Animal Magnetism: For the holiday of a lifetime, roam among South Africa’s wildlife to see the iconic animals at play

Going on safari in South Africa means being spoiled in unspoiled surroundings. Seeing nature’s most iconic and charismatic mammals in their natural habitat is an experience not to be missed. And here, at numerous safari locations spread across this vast territory, the chances of sighting the so-called Big Five most-feared animals – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant – are second to none. What’s more, this can be done in style. Not only are there world-class national parks offering outstanding safari opportunities, but also a slew of private game reserves with luxury lodges and personal guided tours led by hugely knowledgeable rangers, meaning that absorbing the wonders of nature has never been more satisfying. Many visitors leave with unforgettable memories that linger long after they have returned home.

Pride of Place

A conservation success story, the safari brings tourists to South Africa by the bucket load each year. The most famous of the five safari regions is the Kruger National Park, coupled with the adjacent Greater Kruger, a vast unfenced conservation area located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The nearest major cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria, are about an hour away by air, or half a day if travelling by road.

The province with perhaps the largest concentration of reserves is KwaZulu-Natal. Here, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park – a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Durban – has played a critical role in saving the white rhinoceros from near extinction. Also of interest is iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site situated along the subtropical north coast.

The malaria-free North West province bordering Botswana is also known for its Big Five safaris, particularly within Pilanesberg National Park, which has been restocked with animals from across South Africa. Madikwe Game Reserve, a luxurious private reserve, lures nature-lovers to the far reaches of the Kalahari Desert.

The Cape Provinces contain two safari regions, which are also malaria-free. Mountain Zebra National Park and the self-drive Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape are conveniently located along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Most notable among the famous private game reserves here that are re-establishing wildlife is the Shamwari. The remote Northern Cape contains sparse open horizons and scrubby vegetation, whereas Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, stretching into Botswana, hosts prides of black-maned Kalahari lions. Other desert-adapted animals such as the gemsbok can be spied against a backdrop of vivid red dunescapes.

Cracking Kruger Kruger National Park is considered to be South Africa’s ultimate safari destination, where glimpses of the Big Five are almost guaranteed. It was one of the first parks to be established following the creation of the National Parks Board in 1926. It is remarkable to think that upon the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 some of today’s biggest wildlife draws – lion, cheetah and both African rhino species, black and white – were virtually extinct in the country.

With a total area covering a size equivalent to Slovenia, the park is readily accessible with a network of rest camps, picnic sites and surfaced and unsurfaced roads. This untamed wilderness is sandwiched between the wide, meandering Limpopo River in the north and the Crocodile River 220 miles to the south and lush farmland beyond. It is a mosaic of 16 different vegetation zones from open grassland to dense forest supporting about 148 types of mammals, 505 species of birds and 118 kinds of reptiles. The remote northern area attracts the more adventurous safari aficionado. Dissected into two areas by the Sabie River, the southern part of Kruger is the main sightseeing area, with both zones ideal for self-drive safaris.

DIY visitors must exit Kruger before the various gates dotted around the park close for the night, allowing enough time to reach their overnight camp. Positioned near excellent game-viewing roads, Lower Sabie Rest Camp is favoured by many Kruger old hands; elephant, buffalo, hippo, rhino and storks are regularly observed. Olifants Rest Camp, further north, is also highly regarded. Spectacularly located on a cliff overlooking a broad flood plain, it offers amazing views of hippos dipping in the river, herds of buffalo crossing the nearby roads, giraffes, elephants, the handsome greater kudu and numerous birds. Indeed, Kruger is a bird-lovers’ paradise; in just one day visitors will usually be delighted by an array of exotic feathered friends including kingfisher, hornbill, bee-eater, outsized ostrich and kori bustard, and raptors such as the African fish-eagle and lappet-faced vulture.

Lodge in Luxury

Kruger’s 15 private concession lodges offer an allinclusive experience in the National Park. Other luxurious retreats can be found beyond the western fringes of the Kruger, wedged between the Sabie and Olifants rivers, where fantastic private reserves entice those looking for exclusive service and an unforgettable safari in style. The most famous of these, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.

Accommodation within the reserve is at lodges, many of which have mutated from seasonal hunting camps into exclusive game resorts such as MalaMala and Singita Sabi Sand. With a rich water supply and lush environment, sightings of the Big Five are commonplace. Early-morning (from 5.30 am) and late-afternoon game drives allow guests to observe these incredible animals close up while listening to their guide and tracker share amazing stories, perhaps of fierce territorial fights between lion families or of two leopards sparring. Indeed, these private reserves are noted for sightings of the iconic Big Five’s most secretive member, the leopard, a beautiful, lithe creature which can climb trees with a few leaps.

Dusk is when things slow down, when a leopard might be seen sleeping on a tree trunk or the silhouette of a lion viewed in the distance; then comes the apprehensive, expectant pause before the arrival of dawn. Combined with the luxury of the private lodges, these moments stir romantic, almost spiritual emotions. A three-hour drive north of Sabi Sands, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options, from tented camps to highend lodges to a more rustic experience.

Roaring Success

Private game reserves have played an important role in ongoing conservation efforts in the country by funding vulnerable habitats and the rehabilitation of degraded former farmlands. Another important development over recent years has been the amalgamation of bordering conservation areas such as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which covers land in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By removing the fences formerly dividing conservation areas, the habitat available to animals and their migratory routes have been increased.

The best time to visit the South African game parks is during the winter months (June to September) when temperatures are more comfortable and animals tend to huddle around rivers and water sources as the vegetation is lower. An exception is the reserves of the Eastern Cape, where cold wintry spells may make summer stopovers more appealing.

Karst of Thousands: The towering beauty of the Guilin and Yangshuo landscape leaves a lasting impression

Guilin and Yangshuo offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in China and anywhere in the world. Weathered limestone formations rise near vertically from flat land creating a dreamlike, mystical landscape that is timeless and breathtaking. It is no surprise this area features heavily in Chinese culture, a muse for landscape paintings, literary works and inscriptions. Its magnetic beauty cannot fail to leave a deep impression on those lucky enough to spend time there.

Guilin is the larger of these two conurbations in China’s southwest Guangxi province; it has long been a commercial centre and hub of rail, river and road transport in South China. Home to poets and artists through the ages, it is now a thriving tourist centre with low-rise buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Major international hotels – some boasting luxury rooms with stupendous views – have been lured here and provide all-inclusive holidays. A fine range of dining experiences in Guilin embraces both Western and Asian dishes; Chunji Roast Goose restaurant is a local icon.

Guilin means ‘Sweet osmanthus forest’ and autumn sojourners will see and smell osmanthus blossoms all over town. Its plentiful limestone pinnacles are even more outstanding, studding the city itself and flanking the Li River as it winds its way to Yangshuo, an unforgettable 83-kilometre river trip to the south. This karst landscape was formed over millions of years as mildly acidic water slowly created rock towers and vast underground cavern systems.

Reaching the peaks

For the best aspect of this 2,000-year-old city, climb one of the limestone outcrops. A hike to Catch-Cloud Pavilion at the top of Diecaishan is a well-worn route, revealing superb panoramic vistas of tiled-roofed Guilin and its beautiful meandering river, plus the surrounding mist-shrouded pinnacles and flat farmland. Guilin’s crags are renowned for their carvings and caves, and part of the joy of this strenuous climb is stopping off to see the inscriptions in Breezy Cave (with its near-permanent breeze), some dating back centuries.

Elephant Trunk Hill also offers stunning views, rising at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers, with a Ming-era pagoda at its summit.

Marvel at the wonderful stalactite formation called the Sword-testing Stone, hanging inches above the floor, a feature of the pinnacle of Fuboshan (‘Wave subduing hill’), and a tall yellow-grey rock rising from the river apparently with the ability to calm the waters below.

Jingjiang Princes’ Palace is sometimes described as a miniature Forbidden City. Pre-dating Beijing’s palace by 34 years, it has an encircling wall and four gates. Protecting the palace from the northern direction is Duxiu Feng (Solitary Beauty Peak), with steps to the summit where magnificent views await.

Guilin has wonderful public parks enclosing these peaks and architectural delights; the Green Belt Bridge from the Song era is in the District of the Two Lakes, a beautiful public park with gardens, walkways and pagodas. An 800-year-old banyan tree gives the lake – Rong Hu – its name. On the eastern side, Fir Tree Lake (Shan Hu) is overlooked by two traditional-style 40-metre-high pagodas, at Riyue Shuangta. The largest of the caverns at Reed Flute Cave can hold about 1,000 people and acted as a shelter during the Second World War.

Another fantastic cave is in Seven Star Park on the eastern side of the Li. Its magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations have drawn visitors from across China for a thousand years. There are many legends surrounding the slab of white rock hanging from a ledge.

Sights of the riverbank

A must-do is a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, with many tours beginning at the pier at Zhujiang. A majestic experience, amid a cluster of assorted river traffic, the cruise winds past small villages and the outlandish limestone pinnacles that crowd the river and are named after painters and poets. Between these peaks are idyllic sleepy villages and during the five-hour trip, the sights of South China’s rural life pass you by. Washerwomen squat on the floor near the riverbank, farmhands in conical hats work the rice terraces, white goats cling to the mountainside, and villagers fish from low bamboo rafts using trained cormorants.

Indeed, cormorant fishing has been practised for thousands of years in China and most hotels in Yangshuo and Guilin organise hour-long night-time viewing sessions. The marine birds swim just below the surface alongside a bamboo raft towards a light hanging from the bow. When a catch is made, the fisherman will retrieve the fish from its beak.

Sense of adventure

The river trip is a fantastic way to arrive in Yangshuo, which is far more laid back than Guilin and is a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Yueliang Shan, with its distinctive crescent-shaped arch, is the most famous of the peaks in the area, and the area has become known for adventure travel with superb rock-climbing (considered the best in China), biking trips, hiking and caving (such as Heifo Xinshui Dong) opportunities. Hiring a bicycle guide will enhance your experience. Boating and ballooning can also be organised with local operators and rafting around Jade Dragon Bridge is always memorable.

Yangshuo provides a wide range of accommodations, and the line of restaurants, cafés, guesthouses, souvenir shops and hotels along Xi Jie (West Street) extends to the river. A hotel in the countryside is another option for great views over the dreamily beautiful karst topography. Top-of-the-range hotels in Yangshuo and the surrounding area may organise magnificent private sightseeing tours. On the itinerary will be a day trip to the 500-year-old Longji (Dragon’s Back) Rice Terraces and visits to the villages of Huangluo Yao and Ping’an to gain insights into the local life of different ethnic groups.

One thing to bear in mind is that scenic Guanxi has garnered a reputation as something of a haven for touts. So be prepared for this, and consider the purchasing of souvenirs as part of the experience.

The restaurants and bars offer plenty of diverse culinary options, from West and East, and lasagne and enchiladas to pad Thai followed by cheesecake. Cheap beer and excellent Yunnan coffee also draw in the tourist crowd. The Impression Liusanjie choreographed musical show, held in the evening next to the Li River, is another attraction, with the karst peaks providing an unforgettable backdrop.

High-speed trains run from Hong Kong to Guilin, with a transfer at Guangzhou or Guilin required to arrive at Yangshuo Railway Station (about a 5-hour trip in total). Guilin is also served by an international airport, which is located 28 kilometres southwest of the city. Visitors to this area never forget the experience.

On the Wings of Luxury: Private jet-setting in elevated style is the hot ticket across a reopened world

Leaving or living on a private jet plane has revolutionised the way people travel, offering a luxurious, convenient and flexible alternative to commercial airlines. While it may seem expensive at first glance – and let’s be honest, flying on a private jet is really an over-the-top luxury – it can be cost-effective for certain types of trips and can save travellers time and hassle. With a range of aircraft to choose from, jet-setters can customise their travel experience to their needs and preferences, and with the top private-jet rental companies providing safe, secure service, peace of mind while soaring above the clouds is assured.

When international borders reopened, “revenge travel” emerged – a means to make up for lost holidays after the pandemic – and affluent leisure seekers took the trend quite literally to another level. After all, private jets are the closest thing possible to teleportation in the 21st century – allowing people to fly whenever and wherever they want in an environment tailored to their tastes. The question is, how do we make the right choices when it comes to boarding that private jet plane?

Sky is the limit
The extravagant portrayal of flying on a private jet in films and television shows is more fact than fiction nowadays. Private aviation, undeniably, delivers the ultimate in ease and elegance. The most frequently asked question by travellers thinking of making the step up to private-jet rental is how the onboard experience compares to commercial flights. The convenience it offers is certainly one of the most significant benefits. People can choose their departure time and destination, and they do not have to worry about connecting flights or layovers. Private jets can take off and land at smaller airports too, allowing closer access to one’s final destination.

Privacy, comfort and a personalised experience that cannot be found on commercial flights also tip the (now redundant) baggage scales in the favour of jet rental. It avoids long lines and security checks, allowing more time to relax and enjoy the trip – be it for business or pleasure. Isn’t that what travelling and taking a breather should be all about?

Private aviation truly redefines the way passengers travel. A fully equipped business suite provides those travelling for work with a comfortable conference room in the sky. There’s a dedicated private dining team, and many private flights offer a top-notch sommelier for wine pairings, as well as caviar tastings. Even pets get VIP treatment, with a menu created by leading veterinarians and comfortable travel suites and sleeping mats instead of the obligatory crate required on commercial flights. Extraordinary dining experiences combined with unique entertainment make every trip enjoyable and unforgettable.

A standout private aviation company is VistaJet – the first company to provide a fleet of Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, providing customers with access to destinations across the globe with the world’s largest and longest-range business jet. With direct flights from Hong Kong to New York and on-the-go departures, it’s easy to set off anywhere, anytime, to participate in important conferences and industry events while enjoying a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.

Onboard for bright flights
The cost of renting a private jet varies depending on the type of aircraft, the distance travelled and the duration of the rental. The hourly rate for a private jet can range from about HK$20,000 to HK$100,000, with larger planes costing more. As a testament to the upscaled revenge-travel trend, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has launched a series of new journeys on its Four Seasons Private Jet. Over the past few years, this five-star ‘air cruise’ has enjoyed an overwhelming response, sell-outs and extensive waitlists – a signal of considerable pent-up demand for travel.

“Now more than ever, guests are planning bucket-list trips to far corners of the world to make up for the lost time,” said Christian Clerc, President of Global Operations for Four Seasons, in 2021. “To meet this demand, we’ve introduced additional opportunities to explore new and remote destinations with legendary Four Seasons service in the sky.”

Luxury hotel companies have increasingly entered partnerships with private jet companies to ease travel to and between their properties as luxury travellers seek dream trips across multiple destinations.

(Read the full article in the May 2023 issue (pg: 132). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Basque Bonkers – The summer months are when the Basque region goes wild

The Basque Country is steeped in history going back millennia. The people in this little pocket of Europe that overlaps Spain and France are fiercely proud of their distinct culture, and during the summer months, the region explodes into life in a sea of wine, bull and folklore rituals with all-day parties, crazy costumes and cuisine to die for.

These events and festivals act like a magnet, drawing in visitors from all over the world keen to experience a bit of Basque culture. The region is nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and Basque (or Euskara) is spoken, as well as Spanish or French; Euskara is the only remnant of languages that existed before southwestern Europe was Romanised.

The major conurbations of the Southern Basque Country, in Spain, are Bilbao, the destination of most incoming flights, the elegant coastal city of San Sebastian, the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Pamplona. The Northern part, in France, houses the palatial coastal splendour of Biarritz, while Bayonne is famous for its magnificent summer festival.

Basque food is also unique and a rich, almost obsessive, part of local culture, with a reputation as some of the best to be had in Europe. Signature dishes include great surf-and-turf combos, hake stew, lobster salad, vegetable and fish soups and the much-revered sea bream. There is heated rivalry over which part of Basque turns out the best culinary delights.

This competitive spirit is also evident in Basque sports such as pelota, which has been described as the fastest ball game in the world. There are also many herri kirolak (rural sports) competitions involving chopping wood, lifting massive stones, manually drilling holes in rocks and oxcart lifting. These can be seen at many of the summer fiestas in the region.

Festival highs
In graceful Haro, capital of the Rioja Alta wine region, the ‘Battle of Wine’ occurs in late June and is of such repute it has been designated a ‘festival of international tourist interest’. After a mass that is celebrated at the Chapel of San Felices de Bilibio, participants wearing white squirt wine on each other until everyone’s clothes change colour.

About a week later, the most talked-about of the Basque summer festivals kicks off in Pamplona. The Fiesta de San Fermin, popularly known as the Running of the Bulls, takes place every 6-14 July transforming the historic city into a frenzy of strength, speed and colour. Each morning at eight o’clock, six bulls are released onto the narrow, cobbled streets where they rush through a sea of fleeing people wearing white and red scarves around their waists and necks. Their route to the bullring only takes a few minutes, but each year some of the participants will be injured, and occasionally fatally gored. It is common for tourists to try their luck and join in, often as a last-minute act of bravado just before the bulls go past.

From 21-23 July, the bizarre spectacle of Danza de los Zancos (Dance of the Stilts) can be observed in Anguiano. Here, dancers on 5cm-high stilts tiptoe through the sloping, cobbled streets as part of a parade celebrating a pagan ritual. Performers wear colourful clothing with their hidden petticoats providing much-needed balance.

Coastal giants
In the last week of July, the Fêtes de Bayonne commences at the city’s Place de la Mairée when a mascot throws keys from the balcony to the hordes below. This is the largest festival in France, with numerous parades and dances, music galore, giant figures roaming the streets and breathtaking fireworks displays. Tourists are encouraged to join in the fun.

Located at the confluence of two rivers, Bayonne treasures its rich cultural heritage; it was officially recognised as a French ‘Town of Art & History’ in 2012. There is plenty to browse in this city also renowned for its superb chocolate, and regular tours are available in July and August. Just 8km (5 miles) south of Bayonne on the Basque Coast is beautiful Biarritz, which is also worth exploring. Anglet and Hossegor, to the north, offer world-class surfing action, and from 7-10 July, the former’s annual surf film festival draws more sedate crowds to the beaches.

(Read the full interview in the May 2023 issue (pg: 138). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Crocadu: Kakadu is rich in wildlife and aboriginal cultural history

A crocodile thrashing out of the water to strike its prey is just one of the countless awe-inspiring sights to behold at Kakadu. The huge national park in Australia’s Northern Territory has earned World Heritage status for its amazing natural beauty and a rich Aboriginal cultural history stretching over 50,000 years. There are some of the oldest-known rock paintings in the world, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, fantastic hiking and bushwalking, and superb boat cruises across luscious wetlands as the area protects an entire tropical river system. A crocodile thrashing out of the water to strike its prey is just one of the countless awe-inspiring sights to behold at Kakadu. The huge national park in Australia’s Northern Territory has earned World Heritage status for its amazing natural beauty and a rich Aboriginal cultural history stretching over 50,000 years. There are some of the oldest-known rock paintings in the world, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, fantastic hiking and bushwalking, and superb boat cruises across luscious wetlands as the area protects an entire tropical river system.

The largest national park in Australia, Kakadu lies 150 miles east of Darwin, covers 20,000 sq. km, and is a mosaic of habitats teeming with plants and animals, red 500-foot escarpment cliffs, hidden swimming holes and magnificent views. The best time to visit is the dry season, which runs from May to October. Although some areas are closed due to flooding in the tropical summer, many fantastic sites like Burrungkuy (Nourlangie Rock), Ubirr and the Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) wetlands can still be accessed wet or dry. Some seasoned visitors suggest Kakadu is at its best during the wet season when the waters are flowing in all their glory and the wetlands are lush and vibrant. A compromise could be to go just at the start of the dry season to get the best of both worlds.

A 10-year master plan to grow culturally appropriate tourism is in full swing and was developed in consultation with Kakadu’s traditional owners, the Bininj/Mungguy people. This has reaped dividends already, including last year’s upgrade of the Cahills Crossing viewing area – one of the best places for crocodile spotting. Here, fearsome beasts reaching up to six metres in length, whose muscular tails can propel their body out of the water for a lunge of deadly effect, are seen in the greatest numbers towards the end of the dry season (August to November).

A must-do for any visit to Kakadu is a sunrise-to-sunset cruise run by the indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises that follow the landscape of the Yellow Water Billabong and tributaries of the South Alligator River. A truly majestic experience, this drift across the lotus-covered floodplains provides one of the best bird-watching environments anywhere in the world. There are 300 different species, including blue-winged kookaburras, magpie geese, jabirus, parrots and many others. Catching a glimpse of crocodiles and buffalo on the floodplains is also common.

The park has also gained a global reputation for its concentration of rock art sites, with some paintings dating back 20,000 years. The large rock outcrops and caves of Nourlangie and Ubirr are the most famous, and evidence suggests they have sheltered local tribes for the past 6,000 years. Most of the rock-art styles found in Kakadu are evident on the northern side of Nourlangie Rock. Reflecting the Bininj/Mungguy bond with the land, there are paintings of hunting and fishing, of local animals and human figures, including Algaihgo, the fire woman, who was revered as one of the first people to have created the world.

Read the full interview in the April 2023 issue (pg: 138). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

A guide to all the travel essentials you will need for your Easter vacation

Easter break is around the corner and there is no doubt that everyone is excited to go on a short trip. Wherever you are flying for this holiday season, we have put some travel essentials to help with your last-minute shopping.

Style forward suitcase

Both obviously luxurious and ergonomic in style, the new cabin suitcases from Rimowa make travelling much easier with their easy-to-organise mesh compartments on the inside, and practical four wheels and t-bar handle on the outside for effortlessly moving around the luggage at the airport or during vacation.

Adaptable carry-on luggage

It is always advisable to ensure that your luggage is lightweight and the ones from Tumi promise the same while looking chic. The latest additions from the brand come with an extendable feature allowing you to transform its size giving you all the luggage space needed after your shopping spree during your trip.

A Glamping-inspired Collection

With the latest glamping phenomenon involved in the creative process of the Longchamp SS23 Ready-to-Wear Collection, the Parisian brand’s latest Spring/Summer drops are fashionable, comfortable and feature vibrant colours. Whether it is the sandals with the colour-blocking design or the ombre-effect netted bag, every piece is suited for enjoying leisure activities in style.

Prim and Proper Looks

Quite luxury is all in this year, and Celine’s newest ready-to-wear collection perfectly demonstrates the sensation through its prim and proper pieces that exude a neat style. Each attire and every shoe is both aesthetically appealing and practical for the wearer thus making them well-suited for the airport or long days during your trip.

Packable Clothing

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Yes, every piece of clothing can be packed in a suitcase or bag but the pieces from Craig Green SS23 collection literally turn into bags that can be conveniently carried around. The jackets and trousers transform into equally voguish handbags and duffle bags, so if your itinerary involves a change of clothing, what other fashionable way than this?

Also Read: Your Guide To Easily Planning A Trip To Anywhere In The World

For the colder destinations

If you are going to someplace with lower temperatures and you will need warmer clothing, then the pieces from Lorena Antoniazzi are good additions to your luggage. Known particularly for its knitwear, the Italian fashion brand’s new Spring/Summer collection also incorporates this with its selection of stylistic monochrome sweaters, cardigans, jumpers and more.

Perfume on the go

For almost everyone, a spray or two of perfume is the finishing touch to getting ready for the day. A better and more reasonable idea to ensure you follow the habit during vacation too would be to carry a mini refillable spray bottle. The one from Hinnaswa allows you to easily transfer the perfume by placing it on top of your perfume bottle and pumping it.

Capturing film-like shots

Taking as many photos to add to your travel album or sharing them with friends and family on social media is an essential part of every trip. A Paper Shoot camera is ideal because it works like a digital camera but produces film-like pictures, and weighs less than 100 grams. Besides, it is eco-friendly too.

For more shopping inspiration, check out our shopping column (pg: 36) in our latest April 2023 issue. Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

India of Imagination: The most mesmerizing place in the subcontinent is Varanasi

January this year saw the launch of a new luxury river cruise service, one set to ferry high-end tourists to some of the most mystical destinations in India. Fittingly, Varanasi, where the cruise commences, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and, perhaps, the most iconic and memorable location in the whole of India.

To the initiated, it is Kashi, the Luminous – the City of Light said to be founded by Shiva, one of the most significant of all the Hindu deities. Regardless of your religious affiliations, it is a truly magical place and one where, for thousands of years, pilgrims have come to wash away their sins in the River Ganges’ cleansing waters.

In all, around 85 ghats (riverfront steps) line the west bank of the Ganges as it passes through the city, making it a popular choice for both devout Hindus taking an early morning purifying dip and for washer folk to beat their clothes. Among the steps are burning ghats, holy sites where bodies are cremated in public, often watched at a respectful distance by boatloads of mourners. Beyond that, many ghats also have their own historical or ritual significance and lingam, a symbol of divine generative energy.

Overall, the best time to visit is dawn when the early morning sun rays light up the myriad temples and ghats while pilgrims perform puja (prayers). Alternatively, dusk offers an ideal opportunity to watch devotees at worship, with viewing these mesmerising daily rituals from a passing rowing boat one of the quintessential Varanasi experiences.

The city itself has more than 700 temples and is a maze of alleyways, with many day tours available for those who want to take in many of the special sites the city has to offer as possible. Particularly popular are the confined alleyways of The Old City, the most famous attraction being the Vishwanath Temple, the main Shiva sanctuary that features 800g of gold plating on the tower and dome. Non-Hindus can climb surrounding buildings to see the gilded dome. Another busy temple is in the south of the city – the monkey temple – and is home to hordes of red macaques and is dedicated to Durga, an exceptionally fierce goddess.

Varanasi also boasts excellent dining opportunities, including some of the best Indian food around and a wide variety of European dishes. Of particular note is the Darbhanga restaurant, which is set just inside the Brijrama Palace Hotel, a structure with striking architecture along the banks of Darbhanga Ghat. Its most popular dishes include palak chaman (paneer in spinach and spices) and allot chaat (fried pieces of parboiled potato mixed with chickpeas and chopped onions, and garnished with spices and chutney).

For a more informal snack, tucked away in a narrow side alley in the Old City is Blue Lassi, a famous hole-in-the-wall yoghurt shop that has been churning out every kind of gorgeous fruit-filled lassi since 1925. The dairy-intolerant, meanwhile, may prefer the nearby Brown Bread Bakery and its singularly fabulous menu.

Also Read: Indian street food-inspired Chaat opens its doors at the Rosewood Hong Kong

If you’re more fashion-minded than food focussed, you may also want to prioritise a visit to the Mehrotra silk factory. It can be found nestling in the labyrinth of lanes behind Lal Ghat and has built up a fine reputation for selling quality silk at reasonable prices.

As is the case on any visit to India, visitors are reminded to be wary of unscrupulous rickshaw drivers who will ferry you off to some inauthentic lookalike place (where they get a cut of everything you spend) rather than your preferred destination. Be insistent and you should be okay.

These considerations aside, no one who has been to Varanasi ever forgets the sheer spectacle of this stunning site’s worship and devotion to the Hindu gods. For those left wanting more of India after such a magnificent introduction – and, really, who wouldn’t – this could just be the first stopping-off point on a luxury cruise, one where far more wonders may well be yours to explore.

(Text: Neil Dolby)

Read the full version of the article in the March 2023 issue (pg: 128). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

Your Guide To Easily Planning A Trip To Anywhere In The World

Travelling is certainly the most popularly loved and desired form of recreation. While some people can impulsively pack that bag and go on a vacation to any part of the world, there are travellers who need to plan every single detail of the trip.

If you fall under the second category, then here is a step-by-step guide and some travel-friendly tools that will help you plan your trip assuming you have already finalised your destination.

Say all that is too much work for you, then we have also suggested websites that can do all the planning for you.

P.S: You don’t have to be familiar with the place.

Choosing the places to visit

Whether you are interested in the arts and want to check out museums and galleries, or into adventurous activities like zip lining, you want everything you do during your trip to be fun-fullied. That is why planning your itinerary comes with a great perk. You get to cater everything your way.

For this, you can always head to Google Maps or Trip Advisor which will you give you thousands of suggestions on the things you can do. There is a reason these apps are trusted by so many travel fanatics. You can read reviews and decide if the place is actually worth the visit.

Facebook is another brilliant resource. Join a travel group or two, and ask for suggestions there, and people will share their opinions. If you are lucky enough, you may even end up discovering a hidden gem that locals of the city go but tourists overlook.

Also Read: 48 Hours of Bliss in Bangkok – A Two-day Itinerary to the City

Mapping them

Next, it is time to put it all on a map. That way you can cover all the places that are in close proximity in a day or two. One of the best travel-friendly tools to do it is hands down Google My Maps.

Add the places on your list, and the website will create an interactive and user-friendly map that will allow you to see which spots are close to one another. You will also definitely stumble upon other things you can experience.

Research for important details

First things first, you need to check the website or social media pages of each location for opening hours and holidays. You don’t want to head to a museum on a Wednesday and find out that it is closed on that day every week.

At this point, you should also check if you need to book any entry tickets, so that once your itinerary is ready you can reserve the tickets if needed.

Create the timeline

Depending on what pace you want your trip to be, and how many days you are at the destination, create a timeline. You may prefer to have a busy and fully-packed schedule or one that is more chill.

All-in-one

If all this planning is just too hectic, it is good that there are websites that will do everything for you. Two excellent travel-friendly tools are Klarna.Trips and Trip Hobo where you only need to enter your destination, and preferences, the site will generate an entire itinerary which you can edit if you wish.

Now that you have your itinerary ready, book the flights and hotel, and you are all ready to go. Happy Journey!

(Text: Renuka Kennedy)

48 HOURS OF BLISS IN BANGKOK – A TWO-DAY ITINERARY TO THE CITY

A true cultural melting pot, the bustling city of Bangkok is ideal for any Hong Konger in search of a weekend getaway, but you’ll have to put the hours in if you want to see everything on offer. Acclaimed as the most visited city in the world for four consecutive years (2016-2019), the Thai capital boasts a plethora of exciting activities, enticing food options and a host of eminently Instagrammable locales.

The city’s temples, of course, are first and foremost when it comes to maintaining the city’s distinct cultural identity as it modernises, evolves and becomes ever more truly international. In total, Bangkok is home to more than 400 mesmerising temples (or wats as they are known locally), each having its own significance and specific intent. Accordingly, no visit to the city would be complete without the chance to explore Wat Pho, the site of the capital’s largest reclining Buddha (some 46 metres in length, see photo above), all beautifully adorned in dazzling gold leaf.

With a history traceable back to the 16th century, Wat Pho was the site of the first public university in Thailand, famously specialising in the study of religion, science and literature, while also being well-known as a repository of traditional massage and medicine skills. Indeed, once you’ve toured the temple, there’s nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. Once you’ve visited, you’ll be left in no doubt as to just why it’s listed as one of UNESCO’s Memories of the World (MOW).

Blessed with spectacularly beautiful architecture, with its intricate details a celebration of the country’s illustrious heritage, the city’s Grand Palace is another essential itinerary inclusion. Home to the Thai King and the Royal Court, while also functioning as the seat of the national government, this 150-year-old complex is both the spiritual and administrative heart of Thailand. Particularly worth seeking out within its grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the country’s most revered Buddhist temple.

At the heart of the temple is the Emerald Buddha, a sacred icon intricately carved from a single block of jade. Nearby is another of the Palace’s most popular attractions – the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins – a dedicated space for showcasing many of the finest items of regalia and coinage from the country’s long history.

Also to be found within the complex is Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn), which towers some 260 feet above the adjacent Chao Phraya River. Offering fabulous views of the rising and setting sun, the temple is one of Bangkok’s major tourist attractions, coming second only to the Grand Palace proper. For the brave and fleet of foot, it is even possible to ascend the temple’s narrow steps and enjoy the stunning views across the river to the Grand Palace and beyond.

Tucked away, just beside a canal across the river from the Grand Palace is the Royal Barge Museum, which displays eight of the more than 50 barges deployed during the country’s formal waterborne processions. While the figure of 50 may seem impressive, back during the Ayutthaya period (AD1351-1767), when the river was the primary means of transport, the total number of royal barges was said to be in the thousands. The barges on display vary in size and function, with pride of place going to the Suppanahong (Golden Swan) with its huge golden swam figurehead.

Aside from touring its many temples, Bangkok also offers a wide range of other deeply cultural experiences. Most notably, it’s the perfect place to sample delicious home-style Thai cuisine, while also hosting a number of more experimental and less traditional eateries. Indeed, the city is a true foodie’s paradise, boasting more than 320,000 restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred bistros to exotic street food stalls. Among the most sought-out in the latter category is Roti Gluay (fried banana pancakes). With toppings ranging from coconut, sugar, and honey to Nutella, one taste of this Thai version of a pancake will definitely leave you wanting more.

Among the most common components of Thai food are Chilli peppers, fish sauces, lime leaves, shrimp paste and sour fruits. One delicacy to make the best use of many of these is Pad Thai, Bangkok’s comfort food. A decidedly colourful dish, it typically comprises noodles, shrimp and lime, which all combine to deliver sweet, spicy, salty and sour flavours that tantalise the taste buds.

In addition to its other distinguished titles, Bangkok is also known as the Venice of the East, an accolade that stems from its proximity to the country’s principal river, Chao Phraya, and the network of canals (khlongs) it sits astride. A perfect way to see the city is to glide down the network of khlongs that crisscross its sprawl in an open-air long-tail boat.

Among the city’s more unique attractions, meanwhile, is its Snake Museum, a local institution that prides itself on delivering “interactive snake edutainment”. A fabulous blend of thrills and excitement, this is one place where visitors can get hands-on with Thailand’s proprietary pythons and country-specific cobras, with visitors getting the chance to discover how such snakes are born, survive, reproduce, and hunt all via a number of fun digitally-interactive displays.

For those in search of something a little less scaly, the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium might be more what you are looking for. Here you will find literally thousands of multicoloured butterflies fluttering freely within a 1,000-square-metre dome. With a total area of 2.4 acres, the surrounding park features pretty much everything you need to learn about a huge range of butterflies and insects, including exhibition rooms and dedicated activity spaces.

Rounding off the roster of Bangkok’s must-visit nature emporiums is the city’s premier pachydermery – the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo. If you can put your ethical concerns aside, here you can experience a multi-media elephant event, which sees the zoo’s fine selection of tusked giants play football, dance, and reenact legendary elephant-enabled battles of the past. Should your sensibilities preclude you from witnessing any such spectacle, you will probably have fewer scruples when it comes to witnessing another of the zoo’s most celebrated sideshows – man vs croc wrestling.

For couples who want to find something a bit more romantic – which, let’s face it, means pretty much anything – viewing the skyline of Bangkok from the deck of a river cruiser is definitely the way to go. Your best bet is a voyage aboard the luxurious Grand Pearl cruise watching the bustling city drift by while relishing the craft’s fine cuisine, endlessly replenished refreshments and soft jazz soundtrack. All in all, pretty much idyllic.

It’s also about the perfect respite from the relatively gruelling 48 hours required to get the very best out of a Bangkok mini-break. Time permitting, you could do a more leisurely approach, but that’s a whole different article.

(Text: Zaira Abbas)

New Year in New Zealand

When it comes to views on New Zealand, the world can pretty much be divided in two. There are those that hardly think about it at all, but vaguely remember something about Hobbits and, maybe, a slew of spring and summer festivals. Then, there are those who have actually been there.

This latter group will, inevitably, talk breathlessly of unforgettable landscapes, yearround sunshine and a friendly and welcoming local culture. Admittedly, they will probably also mention Hobbits too. Most tellingly of all, though, at one point in the conversation, they will go all dreamyeyed and tell you how much they long to live there one day. It’s that kind of place.

Set deep in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand is at its coldest in March through August, while from September to February it is beautifully warm and sunny, making January one of the most popular times to visit. Perhaps not entirely coincidentally, this month is also marked by a substantial number of distinctly tourist-friendly special events and festivals.

For the uninitiated, New Zealand is made up of two main islands, arguably unimaginatively knowns as the North Island and the South Island. Stretching, as you might expect, from north to south, they were separated only by the 22-kilometre-wide Cook Strait. Blessed with a famously varied landscape, the North Island also has a surprisingly wide range of climates, from the warm north to the snowbound mountains of the Central Plateau and the gusty winds of the south. Although best known for its geothermal wonders, most notably the Rotorua and the Volcanic Plateau, the North Island is also replete with lush dairy pastures, highly productive orchards and rolling sheep country. The country’s largest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, are also both located on the North Island.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the North Island. Set on the east coast of its Far North District in the North Island, it encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands. Its warm, sparkling, aquamarine waters, year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and quiet coves make the area ideal for deep-sea fishing, underwater diving, swimming and sailing. It’s also worth checking out its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing opportunities and Māori cultural artifacts.

Particularly recommended are the Waitomo Caves, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. This amazing labyrinth of subterranean limestone passages is lined with stalagmites, stalactites, and a galaxy of glowworms solely native to the region. The caves can be explored easily on a guided walk or by boat tour, but for the more adventurous there is also the option of swimming and floating through the caves in the dark via a rubber tube or zipline.

Any trip, however, would be incomplete without visiting Rotorua, a town set by its namesake lake, which is renowned both for its geothermal activity and its deep ties to traditional Māori culture. As well as exploring geothermal valleys and summiting Mount Tarawera, you can also explore Velocity valley, an adventure park jam-packed with such thrilling activities as riding a BMX bike into a huge airbag and reverse bungee jumping.

Rotorua’s Māori heritage, meanwhile, is most vividly depicted at the nearby Tamaki Māori Village. Set inside a 200-year-old forest, it’s a setting deeply steeped in ancient Māori culture, including dance, music, weaving, wood-crafting, facial tattooing and more. There are also opportunities to participate in traditional combat sessions and taste authentic Māori food, including Hangi, a vegetable and meat dish slowcooked in an underground oven.

Among the local delicacies well worth checking out are Kina and Crayfish. Loved by Kiwis (as the locals are known), Kina is a type of sea urchin endemic to New Zealand, and crayfish, along with lobster, are the country’s most popular seafood option. Then there is Kiwi Burger. A somewhat singular dish, this sees a traditional burger served sandwiched between a fried egg and beetroot sandwiched in a typical burger. And to follow, it just has to be Hokey Pokey, a local concoction that sees ice cream blended with honeycombed toffee.

The South Island is similarly magical, but in many subtly (and not so subtly) different ways. From its huge mountain peaks to its deep fjords, there’s much to see and do. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Milford Sound is the country’s most famous fjord. Its steep cliffs and unique marine life make it one of the most unmissable stops on the South Island. Many of the most amazing views of Milford Sound are accessible via Te Anau, the South Island town known as the gateway to the Fjord National Park. This is the ideal starting point for a truly epic road trip, one that takes in the Mirror Lakes, the Lake Marian hiking track, Pop’s View Lookout and The Chasm.

Then there is the Mount Cook National Park, named after the country’s tallest mountain, the park’s centrepiece. Extending across a truly vast space, it is surrounded by many of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural assets, including mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, and hiking trails. It is a paradise for any outdoor lover and a wonderful place to go hiking or stargazing.

One of the most memorable hikes is an ascent to the Mueller Hut, located high above the valley and looking out over Mount Cook, Hooker Lake, Mueller Lake and the Mueller Glacier. Another that comes highly recommended is a circuit around Lake Tekapo, an enchantingly blue lake fed by the park’s glaciers.

If you’re a lover of marine life, then you should also definitely include Kaikoura on your South Island itinerary. This small coastal town is a marine life mecca, enjoying regular visits from large pods of dolphin whales, while also being home to a seal colony. Much of this marine life is attracted to Kaikoura thanks to the continental shelf that runs some 500 meters from its shoreline.

Another of New Zealand’s unique attractions is the Moeraki Boulders, accessible via Moeraki Beach, just north of Dunedin. These perfectly round sandembedded rocks were formed by natural ocean erosion, with some seeming to have cracked open like eggs, while others appear wholly intact.

Overall, although often overlooked, New Zealand is a place that will easily convince any visitors of its singular charm and natural beauty. While you may arrive cynical and world-weary, you will leave more than just an ambassador of sort, one who will always hanker to return again and again.

(Text: Zaira Abbas)