There are many different kinds of travellers – those who want to glamp it up instead of roughing it, those who can’t get enough of islands even though they stay on an island, those who want to escape the heat of Singapore, the avid theme park goer… the list is endless.
But we’re going to focus on adrenaline junkies – the adventurous travellers who get a kick out of risking their lives and doing death-defying activities. You can get your adrenaline fix in Singapore, but if you want something more than indoor sky-diving and swimming with sharks in an aquarium, you’ve clicked on the right article! Here are 5 high-octane activities that got us sweating just writing about them:
Traverse a vertical rock face to go mountain zip-lining
The cliff climb might be scary enough for some by itself
Start off with some vertical rock face climbing, before strategising your route across jagged rock formations, ladders and vertical stairs on one of Middle East’s highest climbing routes. As dangerous as it looks, the climbing route is suitable for climbers of all abilities, even beginners. Just in case you are worried about losing your way, the course is led by a group of certified instructors who can assist you. If you want out at any point of the route, just let your guide know and they’ll redirect you to the nearest escape route back up to the mountaintop.
When you’ve conquered the climbing course, you’ll reach your sweet prize – zip-lining across the mountains with a breathtaking view of your surroundings. Totally worth the climb.
Challenge yourself by zip-lining across mountains
The Ultimate Jabal Activity Wall is in Nizwa, Oman. Book the activity through Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Walk on an airplane WHILE it is FLYING IN THE AIR
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You’re usually encouraged to sit down and belt up while the plane is in the air, but on some flights, you can actually stand on top of the plane. Once you’re airborne, you’ll be able to climb from the cockpit onto the wings or onto the top of the plane. Feel the wind through your hair as your view stretch for miles below you.
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Here’s the fun part: once you’re comfortable with the wind in your hair, the plane will do a 360 ° roll. The plane will glide while you’re upside down for a zero-gravity photo op (photos and videos are overpriced but a good way to remember this experience), so you can either hang tight or pose for one the most epic photos on your Instagram. This totally tops jumping out of the plane!
Go for ride at Mason Wing Walking Academy in Washington, United States or at Into The Blue in the UK at various locations.
Hike up a trail carved into the side of a mountain with just an iron chain for safety
The ‘Heavenly Stairs’
The trail begins with a flight of ‘Heavenly Stairs’ at the base of Mt Huashan, similar to the ones at Machu Picchu in Peru. But the steep stairs are just the beginning. You then need to ascend the mountain by climbing up the rock face with toe holds carved into the mountain or a single plank nailed to the side of the mountain. The only safety harness you get is an iron chain also attached to the side of the mountain. Of course, those who are really daring have tried ascending without a harness, but we recommend using it – the death toll for the mountain is about 100 people a year.
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At the end of the path, you’ll end up at a Taoist temple… that’s been converted into a teahouse. Yepp, you just risked falling off the face of a mountain to visit a teahouse. The scenic views and the trek more than make up for the end goal – after all it’s the journey that’s the most exciting.
The teahouse at the end of the road climb
Once you’re done snapping your photos, take the cable car back down or risk going down the same treacherous hiking route against the flow of people.
Mt Huashan is about 120 km away from Xi’an, China. Park entrance is ¥180 during busy season and ¥100 during off season. You can also book your entrance ticket through Klook for $37.80, or just book a day trip through a travel agency. Cable cars require additional fees.
Ride a wooden gondola operated by pulleys to reach a rock where you can catch lobsters
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Even though it is only held together by some ropes and wooden support, the wooden gondola is pretty safe. During high tide with turbulent waters, you can expect huge waves to wash over you. If the sea is peaceful, you’ll be able to cross the sea without much swaying or movement (but where is the fun in that, really?). Just remember to bring an extra set of clothes as you’d never know how the weather will turn out.
There is also a bridge suspended next to the gondola, and you can walk across it or to take photos of your friend riding the gondola.
The gondola is on Timang Beach, a 3 hour drive from Yogyakarta, Gunung Kidul, Indonesia. There is no set price to ride the gondola – depending on your bargaining skills be prepared to pay anything from Rp 150,000 (about SGD$15) to Rp 200,000 (about SGD$21).
Swim with huge, hungry crocodiles
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Some might consider swimming with sharks in aquariums the scariest thing ever. But have you tried swimming with crocodiles? You’ll be put into a transparent cage by yourself or with a friend and lowered into the enclosure with crocodiles that are as big as 5m long. As if being face to face with one of nature’s deadliest predators isn’t enough to get your blood pumping, the crocodiles will also be fed whilst you’re in the cage with them so that you’ll be face snapping, hungry crocodiles. How’s that for an adrenaline rush?
Get up close and personal with crocodiles in the Cage Of Death in Darwin, Australia at the Crocosaurus Cove
You might also want to check out this article on how to rack up miles on credit cards for free flights so you can spend more on activities!
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