Travel in COVID-19 times

Travel in COVID-19 times

by | Dec 6, 2020 | Travel

TRAVEL IN COVID-19 TIMES

With a world pandemic going on, travelling has seemed to many people hardly doable. But as governments have established new travelling rules and procedures, it’s now again possible to realize your dream trip. 

Pre-departure tests, insurances, special visas and hygienic measures are things to be aware before start planning your next trip.

Flights are available again, even if in a lower number. Check with the airline the scheduled flights and get on board!

Immigration dispositions are in continuous evolution, so make sure to keep an eye on the official websites of the Embassy of the country you are willing to visit.

If your holidays’ mindset is strong enough to make you organise in details your trip to escape the cold North Hemisphere winter, you will then be rewarded with less crowded destinations and eventually a slice of paradise just for yourself.

Updated at 06th December 2020

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives have opened their borders to international tourists on the 15th of July. There is NO mandatory quarantine on arrival to the Maldives. All tourists must present a negative PCR test for COVID-19 on arrival to the country. The test and negative PCR certificate must be taken not more than 96 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure from the first port of embarkation en route to the Maldives. Infants aged less than one-year-old are exempted from the aforementioned testing requirement.
A confirmed pre-booking at a registered tourist facility is a pre-requisite for the visa. Tourists are now allowed to stay in multiple tourist resorts or combine both in one stay, given the split-stay procedures are complied with prior to transfer from each tourist facility.

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INDONESIA

Although Indonesia has not opened officially borders to international tourism yet, it’s still possible to travel there. Kelly Slater and many other pros made their way to Indo to score the dry season perfect waves without the crowds. How can you do like them? Get in touch with us and we will help you to get a special E-visa allowing you to stay up to 60 days (extendible 4 times) in the country.
Please note that Bali International Airport is still closed, so you would have first to travel to Jakarta and then get a domestic flight to your final destination.

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MOROCCO

Passengers will be required to present (negative) results of a PCR test for COVID-19 before being permitted to travel to Morocco, with the PCR test dating less than 72 hours from the date on which the sample was taken, not from the date on which the result was delivered, prior to departure. A confirmed hotel reservation in a classified hotel and tourist establishment must be presented at the airport. Passengers must complete a passenger health form online, then print and sign the form, to be presented on arrival in Morocco.

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NAMIBIA & BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA:
Airports are open as well as seaports and some land borders.
Any person entering Namibia must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival in Namibia. If the negative result is less than 72 hours old, there is no quarantine requirement.

BOTSWANA:
On arriving in Botswana, you must present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed no more than 72 hours prior to your departure. After arrival, you will have to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days for self-monitoring.
You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry. If you show symptoms you will need to undertake mandatory testing and possible isolation or quarantine at your own cost.

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SOUTH AFRICA

International commercial air travel to South Africa has resumed. International air travel is restricted to Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), King Shaka International Airport (Durban), and Cape Town International Airport.
Upon arrival in South Africa, you are required to present a paper copy of a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to border officials. The test must have taken place no more than 72 hours before your departure. You should carry several paper copies of your test as you may be required to present it more than once.
The South African authorities have said you must have travel insurance which should cover a COVID-19 test and quarantine costs in case you display COVID-19 symptoms whilst in South Africa. You will need to provide proof of accommodation upon arrival in case you need to self-isolate during your trip.

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UGANDA

Entebbe International Airport re-opened on 1 October 2020. Land borders have also re-opened. 
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport and at land border crossings, travellers will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before boarding the aircraft. Airlines have been directed not to allow passengers without a negative test certificate to travel. Infants aged three and under are exempt as long as the accompanying parents have a negative test certificate.

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Morocco: the land of the right-hand point breaks

Morocco: the land of the right-hand point breaks

by | Feb 20, 2020 | Outdoor Sports, Surf, Travel

Morocco: the land of the right-hand point breaks

Traditions and modernity perfectly mix in this incredible country famous for its perfect long right-hand point breaks, where teas and flavours spice up your days!

As you soon as I get off the plane in Agadir I can smell Africa. The perfume of the spices fills up the air and the desert gets in my lungs and in my heart. I am driving along the coast to get to the surf town of Taghazout. I can see from my window the perfect lines coming from the open ocean to meet up with the rocky coastline creating those perfect right-handers this area is famous for.

I have been to this place in many occasions, but I am always stoked of how many different experiences I get every time I am here. This is actually my first trip during the peak of the winter swell season. The forecast looks good and the froth is high. I spend my last years dreaming about surfing these waves and still can’t believe I have finally made it! Luckily I brought my step-up surfboard along and now I just need to get into the mind-set of “being ready to charge”!

From Imsouane to Anza, a great variety of waves for all surfing levels!

Well, of course, to enjoy surfing Morocco at its best a bit of surfing experience is required. The world-renown Anchor is not a wave for everyone, especially when it gets double over-head. The competition is high. Many Moroccan surfers are shredding out there and surfers from all around the world come to chase it when it’s on!

Killers (my personal favourite) requires a long paddle to get out there and clean up sets are pretty much guaranteed in this swell magnet spot. Many people think it’s called Killers because it’s gnarly and gnarly it is! But the actual name comes from the fact that Killer Whales used to show up here at this spot, right in front of the cliff.

A good thing about this region is that point breaks work mainly on low tide and beach breaks on high tide! Anza is a great alternative for a different session! There is always a wave here even in the smaller days) and it’s super fun!

For beginner surfers, Crocs and Camel Beach deliver super fun easy waves where to practice your take-off and improve your skills and, up north, Imsouane is what every longboarder has always dreamt of!

When to go and what to do apart from surfing?

If you are an experienced surfer you want to visit Morocco in the winter season November to March! This is when the famous points turn into life and will deliver some of the best waves of your life. Be prepared for cold water (you would need a wetsuit, 4/3 for the less brave ones like me and 3/2 if you are already used to a bit of chill in the water), but nice air temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and the famous mint teas will warm you up after the session! Outside the main season, there are still waves in Morocco! Swell magnet beach breaks North of Taghazout and South of Agadir are offering great waves during the summer months and Taghazout area is still alright for first-time beginner surfers!

When you are not surfing there are plenty of things to do and places to visit! A walk into Taghazout town during sunset hours is an experience not to be missed as some shopping time at Agadir Souk! On Wednesdays, the local market of Aourir (aka Banana Village) is wonderful (best place to buy dry fruits and spices)! Stop in the Mini Sahara on your way to Imsouane and jump from one of the rocks of the gorgeous Paradise Valley, an oasis in the middle of the desert and mountains!

Tips and tricks for an unforgettable trip!

Rent a car!

There is no better way to explore the area than having your own independent transportation. Don’t be shy and take that small dirty road that will take you to the most amazing corners!

Eat like a local!

Morocco is actually so organised. As soon as you get out of the water you will find in the car park many people selling mint tea, donuts, raspberries, crepes and other delicious stuff!

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Save Jaws: Swimming with Sharks in Hawaii

Save Jaws: Swimming with Sharks in Hawaii

by | Dec 20, 2019 | Outdoor Sports, Travel

Save jaws: swimming with sharks in hawaii

Swimming with sharks in North Shore Oahu: a great experience to raise awareness about the fact that sharks are not monsters but apex predators.

The sun was rising over the range of the North Shore and my heart was beating fast when we left the harbour in Haleiwa. “Am I crazy?” I thought. I was going to free diving with sharks. What does this mean? No cage, open ocean, wild sharks. Which type of sharks? Well, it depends on which ones show up. Can be Sandbar, Galapagos, Tiger or even Great White. It’s pure wilderness and so, unpredictable.

When we arrived miles away from shore and we stop the boat engine, several Galapagos and Sandbar sharks surrounded us. We located in a deep channel when the sharks use to rest after the dawn hunting action. They were so elegant and all the fear was suddenly replaced by pure charm for these creatures and a great excitement to get in the water with them.

Was it scary? Not at all! It was like being in a live nature documentary and it’s gorgeous to watch this animals behave in their natural habitat.

We free dived with 8-10 Galapagos sharks of 4 to 12 ft of length. The dominating female was pretty big and was swimming closer to the surface compared to the other smaller sharks to establish the hierarchy in the group. It’s very important to keep eye contact with the sharks to make clear that we are not preys and to always stay above them to establish our hierarchy too. Sharks were actually not really interested in us, but they got pretty excited when a school of tunas made its appearance and some little victims got in the mouth of the Galapagos. That was actually super exciting to watch and will definitely remain as one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.

I joined the Pelagic Shark Program with One Ocean Diving, the research educational company run by sharks conservationist Ocean Ramsey and sharks photographer Juan Oliphant. All the researchers and guides of One Ocean Diving are really passionate about sharks and about what they do. They share knowledge and help people to better understand sharks and safely interact with them.

Sharks are often defined as monsters, but they are not. It’s sad to see how they have been demonised and for this reason culled. It’s time to share knowledge and protect them!

Did you know that every year there are more victims due to coconuts falling compared to sharks attack? But still, sharks represent one of the most threatened marine animals on the planet. Their number has declined by approximately 90%, and if we continue on the current path many species will go extinct very soon. As apex predators, they play a key role in maintaining the health, biodiversity, and productivity of the ocean.

One of the biggest things we can do to help is taking action in our daily life to be conscious consumers. Don’t support businesses that sell shark or shark derived products like shark meat, cartilage, shark fin soup, shark leather, teeth, pet products, etc. Support sustainable fisheries rather than commercial sources. We would also need the state governments to ban the right to fish for sharks recreationally and commercially, as well as to ban the selling and shipping of sharks, shark products and their fins.

We really need a global perception change for those gorgeous creatures!

Sharks were not interested in us at all, however please keep in mind that they are still wild animals. Make sure you purchase your travel insurance before taking part on this experience.

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Mount Ijen – hiking inside an active volcano crater

Mount Ijen – hiking inside an active volcano crater

by | Jul 12, 2019 | Outdoor Sports, Travel

Mount IJEN: Hiking inside an active volcano crater

How far would you push your limits? This time we have chosen a really extreme adventure and hiked in the middle of the night to get inside an active volcano crater in Java (Indonesia) and see the unique Blue Fires!

It’s midnight and the alarm rings! Time to put some warm clothes on and wake up after this few hours of sleep. After a short 4×4 drive we are at the bottom of Mount Ijen and ready to start our 2 hrs night hike towards the 2,799 mt volcano peak guided by the stars, few torches and other many tourists. Our guide tells us that the hike is for beginners, but some passages are steep and the more we get close to the volcano, the more the sulfur smokes make our ascend hard! At 3/4 of the hike we need to wear gas masks cos the toxic smokes are surrounding us and it’s hard to breathe. The wind is on and the smoke moves around in every direction.

We finally arrive at the top and here starts the toughest part of our hike: the descend inside the crater of this active volcano! Something like this would probably be forbidden in any first-world country with some kind of security measures, but here we are in Indonesia and whatever attracts tourists (and money) is welcome!

Blue Fires: one of the most spectacular and most unique wonders of nature in the world!

A 45 minutes hike down brings us to the most stunning views I have ever seen in my life: the Blue Fires! This electric-blue flame of Ijen is ignited sulfuric gas which emerges from cracks at temperatures up to 600 Celsius degrees. When these ignite enter Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere burn and generate flames that can reach the 5 meters of height. This is the largest blue fire area in the world and the lake inside the crater is the largest highly acidic crater lake on the planet due to its high sulfuric acid concentration (the PH is 0.5 only!). The turquoise-blue caldera lake is one kilometre wide and 200 meters deep. The colour of the water is a result of its extreme acidity and a high concentration of dissolved metals. 

The volcano remains active: the last magmatic eruption occurred in 1817. The latest phreatic eruptions occurred in the recent 2001 and 2002. These have caused very little damage but present a danger to anyone mining sulfur or visiting the caldera.

The local heroes: the sulfur miners

We thought to be tough athletes after the hike, but there is no space for pride in Ijen. The real heroes here are the miners.

They walk up the flank of the mountain and then descend dangerous rocky paths down the steep walls of the caldera, making space through the hundreds of tourists. Then, using steel bars, they break sulfur from an outcrop, load their baskets, and make the return trip to the refinery.

They break their back carrying  80-90 kgs of sulfur up 300 metres to the crater rim, with a gradient of 45 to 60 degrees and then 3 kilometres down the mountain. Most miners make this journey twice a day. The paid is as little as 1,000 IDR per kg, which means just very few cents.

Sulfur mining at Ijen has its hazard: the steep paths are dangerous, the sulfur gases are poisonous, and occasional gas releases or phreatic eruptions have killed many miners. 

Exhausted after the whole night walking? No worries, we got you covered!

Hiking a volcano from 1 am to 8 am is definitely exhausting, but if the reward is a wonderful day of absolute relax in a fantastic resort, then everything is easier!

Ijen Resort and Villas has the perfect set up for a post-climbing night! Overlooking the rice terraces and surrounded by rainforest, the views over the 4 mountains of Ijen complex are spectacular, the infinity pool is a perfect relief for your tired muscles and there are even a spa and a delicious restaurant. The rooms are spacious and the beds super comfortable! Exactly what is needed for a good rest! Let the lovely staff pamper you all day long and get ready for one of the other many excursions on offer in the surrounding area! East Java is in fact home of the Asia biggest Savannah! In stark contrast with the lush green scenery found elsewhere in Java, Bularan National Park, also known Little Africa, is home of many species like water buffalos, deers, peacocks and macaques (no lions and giraffes sorry!)

 

Not the classic Indonesia weather: what to bring?

Used to Indonesian tropical weather and warm temperature? Forget it! Here is real mountain stuff! The hike of Mount Ijen is a fantastic experience but it can turn into a nightmare if you come not prepared.

No matter whether you are in the world, at 2,799 meters of altitude temperatures drop and it gets cold up there! Dress up with several layers (like an onion), long socks, beanie and gloves are recommended and bring a change with you because you are going to sweat during the hike!

Gas masks can easily be rented once at Ijen or if you get a guide, he/she will bring it for you!

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The Last Jungles

The Last Jungles

by | May 28, 2019 | Travel

The last Jungles

An unforgettable, beautiful and sad story about the last jungles in North Sumatra.

During my last surfing trip to North Sumatra, I have decided to spend a couple of nights in Medan, the third biggest city of Indonesia. I used it as a base to explore the Sumatran Rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park in Bukit Lawang and try to spot a few to the remaining wild orang-utans.

 

I always read about how the palm oil plantations are taking over the jungle but approaching the national park, the scene that I saw in front of me was very though. Due to this one-species-only plantation, the rainforest of North Sumatra has been devastated and it’s huge biodiversity and ecosystem are getting destroyed.

Rainforests:

Covering only 6% of the Earth’s surface, tropical rainforests contain at least half of all species of flora and fauna. The Indonesian island of Sumatra holds some of the richest and most diverse tropical forests on the planet. Here there are more than 15,000 known plants, with many more species yet to be discovered. Orangutans, elephants, tigers and rhinos coexist in the wild. The jungle is home to more than 200 mammal and 500 bird species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

Rainforests are also the world’s pharmacies: 25% of all modern medicines are derived from their flora! Of all the plants deemed useful in treating cancer, 70 % can be found only in rainforests.

 

The role of jungles in the world’s ecosystem balance is huge: not only do they regulate global temperatures, but they also stabilise local climates and limit the earth’s reflectivity, which in turn stabilises ocean currents, wind patterns and rainfall. They are also our main source of life: those plants take care of transforming the CO2 into oxygen!

Deforestation:

Deforestation has a big effect on global warming. Trees have a big role in absorbing carbon dioxide, through photosynthesis. When deforestation occurs, many trees are cut off or burned, resulting in releasing of carbon-dioxide from the plants, plus there will be fewer plants to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This makes the weather is more humid and warm.

The increasing of temperature melts the ice in earth poles, increasing sea level and rainfall. Increased rainfall, with fewer trees to absorb the water will result in flood. This will make a vicious circle which can destroy the whole life.

And it’s not all about palm oil. The area is being damaged also by pulp production, timber, rubber and minerals, as well as illegal logging and illegal wildlife trade.

Deforestation is indeed the primary threat to the orang-utan, a species of great ape known for its keen intelligence (they are our closest relatives) and the fact that it’s the largest animal to live primarily in trees.  Given that it’s rare for adult orang-utans, supremely adapted to life in trees, to ever touch the ground, it’s no wonder that deforestation is the main driver of the species’ population decline. Orang-utans are also killed for the illegal wildlife trade. Poachers kill the mothers and then sell their babies as pets.

According to the WWF, there may be more (pet) orang-utans per square-mile in Taipei, Taiwan than in the wild.

 

Facts and numbers:

 

  • Rainforests represent 7% of the world emerged lands.
  • Indonesia is home to approximately 3% of the world’s forests
  • Deforestation in Indonesia represents over a third of the total global carbon emissions from deforestation and land degradation
  • Nowadays we have already lost 80% of the Indonesian Jungles
  • We are keeping loosing jungle at a rate of 6.2 Million acres per year.
  • There are only 7 thousand orang-utans left North Sumatra.
  • Deforestation in big scales decreases at least 100 animals every day worldwide.

What we can do:

 

Would boycotting palm oil be a solution?

If the international market for palm oil disappears, corporations and smallholder farmers alike could switch to producing an alternative crop. Oil palms are the most productive oil crop in the world, which means that a switch to another type of edible vegetable oil (such as soybean oil) would require up to ten times as much land to produce the same yield. This would lead to more deforestation, not less. Boycotting palm oil could also drive the price of the oil down, making it more attractive for biofuels and livestock feed.

What we need to do is ensure that palm oil is cultivated in the least damaging way possible.

Palm oil trees do not need to be grown at the expense of forests. Instead, we need to demand an end to deforestation to ensure a safe habitat for orang-utans and all the other species that also rely on the rainforest.

 

The situation in Sumatra is desperate, but it is not hopeless!

Sumatran Orangutan Society is working to break the link between development and deforestation and is trying to find ways for the locals to improve their income without chopping down rainforest trees.

We need palm oil producers to stop converting forests and peatlands to palm oil plantations. Instead, they could use degraded land or increase yields on existing plantations. They also need to be transparent about their production methods and avoid labour, land and human rights violations

As a consumer, you can research which retailers and manufacturers are committed to removing deforestation from their products, join social media campaigns to drive the industry in the right direction, and support conservation organisations who are working to break the link between palm oil and deforestation.

Recommended to watch:

Episode 3 of Netflix Serie “Our Planet” provides really interesting info about the jungles of the world, including the Sumatran one. Let it make you fall in love with this ecosystem.

Wanna have the chance to see wild orang-utans?

Are you interested in trekking in the jungle and have the opportunity to see with your eyes one of the last remaining pieces of Heaven?

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Nias: surfers’ heaven of barrels

Nias: surfers’ heaven of barrels

by | Apr 12, 2019 | Outdoor Sports, Surf, Travel

Nias: surfers’ heaven of barrels

In Nias, there is always a rainbow. In Nias, there is always a wave. Pro Surfers look for a 6-8ft South Swell at 220 degrees and 18 sec to jump on the first flight and go to catch the barrels of their life. But you can really surf all year round and outside peak season you might be able to score really good waves with just a few locals.

The wave has easy access through the famous keyhole, which allows surfers to reach the lineup hair-dry. Nias is a deep water wave and it’s really rare to hit the bottom unless the wave is really big and the wipeout very gnarly. If you get smashed you can easily get back to the channel or head towards the reefy shore. The winds are very rare in North Sumatra and when they are on they are still light, so the wave is always surfable.

The tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2005 and destroyed the village of Sorake has actually determined an improvement in the quality of the wave! Nias now barrels at all tides and all sizes! The tube is almond shaped and represents perfection at its best.

The heads of turtles pop up from the water and the rain showers appear at the horizon. The sunsets are pink and the blue sky seems painted. Not only Nias is one of the best 10 waves in the world, but its tropical palm trees background is also the best set up for surfing photos and unforgettable memories.

In Nias, everybody smiles and the kids rip on their half broken boards. They have not a lot, but their lives are fulfilled with the ocean. The line-up can get crowded but here it’s all about share and respect. If you wait your turn everyone will cheer you up and the stoke will be next level!

Handy Tips:

 

 

  • Bring some spare stuff with you. Local boys love to receive some presents like wax, leashes, fins or even an old board. There are no surf shops here and a help to the local surfing community is always greatly appreciated!
  • Get ready to be surfed out. The wave is just too perfect and you will want to stay in the water all day long. So bring a bunch of sunscreens, Lycra and surf hat for the hottest hours (it would probably still be pumping!), a ding repair kit and some spare equipment!
  • Get hydrated with the many coconuts kids offer you at the beach!
  • If you have a bit of adventure other waves can be accessed, but they are still quite far and some of them not so easy to reach.
  • During your stay take a few lay-hours and head to one of the Ancient Villages of the area. Nias has one of the most ancient Megalithic Cultures on Earth. Stone jumping is a typical tradition for the young boys to prove their manhood and consists of a jump of a 6ft stone.

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