Mongolia is the land of Genghis Khan, the least populated country on Earth, with vast pristine landscapes of untouched beauty and wilderness since medieval times, when the Mongols ruled parts of China, Russia, Persia, Iraq as well as the grasslands of Mongolia on horseback. Today, it is still the most equestrian nation on Earth, home to a rich cultural heritage and the nomadic herdsmen way of life, with about 30 percent of the entire population still living in yurts and herding livestock such as cashmere goats, sheep, horses, yaks and camels. Our guest speaker is Jan Wigsten, an intrepid Swede who has traverse all corners of this fascinating country, including the remote Altai Mountains border zones. Listen to stories about his private ‘off-grid’ travels and how such expedition-style journeys can be done in an authentic, yet comfortable way while keeping a certain level of luxury. Imagine waking up in your private yurt camp to a 360° view of pristine landscapes untouched by human development and experiencing the true hospitality of the Mongolian nomads.
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Jan Wigsten – Mongolia Expedition Travel Expert Jan Wigsten is no stranger to Mongolia, having travelled professionally around the region since 1980, curating experiences for fly fishing, snow leopard expeditions, horse riding safaris. His key focus, however, has been adapting the traditional yurt allowing for mobility, privacy and five-star camping experiences for exclusive wilderness journeys, yet retaining an authenticity of the lodging. In 2012, Jan was awarded the Friendship Medal by President Elbegdorj on the very first Mongolian state visit to Sweden, for his contribution to conservation and tourism in Mongolia, Jan was also involved as a consultant for conservation/tourism and rural development projects around South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Scandinavia and Asia, and is currently an advisor to UNDP Mongolia, the Mongolian government and the Sustainable Tourism Development Center to focus on the nomadic culture in tourism post-covid. Singaporeans may also find him familiar as Jan and his camps were featured on the CNA (Channel News Asia) sustainable tourism series “In Pursuit of Magic†a few years back.
Being the Heart of the Silk Road, Central Asia has been shaped over millennia by merchants and missionaries, soldiers and spies, and their wealth and ideas created magnificent civilizations in the region’s oases and crossroads. This is not just a lecture about the Silk Road’s archaeology and architecture. Sophie will entwine in her stories Central Asia’s fascination with astronomy and some of the world’s best locations for star gazing.
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Sophie Ibbotson, Central Asia Expert Sophie Ibbotson is a Central Asia expert who has worked in the region since 2008. She is a consultant to the World Bank, an advisor to the Government of Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador for Tourism. She has written five guidebooks for Bradt Travel Guides, as well as articles for publications such as The Telegraph, Financial Times, and The Economist; and is a trustee of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs. Sophie has previously lectured at the Royal Geographical Society, Royal Asiatic Society, and Tashkent International Tourism Fair, as well as for tour operators such as Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, Trans Indus, and Travel the Unknown.
Let us embark on a journey to retrace the two-thousand-year history of Central Asian Silk Road, from the perspectives of the 3 legendary emperors – Alexandra the Great, Han Wudi and Tang Tai Zong.
A. In 332 B.C., Macedonian Alexander the Great marched eastward, pushing the Helenistic civilization from Mediterranean Sea to Pamir Snow Mountain in Central Asia.
B. In 129 B.C., Han Wudi Emperor’s outward foreign policy saw China expanding to the west, through the deployment of envoys like Zhang Qian who established large scale trade on the Silk Road with Western countries, reaching Ferhana in present-day Uzbekistan to obtain a special ‘Heavenly Horse’.
C. In 645 A.D., the Silk Road was reopened once again during the Tang Dynasty under Tang Taizong, reaching a golden era of prosperity and trade with the west. In 658 A.D, the five Central Asian countries were featured in the Great Tang map for centuries, and a mural with 8 envoys of Europe and Asia was done in Ambassador’s Hall in Samarkand that same year to commemorate the Tang Empire. Till today, Central Asia’s silk, war horses and nomads are still important resources along the Belt and Road, but also the highlight of the five Central Asian countries tour.
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Dr. Mao Ming, Journal Editor of Inner Asian Art & Archaeology Dr. Mao Ming hails from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, with a Ph.D. Art and Archaeology from the University of London. Dr. Mao was the editor of the Journal of Inner Asian Art & Archaeology at the University of London, at the same time, taught the course “Forgotten Silk Road: Five Central Asian States” at the British Museum. She is currently a Research Professor at the Research Center of Cultural Soft Power in Peking University and at the Dunhuang Academy. Dr. has published more than two million words of academic works, including the award-winning “Pomegranate from the West”, the Oxford edition of the “Atlas of the World Art” in the sub-volume, and the Metropolitan Museum of New York exhibition catalogue entitled “Dawn to the Golden Age” silk volume. Five of her Central Asian archaeological translations, including “Turks, Sogdians and Nana Goddess”, have topped the Dangdang academic list in 2018. For the past 17 years, Dr. Mao has been a member of the UNESCO Archaeological Team preserving Buddhist temples and frescoes along Xuanzang’s Pilgrimage Route in the five Central Asian Countries.
There are many places on the map that are described as remote. Or “off the beaten trackâ€. Or an “adventure of a lifetimeâ€. While many times these turn out to be the road more travelled, The Kimberley is truly the whole package. In collaboration with Silversea, Intriq Journey is proud to showcase one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. Come voyage with us and get up-close and personal with this ancient landscape and the incredible experiences only accessible by ship – zodiac expeditions zip past thundering waterfalls that cascade over towering red cliffs to spot Western Australia’s prolific wildlife of wallabies, crocodiles, and ospreys, getting an insight into ancient Aboriginal rock paintings dating back 50,000 years. This is indeed the ultimate Aussie experience!
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Peter Bergman, Silversea Expedition Leader
Having grown up in the ‘top end’ of Australia, outdoor adventure was a part of Peter’s life from a young age, with fishing, camping, and 4WDing taking up any spare time outside of school hours. This curiosity for the natural world led Peter to study marine science at university in Perth, Western Australia. While semesters were spent cramming in knowledge about the marine environment, university holidays were spent travelling through South East Asia, South America and Europe, opening up a new world of landscapes, cultures and ways of life. Peter began working with Silversea Expeditions in 2018 and has been on some incredible voyages, taking in Antarctica, South and Central America, the Indonesian archipelago, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic as well as in his own backyard in the Kimberley, Australia. Peter works as the Assistant Expedition Leader on the ship, helping with the planning and coordination of each day’s activities, but best of all gets to join in on all the fun in the Zodiacs and out on tour.
Discover our luxury cruise itineraries around the world.
When one thinks of Africa’s animal migration, the Great Wildebeest Migration through Kenya and Tanzania come to mind. But there are plenty of other animals that migrate in Africa too, from air, land and sea. In this Migration in Africa webinar, our expert guest speaker will share with you his tips and recommendations of witnessing animal migrations of zebras, flamingos and many more.
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Seth Vorster, &Beyond safari guide
Growing up on a sugarcane farm in South Africa’s rural Kwazulu-Natal, with magical outdoor spaces to explore, shaped Seth’s early interest in the natural environment. His time-out from school and civil engineering studies was dedicated to exploring game reserves both in and outside of South Africa, hiking South Africa’s spectacular Drakensberg Mountains, and kayaking every off-the-beaten-track river he could get access to. Seth also holds the highly specialized advanced walking/tracking guide qualification, that enables him to provide our guests with the unique experience of tracking dangerous game, including buffalo, black and white rhino, and elephant, on foot.
Discover our luxury nature & wildlife itineraries around the world.
Antarctica is a continent unlike any other. The southernmost, coldest, highest and driest continent on Earth. Join our Antarctica webinar to discover the secrets of the polar expedition tour, with our honourable speakers from Quark Expeditions & White Desert.
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Alison Kirk Lauritsen, an Expedition Leader and Quark Academy Trainer in Quark Expeditions
Patrick Woodhead, CEO of White Desert and author of 4 bestselling books published in 11 different languages, a Prince’s Trust Ambassador and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Discover our carefully curated sample itineraries to Antarctica.
As we wind down to the final chapter of 2021, discover these Crystal River Cruises sailings with irresistible offers to help you plan ahead your post-pandemic luxury holiday in 2022.
Crystal Cruises Current Promotion
2 for 1 savings + USD 500 savings per person
Intriq Journey’s exclusive offer
Enjoy additional USD 350 off per person
7-Night Danube Dreams & Discoveries (Austria, Hungary & Slovakia)
Date: 7 – 14 Nov 2022Â
Ship: Crystal Mozart
Original Price:Â USD 7,998 per person + USD 210 port taxes
Exclusive promotional price: USD 3,149 per person + USD 210 port taxes
Learn more about the itinerary of Danube Dreams & Discoveries
7-Night Legendary Rhine (Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands)
Date: 24 Sep – 1 Oct
Ship: Crystal Bach
7-Night Romantic Rhine (Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland)
Date: 1 – 8 Oct (reverse journey)
Ship: Crystal Bach
Original Price:Â USD 12,398 per person + USD 210 port taxes
Exclusive promotional price: USD 5,349 per person + USD 210 port taxes
Learn more about the itinerary of Legendary Rhine and Romantic Shine
Note:
Crystal Cruises also has a wide selection of cruises sailing throughout 2022 and 2023 that we will be happy to explore for you, please contact us for more details.
Our team at Intriq Journey has carefully curated this feature on China, a country that boasts over 20 amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites and no less than 56 different ethnic groups. Read on to find out why our China travel expert Stella Fan thinks it is the destination that has something for everyone in every season.
We are taking a different perspective to illustrate our recommendations according to China’s geographical landforms, which can be categorised by: the mountain ranges, the high plateaus and the low-lying plains.
Soaring Mountains
Encompassing some of the world’s tallest peaks, China’s mountain ranges deservedly earned it’s title of Roof of the World. Generally above 2,000m altitude, geographical features include snow-capped mountains, glaciers, high mountain passes, and incredible alpine landscapes.
10 Days Eastern Tibet Panorama
Step into the Switzerland-like scenery of Eastern Tibet, trek its largest ancient blue Laigu glacier and wander around quaint remote villages in the world’s deepest canyon.
8 Days Hidden Charms of Northern Yunnan
Stroll across the quaint roofed houses of Lijiang and the undulating beauty of Shangri-La town, hike across the iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Meili.
High Plateau
Although at a lower altitude than the mountains (mostly elevations between 1,000 – 2,000m high), the high plateaus are no less impressive, boasting of impressive landforms ranging from steppe grasslands, mountains ridges and ravines, verdant valleys, highland lakes and waterfalls.
6 Days Alternative Shaanxi
Get lost in Yucha Grand Canyon, which bears a striking resemblance to Antelope Canyon in the United States. Be awed by the world’s only yellow thundering Hukou Waterfall.
6 Days Hulunbuir Immersion in Inner Mongolia
Enjoy breath-taking colours of Ergun – the no.1 wetland in Asia, traverse the boundless grassland of Hulunbuir and mingle with the “last hunting tribe in China†Aolunguya Reindeer Tribe.
Sweeping Plains
We categorize the rest of China as the low-lying regions – fertile plains that are densely farmed and populated. The landscape is one of the most diverse, from rivers meandering through karst formations, lush rice terraces stretching along the rolling hills, tropical forests to white sandy beaches.
5 Days Landscapes of Guilin
Take the path less travelled to journey through Guilin to see its gorgeous karst formations along the Li River, enjoy the picturesque rice terraces in Longsheng and bike along a quiet trail to visit authentic villages with a local guide.
8 Days Best of Fujian
Explore the signature highlights of Fujian, one of the most culturally diverse provinces in China. Visit a local family in the unique Tulou Hakka House and retreat into a Toulou-transformed hotel.
Retreat to Relax – Jinmao Purelax Mountain Hotel Lijiang
The recently renovated hotel offers 89 suites and villas, nestled against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yunnan. The hotel is a destination in itself, boasting the magnificent scenery of century-old glaciers and a plethora of dynamic cultural heritage.
With our unbeatable knowledge & extensive connections on the ground, get in touch to find out the best experiences in this incredible country.
Update on 17 Aug 2021:
Believe it or not, the world is traveling again (at least on the other side of the planet) after almost 20 months of standstill. Distant as it may seem, we may be getting back on the road sooner than we expect. According to the latest figures, more than half of the population in Hong Kong has already received the first vaccine dose. With the latest roll out of antibody testing service at HKIA,
quarantine can be shortened from 14 days to 7 days for these groups of travellers:
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After being confined to our home ground for over a year, we are thrilled to deliver the latest travel updates, especially to those who have received their jabs. As of 6 July, fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents returning from specified destinations will be subjected to a shortened compulsory quarantine period of 7 days at designated quarantine hotels if they fulfil the following conditions:
With your best interests at heart, our team has merrily compiled a list of destinations that are open to fully vaccinated travellers from Hong Kong with no quarantine requirement.
Journey through both the icons and hidden gems of the United Arab Emirates. Get under the skin of the mysterious Arabian culture at Sharjah and explore the ever-changing landscape of futuristic Dubai.
The itinerary is perfectly designed for this season where you can descend into the magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur volcano, snorkel between two continental plates in Silfra and voyage on a zodiac cruise on Jokulsarlon’s lagoon to see mystical icebergs.
Embark on a luxury private holiday to George to discover this little gem amid the Caucasus Mountain. Explore this important stop on the Silk Road and follow the traces of ancient caravans to discover its amazing culture, religion, cuisine and UNESCO monuments.
First opened for tourism at the end of 2019, Saudi Arabia is an uncharted territory even for the most discerning travellers. The charm of this mysterious middle east country undoubtedly lies in its unique historical and cultural heritage and breath-taking landscapes. October to March is the best time to visit the place when the weather is pleasant and dry. Join our Saudi Arabia Intriq Finesse, a guaranteed departure in early December, to unveil the aura of different regions and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Comprising of more than a hundred islands, Seychelles is a paradise for beach-and-sun-lovers. Apart from indulging in water sports and getting a sun-kissed glow, check out the endemic wildlife from the Aldabra Giant Tortoise to rare species of bird and experience the local Creole food and drink. Our curated private jet journey is perfect for those who seek exclusivity and safety in the new normal, else our team will be happy to customize a journey tailor to your needs.
Infused with Ottoman, Roman and Greek influences, countries within the Balkans region form an alluring puzzle of enriching history, vibrant cultures and spectacular sceneries. Join our Intriq Finesse departure in April 2022 for an authentic immersion in this off-the-beaten region of Europe. Watch an exclusive choir performance in Pec, enjoy lecture in Tito’s mausoleum and get fully immersed into the tumultuous history and fascinating culture of The Balkans.
With its rich history and a diversity of natural landscapes, Romania has so much to offer its visitors. Though being a year-round destination, our favourite times to visit is just before or after the hot summers when temperatures are comfortable. Hunt for truffles and taste the good value local wines while listening to folklores and legends of this fascinating country.
Get in touch with us to tailor your long-awaited journey now.
Not many know the Kimberley region, taking up almost the entire north-western corner of Australia, the sheer size of it makes it one of the best places to discover nature, wildlife and adventure. Almost 383 times larger than Hong Kong, 581 times the size of Singapore, this remote region is home to prolific wildlife, wondrous sights, swimming holes filled with fresh water, and outback stations. Don’t like crowds and prefer some fresh air? Despite being immensely large, there are very few inhabitants in the region, making Kimberley a very sparsely populated area. Curious as to what’s there to see? We have the list prepared:
Glimpse in ancient history
If you thought Roman architecture was a peek into ancient times, we’re taking a huge leap back in time at Kimberley, Australia. Many ancient Roman ruins are like infants when compared to the painted Rock Walls in the Kimberley region, dating back to almost 16,000 years ago.
Paleontology more to your liking? Come to Broome (not sure if want to put this in: before or after your cruise) to have a look at the world’s largest dinosaur tracks, the 25 kilometre stretch of coastline north of the city is home to thousands of dinosaur tracks belonging to more than 20 different groups, making it the most diverse track sites in the world. Imagine the thundering beats of two-toed herbivores, or raging T-rexes that stomped their existence into the very Earth that you tread today.
A giant cornucopia of Natural Wonders
Though Kimberley itself is not crowded, there are certainly enough attractions and natural wonders here to crowd your itinerary. Breathtaking wilderness Purnululu National Park is home to the Bungle Bungle range, an expansive land formation out of beehive-like sandstone karsts, and also a UNESCO world heritage listed for the geological significance. Many nature-buffs would also be fascinated to experience the Horizontal Falls of Talbot Bay, described by the famous natural historian David Attenborough as the “Australia’s most unusual natural wonderâ€. The massive tidal movements of the region, easily reaching 11-metre, creates rapids that resembles a waterfall moving horizontally, a truly awe-striking sight.
Bird of paradise
Thought you would be lonely in such a sparsely populated area? Not at all – there are over 300 species of birds in the Kimberley region alone. Sit by the shore at sunset to see the dance of brolgas birds, a true spectacle for any nature lover. You can also see flocks of magpie geese fly overhead at sunrise, it’s definitely a noisy sunrise as you hear the flapping of enormous wings heading out to sea. If lucky, you may even spot a pair of chirping Brown Honeyeaters or some colourful Rainbow Bee-eaters among the trees, the endangered Gouldian Finch or the Sea Eagles feeding their young by the shore.
Clear skies ahead
Sparsely populated also roughly translates to low light pollution. Get unhindered views of the night sky that’s near impossible in cosmopolitan cities, almost all of the Milky Way can be seen here, where the spectacular night skies are revealed. The Kimberley night skies are clear, pristine and beautiful, and you find yourself transported back in time to a point where there were no streetlights or billboards. There is a moment where you will realise that you are not only staring into the Milky Way, but you are on a planet that is part of the Milky Way, that realisation often is humbling and makes one appreciate the beauty of just being alive.
Fly me to the moon
Ready to go to the moon? We might not be flying though but we can certainly take the stairs. The Staircase to the Moon in Kimberley is an amazing phenomenon caused by the rising of a full moon reflecting off the exposed mudflats in Roebuck Bay at a low tide. The optical illusion of a stairway to reach a Moon is alluring as it is breathtaking. The phenomenon only occurs a couple of times per month from March to October. Don’t worry if you don’t arrive at the right dates to catch this spectacular show, the Indian Ocean itself seen in contrast with the red rocks of the Kimberley coast is a sight to behold on its own.
Connect with the oldest culture in the world
Having been here for over 50,000 years, the Traditional Owners of Australia’s Kimberley region are now represented by the Kimberley Land Council. Up to 40% of the region’s population are aboriginal people, comprising a vast range of different language groups, each with its own story and heritage. Visit them in Indigenous-led tourism businesses operating in the region, tours can offer a variety of experiences that help you learn, understand and appreciate the spiritual connection Aboriginal people have to this vast and beautiful Kimberley land.
Can’t wait to take a tour around Kimberley? It’s important to note that many of these amazing locations are not easily accessible by land and vehicle. Instead, Intriq Journey recommends taking a cruise to visit Kimberley: get up close and personal to the Horizontal Falls, get on and off with extreme comfort and luxury, knowing that only the best quality of service is available to you. Kimberley’s complex gorges, canyons, ridges and cliffs can be easily accessed with a cruise, designed for those who delight in the thrill of discovery while indulging in lavish surroundings. Who says you have to pick a side? Get your private verandas and ocean suites all with exclusive butler service, celebrate expedition cruising at its best with the comfortable living to the experienced local guides that guarantee a wonderful and fruitful journey in Kimberley.
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Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to speak with us.
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