Borneo
A Lifestyle Magazine For Travelers
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“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” — Moslih Eddin Saadi
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In This Issue
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Contents
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Run With It
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Letter From The Editor Travel Q&A Editor's Travel Must-Haves Travel Kitchen Travel Blog Feature Travel Events/Workshops
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Gumasa Beach: A Hidden Paradise in Glan, Sarangani
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Why You Need to Visit Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles
Travel Pass Magazine
Associate Editor/Content Writer
Creative/Art Director
Founder, Publisher, & Editor-In-Chief
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit. " - Frank Borman
Marjorie Langas
Photographed by: Elisabeth Caraballo www.ksgirladventures.com
Elisabeth Caraballo
Nikki Stearns
My ONE summer is the time I went to California for the first time, which also happens to be the same summer I bought my very first plane ticket on my own. This trip had many firsts for me: visiting San Francisco, riding a cable car, walking from one end of the city (up many hills- in flip flops- which I don’t recommend) to the other, going to my first Giants Baseball game (becoming an instant fan, and I still am to this day), eating at In-N-Out Burger & Jamba Juice, and swimming in the Pacific Ocean. I could never forget my ONE summer, because something always triggers my memory of that trip and how I made it possible to go there on my own at 14. Tell me: What’s your ONE summer? E-mail me at elisabethacaraballo@gmail.com with your ONE summer story, with a photo, and I will share it on Instagram. Happy SUMMER travels - Elisabeth Caraballo, Editor-In-Chief
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller
[ LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ]
Summer is officially here, and I for one am excited! Summer is my favorite season, and, in my opinion, the best time of year. Growing up, summer time was pretty much the only time I really got to travel because school was out; even with having a summer job as I got older I still made time for travel. I remember telling my mom I was going to get a job the summer before starting high school because I needed money for a plane ticket to go visit my best friend in California towards the end of July. Within the first few weeks of working, pretty much open to close, at the city pool, I made enough to buy my plane ticket. So, I guess you can say I’ve always been determined to travel, and from then on I’ve worked hard to make all my travel dreams come true. Summer time is not only about travel, even though it’s the most popular time of year to travel for many; it’s really about making memories with the people that you love the most- whether it’s trekking across the globe, hanging out at the lake, or bbq’ing in someone’s backyard. Summer memories are some of the best memories you will ever have in your life. As with any memory, these memories leave an imprint on your heart, and every time you smell, taste, see, or hear something, it can take you back to that ONE summer…
TRAVEL TOPANGA CANYON
By: Hannah Bull
Our most recent trip to the US took us to Huntington Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, Downtown L.A. and Topanga, all within 9 busy days! Topanga was the last stop on our list, and we were looking forward to a trip into the mountains for some relaxation and fresh air. Topanga is one of the quirkiest places we’ve visited, and we loved our short time there. Here’s why Topanga should be on your list the next time you’re in Southwest California! It’s only an hour’s drive from L.A.. Getting to Topanga from L.A. is easy. We travelled from central L.A. to Santa Monica to meet some friends for lunch, which broke up our time on the road, but from L.A. the entire drive took us around one hour. We took the I-10 West out of the city. From Santa Monica there are plenty of road signs for the Canyon, and after about 15 minutes heading west along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll turn away from the ocean and head up Topanga Canyon Boulevard towards to town. Melrose and Malibu Despite being four miles into the Canyon, Topanga is still within very easy distance of Malibu and Melrose Avenue if you fancy a city-fix. We went to Malibu for dinner one night and had an amazing shrimp burrito, and shared nachos in Casa Escobar Malibu Beach (used to be the World Famous Malibu Inn) that overlooks the ocean. One afternoon we also took a trip back into L.A. and spent a few hours on Melrose Avenue. The trip took around 50 minutes, but we really wanted to visit Melrose again and as we were so close, we took the chance! It was nice leaving the hustle and bustle of these places too, knowing we were heading back to the peaceful depths of the Canyon.
Eat in L.A.’s most romantic restaurant. For a small town, there are plenty of food and drink options in Topanga. The Inn of the Seventh Ray claims to be the most romantic restaurant in L.A., and we’d have to say it is pretty spectacular. With fairy lights hanging in the trees, frogs croaking in the adjacent creek, and the clear skies full of stars above you, it’s a special place to be. It embodies the hippy-vibe of Topanga, too. If you visit, you’ll read about the “vibration of the violet flame of the Seventh Ray” which will help transport you to a higher plane as you spend time at the Inn. We didn’t quite get there, but the atmosphere is enchanting. We loved Topanga! This weird and wonderful tiny town made a big impression on us.
Hike your heart out. We went on a couple of great hikes whilst staying in Topanga; our legs took a while to fully recover! Our first morning took us up to the dizzying heights of the Backbone Trail. It was steep work, and we walked over 10 miles in one morning on this hike, but the views were breath-taking and worth every step. Our second hike the next day took us to Tripp Ranch and then on to Eagle Rock – a slightly shorter walk, and a slightly easier climb, but it was another lively morning exploring the Canyon by foot, building up an appetite for a big lunch. We walked right out of our cabin door and picked up the trials for both hikes from the centre of Topanga. So, no excuses – they are very easy to find.
You’ll get your very own frog lullaby. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb in Topanga that was near the main cluster of restaurants and bars. On the site too was Topanga’s very own petting zoo! There were cute baby goats as well as rabbits and chickens. Our cabin backed onto a creek, and at night we would open the bedroom window and listen to the water and very loud frogs – a different kind of lullaby, but strangely comforting at the same time. We slept very soundly!
Treat yourself to some vintage treasures. Topanga is seriously quirky. There are a handful of restaurants, and nearly as many vintage and handmade shops. Hidden treasures is an Aladdin’s Cave of vintage designer clothing, jewelry and accessories; treat yourself to some vintage Levis or cowboy boots. We spent a couple of hours wandering around this shop, and there are a few more similar stores within the town, but not on the same scale!
" I was not born for one corner. The whole world is my native land." — Seneca
Photographed by: Alison Roberts-Tse https://upandatemtravel.com
By: Genevieve Dwyer
TRAVEL VAN
Millennials are the generation that don’t, and likely won’t, own houses. There’re a lot of theories that people – especially politicians and journalists– have come up with to explain this: unemployment, underemployment, huge student loans, mum and dad don’t charge rent, or sheer laziness. In Australia, it’s well known by politicians (or made up) that millennials have collectively decided to buy avocado toast instead of houses. These all sound like compelling reasons, but they’re wrong. The real reason is that vans are better. Your response at this point is probably, “of course, I already know that, but how can I afford to live in a van? And also, remind me why I want to live in a van again?” To which my response is, “Woah, hold up, one question at a time please!” 1. “Should I rent or buy?” Everyone knows buying is better than renting. Have you seen how expensive those wicked campers are? Ask better questions. 2. “How do I buy a van I can live in comfortably?” Look for a campervan on Craigslist, Kijiji, Gumtree, or your local Walmart car park. If you can’t find one within your budget, you’re going to have to get what we in the business refer to as a “fixer upper.” Find a cargo van from the internet, car yard, or a stoned guy under an overpass, and put your DIY skills to the test. Thevanual.com is a great guide for turning your van into something you could charge $400 a week rent for in Sydney, or $20 a week anywhere else.
3. “Why do I want to live in a van?” Are you kidding? There are SO MANY reasons you want to live in a van. In fact, I’m going to ignore your questions from this point on and just give reasons you should live in a van because clearly your questions are dumb anyway. 4. Free rent. Once you’ve bought the van, you pretty much never have to pay rent again. Sure, you’ll spend a few nights sleeping in Walmart car parks or down creepy forestry roads, but you won’t be paying rent. 5. It makes mundane activities, like using the bathroom, way more exciting. You might think finding a place to pee would be a challenge. You’d be wrong, if you can’t find a toilet, the ground is generally a pretty acceptable place to pee as long as you’re not in a Walmart car park, or inside.
6. Vans can pretty much go anywhere. This is the most compelling reason (other than the poop challenge) to get a van. You get to fill your house with toys- like bikes,kayaks, and stand up paddle boards- and drive till you run out of road. If you’re in Australia, you can get all the way to a different part of Australia. If you’re somewhere that isn’t an island, get out a map and look at the place furthest away that’s still connected by land or ferry. You can go there.
Pooping, on the other hand, can be turned into a great van game. Once a day, or every couple of days (I don’t know your schedule) you get to play a game called “Can I poop here?” There’s a lot of ways to lose (grocery store doesn’t have a toilet, café’s toilet is too close to the kitchen and makes you feel weird, there are children in the stall next to you and that makes you feel weird, drop toilet at the trailhead doesn’t have toilet paper) and a win is usually awkward (gas station) or dark and smelly (droppers). It’s a great game for all ages. You can always get a portable chemical toilet, but, isn’t that just giving up before the game even gets started? And also gross?
"The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see." - Gilbert K. Chesterton
I assume you’ve already left to go buy a van from that guy on Craigslist, but, if you haven’t and still need convincing: Travelling in a van is way better than backpacking. 7. Bold statement I know, but: You never have to worry about where you’re going to sleep that night. You know who slept in your sheets and how gross they were. You don’t have to carry everything you own on your back. You get to own more toys (try fitting a kayak in your backpack). You still get to go to a bunch of places. When you get to a new place you don’t have to figure out public transport, because your house is a van. See? Now, go get a van.
TRAVEL BORNEO
By: Tiffany Soukup
Since the time I was a small child I remember watching National Geographic documentaries on Borneo, and wanting to go there. This past summer I finally made that dream come true, and spent two months exploring this mystic land. It’s no secret that our earth is changing and development is quickly altering the chance of survival of numerous species around the globe. Unsustainable demand for palm oil production and increased agricultural lands are becoming the excuse to chop down thousand-year-old forests, and Borneo is no exception to this fate. The time to support these parks and use your dollars to vote for the environment is now; use your voice to speak up for increased conservation measures.
If wildlife, natural beauty, rainforests, trees, and culture is what lights a spark in your travel style, then Borneo may be a great destination for you. Read on to see if this green land could be next on your travel list. Here’s the breakdown:
What you can see: There are plenty of places we would still love to explore in Borneo, Malaysia. However, during our two months there we were able to cover a lot of ground, and spend time in a lot of different parks and reserves.
Where is Borneo? Borneo is the name of an island shared by the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesia has the largest portion of land, followed by Malaysia to the north, and then the small country of Brunei sits near the top.
If one is visiting Borneo, it is common to say something along the lines of, “I was visiting Indonesia, Borneo” or “I was visiting the Malaysia side of Borneo.”
Why go to Borneo, Malaysia? Borneo is the land of ancients. Some patches (not many) date back 130 million years (um, yep, that's old). Each locale of Borneo is different, so where you go depends on what you want to see. Malaysia, Borneo is broken down into states, Sarawak and Sabah. Sabah is a semi-autonomous state of Malaysia, so if you go there you will get an additional stamp in your passport just to say when you entered or left the Sabah region. Very broadly speaking, I would say: Sarawak Malaysia Borneo is if you want: cultural things, a bunch of fairly easily-reached parks with smaller animals, and amazing insect, reptile, flora/fauna opportunities. Sabah Malaysia Borneo is if you want: better chance of seeing larger mammals like orangutans in the wild, pygmy elephants, or scuba diving. We loved each part, and they each offered a different vibe and feeling. I would recommend both equally.
The only part where it wasn’t the best time of year, is if you want to dive off the southern part of Sabah. Sipadan is a famous diving site there, and we were told the best time of year for that is April.
Here are some highlight locations, and what we saw in some of our favorite places: Bako National Park – Great chance for sightings of proboscis monkeys and pigs. Kubah National Park – A must go-to spot (and definitely stay overnight) if you like frogs. Niah Caves – Niah has caves, the first one where it is believed a human skull was found in Asia, actually. But, the real surprise of Niah is- if you have time and like adventure hikes- there is a hike with ropes and ladders to a lookout rock. Make sure to plan a full day. Mulu National Park – You need to fly in or hike 3 days into the park, and has amazing caves and a 2-night hike to Pinnacles. Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok – There is an almost guaranteed chance of seeing flying squirrel (book to go on night hike), lots of birds, and a chance of wild orangutan (take note, this is not common at this location, however there is an orangutan rehabilitation center nearby where you can see them). Kinabatang River Area – There is a chance of seeing pygmy elephants (if they are in the area), lots of good monkey sightings, and other wildlife sightings.
Budget-traveler cost estimate: I travel as a pair (this July my husband and I are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary!), so our budgets are reflective of two people. If you would like to see what we spent, please look for a full breakdown of July’s budget here and August’s budget here. In general, these budgets are reflective of low-cost, private rooms (usually with private bathroom), local meals, bus transport, park fees, and any other expenses incurred while living on the road.
Best time of year to go: We were there in July and August, as that is a great time of year for wildlife viewings. There was little to no rain, and our sightings were excellent.
How to reduce your impact while traveling in Borneo: Despite being such an incredibly rich and eco diverse area on this planet, you will unfortunately see a lot of trash and wasted resources in Borneo. Here are a few simple steps that any traveler can do to reduce your impact while traveling in Borneo: Always carry a reusable bag like this one. They can fit in your pocket or in your day bag. With these we almost never needed to get plastic bags. If there is a water refill station; use it. We used any water refill stations that we saw here (and in Thailand), and never had any trouble with them. They are often on the side of the street, and you put a coin in for a liter of water. Plus, it helps with the budget! Never throw your trash on the ground. I realize it can feel like such an uphill battle that it just doesn’t matter, so why not throw your trash out the window like everyone else too? But, please don’t. Our actions matter, and we never know who is watching us. Lead by example and put energy towards making things better, not worse. Our time in Borneo, Malaysia was like a dreamy and sweaty (get ready because it’s humid) bubble. During the month of July, we spent 26 of the 31 days in a park or natural space somewhere. If wildlife and nature is your thing, I hope you too can experience the wonders of Borneo.
“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
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TRAVEL Q&A
Up&AtEm Travel
Q&A
The Sandra Stories
Alison Roberts-Tse is the founder of Up&AtEm Travel – a London-based blog that focuses on cultural aspects of travel. While you can find accommodation, dining and entertainment reviews along with general travel tips, Up&AtEm Travel is shifting to more extensively cover history, customs, festivals, art, architecture and cuisine. The blog’s new format will highlight locals through their own anecdotes and showcase interactions with them in personal travel stories. Although Alison grew up in Wisconsin, her happy Wisconsin cheese chomping years were interspersed with holidays: petting manta rays’ bellies on Hawaii’s ocean floor, failing to barter in a Mexican mercado and foolishly braving a plane-propelled sandstorm on Maho Beach. Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, she took her first trip to Asia where she unwittingly met her British husband. She now lives in London and obsessively plans getaways, both near and far.
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Q1 What kind of traveler are you? A: The best phrase to describe me is “travel opportunist.” My travel style varies: I’m a low-budget solo female traveler during some trips, but holidays with my family tend to be more luxurious. However, I am typically a DIY traveler because I prefer to select my own transportation, accommodation and attractions instead of joining tours. Although I do take city breaks, if I had unlimited vacation days and resources, I would definitely be a slow traveler. Once I arrive in a destination, I prefer to simply amble around to let impressions of the new location sink in. Travel highlights for me tend to include dance performances, wellness rituals and delicious cuisine. Q2 What made you decide to become an Expat? A: My first stint at expat life was facilitated by a scholarship to learn Mandarin in Taiwan. My lovely Taiwanese dance professor recommended me to visit his home country, so I made the arrangements to study abroad. Whilst in Taipei, I met my British husband, which precipitated my move to London! Although I was rather unenthusiastic about the city on my first visit, logistics called for me to make the move. It took about 2 years just to feel settled in, so now I am looking forward to really embracing the culture and lifestyle. Searching for and writing about little London gems on Up&AtEm Travel helps, too!
Q3 Why did you decide to create the Up&AtEm Travel website? A: Originally I created Up&AtEm Travel to share my travel stories with friends and family. I grew up journaling, and writing helps me to continue processing travel experiences. Although I began writing for my friends who often wonder where in the world I am and what I’m doing, now I’d like to reach a much larger audience. I hope to accurately supply entertaining descriptions of places to jetsetters and armchair travelers alike, to educate people who are intrigued by the world and the variety of its inhabitants. Q4 You’re an award winning travel blogger. Which is really awesome, congrats! Can you tell us what that moment was like for you when you won your first award for an article you written? A: Thank you so much! Winning a blog award was really exciting – and validating. I geeked out for about a day, but the award made my entire week. I was happy to share my experience about unlikely hospitality from the police in South Korea and to know that others enjoyed my silly story. Ultimately, becoming an award-winning blogger gave me the confidence to self-host on my own domain and approach magazines as a freelance travel writer… My first article will be printed in November! I’m trying to continue building on that momentum. Q5 What’s your favorite thing about traveling? A: I love travel because I can just visit a somewhere different for a complete change of pace. I got really sick of London last autumn, so I easily booked a train ticket and escaped to Paris for two days Paris. It was so easy to sink into a new lifestyle and find unique experiences in another culture’s everyday life. When I travel I can try on different customs and learn about how they differ from American (and now British) mannerisms that I take for granted. Although travel can be exhausting, it really does help me to feel alive and connected. Q6 How many countries/states have you visited? A: States: 10 – not including drive-throughs. Countries: 26 from 3 continents.
Q7 Where is your next travel destination going to be? Why? A: Oooh, I actually have to keep my lips partially sealed on this one! I run a “Mystery Destination” game on my social media, which means I post 5 clues about my upcoming trips on Facebook and Twitter to let people guess where I am headed before I share my “reveal” video. Although I can’t say where I’m going next, I am traveling to see a beloved Japanese composer in a famous European city… Q8 What do you think is the biggest sacrifice you have done for the sake of traveling? A: My pocketbook is the obvious sacrifice, but moving abroad for the long-term does make my life seem rather segmented. Many people can divide life into childhood through high school, university and work – but I have short chapters of my life on different continents surrounded by different people. Each time period was unique, and although I have friends in many different places, it can be hard to keep in touch. Reviewing my life over the past couple of years can seem disjointed and I sometimes sift through all of my pictures just to process it all. Q9 How has travel changed you? A: Travel has made me a happier, better-informed and more curious person. Because I have had the chance to encounter a wider variety of wondrous landscapes, buildings, traditions and people, I have grown a more positive and hopeful worldview. Of course, I have had negative experiences while abroad, too, but the vibrant, genuine people that I have met on the road outshine them. And, in particular, solo travel has made me more confident and self-sufficient. Q10 What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about living the Expat life? A: Expat life varies depending on whether you believe you’re going to be gone for a year or whether you plan to settle elsewhere for a lifetime. But remember that it can take up to a year or more to adjust to life in a new country, so I recommend for staying at least 2 years to really enjoy the new life that you have built. It may seem long, but it will go by quickly! Visits home are helpful, but having family and friends make the journey over to you is a lot fun, too. That way you can play tour guide and show them around all the places that you discover. However, watch out for “friends” that only stay in touch with you because they want to crash at your place. Don’t extend invitations to host unless you really want to spend time with those people. Even so, you may have to un-invite the pushy people that invite themselves!
I’m Sandra, the Chief Shenanigans Officer at www.thesandrastories.com! I mostly travel solo or with one of my friends. I’ve also nearly completed a masters degree in Leisure, Tourism & Environment so I’m hoping to turn my passion into my work. My first solo trip is now almost 6 years ago and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon!
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Q1 What kind of traveler are you? A: I usually travel solo and I love to get my adrenaline pumping. Ziplining in Asia, bungee jumping in South Africa, and rhino tracking on foot in Zimbabwe are just a few of the examples. I try to stick to a budget, which can be hard. I mostly stay in dorms and travel using local transport. However, I do love eating out and discovering new cuisines, so that takes up a large chunk of my budget. Q2 As a solo traveler… What has been your favorite place to travel, so far? A: This is a really tough question. Vietnam will always have a special place in my heart because it was my first solo trip. However, if I could pick one it’s probably South Africa. I’ve been there on two solo trips and lived there for a while to do an internship. Q3 Why did you decide to create The Sandra Stories website? A: I started The Sandra Stories to stop my family and friends from nagging about it. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. Over the last 6 years they have told me again and again that I should start a blog. Last year I decided to bite the bullet and go for it. I love writing and storytelling so I’m not sure why it took so long to start. My main goal is to inspire people to discover more and step out of their comfort zone. There is this weird, special status surrounding solo female travel that I don’t like. It’s completely possible to travel well and safe as a solo female and I want to show that to people. This stigma only increases the barriers instead of empowering females. I chose to combat that by exuding that solo female travel is a normal thing to do.
Q4 I read that you must have your morning coffee in order to function properly. I’m the same way when it comes to Sweet Tea. What is your favorite kind of coffee you have had on your travels and from where? A: It must be the espresso in Rome. I loved that breakfast there was just a croissant and an espresso standing at the bar of the closest bakery. Although I always needed some extra snack to keep me going until lunch time. A close second is the iced coffee in Vietnam. They use really strong coffee that has been brewed all day, add condensed milk and serve it over ice. Probably not so healthy but it’s delicious! Q5 Where is your next travel destination going to be? Why? A: Well that’s a bit of a mystery at this stage. I’m planning a short surf trip with my cousin later this summer. We only have a week so we’ll probably head to France or Portugal. I’m also planning to visit a fellow traveler I met in Africa. She lives in Norway and I’ve never been there, so I’m really excited to go there! The next big destination on my wish list is Australia, but I need to save a little more before that’s an option. Q6 What can’t you travel without? A: Earplugs, a neck pillow, and a sleeping mask. These make overnight travel and flying somewhat bearable. I usually can’t sleep while in transit, so without these it’s definitely not going to happen.
Q7 How many countries/states have you visited? A: I’ve been to 27 countries. Not bad considering I still need to turn 25, right? Q8 What do you think is the biggest sacrifice you have done for the sake of traveling? A: I’m still single and that might be related to my travel habits. My family and I recently calculated that I spend about half of the last 2 years abroad. It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice to me, but not everyone sees it the same way. In addition, I rarely spend money on concerts or big nights out. All that money I spend on the road has to come from somewhere. Again, I don’t mind this sacrifice, but not everyone understands. Q9 What’s the best/worst piece of travel advice you’ve received? A: Best: Bring a change of clothes in your hand luggage and keep a digital backup of important documents. My luggage has always arrived, but my passport and bank cards have been stolen once. Worst: “Place X is dangerous: just look at the news / my aunt told me / everyone knows that.” Anyone that hasn’t been to a destination cannot give trustworthy advice. Q10 What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about traveling solo? A: You are stronger, braver, and more resourceful than you know. Stop hesitating, start doing!
Glan is a small town located south of Sarangani province of the Philippines. A small town that rarely makes it to any travel section of a travel magazine or travel guide. But, like how a sea nymph is drawn to the calling of its silent waves, Glan reveals its most alluring beach, Gumasa beach, to anyone who’s a certified beach bum. The main gateway to Sarangani is by land travel from the domestic airport of General Santos City, or via 5-6 hours land travel from the International Airport of Davao City. To reach the town of Glan, take a van transport from KC Mall or from Bulaong Bus Terminal both located in General Santos City. Upon arrival at the bus terminal in Glan you will be greeted with cheers from the many tricycle drivers waiting on you to pick one of them. Let a driver know that you want to head to Gumasa beach and that you need him to bring you back to the bus terminal after your beach time. Most tricycle drivers will bring you to the popular Coco Beach Resort where entrance fee of PHP100.00 is charged per visitor. This is a good beach resort if you plan to have a picnic and rent a cottage for the day, or have plans to stay for the night. I had none of those; I didn’t even have a plan. I asked the hostel clerk where I can find beaches in General Santos City, or in nearby Sarangani. She replied back, with pride in her voice, “Gumasa beach in Glan is the nicest one, but an hour away from the city”. Gumasa it is, and so here I am in Glan, bouncing in the seat of a tricycle, holding on to its rusty metal frame for dear life, in search of paradise. I asked my tall, lanky driver if there’s a place where I can enter the beach for free, and he gave me this grin like he had some magic tricks up his sleeve.
By: Carla Abanes
TRAVEL GUMASA BEACH
"For the sake of your soul, venture out." - Lola Akinmade Åkerström
We made a u-turn and headed north, past the White Haven Beach Resort gate. I took the narrow pathway by the side that leads to beach. I wasn’t prepared for the wide expanse of perfect bliss that I came to; Gumasa beach is simply stunning. With its unbelievably blue skies, turquoise waters with a steady pulse, soft powdery sands beneath my feet, all framed by landscape of mountains, this entire imagery in front of me seems to exist only in novels or Hallmark postcards. I let my backpack fall off my shoulders and onto to the white sand, tossed off my sneakers and excitedly ran towards the clear water, like a child counting presents under the Christmas tree. I idled around for a while, waded in the warm calm water, breathing in the salty air, chatted with a couple of local fisherman, asking them if the ones they caught were for breakfast, to which I was replied to with a subtle laugh, and that it was for their drinking session that morning. I made a foot scrub paste from the soft sand and applied generously over my legs and feet. I sunbathed and took an energizing power nap that prepared me for a day of travelling in cramped vans for my next stop, South Cotabato. After few hours of frolicking and smiling to the shy locals and playfully waving to locals’ children, playing in the clear waters with an old busted beach ball, I sent an SMS to my tricycle driver that I'm ready to head back. General Santos city is all tangled up in its vibrant and emerging city life, but once in awhile, when you need to breathe salty warm air, or sometimes when life all becomes too dull and predictable for you, it is good to know that this paradise is just an hour away.
By: Tim & Pam
TRAVEL BUDGET
So you found a great flight deal to Hong Kong. Now what? What is there to do on a budget in this skyscraper abundant land? First let's start with some fun facts. Hong Kong has one of the world’s most efficient subway systems with a 99.9% on-time rate. Kowloon Walled City once existed in Hong Kong where no laws or rules governed the city. There is a 2,600-foot covered escalator in Hong Kong that helps people commute up and down the large hills in the city. I bet you didn’t know all that, huh? Now that you have some newfound knowledge, time to learn about all the free things there are to do in Hong Kong. Two top free museums to visit are the Hong Kong Museum of History and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. The former offers free guided tours in English at 2:30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Want to learn more about the Kowloon Walled City mentioned above? Visit the Kowloon Walled City Park that is situated of top of the former lawless city. Exhibition rooms open daily from 10am-6pm except Wednesdays. Learning how people lived in this extremely dense and dangerous city is astounding.
Take a break from the busy city and visit the tranquil Tsz Shan Monastery
No trip is complete without visiting at least one hiking location. Sunset Peak is a 3 hour hike that is not for the weak but the sunset views make it worth the effort. If you want something less intense then visit Victoria Peak, or The Peak, as many call it. This is the highest point on Hong Kong island and has a free hiking trail that loops around giving you a 360° view of the island. If you want a great view without the hike then visit the Peak Galleria’s observation deck. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle then make your way to the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. The 3.5 hectare garden cuts through the high-rise buildings to create a tranquil scenery. Both places are connected via a pedestrian bridge and are free to the public. Enjoy the lotus ponds and the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection.
Try visiting some monasteries while you are in the area - you’ll be pleasantly surprised on how intriguing they are. It won’t surprise you to find life size buddhas lining the path at Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Bring comfortable shoes and water for this walk. Tsz Shan Monastery requires prior reservations and requires knees and shoulders be covered. This monastery is not intended for tourism but rather for promoting Buddhism. Practice your calligraphy and visit the giant Buddha statue here. If you’re looking for something to do at night then make sure to catch the Symphony of Lights, the world’s largest permanent light and sound show. This colorful show involved more than 40 buildings on either side of the harbor. Arrive at 8pm to enjoy the full 13 minute light and music show. The Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show starts immediately after at 8:20pm and includes dancers.
You’ll be rewarded with great views for hiking around Victoria Peak
Last but not least, take a trip to the Avenue of Stars to find the famous statue of Bruce Lee. This outdoor exhibit is a tribute to the most celebrated people in the movie industry that helped make Hong Kong the ‘Hollywood of the East’. Many couples and families come here to relax at the end of the day. *This exhibit has been temporarily moved to Garden of Stars until late 2018. With so much to do for free in Hong Kong you can focus on spending your money on the delicious food instead! I recommend the egg tarts, egg waffles, and fish balls from any street vendor. Also, try the steamed milk from Yee Shun Milk Company or Australian Dairy Company. The easiest way to travel around Hong Kong is by using the great subway system. Get the Octopus Card for extra convenient transportation. Want to find the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator in the world? Check out the Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system - another great form of transportation if you want to go up the mountain side. Remember, the escalator goes downhill between 6am and 10am and uphill the rest of the day so plan accordingly. Happy Travels! Tim and Pam from ThriftyTrails
“The open road is a beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” – William Least Heat Moon
Photographed by: Jenny Cavcic glamtravelgram.com
TRAVEL BANDS
Run With It is a rising alternative band. Fans of Paper Route, X Ambassadors and Imagine Dragons will love this powerhouse trio. Their EP How To Start a Fire recently debuted at #66 on The iTunes Alternative Charts. Their touring throughout the US and consistent Social Media engagement is now earning them the reputation of being one of the hardest working bands on the scene. With that hard work and immense help from their fans they have taken it even a step further recently playing overseas in Doha, Qatar for the troops at El Udeid Air Force Base.
Q1 As a touring band you travel a lot. What are some of your favorite places you’ve visited? RWI: Playing in Doha, Qatar was probably the most unique for us. Doha is one of the wealthiest nations in the world and when you arrive you are overwhelmed with lights and the energy of the people everywhere. Then we quickly found ourselves surrounded by desert as we made our way to the El Udeid Air Force Base to meet and play for some of the soldiers who are still fighting for our freedoms that we enjoy. It was incredibly humbling to be receive with such love and thanks from the soldiers. Something I will never forget. State side we've been out to New York and Boston a bit and love the energy and history that is contained in their streets. Denver has been a place where the people are just really amazing and accepting and you can't beat waking up to mountain views. I feel I could go on and on. I would say each place we've been too has it's own unique allure. Q2 I know you’ve been mostly touring across the US by van. So, of course you listen to tons of music while you’re driving. Can each of you give your top five current road trip songs? RWI: Interestingly enough we spend a lot of time in silence in the van. When your job is music sometimes a podcast or a book is a nice rest for your ears. But, when we do listen to music it's typically whole albums all the way through. Recently we've been on a rap kick. As a band we are enamored with Kendrick Lamars new Album - Damn and Logic's new Album - Everybody. There's also been a lot of Kayne recently. Q3 Do you have any crazy stories from the road you would like to share? RWI: There are so many. The time we almost stayed in a backwoods murder house and got away. The time I stopped our van from being towed by physically jumping on the tow truck. And then the time we found our our drummer actually is a anime character. But one great one is when a fan from social media saved our tour. Social media is a big thing for us and we have a lot of fans across the world that we have never met but they are highly engaged with us. On one of our tours we were coming from Amarillo, TX on our way to a show in Arkansas but our van broke down in Oklahoma City. So here we are stranded in Oklahoma with a gig to get to the next day and not a whole lot of cash to get things rolling. We put out on twitter if anyone knew a good mechanic in the area. That's when a fan we met through periscope messaged us on twitter. She asked a few questions. After my reply she sent me a phone number and said call my husband he thinks he knows what's wrong and wants to help. Of course I called and found out they lived 30 minutes away from where we were. They brought the whole family along and helped fix our van in a Walmart parking lot in the middle of the night. There were dance parties, a lot of laughter, the changing of a wheel hub assembly and within a few hours they had us back on the road. It was great to meet fans in real life and to see how much they believed in us.
Q4 When’s your next tour going to be and what can your fans expect to see at your shows? RWI: In support of our new EP we are currently working on booking the next tour. The plan is to go throughout the US. We have a lot of cool things in the works but we can't release it just yet. So stay tuned on our social media @runwithitband for everything. As far as our show - it has grown significantly. We've poured our heart into crafting our recent show with the new music from our latest release. Fans have been so excited by our energy and our engagement and the new songs. Our goal is to make each show an experience with us and the audience in it together. It's been fun watching that happen. Q5 How has traveling as a band changed you? RWI: Traveling/touring stretches you. It forces you to adapt quickly to new people and new environments. For us it's being in a different place working with different promoters or venue owners and meeting different fans everyday. This has helped us grow in understanding people different then us. Our dynamic of being in a band and constantly being with the same two people every waking minute also grows you. It has forced us to understand ourselves even better. For me (Miguel) personally I've seen how much I've become an introvert as I get older and being in a extroverted business. Recognizing that about myself has given me the courage to find times where I can just be alone - even if being alone means putting on headphones in the van and not talking to my band mates for a few hours. I realized real quick that if I didn't do that I felt horrible and then started taking that out on my band mates. No one wants that. Q6 On top of touring and playing local gigs in Kansas City. You also have a YouTube web series called Art Can Change The World. Can you tell us a little bit more about this? RWI: Art can change the world is the whole idea behind our band. We strive to create artistic experiences that can inspire others. So the video series is a chance for us to highlight other artists or arts industry professionals. We do interviews to hear their stories about how art has impacted them and how they've seen art impact others. It's been an amazing journey for us to hear so many inspiring stories and meet so many awesome people through it. The YouTube channel is not up to date but our Facebook page has all of the episodes on there. We will do a total of 51 episodes this year.
Q7 What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about touring with their band? RWI: 1. Know why you are doing it. What is your goal for the tour? What is the ultimate goal for your band? The hardships you will face on the road and being away from your loved ones will not be worth it if you don't have the driving sense of why you are doing what you do. I (Miguel) have a family that I have to leave behind to do it. That makes things hard. But, we all know why I'm doing it so that allows us to weather the hard things we face. 2. Find ways to cut expenses. We actually cook most of our meals now on the road. It's healthier and more cost effective. We crash on couches or use Airbnb or convince the venue to provide a hotel. 3. Find ways to make money on the road. College shows and even street performance in select cities have been avenues we've used to make sure money keeps flowing. Any day off we have on the road we find a way to do street performance and meet new fans and make a little bit more money to keep us moving. 4. Eat healthy. We didn't at first and started feeling horrible. If you want to do this for the long haul find ways to eat healthy on a budget.
Snapchat - runwithitband
Spotify: https://goo.gl/89GXd5
YouTube Lyric Video
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NeatPack
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EDITOR'S TRAVEL MUST-HAVES
By: Elisabeth Caraballo
Use code kansas10 at amazon.com/neatpack for 10% off any NeatPack purchase (courtesy of www.ksgirladventures.com).
Medium Size Hanging Toiletry Bag HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT: Large main compartment, 2 side pockets with elastic loops & front mesh pocket. Light & compact yet roomy enough for the whole family! Stay Organized on the Go. Detachable, TSA Compliant Pocket: Clear plastic 3-1-1 pocket makes airport screening much easier! Also great for carrying bare essentials for a day at the beach or a trip to the gym.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau
RFID Travel Wallet Keeps All Travel Essentials in One Place: Offers spacious storage for multiple passports, credit cards, travel itinerary & even your phone. Pocket design keeps everything organized & easy to access. Protects You From ID Thieves: RFID-blocking pocket safeguards your credit cards, passport & ID from identity thieves. No need to purchase a separate anti-theft passport holder or wallet.
By: Victoria Holder
Camper Van Cooking
TRAVEL KITCHEN
Moroccan Style Vegetable stew | Nutritious vegan recipe
My husband and I live in our campervan fulltime sharing healthy and nutritious recipes, as well as some naughty treats through beautiful photography and quirky videos. The videos demonstrate vegan cooking in fun and unusual locations, showing that despite limited space you can still cook delicious food wherever you are. Life on the road is always changing. We park up in new settings, towns or countries with different ingredients at my fingertips so you never know what you are going to see next. You can follow our journey on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
After converting a minibus into our dream home on wheels, we have travelled through Europe and are now in Morocco, North Africa cooking vegan food from the road. Bringing your home and kitchen everywhere you go offers many possibilities. I have all my spices and ingredients with me so I can live off the grid, stopping in remote places and cooking delicious food in weird and wonderful settings. I am fascinated by all types of food and cooking and feel inspired by the local cuisine in different countries and regions. Vegetable Tagine has been a culinary highlight, dipping freshly baked Moroccan bread into the tagine pot for that mouth watering roasted vegetable taste is unforgettable. The bustling markets are alive with colour and full of fresh fruit and vegetables, ideal for our travelling kitchen. Many ingredients look very different from back in the UK and it is a pleasure to see fruit and vegetables in such a variety of shapes and sizes. With complex blends of spices and exotic aromas, Moroccan cooking is a feast for the senses. I paid homage to this fascinating cuisine with my youtube video for Moroccan style vegetable stew served with fluffy couscous. You will also see some campervan highlights, vibrant markets and wonderful wildlife. Our lasting impression of Morocco is the overwhelmingly friendly nature of the Moroccan people. The shepherds, children and locals all wave as our camper drives by and we feel very welcome and happy to be here. We love Morocco, its people, sights, smells and flavours.
”Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell not stuff to show.”
Looking for a destination that promises great eats? Austin is calling all foodies. This city is teeming with delicious options for all food lovers; from tacos to BBQ, it is the perfect location for a food tour. This food tour will highlight key stops for a perfect weekend of food in Austin, Texas.
Austin, TX Food Tour
TRAVEL FOOD TOUR
Looking for a destination that promises great eats? Austin is calling all foodies. This city is teeming with delicious options for all food lovers; from tacos to BBQ, it is the perfect location for a food tour. This food tour will highlight key stops for a perfect weekend of food in Austin, Texas. Breakfast Tacos To start this epic food tour, a stop at Juan in a Million is a must. This Austin staple has amazing breakfast tacos. The Don Juan is popular, and has every right to be! Expect a full plate and a happy belly after this stop.
By: Laura Bowersox
Tacos Tacos are a must while in Austin, and there is no better place than Torchy’s to get them. I would recommend the chips and queso to start off this taco experience. You really can’t go wrong with any of the tacos Torchy’s has to offer, so try something unexpected! BBQ Texas BBQ is another must-have while in Austin. Although Salt Lick is not exactly in Austin, it is worth the drive to experience the open-pit BBQ. Don’t forget to bring your own beer and some cash to enjoy this authentic Texas BBQ!
Dessert This tour ends with dessert. In all honesty, dessert really should have been first on the food tour, but to make up for it, I have a couple of selections to get a sweet fix. Lick offers organic, made fresh daily, ice cream. They have unique flavors that are made with all natural ingredients. Next, stop at Gourdough’s Public House for gourmet donuts. These donuts are definitely dessert and totally worth the stop. Sit out on the patio and enjoy one of Gourdough’s fantastic donuts! Take a weekend and tour all of the amazing food that Austin has to offer. Seeking out these local spots will leave any food connoisseur pleasantly pleased.
Beer Beer is a food group, right? With their outdoor space and occasional live music, Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company is the perfect location to grab a beer. They also offer a variety of great food options. The pizza is amazing, especially their margarita pizza.
Coffee and Breakfast Cenote is a chill spot to get a morning cup and a quick breakfast. As well as having a relaxing atmosphere, they have great coffee and tea. The avocado sandwich is really good as well. Another great option for coffee or tea is the Steeping Room. Brunch The most important meal of the week is Sunday brunch. Lucky for brunch enthusiasts, Bangers offers Saturday and Sunday brunch. So, take a seat out on the patio and enjoy a man-mosa (1- liter mimosa). Mimosas aren’t the only thing that is banging about this brunch though- the food is great! I highly suggest the biscuits and gravy with house-made sausage.
Quirky Stop When in Rome! Austin is a quirky city. With a slogan like “keep Austin weird” it only makes sense to have a quirky stop on this food tour. The Blue Cat will satisfy quirky cravings, all while being absolutely adorable. This cat café offers food and drink, as well as kitty entertainment. It costs $5 to get into the café, but with a purchase of food or drink it is $2 off. All cats are from a shelter and are up for adoption.
“Caterer Middle East Awards has become the definitive awards program for F&B Industry professionals looking to be acknowledged by expert judges in front of their peers.” – Hotelier Middle East.
By: Shona Grant
In the competitive market of the Middle East, the Caterer Awards recognise the top end of the hospitality industry. The hard working people behind the venues we graze and quaff at.
TRAVEL AWARDS
The category is open to a manager of a bar – not a restaurant as well – in the Middle East. The entrant should provide personalised service to customers as well as monitoring and motivating bar staff. The entrant should be aware of the entire outlet’s operation and progress, and if the bar is based in a restaurant, must demonstrate ways in which she/he has contributed to the shared success. The entrant knows her/his regular customers, has a rapport with them. Staff development should be on the top of their list. The entrant has to demonstrably improve operations during their time there through development of new menus, sourcing new products, and keeping an eye on trends, as well as save cost.
Now without further ado, please let me introduce you to the winner of 2017’s, Middle East Bar Manager of the Year, Marvin Coelho, Bar Manager at Treehouse, the stunning rooftop bar at Taj Dubai.
Spring cocktails @ Treehouse.
Winter heating @ Treehouse.
To receive the honoured prize of Bar Manager of the Year 2017 the entrant must be in the role for a minimum of 12 months and meet the following criteria.
Marvin Coelho, winner of 2017’s The Caterer Middle East Bar Manager of the Year Award.
What’s your favourite part of the job? Being behind the bar. I love being behind the bar, that’s one of the reasons for turning to the bar industry as well. Now I get less time but whenever I get the opportunity I take it. Share your inspiration, what inspires you? One thing is travel. I’m very fond of it. I’m going again this year. A road trip through Romania, Serbia and Hungary. Peoplewise, my dad. He has been a big inspiration from the way he has started. He wasn’t very educated and stayed in his native place, but from there, he went abroad, did everything, got the 3 of us educated and he’s still there for us, you know, he’s always supporting us, so yeah, definitely my dad. What do you think gave you the edge to win the award? We’ve focused a lot on waste management even down to how we use our leftover garnishes for house-made syrups. I was also referred to as a wolf pack leader in one of the recommendations by my team so maybe that gave me an edge. (laughs) What do you do on your days off? One day I just sleep! I just hang out in my room with a couple of colleagues or if these guys are off, my team, they come over, we hang out. One day we just go out, jump in some bar, see what’s happening, find out what the markets doing. It’s easier to go one by one as a guest to find out what you’re doing wrong and what someone is doing right so you get the idea.
Congratulations Marvin, how does it feel? I was shocked. It hasn’t sunk in until now, but it feels great. Honestly, it feels great that after all these years the hard work does pay off. I’m quite happy. What’s your background, Marvin? I’m from Bombay. I’ve been in the industry for 7 years and 5 of those in Dubai. I’ve been with Taj for a couple of years now and before that, I was with Jumeirah. Why hospitality? I was a very mischievous kid so the only thing I used to like was to travel and meet people. I’m very fond of meeting different nationalities and travelling around so this is one industry that gives me that. Describe your day, or should I say night. Treehouse opens at 6 pm, right? Yes, from 6 pm. My days are pretty normal. I come in and do back office admin, meet the guys, have a quick briefing, see how the evening is, review the bookings, what will everyone’s duties be, then just go with the flow for the evening.
What is your “go-to” drink and why? I always prefer “Old Fashioned”, a classic Old Fashioned. I don’t like a twist, I just like plain straight Old Fashioned. That’s the top one. Always. It’s the flavour, it’s just the whole way of making it, it’s pretty cool for me. It’s very elegant, you know, it has sweetness, it has the bitterness of the orange plus it is heavy because of the whisk(e)y, but it’s the flavour of the whisk(e)y because bourbon is smokey and all that balance is perfect. It’s a slow drink so you cannot drink 10. You can have 2 or 3 and it’s good, it puts you in a really good mood. You don’t need to have 10 whisk(e)y shots, you just have 3 Old Fashioneds and you’re good. It goes down very nicely. Ok, let’s get into something a little controversial. Martinis – shaken or stirred? For me, stirred. Why? For me, it’s perfect because shaken gets it diluted. Stirred gives you the proper punch you need. Twist or Olives? Twist. Gin or Vodka? Vodka.
With the sad news of Roger Moore’s departure from our world this week, it begs the question, who is your favourite James Bond? I think the last one. Daniel Craig. I think he connects with the younger crowd more. Maybe that’s why. He’s a bit cooler. He looks very elegant in his suit and speaks more to our generation. I wouldn’t know most of the previous ones. Marvin, thank you for your time and congratulations again! We’re all thrilled you’ve been recognised in your field and wish you every success in the future. When a deserving, humble person is awarded Bar Manager of the Year and allows paraphernalia.co the first interview: it’s a thing we love….
"TRAVELERS ARE DREAMERS WHO MAKE THEIR DESIRES FOR ADVENTURE A REALITY."
By: Jenny Cavcic
The Mojave Desert: Reconnecting Spiritually at Cultus Camp
TRAVEL BLOG FEATURE
I was high, but I took no drugs. It was like time froze and the world around me stopped turning. Silence. I could hear only my own thoughts racing through my head. No cell reception, no WiFi, no technology and no people. It was just the two of us and the wild off-grid Mojave Desert. This was my first glamping experience with my husband. And somehow, our solitude and the raw environment of this unique Airbnb desert dwelling, really hit home with me. “Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run, but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world. Whatever it meant.” ― Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas My husband, tired from our long hike that day, was taking a nap in the breezy safari tent. I laid there on the open deck, soaking in the rich and warm rays of sun. A sudden deep sense of presence overcame me. I felt one with my wild surroundings. The sun, the desert, the trees, the plants, the wildlife. I was consciously connecting with them. There was no separation between us. Only balance and harmony. These mysteriously overpowering surroundings were healing me. Giving me a sense of personal empowerment. I felt almost as if I had transcended into another realm. With every breezy wind stroke on my skin, I felt a deeper understanding of myself. Was I having an epiphany? Perhaps I was lost in meditation. I recalled a scene from a film I watched. Indigenous rituals using Peyote to heal and escape into a transforming journey into themselves. I felt alive again.
THE RAW ELEMENTS OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Our visit to Cultus Camp and the Mojave Desert is perhaps one of the most experiential trips we’ve taken together as husband and wife. But not because of the world’s fascination with the music scene. Frankly, before this glamping experience at Cultus Camp, we knew little about the history of the geographical area. For me, the most noteworthy aspect of this place is its beauty and enchanting atmosphere. And what stole my heart, is the contrasting and playful elements of the Mojave Desert. I’ll paint a picture for you in words. The ground is hot and dry, but also fertile with water. Cactus plants whose tips are poisonous to touch, also bear edible fruits safe to eat. The day brings with it a deep silence and absolute peace. The night however, awakens howling coyotes, winds and rustling sounds of wildlife. This magical place celebrates and gives life. And this is why it’s so important and appealing.
The mystical atmosphere reminded me of my need for reconnection. It reminded me how much I wanted to detach myself from the shackles of my busy life. I wanted to find my spirit animal. I yearned for freedom… THE PULL OF CALIFORNIA’S MOJAVE DESERT AND THE MUSIC SCENE My story begins on the deck of Cultus Camp. A luxurious glamping site, sitting in a mystical pocket of the Mojave Desert in Pioneertown, California. I was enveloped in by mountains, desert, boulders and the ancient Joshua Tree Forest. There was something soothing about this environment. Not by chance, the geographical location around Cultus Camp resonates a history of mysticism and spiritual hallucinations. It’s well-known to artists and musicians who visited in pursuit of transcending into the metaphysical realm. Many are known for experimenting with recreational hallucinatory drugs. Hence, why their blessings of the area and its sacred energy runs so strong. For this reason, both travelers and settlers alike, are increasingly drawn to the Mojave Desert. Its close connection to the legendary rocker scene plays a large part for the traffic. Today, Joshua Tree remains a spiritual mecca for many artists and musicians. But there’s more to it. This place holds secrets that have to be experienced. Reading about isn’t enough.
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GLAMPING EXPERIENCE Cultus Camp is different from other desert rentals in this region of California. At this Airbnb desert camp, less is more. Everything on the campground was built with environmental consciousness in mind. So there’s no need to feel guilty about taking advantage of the amenities in this raw environment. In fact, its amenities pull from the sustainable natural surroundings of the desert and Joshua Tree Forest. Situated completely off-grid, power comes solely from solar energy. So there’s no shortage of electricity for charging needs. The Airbnb desert camp also sits on a land where the purest water flows from the earth. You can drink the water right from the tap or take comfortable hot or cold showers. RECONNECTING SPIRITUALLY IN CALIFORNIA’S MOJAVE DESERT & JOSHUA TREE FOREST Cultus Camp is a playground for those who appreciate adventures. And it’s also a haven for those who seek personal, spiritual and relationship growth. If you’re satisfied with getting an amazing glamping experience, you’ll love this Airbnb desert camp. But if you’re a traveler seeking to connect with the natural world, this place will change you forever. I fell in love with Cultus Camp, California’s Mojave Desert and the antique Joshua Tree Forest. This trip helped me grow in so many ways.
A UNIQUE AIRBNB DESERT CAMP AND A WORK OF ART Unlike any regular hotel, home or space in a destination, Cultus Camp is in itself a destination. It’s a secluded retreat for couples wanting to tap into the organic and wild realm of nature. And the best part? It lacks nothing. It’s a raw outdoor site without the uncomfortable camping negatives. Fused by elements of glamour and camping, Cultus Camp offers a rare glamping experience to adventurous lovers. But the Airbnb desert property isn’t just a unique camp site. It’s a work of art. A true masterpiece! Owners, Jeremy and Katrina, built the camp as a private art installation. All the artwork with the exception of one piece was created by Katrina. Using elements of California’s Mojave Desert, they created a hideaway space that parallels the mystical environment that it’s in. Every detail has a meaning behind it. And every detail is what lets couples connect with the desert’s unpredictable surroundings. “We actually created Cultus Camp for ourselves. This is our Sanctuary. It’s where Katrina and I got closer as a couple and truly experienced the natural world together. Enlightened by this glamping experience, we decided to share it with other couples. We want Cultus Camp to give couples an understanding and appreciation of our ancient landscape.” ― Jeremy Kenyon Lockyer Corbell (Artist, Filmmaker and Owner of Cultus Camp)
‘I’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. You live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen non-percent of. – Louis C.K.
My relationship with my husband entered a new level of understanding and unity. And perhaps even more importantly, I found my spiritual center. I fell in love with parts of myself that I had forgotten about and re-connected with life itself. I know that I’ll be back one day to continue finding what I started searching for. And as we were about to leave, I stood looking at the safari tent in the distance. My thoughts were overcome by the lyrics off U2’s epic album “Joshua Tree”: I have spoke with the tongue of angels I have held the hand of a devil It was warm in the night I was cold as a stone. But I still haven’t found What I’m looking for.
Cuba with Manuello Paganelli (Travel Workshop) July 17th-25th
Traveling Workshop 2017: Athens, Georgia July 30th – August 5th,
Travel Events/Workshops
Traveling Workshop 2017: Allston, Massachusetts August 7th – August 13th
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