ADVENTURE & ECO TRAVEL

BUÔN MA THUỘT, VIETNAM

India

A natural haven, this central highland city offers loads of outdoorsy adventures. There are organised bike tours, exploring the highlands, which include stops at major natural attractions and interactions with locals. Spend some days at Kotam Community Resort, which promotes the natural landscape and the ethnic minority. You’ll discover majestic mountains and hills, a variety of colourful flowers, ponds and shaded paths; break for a traditional lunch made by the local Ede community. Get your dose of adrenaline, hiking the lush green trail up to Dray Nur Waterfall, about an hour’s drive from Kotam. Soak in the sound of the water falling from a height of 30m – bliss! Coffee lovers can book a tour of the plantations and nurseries, which includes a visit to Trung Nguyên ‘coffee village’. Traditionally designed, this photogenic café serves interesting local roasts. Dau Nguon Eco Resort, located close to most major sightseeing destinations, is a popular stay option.

Nothing short of paradise, Ladakh, with its dramatic landscapes and geographical attractions, offers many adventures. Summertime treks of moderate to difficult levels are available. Adrenaline junkies must plan a trek in Nubra Valley. Enjoy panoramic views, the Shyok River and beautiful monasteries along the way. Cross Khardung La pass, said to be the second highest motorable road in the world at over 5,000m, to reach Hunder village. The native two-humped Bactrian camels can be spotted here. Perhaps, you could ride one across the dessert and admire the famed dunes. Leh, the capital city, has a lot to offer. Pangong Lake’s deep blue hues contrasted against the arid mountains is a sight to behold. Located 30km away is the Magnetic Hill. When you park your vehicle in neutral in a specific area, a magnetic force pulls it uphill! River rafting at Zanskar Valley is a major tourist activity. A heads up: you will need a permit to access certain areas in Ladakh, which can be locally obtained for a fee – check with your agent or tour guide.

COSTA RICA, CENTRAL AMERICA BOTSWANA, AFRICA

Costa Rica is home to several national parks such as Manuel Antonio National Park, which is popular with tourists. Book a mangrove boat tour, an educational night walk or a zipline safari, or head to the beaches where you can unwind or go jet skiing and rafting. With more than 50% forest cover, Costa Rica is home to diverse fauna: colourful birds from toucans to macaws, as well as sloths, howler monkeys and others. Go for a bird-watching tour or plan a trip to a wildlife rescue centre. If you’re not repulsed by creepy crawlies, visit Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. It houses up to 30 species of butterflies, more than 20 species of bugs and arachnids and an active ant colony. Take a dip in one of the many hot springs, said to have healing properties; the Springs Resort & Spa and Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, about a three-hour drive from the capital city of San José, are among the popular ones. Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise too. Tamarindo, Jaco and Dominical are great spots to ride the waves.

The Okavango Delta offers multiple land and water activities. On landing at Maun Airport, you will need to take a short charter flight to one of the camps, which offer various safari adventures. Enjoy a traditional mokoro boat ride and soak in the calmness of the delta. Book a game drive and get up close with the enchanting wildlife. Guided walking safaris are also available, where you can learn how the local bushmen live off the land; try indigenous fruits, wild vegetables or even insects. Deception Valley Lodge is well-known. If you stay at Abu Camp, you can’t miss their elephant safari! Looking for something a little more adventurous? Chobe National Game Park permits self-driven safaris – you will need to hire a vehicle. Diverse animals and birds can be spotted at this time of the year as they are drawn to Chobe River. Accommodation is available in and around the park or you could opt for a houseboat stay. We recommend cross-checking the vaccination list to enter Botswana.