REACH FALLS Paradise in Portland
Portland is the rainiest parish in Jamaica - and likely so because it is also the most mountainous.
Waterfalls are in abundance because of all its contributing factors and Reach Falls is one of the more accessible ones. But getting to the best spots often needs the guidance of a local who knows the ins and outs of the meandering mud trails that lead you there.
Waterfalls are in abundance because of all its contributing factors and Reach Falls is one of the more accessible ones. But getting to the best spots often needs the guidance of a local who knows the ins and outs of the meandering mud trails that lead you there.
RAFTING on the RIO GRANDE
Rafting on the Rio Grande happens to be the age old activity that local legend says - began as one of Errol Flynn's favorite pastimes in Jamaica. Today it stands as a tour that are either sold at the hotel tour desks or by local rafters in the streets hustling tourists to buy their rides.
Regardless of how the tour process begins - the outcome is usually a day well spent along what is arguably the most popular river in Jamaica. Photos by: William Richards.
Regardless of how the tour process begins - the outcome is usually a day well spent along what is arguably the most popular river in Jamaica. Photos by: William Richards.
The BLUE LAGOON
This Jewel of Portland has fallen into disrepair and taken over by the local tour hustlers that are neither courteous nor gentle in their approach. Some of them do Rafting in and around the Blue Hole, nearby reefs and the very tiny Monkey islands where some try out the snorkeling.
There is no one that can prevent you access to the Blue Hole - as all coastline in Jamaica should be accessible to the public by law. However if you are not aware of these laws, local hustlers are bound to trick you into paying them for something or some service that they are offering.
There is no one that can prevent you access to the Blue Hole - as all coastline in Jamaica should be accessible to the public by law. However if you are not aware of these laws, local hustlers are bound to trick you into paying them for something or some service that they are offering.
The Port Antonio Market
If you are saving a pretty penny by doing your own cooking - you need to be getting your produce from the local Market. Firstly its fresh and Healthy. Secondly - its the best prices. Walk the entire market before deciding who you buy from. The Port Antonio Market also has an arts and crafts section as well as a wide array of immitation brand clothing...if that's your thing
SHAGGY'S JERK CENTRE
BOSTON JERK CENTRE is actually the name given to the junction in the road where a few Jerk Shops reside.
It so happens to be the place where the commercialisation of JERK in Jamaica began.
Let it be made clear that the way these Jerk centres charge customers are often unregulated a even discriminatory - specifically toward tourists. So the trick is to always ask the prices of things before you buy. And if you have no problem with this, all will be fine.
Failure to do this will lead to them tricking you. You have been warned.
It so happens to be the place where the commercialisation of JERK in Jamaica began.
Let it be made clear that the way these Jerk centres charge customers are often unregulated a even discriminatory - specifically toward tourists. So the trick is to always ask the prices of things before you buy. And if you have no problem with this, all will be fine.
Failure to do this will lead to them tricking you. You have been warned.
GREATHUTS, Eco Adventure
If its one thing that you will learn about Jamaica is that it is full of surprises. If you ever find yourself visiting the Original Jerk Centre in Portland Jamaica - a place called "Boston Jerk Corner" - you are just a few yards away from one of Jamaica's best kept secrets. It is an Eco Village called GREATHUTS - the brainchild of a Jewish / American doctor - Dr Paul, whose idea to design and build African themed huts in an eco tourism setting has been a dream come true for him. The rates are relatively cheap compared to what you would spend in any other resort in Jamaica. But it is worth the experience either way.
www.greathuts.com
www.greathuts.com
MIKUZI Guest House (Fairy Hill)
The best things in life are arguably the simplest of things - Time with friends catching up on good old times, a game of darts, exploring new worlds with lots of downtime. The right "place" for the right "time" is always key. If everything just mentioned is in-fact true in your case, then MIKUZI guest house in Fairy Hill is the right place for you. It appeals to the back packing traveler, the budget traveler or even the artist / poet / writer in us all. This place is not on the coast, but a pleasant 5 minute walk gets you to the most beautiful beach in Jamaica - the Winnie Fred Beach...
Quaint Roadside Shops
Some "tourist traps" can be heartless to traveling tourist who are trying to get by on their budgets.
There is such a thing as paying "tourist price" and "local price" and it is very prevalent in Port Antonio and it whereabouts.
Now here is the thing to be mindful of - there are restauants that are tapping into the tourism market, however there will also be the ones that are catering to the needs of the local public.
Chances are that roadside shops such as these will pleasantly surprise you with a good meal at a very convenient price.
There is such a thing as paying "tourist price" and "local price" and it is very prevalent in Port Antonio and it whereabouts.
Now here is the thing to be mindful of - there are restauants that are tapping into the tourism market, however there will also be the ones that are catering to the needs of the local public.
Chances are that roadside shops such as these will pleasantly surprise you with a good meal at a very convenient price.
WINNIFRED BEACH, Fairy Hill
This beach is not one of those that are maintained or promoted by the Tourist Board of Jamaica. That is because it is run by the people of the community. It is rustic and even run down in areas that should not be. But this is because the community is one of humble settings and and any commerce that is generated from the tourist visits to this beach are more or less hand to mouth in terms of the survival of this Beach as a community attraction. It is a public beach today and even without the private sector investments into it, it remains the most beautiful and prestine beach on the island. There is no cover charge to enter this beach, however you will be approached to make a contribution toward the upkeep of it.
FISHERMAN'S PARK, Long Bay
Fresh Fish Deep fried, or the same done to Chicken and accompanied by rice and peas - this is what is called Jamaican style cooking.
Well you will get a taste of it right here on Long Bay on the inland side, just about a minute's drive as you break the coastline.
Local price for the most part, but to spare you all the hassle, do ask the prices before ordering anything.
Well you will get a taste of it right here on Long Bay on the inland side, just about a minute's drive as you break the coastline.
Local price for the most part, but to spare you all the hassle, do ask the prices before ordering anything.
CHILL OUT RESTAURANT @ Long Bay
Hurricanes devastate areas like Long Bay on a regular basis.
Chill Out has been legendary for tourists that frequent Portland - it comes as a relief to most, to see it endure the worst that mother nature has thrown at it.
Now a restaurant is only as good as its current chef and your most recent meal. So will be the judge and what ever the outcome - do know that this place carries with it some really great memories for people that have been drawn to it from all corners of the world.
Chill Out has been legendary for tourists that frequent Portland - it comes as a relief to most, to see it endure the worst that mother nature has thrown at it.
Now a restaurant is only as good as its current chef and your most recent meal. So will be the judge and what ever the outcome - do know that this place carries with it some really great memories for people that have been drawn to it from all corners of the world.
