Mark Twain once wrote that ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. For the most part, it’s true: Mauritius is rightly famed for its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts. But there’s so much more attraction to Mauritius than the beach, and it’s the kind of place that rewards even the smallest attempts at exploration. There’s hiking in the forested and mountainous interior and world-class diving and snorkelling offshore. There are boat trips to near-perfect islets and excursions to botanical gardens and colonial plantation houses. Mauritius is a fabulous culinary destination with great wildlife watching thrown in. And the real Mauritius away from the beach resorts – a hot curry of different cultures and quiet fishing villages – is never far away.

Go hiking in Black River Gorges

You needn’t look further than Black River Gorges if you are raring to explore. The country’s largest national park covers roughly 2% of the island and is home to waterfalls and a variety of wildlife, including some of Mauritius’ most endangered species. Hikers in the park may be treated to a glimpse of the rare pink pigeon or echo parakeet, as well as deer, wild boar and cheeky macaques. Most trails can be completed in three to four hours – staff at the park’s two visitors centres will be able to advise you on which to choose. Pick up a map or consider hiring a guide for insider tips and tales about the area.

The hushed, hilly hamlet of Chamarel in southwest Mauritius has long been known on the island for its chilled vibe, and exceptional food scene, but it’s now also becoming known for a novel new adventure: electric mountain biking.

A local company has imported a couple of dozen of the battery boosted bikes, and offer a rewarding tour in and around the area.

Far from giving you a free ride, however, the power system is designed to just give you a little help when you need it – some pedaling is still required! The idea is that the electric mountain bikes are a great leveler, allowing people of all fitness levels to cycle together. The fit can try to tackle the steep hills without calling on the battery, though be warned – thanks to the battery pack and motor, the bicycles weigh in at 23kg.

Stand and wonder at the Seven Coloured Earths

One of the most unusual natural wonders you’ll ever see is the Seven Coloured Earth found in Chamarel. These are sand dunes with different hues of reds, browns and blues due to different ore deposits in the earth. Randomly, despite the fact they’re classified as sand dunes, they never erode away despite Mauritius’ tropical rains. They look cool, don’t they!?

Visit the stunningly beautiful Chamarel Waterfall

Next door to the Seven Coloured Earths is Chamarel waterfall Standing at 95m, this is the tallest waterfall in Mauritius and it’s well worth visiting on any trip to the island. Rumours have it that you can abseil down the side of this waterfall. Adventure anyone? Or if you fancy something a little more relaxing, you can swim in the pools at the bottom. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Mauritius.

Food

With fresh seafood being a local speciality, there is a lot to enjoy but holidaymakers will also find cuisine from around the world in Mauritius. Even fussy eaters will be able to make the most of their stay while dining in some of the best restaurants in the world. 

Bois de Cheri Tea Factory 

One of the most stunningly situated location where you can try about 10 different types of locally made tea while sitting on a balcony starting out over the tea plantations; the tea was okay but it was worth it just for the view.

Le Morne 

A rocky mountain peninsula that’s a protected UNESCO site, and the location of an excellent hike that takes you to the top; stop halfway up (before you pass the green fence), head two minutes down the path away from the mountain and you will be treated with one of the most spectacular landscapes you’ll see anywhere in the world.

That’s my blog to Mauritius, I hope that you like it and would like to visit Mauritius.

A skyline punctuated by minarets, Mughal-style domes and skyscrapers; colourful, food-stall-lined streets shaded by a leafy canopy of banyan trees – this is Kuala Lumpur.

When to Go

Street Feast

Despite the heat, this is a city best explored on foot. Walk and you can catch all the action and save yourself the frustration of becoming entangled in one of KL’s all-too-frequent traffic jams. Walking, you’ll discover parts of KL retain the laid-back ambience and jungle lushness of the kampung (village) it once was. What’s more, you’ll be sure to come across some of the city’s best dining spots: the hawker stalls and traditional neighbourhood kopitiam (coffee shops) that beckon you over with the aroma of freshly cooked food and the promise of refreshment with tropical juices and cooling drinks.

Shopping

To fully connect with locals, join them in two of their favourite pastimes: shopping and eating. Malaysian consumer culture achieves its zenith in KL, where you could spend all day browsing glitzy air-conditioned malls such as Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall in search of designer fashion and bargains. Bangsar and Publika are the places to go for local labels and the work of offbeat independent designers. Alternatively, explore Central Market for locally made souvenirs and handicrafts; and hunt out the few remaining artisans and antiques dealers still keeping shop in and around Chinatown.

Kuala Lumpur’s best green escape

With soaring towers, condo complexes and mammoth malls crowding the streets and skyline of Kuala Lumpur (KL), it’s reassuring to know that Mother Nature continues to have a significant stake in and around the Malaysian capital. What other city, for example, has a pocket of primary rainforest at its heart that’s home to a troupe of silvered leaf monkeys?

You must visit the spa village

A beautifully landscaped pool with waterfalls and greenery creates a tranquil setting for this first-rate spa. Signature treatments include the traditional Royal Malay couples spa experience (including a massage, scrub, scented body steaming and shared herbal bath in a private garden area) and a Chinese Peranakan treatment involving a rattan tapping massage, and pearl and rice facial.

Another superb place to visit is myBatik

Founded by friendly artist Emilia Tan, this is the best place in KL to learn the skill of batik – using wax to paint with coloured dyes on fabric. On offer are demonstration sessions and DIY batik classes for adults and children (weekends are popular with families). There’s also a shop selling unique products made from their own batik fabrics.

Flavours

The story of Kuala Lumpur is best experienced through food, something, of course, no one will reject..

From sizzling satays to spicy rice dishes to fresh everything, all the mangos, all the coconuts, if you only come to Kuala Lumpur, let it be for the food.

An absolute mecca for foodies, the mishmash of cultures and stories here really play into building KL into a city of feasts. Famous for street food, which of course you will thoroughly enjoy.

Fusion

Kuala Lumpur is the textbook definition of a modern-day melting pot.

Cosmopolitan and fresh, its three main ethnicities are Malay, Chinese, and Indian, all of which coexist and bring their own languages, cultures, religions, histories, traditions, and of course, foods to mix together and form a modern-day Malaysia.

Colour

A veritable rainbow in real life, I’m always drawn to the more colourful places of the world, and Kuala Lumpur is no exception.

From the incredible street art to the street food markets to the temples, mosques and other noteworthy spots, KL embodies the philosophy of why paint in beige when you can have a rainbow?

I love the Colors of Kuala Lumpur and hope you do too 🙂

Also please don’t forget to follow, like and comment on my blog 🙂