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5 must-tries for adventure addicts in Asia
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With its stunning marine life and pristine waters, it’s no surprise that snorkelling at Palawan island in the Philippines, is a popular choice for those who love an ocean adventure, but don’t scuba dive. (Shutterstock/File)
Y
ou only live once! So, if you’re in Asia, and want the thrill of feeling really alive, here is some stuff to get that adrenaline rush.
1. Indoor skydiving in Singapore
If you want to feel the adenaline rush of skydiving, but don’t want to jump out of an airplane, or risk bad weather, there’s always indoor skydiving. It’s available at Sentosa’s iFly Singapore, one of the largest indoor skydiving facilities on earth, with the world’s first largest themed wind tunnel (5m wide and almost five storeys high). You’ll experience the feel of flying and free-fall conditions, just like in a real skydive. It’s fully airconditioned, plus, you get a great view of the South China Sea. Rates start from S$119 (RM372) for two dives, and skilled instructors will be on hand to supervise the flight. For more info, visit: www.ifly.com
2. Snorkelling in Palawan, Philippines
With its stunning marine life and pristine waters, it’s no surprise that snorkelling at Palawan island in the Philippines, is a popular choice for those who love an ocean adventure, but don’t scuba dive.
Some of the more popular spots are in Coron and El Nido.
(Read also: Palawan: Slender paradise with sweet bounty)
3. Trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Mt Amadablam shot from the Everest Base Camp trail. #Amadablam #EverestBC#Nepal #Trekking #Adventure #Himalayas
Photo: @traveltimetreks pic.twitter.com/RhWRb3eVe6
— TAAN (@taandotnp) January 18, 2017
If you wish to experience Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8,848m above sea level, without actually climbing it, then trek to the (Southern) Everest Base Camp at 5,364m.
This is a worthy adventure in itself as the trek not only offers breathtaking mountain scenery, but a chance to experience unique local culture.
The best time to go is March to May, or September to December. You can hire a guide or porter, or book your trip through a trekking company. Just check to make sure they are registered with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. For more info, visit: www.taan.org.np
(Read also: Ubud Food Festival 2017 features world-class culinary experts)
4. Kite-surfing in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne in Vietnam offers many exciting water sports like windsurfing, surfing, jet-skiing, and kayaking. To further appease the adrenaline junkie’s thirst for adventure, there is also kite-surfing.
Similar to but not the same as regular surfing or windsurfing, in kite-surfing, you ride a modified surfboard or kiteboard on the waves while holding onto a specially-designed parachute-like kite, relying on only the wind to push you forward.
There are a few kitesurfing schools available as well where you can learn the sport. For more info, visit: www.kitesurfingmuine.com
(Read also: Ministry wants travel agencies to create 'New Bali' package tours)
5. Bungee jumping in Macau, China
What greater thrill can there be than leaping off a tall tower? If this piques your quest for adventure, you can try bungee jumping at Macau Tower in Macau, China.
As the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at 233m, it’s quite different from jumping off a cliff or a bridge, because there are no dashing waves of a river, lake or the sea below – just pure concrete and the sight of the surrounding Macau skyline, besides the specially-designed airbag that you land on.
The tower jump is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, but jumps are subject to weather conditions. And, if you feel like something different, you can even do it at night! For more info, visit: www.ajhackett.com/macau/activities/bungy/
This article appeared on The Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
