KINGSTON
The capital city of Jamaica, Kingston, is an astonishing tangle of contradictions and lures of the bustling and colorful local life. With the population of about 700,000, Kingston dominates Jamaica politically, commercially and culturally. This city is referred to as the pulse of the Jamaican nation. Sandwiched between the impressive Blue Mountains and the spectacular harbor, Kingston is remarkable for its exclusive air of Jamaican soul, which is history and music. Kingston offers a wide range of entertainment and strong impressions.
The view from the mountains reveals leafy foothill suburbs overlooking a splendid natural harbor. Just north of the waterfront is the historic downtown area, with its sumptuous hotels and casinos, street vendors and beggary. Old Kingston is fascinating for the history, which dates back to the times of Spanish conquistadors. The remains of the early Jamaican capital, today called Spanish Town, has managed to preserve the typical Spanish colonial style architecture. A sad reminder of the colonial past is the site where Port Royal was once located. Known as the wickedest city on earth, Port Royal was one of the largest and richest slave trade centers in the world. The National Gallery located in downtown Kingston is displaying Jamaican works from the 1920s onwards, including a good collection of Edna Manley's sculptures.
North of the old town center is New Kingston with high-rise offices and banks, fabulous hotels and nightclubs. Exciting shopping plazas and art galleries make you feel in the thick of the things. The city's highlight, the Bob Marley Museum is located here. A Mecca for Reggae superstar's fans, Bob's house, has a collection of his personal belongings and an exhibition, dedicated to his life and music.
The night brings out myriads of neon lights over the city sky - it is the time when Kingston really comes to life. Nightlife is what Jamaican is famous for with its world-class nightclubs and discos. Reggae music fills the air and one cannot stay away from swaying in the tropical rhythms.
But we must warn the traveler that nighttime may be dangerous for foreigners in Kingston, if away from traditional tourist sites. Kingston is full of contrasts and sometimes even risks, but it offers an experience undeniably worth having.
OCHO RIOS
Ocho Rios is located almost in the middle of the island's splendid long northern coast. Ochee, as it is locally known, is the most famous resort Jamaican area and a cruise ships port. It is a site of incredible natural charm, fabulous and diverse scenery. The coral fringed Turtle Beach is a wide stretch of silky white sand, shining under gentle sunbeams and caressing waves. A marvelous reef-sheltered harbor offers unforgettable views and water sports.
Going inland from Ocho Rios you will find picturesque and exciting spots. The natural beauty of places like Eden Falls, Fern Gully and Shaw Park Botanical Gardens attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. Refreshing soft greenery of hills, covered by a lace of purling streams, rivers and waterfalls is a getaway from the heat and the sun. Fern Gully is a roughly three mile road, built into an old riverbed, which winds through a lush valley of ferns. The best known natural attraction of Ocho Rios is undoubtedly Dunn's River Falls. A terraced limestone slope, bathing in ice-cold crystal clear water, descends through scenic cascades and pools to a beautiful beach. The stepping stones of the falls allow easy access up and down their 600 feet, under a stimulating shower.
In the last few decades the town of Ocho Rios has experienced explosive growth from a small fishing village and a bauxite port to a world-class tourist destination. Today it is a high-density town of glass-and-concrete hotels, office blocks, multiple shopping centers and extreme traffic congestion. The town economy is based almost entirely on tourism, offering a wide array of travel services. Here you can choose from budget hotels to gorgeous private villas with private beaches.
MONTEGO BAY
Jamaica's capital of the west, the island's second largest city, Montego Bay, is the one of the oldest and the most posh resorts of the Caribbean. Montego Bay captivates by the inexhaustible energy of its people.
Montego Bay is a real tourist town, offering all kinds of tourist services, from budget guesthouses to all-inclusive sumptuous hotels and private villas, hectic nightlife, superb beaches, water sports facilities and unlimited shopping possibilities. Many admirable Georgian stone buildings and timber houses still stand downtown, and there is an excellent variety of arts and crafts. The colorful open markets and crowded voluble streets may be intimidating for some, while the ultimate adventure to others.
Golfers will also enjoy Montego Bay. There are three championship golf courses in the area, including The Wyndham Rose Hall Golf Course, Half Moon Golf Club and the Ironshore Golf. Mobay is also home to Jamaica's first underwater marine park and has much to offer to the scuba divers and snorkels.
BEACH LOVERS PLEASE NOTE THAT MOBAY OFFERS BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BEACHES. PUBLIC BEACHES DO NOT CHARGE ENTRANCE FEES, BUT ARE KNOWN FOR INTRUSIVE LOCAL STREET VENDORS. FOR THOSE OF YOU LOOKING FOR A MORE QUIET VACATION WE RECOMMEND NEGRIL.
NEGRIL
Located on the western tip of Jamaica, Negril stretches along the world-famous terrific Seven Mile Beach. Silky sugar-white sand rims the coast of the boundless majestic ocean. Negril more loved by those who consider the sun and the sea as major attractions. Being a hippy getaway of the early 70s, Negril still enjoys the most laid back atmosphere of Jamaica.
The resort is rapidly developing and Negril is continuously changing its look and character. The long coastline, which is the site's main magnet, is constantly acquiring more and more hotels, cottages, restaurants, bars, shops and water sports facilities. Among multiplying shopping centers one can still find open arts and crafts markets and makeshift stalls selling jerk pork, while woodcarvers hawk their handicrafts on the beach.
Negril is a true water sports lovers' paradise - a great variety of sports is available, including snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing and deepwater fishing. In addition to the magnificent beach, Negril also has seven miles of rugged Coral Cliffs. Riddled with ocean front caves and plenty of opportunity for cliff jumping and snorkeling, the "cliffs" are popular with anyone who loves incredible panoramic views and water sports. Facing the west, Negril is famous for its spectacular and romantic sunsets. |
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Name: Jamaica |
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Area: 11,425 sq km |
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Capital City: Kingston |
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Population: 3 million |
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Language: English, Creole |
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Currency: Jamaica Dollar |
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Time Zone: GMT - 5 hrs |
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Religion: 80% Christian |
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