Guizhou, home to one of the best Chinese liquors, is more than just a place where Maotai is manufactured, the province is in fact a cornucopia of cultures and hidden gems for culture tourism and those who are interested in the ethnic minorities. In the southeast of Guizhou is Danzhai, where natural wonders and the culture of the ethnic minority people in Danzhai pull in millions of visitors each year. An awe even to the most seasoned traveller, the rustic and unique folk styles and cultures are great attractions for those who love immersive experiences. Under the administration of the Qiandongnan Miao and the Dong Autonomous Prefecture, the rich cultural diversity made it a recommendation by Lonely Planet, a worthy travel destination comparable even to Brazil’s Amazons and Lord Howe Island in Australia.
A mere two-hour drive away from Guiyang, the ethnic minority villages here in Danzhai are what churches are in Europe, or Gondolas in Venice, living museums that showcase the culture and history of people from different ethnicities, village-hopping is a must on anyone’s itinerary. You could head to Paimo, Song Long, or Ma Niao to see different villages and discover traditional art forms like Batik Dyeing, Bird Cages, and Paper-making. Don’t worry about comfort as the Danzhai Wanda Village would be your perfect anchor point, providing easy access to different locations and also comfortable resorts and dining options, all while supporting the local community and funding the poverty alleviation programme for the ethnic minority in the region.
Curious as to what you can do in Danzhai to learn about the ethnic minority culture? Here are some activities that are eye-opening and immersive:
Craving more cultural heritage? Driving 3 hours westbound, you’ll arrive at Anshun, where another kind of ethnic minority flourishes. While village-hopping through the Anshun area, you’ll come across the Anshun Yunfeng Tunbao Cultural Scenic Area where fort villages are brimming with cultural heritage and history. Specifically in the fort village of Ben, one of the most well-preserved villages, meet the “Tunbao people ” who are in fact not an ethnic minority, but Han people who have migrated to the region in the Ming dynasty. They often don Ming dynasty clothing and live in stone houses. There are minimal tourists here, really get the most authentic experience by observing the daily lives of the people who still live here. You can also admire the architecture of the Tunbao, a former military-use fort where there are hidden holes where archers fired their deadly shots.
Different from commercial sightseeing villages, the forts here are conservational and have been kept for their historical value. In the Yintan area, home to 323 families and a total of 1,669 villagers, you can immerse yourself in the Dong villages. Ancient wells that have been in use since their ancestors migrated here, still provide for the villages as they did centuries ago. The people here are generous, loving and open, often welcoming visitors with local cuisine, singing and dancing. Get to know their culture from an insider’s point of view, learn about their customs and traditions not from a museum, but from the people.
Besides the cultural side of things, Guizhou is also full of natural wonders. Home to the magnificent Mount Fanjing, the Libo Xiaoqikong and the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall, simply let us know what your preference is and tailor your itinerary to make the most out of your trip to Guizhou.
One of the most signature, almost postcard-esque shots of Guizhou would be their rice fields. Head to the Jiabang rice field to take long walks along the rice paddies, take the path less taken, free from other tourists. Discover the lovely natural wonders in Guizhou at your own pace and leisure.
If you prefer to hike, Guizhou has many beautiful mountains suitable for you to conquer. Home to many bridges, Guizhou is the proud home to 14 of the highest bridges in the world. Walk around the loop of Tianxingqiao Scenic area to brave the heights on a relatively easier trail. Want a challenge? Head to Fanjingshan, one of the UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites at 2,336 metres above sea level that is still standing after being through earthquakes, volcanic outbursts, and the ice age. A place with great biodiversity, it has around 4,000 different species of flowers alone and is home to the Grey Snub-nosed Monkey. Climb up a thousand steps to see the Fanjingshan temples, built first in the Ming Dynasty, and restored once in the Qing Dynasty. A majestic sight to behold atop the clouds.
Whether you’re a history buff interested in the ethnic minorities’ complex culture or a nature-lover who is in search of the best scenic routes, Guizhou has its mix of authentic experiences that isn’t watered down like your average sightseeing village. Intriq Journey is happy to tailor-make your very own itinerary to make the most out of Guizhou, be it immersive workshops and experiences, or a hike through the mountains.
Animal migration happens for various reasons, for some, it is about depleted food sources and the climate, while for others, it is about heading back to where it started and giving birth to the next generation. Some are seasonal, while others are a year-long affair (did you know that the wildebeest in Tanzania and Kenya are constantly on the move all year round?). We share this and 7 other lesser-known facts:
Zebra herds are called Dazzles, and they dazzle for many miles
Commonly found around the rivers in dry months, zebra herds are said to move up to nearly 1,000 km each year, the longest migration of all land animals in Africa They make their way almost all the way across Botswana, back-and-forth during the interchanging seasons – southbound towards the desert in the wet season from November to March, and then back North through the same tracks during the dry season from April to October. A truly dazzling spectacle when viewing a large, um, dazzle, running through the plains.
Beware of snaps: Wildebeests brave the waters of Mara River
It is said that Wildebeests are able to stand and even walk almost immediately after birth, extremely vital due to their vulnerability to the predators around them. Up to 250,000 wildebeests die each year during the migration, either because of thirst, hunger, or simply being hunted down by prides of lionesses or other predators. One of their most perilous crossings is made in the legendary river crossing at Mara River. Situated between the borders of Tanzania and Kenya, thousands and thousands of wildebeests make their way across the river during July and through August, and not all of them make it across safely. Get your best views from Tanzania, where most wildebeests graze before crossing the river.
Pink skies and Flamboyance
One of the lesser well-known migrations, but certainly ranks high on our list of nature’s greatest shows. These great big birds fly in a V-shaped formation to their breeding grounds from April to June from Kenya. Although they are lagoon birds, their giant wings allow them to fly up to 4-5km up in the sky to avoid predators like eagles. Millions of pink feathers make even the skies blush bright pink, which also echoes what people call a large pack of flamingos – Flamboyance!
Summer home in Africa: Southern Right Whales go north
Like the Hamptons to a New Yorker, Southern Right Whales have holiday homes too. From June to November, these large gentle mammals make their way north from the colder waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters along the southern coast of South Africa between Hermanus to Plettenberg Bay, where they mate and give birth to young calves. This whale watcher’s haven has the added advantage of being able to view these magnificent giants right from shore, with an excellent variety of cosy boutique hotels and beachfront villas to choose from.
Boom, baby, boom: Wildebeests give birth to over 500,000 calves each year
Having already amazed us with their ability to walk within days and keep up with the gigantic herd, wildebeests also impress with their fertility, with a record of 8,000 calves born in one day. Sadly, this is essential to the survival of the herd with several predators ranging from snappy crocodiles, hungry hyenas, and prying prides picking on these easy prey – definitely not for the faint-hearted! For the intrepid traveller, this is a wonderful season (January – March) for a safari to experience the circle of life with thousands of calves and plenty of action from the predators on the prowl.
Amazing Graze: up to 4,000 tonnes of grass is consumed each day
With all this grass-gorging, it’s no wonder animals have to migrate! However, did you know that zebras and wildebeests graze hand-in-hand (or hoof-to-hoof) with the limited food resources in the plains? Zebras, who are less choosy, eat the taller grass, while the pickier wildebeests only like the short, more palatable parts of the grass. There certainly won’t be any leftovers when they are through!
A true bachelor’s party: male predators buff up and follow the migratory herds
For a bachelor to win over the pack and become the alpha male, it’s important to not only be strong, but also smart. Some bachelor lions form groups to follow the herds and hunt during these migrations, picking out easy targets like calves. Only the strongest and boldest are then able to head back to a pride to challenge the leader.Â
There are still many mysteries surrounding migrations – how do these animals identify their destinations? How do they know where they are headed to without a leader? Regardless, it is one of nature’s most spectacular wonders with different phases and seasons. Whether you would like to witness hundreds or thousands of new-born calves and the heart-stopping hunts by predators, or thunderous hooves braving deep water on a perilous river crossing, we at Intriq Journey would be more than happy to share our decades of experience and plan for your journey to experience this spectacle in Africa.
Nothing beats the rising of an orange yolk over the horizon of the great Safari plains. Craving something up-close and personal with one of the world’s greatest animals? Head to the Safari to get a glimpse of these amazing beasts, their bursts of power, great stamina, and majestic outlook will awe you in your jeep. Feel the rush of your adrenaline when seeing one of the world’s deadliest predators in front of you, just a few feet away. Be amazed at the thundering hooves of a herd of Buffalos, and try your best to spot the Leopard with his elusive nature. The African Safari could be where you feel most alive; every corner of this place is buzzing with life! Here are 11 safari animals you may or may not encounter, at a safe distance, of course!
The Notorious BIG 5
The big 5 are the most famous and more dangerous animals on the Safari. Curious to know why? Let’s have a look:
1. The African Lion
Ready to visit Simba? We’re not just poking fun at the classic broadway show, “Simba” actually means Lion in the African language Swahili. Majestic, sometimes a bit lazy, the head of the pride is often lying in the sun when his pride hunts for him. It might also be one of the reasons why the lions are the only cats that live in groups. Under that grungy mane, is a big cat that has a killer jaw and sharp teeth. There is a reason he is called the king of the Safari.
Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa
Spotted during: Any time of the year
2. The African Elephant
You think you’ve seen enough elephants in Thailand? Think again, these African elephants can grow up to 4 metres tall and weigh up to 2.5 tonnes. The largest land animal on Earth, it is second to none when it comes to size and appetite, even its name “Elephant” actually means “huge Arch” in Latin. Poaching is a serious issue for these endangered species, though intelligent and sensitive, their ivories make them constant targets.
Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa
Spotted during: Any time of the year
3. The African Leopard
One of the most elusive predators is this big cat that is largely solitary. Most photographs show that Leopards rest in trees. Not only does it mean comfort, it’s also a great way to avoid conflict with other large predators after stealing their food! Hunters can run up to 58 KM/H, making them deadly. Want to know the difference between a cheetah and a leopard? Check for facial streaks. Only cheetahs have facial stripes.Â
Spotted in: Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa
Spotted during: Any time of the year (if you look hard enough!)
4. RhinocerosÂ
The white rhinos are the largest, weighing up to 3,500kg despite being vegetarian and largely consuming only grass and leaves. What we have in common is that their horns are made up of Keratin, the same protein that makes our hair and nails! Their eyesight isn’t that good. Most Rhinos can’t see past the distance of 30M and rely heavily on their sense of smell. Sometimes they like to roll themselves in mud, not for spas but for a protective layer to keep them cool, prevent bites from all sorts of pests and to get rid of parasites.Â
Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya
Spotted during: November to February with a mild climate
5. Cape buffalo
Like the rhino, the Cape Buffalo is enormous despite the fact that they only eat grass. One of the most dangerous animals on the Safari, they can maul lions and fend off predators with their feisty horns. They are certainly not easy to tame and thus have never been domesticated. They also share something in common with the rhino – their love for mud! They too, use the mud to ward off ticks and other pests that latch onto them during the day.Â
Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya
Spotted during: June to October in the dry season
Intriq’s Favourites
Beside the big and the bad, there are plenty more interesting animals to see here at the Safari. Here are some of our favourites:
Zebra
Ready to be dazzled? That’s exactly what a herd of zebras is called due to their distinctive pattern. Scientists have now proven that they are in fact black animals with white stripes, you can keep that in mind now! Being close relatives to the Donkey and Horse, it’s a wonder why we never tamed the Zebra. Their personalities are probably to blame: constantly looking for ways to escape, being super headstrong when it comes to training, and their constant urge to run away. This is perhaps because of their protection mechanism against predators in the wild, making them hard to tame, and often rebellious.Â
Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya
Spotted during: July to October during Migration
Giraffe
The tallest mammals on Earth, Giraffes are often seen standing up. They take things almost to the extreme, not only do they never sit down, they even give birth standing up. Another extreme is that they don’t sleep that much, on average a Giraffe only needs 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in 24 hours! Can’t tell if we’re jealous or horrified. Their unique patterns are like our fingerprint, no two giraffes have the same pattern. See this amazing pattern with your own eyes, look up and see how far their necks go!
Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Niger, and Kenya
Spotted during: April to September
Warthog
Unlike Pumba from Lion King, Warthogs don’t actually eat bugs. They are completely herbivorous and though look ferocious are quite adaptable and aren’t fighters unless during mating season. Fun fact: they can live up to months without water in the dry season, all they need is the water from the grass they eat!Â
Spotted in: South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya
Spotted during: April to September
Hyena
Hyenas, the notorious scavengers of the Safari, known as thieves for other predator’s hard work. FALSE! They actually hunt up to 90% of their own food, and they are very capable hunters. Hyenas are also very long-living, unlike feral cats and dogs, they can live up to 20 years old in the wild. The record-breaking old hyena lived up to 41 years in captivity!Â
Spotted in: Kalahari and Namibia
Spotted during: Year-round (if you’re lucky!)
Impala
Often seen chased around by the Cheetah or other predators, the impala is a nimble and quick animal that can jump three times its height in a single bound. They have excellent agility, allowing them to live in the harsh Safari and run away from other fast-footed predators. The best way to run away is to dodge left and right, using agility as their edge!
Spotted in: South Africa, Namibia, Uganda and Kenya
Spotted during: May, during mating season
Secretary bird
These birds look more like raptors, standing nearly 1.5M tall among the shrubs and grasslands, but that’s the highest they go. Secretary birds rarely fly, contrary to other birds, they are one of the rare breeds that actually hunt on foot. A mix of rodents, amphibians and reptiles are great for their diet. What’s also special about this bird is that they mate for life. Usually they return to the same nest every year with the same partner, adding to it season after season.Â
Spotted in: Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia
Spotted during: Year-round (They mate year-round too!)
Ready to roll? Let us know just what you want to see, we’re more than happy to drive you along the edges of the Safari and get real close to all these amazing wildlife. Whether you’re a herbivore like the Rhinos, a carnivore like the big cat, you’ll be able to feel a part of nature in this bumpy ride.
In a post-pandemic world, change is underway. 2020 has forced us to stay grounded and look inwards, taking care of not only our bodies but also our mental health. Many have turned to meditation and wellness programmes to be more mindful in a world full of negativity. The time has come where we can explore the world once again, with lessons learnt in the past two years, let’s make this trip a wellness therapy to heal our hearts and relax.
Being in nature has magical effects, we have all experienced it at some point in our lives. The sound, scent of the trees, the sunlight that shines between the gaps of the restless leaves, these all give us an unfathomable sense of comfort. The art of forest-bathing, or what the Japanese call “Shinrin-yoku†means bathing in the forest atmosphere, and taking in the forest with all our senses. Forest-bathing can ease our stress and worries, help us relax and think more clearly. Being in nature can help restore our energy and rejuvenate us.
This Himalayan Kingdom is an ideal destination for a wellness journey.
Forest-bathing can happen in all shapes and forms, it doesn’t have to be active, you can simply be in nature and connect with it through your sense of touch, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Numerous studies have shown that forest-bathing has many health benefits, simply head to your nearest forest for a tester. Want to take a step further? Why not visit one of the world’s happiest places in pursuit of peace?
Bhutan is nestled in between China and India, this small country is well-known for being the happiest in the world and also the only carbon-neutral country. It has also had one of the lowest numbers of COVID-19 cases in the world, with most of its citizens vaccinated. A place full of natural wonders, ranging from forest to glaciers, the Himalayan mountains to deep valleys, Bhutan is more than ready to welcome back tourists from all around the world. Indulge and take in every gasp of fresh air in this country of zen, reach down to your inner self to find calm amongst the trees with us:
Take a walk into the woods and feel the therapeutic power of nature in Bhutan.
Go tree bathing
It’s real, you can bathe amongst the roots of trees and breathe in pure fresh air that almost cleanses your soul right here in Bhutan. Descend into the valleys of Bhutan head to its countryside, winding through trails and villages. Away from the distractions of modern technology, inhale and close your eyes to feel one with nature. The world is never silent in nature, the rustling of the leaves, birds chirping in the distance, the breeze that feels like a warm caress under the sunlight… Go deeper into the woods to cleanse your body and spirit, meditate in any form, be it seated, walking, or even while humming. You can be among these beautiful trees either at the Gangtey Village Stupa or at the entrance of the Gangtey Valley Nature Trail Walk. Feel rejuvenated and at ease after your walk, treading lighter, and ready to explore other parts of Bhutan.
Six Senses is one of the luxury hotel and resorts that set foot in Bhutan.
Meditative Practises
Some people choose to meditate in other forms, you can join a Forest and Prayer Flag Bathing or create your own mandala. The mandala is a symbol representing the search for completeness and self-unity, by drawing the mandala in sand, you can transmit positive energies from the environment and focus on the present feelings in your meditative state. The sand is a solemn reminder that nothing is set in stone, and that even the most intricate and well-planned designs will one day return to dust. Connecting with your inner self can be simple, practise mindfulness with guidance to make the most of your trip.
Mushroom Foraging
If you’re more active and meditation really isn’t your forte, why not join a mushroom foraging expedition in the forest? Search for all sorts of different mushrooms, gently sniff the fragrance of fresh mushrooms and hunt for them amongst the trees. You can even choose to join a culinary class to cook these mushrooms right after you’ve picked them. True stem to table! Common mushrooms found here are species quite similar to the infamous matsutake mushrooms in Japan and Yunnan. Mushrooms make up a large part of the rural economy, and the foragers can go deep in the woods for days on end to search for the best mushrooms. Try out Bhutanese cuisine, usually slightly hot but mostly vegetable-based.
The word “Bhutan†translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Thimphu Market
While some people love nature, for some the routes might be too laborious. Head to Thimphu Market to get in touch with Bhutan’s lovely produce and culinary culture. Visit the beautiful open-air market to see farmers sell their produce and hawkers sell their goods. You’ll be in touch with a range of different fruits such as mangoes, apples, sugar cane and, of course, their staple chilli peppers. The initiative aims to better the lives of the rural community in Bhutan, and these maze-like pavilions are a great joy to wander in. Immerse yourself in the local culture for a journey with your senses. Grab incense, fresh produce, fermented goods and all kinds of spices, pick out your favourite local arts and crafts too. Let the hustle and bustle of the market sweep you off your feet and into a world of Bhutanese culture.
Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment.
Whether you’re more of a tree-hugger, or just a fruit-lover, find serendipity in Bhutan no matter what floats your boat. Live life differently, experience happiness in the happiest countries on earth, simple joys that will make not only great memories, but also life lessons in being meditative and reflective. While in general getting into Bhutan can get a little tricky, we’ve figured out a way to make things hassle-free for you. Let Intriq Journey tailor your trip to Bhutan to fit your needs, be it forests or florets!
The polar opposite of being grounded in Asia during a pandemic? Soaring through the sky to the furthest continent down south – Antarctica. Antarctica isn’t your usual destination, it’s at the very bottom of our beautiful planet, and it’s constantly covered in white on the globes in classrooms. So what makes this place such a wonderful place to spend your next vacation?
Home to penguins, seals, and other marine animals that can brave the cold, this continent is a true natural treasure trove where you can be humbled by nature, amazed by wildlife, and feel calm and serene amongst the glaciers. Not only will you be one of the few people to make it to the world’s 7th continent, you’ll also be unlocking a whole lot of other achievements that can only be accomplished here. The South Pole may seem far, here’s what you can experience for any trip to Antarctica :
There are seven species of penguins that can be found in Antarctica. Come and see it for yourself.
Ditch the heels and tuxedo, hop onto an expedition ship for this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the southernmost part of the world.
There is no other place on earth where you can experience the ice and wildlife up close like kayaking in Antarctica.
Massive Iceberg floating in the Southern Ocean in Antarctica with snow-covered mountains in the background
Brown Station is an Argentine Antarctic base and scientific research station named after Admiral William Brown, the father of the Argentine Navy.
No matter where you’re going in from, the ideal time to travel to Antarctica is around summer (late November to early March)as the ice melts and makes way for expedition ships to come through and take you on the journey of your life. You don’t need to take a whole month off, there’s just the right length for you. Travelling to the Antarctica Peninsula can be hassle-free, make the most of your vacation by experiencing the amazing wonders nature has to offer in the South Pole. Waddle with the penguins, sail with the whales, and kayak between ice and land, we can make it happen.Â
Make Antarctica your next travel destination with Intriq Journey.
Six Senses has recently opened its first three lodges in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, across the serene Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Famous for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, the lodges are a combination of wellness, sustainability and exceptional experience, in which guests can have a taste of the country’s culture, hospitality and spirituality.
?Book by May 15th, Stay Later. Enjoy 30% savings and up to USD 1,000 credit?
Six Senses Bhutan is delighted to offer preferred rates exclusively to our guests from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan for bookings made by May 15th, 2021, valid for stays through December 31st, 2024. Book now to lock in this special offer so you may set out on a spiritual journey after travel restriction’s been lifted.
?Special Rates –
Low:  June 1st – August 31st & December 1st – February 28th | High: March 1st – May 30th & September 1st – November 30th
Lodge Suite – USD 1,015++ per night (low) / USD 1,225++ per night (high)
Upper Lodge Suite – USD 1,155++ per night (low) / USD 1,365++ per night (high)
One-bedroom Villa – USD 1,330++ per night (low) / USD 1,610++ per night (high)
Two-bedroom Villa – USD 2,310++ per night (low) / USD 3,360++ per night (high)
Three-bedroom Villa – USD 3,360++ per night (low) / USD 4,830++ per night (high)
✅What is included:
Terms and Conditions apply. Call us now at 2885 2181 or WhatsApp 9727 7016 or Email: enquiry@intriqjourney.com to learn more.
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