Jamaica Mystic Mountain: A Read-Through

Mystic Mountain is beyond a doubt the most if not the top most sought after attractions in Jamaica; the Caribbean region famous for its rainforests and the adventures you can do there. Mystic Mountain is a famous destination for bobsledding in Jamaica. The rainforest makes bobsledding even more fun because you can see the full view of the forests while enjoying the ride.

The name Mystic Mountain lives up to the mystic you’ll experience in the mountain. Travel up the mountainside to see what this attraction upholds.

Once you reach the mountain, the view can leave you speechless. It’s a different view atop and the trees and its beauty will leave you in awe. The scene atop, overlooking Ocho Rios is just priceless. Not to mention other attractions on the mountain.

On the mountain is a small museum of Jamaica’s bobsled history; including bobsled paraphernalia and writings regarding the facts about their Jamaican Olympians. There is also a gift shop where you can shop for memorabilia items and a restaurant with full bar that you can dine and drink together with your friend or family after or before the bobsled ride. The mountain also has its own infinity pool giving you a picturesque view of the surroundings with a waterslide that young and old can enjoy.

There’s no way you’ll run out of things to do in the Mystic Mountain, if you want thrill, go bobsledding, if you want to chill,  try the infinity pool or have a quiet relaxing moment at the restaurant.

Attractions

The top reason why people want to see the Mystic Mountain is mainly because they want to experience the Bobsled ride. Twist through the mountains and have a view on your way up and down, around and about the railings. It’s more like being in a roller coaster ride but with brakes and control. You can opt to not use the brakes for a more thrilling, fast ride!

Canopy zipline anyone? You can also do it while in Jamaica Mystic Mountain! It shows you the mountain on a zipline. Some prefer this kind as to the bobsled. But nonetheless, this activity is a worthwhile experience.

Do you know that there is also a butterfly garden in the mountain? See beautiful butterflies only seen in Jamaica on their Butterfly Garden as they little creatures fly around flowers and plants. There’s also a Hummingbird Garden at the Mystic Mountain, observe them fly on the plants and be amazed of their beauty.

4 of the Best Foods to Try in Jamaica

Jamaica is more than just Bob Marley and Reggae. Aside from the infamous familiarity of other nation with Jamaica’s music and the known music artist, Jamaica boasts spectacular flora and fauna. Natural attractions in Jamaica include its luscious rainforests and the activities worth experiencing in it. And of course, who will forget the mystic mountain in Jamaica that makes it one of the sought after destination in the Caribbean region.

After having an enjoyable adventure at the rainforest and the mystic mountain, it is just to spoil yourself with Jamaica’s wide variety of food and their natural produce. But what are the must try food in this side of the Caribbean? 

Here are the top foods to try in Jamaica:

1. Jerk Chicken. Jamaican cooking uses a considerable measure of flavors, and the most common if these flavoring is the jerk sauce. A sauce made of island-grown seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg and Scotch cap peppers and pimento that are incorporated on meat which is then broiled over pimento wood. Any meat could be jerked, yet chicken is the top choice, and Jamaican chicken is not at all like any you'll discover in the States. Chickens brought up in the Caribbean are sustained by natural grown foods rather than commercially produced grain, which brings about a scrumptiously wealthier taste. Attempt the sweet and zesty meat with a bit of hard-mixture bread for an traditional Jamaican meal.

2. Jamaican Patty. Commonly sold in restaurants around Jamaica, this Jamaican patty is a bread filled mainly of ground meat and Jamaican flavorings. Variations can be made by the different choice of meat incorporated in the bread.  Fillings can include meat like chicken, pork and lobsters.

3. Ackee and Saltfish. Ackee and Saltfish is a tradiitonal Jamaican breakfast made of scrambled eggs, a codfish and an ackee fruit. Ackee fruit is a bland but somehow sweet tasting fruit locally grown in the area. It perfectly match the saltiness of the codfish included in the meal. Ackee and Saltfish is your Jamaican version the omelet breakfast.

4. Gizzadas. A gizzada is Jamaica's local pastry. After a meal, you should indulge yourself of this sweet treat. It is a tart filled with butter, or fresh sweetened coconut, nutmeg and ginger. Its texture is gooey and crunchy. Every visitor in Jamaica should end a scrumptious meal with this satisfying treat.

2014 Jamaica Rainforest Seafood Festival

The Jamaica Rainforest Seafood Festival is now on its second year. The grandest humanitarian undertaking for the Caribbean's biggest suppliers of fish and seafood, one of Jamaica tourist destinations. The festival is set to support the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s “We Care for Cornwall” philanthropy.

Rainforest Seafood Festival will be held at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, in St. James on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014. It eyes to top last year’s raised fund of 6 million dollars to support the organization’s cause.The occasion showcases seafood dishes readied by some of Jamaica's best cooks and throughout the day entertainment to engage everybody. Returns profit a nearby philanthropy.  Seafood Galore from known sellers like Gloria's, Blackys, Prendys on the beach, Scotchies among others.

The celebration was supported by State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, and State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Damion Crawford, at the launch, held at Rainforest Seafoods business settings on Slipe Road, in Kingston, on February 11. 

In her speech, Mrs. Ffolkes-Abrahams said the celebration will profit each national in Western Jamaica, specifically or by implication. She added, "Through these exertions, the doctor's facility will have the ability to give better look after moms, children, youthful youngsters, guests and the elderly."

The cash raised, as said by the State Minister will help to buy generally required gear, for example, incubators and nebulizers. 

In the interim, Mr. Crawford contended that when organizations connect with groups, everybody profits. 

Various artists will perform at the celebration, and the State Minister noted that amusement will add as a driver for change. Mr. Crawford said, "We are exceptionally content with what is going on, since it additionally serves to differentiate the tourism item"

He added that the artistes performing will incorporate Tarrus Riley, I-Octane, Konshens, Busy Signal, John Holt, Kevin Downswell and Etana, including that the National  Bakery Kiddies Village will characteristic slides, rides, jokesters, photograph corners and non-stop amusement for the youngsters. 

The 'We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital' activity was started in 2011 by an assembly of concerned Montego Bay business persons to raise trusts to furnish help for the doctor's facility. From that point forward it has raised over $23 million to overhaul the paediatric ward.

If you are looking for things to do in Jamaica this coming month, come and join in the fun of 2014 Jamaica Rainforest Seafood Festival.

Image credits: cometojamaica.com

Fun Activities to Do in the Jamaican Mystic Mountain

Every new place offers a new chance to experience new things that will add up to your fresh pleasant memories.

Being outdoors is awesome indeed, knowing that it has a lot more to offer than being contained in the comfort of your office, school, or home. And it’s a lot more fun being outdoors at Jamaica’s rainforest, where nature comes like a little heaven.

Pack on a trip at Jamaica’s Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, a must-see for first time and experienced travellers. Be guided by the descriptions below of the things to do in Jamaica; of its fun activities that awaits you and your group.

Go round the mountain riding on a Bobsled. 

Bobsledding in Jamaica is some sort of a roller coaster, nature style. There’s no other reason you should not try Mystic Mountain trekking and roller coaster in one! This ride starts at a picturesque view of the Jamaican Railway station that stood in the year 1900s. Then you will be able to jump in a ride that is inspired by an Olympic sport. Fight against the gravity while twisting and turning throughout the shrubs and trees of Jamaica. Enjoy the view, the dew and slide through! This ride can take you down for just 90 seconds, but still no worries for those who want a smooth ride for it has insled brakes that you can freely control. 

Soar high through the Sky Explorer. 

Approach the peak of the Mystic Mountain through this awesome and thrilling ride. The Sky Explorer is a state-of-the-art chairlift that will take you flying above the tree canopies in the rainforest. You’ll not only witness the beauty of Jamaican’s forest but also the mesmerizing view of the Dunn’s River Falls nearby. Do not miss the chance being 700 feet higher above the ground!

Take a glide on Mystic Mountain’s Zip Lines. 

You’ll never be able to fully enjoy your canopy trips at Jamaica without trying their zip line adventures. Come and get a rush of adrenaline as you swing from one platform to another and while taking a glimpse on Jamaica’s diverse forest life as well as the Dunn’s River Falls. You can never get enough of this trip except you’ll try all these six zip lines that are nearly 100 meters in length! Be one of the many adventurers that glide their way all throughout to great new experiences and learning as well. 

Image credits: rainforestadventure.com

Rafting Down the Rio Grande

River rafting in Jamaica was given birth at Rio Grande. Before this activity popularized as to what it is right now, let us travel back to its rich history. Not everyone knows that river rafting here started as a means of transporting banana products from the inland plantations to Port Antonio. It was then that rafting has been persuaded as this kind by Errol Flynn who used to dare his guests in rafting during moonlight along the river. 

At present, bamboo rafting activity at Rio Grande continues growing as a popular attraction to tourists. The calmness of Jamaican waters spiced up with the most beautiful views really takes on an amazing adventure. Considered as one of the most magical experiences in the world, no one will dare try to reject stepping up to bamboo rafting. Relax above the blue waters on a bamboo raft made for two as you take a glimpse on Jamaica’s picture-perfect views. 

The Itinerary of the Bamboo Raft Tour

For about two and a half hours, you’ll experience the ultimate vacation treat at Jamaica. Rio Grande Tours provide this awesome experience to those who are willing and able. The trip usually starts at either at Grants Level or Berrydale up to Rafters Rest as the ending point. The duration of the trip greatly depends on your point of entry, the agility of the boatman, and the speed of the river current. The thirty-foot raft is being steered by a trained ‘captain’, and is also the one to take care of your safety along the trip. 

Things to Expect along the Trip

The approximately two and a half hour trip will definitely take on a different experience. It is a perfect time to be one with nature again as you indulge yourself in all its goodness. Expect to pass through rainforests and farmlands along the way that will satisfy your sight-seeing. Gaze through the wide and shallow waters of Rio Grande and grab the chance to spot some of the local birds like the Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets that accentuate the skies. Along the route are several vendors also that sell a variety of food and drinks crucial to keep you being hydrated. You have the privilege to ask your boatman to stop on any of these stores to taste yourself what Rio Grande has to offer for your empty tummy.

The Rio Grande River located at Port Antonio has long created an unbreakable legacy for vacation-seekers. Even up to the present, vacation really means something special and soothing to the senses as you choose Rio Grande to be the site of your next trip.

Image credits: tripadvisor.com

Top Jamaica Tourist Destinations

Central America’s one of the country’s largest island in the Caribbean Sea - Jamaica.  It’s an extremely popular vacation destination. Why? Because it offers a beautiful environment, the sun and extreme weather and the unforgettable moment you’ll experience when you visit in top destinations of Jamaica.

Place to relax under the sun, enjoy the white sand beaches, snorkel in its crystal clear waters and dive into the water and meet different sea animals. The most adventurous can choose to climb up its cascading waterfalls. Or just sit and relax while enjoying a close overview to crocodiles and learn more about flora and fauna.

Jamaica: Top Tourist Destinations

Doctor’s Cave Beach-Montego Bay. The Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and near white sand beaches. The beach is bordered by trees, and has a lot of facilities: bar, restaurant, well-appointed changing rooms and showers. The beach is under the protected Montego Bay Marine Park, which has many species to be seen on coral reefs which can be viewed by snorkelers, probably using local boats to access the best locations.

Dunn’s River Falls-Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River Falls is a famous water fall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction. In fact, it is the top-grossing tourist site in Jamaica. The falls is surrounded by lush, green vegetation that provides shade for visitors. The waterfalls are deck like giant natural stairs through some incorporate man-made improvements. It takes approximately 30 minutes to climb the falls, incorporate with tour guides.

Black River Safari-St. Elizabeth Parish. Black river is the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish, in southwestern Jamaica. It’s a haven for ecological tours owing to the vast swamplands and rivers. The Black River Safaris allow you to get close to native crocodiles and savor local dishes at shack on the waterside. These fun-filled guided tours take place a comfortable boat that gives you the opportunity to learn a limitless amount about the areas of flora and fauna. The tour seems to bring one’s mind closer to how great creation is. Neighboring attractions on Jamaica’s south coast include the Lover’s Leap, cascading Ys Falls and Treasure Beach.

Bob Marley Museum-Kingston. The Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the reggae musician Bob Marley. It details the life and achievements of the reggae legend. An hour-long tour provides an insights into Bob Marley’s fascinating life and ends with a short film about the reggae superstar’s final days. The museum is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, and is Bob Marley’s former place of residence.        

Blue Lagoon Jamaica.  Blue lagoon is located at Port Antonio and is popular travel destination for families and honeymooners. The water seems a little bit magic on it, as the color changes throughout the day, depending on the sun moves over it. During your arrival, the water look turquoise but you may notice during your boat ride, the water changes to a deeper sapphire or even royal blue. Another popular attraction is the home of top-class Blue Lagoon Hotel. Blue Lagoon Jamaica also offers a popular activity that everyone must try, a boat ride along the coast to nearby Monkey Island.  

Image credits: moztravel.org 

Some Pointers for Jamaica Zip line Tours

Zip line tours are no unfamiliar adventure to anyone. In fact, it has been one of the most popular modalities of canopy trips engaged in by people from all walks of life—in different forms and sizes. However, as more and more of people’s interests are being caught by such a ‘trip’, it is best that we do not just benefit for fun, but for learning as well.

In Jamaica, there are lots of activities offered whether you prefer trekking the rainforest by land or travelling through the canopies. As much as there are a huge number of zip line tours around, so there are a lot of things you need to know about riding a zip line in Jamaica.

With regards to zip lining, there are two important places in Jamaica: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Region. On the North western coast of the island is a resort town named Montego Bay. It is popular by welcoming many cruise ships each week. In just half an hour you will reach the longest zip line in the Caribbean located in the small community of Lethe. Including the 1,600-foot Big Timba, you will enjoy the Zip line Adventure Tours that operates five lines. Their professional guides transport guest from one line to the next via jungle rope bridges. To finish the tour, guest ride in Pinzgauers, a military troop transport vehicles, for an off-road eco tour. The tour company requires weighing between 60 to 265lbs. and under 6 feet, 5 inches in height. They also require that children be at least 10 years of age. The Original Canopy Tour also runs a zip line near Montego Bay. It requires people weighing 265lbs. or less, and it includes a 1,000 foot run.

On the North central coast of the island that serves as the second port of call for many cruise lines sailing through the Caribbean named Ocho Rios. The Original Canopy Tour operates 9 zip lines, where guests soar above both the trees and the river of the Cranbrook Flowering Tree Sanctuary. It requires children to be at least 10 years old, and all the guests must weigh less than 265lbs. but must also be able to wear the restraints. The tour takes approximately two hours.

Safety Reminders: Always remember that safety first. When traveling on the zip line you need to secure your protection first. Zip line tour is not applicable for pregnant women or for person suffering from heart conditions or severe back pain. Always consider to wear closed-toe shoes with secure backs to keep your feet protected during the tour, and hiking shoes since most of the tour include a walk through the jungle. Wearing jewelries are also excluded during the tour because it can get tangled in the harness.   

Image credits: realtoursjamaica.com