Destinations

The best of Western Australia is found in the south

Anyone who has been or read about Western Australia will know there is a tonne to do in this region. What you may not know, however, is that there is a tonne of free things to do as well, and that is exactly the niche we are about to explore. Oh, yeah, we’re talking how to holiday on a budget in one of the most breathtaking places anywhere on earth.

Published

7 years ago

July 5, 2017

Mikee dela Cruz

Even the most thrifty and money-savvy vagabond Wanderers will tell you that travelling is expensive. Even if you manage to plan your trip ahead and snatch up some fantastic deals on Skyscanner and land a cheap as chips hostel; it all adds up, especially Down Under where the cost of living is pretty darn high. Experiences cost money. It’s that simple. Luckily for you, the best things in life are free, and that is certainly the case when it comes to exploring the deep south of the west.

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The Scotsdale tourist drive is one of those incredible tours that everyone in this region needs to explore at least once in their life. What’s more, all you need to do is hire cars in Perth, head down to the picturesque seaside town of Denmark and the rest is yours to enjoy. Strolling through the forests that are rich with wildlife, snorkelling in the calm waters of the Southern Ocean, curl the white sands of Madfish Bay between your toes and enjoy a treetop walk 120 ft above the floor. It is all part f the tour and it is all free to enter.
Slightly west of Denmark is one of the most enticing natural swimming pools you are able to find anywhere on Mother Earth. Not only that, but Greens Pool is also one of the most iconic beaches is in Australia too. The hot white sand running off into the tranquil waters the colour of expensive emeralds, the waters never getting too much thanks to the barrier of rocks. It is the perfect place to relax, swim, snorkel and dive. Once here, you also have a myriad of amazing walks, treks and beaches to choose from; each of them as mind-blowing as the other.

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When in the south, the one thing you won’t want to miss out on is rubbing noses with one of the friendliest creatures of Koombana Bay; the bottlenose dolphin. You see, in Bunbury, there is a world-renowned Dolphin Discovery Centre that is home to a pod of around one hundred wild dolphins. Here you can tick off that bucket list dream of being able to snorkel and swim with these incredible creatures, all under the direction of the amazing marine biologists that work here. Not only is this just a short hour and a half drive south of Perth, but it is also, yup, you guessed it, free to enter.
There is a word, vemodalen, which is the fear that every single photo has already been captured by somebody else. Well, that is certainly the case when it comes to the Sugarloaf Rock of Western Australia. It is just one of the most staggering rock formations you will ever see. The good news is, no photograph can ever do it justice, which is why you need to go there for yourself. This is especially a place to go if you have an interest in wildlife; whether it be birds or humpback whales because both can be found here and both can be found for free.
If you are wanting to see the famous Blackwood River, then the best place to this is from either Bridgetown or Nannup. These not only offer the best access but also the best tours. It is just up to you whether you fancy a walking tour along the banks or the chance to jump in a canoe and see it from the water itself. Of course, you don’t need to walk or canoe or exert any energy if you don’t want to. You can just pack a picnic, take a sunbrella for shade and enjoy the scenes from the banks; a little bottle of local wine to make it that little bit more special.

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The giant red tingle trees of south-west Australia have become somewhat synonymous with the area over the years, and for good reason too. These things are amazing. Their sheer size can only be believed when seen in person. Of course, the best way to experience this forest of beasts is to head to Valley of the Giants in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and enjoy the treetop walk through the canopy. That isn’t all there is to see in this National Park either because it is a 5000-hectare space of bushland, rugged coastline, rivers and karri trees too. Time your visit right and you may just see the annual salmon migration too, which happens between February and April usually.

Related Topics:adventure travel Australia travel Western Australia

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Mikee dela Cruz

Believing that knowing on its own is not good enough, "you have to share what you know, too", Mikee dela Cruz gladly shares through his writing. A (BA) Communication Studies graduate, he had stints with UNAIDS, UNICEF and Ford Foundation, among others, writing "just about everything". Read on as he does some sharing through Zest Magazine.

Destinations

Singapore Airlines launches travel-themed afternoon tea experience

Available from 20 September to 20 November 2024, this culinary adventure offers guests1 a unique opportunity to savour global flavours inspired by destinations in SIA’s extensive network.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 19, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced the launch of “Singapore Airlines Cafe at the Writers Bar – Teatime Experience Around the World”, an exclusive travel-themed afternoon tea experience in partnership with Raffles Makati and Mastercard.

Available from 20 September to 20 November 2024, this culinary adventure offers guests¹ a unique opportunity to savour global flavours inspired by destinations in SIA’s extensive network. The carefully curated menu features delectable treats such as spicy roasted duck salad with homemade sambal sauce, foie gras parfait on brioche, Belgian hazelnut praline crunch, Australian lamingtons, and Manhattan-style blueberry cream cheese scones.

Liwei Tai, General Manager Philippines, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our carefully curated Singapore Airlines Cafe afternoon tea experience at the Writers Bar offers customers a glimpse into exciting flavours from around the world, and invites individuals to visit unique destinations in Singapore Airlines’ extensive network. We look forward to offering customers a world-class travel experience when they travel with us to embark on their next culinary adventure.”

Bernd Schneider, Cluster General Manager, Raffles and Fairmont Makati, said: “Each bite of this meticulously curated teatime set unfolds a narrative inspired by the rich tapestry of global flavours. Raffles Makati is thrilled to collaborate with a world-class brand like Singapore Airlines, creating a unique experience that celebrates culinary artistry and captures the spirit of exploration and adventure.”

Customers who purchased an SIA ticket with their Mastercard debit or credit card during the promotion period can enjoy 50% off the afternoon tea set (full price at PHP 3,200++) when they pay for their culinary experience with a Mastercard card. KrisFlyer members may also choose to redeem the afternoon tea experience for two with 7,500 KrisFlyer miles. New and existing KrisFlyer members who have not purchased an SIA ticket during the promotional period can also enjoy the experience at PHP 3,200++ using a Mastercard card. The afternoon tea experience will be available daily from 2.00pm to 5.30pm, between 20 September and 20 November 2024.

Simon Calasanz, Country Manager, Philippines, Mastercard, said: “Mastercard is excited to partner with Singapore Airlines and Raffles Makati to bring people closer to their culinary passion – and each other. At Mastercard, we know that shared experiences matter more than things. This specially curated afternoon tea experience will bring Mastercard cardholders – and their loved ones – on an exploration around the world through food, elevating their culinary experience and creating truly unforgettable memories for them.”

Additionally, every afternoon tea experience purchase or KrisFlyer Experiences redemption enters customers into an e-raffle for a chance to win attractive prizes such as deluxe overnight stays at Fairmont Makati, as well as the grand prize of a pair of round-trip Singapore Airlines business class tickets to Singapore with a luxurious two-night stay at Raffles Singapore.

Destinations

Pinoys’ top picks for weekend adventures

With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.

Published

1 month ago

September 5, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.

Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”

Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:

Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros, the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a quick urban escape.

Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.

Tagaytay
Just a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.

Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.

Batangas
Batangas is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded destination. Agoda’s extensive offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.

Travel

70% of Filipino travelers can’t get enough of their favorite spot: Agoda

Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.

Published

1 month ago

August 30, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

It turns out that one trip to Japan just isn’t enough for most of us. Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking reveals that 70% of Filipino travelers return to their favorite destinations. The ranking, which was compiled from a survey conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, shows Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are leading the pack as the ultimate hotspots for returning visitors, followed by Taiwan and Hong Kong.

55% of travelers have visited their favorite destination between 1 to 3 times in the past decade, making up the largest chunk of repeat visitors. 10% of travelers have even visited their favorite destination ten times or more.

Mike Hwang, Country Director for the Philippines at Agoda shared, “Where some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations. Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Filipino travelers, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are more than just destinations, they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make any trip enjoyable, no matter if it’s the first or the tenth.”

When asked what makes Japan, Thailand, and South Korea so irresistible, half of Filipino respondents chose “Ease of Travel” at 50% as the primary reason. “Local Cuisine” at 47% was a close second, followed by “Convenient location” at 34%, “Safety and Cleanliness” at 33%, and “Previous Positive Experience” at 30% to round out the top five.

Looking at the survey data from an Asia-wide perspective, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that Asian travelers can’t get enough of, respectively 44% of Asian travelers listed “Ease of Travel” as the main reason for going back to their favorite destination.

Interestingly, this aligns with the preferences of Filipino travelers, who also prioritize ease of travel and local cuisine.

Agoda offers travelers great deals on a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities for everyone looking to revisit their favorite destinations. Whether it’s the first visit or the tenth, Agoda’s easy-to-use features helps travelers plan and book the next adventure with ease.