FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: wildlife

  • Meet The Macaques of Lopburi – Thailand’s Monkey City

    Lopburi is a Thai city steeped in history, but today most travelers have just one thing on their minds: monkeys.


    Every year many international tourists visit the area located three hours north of the country's capital, Bangkok, to meet the city's simian residents. It's estimated that some 2000 crab-eating macaque monkeys call Lopburi home. And why wouldn't they? The city has far less pollution and traffic than Thailand’s capital, and the little creatures are treated very well by the locals and tourists. [caption id="attachment_4713" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A sleepy Macaque monkey in Lopburi, Thailand"]Macaque monkey in Thailand[/caption] If you don't mind braving the crowds, the best time to visit the monkeys is the Lopburi Monkey Festival, which is held on the last weekend in November each year. The locals prepare an exhaustive feast at the Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot temple for their monkey mates. You wouldn't guess that these monkeys favor crabs. They devour some 2000 kilograms of food, including eggs, fruit, and even soda. It seems quite generous of the locals to spoil the monkeys this way, but they believe their acts of altruism will bring them good luck. However you can spot the macaques monkeying about the city any time of year. In fact, your interaction with them is likely to be a bit more special if you pick a quieter time to visit. You'll also save the 30 baht it costs to attend the festival. Look for them in the area known as the Old Town, especially the religious sites of Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot and the Phra Kaan Shrine. You can buy some sunflower seeds for a few baht from Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot if you want to coax the monkeys closer. The monkeys are eager to meet tourists and always hungry, but don’t be afraid. They are not aggressive, and even when they jump on you they won’t cause any harm. If you’d prefer to observe them from a distance, don’t tempt them with any treats. It’s also advised not to wear any accessories when you’re around the monkeys, as they can become fascinated by earrings, sunglasses, and baseball caps. If you forget this rule, don’t be surprised if a curious monkey steals your clothes! Trains from Bangkok depart several times a day for Lopburi, making the three-hour journey via Ayutthaya. The station is a short walk from Wat Phra Prang Sam Yot, so if you only want to see Lopburi's monkeys a day trip is easily achieved. If you love wildlife, you'll likely see Chang Mai's elephants and the tigers of Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno monastery. But no Thai animal safari would be complete without visiting the monkeys of Lopburi.

    [Image Source: Adam Baker/Flickr]

  • Sleep At Sydney’s Taronga Zoo – Roar and Snore Experience for the Whole Family

    We’ve all spent time staring into an animal enclosure at the zoo, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the creature the sign assures us is inside.


    But the sad truth is, many of these exotic animals are only active once the zoo closes its gates. If you want to see these critters at their best, why not pack your sleeping bags and enjoy a sleepover with a difference at Sydney's Taronga Zoo? The zoo's Roar and Snore evenings are led by fun and informative zoo keepers, who settle you into comfortable three-person tent accommodation before introducing you to the zoo's residents. You won't need to gaze at these animals from afar. The staff will let you get up close and personal with friendly animals including lizards, tortoises, wombats, and Australia's cute, cuddly koalas. They'll then lead you by torchlight on a zoo safari, where you'll see the rest of the zoo's inhabitants going about their business without the daytime crowds. Once you've worked up an appetite you will enjoy the tasty roast buffet dinner. [caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Australia's cutest resident, the koala"]a koala in australia[/caption] There's no better alarm clock than the squeaks, growls, and roars of hungry zoo animals keen to have breakfast. You'll watch them being fed, and meet a few more creatures before the day's visitors arrive. You're free to explore the zoo at your leisure then until the zoo closes for another day. Roar and Snore sleepovers run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Tickets start from $240 for adults and $185 for children, depending on the season. While this is expensive, the memories you'll make on this intimate zoo experience may be worth the splurge.

  • Swim with Sea Lions in South Australia

    We’ve all heard of swimming with dolphins, and even swimming with whales.


    But one South Australian company allows you to swim with a furrier marine creature on their swim with sea lions tours. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience is located in Baird Bay, a tiny coastal town on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Just 8 people lived here at last count, including Eco Experience owners Alan and Patricia Payne. They regard the wild sea lions like their children, and just like any proud parents love to arrange play dates with interested guests. The Australian sea lion is a species indigenous to the land Down Under, although it shares many similarities with other sea lions around the world. Unlike other sea lion species though they have no set breeding season, so keep your eyes peeled for pups while you're swimming with these beautiful animals! Sea lions are naturally curious and love to play in the shallow tide pool which protects them, and their human guests, from sharks. Pups may be shy at first, but before too long they'll happily nuzzle your hands and enjoy a good stroke! [caption id="attachment_4296" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pair of Australian sea lions"]A pair of Australian sea lions[/caption] An hour can seem like a moment when you're spending time with these friendly sea creatures, and before too long it’ll be time to return to dry land, filled with the memories of the special experience you’ve shared. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience swim tours run daily from September 1 until May 31 each year. It costs $140 for swimming adults, and $70 for children 15 years and under. Non swimming adults can watch from the boat for $100. The tour price includes the hire of wetsuits and snorkeling gear. While tickets can be purchased from the Marine Mammal Information Center before departure, it’s advisable to book your place during peak times to avoid disappointment.

  • Innercity Tranquility at Hong Kong Park

    Hong Kong is a buzzing metropolis, the kind of place where nothing sits still for every long. Yet in the center of the city is Hong Kong Park, a green oasis which takes you back to nature and provides respite from the thrumming city outside.

    The eight hectare park was opened in May 1991. From its cascading waterfalls to tranquil manmade ponds, it was clearly created for visitors who want to enjoy simpler pleasures than Hong Kong typically provides.

    Hong Kong Park Aviary
    One of the feathered residents of Hong Kong Park Aviary

    Children run about the playgrounds as their parents watch on, and young couples fall a little deeper in love as they pose for wedding photos in the grounds. Sporting enthusiasts enjoy the squash and sports centers, while those looking for a less stressful pursuit head to the Tai Chi garden. Seasonal celebrations bring art and musical performances to the people of Hong Kong.

    At its heart you’ll find the aviary, a large space which is home to hundreds of species of birds, flowers, and other plants. Entry is free and the area is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, so you can spend as much time as like watching the feathered creatures play.

    You can explore Hong Kong Park at your own pace, but if you’d like to learn more you could join a guided tour of the conservatory or aviary. Both tours run every Saturday at 9:30 am.

    [Image Source: Charles Lam/Flickr]

  • Travel Safety Tips for Your Papua New Guinea Vacation

    If you’re tired of the tourist centers of Oceania, a visit to Papua New Guinea can prove exhilarating.

    With virtually no tourism infrastructure, the country offers a truly authentic South Pacific experience. However, this wild and untamed allure means visitors should take a few extra safety precautions. Before embarking on your journey, consider protecting yourself against some of the more serious diseases found in the country. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended. If you are visiting the southern part of PNG, including Port Moresby, consider adding the vaccination for Japanese B encephalitis to your list of jabs. While urban centers including Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen have a reputation for high levels of crime, you should not let that stop you experiencing all the country has to offer. Tourists are rarely victims, and using common sense should ensure you don't fall prey to the country's bandits, known as raskols. Visit heavily populated areas, as you are unlikely to encounter trouble with crowds around you. It's also wise to downplay your wealth; keep cameras hidden away and flashy jewelry to a minimum. It's smart to keep around K50 in your pocket to appease any would-be thieves. Stash the rest of your money discreetly away in a shoe or money belt.papua new guinea trip advice Papua New Guinea’s mosquitoes generally prove to be more of a problem for travelers than bandits. While their bites and buzzing can be an annoyance, there is a more serious side to mosquitoes as they can spread malaria and Dengue fever. Cover yourself in insect repellent to minimize the chance of bites and illness. Papua New Guinea has its fair share of land and sea nasties. Its home to a handful of dangerous snakes, including the death adder and taipan, although these reptiles will not attack unless provoked. Be careful when walking in areas with limited visibility, such as long grass or leaf covered ground, as you may startle these dangerous creatures. If you are bitten apply a compression bandage and stay still until medical help arrive. Major medical centers are well stocked with antivenins to deal with these emergencies. It’s common to encounter leeches when hiking through Papua New Guinea's jungle areas. While they are generally not dangerous, they can cause bleeding when removed. Insect repellent can help to ward them off, while insecticide can aid in their removal. Crocodile attacks are uncommon, but you should heed local warnings to ensure you don't become one of the rare victims. Jellyfishes should also be avoided when swimming, as their stings can be painful. Sea snakes and poisonous cone shells are also common in coral reefs, so keep your eyes peeled on diving expeditions. All of these dangers can seem overwhelming, but by exercising caution travelers can stay safe and enjoy their Papua New Guinea vacation.

  • Swim With Dolphins in Port Stephens, Australia

    Port Stephens, on the New South Wales north coast, is known as the dolphin capital of Australia.

    Pods of these intelligent marine creatures swim close to the coastal region's 26 beaches. You might spot one as you’re catching a wave, but for a more personal experience consider joining a Dolphin Swim Australia tour. While some zoos and marine parks allow guests to swim with their dolphins, this tour is the only one in Australia which lets you swim with Pacific Common dolphins in their natural habitat. A catamaran takes you through the Port Stephens heads to an area known as the Gravel Patch, just off Broughton Island. Guests on the tour are all eager to be the first to spot a dolphin, and tour organizers suggest the dolphins are just as excited to see the boat.swim with a dolphin It's not unusual to swim with around 20 dolphins swarming about you. They have no fear of humans, and seem delighted to have new playmates to share the waters with. You might have read about dolphins in textbooks or watched them at the zoo, but an experience like this is the best way to really learn about these fascinating creatures. Note - our partner site JobMonkey includes an animal jobs eBook full of interesting facts about working with animals. Dolphin Swim Australia tours are open to anyone aged 12 years and over. They cost $229 per swimmer for a four-hour tour and use of a wetsuit, mask, and fins. Observers can also board the boat for $60. Tours run most weekends, and during weekdays on demand. They do leave early at 6 am, but this time is perfect for enjoying dolphins at their most active.

  • Staying Safe in Australia – Tips for Dealing with Deadly Wildlife Down Under

    Australia has a reputation as a dangerous destination, with creepy crawlies and biting monsters around every corner.

    But you needn’t worry about the snakes, spiders, sharks and other nasties Down Under if you follow some simple advice. Australia is home to the ten deadliest snakes in the world, including the fierce snake, commonbrown, and taipan. If you’re visiting Australia’s cities though, such as Perth, the only place you'll come across them in the zoo. If you're venturing into Australia's rural areas though, make sure you always wear closed shoes. As Australia's snakes are timid, they are likely to slither away from harm once they hear your footsteps. If you do see a snake though, it’s important to stay still. They will only attack if they feel threatened, so wait until they pass before continuing your journey. Spiders are less of a concern in Australia, with only the funnelweb and redback varieties considered dangerous. However, all Australian spiders have venom and are capable of giving a nasty bite! To ensure you're not a victim, always shake your shoes before putting them on. Covered footwear is advisable when walking outside, particularly at night. Don't leave towels and clothes on the floor, as spiders are known to settle inside them. [caption id="attachment_3396" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A fierce snake, the deadliest snake in the world"]A fierce snake, the deadliest snake in the world[/caption] Do not let the risk of a shark attack stop you from enjoying Australia's beautiful beaches. Most major beaches have shark nets installed to prevent swimmers from coming face to face with these ocean predators. By sticking to patrolled areas, and obeying instructions from the lifeguards, you are likely to stay safe. Crocodiles are also not a threat in most parts of Australia. While salties and freshwater crocs are common in the Northern Territory and the northernmost tip of Queensland, they do not live in Australia's most common tourist areas. Crocodile habitats in these locations are often signposted, but when in doubt tourists should resist the urge for a dip. Public beaches and waterholes are the best places to cool off up north. As a rule, Australia's animals should be admired from a safe distance. While some spiders, snakes, and other creatures are not dangerous it’s best to err on the side of caution. Attacks and injuries from Australia’s native wildlife are rare. However, if you are in trouble call the emergency services number 000 from any phone immediately.

  • Thailand’s Tiger Temple, the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno Monastery

    Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno monastery is a modest place of worship, unremarkable in many ways.

    In fact, if it were not for its unique residents you wouldn't know about this site in regional Thailand at all. But here tourists travel daily to marvel at the monks who share their lives with tigers. Buddhism is at the heart of the monastery, which is sometimes known as the Tiger Temple. However, it also acts as a wildlife sanctuary for the area's endangered and injured animals. Over time the monks have adopted peacocks, deer, horses, and now tigers. [caption id="attachment_3346" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A monk walks with tigers at Thailand's Tiger Temple"]Monk at Thailand Tiger Temple[/caption] The monastery's first tiger arrived in 1995. The cub was orphaned at the hands of poachers, and the monks quickly stepped in to raise the helpless creature. The numbers have since grown, and today the monastery is home to several adult and juvenile tigers. Visitors to the monastery can see tigers feeding, playing, and spending time with the monks. A highlight for tigers and tourists alike is bath time, which happens every day at 2 pm. It's important to remember that while the tigers have lived with the monks for many years, they are still wild animals. Guests are advised not to wear brightly colored clothes or perfumes, as these may disturb the tigers. You should also refrain from making loud noises, and never turn your back on the animals. Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno monastery is a 30-minute bus or taxi ride from Kanchanaburi, a metropolitan center lying three hours from Bangkok. Tourists with an interest in meditation are invited to stay with the monks in their temple. As is Buddhist custom, there is no charge for this accommodation, although it is polite to offer a donation. These financial gifts help the monks feed their tigers and other animals.

  • Meet Crocs and Snakes in Australia on the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise

    The Northern Territory is a place that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s an Australian stereotype come to life, with scorching sun, the unforgiving deserts of The Outback, and nasties lurking around every corner.

    If the snakes don't get you, the crocs just might. If that thought doesn't terrify you, you might be a good candidate for a trip on the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise. The boat takes a leisurely trip down the Adelaide River, which is home to more than 80, 000 saltwater crocs, or salties as they're known in these parts. These man-eaters can measure up to six meters, and when they jump out of the water you'll be able to take all of that length in. But don't be scared. They're more interested in the raw buffalo meat the tour operators dangle from the long feeding sticks than you. If you're game, the crew will even let you give the crocs their tucker. Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises has two boats: the 8.7 meters Wildcat, and the double-decker Northern Adventurer, which measures a massive 18.2 meters. The cruises' hosts are incredibly knowledgeable about the area's native wildlife, which also includes bats, snakes, and the enormous kites. These birds, with their awe-inspiring wingspans, will happily swoop in on the crocs' buffalo, and often get away with it too. That's one brave bird! [caption id="attachment_3021" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A saltwater crocodile jumping for food in the Northern Territory, Australia"]A saltwater crocodile jumping for food in the Northern Territory, Australia[/caption] Speaking of those snakes, you can meet some of those too. Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises has a large collection of pythons which they'll happily pass around to any brave guests. If you do hope to handle a snake make sure you're not wearing sunblock, perfume, or insect repellent. These products can offend the snakes' delicate sense of smell, and you really don't want to do that! Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises cost $35 for adults and $20 for kids, including complimentary tea and coffee. Discounted family, group, and senior passes are also available. The cruises last for one hour and leave at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm every day.

  • Swim with Whales in Tonga – South Pacific Adventure with Gentle Giants of the Sea

    Many coastal tourist destinations around the world invite visitors to swim with seals and dolphins, but you’ll need to travel to Tonga if you hope to swim with whales.

    The South Pacific nation is known as The Friendly Islands, and its humpback whales are just as genial as the natives. More than 160 of the marine mammals return to Tonga's calm waters each year to mate. They stay there until their babies are born, nursing them in the warm Pacific waters before returning to polar oceans. WhaleSwim is Tonga's premiere whale experience company. Owner Rae Gill was inspired to create the business after meeting her first humpback whale off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Along with a team of conservationists, a marine biologist, and wildlife photographers, she leads three, four, seven and nine-day snorkeling tours. This crew of ecotourism experts ensures the expeditions are run with whale conservation in mind. During the tours you'll learn a lot about the humpback whales, both from the guides and from your own up-close interaction with them. You'll hear their famous songs through a hydrophone on the tour boat, and take home video footage of your time on the tour as a souvenir. This is the kind of footage you'll want to show your friends! [caption id="attachment_3007" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The magnificent humpack whale"]The magnificent humpack whale[/caption] The tours are a little expensive, with the short three-day option costing $600 AUS. However, with expeditions restricted to a maximum of 12 people, and five on the photography expeditions, you are guaranteed to receive a quality experience. This price also includes airport transfers, all meals and accommodation at the Hilltop Hotel and Blue Lagoon Resort. WhaleSwim Adventures conducts tours between late July and the middle of October.