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Very accommodating fares, the prices are fixed by The nd of wood and wat Come to the Government and are non- Jamaica invented the ‘all negotiable. Jamaica is a stunning country filled with beaches, mountains, culture, and all beautiful things in Jamaica inclusive’ concept. We have a huge range of world-class between. If you’re planning a break from the hustle and bustle of life, then you’ve found the perfect Bus – This is a great way to get Getting here accommodation that caters around, and will see you hanging place. A place full of warmth and smiles where you can chill and let the ‘real world’ melt away. to any taste and budget. out with the locals. They can get We have three international a little crowded though so might airports: Sangster International For example, if you don’t want not be ideal for long journeys. A brief history These days Jamaica is home Airport in Montego Bay, Norman a typical resort holiday, we have to a vibrant mix of people from Our first inhabitants were the Manley International Airport villas, B&Bs, small luxury hotels, Private driver – This option is all over the world. Our official Arawak Indians from South in Kingston and Ian Fleming as well as hotels in cliffs and much more comfortable, but of language is English, but Patois America. They named our International Airport in Boscobel. mountains where you can stay course more pricey. For driver (our local dialect) is also spoken island ‘Xaymaca’, meaning for a more laid back feel. recommendations in different by the majority of the population. Direct flights from the UK usually “land of wood and water”. parts of the island check out the take nine and a half hours, or you This brochure will give you all local forums for the area where In 1494, Christopher Columbus can fly via the U.S. It’s only three the reasons why the next visitor On e you’re based, or ask at your hotel. sailed from Spain in search of hours from New York and 60 to our little slice of heaven Make sure you negotiate with the a route to the East. Instead he minutes from Miami. Speedy. should be you. Read on. ground driver before your journey begins. stumbled across our fair land, If you’re travelling on a European JUTA and JCAL are the official which quickly became a strategic Getting around passport and are here for less names of the licensed taxis. port for military and trade. than three months, you won’t Local Taxi – Always check that The English, Spanish and French need a visa to come and visit. your taxi is licensed by JUTA fought over Jamaica for years Just get yourself a return ticket, or JCAL. It’ll say so on the door until 1655 when the English finally turn up and enjoy, but do check and the licence plate will be won. British rule lasted until 1962, travel details before you visit, red. Check the fare with locals when national independence just in case. before you jump in. Like bus was declared. The y of e nd Let’s take a little look around. Here are some interesting little tidbits about Jamaica. Population Weather wise Flora and Fauna Located right in the middle of the It’s always warm in Jamaica, Even though we’re a reasonably beautiful Caribbean Sea, we have and year round there’s not much small island, we still have areas a population of 2.7 million (as of variation. In the lowlands we of remote and untouched 2013), which makes us the world’s average 25 to 30°C, and up higher beauty. In the plant world 137th most populous country. it hits around 15 to 22°C. It only you’ll discover everything from Kingston is our capital and is really gets cooler than that at coconuts, pineapples, mangoes home to just over a million people. the peaks of the Blue Mountains. and bananas, to coffee, yams and sugar cane. Geology and geography Green minded Wildlife is equally as varied. Our island, along with the other We Jamaicans are extremely Prepare to discover tropical islands of the Antilles, evolved respectful of our environment. butterflies, hummingbirds and from an arc of an ancient volcano Green issues are given high the majestic sea turtle, as well that erupted out of the sea priority and are an integral as the much wilder crocodiles, millions of years ago. We can part of the progression of our iguanas, and mongooses. split the island into three regions: country. Natural areas like The the eastern mountains, the Blue and John Crow Mountains central valleys and plateaus, National Park are highly valued, and the coastal plains. protected, and cared for. When you visit, we’d love it if you did the same. G amongst it There’s a multitude of things to do in Jamaica. From chilling on one of the stunning beaches, to climbing the mountains, to relaxing in one of the hundreds of bars and restaurants. Have a little look and see what you fancy. Hit the beach Our beaches offer a truly classic Treasure Beach, South Coast – Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios – tropical experience. Grab a juice Spread out, relax, and enjoy the Check out this ‘staircase or a cocktail, get your swimwear dramatic seascape as impressive waterfall’ that cascades down on, and get in for a day of waves crash onto the beach. to the beach. This 600-foot utter relaxation. Follow up with a cheeky cocktail waterfall can get really crowded at the Jack Sprat Beach Bar. on certain days in high season Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego though, so try and get there nice Bay – The reason for Montego Boston Bay Beach, Port Antonio – and early. Bay’s fame. Expect white sand, White sand, clear water, big surf, crystal clear water, and a beach and jerk-pork stands. Swim. Surf. Martha Brae’s Rafters Village, bar called The Groovy Grouper. Bathe. Eat. Repeat. Falmouth – The most incredible river rafting experience you Seven Mile Beach, Negril – The great outdoors could wish for. Sit on a raised dais A golden sand family favourite, on bamboo logs, and watch the this stunning seven mile stretch There’s so much to discover scenery unfold. of beach is the perfect place to beyond the beaches. Rivers, relax and work on the tan, or mountains, caves, waterfalls, The Black River, South Coast – grab a drink at Margaritaville. and plantations. Get exploring! Get in touch with your inner Tarzan, amidst mangrove trees and crocodiles. Green Grotto Caves, Ocho Rios – A fantasy limestone world of stalagmites and stalactites, this cave network has seemingly A few extra endless chambers and an eerie grotto lake that you can bits & pieces visit by boat. Canopy Tours – Enjoy the ride Horseback Riding, Montego Bay – Lady Godiva’s Dive Shop, Port National Gallery of Jamaica, Business Hours Doctors of your life as you take a zip line Gallop along trails and see your Antonio – Everything you Kingston – Here you’ll find Banks are open Monday to Friday Many resorts will have a Doctor adventure through the tropical horse swim through the waves in could possibly need in the way the oldest and largest gallery, 9:00am to 2:00pm, although they on call, but if you need any rainforest. These tours operate this unique horseback ride and of equipment for dives and with modern and contemporary are often open later on Friday. particular medicine or treatment, out of all major resorts. swim tour. snorkelling off the beaches of art from all over Jamaica and bring evidence such as a letter Port Antonio. the Caribbean. Most shops open at 8:30am from your home Doctor. The Blue Mountains, Portland – and close at 4:30pm or 5:00pm This is the biggest, wildest and Monday to Friday. These hours Feeling arty Museums and history DialLing Code greenest park in the Caribbean. vary though. Some shops open Take a stunning five to six hour The art of Jamaica is beautifully There’s a world of exciting culture Saturday until noon. Shops in The area code for Jamaica hike through vegetation to reach unique. Check out the galleries in Jamaica that’s worth checking resorts, however, are open daily. is +1 876. the summit. and see creativity with a out. From museums to music to distinctively island flavour. natural history, it’s all waiting to Banks Electricity plugs North Coast Marine Sports, be discovered. Montego Bay – Go diving amongst Harmony Art Gallery, Ocho The Bank of Jamaica has exchange Most places use the standard breathtaking coral reefs with Rios – Situated in a beautifully Bob Marley Museum, Kingston – bureaus at all International electrical voltage of 110, just like the best scuba diving company restored mid-19th century Airports, at cruise ship piers, in the U.S. However, some places What better place to have a and in most hotels too. operate on 220 volts, 50 cycles. in the area. Methodist mansion. dedication to the King of Reggae than in his former home? The The currency is the Jamaican Negril Scuba Centre, Negril – Hi-Qo Art and Framing Gallery, house is located in the heart dollar, but US dollars are also Hands down the best-equipped Kingston – An esteemed art of Kingston on the famous widely accepted. dive facility in all of Negril, with gallery featuring diverse work Hope Road. lovely staff to boot. by diverse artists. Hip Strip. You’ll get copious servings of soca, calypso, Dates to r b and reggae. Serious reggae fans should head to one of Here’s a run down of what’s going on around the island throughout the year.