FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: wildlife

  • Unspoiled Paradise of Nine Village Valley, China

    In this world of global tourism, there are very few unspoiled areas. One spot that can boast such a title is Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it is commonly called.

    This picturesque alpine location lies in the Sichuan province, around 450 kilometers from the capital, Chengdu. Its English name comes from the nine traditional Tibetan villages scattered throughout its 240 square kilometers. The local villagers live in harmony with the land's thick forest, 114 sparkling lakes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls. Agriculture and private vehicles are forbidden in the spot, which is protected as a World Heritage site. As you might imagine, the Nine Village Valley is a haven for native wildlife. It's home to giant pandas, white-lipped deer, golden monkeys, and around 140 kinds of birds. There are also many beautiful species of rhododendrons and panda's favorite treats, bamboo. The area is steeped in mythology. One story suggests that a mountain deity gave a goddess a mirror as a token of his affection for her. When the devil appeared to her she dropped the mirror, and the shattered pieces became the area's many lakes. Skeptics suggest the lakes and waterfalls were instead formed by earthquakes and landslides, but the first explanation is much more romantic! [caption id="attachment_3011" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The colors of fall at Nine Village Valley, China"]The colors of fall at Nine Village Valley, China[/caption] As agriculture is forbidden, villagers rely on tourism and government subsidies to live. Guests are encouraged to spend $3 on a photo of the locals in their traditional dress. While Nine Village Valley is beautiful all year round, autumn is perhaps the best season to visit. Snow lingers on the mountain tops, but the red, orange, and yellow tones of fall are everywhere. As personal vehicles are prohibited, tourists take the bus from Chengdu along the Minjiang River canyon. The journey generally takes 10 hours, although rock and mudslides in bad weather can add hours to the trip. It sounds daunting, but the unspoiled beauty of this area makes the long journey worthwhile.

  • The Majesty of the Eighth Wonder of the World, New Zealand’s Milford Sound

    The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand
    The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand

    So gorgeous is New Zealand’s Milford Sound that British writer Rudyard Kipling once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” The dark brooding waters, rocky cliffs, and lush forests of this photogenic area inspire around half a million tourists to visit this spot on New Zealand’s South Island every year.

    Milford Sound is the crown of Fiordland National Park. A cruise with an operator such as Scenic Pacific or Real Journeys is one of the best ways to see the region. During a day trip, or a longer overnight journey, guests can see the area’s marine animals, including seals and dolphins, and awe-inspiring natural features.

    Mitre Peak is particularly imposing, rising 1692 meters skyward, and the cascading waterfalls are stunning after showers. With Milford Sound receiving seven meters of rain on average each year, these falls rarely disappoint! The cost of many tours includes coach transfers to the cruise wharf. However the region is also accessible on foot via Milford Track, and it's a short drive from Te Anau. Many tourists use this lakeside area as a base for their Milford Sound journey, as the township of Milford has few facilities for travelers. Most tourists visit Milford Sound during the summer months of January and February, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds consider traveling once the weather cools. Just remember to pack a warm, waterproof jacket if you do!

  • Animals Great and Small at Auckland Zoo, New Zealand

    International favorites and local oddities are all on show at Auckland Zoo. This family tourist attraction is adjacent to Western Springs Reserve, a stone’s throw from Auckland’s central business district.

    New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi
    New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi

    The Pridelands, home to a pride of five lions, giraffes, and zebras, and the rare Sumatran tigers of Tiger Territory always draw a crowd. The zoo is also home to Burma, New Zealand’s only Asian elephant and an underwater viewing area for California sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. More New Zealand natives are found in the nocturnal house, including kiwis, tuatara lizards, and the Southern Boobook owl or morepork as it is commonly known. New Zealand’s Australian neighbors also have a place in the Aussie Walkabout, where visitors can walk through an enclosure with emus, wallabies, and kangaroos.


    Little ones can enjoy an animal encounter in the Kidzone, which features pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, chickens, and many other farmyard friends.

    Auckland Zoo is active in conservation efforts in New Zealand and abroad. The zoo is particularly committed to captive breeding programs for the native kiwi and tuatara. The zoo is also active in educating school children about the environment and its animal kingdom. These efforts look to make the next generation more aware of the world around them.

    Auckland Zoo opens at 9:30 am every day but Christmas Day. Adult passes cost $19 while children, seniors, and students enjoy discount rates. Further discounts are available for families and social groups. Parking is available on site for drivers, who will find the zoo well signposted. The Explorer bus also travels from Auckland Museum every hour between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm each day.

  • Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand Treats Animals with Respect

    Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it’s hard to believe that once this mountainous location was only accessible by river or elephants.


    Today transport’s a lot easier. All the major domestic airlines, including Thai Airways and Air Asia, fly between Bangkok and Chiang Mai several times each day. Buses and trains also travel from the capital regularly. Yet the elephants’ importance to the area, known as the Rose of the North, remains.

    Since their services are no longer required for transport, the elephants of Chiang Mai lead a pampered existence at the Elephant Nature Park. Nestled around 60 kilometers from the city center, the park provides a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures.

    The park is the brainchild of Sangduen Chailert. Her special bond with elephants began when her grandfather, a traditional Thai healer, received a baby elephant from a grateful patient. Sangduen became firm friends with the latest member of the family and the rest, as they say, is history. After graduating from Chiang Mai University she moved into the elephant tourism. There she discovered the abuse and neglect the animals suffered once they became useless to trekking firms. She was determined to develop a place where elephants would be loved throughout their days. When the Elephant Nature Park opened its doors in 1995, that dream became a reality.

    elephantThe park’s work is vital in a modern Thailand where just 2000 elephants live in the wild. The park is home to more than 30 rescue elephants, ranging in age from infants to the elderly and abused. It is open to day visitors and overnight guests, who can watch the animals grazing, playing, and communicating as they do in the wild. There are no circus tricks or elephant rides here. Instead tourists enjoy a less artificial experience, bathing the animals and feeding them treats.

    One-day visits to the park cost $125 for adults and $75 for children, including transfers from Chiang Mai. For a reduced rate, you can enjoy a seven-, 14-, or 28-day volunteer experience. Around $70 a day buys you daily contact with the elephants and all meals. The park is not-for-profit, so all money raised directly supports the elephants and their upkeep.

  • Safari in South Africa

    As summer moves along we wanted to put together something of a dream vacation for all you eager travelers. We recently read that a larger and larger percentage of travelers are looking for vacation ideas and travel deals before even picking a location. In light of this, we decided to highlight a travel adventure of epic proportions. Get off the couch and get serious about this summer’s coolest vacation: a South African safari!

    The wildlife in South Africa is some of the most classically beautiful in the world. You can expect to see cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, lions and rhinos. What’s the best way to see all of these creatures up close and personal? You guessed it, a South African Safari! We did some searching and came across Africa Travel Inc. A company located in California that specializes in eco-friendly, safe, yet exciting South African safaris. Visit their site and rest easy knowing that a portion of their profits are directed toward helping South African wildlife, by donating to projects like Cheetah Outreach.