Hidden Gems - Syfnz Says

HIDDEN GEMS: the series

- Procida travel guide: A gorgeous hidden gem in Southern Italy
  
  September 15, 2021Procida is like the lesser-known sister of the more popular islands of Capri and Ischia in Southern Italy. However don’t be fooled, because it is no less beautiful. Think pastel houses, excellent views and located just off the coast of Naples, Procida offers an authentic Italian experience minus the crowds. This mini Procida travel guide has everything you need to know to make your solo day trip a memorable one. How do I get to Procida? From any international airports to Rome, onward to Napoli (Naples) My first point of departure was from Doha, Qatar. It took me 6 hours to get from Hamad International to Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino (FCO) airport. From Rome, you can either take a direct1.5 hours train ride or a 50-minute flight to Naples International Airport (NAP). I took an Alitalia flight because it was convenient and cheaper (on staff discount) as compared to a train ride. Naples The nearest port for direct hydrofoils or ferries to Procida is Napoli Beverello. There are two ferry operators from Napoli Beverello – Snav and Caremar that will take you to the island. The journey takes around 45 minutes and prices are dependent on your departure timing (approx. €39-45/pax return). During the summer months, especially on the weekends, it is best to make an online booking for your tickets. But for Procida, I checked ticket availabilities online the previous night and went directly to the port to purchase. Ischia There are direct hydrofoils (15 minutes) and ferries (30 minutes) from Ischia to Procida en route to Napoli Beverello. How long should I stay in Procida? While I experienced Procida as a day trip from Naples, I would love to experience it a little longer if I had company. I believe it’ll be amazing to wake up in the morning and breathe the fresh, crisp air and enjoy the sunrise over Marina Corricella. Or head down to any of the black sand beaches to catch a beautiful sunset without having to worry about your ferry. How do I get around ? Procida is tiny at 4.1 km2 , so I basically walked everywhere. You can also take the public buses that run every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance at small shops around the area. If you have a bike license, you should definitely rent a scooter. They are readily available for rent at the port. Things to do and see in Procida: Viewpoint from Terra Murata Terra Murata is the highest point in Procida. At 91 metres or 299 ft, it boasts a magnificent view of Marina Corricella and the Gulf of Naples. The hike up there was definitely worth it. Bring a water bottle, though. In summer it gets rather scorching hot in the afternoons. Exploring Terra Murata Village Once you’ve soaked in the sights and the lovely summer breeze on the viewpoint, it’s time to head down towards the marina. It was quite an experience, weaving through narrow lanes and strangers’ front yards. The pastel houses are beautiful up close too and behold a random cacti garden. Viewpoint from l’Abbazia Di San Michele Arcangelo Unfortunately, when I visited on a Monday late morning, the church and museum only opened later in the afternoon. The entrance fee to the abbey is €3, and it is one of the most prestigious and affluent churches in Southern Italy. I did, however, got to enjoy the view from the church. That didn’t cost anything. Have Lunch at La Lampara By the time I arrived at my restaurant of choice, I was starving. La Lampara restaurant is located within Hotel La Corricella a three-star hotel in Procida. Overlooking Marina Corricella, the restaurant offers a magnificent view of the pastel houses and the crystal clear, azure waters of the marina. The restaurant is open to the public and offers an extensive menu of fresh fish, refreshing drinks, plus excellent service. Take a walk down Marina Corricella After a satisfying lunch, head down a flight of stairs down to the marina where you can admire the boats we can only dream of affording. Unless you are rich, good for you. Here is where you can admire the pastel houses looming over you, and then grab a cone of gelato for a late afternoon treat. Relax by the beach of Procida Owing to its volcanic origins, the sand of Procida’s beaches is typically coarse and dark, unlike the light sand of Capri. I went to Ciraccio beach on the west side of the island. It is the longest sandy stretch of the whole island and is connected to the beautiful Chiaolella beach. It’s rather secluded – there are no beach bars or toilets here, hence it’s perfect to lay down my picnic mat and stretch out with a book. I also took the opportunity to show off photograph my new handmade sandals from Ravello. This was my final stop before making my way to the port for my ferry back to Naples. Hope that you’ve enjoyed my Procida travel guide! It is definitely possible and safe to travel here alone as I did. Just like in Bangkok, Thailand, The locals are warm and friendly and will try to converse in English with you whenever they could. If they couldn’t, they’ll definitely throw a smile or two your way. Like this post? Pin it here!... Read more...
- Hidden Gem: Unique Onsen Experience in Bangkok
  
  September 9, 2021Cheap shopping, Thai massage, excellent street food, and night markets are some of the things that come to mind when one makes travel plans for Bangkok. If you are looking for an alternative travel guide in Thailand, you’ve come to the right place. Onsens, or bathhouses are pretty common and popular with locals and tourists alike in Japan. It is where one goes to soak their fatigue away, or even warm up during cold, winter nights. Of course, getting clean is one of the primary reasons one’s in an onsen too. While looking for an alternative travel guide in Thailand, I read about a spa place that recently opened. I recognised the brand as they’d opened branches in Singapore too. After years of walking into a 250 baht place for a hit-and-miss Thai massage, I decided to try something new and slightly more lavish. Yunomori Onsen and Spa is located in the heart of Bangkok and is easily accessible via Uber, or the nearest metro station is Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Once you’ve endured the traffic to get there, you’ll be treated to peace and tranquility. The first of its kind, the spa brings an authentic Japanese hot bath and spa experience to Thailand. I was sold from the onsen part. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted warmly by the staff behind the marble reception desk, and then you choose from one of the many packages that best suits you. Think 450 baht (SGD19) for all-day access to the onsen. For my self-pampering session, I decided on the first package consisting of the onsen + Thai Massage (90 minutes) + Herbal Compress (30 minutes). What to expect at the onsen? First, you’ll be given a receipt and a token with a number to your locker. This will be your identity for the day and to exchange your shoes for a pair of slippers and a tote bag for your belongings. Then comes the fun part. You head towards the gardens and come to a stop before a counter. You’ll get to choose one of the many beautiful patterned yukatas to use for the day. Don’t know how to wear a yukata? No worries, there’s always a friendly attendant ready to help you. There are separate onsens for males and females (sorry, no intermingling). If you aren’t entirely comfortable with hanging around the baths completely naked, they also provided females with dark coloured disposable underwear. It’s entirely optional to put them on. Oh, and you get a small face towel too. If you’ve booked for massage therapy after your onsen, you’ll not be able to return to the baths, for the oils might contaminate the water. There’s a digital clock placed at a strategic place in the baths so you can keep track of your time. Or, an attendant will come into the bath announcing your number when it’s time for your massage. There’s also a cafe in the compound with fresh food offerings for when you get hungry. The menu includes small portioned main courses, desserts, teas, soft drinks, and even beers! Once you’ve been watered and fed, you can still go back into the onsen and resume your soak session. Onsen Etiquettes First, take a shower to cleanse your body of the sweat and grime of the day’s activity. And then you enjoy the 6 baths (Soda Spa, Jet Bath, Teak Bath, Garden Bath, Cold Bath, and Onsen) and the steam room for an unlimited time. Phones are not allowed past the changing room – no nudes are allowed. First-timers to an onsen might be unfamiliar to the experience, and in most traditional onsens, there are no guides. This one however has a large guide on the walls to recommend you where to dip first! My favourite is the Garden Bath, where you soak in a large outdoor “pond” surrounded by greenery. My second favourite is surprisingly the Cold Bath where after you’ve stewed in the warm waters of the onsen, you get a refreshing cold kick. Do remember to hydrate yourself regularly with the free iced or room temperature water that’s readily available onsite! Once you’re done for the day, you’ll gather all your belongings, change out and settle your bill. Finally, you’ll book a Grab and wait for it to come and drive you all the way back to your hotel, or to your next activity in Bangkok. I truly enjoyed my first onsen experience in Bangkok. The place was like a tranquil oasis, providing me temporary respite from the chaos of Bangkok city. Onsen, spa treatment, and food for all less than 2000 THB (SGD84) are a steal and an experience like no other. Even though they forgot to do the Herbal Compression after the massage, I felt energised and ready to get back to work. I hope you enjoyed this alternative travel guide to Thailand. Have you been in an onsen before? If not, would you like to experience it at least once in your life? Do share your thoughts in the comments below! Looking for more fun, alternative places to go? Read more about my alternative guide to Procida, Italy. How to get there: Yunomori Onsen & Spa BangkokAddress: 120/5 Sukhumvit 26 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, ThailandOpening hours: 9 AM – 12 AM DAILYContact: +66 2 259 5778Nearest MRT: Queen Sirikit National Convention CenterNearest BTS: Phrom Phrong Like this post? Pin it here!... Read more...

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