Our last full day was full of highlights, as the Japan Tourism Board and local Hokkaido government gave us special permission to explore areas that were otherwise restricted. We started out by hiking the back areas of Mount Usu Eruption Park, seeing parts of the volcano that few travelers get to see. This park serves as a memorial to an intense volcanic eruption that utterly altered the landscape in 2000. Walking through the restricted area of Mt UsuFrom above - highway covered by volcanic eruption
Something seemed surreal and otherworldly about the area even before you started noticing the signs of civilization that were nearly extinguished. Our guide pointed out that the erratically hilly turf that we were hiking on was a major highway just over 20 years ago, suddenly covered and transformed by the eruption. As we trekked on, we came across dilapidated schools and destroyed cars, further evidence of the violence possible on the ground underneath our feet. Amazingly, there were no casualties during this last explosion, but it still served as a sobering reminder of the power of Mother Nature. MT Usu - trekking over a destroyed highway
The evening found us arriving at Cape Kamui, a small peninsula jutting into the Sea of Japan. The cape is a popular place for travelers to visit during the day time taking in “Shakotan Blue”, a nickname for the brilliant color that you can see radiating from the ocean. However, we were granted special privileges to hike the cape just after the gates closed and all the other visitors had left for the day!
Cape Kamui is an incredibly beautiful place during any time of the day, but it was even more impressive to start our hike in the waning daylight, as the vibrant shades of the sea and the rocky cape seemed to change with each passing minute. We got to the end just as the sun was setting, scrambling up a rocky scree to take in the view as the light of day was replaced by that of the lighthouse beacon and squid fishing boats. Soon our headlamps were needed to illuminate our way back, leaving with a sense of joy and wonder and hoping that our cameras could even begin to do this special place justice. Waving up at friends at Cape Kamui Lighthouse
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
4 days ago
Having done a trip in the past with Adventure Life, I found picking a trip and customizing it was a breeze and fit everything I wanted
Scott Drayer
5 days ago
Careful service
older gentleman
5 days ago
We had to book within a certain time. Adventure Life came to our rescue as most of the other operators were sold out. We went with the website ad on Big Five Borneo Tour for 6 days 5 nights. Adventure Life was professional, timely and honest about the itinerary for small groups at a reasonable cost. This was our first time with Adventure Life. From the beginning to the end, they were supportive, responded to email immediately and provided emergency contacts through out our stay. As indicated, the deluxe accommodations were luxurious, there were 3 meals a day including early morning coffee was available before the 6am river cruises and evening tea. The itinerary was well laid out, to time and the guides/drivers though different after 2 days for river cruise and for the cave, were experienced, we felt safe. We were lucky to see the Big Four, except the orangutan on our tours at Sukau and the orangutan with the baby was at the poolside of the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The meals were alright without variety. Wifi was in/near reception area. We stayed 3 nights at Sukau and 2 nights at Utan. The two lodges were different. Utan focused on animals and birds not seen at Sukau on plenty of nature walks, night safaris and river cruises. Utan is a new lodge started in July 2024, smaller, luxurious and intimate. The meals were excellent with a personal touch. Guide was very experienced and willing to take us on more nature walks to see our luck for the animals which were missed. Utan provided knee length rubber boots and binoculars can be rented (try it out before you take on tours). Initially we were disappointed not getting the accommodation at Danum Valley but after Utan experience we had it all. We will recommend Adventure Life to those looking for worry free adventures at a reasonable cost.
