Overseas Adventure!

Moving House!

2010-07-28T00:36:00.004+08:00

Dear future participants,

Thank you for visiting this site. If you thought you would be able to find details of upcoming trips,... YOU"RE WRONG!

Actually, you're right, sorta. We have officially shifted to a "new" website to make things more integrated. You know, the hub thing.

All future o-adventure trips will be published at:

http://nusmountaineering.com/blog/o-adventures/

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Information about Welcome teas and day-camp

2010-07-24T00:30:00.004+08:00

We will be holding our welcome teas for the batch of 2010/2011 very shortly. Do come if you have EVER HAD THE DREAM of standing at the summit of a mountain! We promise to break the stereotype of what you think "mountaineering" is about...

Dates: 12 Aug 2010 (thu), 16 Aug 2010 (mon)

Time: 630pm

Venue: SRC conference room

Also, we will be conducting a 1-day camp to introduce you to the sport of mountaineering. We are extremely excited about the camp as this is the first time that we are allowing non-members of the club to use mountaineering equipment and to generally get a feel of how it feels like to be on a mountaineering expedition. Definitely not to be missed!

Date: 21 Aug 2010 (sat)

Time: 8am-5pm

Venue: NUS

Cost: absolutely free!

Max number of participants: 20

If you have any questions about the welcome teas or camp, do drop us an email at trips.mir AT gmail.com

O-Adventure by NUS Make It Real SubClub of Sports Clubs

2010-03-07T21:19:00.013+08:00

Upcoming Trips for May, June, July 2010

1. Mount Rinjani 21-26 June

Email us for quotation and details.

Only 5 Places left, book with us soon!

2. 14 day Himalayas Soft Trek (28th May - 10 June 2010)

We have reached the maximum participant limit for the trip. Registration is closed, but do check out our other exciting trips to Mt Rinjani and Mauritius!

3. Mauritius Trip - 26 June to 7 July
The normal price is $2400. Sign up with a friend and BOTH get $100 off!

What is O-adventure?
O-adventure is a collective term for trips organised by NUS Make It Real club! It's open to (in fact, it's targeted towards) everyone in NUS, not just people experienced in outdoor activities.
O-adventure has been on-going during NUS vacations for years, and is a hassle-free way of experiencing "adventure holidays" with other students. :)

Mt Rinjani 21-26 June

2010-03-05T02:13:00.024+08:00

(click to enlarge to see poster more clearly)

What is Rinjani?
It is the peak of a volcanic island in Lombok, and the 3rd highest Indonesian mountain.

Is it nice?
It has been described to be one of the most panoramic views in SEA. Expect lush tropical rainforest, and highland shrubbery, then volcanic soil amidst clouds. Look at a very large crater lake containing an active volcano, exotic flora and fauna, such as the black ebony leaf monkey, wild pigs, long tailed grey macaque monkeys, orchids and edelweiss.
There is a lot to see, and Rinjani is unique because it spans a great range of altitudes and hence vegetation, and has volcanic origins, which alters the nature of the soil.

Oh no. Will the volcano explode when I'm there? I heard volcanoes are life-threatening. I'm scared.
Gunung Baru is an active volcano within the Segara Anak lake of the Rinjani crater. We will be passing by the lake and looking at Gunung Baru, but we will not be climbing the active volcano. It's safe and relatively well-travelled (but not overly so :) )

What are we going to do?
Day 1: flight to lombok. 2h drive. stay in Pondok Indah Hotel.
Day 2: transfer to Rinjani Information Centre RIC. RIC staff briefing on route details, local culture, sights, rubbish management, safety protocol.The trek starts from Sembalum Lawang, with a gentle ascent up green pasture used for grazing. We will rest after 3h, at 1300m at Pos 1 Pemantauan. The next resting spot after that will be Pos 2 Pemantauan 1500m with a great view of the summit at 3726m. We'll trek a few more hours to Pos 3 Pemantauan 1800m
After this, the gradient will be steeper and we'll be trekking amongst pine-like casuarina species known as cemara. Here, we might spot wild pigs and long tailed grey macaque monkeys.
We will set up camp at the Plawangan II Sembalun crater rim 2639m
Day 3: We will wake up early at 3am in order to catch the sunrise at the summit :) We will trek a bit more strenuously along volcanic soil for 3h to the peak at 3726m, to reach the summit at 6am. At the summit we can look across the Wallace line to Bali, Mt Agung and Sumbawa. We can also feel very good about ourselves.
Then we will trek down a ridge lined by edelweiss to a well-deserved brunch at the crater rim base camp. Then we will descend to Lake Segara Anak (2000m) within the Rinjani crater. Gunung Baru is an active volcano island in lake Segara Anak, last exploding dramatically in 1994.
It will take 2 hours to reach Segara Anak where we'll set up camp.
Day 4: R+R at the crater lake. You can swim, explore the caves and hot springs that are reputed to be beneficial to your health.
We'll leave in the afternoon. We'll climb 2.5hours to reach Plawangan I Senaru Crater Rim (2461m). There, we will relax, watch the sunset, explore the area and view the lake from another perspective. (It's a very big lake)
Day 5: After breakfast we'll make a long but scenic journey down to Senaru village (601m), through thick tropical rainforest filled with flora and fauna, notably butterflies, orchids and hopefully the rare black ebony leaf monkey (lutung). There will also be: the Batu Penyesalan stone, and a vaguely human-esque banyan tree.
There will be rest stops along the way, and with village stories and local legends recounted by the guides :)
We'll reach the Rinjani Trek Centre at the Senaru road head in 7h, where there will be transport taking us back to Pondok Indah hotel.
Day 6: At 8am we'll set out to explore the Singang Gile waterfall, and the Tiu Kelep waterfall. Then we'll visit a Sasak village, where we'll get to experience more traditional culture, and interact with the locals.
After lunch, we'll return to the Lombok airport.
We'll reach Singapore in the evening.

Okay I'm sold! How do I make it happen?
We'll be off to Rinjani from 21-26 June 2010.
$600 for NUS students and $625 for non-NUS students.
This will cover:
Return air tickets, Singapore airport tax
Transport costs
Singapore travel insurance with AXA
2 nights at the Pondok Indah Hotel
Mountain guide
Porters
Tents
Sleeping bag and mat
All meals except last day at airport
Cooking gear
National Park fees Rp 150 000 per person

This does not cover: Lombok airport tax, airport porters

14 day Himalayas Soft Trek (28th May - 10 June 2010)

2010-03-01T20:31:00.013+08:00

We have reached the maximum participant limit for the trip. Registration is closed, but do check out our other exciting trips to Mt Rinjani and Mauritius!

14 day Himalayas Soft Trek (28th May - 10 June 2010)
Have the only mountains you’ve seen lately been stacks of readings or molehills formed by paper you crumpled? Or the last time you climbed really hard was a few weary steps up a lecture theatre? We’ve got the remedy for that monotony. Or anyway, adventure trekking in the historically and culturally rich Himalayas.

Himalayas? What’s that? Is that a country?!
The Himalayas is a mountain range that separates India from the Tibetan Plateau. It's a land of yaks and yetis, stupas and Sherpas, and some of the best trekking on earth, according to Lonely Planet.

The Himalayas is an extended area; we’ll cover 800 km of it. We’ll first head to the Shivalik Himalayas between Kiratpur to Mandi, then the Lower Himalayan hills along beautiful Beas river between Mandi (760m) to Manali (2000m), then the High Himalayas at Rohtang Pass (3978m), Baralachala Pass (4890m), Nikee La (5050m), Lochulangla Pass (5100m) and Tanglangla Pass (5400m).

Er. Ok! Won’t that be really tiring?!?! I’m already so tired from mugging!
It’s an adventure trek, but also a ‘soft trek’. We’ll go at a reasonable pace so that we’ll be able to really take in the rugged beauty of glaciers, salt lakes and Beas Kund Glacier, a lake at the base of 6 peaks.

There will also be ancient birch tree forests, Tibet-influenced monasteries (gompas), a salt lake, rivers and even desert. Oh, and a lot of snow to make snowmen with.

Which is why Himalayas is Sanskrit for ‘abode of snow’.

You can also opt to switch to an easier path after discussing with our local guide.

About Himalayas: Himalaya literally means "abode of Snow". From east to west, it can be divided as the Eastern Himalayas, the Central Himalayas and the Western Himalayas. From south to north it can be grouped into four parallel longitudinal mountain belts divided as the Shivalik Himalayas, the Lower Himalayas, the High Himalayas and the Trans Himalayas. The Shivalik Himalayas includes foothills below the altitude of 1200m. The Lower Himalayas includes all the valleys between 1200m to 3200m. The High Himalayas include all the mountain ranges with peaks and passes over 3200m. The Trans Himalayan region includes all the barren landscape beyond the High Himalayas and it is commonly called as the Tibetan Plateau, which is accessible by road from other parts of India only 4 months in a year.

About the Journey: You can experience the formation of Himalayas in this tour covering roughly around 1250 km of Himalayan region. This tour first brings you to the Shivalik Himalayas between Kiratpur to Mandi. You will be visiting the Lower Himalayan hills along beautiful Beas river between Mandi (760m) to Manali (2000m.). Continue to the High Himalayas at Rohtang Pass (3978m.), Baralachala Pass (4890m.), Nikee La 5050m, Lochulangla Pass (5100m.) and Tanglangla Pass (5400m.), Namikala Pass (3737 m), Fotula Pass (4294 m) and Zojila Pass (3529 m). Soft treks along the way provides good opportunities to enjoy the nature and beyond the limits of roads without compromising your comfort during the nights. You can choose to complete the planned trek or opt to change the itinerary for the day by diverting to easier path after discussing your Odyssey Manager.

About Himachal: Himachal is essentially a mountain state, which literally means “In the Lap of Snow”, set amidst the high mountain ranges of Dauladhar, Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayas. Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes with mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, flower filled meadows, misty woods, fast flowing icy rivers, glaciers, enchanting lakes and part of the Tibetan Plateau. It is located in the transition zone from the plains to the Shivalik Himalayas to the Lower Himalayas to the High Himalayas and then to the Trans Himalayas.

About Kullu-Manali Valley: Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, Kullu-Manali valley is rightly celebrated as the valley of Gods. Nestled between High Himalayan ranges of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal with some of the peaks rising over 6500m, about 80 km long, this lush green valley extends from the gorge at Aut (1000m) to starting point of Beas River at Rohtang Pass (3978m), draining melting water from all the glaciers located all around the valley. It harbours evergreen forest, alpine meadows, beautiful rivers and orchard laden with fruits. Manali at an altitude of 2000m is the start point for all sorts of adventure expeditions over the High Himalayas to the Trans Himalayan region.

About Ladakh: “More Tibetan than Tibet”, “Moonland”, “the Last Shangrila” are all romantic names given to Ladakh. With its stunning barren rugged terrain and untouched Tibetan culture, it is certainly a beautiful place – befitted all the above & much more. The height of these ranges of the Western Himalayas prevents rain clouds from crossing into Ladakh and as a result, Ladakh receives only about 2 inches (5cm) of rain per year. The aridity of the area is immediately apparent to the visitor, with long vistas of stark mountains and valleys with only a few oases of green.

Partially opened to visitors in 1974, Ladakh still retains its air of mystery which unerringly draws all those in search of the unknown, be it the serious scholar or the lover of adventure. A high, arid plateau with some of its mountain peaks rising to over 7000m, the wild grandeur of the land contrasts dramatically with its cheerful and warm-hearted people, the two combining to create a unique geographical, historical and cultural entity which fascinates the most casual visitor. It is ideal country, with its intricate network of trails threading through the mountains. Ladakh was at the center of the great trade routes across Central Asia, when journeys lasting up to two or three years were not uncommon. Here are some quick facts:

About Srinagar: Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

ITINERARY

May 28

ARRIVE DELHI – MANALI

Arrive Delhi airport by Air India flight at 1325 hour. On arrival transfer to bus station to board on night bus to Manali leaving 1830 hour for overnight journey. Bus would stop for dinner along the way.

May 29

ARRIVE MANALI ( B )

Arrive Manali around 1000 am. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Free day to relax or walk around the town.

May 30 MANALI - SOLANG (BLD)

After breakfast trek 4 hour to Solang passing through old Manali, Gushal, Shanag and Burua villages on the way. We will also visit Manu temple on the way. Manali is named after Manu Temple, which was traditionally called as Manu-Alaya which means "House of Manu". So later it was pronounced as Manali. According to Hindu mythology, human and nature have cycle of development and when it reaches its peak it is destroyed by some natural calamity and only very few people survive in this cycle. In the last destruction of the world, Manu was leader of the people who survived and he started the world from Manali. O/N Guest House.

May 31 SOLANG – BAKAR THACH (BLD)

Today we walk along the Solang river toward Beas Kund Glacier. Beas Kund Glacier is located at the base of number of peaks above 5000m offering great opportunity to experienced climbers and to the novice who wish to learn the techniques of mountain climbing

June 01 BAKAR THACH – SOLANG GLACIER – BAKAR THACH (BLD)

Bakar Thach is full of Bhoj Patra (Brich) Trees. Before the invention of paper by Chinese, the bark of birch tree was used as paper and some of ancient holy books of Hindus like Ramalyana and Mahabharata were originally written on the bark of birch tree (Bhoj Patra). The trekkers can also collect some of natural papers from the forest. We will walk here to enjoy the beauty of Beas Kund Lake at the base of number of peaks above 5000m, which we view on the day we climb Patalsu Peak.

June 02 BAKAR THACH – SOLANG - MANALI (BLD)

Today we trek along the Solang river back to Solang and enjoy different scenery as when we walk towards the lake we will see high peaks and on our way back we view more greenery coming to us and the mountain are less higher. A transport will be waiting for you to drive back to Manali. On arrival, transfer to Hotel.

June 03 MANALI – KEYLONG (BLD)

Early morning drive 2 hours to Marhi and trek from Marhi to Rohtang Pass (3978m) and your vehicle would take the longer route by road and meet you on top of the pass. Rohtang Pass provides fantastic views of the neighboring Chandra Bhaga mountain range. Here, the landscape changes drastically from the lush green forests of the Kullu Valley to the stark, dry high-altitude desert of the Himalayan ‘rain shadow’. We walk another further down and meet our bus at designated location and continue our journey to Keylong, the administrative capital of Lahul & Spiti district for the night.

June 04 SHISHIR MONASTRY & KORA TREK (BLD)

We take a break from traveling to acclimate to the altitude, hoping to avoid altitude sickness as the road winds ever higher. Here in Keylong, the Tibetan influence grows increasingly apparent with the presence of Buddhist monasteries (gompas). Trace the steps of the traditional route taken by pilgrims, beginning with an easy morning trek to Shishur Monastery, located just above Keylong, then continue to Kardang Monastery and cross the pass above the monastery, ending in Gondla and drive back to Keylong.

June 05 KEYLONG – TSOKAR LAKE (BLD)

Today we drive 2.30 hours to Baralachala and trek around Baralachala Pass (4890m) for one hour to enjoy the spectacular views of Baralachala and peaks and passes around Baralachala. Three rivers viz. Chandra, Bhaga and Yanum originates here. After completion we will drive 4-5 hours to Tsokar Lake. known as “white lake” due to its high concentration of salt deposit around the lake

Tonight, we camp out next to the lake which is also frequented by a variety of birds, including bar-headed goose, the great crested grebe, the brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. Sunset and sunrise over the lake is magnificent.

June 06

TSOKAR LAKE - LEH (BL)

Early morning, walk around lake till 1200 noon. After lunch drive 4 hours to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. We will drive over two high passes Lochulangla and Tanglangla. Tanglangla is the second highest motor able pass in the World. Tanglangla offers good scenery of high mountains and peaks of Great Himalayas. After descending from the pass, we will enter in Ladakhi civilization at Ramse. O/N Hotel.

June 07

LEH (B)

Free day for own activities and sightseeing. You can either visit Alchi to see 11^th century frescoes and sculptures or you can enjoy river rafting in Indus river.

June 08

LEH – KARGIL (B)

After breakfast drive 234 km to Kargil our first stop will be Alchi – the 11^th century by the great Translator, Rinchen Zangpo. He even made a reference about the monastery in his biographies. It is written that he brought thirty-two sculptors and wood carvers from Kashmir, for the construction of the Alchi Monastery of Leh Ladakh. On completion drive to Lamayuru and visit one of the most significant gompa set amidst majestic scenery. Continuing our journey, we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Karakoram mountain ranges as we drive over Namikala Pass (3737 m) and Fotula Pass (4294 m) – the highest point on the Srinagar / Leh road. Over night hotel.

June 09

KARGIL – SRINAGAR

After breakfast we take a breathtaking drive to Srinagar via Zojila Pass (3529 m) which marks the boundary line between Kashmir and Ladakh. Here, dense green forest clad slopes give way to bare multi-colored mountains of stark beauty. Drive through Drass Town en route, the second coldest inhabitant place in the world to Srinagar stopping at Sonamarg on the way. On arrival transfer to houseboat

June 10

SRINAGAR – DELHI – FLY HOME

Morning Sikara Ride in Dal Lake. In time transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, we drive around Delhi for last minute shopping for souvenirs. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Nice right?
Make it Happen
We’ll be there from 28 May to 10 June 2010. The early bird price is $1975, with $10 off each when you sign up with a friend.

Meals Included: 13 Breakfast, 9 packed / hot Lunch depending on location and availability and 7 Hot Dinners at Hotels, Restaurants and Camps.

Packed Lunch include, one fresh cooked item or sandwiches with fruits, biscuits, boiled egg and a packet drink.

Extra Cost:

Day use room at Delhi if needed: S$ 10/- per pax extra on twin sharing in guest house with attach toilet.

Cost Includes:

Airport and bus station transfers.
Seats in overnight Volvo coach from Delhi to Manali.
Transport costs in chartered transport from Manali to Srinagar as per the itinerary.
Accommodation in guest houses with attached toilet with hotel as indicated in the itinerary with meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary.
One night stay at Fixed Camp at Sarchu with proper cots and bed with toilet facilities provided.
Trekking arrangement with one night trekking camp and rest of the nights in guest houses as proposed in itinerary above with all meals.
English speaking Indian Odyssey Manager from Delhi airport to Srinagar traveling with the group all the time.

Cost Excludes :

All expenses of personal nature like drinks, tips, telephone calls etc.
Any other expenses paid due to any change in itinerary.
Insurance, medical and evacuation expenses if any.

MAURTIUS TRIP JUNE 2010

2009-08-29T16:39:00.026+08:00

Mauritius Trip – An Escape to Paradise!

NUS Mountaineering club is proud to bring to you back the MAURITIUS trip with much more fun at the same unbeatable price!...Adventure, fun, escapism are the keywords this time. Make sure you don’t miss this trip...Embark on this fantastic 12 day journey to the exotic island of Mauritius found in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Get the chance to swim in the crystal clear water or catch a tan on the white beach. Snorkel with Dolphins, fish and watch whales!

Indulge in adrenaline packed activities such as Parasailing, buoys and even more during the Catamaran Cruise. Several sightseeing tours are on the agenda so that you can catch the breath taking sceneries of Mauritius. At night, participate in the specially designed activities such as clubbing, casino, stargazing or board games.

Hike on one of the highest Mountain in Mauritius to have a panoramic view of the whole island. Also, try the various Mauritian foods, sugar cane and be entitled to a unique home visit! Allow yourself to be taught the famous Sega dance (dance of the slaves) by professional dancers!

And all this, just to make sure you have the time of your life at the lowest lowest price around!! Still hesitating? Go through the itinerary for more details or see what others said about last trip by scrolling down and browse through their pictures here and the villa you going to stay here!

What are you still waiting for? Quickly sign up for the trip before no more place left! First come first serve basis! Grab this opportunity while you are still entitled to student price; non student pay $200 more.

Early bird registration has ended! Normal price is SGD2400. Sign up with a friend and BOTH receive 100 off! Hurry up!!

For more details,

Email trips.mir@gmail.com

SMS Chonglei @ 94892016

Package Includes:

Return airfare and airport tax
Catamaran Cruise, Parasailing, snorkelling trip,buoys.
All land transport according to itinerary
Most Meals, Home visit, Night Activities(casino, clubbing, star gazing)
Accomodation in self catering and shared bungalow near the beach
All land tours according to itinerary
Introduction to Mauritian Dance
and much more...

What Others said about this trip!

“damn fun I want more!! gimmi more!!” - Xiao Xiuyun, 21 yrs old, year 3 science, NUS student

“i had so much fun and laughter like never before and it is the most magical n wonderful time in my life ever =)” – Yan Zhen, 19 yrs old, year 1 medicine, NUS student

“Choosing not to go would be one of the biggest mistakes of life.” – Chow Minyang, 20 yrs old, year 1 medicine, NUS student

“beautiful! haha it really is the no job no money no girl no worries go mauritius kind of feeling haha!” - Nick Ng Zhi Peng, 21yrs old, year 3 medicine, NUS student

“Great to have a spontaneous and thoughtful tour guide as well as wonderful fellow companies” – Koh Ming Jun, 23 years old, year 2 social science, NUS student

“Unforgettable” – Xavier, 25 yrs old, NIE student

“ Crazily Awesome” – Usha Pillai, 20 yrs old, year 4 electrical engine, NTU student

“a unique ADVENTURE!!!!” – Foo Kai Juan, 22 yrs old, year 3 business, NUS student

“Fantastic experience - time of my life!” – Grace Lum, 19 years old, year 1 medicine,NUS student

ITINERARY

1^st day (Saturday): rest. Check in at Flic en Flac

After a long and tiring flight, drop your bags in the bungalow. You will be served snacks and a good night sleep will be enough to keep you going for tomorrow’s activities.

2^nd day (Sunday): Trou aux Cerfs Volcano, Sept Cascade viewpoint, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls Viewpoint, Gorge View Point, Chamarel View Point,

Adventure Park, Baie Du Cap/Machondee, Le Morne

Wake up early !:)…A long and exciting day ahead JGrab a good breakfast before we head up towards Curepipe, where the colonial building act as testimony for the british occupation. Not far from these buildings, you can enjoy the panoramic view at the now dormant volcano at Trou aux Cerfs.

Then, proceed to the pilgrimage point at Grand-Bassin where one of the biggest statues of Shiva can be seen. From Alexandra Falls and Gorge, you will be able to have a breath taking view on the National park with its big waterfall. Proceeding towards le Morne, you will have a unique view on the coastal lands still untouched by man.

On our way back, we will pass by Baie Du Cap and la prairie, where the view is simply magnificent.

3^rd day (Monday): Sea Activities (Parasailing and buoys) at Pereybere. Stop at Cap Malheureux and Grand Baie.

We are heading to the North (pereybere), where you can witness one of Mauritius best beach. Feel the adrenaline flowing through you when you go for parasailing and buoys.

4^th day (Tuesday): Home Visit + Hike Le Pouce Mountain + try sugar cane

In the morning, we going for home visit where you can see a typical Mauritian house (not HDBJ)

After which, we go for a hike to one of the highest Mountains in Mauritius. Starting from the village of St Pierre, we will walk for 5hours before reaching the summit where you can have a 360 degree view of the island. At the summit, you can even experience helicopters flying only a few metres above your head. Heading down, we will take a ride through some scenic region towards La Nicoliere reservoir. We will stop at one place to try some sugar cane.

5^th day (Wednesday): Shopping in main town area, visit of Market Place + trying of Mauritian food .

Walk through the main towns and bargain the Mauritian way for nice souvenir and gifts. Try the various typical Mauritian foods such as dal pouri, alouda and gato pimentsJ it’s also the only time that you will be allowed to shop the whole day. Walk through Mauritius biggest shopping complex to grab your souvenirs or witness the buildings that were here since the French and British colony.

6^th day (Thursday): Natural Bridge, the Whistler, the crying rock, Picnic at Gris Gris, Rochester falls

Another road trip on the Agenda. Embark on this breath taking trip to the southern part of the island. From the famous seven coloured earth to the natural water spring, everything is beautiful. We will stop at Gris Gris for a picnic the Mauritian way;)

7^th day (Friday): -Mahebourg waterfront, Snorkelling, South East Coast

Enjoy one of the best snorkelling places in Mauritius lagoon; the only preserve marine park!....Then drive along the scenic south east coast before heading back to the bungalow.

8^th day (Saturday): Hike in Le Gorge National Park from Petrin to Tamarind

Starting at Le Petrin, we will descend around 800m in altitude along a 10km trail to reach the Gorge national Park entrance. All along the way, you will get to see endemic plants and animals as well as beautiful scenery. When reaching down, you can relax yourself in the cool water and the most adventurous one can go for a jump.

9^th day (Sunday): Catamaran trip, See and swim with Dolphins, see Whales!

The must do activity! Board on a catamaran to one of the islet of Mauritius...Experience the thrill of being on a deserted island where the water is crystal clear and the beach is pure white...Be served with a bbq lunch on the island and snorkel with the fish. If you are lucky, you can even swim with the dolphins and see whales!

10^th day (Monday): Free and Easy

This is a free and easy day. It is suggested that you enjoy the beach at Flic en Flac, play some beach volley and try some quad biking where you can see deer crossing right in front of you.

11^th day (Tuesday): Port Louis

Still got some souvenirs to buy or some last minute shopping to do? Take this opportunity to go out and look for all the nice souvenirs you will bring back for your relatives and friends. Make sure you try the Mauritian food.

11 days already? Everything went so fast and it’s now time to pack up to go back. Make sure you make the most of your last day here by staying on the beach and watch the sunset. Time to say good bye and catch your flight back to Singapore, full of beautiful memories of your trip to Mauritius...

12th day:

Home, sweet home

*Some activities might be cancelled if there is bad weather. But they will be replaced by something equally excitingJ

Tioman Trip Extended !

2009-03-27T15:39:00.004+08:00

Due to popular demand, we have decided to add 10 more spots for the Tioman Free and Easy Tour (11th-13th May 2009)

Price : $179 (Quad-sharing Standard Chalet)

Other details will be the same as :
http://o-adventure.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-and-easy-tioman-island-tour-3d2n.html

Also note that our snorkelling session on the 2nd day will be from 9am to 4pm !!!!

E-mail me at wyap88-tioman@yahoo.com or william@nusmountaineering.com to make a booking.

Sign-up will end on 10st April 2009. If we are not able to get enough participants, the trip will not be extended.

2009 Overseas Trips!

2009-02-09T02:00:00.032+08:00

Early Bird Discount for some Trips have been extended!!!!
SOUTH AFRICA TRIP updated!!!

In 2008, we brought to you great trips from Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.

And this year, we're even more excited! Cos we have such a fantastic lineup of overseas holiday adventures lined up for you guys...

Marvellous Malaysia
Intriguing Indonesia
Voluptous Vietnam
Heavenly Himalayas
Jaw-dropping Japan
Incredible India
Magical Mauritius
and even... Stunning South Africa.

OOH... we're drooling already

Check them out below:

Mauritius: An Escape To Paradise (12D11N) 3 Vacancies left!!

India: Scenic Himalayas Soft Trek (14D13N) 3 Vacancies left!!

Indonesia: Mt. Rinjani + Senggigi + Gili Islands (8D7N) FULL

Japan: Mt Fuji Sunrise Trek + Tokyo Free & Easy (7D6N) FULL

India: Technical Mountaineering Course (25D24N) FULL

Vietnam: Off The Beaten Track (8D7N)

Malaysia: Tioman Free & Easy Island Tour (3D2N) EXTENDED ! 10 More Vacancies

South Africa: Experience the wild (8D6N) FULL

----drooling stops at this line-----------

South Africa- Experience the wild

2009-02-09T01:59:00.000+08:00

8DAYS/6NIGHTS MAURITIUS & CAPE TOWN
1 NIGHT MAURITIUS FREE & 5NIGHTS CAPETOWN
24th June – 01 July 2009

South Africa Trip- Experience the wild

Another very exotic trip brought to you by NUS Mountaineering Club. Be sure not to miss this one. Getting the very best of South Africa at an unbeatable price. From the table mountain, to the safari and to the winelands, you will always be on the move experiencing the unique culture of South Africa.

Wait no longer and sign up for this unique trip!

Package Includes(S$ 2,860):

Return airfare and airport tax
All meals and transport according to itinerary
Accommodation on a twin sharing basis

DAY 01 SINGAPORE - MAURITIUS MK643 1105 / 1405 (MOB/D)

WED Depart at Changi International Airport Terminal 1 and experience the nonstop caring service of Air Mauritius. Upon arrival, you will be met & greet by local handling agent & transferred to hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel (under Air Mauritius account)

DAY 02 MAURITIUS - CAPE TOWN MK843 0910 / 1315 (B/D)

THUR After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Meet & greet by local handling agent Thomson Gateways upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the day and dinner at Wang Thai Restaurant. Overnight at Capetonian Hotel or similar

DAY 03 CAPE TOWN - OSTRICH FARM + CITY TOUR (B/L-ostrich/D)

FRI After breakfast, proceed to the Cable Station where you will have the opportunity to reach the top of the world famous Table Mountain by cable car (if weather permits) Enjoy the crisp air and clear visibility as you savour what must be an experience of a lifetime. Thereafter, continue on to visit an Ostrich farm you will be taken on a guided tour to learn about the breading and ranching of these fascinating birds. An ostrich lunch will be served prior to your ostrich tour. Thereafter, continue on a city tour of Cape Town. Drive by the historical Malay Quarter, the Houses of Parliament, the City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope restored fort of Cape Town. Proceed for some shopping at Victoria & Alfred waterfront. Dinner will be served at Cape Town Fish Market restaurant. Overnight at Capetonian Hotel or similar.

DAY 04 CAPE TOWN - CAPE PENINSULA (B/L-lobster/D)

SAT After breakfast, depart for a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. This tour brings you to the Atlantic suburbs, ea Point, Clifton and Camps Bay to Hout Bay where you embark on a boat ride to Seal Island (if weather permits) Drive along the breathtaking scenic Chapman's Peak Drive - one of the most spectacle Marine drive of the world. Then proceed to Mineral World, a gemstone factory. A lobster lunch will then be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive along False Bay to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve before reaching Cape Point and ascend to the highest point. Continue the tour driving into Boulders Beach and see the penguins. Drive past Simon's Town an old naval base Muizenberg, Fish Hoek. Dinner will be served at Mr. Chan Restaurant (included one sliced abalone dish)

DAY 05 CAPE TOWN - SAFARI (B/L)

SUN After breakfast, leave early to the game lodge for a game drive. Just 90 mins scenic drive from Cape Town is the Aquila Private Game Reserve, home to 4 of the "Big Five" After welcoming refreshments, set off in a 2 to 3 hour game drive in a 4 x 4 vehicle with an experienced game ranger through he bio-diverse natural habitat of animals such as lion, hippo, buffalo, giraffe zebra, rhino, ostrich, baboon, warthog, springbok and many other species of wild animals. View some of the 172 species of birds in the reserve. Lunch will be served at the game reserve. After lunch, travel back to Cape Town. Dinner will be on your own arrangement tonight.
DAY 06 CAPE TOWN - WINELANDS (B/L/D)

MON After breakfast, proceed for some curio shopping at Green Market Square Flea Market. Proceed for a Winelands Tour. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up your wine cellar as you call on some of South Africa's foremost wine estate. This includes a visit to the city of Stellenbosch with backdrop of the Hollentots Holland Mountains, the white gabled Cape Dutch homesteads and the oak lined streets and lanes. Visit a wine estate for a cellar tour and wine tasting sessions. Lunch will be served at the winery. Thereafter proceed to Century City - Africa's largest shopping and entertainment Centre that was open in October 2000 and it has more than 400 shops. Century City is not just another shopping mall, from its breath taking architecture, design details and the sweep of its spacious malls, from the murals reflecting art through the ages to magnificent giant sculptures to the live and multimedia entertainment. Dinner is served in Taiwan City Restaurant

DAY 07 CAPE TOWN - JOHANNESBURG -MAURITIUS-SINGAPORE BA6406 0840 / 1040
(B/MOB) MK852 1315 / 1915
TUE MK646 2010 / 0945+1

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg with onward connection to Mauritius and Singapore.

DAY 08 SINGAPORE

WED Home sweet home

Technical Mountaineering Course in India

2009-02-09T01:10:00.002+08:00

Dates of travel: 10May - 4 June 2009
Price: $2300*
Contact: trips.mir@gmail.com

*Note that price quoted is subject to change due to airfare or any unforeseen circumstances

For those with little or no experience in technical climbing, the Himalaya Technical Mountaineering Course offers a solid base in theoretical and practical knowledge. From snow craft and ice craft to use of equipment, we have made sure the curriculum is a comprehensive introduction to the art of mountain climbing.
The mountaineering course will be run in the Beas Kund area of Himachal Pradesh. Our training ground will be the Beas Kund glacier. The base camp will be at Bhakarthach. During the 25-day program, you will learn the basics of ice and snow craft and how to use mountaineering equipment. At the end of the program, we will go summit a 5000+m peak. All participants on completion of their course will be awarded a certificate.

Course Objectives:
• Develop expedition travel and climbing skills.
• Develop confidence with load carrying, moving camps in mountains
• Cover all technical snow climbing skills necessary for climbing a major peak.
• Learn wilderness and glacier navigation skills
• Learn about climbing at high altitudes and proper acclimatization processes.

Curriculum:
- Use of ice axe
- Self-arrest techniques
- Techniques in ascending / descending snow slopes, types and use of snow anchors
- Use of Jumar and Ascending Knots.
- Roped climbing and belay systems
- Introduction of crampons, French cramponing and ice climbing
- Different types of ice anchors, protections and belay systems
- Glacier travel, crevasse rescue and evacuation
- Fixed rope routines
- Establishing high camps
- LNT (Leave no traces) practices

Cost Includes:
1.Camping Tents, Kitchen tents, Sleeping bags (Holofill) and Carry mats. All technical climbing gear.
2.Nutritious, high calorie food will be served.
3.Guide, cook and camp helpers until base camp.
4. Horses carry loads on the route until Base camp.
5. All instruction.
6. Transport between Delhi and Manali by Volvo bus.
7. Transport between Manali and Dhundi in Jeeps.
8. Hotel in Manali 2 days before the trip and 1 day on return.
9. Airport Pick up and Drop in Delhi.

Cost Excludes:
• Any expenses of personal nature like phone call etc
• Food in Delhi and Manali
• Hotel in Delhi.
• Sightseeing in Delhi.

Mt. Rinjani + Senggigi + Gili Islands

2009-02-08T23:59:00.010+08:00

Dates of travel: 11th - 18th May 2009
Price: $859 (FULL) !!!
Min 20pax, Max 24pax
Contact Evan @ 97304238 or trips.mir@gmail.com

*Note that price quoted is subject to change due to airfare or any unforeseen circumstances
*There is an additional $50 charge for non-students

4D3N Trek – Mt Rinjani

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Students will be trekking up the volcano with an arranged guide. Along the way, participants will get to see the spectacular Segara Anak crater lake and an oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak (also contains hot springs). The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone, Gunung Baru or Mountain New in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions haveentered the lake. Pparticipants will be trekking to visit the rim then to the summit.

John's Adventure
http://www.rinjanimaster.com/4d3nsummit.htm

break/lunch/dinner provided by John's Adventure
http://www.rinjanimaster.com/food.htm

Equipments provided by John's Adventure
http://www.rinjanimaster.com/gear.htm

1N Relax, Leisure – Senggigi

Senggigi is the main tourist strip of Lombok, stretched out along nearly 10 kilometers of beachfront just to the north of the capital Mataram. With interesting stalls along the beach, participants get to experience the modern kampong cultural.

2D1N Relax, Leisure – Gili Islands

The three Gili Islands are a small-scale backpacker mecca and Lombok's most popular tourist destination. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes playing reggae and serving up banana pancakes, and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace.

Hotel
Pondok Indah Hotel

Puri Senggigi Hotel

Sunrise Hotel

Itinerary
DAY 1 (11 May)

18.30pm
Arrive at Lombok airport. Transfer to Pondok Indah Hotel.

DAY 2 (12 May)

06.00am
After breakfast, trek guide will be picking the group up and transfer to Senaru. Trek guides briefly explain the route details, local cultural traditions, what you might see and safety procedures.

07.20am -12.15pm

The first hours of the trek climb steeply through thick tropical forests rice in flora, bird life and a variety of butterflies. You might see orchid and, if lucky, the rare black ebony leaf monkey, known locally as Lutung.

Do note that for safety purposes, the descent/ascent of Mt.Rinjani and will be weather permitting.

12.15pm – 14.00pm
Lunch

14.00pm – 17.00pm
Rest stops are taken along the way, and at Pos 2 Montong satas shelter (1,500m). Village stories and local legends are related by your guide. Features include the banyan tree Bunut Ngengkang that looks like someone standing with their legs apart, and the Batu Penyesalan stone. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the night’s camp is made in the forest at pos 3 Mondokon Lolak (2,000m) after about five hours climb from Senaru.
Camp - Dinner - Overnight.

DAY 3 (13 May)
02.00am

Trek up to the top of Rinjani to catch the beautiful sunrise.

02.15 - 09.15am
Trekking down to base camp

09.15am – 10.15am
Breakfast

10.30am – 13.00pm

After breakfast, down to the lake Segara Anak (2,000 m) within the Rinjani crater. The trek route in this point is steep and rocky. Your guide and porters will assist and give you extra attention. Mt. Baru (2,351m) is an island in the lake and an active volcano, last erupting dramatically in 1994. Going down the ridge passing numerous Edelweiss plants Bunga Abadi to the crater rim camp for a well-deserved lunch. It takes two to three hours down the steep trail to the crater lake and day 2’s camp.

14.00pm
The rest of the day is spent relaxing, swimming in the lake and exploring the pilgrimage hot springs, believed to have healing powers.

DAY 4 (14 May)

07.00am
Breakfast

08.15am – 12.00noon
After a well prepared breakfast, with the gentle ascent walking amidst the pine-like Casuarinas species locally known as Cemara, perhaps seeing evidence of wild pigs and the long-tailed grey macaque monkeys. Visit to Susu and Payung Cave.

12.00noon – 14.00pm
Lunch break

14.30pm – 17.00pm
Trek up to Senaru crate rim
O/N TENT

DAY 5 (15 May)

07.00am
Breakfast

08.00am – 11.30am
Resting at Pos 3 Pada Balong (1,800 m), enjoy a lunch break here. We reach Pos 2 Tengengean (1,500 m) to enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Rinjani summit (3,726 m).

12.00noon
Lunch

14.00pm – 17.30pm
Gentle walk continue through open grassland used as cattle grazing by local people to the Resting shelter at Pos 1 Pemantauan (1,300). The trek ends at Rinjani Information Center at the road head in Sembalun Lawang.
Check in at Pondok Indah Hotel

DAY 6 (16 May)

07.00am
Breakfast

08.00am – 12.00 noon
Soft Trek
Waterfall (sindang gile) and Waterfall 2 (Tiu Kelep)

Senaru’s best known attraction is the Sendang Gila waterfall which attracts many thousands of Indonesian and foreign visitors annually. Located at about 600m above sea level, the waterfall is an easy 20 minute walk down a graded trail and steps from Senaru Village, a pleasant alternative return route winds along the edge of the steep valley, following the irrigation canal. For the more adventurous, Senaru’s “second waterfall” Tiu Kelep is another hour’s walk upriver from Sendang Gila. The scramble over rocks through the tropical forest is rewarded by the beauty of the waterfall and a swim in its deep pool. It is said locally that every time you swim behind the main waterfall of Tiu Kelep you become a year younger!

14.00pm
Tranfser to Senggigi Beach
Check in at Puri Senggigi Hotel

DAY 7 (17 May)

07.00am
Breakfast

08.15am – 11.15am
Transfer to Gili islands
Check in at
Sunrise Hotel
FREE and EASY

Off the north-west coast of Lombok, about 20 kms North of Senggigi, can be found the trio of islands known as THE GILIS – Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. All have spectacular white sandy beaches, sparkling blue water and are encircled by beautiful coral reefs containing the very rare blue coral and thousands of species of marine life. Snorkellers and divers flock to these islands to indulge in an underwater fantasy.

Additional activity:

-Scuba dive (2xdive 50 USD)
Around the three Gili Islands in the North-West of Lombok (Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan) are more than 15 different dive spots and there are new reefs being explored all the time. Some of our spots are more suitable for advanced divers, but many are also suitable for beginners. Our experienced dive masters will always find the right spot for you

Do note that for safety purposes, snorkeling will be weather permitting.

-Island hopping (visit the other gilis + snorkeling trip 15 USD)
Gili Trawangan was the first island to attract visitors, with very simple rooms being built to cater for the demand mainly from divers. The coral around these islands offers some great snorkelling and dive trips to some excellent sites in deeper water are popular. Today, Trawangan has a range of small "losmens" or basic rooms with restaurant attached offering cheap, very simple lodgings, dotted along the east coast. Trawangan also has a number of good dive shops, some run by expatriates living on the island, so this is still the favoured island of divers, although the best snorkelling is found off the other islands. At night, Trawangan always has a party happening at one of the restaurant / bars to disrupt the tranquility. Generally this island attracts younger travellers and divers content with basic accommodation but still wanting some life. This island has a beautiful white beach, excellent coral including rare blue coral just offshore, and is very peaceful.

Gili Meno is the least developed of the islands, has a limited range of accommodation and eating places and is, therefore, less crowded – suitable for those who just wish to relax. It does have a picturesque salt lake and an excellent bird park with restaurant and bar. Snorkelling is excellent off the east coast. Diving or sightseeing boat trips are also possible from Meno. Electricity is available 24 hours but very unstable. The water system has not been installed to this island therefore most of cheap hotels use light salty water and only expensive hotels buy pure water from the main land but most. The boats from Lombok arrive at the E coast of the island. The accommodation is spread mainly to South (left as you land) and some to North.

Gili Air is closest to the mainland and its range of accommodation and restaurants is somewhere in between those on terrific Trawangan and those on mellow Meno. However, recent improvements in facilities have made it a better contender against its “rival” Trawangan. There’s good snorkelling, diving and glass-bottomed boat trips here too. Walking and cycling around the island are peaceful pastimes, but, if you want more excitement, enquire about the night parties and full-moon parties. Why don’t you join many others for a sunset drink on the beach somewhere on the Gilis soon? The white beach around Gili Air is quiet and deserted, and a romantic stroll round the island will take less than 45 minutes. If you really want to find peace, seclusion, and relaxation, this is the island for you.

DAY 8 (18 May)

07.00am – 10.00am
Breakfast
FREE and EASY

14.00am
Leave gili to Mataram Airport

RATES INCLUSIVE
- All Transports
- All Hotels
- Boat to Gili
- Mountain Guides
- Porters
- Trek gears
- Cooking gears
- Meals and Drinks (ON RINJAN TREK ONLY)
- National Park Fee Rp 150.000 per person

RATES EXCLUDED
- Porters tips
- Mask & snorkel
- Meals and Drinks during stay at Hotel

2009-02-08T23:07:00.032+08:00

Mt Fuji Sunrise track and Tokyo Free and Easy

Dates of travel: 19th - 26th July 2009
Price: $1985* FULL!
Non-Refundable Deposit: S$300
Bring a friend along and you will receive $100 off!
Max 15pax
Contact Suling @ 96364342 or trips.mir@gmail.com
*Note that price quoted is subject to change due to airfare or any unforeseen circumstances
*Promo price only for students. There is an additional $100 charge for non-students

Japan has always been a top tourist destination for tourists around the World. In this budget trip, we will be taking you to ascend the peak of Mt. Fuji (Japan’s highest dormant volcano), Savour the freshest Sashimi, and view the magnificent Sumida Fireworks festival held only once a year!

For a peak of 3776m, Mt. Fuji is comparatively easier to ascent than other peaks of the same height. No technical skills or previous experience is required, as most of the route would just be trekking up slopes. The view of the sun rising is also not to be missed, as it is guaranteed to take your breath away.

As we believe that all our participants have varying interests, we have come up with a flexible structured programme, where you are given lots of ‘Free and Easy’ time to explore the Fuji Five Lakes region, as well as the metropolitan Tokyo. Of course, if you would like, you could also take up our suggested itinerary (Designed to general preferences), or just Email Suling the types of places you would like to visit. Do note that all expenses under our suggested itinerary is not included in the price quoted above.

-Moderately Challenging: do not need participants to have any prior experience but encouraged to have basic level of fitness
-You're strongly encouraged to come for free “training excursions” for our participants! You can also make new friends there, or pick up one or two phrases of Japanese.
- Will need some basic cold clothing on Mt. Fuji

19th July (Sun)
0600h: Flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Narita Airport, Japan
Transfer to Tokyo station and then to Kawaguchiko station. Check into hostel. Free and Easy.

Kawaguchiko Station

20th July (Mon)
Free and Easy

Suggested Itinarary:

Lake Saiko/Kawaguchiko Day trip

0910 – Retro Bus from Kawaguchiko station
0950 – Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba: Visit historic Thatched roof houses. Demonstrations of crafts including silk and paper
1150 – Retro Bus to Fugaku Fuketsu
1159 – Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind caves. Both formed by lavas from a prehistoric eruption of Mt. Fuji
1424 – Retro Bus
1502 – Kawaguchi ko Lake, Kawaguchiko cable car up Mt.Tenjo
1730 – Back to Hostel

~~~~OR~~~~

Hakone Day trip

0730 – 0840 – Kawaguchiko to Gotemba
0900 – 0933 – Gotemba to Togendai
0945 – Togendai, scenic Lake Ashi cruise to Hakone Machi.
1100 - Bus to Miyanoshita (930yen)
1130 – Hot Spring (at Miyanoshita station)
1330 – Train to Gora
1400 – Gora station. Try out the famous gyoza at the Gyoza center. (200m from station)
1500 - Soun zan. Starting point from Hakone Ropeway/Tozan Cablecar to Togendai
1530 – Stop on the way at Owakudani (Owakudani Nature trail, 25min) (volcanic activity area)
1700 – Back to Togendai
1730 – Bus from Togendai to Gotemba
1900 – Gotemba to Kawaguchiko2030 – Kawaguchiko (hostel)

21st July (Tue)
Take a bus to Mt Fuji 5th station, Have lunch, and we will start our ascent. Arrive at the mountain hut that we are staying for the night by evening. Dinner and Sleep.

Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Winding path up, Red Torii (gate), at 3250m

22nd July (Wed)
Start our final ascent at 0200h. View the spectacular sunrise at the highest point of Japan. Enjoy a walk around the crater of Mt. Fuji, as well as the highest Weather station in Japan. (Crater walk optional). We will descent and reach Mt. Fuji 5th station in the early afternoon. Take a bus back to hostel. Free and Easy.

Waiting for the sunrise

First rays of sunlight

Crater walk

Weather Station

-----------------------------------------------------

Back up plan if whole ascent cancelled:

21st July (Tue)
Head down to Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu (retro bus) and hike to Eboshi san lookout (1.5hr climb) for a view of Mt.Fuji overlooking the Aokigahara-jukai (Sea of trees)

22nd July (Wed)
Either the Lake Saiko/Kawaguchiko Day trip or Hakone Day trip (whichever one we did not do on the 20th)

And refund of $100

------------------------------------------------------

23rd July (Thu)
Transfer from Kawaguchiko Station to Tokyo Station by Highway bus. Check in to hostel in the afternoon. Free and Easy

Suggested Itinerary:
1600 – Hie Jinja (Shrine) Walk up to the shrine in a magnificent tunnel of torii
1730 – Tokyo Tower
You can then visit Japan’s famous landmark: Tokyo Tower.
1930 – Visit Roppongi to take a look at the vibrant night life there.

24th July (Fri)
Free and Easy

Suggested Itinarary:
0600 – Tsukiji Fish Market {Fresh sushi}
Watch the exciting auctions carried out early at the Tsukiji Fish Market. It is a sashimi lover’s paradise, as after looking at all the gigantic Tuna, you can head down to one of the shops to savour the sashimi fresh from the sea.
0900 – Odaiba (Sight Seeing, shopping) Among the attractions of Odaiba are several shopping and entertainment centers, theme parks, museums and the futuristic architecture and city planning.
1400 – Ginza. Drop by Ginza, where the branded outlets are located, and savour some Monja-yaki (A traditional Japanese snack).
1600 – Akihabara (Electronics, anime, manga)
This is a must for all anime/manga and gaming fans. There is also a large variety of electronics there.

Octopus at Tsukichi Fish Market, Sushi Restaurant

Tokyo Tower, Staff advertising putside Akihabara Station

Gachapon and Naruto at Akihabara

25th July (Sat)
Free and Easy

Suggested Itinerary:
0900 – Meiji Shrine
1000 – Harajuku {Popular shopping area for Japanese youths. Cosplay on weekends}
Visit the Meiji Shrine, where you can see the giant wooden ‘torii’. Next, walk to the nearby Harajuku, which is a hotspot for punk and street wear. If you are lucky, you may even see some Cosplayers there.
1200 – Shibuya {Shopping, Hachiko Statue} or Shinjuku (‘CBD’ and ‘subnade’-underground street shopping and Metropolitan Government Building) Mandarake Nakano Head store
After that, you can choose to go to Shibuya or Shinjuku. You can see the faithful dog: the ‘Hackiko statue’ at Shibuya, or you can visit the Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku. Both areas are famous for shopping too.
1600 – Sumida Fireworks Festival
In the evening, go to the Sumida River to watch the magnificent Sumida Fireworks Festival held annually there.

Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya

26th July (Sun)
Free and Easy

Suggested Itinerary:
0900 – Asakusa Temple, Sensouji
1100 – Ameyoko (Shop and bargain at the same time!)

Asakusa

We will then meet back at Tokyo station in the early afternoon for our flight back to Singapore. We should reach Singapore around midnight.

Costs include:
All lodging
Airfare+Taxes and Fuel surcharge
Transportation between:
-Narita and Tokyo (one way)
-Tokyo and Kawaguchiko (two way)
-Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji 5th station (two way)

Costs does not include:
-All meals
-All personal transport not mentioned above
-Personal expenses
-Visa (if required)
-Insurance
-All the activities under ‘Suggested Itinerary’

Do note that for safety purposes, the ascent of Mt.Fuji will be weather permitting. The Sumida fireworks is also weather permitting.

2009-02-08T12:43:00.016+08:00

Free and Easy Tioman Island Tour (3D2N) FULL

Location : Paya Beach Resort
Date : 11 – 13 May 2009

Price: $159 incl. Coach (Paya Lodge) FULL !
Price : $179 incl. Coach(Quad-sharing Standard Chalet) 5 more places left
Rooms : Quad Sharing
Daily Buffet Breakfast, 1 Packed lunch, 2 Buffet dinner !!
For more info, contact : William at

Note :
1. Snorkeling equipment is not provided, you have to bring your own or rent at Tioman.
2. There is a RM5 (about S$2) Marine Park conservation fees per person.
3. You can also go fishing, diving and jungle trekking during your free & easy time there. I have not included it in the itinerary because not everyone will have the same interest. E-mail me for more info, you'll probably just sign-up and pay for it there.

Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1
6.30 am: Depart from Singapore by Coach
10.30am: Arrive at Mersing
11.00am: Ferry departure
1.00 pm: Arrive at Paya Beach Resort!
1.00 – 2.00 pm: Settle down
3. 00 – 6.00 pm: Hit the beach
6.00 – 8.00 pm: Dinner

Day 2
8.00 am : Breakfast
9.00 am - 1.30 pm : Snorkeling trip to Tulai and Renggis Islands and Maine
If I can get 20 person to come, the snorkeling trip will end at 4.00 pm instead ! That's super long snorkeling time !!!!

1.30-2.30 pm : Lunch & Clean up
3.00 – 6.00 pm : Free & Easy
6.00 – 8.00 pm : Dinner

Day 3
Before 12.00 : Free & Easy
12.00pm: Depart Tioman Island
6.00pm: Arrive at Singapore

Vietnam: Off The Beaten Track (8D7N)

2009-02-08T03:00:00.011+08:00

Contact Xieheng at 97473882 or trips.mir@gmail.com
Dates of travel: 16 June - 23 June 2009
Price: $800

* Price quoted is subject to change due to airfare or unforseen circumstances

There are only 2 types of people in the world: those who have been to vietnam, and those who are going to.

Vietnam, a country which defies description. Full of delicious contradictions and oozing charm, vietnam's stunning geography, varied cuisine, and down-to-earth people are all reasons to travel to this fast paced developing nation.

For those who have been to Vietnam before, perhaps you might have come away feeling jaded by the blatant tourist traps (aka Hoi An) and the breakneck speed of urban development (aka Ho Chi Minh City). This trip will be different. We aim to go off the beaten track (less tourists). You will witness a Vietnam steeped in tradition and culture, with just a hint of modernity creeping in to spice things up!

For those who have never visited Vietnam, prepare to be astounded.

In Brief:

Hanoi - twisting sidestreets, traditional cafes, careening motorbikes

Ha Giang - fantastic weather, terraced rice paddies, colourful ethnic minority tribes

Bai Tu Long Bay - soaring limestone karsts, clear blue water

In Detail:

Day 1 Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, we meet our guides for the next 7 days and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Hanoi / Quan Ba
We depart Hanoi and drive to Quan Ba District just 45 km away. The area is populated by Dao ethnic people and encircled by truly awesome remote forested mountains. We combine a long, but gentle hike (about 3 hours) with an opportunity to stay with a Dao family.

Day 3 Quan Ba / Dong Van
Ha Giang is one of the most remote provinces in North East Vietnam. The area is home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribe minorities. We have breakfast and depart our host. The beauty of the surroundings tempts us to follow the rugged trail setting off through verdant hills and tangled jungle growth. Eventually, the trail arrives at our vehicle. This is followed by a drive to the township of Dong Van, where we stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 4 Dong Van
Today we will have an easy day to discover the ancient street of Dong Van and some surroundings of the area. Dong Van or Rock High Land is the most remote area of the northen V ietnam with stunning landscapes will make your unforgettable memory.

Day 5 Dong Van / Meo Vac / Ha Giang
We take to the road for about 20 km drive, arriving in Meo Vac, an area far removed from everything industrial and loud. We find one of the few places in Vietnam that are blessed with unique landscapes featuring vast mountain complexes and spectacular valleys. In the afternoon we go to Ha Giang. The night is spent in a hotel in Ha Giang.

Day 6 Ha Giang / Hanoi
We depart Ha Giang at 8 a.m and embark on a route back to Hanoi. The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland and rugged mountains, we arrive in Hanoi at around 7pm. The night is spent in a hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7 Hanoi / Bai Tu Long Bay
Departing Hanoi we journey to Ha Long City. We follow its fertile road through flatlands of the delta flanked by endless green carpets of rice paddies. We then head north to Ha Long City. Shortly after lunch, we embark on a boat trip amongst some of the spectacular limestone peaks, we stop along the way to paddle our kayak around fishing communities – time to relax and appreciate the sublime beauty of the bay. On Van Don Island we enjoy a short transfer ride and stay overnight in a friendly and hospitable local family.

Day 8 Bai Tu Long Bay / Hanoi
Cai Rong is located in Bai Tu Long Bay. The island’s main assets comprise gorgeous beaches and lush jungle vegetation interspersed with patches of cultivated land. Local farmers plant seasonal crops on their own plots and make a living from fishing offshore and gathering ocean creatures! We cycle across the island and board our boat to explore some of the bay’s truly awesome scenery – vertical and unusual rocks and islets emerge from the sea. Weather permits, there will be an opportunity to climb aboard our kayak and swim in the clear waters. In the early afternoon we drive back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 6pm. Have dinner before travelling to Noi Bai airport for our plane home.

Cost includes:
Accomodation
Transportation
All meals (except for 1 lunch and 3 dinners in Hanoi free and easy)
Entrance fees and permits during guided excursions

Cost excludes:
Travel insurance
Drinks
Personal expenses
Admission fees during free time
Tips and gratuities