The Guangxi province: Adventure Guide to China’s Karst Paradise

WHEN?

December 2024 (Low Season)

Pros:

  • Far fewer tourists, which is priceless.

  • Significantly lower prices for hotels, scooter rentals, etc.

Cons:

  • Many attractions and services may be closed.

  • The weather can be gray, rainy, and cold.

WHERE?

 

Preparing for CHINA:

Essential Apps to Download:

  • Alipay (most important; very little cash is used in China).

  • Didi (China's version of Uber).

  • Maps.me (better than Google Maps, which is blocked).

  • Apple Maps (works without VPN).

  • WeChat (necessary for communication).

  • Trip.com (best for booking trains, hotels, and activities; also has a great map feature). I recommend booking everything through this app: trains, buses, hotels etc.

  • Baidu Translate (you just NEED it to communicate. Alsmot no one speals English)

Data & VPN:

  • Your home provider's data package may work, but it is often expensive.

  • Buying a SIM card online before arrival can be convenient.

  • Buying a SIM card in China is possible but not the easiest option.

  • Most Western apps (Google, Meta, etc.) are blocked, so a VPN (e.g., NordVPN) is highly recommended.

Payment & Visa Requirements:

  • Visa policies have changed, so check current rules for your nationality. Some travelers (e.g., French citizens) now get visa-free entry for 14 days.

  • Almost everything is paid via Alipay, even street vendors selling fruit for a few cents.

  • In general, China, especially the Guangxi region, is VERY cheap compared to occidental countries and to Hong Kong. We could have full dinners, with drinks, for 2-3 euros per person when we were in the countryside.

Traveling by Train in China:

  • Train tickets are linked to your passport or Chinese ID—no paper ticket is required if booking via Trip.com.

  • It is VERY easy, and prices are reasonable.

  • Trains may depart 1-2 minutes early, so arrive in advance.

  • Security checks for luggage—be mindful of restricted items.

  • Hot water dispensers are available on trains for tea, instant noodles, etc.


What to PACK?

For winter/dry season (December - February):

  • Warm clothes: Temperatures range from 5-15°C, and it gets chilly, especially in the evenings or when cycling/scootering.

  • Activewear: Perfect for hiking, cycling, and running, as the region offers fantastic outdoor activities.

  • Swimsuit: For a dip in the river, a spa, or natural hot springs.

  • Rain gear: The weather can be unpredictable.

  • Mosquito spray: Especially if visiting in warmer months.

  • Reusable water bottle

How to ARRIVE?

We went by train, all the way from Hong Kong. There are several itineraries; just have a look at Trip.com for what works for you. You can arrive by train at one of Guilin's three stations or at Yangshuo Station. However, note that Yangshuo Station is actually 45 min to 1 hour from the city center, while Guilin is about 1 hour 15 min to 1 hour 30 min away, making all arrival options quite similar in terms of convenience. Then, take a didi. Do not follow all the drivers harassing you when you arrive.

  • Depart from Kowloon West Station (arrive 45min -1 h early to clear customs/security checks).

  • Train ride to Guangzhou: Sit on the right side for great views, including the Canton Tower.

  • As we approached Yangshuo, the landscape transformed into stunning karst mountains.

  • Arrived at Yangshuo Station, booked a Didi (Alipay/Didi much cheaper than station taxis!!!).


WHERE to STAY?

Yangshuo / Guilin:

We highly recommend staying in Yangshuo. Guilin is a large city with little charm and is quite far from the most scenic spots. Nevertheless, we were craving for calm and Nature, but if you want more ambiance, you can still stay in Guilin’s old town; it has its charm.

We stayed at Eden Inn, recommended by a friend. At the time, it was run by a French owner, Eric, his Chinese wife, Sammie, and Limmin, a Chinese-Argentinian staff member, making communication easy in Chinese, French, and Spanish. They were incredibly welcoming, and we had dinner with them every evening, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. The hotel itself was decent, with super comfortable beds and a lively common area featuring darts, a pool table, and a well-stocked bar. The owners have changed, but you could still have a look!

Tonglin:

We stayed at 靖西椿萱居民宿. Highly recommended! Nested in the natural park, all new, super clean, close to the start of the hike, and the property manager was just adorable.


Nanning:

So many options on Trip.com…
We stayed at the Ufun Hotel (Nanning Mixc Convention and Exhibition Center), and I would recommend it! It is a good location to visit the city park, has a nice staff, and a great breakfast buffet.

What to EAT?

As a vegetarian, I had little hope and was ready to eat rice and rice. But you know what… I actually had a good surprise because there are a LOT of farms in Yanghsuo and XX and XX, so people mainly eat vegetarian. The main dish would have chicken or duck or fish, but then all around, they would have plates of vegetables and tofu, and it was delicious. If you eat dead animals, just ask the restaurant for the local recommendations.

In Yangshuo, all the restaurants on Eden Inn’s street were delicious and cheap, and the people were the most welcoming. You also have options with beautiful views all along the river!

Local beers and alcohols were fun to try, and so cheap.

In the main cities, it was way more difficult to find local restaurants with vegetarian options, but then almost all big cities would have a few fully vegetarian options. I even used Happy Cow.



YANGSHUO and GUILIN

I leave it to you to build your on itinary because it depends a lot on the activities you want to do, and the weather.


THE Li River by BikE

You could easily spend 2-3 days chilling around Yangshuo and Guilin

  • Rent bikes (or scooters)—cheap (~3-5€/day, depending on the season).

  • There is a gorgeous cycling route along the Li River.

  • There are a lot of cute cafes and restaurants all along the river

  • We spontaneously hiked to a flag-marked viewpoint—steep but worth it! You might see it on the road, haha, no idea where it was,

  • You could do some Bamboo Rafting

  • Fuli Bridge: just GORGEOUS

  • Yulong Bridge: beautiful too.


Other options, we did not have time:

  • Guilin: We just walked around one evening, but there seemed to be a few things to do around.

  • Moon Hill is a karst peak with a natural moon-shaped arch at the top. Short but steep hike, incredible views from the top. 

  • Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Much quieter and more beautiful than the Li River — float on a bamboo raft through stunning scenery. Magical and very peaceful. 

  • Longji Rice Terraces (day trip, ~2h away) Jaw-dropping stepped rice terraces carved into the mountains. Best in spring (water reflection) or autumn (golden harvest).


Caving, Stone Village, & Sunset Viewpoints

  • Try to wake up early!

  • Hire a private driver (your hotel will know someone). Didi is an option, but to have flexibility and be sure to find someone, we recommend the driver. 

  • Explored this huge “secret” Cave with Panso: 

The tour lasted 3-4 hours, highly recommended for adventure seekers (claustrophobic people should avoid!). It was MAGICAL. Involves climbing, narrow passages, and rappelling— thrilling!

  • Right after (same area), visit the Old Stone Village, an ancient, mystical site perfect for wandering.

  • Depending on what time it is, there is also a nice sunset viewpoint on the way. Or at least just stop for the view

The most famous cave in the area is the Reed Flute Cave, located 5 km northwest of downtown Guilin. It is a natural limestone cave. We did not do it, but it is more touristy (and easier!) than the one we did, but I super beautiful too. We did a lot of “tourist” caves in China, and it is always worth it!




TONGLIN

Take a train from Guilin to Nanning East (2 hours), then hire a private driver to Tonglin (via didi, or when in Yuangshuo, ask around or at your hotel, people “always know someone”. Do not hesitate to bargain).

Once there, usually your hotel will know drivers that can take you around.

The Tonglin Canyon is amazing. The centerpiece is a 188-meter-high waterfall that plunges into a deep pool, creating a mist-filled environment. It is the highest single-stage waterfall in Southeast Asia.The path trhough breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, and caves is super easy to follow, and it is back and forth. It takes easily half a day!

We also visited the Sandieling Waterfall, and there is a nice little loop/hike starting from the parking or waterfall.



DETIAN & MINGSHI

We hired a driver (ask at your hotel in Tonglin) for a full-day trip covering:

Detian Waterfall: spectacular border waterfall shared with Vietnam!

The Mingshi Scenic Area is less touristy and has amazing landscapes.

Back to Nanning’s Old Town. We stayed in Nanning for one night because of the timings of the trains. We explored Qingxiu Mountain Scenic Spot Zone Park in the morning before heading to Hong Kong. The park is HUGE and very beautiful.



Final Thoughts & Summary:

For a 1-week trip, I recommend:

  1. Yangshuo (3-4 days) – cycling, caving, stone village, rafting.

  2. Tonglin & Canyon (1-2 days).

  3. Detian & Mingshi Scenic Area (1-2 days).

  4. Nanning (only if you have to because of logistics) OR Shenzen & Departure.

Hope this helps plan your adventure!

Rote Island: A Hidden Gem for Surfers, Divers, and Beach Lovers

WHERE?

 


WHEN?

We were there in mid-July and the weather was perfect. Windy, but apparently it’s normal there. Regarding the waves, we had “ok” forecasts but small for t-land and almost no other spot was working.

Most of the tourists and surfers stay in Nemberala or a bit more south.

TIPS:

HOW TO REACH ROTE ISLAND?

GREAT question haha. NOT the easiest. There are a few options depending on where you are coming from (for example Australia has more options) but I’ll guide you if you come from Bali.

You need to take a flight Denpasar - Kupang with Lion Air. There are flights several days a week.

Then it already becomes tricking. You will land too late to grab the fast ferry so, OR you take a little flight with Susie Air, but you need to book super early + it’s another flight + it’s more expensive, OR you take the slow ferry.

The slow ferry boards at 3 pm (you take a grab from the airport to the slow ferry) and leaves at ??? haha. It’s officially 3:30 pm but we left at 4:30 pm. You should book the ticket online but it’s all in Indonesian so nice women at the ticket office helped us. About the trip: YES it was long BUT it was a great experience with the locals and a beautiful sunset. My tip: go to the very front on the second floor, at the very left or very right, to avoid the noise of the motor and the noise. Also, bring your own food if you are vegetarian/vegan, or you will just eat peanuts as I did haha.

Once you arrive in Pelabuhan, you still have a 2-hour drive until Nemberala… I know… Most of the hotels provide the shuttle so just go with it.

HOW TO LEAVE ROTE ISLAND?

Not that easy either...

The only way to catch a flight to Bali is to take a SUPER early flight with Susi Air, like 7 am (so you need to leave Nemberala at 4 am or the night before).

Another option is the Bahari Fast Ferry which departs Rote at 12 pm daily, reaching Kupang around 2 pm. You can book the tickets online. But THEN, you miss the flight and have to spend a night in Kupang. We did this and booked a hotel by the ocean, not too far from the airport, to enjoy the last sunset and pool time. You will find a few hotels on all the booking platforms. We stayed at Kristal because there was a huge discount for last-minute bookings on Booking.com and it was ok.

WHAT TO PACK?

  • Your surfboard! It is not that easy to rent there so if your goal is to surf, bring your own. Maybe if you have a layover in Bali, buy a board and a bag there and then take it back home after the trip. Ironically we did not do this for many reasons but stayed at Surf and Dive Rote where we had access to board, but nothing really short/performance.

  • Books, games, painting… anything to just chill and relax

  • Everything to protect you from the sun

  • Your snorkeling equipment and anything you need for some beach time

  • Why not your running/hiking shoes/gear


WHERE TO STAY?

If your main goal is to surf, take a hotel with a free shuttle to T-land and potentially other spots.

We stayed at Surf and Dive Rte (Anugerah) and we had a premium location, boat shuttles to t-land and squealers, the option to rent boards, breakfast included, or a full pension. We had a super cute bungalow. The vibe at the hotel was just AMAZING. The staff is adorable and there was a super friendly spirit between the guests. The pool is so relaxing, that have a spa and a relaxing space/bar facing the ocean and T-land. It is super kids-friendly too.


WHAT TO DO?


Surfing:

This is why Rote became touristic: the surf spots- T-land is the most famous one and then surfing blogs will recommend you a few more spots. YES, T-land is an INSANE wave, but the days it was an “empty” wave are gone. The week we were there, between 30 and 50 people in the water, and a super high level. You have to be well-placed, super reactive, and not scared of the reef right below you. So no need to say: it was NOT my level. I tried again and again and I could have had some waves but I was never the first one on it (I could not go all the way up on the lineup because the take-off is super fast, on the reef). To be honest, I did not feel it was worth it to travel that far for this spot…

Squealers is supposed to be a spot for beginners but it’s still on the reef and when we were there it was not working.


DIVING:

Beautiful reefs! Such an impressive cover of soft and hard corals. Not a lot of “big animals”, but a lot of cute fishes. We went with Rote Dive Adventure and it was a great experience! There is a manta cleaning station so you have hope to see one (we did not) and some opportunities to see a shark (we did see a white tip reef shark!).
Here is Mike’s number to go diving: +6281353343993

Exploring the island BY SCOOTER:

I just LOVED exploring the island by scooter. We did not go that far and only explored around Nemberala, but it was already so beautiful and virgin. We were ALONE on dream beaches. The locals are also adorable and all the kids are so happy to see you that they cheer you everywhere you go, come to say hi and ask for pictures.

Here are some of our favorite spots, but especially north of Nemberala, it’s more the drive and going through the villages that are the highlights:

  • Teluk Boa: maybe my favorite beach here!

  • Lifulada Beach: just gorgeous. great for swimming/snorkeling

  • Bo’a beach: beautiful beach and also a surf spot. The VERY fancy hotel is trying to privatize the beach (I know…) so just access by the public access (ask the locals if needed)

  • Pantai Loedi: beautiful long white sand beach

  • Pantai oelolot: I really like this spot. The sand is like golden, it is NOT a tourist spot, and you have some mangroves

  • Pantai Tongga: The villages around are nice to drive through!

  • Telaga Nirwana: It seemed amazing but we did not have time to go unfortunately

Relaxing and watching the sunset:

According to me, Rote island and the Nembarala area are just THE spots to relax, read, go snorkeling, and have a drink at sunset. The sunset is just gorgeous every night, everywhere, so just make sure to head to the beach then.

Here are a few hotels to relax at:

  • Eliana Hotel: This new hotel on the island (opened in June 2024) so at the moment no minimum spend to enjoy the place and the pool. We had lunch and then enjoyed a coffee by the pool. Super relaxing place and what a beautiful place.

  • Seed: GORGEOUS spot for a sunset, and they have happy hours (“buy one get one free” every day on a great selection of cocktails.

  • 81 Palms: what a luxurious an relaxing spot. Best wine on the island.

WHERE TO EAT?

  • 81 Palms: delicious food. The chef is Spanish so you will have the option to enjoy some Spanish specialists in case you want a break from Indonesian food. They can make a DELICIOUS vegetarian paella, for a minimum of 2 people, and you need to order before. They are also the only spot where I had good wine. The cheesecake and the moelleux au chocolot are also insane.

  • Indika Health Store: yep… another “Bobo/hipster” place but it is super cute… Yes, the prices are higher than other options, but the food is really nice. I loved this spot and they have homemade bread and delicious banana bread.

  • Shipwreck Bar: one of my favorite spots, even if they have bad notes on Google. The view is gorgeous, the food is super simple but good, they have a lot of veggie options and the prices are the lowest ones for an ocean-facing spot.

  • The Pasar: unfortunately we did not get to go but we heard great things about it, and apparently it’s the best coffee on the island.

  • Seed: GORGEOUS spot for a sunset, and they have happy hours (“buy one get one free” every day on a great selection of cocktails. The restaurant is also super nice with some veggie options. They also have a pizza night with “buy one get one free”!

  • Nembarala Beah Resort: They have the famous “Taco Tuesday” and it seems like all the island is meeting there, BUT they only have fish or meet as an option so we did not go.

Did you surf today? A week at Cari Surf Bali.

WHEN?

I joined Cari Surf Bali in October 2024 and I have to say the weather was just perfect (yes warm, but we all also come to Bali for the sun!) and the surf conditions were great, even too good! Some days it was even too big to go in.


WHERE?

The surf camp is located in the Padang-Padang / Bingin Area. The location is super practical for going surfing all along the west coast of the peninsula (Uluwatu / Padang / Impossible / Bingin / Dreamland / Balangan etc

You are within walking distance of one of the main streets with restaurants, shops, massages, the famous Drifters, etc

 


WHAT TO PACK?

Let’s focus on what you would need at the camp or to chill around the Uluwatu area. This is not a list for a full trip to Bali and its surroundings.

  • Surfboard/leash or you can rent at the camp

  • Sun protection for when you go surfing! Super important. Hat, zinc, sunscreen, long sleeves, etc. The surf camp can also provide a long-sleeve lycra (you can also buy their branded one, it looks great!)

  • In general, anything to protect yourself from the sun

  • Beach/pool outfits

  • Light clothes for the day

  • Long light clothes for the evening (mosquitoes) or AC places or the sun

  • Anti-mosquitoes sprays, cream, etc

  • Anything vitamins/supplements is expensive in Bali so bring your own

  • The general pharmacy kit and add extra against the “Bali Belly”. Almost everyone I know got tit after 4-6 days


THE VIBE AT THE CAMP

It is a beautiful, quiet and relaxing camp. You are not on the main road so you feel like in a little bubble. The pool area is a perfect place to relax, tan, read, train, or nap!

The rooms are spacious, I really like the decoration touches, the beds are SO comfy, and the bathroom is super nice. I could have stayed hours in those rooms. I was staying in a private room but I also only heard good things about the shared ones and the dorm area.

Since the pricing of the surf camp is not mid/high-level, the age group would range mainly between 30-40yo so I have to say it was perfect for me because I did not want to end up in a huge surf camp where the main vibe was partying. The room was a great space to remote work and when I needed some “social” time I could just go by the pool or at the restaurant.

A minute for the food!
There is a restaurant in the surf camp and you can order all day long. If you have a package (lessons or guiding), the breakfast is included and it’s delicious! I would usually take it once back from surfing or in between sessions and it’s a lot! You can choose between a main plate, then yogurt/fruits or veggies/hummus as a side, and juice. I love it all to be honest! There are a lot of veggie options and they can adapt those options for vegan.


THE SURFING

On their website, they have a surf-level guide. Choose yours, and then just follow the team ;) That’s what I love about surf camps: not having to worry about the conditions, the spots, the transport, and not to surf alone.

The surfing board

Every afternoon/evening you would get the info for the next day and know when to get ready!

I was level 3 and we had some AMAZING at Middles / Second Middles / Uluwatu and Temple. We went to so many spots in a week, it was great for me to discover new places with the guidances of the coaches.

During the week you also have review video sessions and once a week, a surf technique session.


THE ACTIVITIES:

All week long, the team organizes activities: yoga (the teacher, Tammie, is GREAT) Sunday sunset night at Uluwatu, barbecue (vegan/veggie options available), sunset drinks, and family dinner! It helps to create great cohesion between all the surf groups. I know some of them also went partying after some of the activities, so you can also find this vibe if you want a rest day from surfing haha.

I hope you will enjoy and relax as much as I did. This way to book: https://carisurf.com/

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me. The Cari team is also super reactive and helpful via WhatsApp: +62 818-0511-5045.


Amed, Bali: dive, relax and drink good coffee

WHERE?

 

WHEN?

We stayed in Amed for almost all of June 2024. The weather was warm but just perfect. Amed is protected from the rain by the mountains and is one of the dryest places on the island so we had nice weather almost all month


TIPS:


WHAT TO PACK?

  • snorkeling equipment (you can also rent it once there if needed)

  • go pro / underwater camera

  • sunscreen / sun glasses / anything to protect you from the sun

  • all the beach equipment

  • hiking equipment


ARRIVING / LEAVING AMED:

To go to Amed, just take a grab, it is super easy and way cheaper

But to come back from Amed, the village does not welcome pick-ups from Grab, they want to protect the drivers’ community. I recommend going with Kadek, he is super nice! Tell him you come from me and you should get a price of 600K back to Denpasar/kuta => +62 812-3742-9596

On the way there and/or on the way back, make sure to stop by:

  • Tirta Gangga: beautiful water temple. Great at daytime but also beautiful with the sunset lights and then you see it illuminated at night!

  • Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple: For this one, I would say that it is not necessarily worth the detour because it is SUPER touristic, and hours of queue for the famous pic in the door. BUT I highly recommend going if you also do the Eight Temples hike (see section hiking below)

  • Berina Rice Terrace: what a scenic view! you also have a coffee to relax and enjoy the green scenery.


RENT A SCOOTER:

Message Yosa, she is adorable and so efficient/reactive: +62 877-0171-6947
Driving in Amed is super easy and safe, it’s literally one road and they just redid it a few months ago! As usual: please wear a helmet and be careful.

WHERE TO STAY?

We stayed at Serenia Villas in Melasti. I loved Melasti because it’s way calmer and we were so close to the ocean, Also, the villa was super comfy and the staff was super nice. It might be a bit pricey but we had a great offer since they are still new. Here is the Whatsapp: +62 819-1603-7831

Anyway, you have a lot of options. I loved Melasti because it was quiet and more “communal”, but you could also stay on the main road by Amed beach, or find something more in the mountains with a view. You have for every taste and every budget.

For a great location and good prices, I got recommended Pondok Aldi, and you are next to Fresh Fins (dive center) and Blue Earth Village (yoga).

If you are really into yoga and want to practice regularly during your stay, then have a look at Blue Earth Village

WHAT TO DO?


DIVING:

This is THE activity in Amed and you will understand why. The
I fully recommend going with Fresh Fins Diving. The team is just adorable and super qualified. The center is beautiful and they deliver a great service. Message Christie from me and enjoy!
=> +62 812-3706-4983


SNORKELING:

Amed is amazing for snorkeling! You can snorkel right in front of the beach in most spots! At most of the spots, you can also go closer to the beaches’ extremities and find the “walls” but be careful of the tide and the currents. Almost everywhere you can also go to one of the local fishermen and pay for a snorkeling tour. They will drop you to all the famous spots!

My favorite spots just around the corner are:

YOGA / MUAY THAI / HIKING:

Surprisingly, there are not many yoga studios in Amed! I was really surprised. I ended up always going to Blue Earth Village. The shala is just insanely beautiful, they have a yoga class in the morning and at sunset. The planning and prices are online and it is super easy to book online or via WhatsApp. I highly recommend Michelle’s classes. They also have a beautiful gym and a pool to swim and learn free diving.

I also joined a few circuit/cardio and Muay Thai sessions at CG Amed. I LOVED the classes. Same, you can book on the spot and they have package options.

Amed is surrounded by volcanoes so if you are motivated to drive, I am sure you can find insane hikes! Our full priority was diving so we only explored the options close and this is what we did:

  • The 8 temples hikes in Lempuyang. Just gorgeous but challenging because it’s thousands of steps! The start is touristic because the first temple is one of the most famous Instagram spots. So you need to park with all the tourists, pay the shuttle to go to the first temple (here, up to you to enter, I would say it is NOT worth it) and then ask a local motorbike to take you to the beginning of the hike, for like 10-20K (1euro max). See the image attached. Then the hike starts and you will pass by 7 other temples, it’s a loop. At the last temple on the top, ask if you can join a benediction.

  • Jemeluk Hill: also a stiff start! Nice option for a hike starting right in the city center. You also have a beautiful view over Amed, and see how people live once you leave the main road.

MASSAGE ANd BEAUTY TREATMENTS:

Many options in town! My favorite one is Island Girls by far. Message Morgane to book your treatment => +62 819-1720-4725
I also tried XXX and it was nice but then I kept on going back to Island Girls.


WHERE TO EAT / GO FOR COFFEE / HAVE A DRINK:

  • Galanga: maybe the best food/flavors out there. Just delicious. Ask to be in the garden in the little cabanas

  • Rimba Cafe: “new” spot in tow, same owners as Galanga. Super nice spot, BEST COFFEE in town, and delicious patisseries

  • Blue Earth: maybe my favorite view in Amed. SO relaxing, and they have a lot of vegan/veggie options.

  • One Way Expresso: Not the best “decor” but the food is really good! I highly recommend the fried vegan sushi taco (sounds weird but it’s DELICIOUS)

  • Good Stuff Cafe: The latest “cute place to go”. They work on reducing plastics, on having sustainable practices, etc. Nice spot to remote work and the team is just adorable. They are super nice.

  • Sunset Point is the cliché/tourist spot, but I have to say it is a nice spot for sunset haha. There is a minimum spend of IDR 125000 but then you have a budget of IDR 125000 to spend so it’s nice. Take the time to go and enjoy the place before sunset. They have a lot of live music too.

  • St Bernard Coffee: I liked the tables outside with the view over the rice fields. Not the best food though and not that many veggie options

  • MD Amed Cafe: We just went for a drink and the view from the terrasse upstairs is magical

  • Natnat Thai Comfort Food: the name says it all! Good pad Thai and a lot of veggie options

  • See you again and Joli best view are also great spots for sunset


A long weekend in Singapore

WHERE?

 

WHEN?

We went in July but it was also raining, so check the seasons but I guess you should just get ready for heat and rain anyway.


WHAT TO PACK?

  • good shoes! Be ready to walk a lot.

  • something for the rain

  • something to cover up with all the AC

  • sports close to go for a hike, a run or a yoga session in a park


TIPS:

  • Make sure you see the waterfall at the airport! SO impressive. It starts at like 8am and ends at 10pm.

  • They have Grab in Singapore (like Uber), so it’s the best option to move around, especially from/to the airport

  • The metro is also super convenient and you can pay directly by tapping your card or your phone at the entrance and exit

  • Have a look at the latest info about specific shows and festivals because a lot happens every day and you could find some great (and maybe free) activities to join!


WHAT TO DO

Marina Bay: this is the most famous/touristic area and there are a LOT of things to see! It’s not the best for food options though, or always so packed, so I would not eat around there.

  • Gardens by the Bay might be the most impressive thing in Singapore, do not miss out! It’s huge so I would say block a good half day at least or do it in 2 times. It’s also a great option for a run. You can book a LOT of options for tickets, but it is pricey. Book online before. I highly recommend at least the Cloud Forest and definitely go to the lights and music show at night, “Garden Rhapsody”

  • The Merlion: icon of the city

  • Walk all along the waterfront promenade

  • Join “Spectra - A lights and water show”, a FREE show, every day! Times are on Google Maps or the website

  • Do go to Marina Bay Sands at least to see the architecture. If you want to get a drink on top or go to the panoramic deck, you need to book online

Chinatown: I would say just walk around and enjoy

Arab district: I love that district and the colorful streets.

Little India: super cute district to walk around

Boat Quay: super cute spot to have food or a drink, you can even take a cruise on the river!

In between: those are other places/spots you could be interested in.

  • CHIJMES: A former convent & school, this 19th-century structure now houses restaurants, bars & event space.

  • St Andrew's Cathedral: main cathedral in the city center

  • Fort Canning Park: his grassy hilltop park hosts events such as concerts & plays.

Museums: Singapore is also known for all its museums and interactive experiences. We did not have time to explore those but have a look online for all the options!

Street art tour: so much street art in Singapore! Have a look online for a walking tour

Henderson Waves: I loved this walk! Great option for a run too

I did not get to go but it was recommended by locals:

WHERE TO STAY:

We stayed at the Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, right in the middle of Chinatown! The location is perfect, the rooms are modern/artsy and the pool is huge, with a rooftop and a great vibe. They also have a yoga deck.

WHERE TO EAT:

So many options! A lot of vegan/veggie places.

  • My favorite one: Yi Xin Vegetarian, a fully vegan Chinese restaurant

  • Pass by Lau Pa Sat, it’s the most famous food market and it is worth seeing


Yoga and Hiking Retreat in Greece

WHERE?

I joined the Nefeli Nine retreat, a 45-minute / 1-hour drive from the Athens Airport, in a beautiful villa by the sea. I would recommend subscribing to their Newsletter to learn about their retreats and to receive their latest articles (especially the vegetarian recipes!).

 

WHEN?

I went the last week of April and I have to say the weather was just perfect. A bit chilly in the morning and evening, but it was almost nice! The water was too cold for me, but I am the worst with cold water haha.

WHAT TO BRING?

Steph sends you a list of what you should bring:

  • Backpack

  • Hiking trousers or shorts

  • Water-proof jacket with hood

  • Hiking socks

  • Lightweight hiking shoes (MUST be worn in!)

  • At least two changes of exercise clothing

  • Very casual evening clothes.

  • Water bottle

  • Hat to protect you from sun, and sunglasses

  • Plenty of t-shirts

  • A jumper and a warm jacket for the evening

  • Swimming suit

I would add:

  • book, painting, a journal, anything to relax in the afternoon

  • Quies maybe for the night to sleep without hearing others in the house

  • your camera

You will also receive a nice welcome package and when it comes to sunscreens, soap, shampoo, insect repellents, after-sun, etc, you are covered!

THE YOGA

Our teacher was Eirini. She also gives classes online.

We would start the day with a yoga session to prep the body for the day. A mix of stretching, functional movement, and core. In the evening it would be a relaxing class. Each day we would focus on a specific section of the body. Eirini would always make sure to integrate breathing and some explanations. ALL levels are welcome, especially beginners.


THE HIKING

The diversity of the hikes was just perfect. All levels are welcome, it was never really challenging. Very relaxed and beautiful. I was also in love with all the flowers and birds we saw. We even saw turtles! Thanks to our guide Archelaos, we learnt so much about plants and flowers, I loved it.

Day 1: Rhamnous Archaeological Site

What a beautiful spot! You can really feel the vibe of the ancient city, and the views are precious.

Day 2: Penteli Marble Quarry

Impressive! The marble of the Parthenon comes from there. A real jump in the history of the greek architecture.

Day 3: Villa Nefeli to Moraitis Beach

It is so nice to leave from the villa! We walked along the coastline (so beautiful) and ended up along Schinias Beach. I just love going into the water after a hike. We had a great lunch at Moraitis Beach, the perfect spot to chill all-day long.

Day 4: Trail from Farmamoo to Rapentosa

There was a special vibe during this hike. You feel like protected by the mountains, and the views are amazing. We also passed by a waterfall, such a peaceful spot. Then we had lunch at Farmamoo, an adorable farm with animals and so many flowers!

Day 5: Coastal walk - Micro Sesi Beach to Limnionas

Maybe my favorite one when it comes to the views, because you walk within the olive trees, and pass by some breathtaking beaches, with turquoise waters. We ended the hike with a jump in the Mediterranean Sea and lunch with a view at the Fish Tavern Sesi.


THE FOOD:

I almost started with this haha. The food is just amazing. It’s 95% all vegetarian and Steph accommodates vegan, gluten-free, etc. She chooses local products and every day you discover a new delicious recipe. You can find most of the recipes on her blog.

Some days, we would also have lunch outside and we would always end up in an adorable and local spot. I would definitely recommend those spots:

  • Moraitis Beach: a perfect spot to chill on the beach, have good/healthy food, rent a paddle etc

  • Farmamoo: what a peaceful space, PERFECT for children

  • Fish Tavern Sesi: the spot is great and they have veggie/vegan options. Please spare the poor calamari, shrimps, etc

A special thank you to the entire team ay Nefeli! Especially:

Have a look at the official website of the retreat!

Athens and its surroundings

WHERE?

 

WHEN?

I went in mid-April and the weather was perfect! I know you should avoid August because of the temperature and the crowd. The best months are April-May and September-October

WHAT TO PACK?

  • Good shoes

  • Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen

  • A bag that closed well. Be aware of pickpockets

  • A reusable water bottle

  • A book, something to draw, anything to just chill if you want to take the time

  • Beach equipment: swimsuit, towel, if you have a wetsuit may be a good idea, snorkeling kit

  • I always recommend to take your running gear

TIPS:

  • Take some cash, a lot of places are only cash, some taxis do not accept cards, and for public transport, it’s easier

  • Outside of Athens, the best is to rent a car. Uber/taxis are an option but it is not that easy outside of the main cities.


WHAT TO DO?

Athens in 1-2 days:

Have a look at my blog article “A day in Athens”

1 hour car drive:


Lake Vouliagmeni:

For a relaxing day. The lake enjoys a delightful climate, with water temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29°C throughout the year. It is a bit expensive( €16 on weekdays, €19 on weekends) so I would say go to spend the day, read, swim, and relax. Ideally, avoid the weekend.

Temple of Poseidon:

Beautiful! I would go around lunchtime, have a bite, relax, and swim on Paralia Souniou, then have a coffee at the Naos Cafe. After this, enjoy the afternoon lights and the sunset at the temple. You can have a nice walk around with a lot of flowers once you enter the premises. Same, ideally avoid the weekend. To go there, you can grab a taxi (super expensive), a private tour (expensive), one of the bus options, or public transport (the last one leaves at 20h the temple so you might miss the sunset). Make sure to check the timetable. To book a cab once there is almost impossible.

The East Coast / 1-2 hours car drive:

Anavyssos

A beautiful walk along the coast and a gorgeous beach! I could not find the name but it is so peaceful and perfect for a swim! There is a panoramic view from the Agios Nikolaos Chapel.

I highly recommend staying at Lida Garden, it was so beautiful and peaceful and Penelope is just adorable.

THE Rhamnous Archaeological Site

What a beautiful spot! You can really feel the vibe of the ancient city, and the views are precious.

The Penteli Marble Quarry

Impressive! The marble of the Parthenon comes from there. A real jump in the history of the greek architecture.

SHINIAS Beach

A perfect spot to relax and swim all day. Have lunch, chill, and rent paddle boards at Moraitis Beach.

Trail from Farmamoo to Rapentosa

There was a special vibe during this hike. You feel like protected by the mountains, and the views are amazing. You also pass by a waterfall, such a peaceful spot. Then have lunch at Farmamoo, an adorable farm with animals and so many flowers!

The Ambracian Gulf / 3-4 hours drive North-West

With some friends, we went to the Ambracian Gulf, and it was gorgeous!

We stayed in the adorable village of Vonitsa, at the SeaFront Stone Suites. You have a lot of restaurants in the village or by the gulf, you have a beautiful Venetian Castle and you can rent boats to explore the gulf. We met with the iSea team for a boat tour to see dolphins, turtles, rays, Albatros, Cormoran, etc! Magical.

We also went for dinner to Preveza, and it was adorable! I would go to spend the day.

What about a yoga and hiking retreat?

Have a look at my blog article “Yoga and hiking retreat in Greece” with Nefeli Nine.

Other:

I did not have time but if I had added a few days more I would have headed to:

  • Meteroa: it looks magical

  • Mount Olympus National Park: what an iconic place and ideally you can climb it!

  • There are so many hiking options in the region! If you want more info, I recommend contacting Stephanie, she organizes Yoga and Hiking retreats but also private tours, including thinking ones!
    Email: Steph@NefeliNine.com
    Call: +30 697 418 4632

  • For sure: the islands. For 1-3 days, I am not sure you should add a flight, there are options accessible by ferry. The easiest one is Aegina, but if you have at least 2 full days, I would head to Hydra. You can also do island hopping for the day, but it’s expensive and intense.

Some nice spots to have food and chill:

  • Moraitis Beach: a perfect spot to chill on the beach, have good/healthy food, rent a paddle, etc

  • Farmamoo: what a peaceful space, PERFECT for children

  • Fish Tavern Sesi: the spot is great and they have veggie/vegan options. Please spare the poor calamari, shrimps, etc

If you are looking for someone to organize a private tour for you and your friends/family, reach out to Steph!
Email: Steph@NefeliNine.com
Call: +30 697 418 4632

The Azores - Sao Miguel

 

WHERE?

Sao Miguel, in The Azores, an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic and an autonomous region of Portugal.

WHEN?

It rains A LOT in The Azores, that’s why it is so green and beautiful. The “less rainy” season is June-July-August. We went for 5 weeks in July/August and the weather was great. Raining a little every 2 days but completely ok. Be careful, there are not a lot of hotels/Airbnb and car rentals on the different islands so everything was booked! We looked at it 2 weeks before leaving and we found nothing! We ended up reaching out to contacts of contacts and staying with local people. So book in advance everything you can.

TIPS

ACCESS:

If you are lucky, by boat!
Or by plane. Most of the connections pass by Lisboa but you also have direct flights from the US and from Canada! More flights from Europe during the high season too.

RENT A CAR:

You have official renting companies everywhere. The most famous one is Ilha Verde. We never went through them because we went during high season and everything was just fully booked or insanely expensive. So we rented via a friend, please email me if you want his contact.

Where to stay:

As I wrote above, in June-July-August, many places are fully booked (a bit less in Sao Miguel), so make your reservations in advance.

Everyone says that the best way to explore the Azores is by camping. Indeed, all around the island, you have gorgeous campings that are super well-equipped (we were remote working and had our surfboards so we did not choose this option)

We rented a flat via a particular (please email/text me for his contact) in Rabo do Peixe. Brand new, 2 rooms, 1 bathroom, great kitchen, living room, backward terrasse. You even see the ocean from the bedrooms. 50 euros/night which is a great price!

Other than that you can stay anywhere on the island, depending on what you are looking for and if you have a car. Ponta Delgada is packed but practical. Santa Barbara is the best for surfing. Then mainly places and villages are super quiet. Up to you and there are many Airbnb.

Where to eat:

All around the island you will find local restaurants and “chiringuitos”. Here is just a simple selection:

  • Louvre Michaelense: my favorite one on the island haha. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and many veggie options

  • Sunset Poço da Pedra: what a spot for sunset! Surprisingly, great choice of food and cocktails (so cheap) and veggie options! We had the burger and it was really good.

  • Santo Seitan: it was closed when we wanted to do it but it’s all veggie and friends went and said it was really good.

  • Solar Branco: seems amazing but we did not have the time or budget haha

What to bring:

  • Hiking gear

  • Swimming and Snorkeling gear

  • Swimsuit and towel for the thermal baths

  • Sun protection: sunglasses, cap, sun cream etc

  • Surfing gear is it’s in your plans

  • A waterproof light jacket (it rains a bit every day)

  • Something warm for the evening

  • Cables to charge your phone in the car

ACTIVITIES


Diving: We went diving with Best Spots Azores. They were super nice and professional. They have all kinds of dives for all levels. We did 2 dives around Ilheu de Vila and then we had the chance to join them for a dive with Mobula near Santa Maria (2h + 2h boat back and forth to go to the spot though). The dive with Mobulas was magical and we saw many cetaceans on the way. Highly recommended once in your life at least!  Here is Bruno’s phone number: +351963469932. Tell him you come from me ;)

Natural pools:

Beaches:

Explore Ilheu da Vila by kayak. You can rent them here in Vila Franca

Visit the Tea plantations. You have 2 options: Tea Porto Formoso and Gorreana Tea Factory
We visited Gorreana and it was great! It is free, you can explore by yourself or ask for a guide. You can test all the teas for free and there is also a gorgeous terrasse with a cafe. At last, there is a trail in the tea plantations. So beautiful. Highly recommended.

Relax in the thermal waters. So many options in Furnas. We went to Poça da Dona Beija. You have to pay and it was packed but still, it was a great experience and relaxing. It’s sulfate though, so be ready for the smell!

You can do canyoning in different places. One of them is Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões.

Paragliding, ideally in Sete Cidades!

Viewpoints/Hikes: Have a look at the “All-trails” app to see all the hikes on the island!

Watch the sunset:

  • Just explore any spot on the west side of the island or elevated enough ^^ SO many options

  • Mosteiros is the safest option

  • For a beautiful viewpoint with sunset lights (you do not see the sun setting in the ocean), go to Miradouro das Pedras Negras so you have a view of the elephant trunk.