MOROCCAN RALLY | RAROTONGAN BLUE | JAPAN’S ZEN MOUNTAIN
november 2014 issue 160
Stopover in PARADISE Relax on Rarotonga’s crystalline beaches and explore a new world of culture in the Cook Islands
GRAND DESIGNS Explore Singapore’s architectural gems, both old and new
WINING AND DINING A taste of the Great Ocean Road
THE TIME KEEPERS
Make the most of every minute as stylishly as possible
take me HERE
With its crystalline beaches and copious cultural attractions, Rarotonga has something for everyone from newly weds to families, to seniors. Soak up some sun and enjoy WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIAM WRIGHT a stopover in paradise.
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The white sands of Muri Beach make a perfect place to kick off your jandals and soak up some sun.
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elcome to an island filled with warmth and happiness, booming with exciting culture. Rarotonga is part of the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands in the crystal clear tropics of the South Pacific. It is the most populous island in the group, currently at about 13,000 inhabitants. It has a total land area of 67km2, most of which is made up of high mountains clothed in ever -expanding luscious rainforest. The entire island is ringed by a coral reef with only 6 inlets, creating a beautiful and protected lagoon of shallow, heated water with a spectacularly rich blue colour. There are 2 different lagoon cruises to choose from, both with their own unique experience taking you for a smooth ride over the water to the islands most thriving coral spots, accompanied, of course, by an eccentric description of the enthralling islands history, with some cheeky anecdotes that are sure to entertain all. The island has many resorts and bars that are all welcoming to tourists, each with their own amazing attributes. The island has one outer ring-road, which only takes about 45 minutes to complete at a speed limit of about 50km throughout. This makes it easy to hop from one place to another, and what better way to do so than your very own scooter. This is the main form of transport for everyone around the island, including the locals who are as laid back and friendly as ever. The best part about these resorts is that they are all free for tourists to come in and enjoy a quick swim or a lengthy lunch after exploring what activities are on offer. During my visit to the island, I stayed in a house on Muri Beach; a dream house that seemed too good to be true. With most of
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Rarotonga’s resorts just a walks away down the beach, this was by far the best place to stay on the island, enjoying the best of both worlds. After seeing blue everywhere for the first part of my stay, it was nice to have a couple days of tropical downfalls, with temperatures still as high as 25°C. The island is notorious for having friendly stray dogs roaming around just about everywhere. I felt my heart strings being pulled when this little guy stopped and stared at us in the rain before inviting him up for a pat. (opposite) A highlight of my trip that I felt the instant need to share at the time was
(clockwise from this image) Muri beach; 21.3 Vaiana Bistro and Bar; Club Raro Resort staircase; Nautilus Resort; (opposite) lonely dog on Muri Beach
attending a local Sunday Service as a visitor in one of the many churches on the island. It was impossible to feel like an outsider when captivated by the angelic harmonies and hymns of the locals, resonating throughout the church. Even though we couldn’t understand the language being sung, the intense power and worship of these people could be felt; a universal language that anyone can understand when exposed to such an unreal situation. To feel even more welcomed, we were then invited to a lunch after the service by some of the locals who were so incredibly friendly and warm hearted.
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“ The entire island is ringed by a coral reef with only 6 inlets, creating a beautiful and protected lagoon of shallow, heated water with a spectacularly rich blue colour �
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Even without transport, this island can be enjoyed in many different ways, Muri Beach being the most convenient. Wherever you’re staying in Muri, many places can be reached by stepping off the lawn onto the famous beach to where you wish to go; one place in particular being the Muri Night Markets. These are markets run by the locals three nights a week with all kinds of different foods and flavours and entertainment that will make a good night for anyone.
One of the most relaxing places to stop for a drink or have a meal with a view to die for is Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar. A visit during happy hour is a must, where the sun is slowly setting and the air is still, it will surely surpass your expectations. With its white clothed bamboo outdoor seating right on the sands of Muri Beach, it will leave you feeling like you’ve just been to heaven. Seen from outside the reef by boat, the island is very evident of its volcanic history. Being shaped by
“ IT WILL LEAVE YOU FEELING LIKE YOU’VE JUST BEEN TO HEAVEN ” ◆
(top left) view from Sandals Barefoot Bar; (middle left) Rarotonga from outside the reef; (bottom left) Muri, Aru Tapu road; (middle right) newly weds Aaron & Brittany Wright
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years of erosion, the soaring peaks and mountainous ranges are a spectacular sight to see. This can be seen via many different tour companies offered on the island. Another must-see event is the Te Vara Nui island night. If you are looking for festivities and culture, then this is definitely for you. The night starts off with a delicious first class Island/Western fusion buffet prepared by local and international chefs, where there is a taste of everything. It then moves onto the show; set over-water on an island stage with fast hip-shaking dances accompanied by resounding beats of drums and rhythms of song and dance, showcasing compelling legend stories. Viewers are blown away by dancers with flaming torchlights on floating stages surrounded in luscious green gardens with peaceful water features that enthrall and captivate all as you sit on the edge to watch the spectacle. The show follows the “Legend of Tongaiti”, a story told through performances that are sure to lift the hairs on the back of your neck. But of course as the show comes to an end, you can’t leave without trying out some of these dances for yourself. The tables turn as the last performance finishes, and the viewers are invited into a big line where altogether, the tourists are taught island dances, making the night so much more memorable and leaving you with a big part of the culture. An evening filled with fun and laughter, excitement and fantatstic culture, the Te Vara Nui is definitely one of the most highly recommended cultural experiences on the island.
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“ Set overwater on an island stage with fast hip-shaking dances accompanied by resounding beats of drums and rhythms of song and dance �
(top) Tahitian Ori dancers; (bottom) traditional Cook Island wedding
{rarotonga} TRAVEL With water temperatures between 23 and 30°C and visibility seldom less than 50m, scuba diving in Rarotonga, (in my possibly biased opinion) is the best thing to do during your stay. If you already have your certificate, then you’re good to go - but not to worry if you’re a first timer. There are several dive companies where you can obtain this through a course. As soon as you enter the water, your breath is instantly taken away as you witness the unbelievable clarity and the vastness of the deep. At only about 100m offshore, you will see coral gardens as far as the eye can see as well as fish life ranging from spotted eagle rays and white-tipped reef sharks to the smallest anemone fish you’ll ever see! And if you’re lucky enough and you listen carefully, you might just hear the most amazing sound heard in the ocean - the call of the humpback whale on their regular migrations through the warmer waters of Rarotonga.
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GETTING THERE Virgin Australia offers flights
to Rarotonga. To book, visit www.virginaustralia.com
(top) school of Yellowstripe Goatfish; (middle) coral on Edna’s Anchor dive site; (bottom) coral cluster, Muri Lagoon
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