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Kandui Resort, Mentawai Islands
Extraordinary waves and ordinary surfers — not always an ideal mix. But not all of us possess all-star surfing skills. So where’s the best place for average Joes to safely push themselves, enjoy world-class waves, and relax in comfort? My pick is the Kandui Resort, located in the Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra. Here’s how it delivered for two middle-age surfers from Florida:
ISLANDS contributor Steve Knopper
What’s the best way to experience Jamaica’s most vibrant music? Rolling Stone Editor Steve Knopper offers his take on exploring the island’s reggae scene, fresh off his assignment for ISLANDS magazine. Read his full offering, a feature article about Jamaica and its most iconic music, in the January 2010 issue on newsstands, December 29th. In the meantime, here are his top ten tips for making the most of your next jaunt to Jamiaca:
See Maui's Upcountry from above on a five-line tour at Piholo Ranch Zipline. Photo by: Adrienne Egolf
Anyone who’s ever explored Maui’s Upcountry knows there’s more to the island than beaches and waves. But how best to experience this Western-flavored throwback to Maui’s cowboy days? Here are four of our favorite ways to see Upcountry.
1. Soar on a zipline. Fear not: Piiholo Ranch Zipline is safe for even the faintest of heart. In fact, this birds-eye-view tour won’t surge your adrenaline so much as take your breath away. Be sure to book the five-line tour, the only option that includes the property’s prize experience, the 1/2-mile line (that’s about 50 seconds of flying time).
2. Ride a bike. Watching the sunrise at Haleakala then coasting downhill on a bike for 26 miles is something of a Maui tradition. Which is why there is a plethora of tour operators that offer the experience. Haleakala Bike Company gives you a bit more freedom than the other companies, letting you ride and stop at your own peace. Don’t miss the macadamia nut pancakes at the Kula Lodge and be sure to dress warm for the summit.
3. Gaze at the stars. Haleakala may be the House of the Sun, but one of the best times to visit is after dark. Join Stargazers Maui to take in the endless night sky with a computerized telescope and a knowing guide. The tour includes dinner, hot chocolate and down coats.
4. Tour a farm. You’ll smell the lovely Ali’i Lavendar Farm before you see it. Thankfully, the same is not true for the Maui Surfing Goat Dairy. That said, you’ll probably see the Dairy’s products on a few menus before you meet the goats in person. Both properties offer day tours — and plenty of take-home-worthy goodies.
This video is just a glimpse of one the world’s most isolated archipelagos, the Mentawais (men-Tao-wise), located off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. The region is most famous among surfers for its waves. Of course, there’s more to it. Here’s a taste of my trip to help explain things:
Just added the great “Discover” department of travel reviews and tips to the ISLANDS archive on Scribd. See how to reach this amazing beach on Mallorca, where to best see whales on Maui, what hideaway is perfect on Barbados, and much, much more. If the document viewer doesn’t appear below, read the article here.
Islands Magazine Discover travel reviews - November 2009 Issue
Father Damien's grave on Molokai, Hawaii. Photo by: Adrienne Egolf
On Oct. 11, 2009, more than 550 Hawaiians trekked to Rome to bear firsthand witness to the canonization of Father Damien, one of Molokai’s most beloved historical figures. Whether you want to pay respects to Hawaii’s first saint or experience a slice of island life that most travelers never see, there’s no better time than now to visit what is often called the Most Hawaiian Island. Here are our best tips to help you plan your trip to Molokai.
A lobster boat awaits lobster season at Annandale.
Following up my Charlottetown-specific post, here’s a few more points of interest on the greater Maritime Canadian province of P.E.I.
FLY Air Canada through Montreal. Note, if you’re flying back to the United States from Montreal, you clear U.S. customs before your flight. Leave extra time. I would’ve missed my connection there if the airline hadn’t held it for several of us stuck in long lines. Some U.S. airlines fly direct to P.E.I. in the summer season from Boston, Chicago and possibly other cities depending on improving world economic fortunes.
Tags: Canada, Prince Edward Island, tips
Thinking of a trip to St. Lucia? Good idea — the lush, Caribbean island is one of 12 Wish List destinations, which will be featured in the 2010 ISLANDS wall calendar and showcased in the December issue. Before you go, check out this interactive map of the island and find out where to FLY, STAY, EAT and more.
When we started planning our upcoming trip to Iceland, there were a number of things to think about: winter coats (not often found in the closet of us Florida girls!), boots, gloves, all that fun stuff. But as a photographer, there were a few other things I had to add to my packing list.
• The weather in Iceland can change in the blink of an eye, so in my quest to protect my camera gear from what sounds like frequent rain, I’m planning to pick up Lowepro’s DryZone 200 camera bag. It’s waterproof and it floats - even when fully loaded with gear. Let’s hope I never have to test that!
• I’m also looking into a rain cover to keep my camera dry for shooting while it’s raining.
• Hand warmers - easily tucked into gloves to keep fingers extra warm.
• My next purchase? Extra camera batteries. The cold saps batteries faster than normal so keep extra batteries in your pocket (and thus warm) until you’re ready to use them.
• Repeat after me: condensation is evil. Going from the cold outdoors to the toasty warm hotel will cause massive amounts of condensation on your camera. To minimize this put your camera in a sealed ziplock bag before heading in. Give it plenty of time to come up to room temperature before taking it out of the bag. Be sure to also bag your camera up before heading out into the cold.
• Next up, dorky but practical fingerless gloves/mittens. In extreme cold, remember not to touch metal (your tripod!) with bare hands. Ouch!
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