Nature Archives - Page 4 of 7

What to See in Bangkok and the Remarkable North?

Posted on September 17, 2022

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small percentage of every purchase at no cost to you.

My first adventure in Thailand was starting in Bangkok and travelling North. The second part was exploring the Islands in the South of Thailand. The north is different from the south. Well… for one we didn’t see a beach. However, it was still so beautiful.

Exploring Bangkok By Day and Night

Once refreshed from the flight we started the next adventure with a cruise on down the river. now, we were hitting the heat in Asia whereas India was slightly cooler. I didn’t mind I loved the heat. Also, here you can wear shorts!

A building at The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand — The Grand Palace

Our first stop was the grand palace and with all our hast for adventure, we forgot appropriate clothing. Luckily here they have spares that you can borrow. Looking like I was in a school uniform we explored the grounds. Looking like a schoolgirl didn’t stop people from wanting our pictures, just like in India. We happily obliged. It did us no harm. Yet, made them so happy.

The Grand Palace was home to the Emerald Buddha. The architecture was insane. Every bit was covered in coloured tiles or stones. The time and patience that has gone into making the temple were astounding. This place left an impression. My first Asian temple. And what a treat it was.

Walking Along the Bangkok Riverbank…

The Gold Reclining Buddha at the Wat Po Temple in Bangkok, Thailand — The Reclining Buddha, Wat Po

We came across a massive flower market in Bangkok. The flowers smelt amazing as we made our way past. Also, a fish market… the smell did not the same effect as the flowers! And a normal market. I had never really been to markets before Asia. Let’s say I miss them. The bartering of the price. The wonderful colours and smells throughout.

Finally, we made it to our next Bangkok temple. Wat Po. The home of the only reclining Buddha. All gold and laying across a whopping 42 metres and 15 metres in height. This was cool to see. To learn about their history and religion from both temples was a great start.

What night entertainment is there in Bangkok?

You have the famous Bangkok road; Koh Son Road. Famous for partying and buckets of alcohol. Cheap street food is just like everywhere. This was my first experience with Thai food. I had been really missing out on amazing flavours. Everything was tasty. No complaints. Pad Thai is still my favourite to this day. Also, I love using chopsticks.

The other must-do when speaking with people is the famous ‘Ping Pong Show’ when in Bangkok. So, diving into the culture we did that. However, I would say if you want to experience this, pick a mid-range priced show. Ours cost us 150, a beer. It was okay. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found it disgusting. Never again. Once is enough just to say you ticked it off.

Heading up to the North of Thailand…

Riding the Death Railway train along the River in North Thailand — The View From the Train Carriage, Death Railway

As we caught buses North our first stop was Nom Tok Train Station. We only got here after our taxi driver took us to the wrong place. He took us to a train station instead of the river. For, Nom Tok station we needed to cross the river. It was early before 6 am. I was tired. Luckily, we left a lot of time and didn’t miss the boat. As well as driving us to where we didn’t want to go. He tried to say I gave him the wrong money. We agreed on a price upfront. I gave him that. Another scam. This time it didn’t work. I just left the taxi.

A Ride Along The Death Railway

Me playing Dobble with local school children on the Death Railway train in Thailand — Playing with Local Children

I really wanted to ride this train there and back. Just because. It was built in World War 2 and at the time we rode it. No work had ever been carried out. Hence its name. The Death Railway (Burma Railway).

Also, it runs alongside a cliff with only sleepers drilled into the cliff with no vertical support at one point. It was meant to take 5 hours but took 8. 5 on the way back. The scenery was beautiful. On the way back a group of school children were on the train. My friend and I were playing ‘dobble’… a snap game.

The school kids joined in. This is why I wanted to travel to mix with people from all over the world. Experience what they experience. This is one of my favourite times. Irrigating with the locals.

Next on Our Adventure North…

We visited a less popular touristy place. Erawan National Park. this beautiful bit of nature was incredible. A seven-level waterfall. Truly amazing at each level. We set off slowly climbing making our way past each stage. Barefoot. I love being barefoot and as it was mainly mud underfoot it was possible. It was a tough hike in the heat. We pushed on to level seven. A place we ate lunch and had a swim.

One of the seven waterfalls at Eaewan National Park just north of Bangkok in Thailand — A Waterfall Stage at Erawan

You did have to keep moving as those fish that eat your skin call this level home. After some time relaxing and recovering, we then made our way back. Stopping by a couple more levels for a swim. Level 4 was fun. One of the rocks covered in algae acts as a natural slide and with the water deep enough we slid in. it was quick but so much fun!

This place was truly magnificent and picturesque, I would recommend stopping by.

Exploring Ancient Ruins in Sukhothai

Sukhothai Ruins Historical Park in the North of Bangkok, Thailand — Free Sukhothai Ruins

This town broke up the bus journeys. We spent a day exploring the ruins. We rented our first scooter and drove around to find the ruins that weren’t in the historical park. There are plenty you can find for free. Our first time on scooters was going great until we stopped. I was still sitting on the bike after about 5 minutes I fancied some water. Yep. You guessed it. The bike fell on my ankle. Luckily, I got away with a cut. Remember to be careful and take it easy on the roads. All in all, a fun day exploring.

The Popular Chaing Mai

Arranging late at night with nowhere booked never had been a problem until we hit Chaing Mai. The only place in Thailand not to have 24-hour reception. We wandered the streets for hours. Yes. All our belongings. Then we found a place that would take us. ‘The White Horse’. We had planned to arrive in light, however, like every it of transport in Asia, we were delayed for whatever reason. You just roll with it.

Me and a random waterfall in Pai in the north of Thailand — A Stop by a Waterfall

After, minimal sleep, my friend set off to find a cheaper place. We were lucky to get the last bed in a place closer to everything. This is one town where booking accommodation in advance is a must. Perfect. All moved in we explored.

The markets here were insane. They were massive. New flip-flops check. Bartered to the correct exchange. Oooo… very nice rings. We bartered. The woman was happy. We were thinking… why they cost us £5 for two. Turns out were worked out the cost on the wrong exchange. We switched back to the Indian currency rate. Silly mistake. I guess a few travellers may be able to relate to this. Still cheaper than home though.

Choosing the Right Elephants…

We didn’t. we made a mistake. So, when doing a very popular tourist attraction make sure you research the company more. Something we failed to do. Pick a good place. A good place will not let you ride them along with other things. Please, learn from my mistake and many others before me. I wish I knew what I know no back then.

The Last Stop in Thailand…

The Pai Canyon rim surrounded by trees in North Thailand — A View in Pai

Pai. A relaxing, chilled place. We stayed at a hippie hostel. These were bamboo huts in a field with a restaurant and a swimming pool. A great place with night entertainment. Our second scooter of the trip. Again, please be careful as we drove around visiting sites, we noticed our brakes weren’t as sharp as they should be. We took it easy and slowed on our approach.

It is worth getting a scooter to see the spread-out sites. The first stop is a Pom Bok waterfall. Beautiful. Another stop was a canyon. I had to hold my breath as I approached the thin strip joining two mountain tops together. My fear of heights got the better of me. Plus, it is so thin it was dangerous too.

A fun day exploring! Pai, I would definitely recommend it.

People travel to Thailand for the Islands but sometimes forget the North. I liked both as they were both so different from one another.

South Island of New Zealand – A Two-Week Road Trip

Posted on December 14, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of every purchase at no cost to you.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, South Island, New Zealand — The Pancake Rocks

Again, the drives were so beautiful and still full of one-way bridges everywhere. One way bridges are good as they keep more nature from being destroyed but when you sometimes met cars it takes a while to be on your way again. I do feel like the South Island of New Zealand was more beautiful than the North but not by much. As we headed further South the colder it got. We made it to the viewing platform for the pancakes and blowholes. Rocks that were flat as pancakes. Blowholes with water crashing through. The sea was very rough. It was certainly no place you wanted to fall in.

A South Island Heli-Hike in Franz Joseph

Me on the ice-walk on Franz Joseph Glacier on the South Island, New Zealand — Sliding Through the Glacier

We were lucky eventfully. For two consecutive days, our Heli-hike was cancelled due to bad weather. So, we headed down to Queenstown and come back this way to try again. Yes, on our way back we were lucky it was going ahead. I was stoked, my first helicopter flight, and still the only one. However, I’m normally scared of heights but loved every minute of the 7-minute flight. It was so cool!

The walk around the glacier was also cool. There were different shapes of the ice, we even walked through an ice crevasse. There was fresh glacier water to drink. Perfect. The walk was amazing. A new experience and one that I enjoyed. And knowing that a helicopter was taking us back down was insane. On my bucket list is to ride in a helicopter again. I think they are great!! So, hopefully, one day I’ll cross it off.

After, working those legs muscles we took a well deserved relax in the spa hot pools. It is included in the price for the Heli-hike. Also, this meant there were showers!

A Cold Queenstown, South Island

How beautiful is Queenstown? So beautiful. This was my first time in a town that resembles what a ski-town looks like to me. Yet, the best view of the trip for me was entering Queenstown. We drove around a corner and there was Lake Wanaka on your right spanning a vast area with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. A new view of nature for me. Snow on Mountains. Who would have thought years later snowy mountains would be one of my favourite places to be. I, myself, was all about the sun. Now, I want to live Winter to Summer. This came about after my time in Whistler.

The view of Lake Wanaka with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop near Queenstown in New Zealand — The Best View in New Zealand

In the summer months, you can ride the lunge down the Mountain… we had a pass for 5 times. As ee caught the gondola up, the misty rain got worse. Next, was a chair lift. This was cold. Sitting there out in the open in the rain and wind. Also, this was very scary for me. It was my first time on a chair lift and I’m scared of heights. Nowadays my fear is not as bad. However, it was worth it for the ride down. So much fun but not fun enough for us to use all 5 tickets… it really was that cold up there.

How About a Sky Dive…

Me and the orange small plane used for Lake Wanaka Sky Dive, in Queenstown, New Zealand — Just About to Board the Plane

So, for me to even consider skydiving was a big deal but I knew I wanted to give it a go in Lake Wanaka. I had seen the pictures and it looked breath-taking.

However, after trying for the last three days, we were finally up in the plane. It took all my willpower to get into that plane. The scenic flight was incredible. Then it was time. My guide clipped me to himself. He asked if I was ready to jump. Silly question, the answer will always be ‘NO’. Then within two seconds, he tapped me on the shoulder. I took a deep breath thinking this was it. Time to jump.

Unfortunately, at the last second, we again had cloud cover, therefore, no jump. I did automatically relax but couldn’t help feeling disappointed that I couldn’t jump. To this day I haven’t got the strength to try it again.

Our Final Activity in Kaikoura, South Island of New Zealand

Well, so far all activities had been fun and all new to me and this was no different. New Zealand had brought a lot of firsts to my life. All things that I would have never known I liked. This is a major part of why I travel to learn what things I would like if I just tired them.

Again, we were lucky that the boat left the dock. Both the North and South Island of New Zealand are definitely a Summer destination unless you come for ski-season or holiday in Queenstown.

The day didn’t look good because the morning boats and helicopter couldn’t spot any dolphins. However, once briefed we set off in hope that they would come out to play. Normally, you can see them right of the shore in Kaikoura because it is very deep and full of sea life. However, we really had to go out to sea, it was choppy.

Also you can take a tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura!!

Time for a Swim…

Yes, I felt sea-sick again but luckily, we had caught up with some dusty dolphins. Just in time as I wasn’t sure how much longer I would have lasted. In I jumped, in a full wetsuit, head covered too. Yet, I wasn’t expecting it to be that cold. My chest closed up so I had to take a minute, catch my breath, and go again. The joys of asthma.

Swimming with Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand — Swimming With Ducky Dolphins

In the Water with Dusky Dolphins…

This experience will live with me forever. I still remember it like it was yesterday, however, it was over 5 years ago now. Swimming with all these dolphins playing around us was magical. If you spin in a circle the dolphin swims around you. I was trying to be as quick as the dolphin. Impossible but it was fun trying. I was splashing so much that I managed to fill my snorkel with water. So, I guess that forfeited the game, therefore the dolphin won. Remember, only by forfeit. What a day to remember, forever!!!!

Last Stop was Christchurch

This was a shock seeing a city so flattened. Seeing the huge deviation first-hand the earthquakes had was heart-breaking. Christchurch was once bustling with people, full of buildings. Not this time the ugly side of mother nature played a huge roll in bringing down this city. Four years on and buildings still needed to knocked down. Construction is happening everywhere you look from fixing the roads to building whole new buildings. Well, pretty much everything needs to be re-built. This was a very sad experience and a sobering one.

What an incredible experience on the South Island of New Zealand. Definitely, an action-packed and fun-filled road trip. This country has to make your bucket list. There is just so much to see and do. We only touched the surface.

Also, I spent a week in the North Island, you can read about it here.

The North Island of New Zealand – The Best Week

Posted on November 9, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small percentage of every purchase at no cost to you.

Back in 2015 a friend and I set off for another road trip this time it was around New Zealand’s North Island. We had 1 week to see as much as possible. It was May so the winter was closing in on us. Also, after the North Island, we travelled around the South Island for 2 weeks.

Auckland, New Zealand’s North Island

Auckland was by far the busiest place we visited on this trip. We booked up all our activities with the travel desk at the hostel. Therefore, once we hit the road we didn’t have to worry about that. Our budget was very tight at this point. So, having one less expense to worry about made the trip more relaxing. We knew all we had to pay for on the road was food and petrol (gas).

Bay of Islands, New Zealand‘s North Island

Bay of Islands in he North Island of New Zealand — The Bay of Islands

As we drove north, the roads were empty. Every once in a while, you would see another vehicle mainly another traveller. Consequently, this made the drive all the more pleasant. So, singing badly kept us entertained on long drives. The first stop was the Bay of Islands which is North of Auckland.

The road’s surface was smooth. However, the road itself twists, turns, and winds through valleys. Trees and fields which are deep green in colours line the roadside. Basically, like the countryside in England but on steroids, everything stood out more.

Our first activity was the boat ride out to the hole in the wall. Having wrapped up in everything warm we had, we set off. The wind was blowing and the weather was against us. However, the captain tried and tried to get us to the hole in the wall. Yet, the waves were gaining momentum making it too choppy. Therefore, the captain made the decision not to attempt it. The weather played its part but this wouldn’t be the last time it stopped play.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand’s North Island

The beatuiful Hot Water Beach in New Zealand — Finding the Hot Pools at Hot Water Beach

Hot water beach. Now, this was a cool stop on the North Island. It’s not a random name selection there is a meaning behind it. So, the thing with this beach is that you can dig your own hot tub. The tide has to be right and unfortunately, it was coming in for us. Yet, we still managed to get a feel of the hot water that comes up from the ground. Oh my… it was hot!!! Definitely living up to its name.

Black Water Rafting, Waitomo

Time for another pre-organised activity. This time we were in Waitomo where we went black water rafting. Something I have never done before. The excitement builds along with a little apprehension. Not knowing what to really expect. At the start, we were told we are on the hunt for glow worms.

All dressed and ready to go, we took the bus to the starting point. We had the inner tire tubes with us. We were going underground in water. Floating along in these tubes. Sounds like fun. Well… not only sounded like fun it was. We had to jump down at times, backwards, so that we could land in the ring.

Then before you leave you finally see the glow worms… very pretty all over the walls of the cave. However, guess what? The glow comes from their own faeces. Yes… turns out you come to see poo! But this activity was so much fun and I definitely recommend it.

After, you can shower which to us was a big deal. We were living in a van without this convenience. We had road tripped the East Coast of Australia where showers are available at beaches. However, in New Zealand, it is harder to find free showers. All-round happiness!!

Rotorua, New Zealand

Well, next we headed down to Rotorua. Rotorua is a geothermal town which means the underground is heated due to geothermal activity. Along the way, we picked up a hitchhiker. So, for the next 100 km, he laid in our bed. New Zealand was cold therefore we just left the van as a bed. I guess we were too lazy to keep putting it back and getting it out again. The guy was German and had sweets! As we covered the 100 km, singing was replaced by chatting and sharing stories. It was nice to meet another person. We didn’t get him all the way to his final destination but certainly covered a big chunk of it. Now hopefully we have got some good karma in the bank.

We crept into town at night under the cover of darkness so we just found somewhere to park on the road. What we didn’t realise was how smelly Rotorua was going to be. The stink of sulphur was everywhere. We did seriously wonder how people could live there. However, I guess you would get used to it. During the summer back home we get the smell of country air. I barely notice it now. Therefore, it must be the same for the residents of Rotorua.

Geothermal Pools…

Just by wandering around the main part of town, you will find geothermal pools dotted here there, and everywhere! It looks quite disgusting, the mud bubbling away, bringing you the ripe smell of sulphur. At the same time, it is crazy to think that all that bubbling is coming from the earth.

White Water Rafting…

Another pre-booked activity. We ring up the companies along the way to see when they can fit us in. It was wintertime, so we always got a place last minute. In Asia, we went white water rafting. However low water meant it was more of a float down the river. So, I was pumped for this fast pace grade 5 white water experience.

And it delivered, the adrenaline rush was just what I was looking for. The rapids were fierce and the drop down a 7 metre waterfall got the heart pumping a little faster. Two options when going down: you stay in or end up in the water. Luckily, we mastered it and we were all in the raft… the same couldn’t be said for all the other rafts. The guide was informative with the history of the area which was great. Also, he made us stand up and surf through the rapids. He did try really hard to make me lose balance… he failed!! I didn’t leave the raft.

Mital Maori Village…

Traditional Huka being performed by Maori Natives in New Zealand, — Enjoying Watching the Traditional Huka

This was a unique dining experience of the Mital Maori Village. Local Maori village hosted many for dinner. Here, we got to hear about some of the history of the Maori people. We wandered through a forest in the dark to watch a light show. This was a lovely walk along the stream. Also, dinner was cooked in the traditional way, and let’s say the food was perfect! The whole show they put on was fantastic. We even watched the Huka. This dance has always been mesmerising to me.

Our Final Stop in the North Island…

The powerful water falling over Huka Falls att Lake Taupo on the North Island — The Powerful Water at Huka Falls

So far New Zealand has been beautiful, with lots of greenery as we covered kilometre after kilometre. So, it was time to see a lake. This lake was very big. Lake Taupo. Just for fun, you can hit a golf ball off a ledge and into the lake… mine never made it over the rocks. It was nice to walk around and explore the lake.

Also, we went to Huka Falls. I didn’t know what to expect but the power of the water rushing through was insane. As well as the clear blue colour of the water. A true natural beauty.

Now It was Time to Get to the South Island

Pretty simple right? Book a ferry from one port to another. Yes. Done. So, in the queue, we waited and then someone checked our ticket… just to tell us I booked it the wrong way. Yes… I stupidly booked it from the South Island to the North Island. However, all was not lost as they had spaces on the one about to leave. Luckily, they changed the ticket at no extra cost. Phew. Mistakes like this do crop up when travelling. You are booking and moving so much that it’s hard to keep track sometimes. Got away with it this time. It was a great road trip driving around New Zealand’s North Island.

Ayers Rock Tour – 3-Day Adventure in the Australian Outback

Posted on November 2, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small percentage of every purchase at no cost to you.

This was the last tour of my 2015 backpacking adventure, The rock tour to Uluru. It was a three-day tour that started and finished in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Australia. The company was very professional, prepared, and gave us as much food as we could eat. I find normally on tours you just get the one serving but here you could eat what you would like. We never ran out of food. There was plenty for everyone. If you are a budget backpacker like myself then you know to take full advantage of this.

If this doesn’t suit you then there are plenty of other ways to see Uluru, just like this three-day tour. Also, day trips are an option such as Field of light. You can even see it by air!!

Uluru Ayers Rock Tour – Day 1:

Off we set into the Australian outback. We had plenty of kilometres to cover before our first destination. Our guide for the trip was very friendly and full of jokes. His attitude and positivity lasted the whole trip. I was lucky again as the members of the group were all nice. Everyone was chatting (well later on). We did get on the bus before sunrise after all.

After, driving for hours we reached a camel farm. A welcome break to stretch your legs and use the facilities. You get a free ride on a camel… well included in the price of the trip. However, I have been on a camel before and it wasn’t pleasant. It is something, I can say I have done. Yet, I won’t do it again.

The outback is so vast you can just see flat land for miles upon miles. We eventfully saw Uluru for the first time. The rock appears in different shades of red/orange throughout the day. Firstly, we drove around the perimeter. Next, we hiked 8 km around it on foot. The walk was flat so no achy muscles or shortness of breath. Also, you can opt to climb up to the top when I was there in 2015. I am not sure if this is still the case. However, I chose not to. It is a sacred site for the aboriginals.

Sunset over Ayers Rock, Uluru

Sunset over Ayers Rock on the Ayers Rock Tour, Northern Territory, Australia — The Ever Changing Colour of Ayers Rock

As the sunset over the rock, the colour changed. The group and I sipped champagne as the sun faded behind Uluru. What a great start to the three-day tour. Under the darkness of the stars, we set up our swags for the night around the campfire. Our home for the night was directly under the stars. There was no light pollution around us. The stars were out in full force. The brightest I have ever seen them. Also, the southern cross was clear as day.

Uluru Ayers Rock Tour – Day 2:

The day started before sunrise (again). Normally I would not awake before sunrise. Yet, I couldn’t wait to start the day. It was a fresh, cold morning so we all made hot chocolate to warm us up. Before setting off we had to make lunch and pack up camp. The first stop of the day was to watch the sunrise over Uluru. This was extremely pretty. Yet another colour change to the rock. Who doesn’t love the sun rising or setting?

Secondly…

Me at Kata Tjuta known as the valley of the wind hike on the Ayers Rock Tour in Uluru — The Valley of The Winds

We went to the Kata Tjuta (this means many heads). We completed an 8 km walk across rocky terrain and down into the valley of the wind. The uniqueness of the rock here was so pretty. You can see where the wind is so strong and the erosion happens. The walk in the valley was incredible.

After using all my energy, it was time to try the camel burgers for lunch. They were very tasty. The second half of the day was a long drive around 300 km. Yes, 300 km. After that long drive, we arrived at King’s Canyon. Well, a campsite near it at least.

Our Final Dinnertime…

The food the whole trip had been incredible and this was no exception. Kangaroo steaks, potatoes, and bush bread. Bush bread contains beer instead of milk and is cooked over an open fire. During the tour, we were split into two groups to complete chores each evening. As the evening drew to a close, we enjoyed stargazing and roasting marshmallows.

Me roasting marshmallows over on open fire at the King's Canyon campground on the Ayers Rock Tour in Uluru — Roasting Marshmallows on an Open Fire

The stars tonight were even more impressive than last night if that’s even possible. It was a treat to sleep under them for a second night. However, I was more scared this night… why? You are just sleeping out in the open. Yes, that’s right the open where a dingo had just passed through, right before bed.

Uluru Ayers Rock Tour – Day 3:

Finally, our last awakening before sunrise. Again, a chilly morning. However, everybody was safe and no one was taken by a dingo.

The King's Canyon Rim Hike at King's Canyon in the outback of Australia — The Sandstone Erosion by The Strong Winds

Okay… so we all knew the routine by now and quickly we were on the road. We were heading straight to King’s Canyon. On today’s agenda was: hiking. The hike started with a straight steep hill before walking around the rim of the valley. The steep hill is nicknamed ‘heart attack hill’. I feel that is the right nickname as it was no easy task.

Especially, as you could start to feel the heat from the rising sun. King’s Canyon can reach temperatures where it is deemed unsafe to walk around the canyon. The views were gorgeous, no matter which way you looked. You couldn’t go wrong. There was a slight wind however this was a blessing as it slightly cools you. The sun glares down on you the whole way, there is no shade to take refuge in. And just like that, the four-hour hike was over. All that was left on this tour was…

The Final Drive…

The final afternoon was a lot of driving as we made our way back to Alice Springs. We arrived safely and all in one piece. I guess very tired after all the sunrise missions. The whole tour was great and I would definitely recommend doing one as a solo traveller. You get to meet fellow travellers and hear their stories. As well as making connections with new people from across the globe. What a worry-free tour!!

Australia has plenty of group tours available all over the country. Read about my trip to Fraser Island.

Fiji Yasawa Islands – A Simple Week in a Paradise Haven

Posted on October 26, 2020

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small percentage of every purchase at no cost to you.

Fiji Yasawa Islands is a group of about 20 Fijian Islands. The volcanic islands lay in the western area of Fiji. This group of islands wasn’t always open to tourism. Once, the Fijian government got power over them was when the tourists started to turn up. These Islands look untouched and every bit I imagine paradise to look like. I was eager to spend the week relaxing and being on island time.

Day 1 and 2: Kuata Island, Fiji Yasawa Islands

The first stop in paradise was Kuata Island, Fiji Yasawa Islands. As the tender came to shore a traditional Fijian welcome greeted us. Everyone was happy and the other travellers were great fun. After a quick look around the rooms, it was time for my first activity of the week. This was my first experience snorkelling with blacktip reef sharks. I was still a little nervous about snorkelling and being in the middle of the sea. Yet, once out there in the water and watching the blacktip reef sharks, my mind was distracted from the nerves. The excitement filled me as I saw my first ever sharks. What a start to the week.

My first night in the Fiji Yasawa Islands…

A Blacktip Reef Shark swimming in the sea in Fiji Yasawa Islands — The Young Black Tip Reef Sharks in the Shallows

The evening drew to a close and the guests gathered for a social evening. The hosts shared with us a traditional Cava Ceremony. To me, it just looked like dirty water. However, I love trying new traditions from different cultures. So, we all took our turns but we all felt the same way. It wasn’t tasty. The Fijians believe that the combination in the drink gets them drunk. Who knows if this is true? I can think of much tastier drinks to get you drunk.

After a good night’s sleep and even better breakfast, I went with a guide to explore the island. The views were pretty in all directions. This island was the best one for me. The hosting, the food, and the activities were amazing.

Day 3 and 4: White Shandy Beach Island, Fiji Yasawa Islands

Again, another piece of paradise. The crisp white sand beach that stretched the length of the island was beautiful. Again a Bula traditional dance and song welcomed us to this island. Although the food wasn’t as tasty as the last island, the entertainment was on point. We played plenty of games of volleyball. Fresh coconuts cracked. The evening came with fun games and singing around the campfire.

Coconut Smashing on White Shandy Beach, Yasawa Islands, Fiji — Fresh Coconut Smashed Open in Front of Us

My Third Fiji Activity

The next day all I had booked was the Manta Ray snorkel. On this tender lifejackets had to be worn. The owners told us it was in case we got stopped by the police. However, this wasn’t exactly true. Only once out of the shelter of the bay, we realised why the lifejackets were a must. The sea was so bumpy and choppy. Not ideal. Unfortunately, I suffer from a feeling of seasickness. It was close but we got to the final destination just in time. I do not let it hold me back. I just get on with it as the one place I love to be in the sea.

Would we get to see any Manta Rays…

We reached a channel in the sea where the current was strong. We got dropped in at one end from the tender. Basically, we just had to stay still with our heads in the water and let the current take us. The tender then picked us up and drove us back to the starting point and off we floated again and again. Finally, on the last drop, we saw what we came for. The gracious Manta Rays. I watched in awe as they glided past with ease and pure grace. It was magical. I was happy. Manta Rays…Check!

Day 5: Bay of Plenty

The last island for me in Fiji Yasawa Islands. Unfortunately, it was only me on this island. Solitude. Some might say peaceful to have the island to yourself but not for me. The island was the smallest and quite different from the others. My room was on top of a little hill overlooking the Bay of Plenty. It was picturesque. Snorkelling was one of my choice of activities.

The Bay of Plenty from the hilltop viewing point, Yasawa Islands — The View From My Wooden Hut on Top of the Hill

This was the moment I saw the bluest saltwater that I had ever seen. This patch is rightly named the blue lagoon. The fish were plentiful and colourful. The shoreline was again that gorgeous white sand. You definitely can’t beat the feeling of sand between your toes and salt in your hair. I grew up by the sea so these feelings won’t ever get old. This time the sea was clear and warm. Also, the weather was pristine.

Summary of my Fijian Adventure

Wow! The Fiji Yasawa Islands were really paradise. The sun was shining the whole time and the water was crystal clear. This is a dream destination, for sure. The people were kind and very welcoming. Every island followed island time. It was complete and utter relaxation for the whole week. I booked my week through a tour group Awesome Fiji. Therefore, all I had to worry about was relaxing and topping up my tan. Perfect. An awesome week in Fiji.

I don’t do many group tours but they are a real winner for meeting other travellers and for a bit not having to plan your own adventure. Check out my Fraser Island group tour blog.