Jamaica Destination Guide Contents Contents 2 Quick Facts 3 About 4 Events & Nightlife 5 Top Destinations 8 Tours & Activities 9 Food & Dining Out 12 Shopping 13 Best Time To Visit 14 Travel Tips 15 Quick Facts

Flying Time: 10 hours Currency: Jamaican Dollar Language: English Time Zone: GMT-5 Visit For: Great Beaches, Safari & Wildlife, Culture, Nightlife, Spa, Beautiful Scenery, Festivals

3 About Jamaica

The third-largest island in the Caribbean is also one of the most colourful. Idyllic white sand beaches and vibrant tropical blooms sit on a backdrop of blue mountain peaks. As the adopted home of the Rasta, Jamaica is also a riot of red, gold, and green. Renowned as the birthplace of Bob Marley, reggae remains at the island's musical heart. Rice-and-peas, rum, coffee and cricket are its soul. Excellent tourist facilities and attractions range from leafy parks to handsome colonial towns and neon-lit nightlife. and are Jamaica's two main coastal resorts, attracting tourists with exquisite sands, lively clubs, fine restaurants and world-class golf. Laid-back Negril boasts 7 miles of beach, while sizzling Montego Bay boasts the reputation as party-town. Venture a short distance along the coast to discover 'the real Jamaica', amidst street markets of ackee, yam and breadfruit and vendors hawking kulu kulu rum. Explore the sleepy fishing villages of Treasure Beach, and which offer a glimpse of Jamaica's quieter side. Music is inherent to Jamaica, be it roots, rock or reggae and in Kingston, the island's spirited capital, grand Georgian plazas and elegant mansions are serenaded by soca rhythms and the pulsating buzz of the city. You’ll soon be seduced by the rhythm of life on this famous paradise island. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley's death on 11 May 1981, with many celebrations expected in his honour.

4 Events & Nightlife

See the list of exciting Events taking place in Jamaica, as well as the varied Nightlife on offer Events All Stages Rally Jamaica From: 02-02-2015 To: 08-02-2015Date Description: Birthday anniversary 6 Feb. Various. Many events are free. The All Stages Rally Jamaica sees a field of 30-plus speedy motors tackling a wide variety of terrain across the countryside of Jamaica, finishing outside the Jamaica Tourist Board after a run through the streets of New Kingston. Home-based teams are joined by others from the Caribbean and Europe in a thrilling international line-up of custom cars presented at the scrutineering session and Parc Expose before the start of the race. Leg 1 starts at Petcom Naggo Head in the early hours and includes Lydford and Reynolds. Leg 2 blasts off from Petcom Portmore and includes , Wakefield and Bybrook. In challenging circuits through verdant countryside, large crowds come out to watch a thrilling contest. Venue Name: Various Bob Marley Week From: 02-02-2015 To: 08-02-2015Date Description: Birthday anniversary 6 Feb. Various. Many events are free. Throughout Jamaica but especially in Kingston, people celebrate the life and music of Bob Marley, who died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36. Reggae fans and Rastafarians gather to enjoy a feast of events evoking the memory of Jamaica's favourite son. The programme includes music concerts, symposiums, lectures, karaoke contests, a fashion show, movies and exhibitions. Many of the events take place at the Bob Marley Museum, a simple clapboard house packed with Marley memorabilia, where the star once lived and recorded his music. Venue Name: Various venues across Jamaica Easter Regatta From: 18-04-2015 To: 25-04-2015Date Description: Easter week Free For those who enjoy getting their feet wet, or just feeling the spray from the safety of a harbourside bar, Jamaica's Easter Regatta held, in stunning surroundings by the Montego Bay Yacht Club, is undoubtedly an annual highlight, enjoyed by spectators and sailing participants in equal measure. Calabash International Literary Festival

5 From: 01-05-2015 To: 31-05-2015Date Description: TBC. The only international literary festival in the English-speaking Caribbean, Calabash was founded in 2001 by novelist Colin Channer. Over 30 authors feature at the festival and, together with musicians from around the world, they fill the festival agenda with readings, discussions and musical events. Calabash is 'earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse'. Its aims are to establish a world-class literary festival, with its roots in Jamaica and branches reaching out into the wider world. Portland Jerk Festival From: 01-07-2015 To: 15-07-2015Date Description: Early July Free The ultimate celebration of this quintessentially Caribbean cooking technique is the Portland Jerk Festival held every July 4th, when the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling barbeque, served with traditional dishes such as rice and peas, breadfruit and yams, wafts to every corner of Portland Parish at the northeastern tip of the island. Venue Name: St Mary/Portland Reggae SumFest From: 07-07-2015 To: 22-07-2015Date Description: Mid July Ticket prices vary Billed with good reason as 'the greatest Reggae show on Earth', Sumfest is a week-long reggae and dancehall music festival extravaganza packing thousands into an epic open-air venue in the island's unofficial party capital of Montego Bay. There are nights for the local island acts to perform and international nights see the biggest reggae, R&B and soul stars from around the world flying in, to take the stage. Venue Name: Montego Bay Jazz Festival From: 31-07-2015 To: 31-07-2015 June is Jazz Month in the resort of Ocho Rios which spills over into the city of Kingston. This is reckoned to be Jamaica's complete jazz vacation for visitors and locals alike, which each year attracts well over 5,000 people. Previous performers have included such acts as the Houston Person Quartet, Joe Sizemore and the Jamaica Big Band. The programme includes jam sessions, community concerts and a school band competition during eight days of music and entertainment with family and community participation. Venue Name: Various venues in Ocho Rios. Seville Emancipation Jubilee From: 31-07-2015 To: 31-07-2015

6 Seville Great House is a wattle-and-daub structure that was built in 1745 by the British. Besides being a permanent showcase of native island artefacts, it hosts the Emancipation Jubilee, an event which combines Jamaican folk forms with a celebration of African ancestry, and Jamaica's contribution to Emancipation. Exhibits include Jamaican traditional cuisine and craft, and the Seville Heritage Park is transformed for the occasion into a 19th-century setting, filled with an atmosphere of celebration and festivity. Venue Name: Seville Great House. Jamaican Independence From: 29-08-2015 To: 29-08-2015 Free Jamaica springs to life with music and dancing when the island commemorates the anniversary of its independence, which took place in 1962. Parades, awash with costumes depicting different aspects of Jamaican life and history, sashay through the centre of Kingston during the gala event. Celebrations run up to Emancipation Day on the 6th of August, when traditional Junkanoo dancers rhythmically relive the days of slavery, and modern day Jamaican culture is celebrated in all its exotic glory. Venue Name: Kingston Nightlife After-dark Jamaican entertainment ranges from the sophisticated to hedonistic. As the home of Bob Marley, live reggae music can be found throughout the island. There are also regular street dances and steel bands in most towns and villages. Torch-lit limbo dancers and fire- eaters often form a part of frequent folkloric parades. Calypso, jazz, rock, soca, reggae and many other styles of music can be found in a host of neon-lit nightclubs. The Jamaica Tourist Board's 'Meet the People' evenings offer a chance to interact with the locals throughout the island. Contact the tourist office in Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Port Antonio.

7 Top Destinations

Dunn's River Falls Located in a dense tropical forest, Dunn's River Falls is Jamaica's most famous attraction. This Caribbean paradise consists of a number of waterfalls, which cascade over rock terraces down to the Caribbean Sea below, and beautiful natural pools that have formed in the rockface. The falls are shallow enough to enable visitors to climb the 183m (600ft) limestone tiers to reach a tropical shower, from where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are beautiful beaches at the bottom of these magnificent falls that are also famous for featuring in the first James Bond film, 'Dr No'. Disabled Access: No

8 Tours & Activities

Bob Marley Museum, Kingston As the heart of 'true' Jamaica, Kingston beats the island's rhythm. That rhythm is reggae, and as such, a visit to 56 Hope Road is a must for most, and a pilgrimage for many. This is the city's most visited address. Formerly the home and studio of the legendary Bob Marley, the modest wooden house now serves as both museum and shrine. Treasure Bay Comprising three golden sandy bays on the south of the island, where palm fronds sway, azure waters lap, and local fisherman cruise their colourful boats to fish amongst the cays on the horizon. This is the Jamaican paradise you saw in the brochure before you came. Port Royal Don't miss a chance to visit the Port Royal in Kingston, a fine museum on top of the peninsula bordering Kingston Harbour. It honours Jamaica's ancient capital city, submerged under the sea after an earthquake in 1692. Dolphin-spotting Surrounded by tropical rainforest, Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios is the largest dolphin natural lagoon home to numerous bottle nose dolphins. The chance to interact and swim with these magical creatures is sure to make for an unforgettable experience. Montego Bay Chill-out or party hard Jamaican-style in Montego Bay, the island's most buzzing city. Whether lounging all day on laid-back Doctor's Cave Beach or cruising through the gaudy delights of Gloucester, this is the spot where Jamaica lays its 'big sell' on the world's tourists. Many never make it any further. Shaw Park Botanical Gardens For truly vibrant blooms check out the exhibits at Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, a 10-hectare (25- acre) collection of exotic Caribbean flora in Ocho Rios. Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the gardens has a waterfall as a centrepiece. Columbus Park Pop into the 24-hour open-air museum and see relics of Jamaican history at Columbus Park, a commemorative park to mark the 1494 landing of Christopher Columbus in Discovery Bay. Lover's Leap Head out to Lover's Leap, a sheer 518m (1,700ft) cliff overhanging the sea east of Treasure Beach. It was here that two slave lovers leaped to their deaths rather than to be separated. Those with vertigo should stand well away from the edge - the view is terrifying. Carnival time Be sure to take to the streets to witness Jamaica's riotous fun-filled carnival. Parading musicians, skimpily dressed dancers and floats typify this world famous street party. Expect outlandish behaviour to the sound of soca, steel bands and beating drums. 9 Stroll around the ancient streets of Spanish Town, Jamaica's former capital, on a historical walking tour. It was once a magnificent and impressive metropolis and some fine stately red-brick homes and grand monuments remain, including a resplendent plaza. Blue Mountains Follow one of many hiking and climbing trails up the Blue Mountains to heights above 2,100m (7,000ft). Shrouded by mists that give the peaks their bluish tinge, the Blue Mountains are home to more than 200 bird species and 800 species of plants. Walking paths Explore the hundreds of paths connecting villages and settlements around the mountains, including several non-tourist utilitarian paths around Newcastle on the Kingston to Buff Bay Road where trails lead to Catherine's Peak and Mount Horeb. Milk River Spa Take a rejuvenating dip in the curative waters of the aged Milk River with a visit to the unique government owned spa located here, and enjoy a naturally radioactive mineral bath. Discovered in 1794, these spring-fed therapeutic waters reach temperatures of 33°C (86°F). Explore the mountains Ride a bicycle downhill through an elfin forest of stunted soapwood and redwood trees, home to hundreds of species of bird and blossoming plants. Speed through the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations or meander at a leisurely pace along hedgerow-flanked lanes. Kingston Kingston's reputation may include crime crowds and shanty-towns, but for a real insight into Jamaica's island life nowhere else will do. Stay smart and you'll enjoy a fascinating and authentic experience encompassing grand historical sights, a beautiful harbour-front, frenetic markets and pulsating street- life. Underwater gardens Dive in some of the best underwater gardens Montego Bay Marine Park, located along the west and north coasts where sunken wrecks, black coral and rope sponge host a multitude of multicoloured tropical fish. Montego Bay's waters are protected, and here you're likely spot nurse sharks, eagle rays, upside down jellyfish, tobacco fish and snapper in shallow spurs and grove reefs amidst an assortment of caverns. Limestone caves Check out a huge labyrinth of limestone caves on Jamaica's north coast, a stunning natural phenomena. Characterised by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead crags, tunnels light holes, and in its depths a subterranean lake, the Green Grotto was once used as shelter by the Arawak Indians (Tainos). Explore the Rio Grande

10 Hop aboard a bamboo raft to explore the Rio Grande for a thrilling trip through banana and sugar cane plantations. Set sail from the peaks of the Blue Mountains at Berrydale before winding down to Margaret's Bay along one of Jamaica's largest rivers.

11 Food & Dining Out

Although some Jamaican food is hot and fiery, a surprising number of dishes use subtle spicing and are free of chilli peppers. Local dishes include meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables and range from spicy and pickled to plain and deep fried. Restaurants are generally good quality, especially around Montego Bay. Regional Specialities • Ackee (the cooked fruit of the ackee tree) and salt fish (dried cod). • Rice and peas. This actually consists of kidney beans mixed with white rice, coconut milk, scallions (spring onions) and coconut oil.? • Pepperpot soup contains chunks of salt pork and salt beef with okra and callaloo (Indian kale). • Jerk chicken is marinated overnight in rich spices (cayenne pepper, garlic, chilli, limejuice and all spice) for a full flavour before being wood-smoked in strips. Things To Know Bars can open and close when they choose. They are no licensing hours, alcohol can be bought all day and most have table or counter service. Tipping Hotels and restaurants tend to add 10% as standard; otherwise 10 to 15% is expected. Tipping is banned in many all-inclusive resorts. Regional Drinks •Jamaican rum is delicious and potent, especially Appleton. •Coffee from Jamaica's Blue Mountains is among the finest on the planet. •Ting is a zesty carbonated soft drink made from Jamaican grapefruit. •Red Stripe beer is sweet, nutty and smooth. •Rum cocktails blend lime juice and sugar with dark rum. Drinking Age 18.

12 Shopping

Shopping Local produce, handicrafts and duty-free bargains are just some of the reasons to hit the shops. Jamaica is renowned for its fine hand-loomed fabrics, embroidery, silk screening, woodcarvings, oil paintings, sandal-making and woven raffia. There is also a popular Quaker- run workshop specialising in wicker furniture, floor mats and other tropical furnishings at Highgate Village in the mountains. At the In-Craft centre, it is also possible to buy custom- made rugs and reproductions of pewter and china from the 17th-century ruins of the ancient submerged city of Port Royal.

Jamaican specialities include rum and rum-related products, such as Ian Sangsters Rum Cream. The island's most famous produce market is Coronation Market, Kingston. Other markets worth visiting include Market, St Catherine; Brownstown Market, St Anne; the Savanna-la-mar Market, Westmoreland; and the Albert George Market, Falmouth. Also locally made and sold are Pepper Jellies, jams, Blue Mountain coffee, hot sauces and spices.

So-called 'in-bond' shopping allows tourists to purchase international goods free of tax or duty. Goods are sealed (hence the 'bond') until away from Jamaican waters and must be paid for in Jamaican Dollars. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Sat 0800-1300. Some shops close half day Wednesday in Kingston, and Thursday on the rest of the island.

13 Best Time To Visit

Best Time To Visit Consistently warm tropical weather ensures Jamaica is a popular destination year-round. On the coast, temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) and 31°C (88°F) with chilly mornings and evenings denoting winter. Peak season runs roughly from mid-December to mid-April when crowds swell and prices rise. The wettest months are May and October, but showers may occur at any time. Between June and November, Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. It also lies within the earthquake zone.

The annual rainfall averages 1980mm, but nationwide there are some considerable variations, with the east coast receiving considerably more rain than elsewhere on the island. Parts of the Blue Mountains receive an average of 7620mm a year. By contrast, the south coast sees little rain and in places is semi-barren. Jamaica is a year-round destination, though there are seasonal differences to consider. Weather-wise, temperature isn't an important factor: winter is usually warm by day and mild to cool by night, and summer months are simply hot. Required Clothing Pack lightweight cottons and casual linens. Light woollens are advised for evenings when mosquitoes can make long sleeves more appealing than skimpy beachwear. Sunhats and waterproofs are handy all year round.

14 Travel Tips

Air: Express runs scheduled flights between prime resort areas, with regular flights from Kingston to Montego Bay, between Kingston and Ocho Rios, and between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. International Air Link also operates a shuttle flight between Montego Bay and Negril. Road: Jamaica's road network covers the whole island and consists of some 21,000km of roads. Hiring a car or scooter is a good way of seeing the island but extra care should be taken, especially after dark, as many of the islands roads are in a poor state of repair. Some important considerations before setting out are; vehicles drive on the left, the country has a poor road safety record and pedestrians, animals and erratic drivers can all prove hazards, petrol stations accept cash only and child safety equipment is not usually provided. Road Classification Roads are divided into freeways, major A roads and minor B roads. Car Hire Car hire firms can be found in major towns, hotels and airports and most offer unlimited mileage. A general consumption tax of 15% is applied to all car hire transactions, and it's recommended to seek a rental with inclusive insurance and breakdown cover. Drivers must be aged 25 or over, have a valid driver's license from another country and a valid credit card. The Jamaican tourist board offer one of the most comprehensive road maps of the island. Taxi Rates are per car, not per passenger, with taxis hailed on the street or booked by phone. Technically, most are supposed to have meters, but it's worth agreeing a price for the trip ahead of departure. Fares should be displayed inside the taxi but add 25% if it's after midnight. Taxis with red plates marked PPV (Public Passenger Vehicle) charge fixed rates with a 10 to 12% tip usually added. Most hotels and resorts have assigned Jamaican Tourist Board (JTB) drivers who carry photo ID and display a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen. Coach Although reliable services connect Kingston and Montego Bay the rest of the island's bus schedule is patchy. The Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) (tel: 952 0813) is the largest operator of scheduled and unscheduled bus/minibus and vehicle charter services aimed at tourists. Pick up a Discover Jamaica road map from hotels and tourist offices. Regulations Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas and 80kph (50mph) outside the main towns. Seat belts must be worn at all times and children under three years must sit in a child seat. 15 Documentation Drivers can use a full UK driving licence for up to six months. Travel Urban Kingston operates an erratic bus service. Most transport in the capital and other major towns is by private 'route taxi', usually shared minibuses that can be flagged down as they pass. They can get exceptionally crowded but fares charged are somewhere between local bus and private cab rates. Water: Ferry services run between a few selected destination points on the island. There's a fast catamaran between Kingston and Port Royal, and from Port Antonio a short (7 min) ferry journey takes sightseers out to Navy Island. Kingston is the island's largest port. Telephone: There are no area codes. Prepaid international phone cards make the cost of making and international call from a Jamaican land line less expensive. Mobile Telephone: Most of the population now use mobile phones as the preferred option to landlines. Several roaming agreements exist with a number of international mobile phone networks. Some companies offer handsets for short-term rental on a per-day basis. For approximately US$30.00 you can buy a cell phone here to use with phone cards, without the need for a contract. Internet: As well as numerous cyber cafes, Kingston has several internet kiosks offering free internet connections in shopping malls throughout the city. In rural and resort areas, internet is also available in many hotels, tourist offices and libraries. Currency Information: Jamaican Dollar (JMD; symbol J$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of J$1,000, 500, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of J$20, 10, 5 and 1, and 25, 10 and 1 cents. Jamaican law requires that local currency be used when paying for all goods and services, though that law is followed very loosely and the US Dollar is accepted almost universally. To avoid confusion determine which dollar unit is being quoted in the price prior to any transaction being made. Currency Exchange Exchange bureaux are located in airports, hotels, cruise ports and commercial banks. Hold onto receipts when changing money as black market exchange is illegal. Language:

16 The official language is English, but Patois is the conversational dialect most Jamaicans use on a day to day basis.

Capital: Kingston Dialing Code: +1 876 Area: 10991 Population: 2909714 Population Density: 265 Population Year: 2013 EU Member: No Electricity: Usually 110 volts AC, 50 Hz, though some places use 220 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs (with or without a grounding pin) are mostly used.

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