Features

Wait Until Dark: Interesting Night Tours

30 Jun 2008 by business traveller
The contact is signed, the deal is done, the day is over. But the adrenalin is still pumping away and you're wired up and capable for more. Don't let night be an excuse not to explore - there are things better done when the sun goes down. Lau Liang Tong and Kenneth Cheong suggest a range of activities that entertain as well as educate.

AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB

WHAT TO EXPECT: Certainly not for the faint-hearted or those prone to shortness of breath as the experience consists of clambering up ladders and tramping and inching through catwalks in the gathering dusk to reach the summit of one of the world’s most famous icons, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And that means being 134m above sometimes placid, sometimes choppy ocean waters. The reward? The priceless panorama of a radiant city, capped by the Opera House, another landmark, bathed in a golden hue, and of course, the satisfaction of having made it to the top. THE TOUR: Do not think you are going to get up on the bridge as the construction crew did in 1923, sans hard hats, safety lines and sturdy clothing. In fact, a good 40 minutes of the three-and-a-half-hour tour are spent prepping up participants with procedures such as breath tests (for alcohol levels) and simulation on a small ledge, all done thoroughly and efficiently by the young staff. Besides a specially designed jumpsuit, with adjustments to all kinds of Sydney weather, the most important protective detail is the BridgeClimb latch that hooks on to railings that line the entire tour path. Nothing, of course, prepares you for that first step into the open and the lightheadedness of feeling like a kite about to soar. Then, reality kicks in when habit makes you look down. Then, you realise that what seems like ants below are actually people and cars and yes, you are that high above them. But before your knees start to buckle, your team leader barks for the group (usually made up of 12) to move on. Most of the ascent is gradual, the only hoary experience being climbing some steep ladders while beneath your feet a commuter train thunders by. COST: Until June 30, 2009, the twilight climb costs A$249 (US$244), Monday to Sunday, while day and night climbs are both A$179 (US$169) Monday to Friday and A$199 (US$188) Saturday and Sunday. Children’s rates are also available. Peak season rates apply from December 26 to January 9, 2009. CONTACT: BridgeClimb, tel 61 2 8274 7777, www.bridgeclimb.com

Margie T Logarta

TURTLE TOURS, QUEENSLAND

  WHAT TO EXPECT: Witness the arrival of new life on Planet Earth. Watch as endangered loggerhead mother turtles plod onto the warm sandy beaches of Bundaberg in Queensland to nest, and marvel as their hatchlings eventually totter back into the ocean. Footprints Adventures, a fully accredited commercial operator whose efforts to raise awareness about these fragile creatures has been cited in Lonely Planet, is one of the best guides to sign up with for the experience. THE TOUR: Remember this will be a night on the beach, so shorts, a tank top and sandals are in order. Between January and late March, Footprints conducts sightings of reptilian births on Mon Repos Beach, known to have the largest concentration of nesting turtles. Loggerhead turtles, which got their name from their unusually large heads, typically burrow along what is known as the “Turtle Coast”, between Woodgate and the town of 1770. The best time to see them in their environment is between mid-November and February. Since turtles are wild creatures, it is difficult to predict just exactly when they will come ashore. The wait could be long; it could be short. To keep participants occupied, Footprints escorts them to the visitors’ centre, which offers related videos and chats with tour guides, rangers and turtle volunteers, who enthusiastically share their encounters with the reptiles. When a mother turtle is sighted, the group is quickly directed to head for the beach. Visitors with any difficulty walking should reconsider going on the tour or notify the guide as navigating the soft, moist sand at night can pose some challenges. COST: Several rates are available. Without accommodation, the tour costs A$44 (US$42) for adults; A$30 (US$29) for  children between five and 14; while children under five are free of charge. With one-night accommodation, it’s A$66 (US$62) plus tax and insurance, and if that includes a visit to the Bundaberg Rum distillery, it’s A$71 (US$67), but without entry to the distillery. CONTACT: Footprints Adventures, tel 61 7 4152 3659, www.footprintsadventures.com.au

CHINA

RED CAPITAL CLUB TOUR, BEIJING

WHAT TO EXPECT: Cruise through the darkened streets of Beijing in the comfort of a hong qi (red flag) stretch limousine that was once reserved for the use of China’s revolutionary elite. From a fleet of five bulletproof beauties presented by Russia’s Josef Stalin to Chairman Mao Zedong, these vintage vehicles sport the distinctive “three red flags” emblem (symbolising the workers, farmers and peasants who helped bring about sweeping changes in the country) on their side panels. The tour commences after 7.30pm and lasts about 50 minutes. THE TOUR: The drive, which starts from the Red Capital Club and Guesthouse, takes guests to a number of famous attractions in Beijing, including Zhong Nan Hai (the residence of current Chinese president Hu Jintao), Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. A maximum of three passengers are allowed per trip, but perks such as a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne and Russian caviar are plentiful. A lady, garbed in a costume straight out of the Red Detachment of Women, acts as a guide. In appearance, the cars look as smart as they did years ago, but their engines could need constant maintenance, posing problems at times, especially during winter. It is then the Red Capital Club staff advise their VIPs not to do the tour. COST: The package starts from US$271. CONTACT: Red Capital Club, No. 66 Dongsi Jiutiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100007, China, tel 86 10 8403 5308, www.redcapitalclub.com.cn

ITALY

GONDOLA SERENADE TOUR, VENICE

WHAT TO EXPECT: No trip to Venice is complete without a sail through its world-famous Grand Canal on that distinctive polished barque, the gondola. It remains the most authentic way to appreciate one of the world’s enduringly romantic cities. Most visitors are likely to do the boat ride during the day, as few are aware it can also be done in the evenings, any time from 6pm to 9pm during winter (November to March) and from 7pm to 9pm in the summer (April to October). Numerous ground handlers such as Tours and Co Associates can arrange the experience for you. The usual starting point is by the gondola pier in Bacino Orseolo behind the famous St Mark’s Square. THE TOUR: Once ensconced in the vessel, you will be immediately put at ease by the gondolieri, who more often than not, is wearing that trademark black-and-white striped shirt. It is a given that at some point during the journey he and the two accompanying musicians will break out into song – in Italian, of course. Requests are often entertained. If you are with your significant other, keep a watch (but for sure the boatman will loudly point it out) for Venice’s most celebrated bridge, Ponte di Rialto. According to tradition, couples passing under the bridge in their gondola, must kiss to uphold the spirit of eternal love. The cruise glides through lesser-known canals like Rio dei Barcaroli and Rio dell’Ovo towards the direction of Rio St Luca. Some of the smaller waterways are so narrow you just have to reach out to touch the ancient walls. There is no dress code and wearing shoes with good grip is a wise decision, considering the tendency of the city’s streets and pathways to get slippery from the splashing waves. Each gondola ride accommodates a maximum of four passengers. One point to note: the later the tour starts, the more expensive it is. Tours will only be cancelled if weather conditions are unpredictable, but you will definitely be informed beforehand. Sailings are daily, except on these dates: January 1 and 6, March 24, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 15, November 1 and 21, and December 8, 25, 26 and 31. COST: From US$138 per adult. CONTACT: Tours and Co Associates, tel 1 419 244 6440, www.city-discovery.com/venice

JAPAN

GEISHA NIGHT, KYOTO

WHAT TO EXPECT: Kyoto’s Gion district maintains well-preserved examples of the imperial Edo period such as cobbled streets, teakwood and paper structures that it is like stepping back in time. It is here that the traditional tea ceremony is best appreciated. Getting there is through a hired cab that picks up guests between 5.55pm and 6.15pm at these locations: The Westin Miyako Kyoto, Kyoto Hotel Okura, ANA Hotel Kyoto, New Miyako Hotel and Gion Yoshiima. The tour starts at 7pm and ends between 9pm and 10pm and the group is escorted by a professional English-speaking guide. And if you want to dress in kimono, no one will stop you! THE TOUR: First activity of the evening is the traditional cha no yu (way of tea) ritual in the garden of a typical Japanese inn (Yoshi-ima Ryokan) orchestrated by a tea master, who has gone through many years of study and practice of this ancient and complex art. Though appearing to be deceptively simple, the serving of tea is actually a multifaceted procedure heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. Note the stunning garb donned by the tea master. A delicious Zen-style tempura dinner is then served, consisting of deep-fried battered seasonal vegetables, soybean soup, steamed rice and assorted condiments. After dinner, it is time for a walk around Gion’s renowned geisha district through the maiko (apprentice geisha) lane and picturesque Hanamiko Street. The tour guide will point out outstanding architectural features of the neighbourhood such as an okiya (geisha house) and machiya (city house). The tour winds up at Gion corner with an exhibition of flower arrangements and a cultural performance featuring gagaku (ancient court music) and kyomai, a dance performed by maikos. Tours are conducted only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (excluding July 15 and August 16) until November 29. COST: ¥11,300 (US$109) for adults and children (six to 11 years old) alike. Children below the age of six are free of charge but without a dinner set. CONTACT: Sunrise Tours, tel 81 75 341 1413, www.jtb.co.jp

NEW ZEALAND

KIWI SPOTTING, STEWART ISLAND

WHAT TO EXPECT: Nighttime is the best time to see New Zealand’s best-loved icon – the brown kiwi (New Zealanders call themselves “kiwi” remember?) – on Stewart Island. These shy flightless creatures are usually inactive until evening when they venture out from the scrub to scavenge for sand hoppers. Veteran bird watchers Phillip and Diane Smith try their best to guide groups to areas the kiwi are known to frequent, although sometimes they can be incredibly difficult to spot because of their dull colour, which happens to provide excellent camouflage against bigger predators. If the search proves futile, there is at least the consolation of observing a beautiful star-lit sky. Tours – usually of 14 participants – are conducted every alternate night, lasting three hours on average, and can end as late as 1am. THE TOUR: The trip to Stewart Island begins with a 35-minute sunset cruise on the MV Volantis, usually docked at Half Moon Bay Wharf. If you do manage to see a kiwi before the tour is over, give yourself a pat on the back because as mentioned, they can be extremely difficult to view. There is more chance of sightings in the months just before the mating season of September to October when the kiwi are at their most active. COST: About US$70 to US$105 per person including boat fares. CONTACT: Bravo Adventure Cruises, tel 64 3 219 1144, email [email protected]

SINGAPORE

SECRETS OF THE RED LANTERN

WHAT TO EXPECT: Life during Singapore’s colonial era was a far cry from the dynamic and cosmopolitan ambience the island-state projects today. Then, after a hard day’s work of eking out a living, the country’s mostly Chinese immigrants turned to vices such as gambling, opium puffing and prostitution for diversion. A local guide, certified by the Singapore Tourism Board, will conduct this two-hour heritage tour every Friday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Walking is largely encouraged “for one to truly absorb the flavour and colour” of these ethnic enclaves. No pre-booking is required. Just turn up at Chinatown MRT station and be on the look out for someone holding a brochure. THE TOUR: Participants will be led through former red light districts and into back alleys across the entire stretch of Chinatown, and be entertained with spicy historical vignettes. The walk ends at a barbecue pork shop on Keong Saik Street, which is convenient for those who may have grown hungry by now. The tour is conducted throughout the year and proceeds despite inclement weather as long as people show up. COST: Prices start from US$18 per adult. CONTACT: Journeys, tel 65 6224 0136, www.singaporewalks.com

SOUTH AFRICA

SABI SABI EVENING SAFARI DRIVE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

WHAT TO EXPECT: Located in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin next to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is home to some of Africa’s richest biodiversities. Evening safaris are highly recommended as the record shows that the jungle comes alive after sundown. Transport during the three-hour journey is via an open-top Land Rover, accompanied by a highly trained and experienced ranger. A variety of transport options from road transfers to private air charters is available to get you to the safari grounds. THE TOUR: As daylight fades into sudden darkness, the hunter and the hunted begin their nocturnal activities. Your ranger keeps his eyes peeled for movements in the bush, pointing out interesting tableaux such as groups of big cats biding their time for unsuspecting prey to wander into their radar. Once they are off in hot pursuit, so is your vehicle, and if the timing is right, you may witness a dramatic kill – all in a day’s work for the kings of the jungle. The winter period, when the vegetation is sparse, produces better chances for more unusual sightings, but summer also provides another dimension with lively birdsong, brilliant foliage and the birth of young wildlife. COST: Lodge stays (starting from US$474 nightly) include two daily safaris, as well as an hour-long walking excursion. CONTACT: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, tel 27 11 447 7172, www.sabisabi.com

UK

JACK THE RIPPER TOUR, LONDON

WHAT TO EXPECT: Easily spooked? This experience is not for you. But if you dare to participate, you will be transported back to Victorian London to revisit the intriguing case of the gruesome Whitechapel murders that gripped society then with fear and uncertainty. Richard Jones, an expert in “paranormal history”, has been conducting tours of such nature since 1983. His is a blow-by-blow account of the carnage that occurred at each site. The walk starts at the Toynbee Hall exit of Aldgate East Underground Station from 7pm. THE TOUR: From Aldgate East Underground Station, Jones will take you to a number of places figuring significantly in the incidents: an old alleyway near White Hart Pub where the first victim was believed to be last seen; a doorway on Goulston Street where the only clue to the serial murderer was found; and the precise spot on Mitre Square where police officers found the butchered remains of the fourth victim. At the end of the tour, Jones reveals the identity of the Ripper and his eventual fate. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 36 participants, allowing better interaction between Jones and his listeners. COST: Prices start from US$13 per person. CONTACT: Discovery Tours and Events, tel 44 20 8530 8443, www.jack-the-ripper-walk.co.uk

SCOTLAND

GHOST HUNTER TRAIL, EDINBURGH

WHAT TO EXPECT: Scotland is not only famous for its magnificent castles, but tales of supernatural presence that lurk in the various corners as well. Mercat Tours brings you on a spine-tingling excursion, with an appropriately cloaked tour guide narrating stories of Edinburgh’s eerie past as you explore a brace of reportedly haunted locations around the city. Established in 1985, the company currently employs a team of 50 guides, all extremely steeped in local history and veterans of a six-week training programme to prepare them for all sorts of visitor questions. Awarded “five-star status“ last year by the Scottish Tourism Board, Mercat Tours has been recognised for rendering consistently top-notch service. THE TOUR: Mercat Cross, the site of public executions and punishment back in the old days, is the tour’s starting point. The group will be led through dank, underground vaults beneath the South Bridge, where robbery and murder were rife in the 1800s. Do not be surprised if you feel a gust of cold wind or sense a figure lurking in the shadows – you’re just getting into the spirit of the moment. Learn about Major Weir, also known as the “Wizard of West Bow”, a Satanist who formed an incestuous relationship with his sister. The couple were later prosecuted. It is said that their spirits still roam Edinburgh’s West Bow, an area along Victoria Street. Last stop is the deserted Canongate graveyard, eternal resting place of many famous Scots, including economist Adam Smith. The blood-curdling history of Edinburgh, combined with the tour guide’s flair for drama, make this one-and-a-half-hour night sortie the stuff of retelling to the folks back home. Leave the children at the hotel as no one under 16 is permitted to participate. Tours take place on most days except on December 6, 24-26 and 31. Until September 30, there are two tours per day, at?9.30pm and 11.30pm. Then, from October 1 to March 31, 2009,?there is only one tour at 9.30pm. Private group tours are also available upon request. COST: US$17 per person. CONTACT: Mercat Tours, tel 44 131 225 5445, www.mercattours.com

US

CITY JAZZ TOUR, NEW YORK

WHAT TO EXPECT: You don’t have to be a fan of jazz music to appreciate Gordon Polatnick’s Big Apple jazz tour. On his watch, you’ll get to soak in the atmosphere of cosmopolitan New York after dark, taking the subway or riding a yellow cab or even a limo for the night. Polatnick, a licensed sightseeing guide, has been specialising in the jazz scene for 11 years. He’s definitely the man to call when it comes to the performing scene in the US. THE TOUR: Meet Polatnick at 7pm at any location of your choice, followed by club hopping to hear a variety of jazz music styles. Dinner may be taken at any of the establishments in Harlem or Greenwich that are on the itinerary. These include the Jazz Standard downtown with its barbecue menu or Arturo’s, which has been around for 40 years, for pizza and others such as Birdland,? Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Iridium, Blue Note, Sweet Rhythm and The Garage. The tour winds up by 11pm. That is, unless you want to go on until 3am – the outing can be extended if you wish. Whatever your budget, Polatnick will have it smoothly planned. Blues aficionados can also be accommodated and be taken to blues clubs. The beauty of being with Polatnick is his ability to adapt to a variety of preferences – no sweat for this seasoned tour guide, who’s a walking music encyclopedia and is always on the look out for upcoming performers. An educator as well, Polatnick never forgets to put his favourite subject in perspective. One interesting stop on the tour is historical Lenox Avenue, where jazz had its beginnings in the Big Apple. He says: “Jazz is presented in several hundred venues every night of the week in New York City.” With Polatnick, you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice. The tour lasts a minimum of four hours. COST: Polatnick charges US$75 per hour (minimum of four hours), applicable to both small and large groups. Drinks cost around US$10; a taxi ride costs about US$12 and takes up to four passengers. For guests, who want rock star service, limo service is available at US$600 for four hours. CONTACT: Big Apple Jazz, tel 1 212 283 5299, www.bigapplejazz.com/jazztour_baj.html
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