The taxi ride to the cruise port from Singapore’s Orchard Road took only twenty minutes. We arrived in time for our pre-determined check-in time of 1:30pm to get a taste of Asia on the Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship.
[Hint: If you are travelling on a budget, use a ridesharing app or walk a short distance to one of the taxi stands, which are scattered across town. Arranging a taxi through the hotel concierge at some budget hotels can sometimes incur an extra fee.]
It’s a mammoth job getting 5,000-6,000 guests onto a cruise ship! The departure hall was extremely busy when we arrived; we suspect many had arrived well in advance of their pre-arranged check-in time. However, the complete check-in procedure was carried out with the usual Singaporean speed and efficiency.
[Hint: If you are travelling light and want to settle into your room quickly to start enjoying your onboard experience, take your luggage with you instead of queuing twice to include the portering option as it can take up to five hours for your bags to be delivered to your room.]
Get a taste of Asia on the Spectrum of the Seas
The elegance of the ship and the friendliness of the staff greeted us immediately on arrival. Staff directed us to the appropriate muster station to make sure we received our “emergency evacuation” instructions while we tried not to be distracted by Jamie Oliver’s Italian, a store selling exquisite jewellery, the bar, and lunch being served on the floor directly below.
The Stateroom
The spacious balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship
We were lucky to have been assigned a more desirable stateroom on Deck 9, which was ready and waiting for us upon boarding. More luck, we found the immaculate midship room had a larger-than-standard balcony.
Our room was well-designed, comfortable, and equipped with all the amenities of a hotel room. There was ample seating, which could be converted to a bed for an additional room guest. This provided us with the option of sitting inside if we wanted a little quiet time away from the other passengers, and if it was too hot to sit outside on our balcony. Remember, we were in Asia where the temperature stays constant in the early to mid 30 degrees centigrade all year around.
The onboard facilities
Our room positioning gave us easy access to all the ship’s facilities. Once we had unpacked, it was time to explore.
The Swimming Pools
More seasoned cruisers had settled in and were already enjoying all the ship had to offer. The main pool area was packed with passengers eagerly making the most of the swimming facilities well before the ship set sail.
A night view of the pool main area on the ship complete with large spa tubs, bars, and the North Star viewing platform
There were three pool facilities onboard: a children’s waterslide area complete with a toddler’s pool, another swimming pool in the middle with a couple of large jacuzzis and a pool bar, and then a much quieter “adults-only” solarium at the front of the deck with elegant seating and deck chairs, a bar and jacuzzi’s. It was indeed a sanctuary away for those like us who were travelling without young families.
The luxurious adults-only area at the front of the Spectrum of the Seas
The Dining options
Casual or formal dining? Whichever you prefer, passengers are spoilt for choice when it comes to meals on the Spectrum of the Seas.
You can choose to have a unique experience by booking and paying extra to dine at one of the speciality restaurants on board including Jamies Italian, and Sichuan Red, or go all out and enjoy a five-course meal at the Chef’s Table.
For those who prefer laid-back meals included in the cruise package, options include the Windjammer on the top deck provides a myriad of cuisines served buffet-style accompanied by fabulous views. It was a popular venue for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For a more semi-formal dinner, The Main Dining Room spanned two floors offering personalised waiter service at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A view of the Main Dining Room from above
We found our appetites didn’t require three full meals per day and opted to enjoy lighter lunches at Cafe@Two70. It was not as busy and we could enjoy a leisurely lunch at the end of the ship where there were fewer passengers while watching the waves go by.
The activities
The wonderful thing about cruises is that you can be as active or as inactive as you like. For the active, the ship provided numerous options catering for the young and old:
Rock climbing wall
Bumper cars
Table tennis
Basketball courts
Flowrider
Water activities
The North Star viewing platform
Dance classes
IFly
Running track
Gym
Being active travellers we appreciated using the running track on the top deck and the well-equipped gym. As is usual both were busiest early in the morning. We found that if we went an hour later everyone had left for breakfast and we could work out at leisure. The Zumba classes were also fun.
For the not-so-active, you can while away the hours onboard trying your luck at the Casino, attending the regular afternoon bingo sessions, relaxing by one of the pools (we especially enjoyed the quiet solitude of the solarium at the front of the ship), joining a cooking class, having a spa treatment or shopping in the arcade.
The entertainment
Some of our big cruiser friends had told us before we left that we would love the entertainment on the ship. They were not wrong!
We loved popping into the various small pre-dinner entertainment from jazz bands to quartets singing songs of bygone eras set up around the ship.
It was, however, the big stage productions that blew us away. The professionalism, expertise, and variety were exceptional with two performances of each show per night. We eagerly looked forward to each show every night.
Our verdict
As a first-time big ship cruise experience, we found a short cruise was indeed the best way to discover if we would enjoy more of this type of travel.
At first sight, the cruise liner was gigantic and indeed, it is a floating city which it needs to be when catering for such a large number of guests and staff.
Our balcony suite was exceptional with plenty of room to unpack and store our belongings and space to store our suitcases. Seating was ample with the extra balcony space allowed us an opportunity to get away from the busy areas onboard for some solitude whenever we wanted while still being able to enjoy the passing scenery.
The onboard facilities went over and above expectations. The main pool areas were overcrowded and noisy at times because of the large number of family groups aboard. Luckily, the ship caters well for those who travel without children by providing an adults-only solarium, complete with luxury sunbeds, swimming pools, and spas where we often found respite. The area also provided one of the best spots on the ship to look out from the bow to the open sea.
Dining options were numerous. For those wishing for a unique dining experience at one of the speciality restaurants, the cruise line provides ample opportunity to reserve a table prior to the cruise at reduced rates and while at sea. There is no lack of opportunity to try various cuisines even if you don’t try the speciality options.
One point to note. Unlike many other cruise operators, Royal Caribbean doesn’t allow passengers to take alcohol for consumption on board. Discounted packages are available to purchase before and during the cruise.
Onboard entertainment rivalled those you will find anywhere on terra firma and was of a high standard. And best of all, they’re all included in the ticket price. No nasty surprises.
Final comment. We enjoyed the experience however, we agree that if we should cruise again, we would opt for a smaller ship for adults only. Families and groups travelling together will love the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas experience.
As avid travellers, we were hesitant about booking our first large ship cruise. However, we reassured ourselves that the voyage would be long enough to form an opinion on whether this type of travel suited us and short enough to manage if we decided that cruising on liners wasn’t for us. The Taste of Asia cruise embarked and disembarked in Singapore, our preferred stopover destination, with day stops in Penang, Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand. It was the best way to gain an insight into exciting Asia.
Things to do in Singapore pre-departure
Upon arriving in Singapore, we had the evening before our embarkation to explore so we strolled down Bras Basah Road to a nearby kopitiam, a food hall known for its authentic Asian cuisine to have dinner. Hawker centres are highly recommended for finding fresh Asian food. We particularly enjoy the kopitiams for their wide selection of freshly cooked and affordable meals, which are popular among locals all over Singapore.
Dinner is followed by a walk to Boat Quay nearby. Boat Quay is a different tourist experience. Full of eateries, restauranteurs stand outside touting their menus. Our experience has been that beverages are expensive and the food not of the quality you’ll find in more modest eateries around town, However, Boat Quay is always full of tourists meeting other tourists enjoying the waterfront atmosphere.
Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore at night.
Since our sailing was in the late afternoon the next day, we had a free morning in Singapore so we took the opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens and grab something to eat at one of our favourite breakfast spots, Rocky Master followed by a detour to try out some fresh tropical fruit at Bugis Markets.
Singapore’s serene Botanical Gardens
Spectacular orchid displays inside the Orchid Garden
Setting off on the cruise
Once checked out of the hotel, the taxi ride to the cruise port is twenty minutes long and reality sunk in as we drew up at the ship. It was gigantic! We were travelling on Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas.
Our check-in time was pre-arranged and we’d pre-loaded our documentation on the cruise operator’s app so getting on board was quick, efficient and problem-free so we had plenty of time to settle in and explore the ship’s facilities before we set sail.
Departure was in the late afternoon and Singapore looked glorious as we drifted away.
The Ports
George Town, Penang, Malaysia
What we particularly liked about this cruise was that the ship didn’t spend time out in the open sea. Most of the journey to Phuket and back was spent hugging the coastline enabling passengers to see the diverse landscape of Malaysia and Thailand and at times close enough to observe small settlements on land and the small islands.
The last time we visited Malaysia we arrived in Singapore and entered the country using a different mode of transport. We travelled to Kuala Lumpur by bus with a stay in Malacca.
Penang is further north of Kuala Lumpur and this time we drifted north through the Malacca Straits docking in George Town just after lunch the day after embarking on the cruise.
As hoards of passengers boarded tour buses to see the sights around the wider Penang or go on shopping sprees in the malls at the skyscraper end of town, we stepped off the ship to enjoy a leisurely afternoon and evening exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town just metres from where we had docked. We agreed that we would have plenty of time to complete a more detailed and meaningful visit to the island city at another time.
The charming colonial architecture is the first thing that catches captures your eye as you step past the taxi drivers and tour operators vying for your custom at the exit of the port compound. We were instantly drawn towards the beautiful buildings and decided to save a walk along the seafront promenade for later in the day. While nowhere near extensive, below are some of the highlights of our afternoon in the old town of George Town.
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
The first thing that caught our eye as we emerged from the port was the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. Sitting on a small but busy intersection of Light and Beach Streets, the clock tower was commissioned by a wealthy businessman and built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Interesting fact: The clock tower stands 60 feet tall, one foot for each year of Queen Victoria’s reign.
The Street of Harmony
Malaysia is a multicultural melting pot and George Town provides a perfect example of how Indians, Chinese, and Malay live harmoniously together with respect for each other’s faith for over two centuries. George Town was also home to Armenian migrants who arrived in the port city in the early 1800s.
A short walk along Beach Street from the Queen Victoria Clock Tower, it was not hard to find Farquhar Street. Starting from the seaside end of the street we strolled along stopping first at St Georges Church. The church was built in the 18th century by the British East India Company when they maintained a strong presence and base in George Town. It was mid-afternoon and the church was closed but we made the most of enjoying the exterior and lawns.
St Georges Church
The forecourt of Kuan Yin Temg Temple
Further along, and on the same side of the street, there is a lot of activity at the Kuan Yin Temg Temple. The temple is also known as the Goddess of Mercy and dates back to 1728. A steady stream of people pray at the altar lighting incense although the first thing that captures our attention is the huge incense sticks burning at the front of the temple.
The huge incense sticks capture our attention along with a steady stream of people praying at the altar.
Next is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which opened in the early 19th century. The exterior of the temple is designed in a traditional South Indian style with deities adorning the shrine and was built to cater to the large South Indian population who have made Penang their home. Unfortunately for us, the temple was closed at the time we passed by.
A little further, we arrive at the Masjid Kapitan Keling surrounded by beautiful gardens. The mosque was built in the 1800s and like the monuments started out as a small building that over time was replaced by the grand structure that sits there today. We were encouraged to enter the mosque for a visit. Arms and legs are required to be covered when visiting inside and we noticed that coverings were offered for visitors who were not appropriately attired.
Masjid Kapitan Keling on Harmony Street
Chulia Street
Chulia Street is the heart of old George Town and is long enough to have two distinctive ends. It intersects with Harmony Street.
The colourful houses and shopfronts of George Town, Penang
We started off our exploration by turning right at the intersection to walk towards the China Town end. Beautiful colonial buildings, and small businesses operating out of the shopfronts selling all manner of brick brack and commodities mixed with street stalls offering hardware, it was a feast for the eyes. We had a great time strolling along the street and peering into the shops to see what was on offer and enjoying the snippets of cold air from the airconditioners wafting onto the pavement. Did we mention that the temperature was around 35deg Celcius?
Time to quench our thirst at Chulia Court, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
It was late afternoon by the time we arrived at the end of the street and before we walked towards the other end, a refreshment break was required and we were drawn into colourful heritage-listed Chulia Court, a cafe by day, and a music bar by night. It was still too early for music but we were warmly greeted by the owner who served us crisp cold beers which we enjoyed by the fans.
We could easily have spent a few couple of hours appreciating the atmosphere and watching the streetlife from the comfort of the bar but time was limited so we started back towards the intersection to visit the Little India end of Chulia Street.
Starting in Chulia Street, Little India spread over a compact area of four streets close to the port. It’s a little piece of the home country for the Indian community who came to work in Malaysia as agricultural and plantation workers and spice traders.
We walked along the street immersed in the jumble of incense and spice fragrances and window displays endowed with brightly coloured saris, or laden with heavy and extravagantly filigreed 24-carat gold jewellery. A true attack on the senses and eyes.
On one corner we were tempted to stop at an India-style cart selling freshly roasted peanuts, chickpeas, and snacks and bought a couple of packs to nibble on as we continued on.
The Esplanade Promenade
Slowly, we wound our way past more charming British-era buildings with shaded verandahs to make our way back to the waterfront. By now, it was early evening and the George Town inhabitants were finishing work and congregating in the park in front of the waterfront promenade, strolling the promenade or simply catching up with each other on the seawall.
Waterfront Esplanade, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Cycle Rickshaw operators stood by to offer their services but we were more interested in the architecture of the two regal buildings next to the Esplanade, the City Hall and the Town Hall adjacent. Both are British-built and a reflection of times past.
The beautiful colonial architecture of the City Hall, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Fort Cornwallis
We had expected Fort Cornwallis, Malaysia’s oldest and largest fort, to be one of the highlights of our short time in George Town. It’s one of George Town’s most famous landmarks, it’s where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang Island first landed in 1786. Unfortunately, for us, the Fort is barricaded out of sight while it undergoes restoration, so we will have to wait for a future visit to explore further.
Esplanade Park Food Court
What better way to complete our time in George Town than partake in one of the local specialities, Char Koay Teow.
Dinnertime in George Town, Penang
We’ve learnt during our travels to seek out the best eating establishments by looking at where the locals eat and when we had passed by earlier in the day, the Esplanade Park Food Court was busy. So it was at the modest food court that we decided to enjoy the local cuisine with a few young families having an early evening meal like us. A number of stalls were still preparing to reopen for the evening but we were lucky to find one open which had Char Koay Teow on their menu.
True to its reputation, the stir-fried flat noodle dish was delicious accompanied by the Penang version of the Klebang Coconut Shake (cold coconut water with a dollop of ice cream on top).
Phuket Island, Thailand
We awoke to glimpses of serenity passing by our balcony in the form of lush small islands and it was not long after breakfast that passengers were departing on tenders to the mainland. Those booked on tours departed first while we waited until the majority had left so we could enjoy the views across to Phuket from the ship’s deck and also enjoy clear views of the island and surrounds on the short trip across to Patong Beach where we disembarked to enjoy the day.
Patong Beach
Patong is one of Phuket’s most famous beaches and holiday destinations. We soaked up the idyllic scenery as we walked along the jetty surrounded by crystal clear blue water, long tail boats, tourists already on the white sand beach, and above us snatches of screams from holidaymakers flying high above us in paragliders before being dipped in the ocean. Originally a sleepy village discovered by backpackers in the 1960s and 70s, Patong has evolved into a major holiday destination for tourists from all over the world who flock here for the white sandy beaches and sun.
Beautiful scenery from the jetty at Patong, Phuket
Bangla Walking Street
After a short walk along the waterfront and we arrive at Bangla Walking Street. Full of bars and clubs, which no doubt come alive in the evenings. Really a party street, it doesn’t strike us as being our scene but it was worth the experience of seeing this side of Patong. We were visiting during the day and found the street to be cheap and sleazy with shops selling the same caps and t-shirts but with the street has an appeal which is hard to describe. We could tell that nighttime, when the bright lights of the street lit up, would bring on a totally different atmosphere. We will have to make a return visit for that experience as the ship will be sailing in the early evening.
Street life in Patong Beach, Phuket
A stroll up Bangla Street, Patong Beach, Phuket
Patong Beach and Thawewong Road (Waterfront Esplanade)
What we really enjoyed was walking along Thawewong Road and the beachside observing locals and holidaymakers go about their business: a van with loudspeakers driving through the streets advertising a Muy Thai martial arts tournament being held that evening, stepping into the small boutiques, wandering into the small side streets, checking out the surf school, walking along the beach and checking out the eateries.
Beachside at Patong Beach, Phuket
It’s late afternoon when we return to the jetty. We pick up some snacks from the street side food carts and catch the tender back to the ship to enjoy a swim in the pool before the other passengers arrive back on board and enjoy the wider views of Patong and Phuket Island from the ship’s top deck.
Post-cruise activities in Singapore
We spent two more nights and an entire day enjoying the activities on board the ship and relaxing before disembarking with almost two full days to explore more of Singapore’s attractions. Since we have visited Singapore several times in the past, we were happy to revisit our favourite places.
The Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore
We particularly, love walking around Marina Bay, and the Gardens by the Bay, through the beautiful tropical gardens and along the boardwalks returning around the Bay to Orchard Road. Some of the things we like to do on our walk:
Stroll past the iconic Raffles Hotel.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – there’s always an exciting exhibition in the foyer.
Walk over the Helix Bridge for views of the city on both sides of the Marina.
Walk along the Bay side of the Gardens by the Bay to Marina Barrage.
Explore the different parts of Gardens by the Bay. Note: Keep a morning, afternoon or, even a whole day aside to do this. Especially if you are intending to visit the Flower Dome and/or Cloud Forest and talk a walk on the OCBC Skywalk among the trees
Stroll through the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and shopping mall to emerge by the Art Science Museum.
Follow the walk towards the financial district along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.
Admire the views across the Marina to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from the gardens by the Fullerton Bay Hotel.
Join the crowds at one of Singapore’s iconic tourist venues, the Merlion.
Cross Fullerton Bay Road to have a close-up look at another of Singepore’s icons, The Fullerton Hotel.
Stroll across Anderson (Cavanagh) Bridge enjoying views of Boat Quay.
Checking out the Asian Civilisations Museum building (spectacular by day and night).
Cross Empress Lawn to see if there’s a cricket game in progress at the Singapore Cricket Club, Singapore’s oldest cricket club.
Stroll down St Andrew’s Road and admire the magnificent National Gallery Building of Singapore. A little further up the road, you’ll find the breathtakingly beautiful St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Wander up Emerald Hill Road just off Orchard Road to experience a hint of old-world Singapore.
Exhibition in the foyer of Theatres on the Bay
Our conclusion – the best way to gain an insight into exciting Asia
For anyone new to this vibrant region, the Taste of Asia cruise offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique cultures and attractions of different Asian countries. We were impressed by the rich history and diverse attractions of each destination we visited, and this cruise provides a great starting point for deciding which places to explore further in the future.
Our love of leisurely road trips allowed us to break the 10-11 hour drive from southeast Queensland to the Blue Mountains with some stops and a couple of overnight stays. Below are our suggestions for places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales.
Route options
With several route options available, our road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales was to be on the inland route with two overnight stays. The first was in the inland Scenic Rim town of Stanthorpe, and the second was in Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth.
Our plans rapidly changed when an oil tanker rollover blocked the highway. After sitting in a traffic jam for several hours, a quick decision was made to re-route and take the coastal road.
Phone calls were made on the go to cancel and make new accommodation bookings. We were glad to have taken the “Free cancellation” option on our original bookings
More traffic delays and we finally arrived at our overnight destination seven hours after leaving home. The drive would usually take two hours!
Hint: Travelling teaches you to be flexible and agile and enjoy the experience, even if it’s not what you expected.
The best places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales
An overnight stay in Kingscliff
Only a couple of hours of relaxed driving from Brisbane and just over the Queensland border is the coastal town of Kingscliff.
Kingscliff is not just a place to stop over on the way south, it’s a beautiful holiday destination in its own right and perfect for short or long stayovers. We have enjoyed short stay breaks in the laidback atmosphere that comes from one street town.
Pretty parklands across from Kingscliff’s main street
The “welcome drinks” at Peppers Salt Resort were extremely welcome and within moments of check-in, we had put the day behind us, were relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening.
A short stroll to the adjoining Salt Village and we are spoilt for choice by the dining options: Asian, Mexican, Italian, or simple fish and chips. For those staying for a few days, treat yourself to the spa or shop in the boutiques. Then, of course, there’s the beach!
Beachside at Kingscliff
Our misfortunes of the day changed to a fortune of a relaxed evening at the resort.
Hint: When you leave Kingscliff, drive south along the scenic coast road through Cabarita Beach, a small beachside village.
Stretching out legs at Nambucca Heads
The highway has dramatically improved. over the years. There is no longer the need to drive through small towns at limited speeds. Now you can pick and choose which towns you wish to detour into or turn on cruise control and keep driving.
We choose to stop at the scenic Nambucca Heads for lunch. We discover Gordon Park on the river. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and grab lunch and coffee—a fantastic place to take a break.
Tranquil Gordons Park, Nambucca Heads
Overnight stay in Port Macquarie
We arrived in Port Macquarie with fond memories of a stay during another road trip many years ago when we had arrived fresh from New Zealand to make our home in Australia. Arriving in the early afternoon allowed us time to do a little exploring. The best way was on foot.
We began our brisk walk from the town centre along the Coastal Walk. The painted rocks at the breakwall capture our intention. The painted rocks started as an art competition in 1995. and have become a gallery of sorts: tributes to loved ones who have passed away; celebrations of love and; anniversaries amongst others. Our walk is slowed down to a stroll as we stop, read, and admire the artwork.
At Town Beach, the artwork ends and our pace quickens. We aim to walk to the Lighthouse, but time is not on our side and we turn back at Nobby Head after a walk of breathtaking rough and rugged scenery.
Views on the Coastal Walk
After several hours of exploring we are back at our hotel to shower and enjoy a drink at the bar before walking the short distance into the town centre to choose somewhere for dinner. Again, we are spoilt for choice and decide on a simple pizza dinner.
The Blue Mountains
A World Heritage area, Blue Mountains National Park is one of Australia’s icons. You’ll be enchanted by its natural wonders. Explore the endless hiking trails around cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and lush forests of the national park by spending a few days in the area.
Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains
Other places to stop on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales
Of course, depending on how much time you have, there are numerous stops and stays to make on a road trip from Brisbane to New South Wales. A few suggestions are below. We stayed at a couple on our return journey.
Byron Bay
Ballina
Yamba
Coffs Harbour
Port Stephens and Nelson Bay
The Hunter Valley
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The buzz of the city gave way to the leafy and quieter suburbs of Sydney and suddenly we arrived for our visit to the Blue Mountains National Park. Here are some things you absolutely need to do in the Blue Mountains.
Things you absolutely need to do in the Blue Mountains
Leura Valley
The Leura Valley is a great starting point for exploring the Blue Mountains. You’ll be greeted by plenty of nature walks and longer hiking trails providing stunning scenery and the old-world streets around the little village of Leura.
Sublime Point Lookout
One of the first things to do in the Leura Valley is to stretch your legs with a short walk to the Sublime Point Lookout. The lookout provides magnificent views across the Jamison Valley and beyond at an angle that directly contrasts the views you’ll come across from the other lookout points in the area.
Views from Sublime Point, Leura
For us, it was the perfect introduction to the grandeur of the National Park and how much we had to look forward to during our stay. Hint: Try to time your visit to watch the sunset.
Leura Mall and Village
One of the highlights of Leura is the charming village. It’s a favourite for both day-trippers and long-stay visitors. Offering plenty of cafes and finer dining options and surrounded by heritage buildings a whole day can be spent browsing Leura’s pretty tree-lined main street alone. Pick up a good read at the Megalong Bookstore for a browse, collect an antique or shop in one of the boutiques. If you’re a tea lover, drop into the quirky Teapot Museum. For chocolate lovers, don’t leave Leura without dropping into Josophan’s Chocolates.
Wander the backstreets of Leura
After strolling along the Mall and village, keep walking and you’ll find yourself in streets lined with quaint cottages. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Bush walks from Leura
The Leura Cascades trail is extremely picturesque. Categorised as a relatively easy and short walk, it runs alongside Leura Falls Creek through the rainforest ending at a lookout over the Jamison Valley. The walk’s shortness in length is deceptive because it provides some of the best views you’ll find of the Blue Mountains. The walk will be accompanied by the soothing sound of the waterfalls and find you lingering over the fabulous views. Be prepared, the walk may take longer than you anticipate.
Katoomba
Katoomba township has a reputation for being the gateway to the Blue Mountains and indeed, provides easy access to most of the National Park’s hiking trails and main attractions.
The town’s art deco buildings and bohemian feel provide the perfect backdrop for visitors looking for somewhere to base themselves and discover the things you absolutely need to do in the Blue Mountains.
Echo Point
Echo Point is the main lookout over the Blue Mountains and serves as the access point to many of the walks. Drive there or take the clifftop walk to reach the lookout. Whichever way, you’ll be awestruck b the vast landscape and views of the Three Sisters (see below) from the secure cliff edge. Hint: Arrive early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. You’ll have the lookout to yourself so you can appreciate the stunning views and the atmosphere without the crowds.
The Three Sisters
An iconic landmark in the Blue Mountains is The Three Sisters (Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo) rock formation.
The Three Sisters from Echo Point
Echo Point provides stunning views of the iconic Three Sisters. However, there is nothing better than having a look up close. You can access the Three Sisters Walk from Echo Point which provides plenty of additional lookouts with amazing views along the way. By walking down the Giant Stairway (998 steps) and across the Honeymoon Bridge to the first Sister, you can get even closer.
Scenic World
A visit to Scenic World is a fun thing to do. A Discovery Pass allows you to:
Riding the Sky Train, the steepest railway track in the world.
ride the steepest railway journey in the world. The 310-metre journey drops down through a cliffside tunnel to arrive in the Jamison Valley (stop by to view the original railway carriage which is displayed at the arrival area)
explore the valley floor along the boardwalks surrounded by rainforest flora and fauna along the Scenic Walkway
ride the Scenic Cableway, the steepest cableway in the Southern Hemisphere, which takes you to the valley floor at a much more leisurely pace than the railway, and
glide across the valley on the Scenic Skyway, an enclosed cable car spanning two clifftops. The ride provides breathtaking views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, Mt Solitary and Jamison Valley.
Views from the Skyway across the Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains
Views from above of one the waterfalls in the Blue Mountains
Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath
Whether you intend to stay or not, dropping into the Hydro Majestic is a must if you’re visiting the Blue Mountains for the first time.
The Hydro sits on the clifftop offering breathtaking views over the Megalong Valley. The heritage-listed hotel was built in 1904 and became popular as a health retreat before it declined to rack and ruin for many decades.
The entrance foyer of the Hydro Majestic Hotel leads to the dining room overlooking the Blue Mountains
A restoration project in the 1990s brought the hotel, casino, and other buildings on the site back to their former glory while maintaining the grandeur of the past. As you enter the foyer you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
The hotel offers one of the largest spas in the southern hemisphere.
Evans Lookout at Blackheath
The charming town of Blackheath is known in the region for its rhododendron gardens. It’s a little off the track compared to Leura and Katoomba but in addition to the gardens the town offers many breathtaking views and bush walks.
The path through the lush rainforest on Evan’s Point track,
We spent a morning walking along the well-marked trail along the clifftop ending at Evans Lookout. The Lookout offers brilliant views of the Grose Valley. There is also the option to continue following the Grand Canyon Walk leading through the rainforest towards the valley floor.
The boutique hotel offers some magnificent views over the Jamison Valley and beyond.
Views from the entrance foyer of the Fairmont
One of the most sought areas for breakfast and dining in the hotel is Embers Restaurant which is accessed by a stairway from the foyer. The large windows offer uninterrupted vistas of the valley. The blue hues of the mountains were extremely prominent and looked spectacular during sunrise and sunset.
Located adjacent to the golf club and with family-friendly facilities. Spend some downtime in the billiards or reading room, take a look at the exhibits in the corridors, enjoy the basketball courts or a stroll in the gardens. We found the hotel to be the perfect place to stay in the Blue Mountains.
When is the best time to visit
Anytime is a good time to visit the Blue Mountains. However, we think the best time of the year to visit the Blue Mountains is in the autumn. The air is more relaxed than in the searing heat of summer and still warm enough to enjoy the walks and hiking trails scattered throughout the National Park. And the mountains look spectacular!
How we got there
Our love for road trips allowed us to drive from Brisbane in the sunshine state of Queensland where we live to New South Wales. Read about some of the beautiful places we stopped at on the way here.
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Planning on visiting Malaga or Seville? Read on to find out why you shouldn’t leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda.
Southern Spain is speckled with pueblo blancos (white towns). Each has its own character and it’s hard not to get caught up visiting all of them. If you’re short on time, Ronda is the one town to visit.
Why you shouldn’t leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda
We chose Ronda as our base for several days because of its point of difference from the other white villages.
Steeped in history, the city sits on two sides of a deep gorge connected by a fantastic bridge—the bridge, Puento Nuevo (new bridge) was built in 1793.
Our apartment was located in Plaza Espana next to Puento Nuevo, with an added “wow” factor. Our expansive patio looked out over the magnificent Sierra de las Nieves! The Tourist Office around the corner from our apartment armed us with a map and options on how to spend our time in the town.
Views of the Sierra de las Nieves from our apartment patio
We were fortunate to arrive on a Saturday when a free flamenco concert was being held in Ronda’s Old Town.
A summer evening in Ronda
The views from both sides of the bridge are dramatic, and it is the first place to stop to soak in the scenery before you explore the old town.
In the Old Town, we followed the sound of music down some cobblestone alleys to appear at an open-air area where the rehearsal was in progress. Moving on, we stopped in a pretty square to visit the cathedral, Santa Maria de la Mayor. An added pleasure was watching a wedding party emerge.
The plaza offers several restaurants if you’d like to eat in the quiet precinct. We opted for the low-key garden restaurant to try a few of the local dishes on offer. The food portions are large and delicious.
Back at the concert venue, we found the seats were filling up fast. Instead of sitting down with the audience, we decided to sit on the ledge above to watch people and observe. By 10:00 pm, the arena was full. Concertgoers came dressed for the occasion and the atmosphere was jovial as the concert commenced.
We left after an hour, wishing we understood the language better so we could have enjoyed the music, singing and dancing as much as the locals did.
The Cathedral was spectacularly lit up as we passed by on the way back to our apartment. At 11:30 pm. townsfolk were still out and about in droves, and the town was buzzing. Just one of the benefits of visiting in the summer months.
Things to do in incredible Ronda
Enjoy the dramatic views from Mirador Aldehuela
Mirador Aldehuela is on the Old Town side of Puento Nuevo and directly opposite Plaza Espana. We recommend that it’s one of the first things you do. The dramatic views down to the Guadelevin River flowing at the bottom of the gorge surrounded by the cliff formations are jaw-dropping.
Views of the gorge from Mirador Aldehuela
Take in the evening views of Puento Nuevo
For another perspective of Puento Nuevo, stroll along Mirador de Aves via the pathway from Plaza Espana in the evening.
It’s a great place to linger as the sun goes down. As darkness falls and the lights around the gorge turn on, highlighting the bridge. The bridge looked spectacular, and the gorge seemed rather eery.
Puento Nuevo, Ronda at night
Take a hike in the El Tajo Gorge
Morning dawned with hot air balloons hovering over our balcony. They skimmed across the sky to hover above the gorge and valley. The views must be unique from above.
The Tourist Office recommended hiking the Molinos del Tajo route, which leads down from the Old Town into the El Tajo Gorge. This would be the best way to experience the town’s distinctive qualities. We took their recommendation and were not disappointed.
Views of Ronda’s Puento Nuevo from the El Tajo Gorge
The main path takes you to the waterfall just below the bridge with some viewpoints providing breathtaking views of the bridge. You can then walk some of the quieter paths leading further downhill to capture bridge views from different angles before circumnavigating to the other side of town towards the old Roman bridge and visiting the Arab Baths. We returned to the township via Jardines de Cuenca, and the spectacular viewpoints spread at intervals across the gardens before emerging in Plaza Espana from the other end of the Puento Nuevo.
The early morning is the perfect time to do the two-hour walk, especially if you are visiting in summer. The temperature is cool, and, at this time of the day, there are not many people on the trails. It provides a wonderful opportunity to savour the views from the lookouts and take unobstructed photos.
Step inside the Arab Baths and walk over the Roman Bridge
If you follow the walking route around to the eastern side of the town, you’ll end up at the Arab Baths.
Relatively intact, the baths provide a peek into the Moorish heritage of the town. This part of town was originally the main entrance into Ronda, and the baths sat just outside the city walls and next to the Mosque. Locals and visitors would stop to cleanse their bodies at the baths before going to the Mosque
A little further around the corner, you’ll find more another remnant of old Ronda with the Roman Bridge at the original entrance to Ronda.
A couple look over the Arab bath site from the old Roman Bridge
Visit the Plaza de Toros
One of the oldest in Spain, Ronda’s bullring stands as a centrepiece as you enter the Old Town. Two statues honouring two sons of the town stand at the entrance. Statues honouring two of the town’s famous matadors, a father (Antonio Ordonez) and son (Cayetano Ordonez) stand proudly at the entrance. With bullfighting falling out of favour in recent times, the bullring serves mainly as a museum these days. Bullfighting is, however, embedded in the culture of the town and once a year in September, the Plaza de Toros truly comes to life when the Feria de Pedro Romero is held along with several others in southern Spain.
Ronda’s bullring, Plaza de Toros
Mirador de Ronda – scenic lookout of the gorge and mountains
A few minutes’ stroll from Plaza Espana, and through the flower gardens is another lookout to the amazing mountain ranges and the gorge. For spectacular sunset views, take a seat on the steps of the rotunda from where you can watch one of the world’s best sunsets.
Visit Setenil de las Bodegas
The small white village of Setenil de las Bodegas is a twenty-minute drive from Ronda and worth a visit whether you are staying in Ronda or just hopping from one white town to another on your way through southern Spain.
Why? Setenil is not just another white village and is unique in its own right for the town’s hilltop castle, which was once an Arab fortress. Even more, it is famous because of the village houses built into the rock and cliffside.
Dwellings built into the cliff face in Setenil de las Bodegas
The village is very popular for its culinary fare. The original houses built into the cliff are now mostly tavernas or restaurants serving the chorizo sausages that the village is famous for. We arrived in the village for a late afternoon visit to find the village still brimming with tourists.
Once you’ve had a wander around the area below, follow the steps up to a small lookout to take a seat and survey the pueblo from above. You’ll find it a great vantage point to view the castle/fortress.
Views of the castle and township from the lookout
Shopping on Carrera Espinel
Carerra Espinel is a one-kilometre pedestrian street with shopping for all budgets. However, Carrera Espinel is worth a walk down for its festive spirit. Part of the way along veer into the pretty Plaza del Socorro, where you’ll find a few dining options and the Inglesia del Sirocco. It’s a pretty square in an incredible town!
Plaza del Socorro, Ronda, Spain
Our conclusion
Steeped in history and jaw-dropping scenery, Ronda was true to all that we had read about the town and the amazing photography we had seen when researching places to visit in southern Spain. Ronda did not disappoint!
You simply should not leave southern Spain without visiting Ronda!
One more thing
Looking for more pueblo blancos to visit. Click on the link below to read more.
