain forest before zipping across the sea.

If that isn’t enough, try tandem paragliding. Book a tour with an experienced tandem pilot who will leap with you from Kokol Hill, about 40 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu. Some also provide a souvenir GoPro video, so you can relive your experience.

TREKKING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Not to be confused with Indonesian West Papua, Papua New Guinea occupies the eastern half of New Guinea island and is an independent nation with the tourism tagline, “A million different journeys”. Visitors can dive, fish, surf and trek in unspoilt natural environments, but serious history buffs will want to tackle the eight to 10 day-long Kokoda Track, which has a reputation for being both physically challenging and emotionally moving. The 96km route goes from Kokoda Village across mountainous terrain to Owers’ Corner, taking you through World War II battlefields and memorials to the Australian soldiers who fought and died on the track. You’ll climb to the summit of Mount Bellamy for spectacular views and visit villages where wounded soldiers were cared for by brave locals who carried them back to safety.

Heading abroad for your adventurous getaway? Don’t forget travel insurance! Until 31 July 2023, Singlife with Aviva is offering HomeTeamNS members 20 per cent off its Single Trip travel insurance plan. If you have a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Group Insurance Voluntary coverage, you’ll get an additional 30 per cent off. Simply login to the HomeTeamNS Mobile App for the promo code.

HAVE FUN, STAY SAFE

If you’re going into remote wilderness, make sure you complete a course of anti-malarial pills that will prevent your contracting the disease. You can visit your GP or the nearest pharmacy for the medications, which you’re required to begin taking two to three weeks before you depart.
Stay up to date on your vaccinations and take note of any endemic diseases at your destination. Make an appointment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Travellers’ Health and Vaccinations Clinic, where you’ll be advised as to which vaccinations you might require for your trip.
Travel first aid kits can be bought from pharmacies, and don’t forget to load up on mosquito repellents, long sleeved protective clothing and sunscreen.
Be mindful of local cultural norms and sensitivities, especially when staying in rural areas. For example, in Papua New Guinea — where people typically sit on the floor to eat — it’s considered extremely rude to step over the food.
Some useful apps include iOverlander, a mapping tool that comes with helpful bookmarks, reviews and information from fellow adventurers. For hikers and trekkers, there’s also what3words, a location app that has been used by the Singapore Police Force to find lost teenage hikers at MacRitchie Reservoir. And finally, don’t discount Google Maps and Google Translate, both of which have offline versions.

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