 | Negril Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 17 |  |
Popular Off the Beaten Path | Other Off the Beaten Path Tips | All Tips (17) As you travel the back roads and thru the curves and over the hills and construction you will finually arrive at the Falls. It has a lot less people than Dunns Falls. No people bothering you to buy things. When you first arrive you will ride a bus pulled by tractor back to the falls thru a field with cows in it, then thru the jungle. You will go thru a few gates so don't get jumpy. We watched a ffew people swing from a rope for a $1 into the water. You can too ! It's very quite and more like a picnic area. The trees hold many air plants. It is very beautiful. If your lucky there will be someone there to tell you what the plants are. We brought some snacks & drink of our own. There are nice restrooms to change. A shelter house and a fella was there selling beer and other drinks. There was a gift shop at the very beginning but not at the falls. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Negril?
Read reviews about Negril Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
En route to the Black River we drove past some colourfully painted gates and asked Errol our driver what they were. He replied that this was the entrance to Peter Tosh’s Mausoleum. He wasn’t sure if it was open to the public but proposed that we check it out on our way back, which we duly did. This was a great call, as I really liked this peaceful spot which seems to epitomise what Jamaica is all about.
We were the only visitors. We paid our fee of US$5.00 (not sure if this is an official charge or the guy just made up a number!) and were shown into the stone mausoleum with Tosh’s tomb at its centre. This was similar to Bob Marley’s mausoleum which we had visited at Nine Mile, though unlike Marley’s, here we were allowed to take photos.
Our guide then took us for a short walk in the surrounding garden, where he indicated the various plants growing there – herbs such as basil and mint, pimento, and yes, cannabis. He pointed out the house where Tosh had been born and his mother still lives, but explained that although she sometimes welcomed guests, at that time of day (late afternoon) she would be resting.
The overall atmosphere here was very laid-back and peaceful, with the twin Jamaican influences of reggae and ganja very strong. Several local rastas were gathered outside the tomb watching a video of a concert given by one of Tosh’s sons, Andrew, and they were happy to tell us a bit about the music (as well as, inevitably, attempting to sell us a “smoke”).
Directions: The Mausoleum is in the small community of Belmont in the south west of the island – look for the white gates on the opposite side of the main road to the sea.
Peter Tosh is perhaps not as famous as Bob Marley, so for those who’ve not come across him, here’s some background info:
He was the guitarist in the original Wailers, a reggae musician and a trailblazer for the Rastafari movement. Like Marley he grew up in the infamous Trenchtown area of Kingston. After an illustrious career with the Wailers and as a solo musician, he was murdered at his home. Though robbery was officially said to be the motivation behind Tosh's death, many believe that there were ulterior motives to the killing, perhaps linked to his passionate crusade for the legalisation of cannabis. He was also a strong campaigner against South African apartheid. Check out The Talking Drum website to hear some of his music.
|
 | |  |
If you want to see the parts of Jamaica that the government there would rather you didn't, step outside the resort. A man on a motorcycle will stop and ask if you want something. Tell him you want a motorcylce tour of the mountains. The man is probably a young man by the name of Stephen. He will take you to Elvis'. A scooter and motorcyle rental shack on Norman Manley Blvd. Rent a Motorcycle, 175cc dual purpose bike, about $40 per ride per day. Then follow Stephen as you wind through the country side. He will stop and the local watering holes, not the tourist traps. You will refresh on Ting or Malta or Red Stripe at a very low price and you will continue on to Roaring River. There, he will show you were Bob Marley used to sit in the headwaters of an Artisian well, smoke Ganja, and write music. Then he will take you to Steve or one of the other many mountain guides who will take you on a three mile hike to explore the local flora and people. You will see how every day Jamaicans live, taste what they eat (the Ahky looks and tastes like scrambled eggs, but it is a fruit), drink what they drink, smoke what they smoke and see some of the most beautiful countryside I have every laid eyes on. Ask for the special tour of Blue Hole Garden. It is owned by a Rastafarian, and he will charge you a dollar to see it. It is so worth the time. All total we gave Stephen and Steve $200US and I would have paid twice that if I had known how beautiful the country and the people were. Leave a Comment Other Contact: Stephen at Elvis's Rental
|
| | |
Bamboo grows wild all over Jamaica, though not with the proliferation it once did. Near the Black River, between Middle Quarters and Lacovia, is a 2.5 mile stretch of the main A2 road known as Bamboo Avenue. This was planted by the owners of Holland Estate in the early 20th century to shade its sugarcane workers as they travelled between the plantation and home. Here the bamboo grows uninterrupted for several miles on both sides of the road, and for most of its length forms a pretty arch above your head as you drive through.
Previously the arch was unbroken, but the devastation caused by Hurricane Gilbert uprooted some of the bamboo and it is yet to grow back fully – although at the speed this plant grows, that shouldn’t take too long! There are a number of places along the road where you can pull over to buy a cold drink and take photos. I had to stand in the middle of the road to get this shot, so make sure you have someone with you who can watch out for traffic if you want to do the same!
|
| | |
At the far end of Negril’s West End Road, where I suspect many tourists never venture, is the lighthouse. Built 1894, it is still in use today to guide shipping around this rocky coastline. It stands 66 feet tall (with the light 100 feet above sea level) and is nowadays powered by solar energy.
The lighthouse is set in a small grassy area with good views of the sea. Nearby are several old buildings, one of which at least is still inhabited by the lighthouse keeper and his family (and several noisy dogs!) We gathered that if you would like to climb the tower you need only ask him, assuming he’s around when you visit, and there’s no official fee for this, though of course a tip would be appreciated, if not expected. We were quite hot from our walk, however, so decided against the climb in favour of spending some time taking a few photos, relaxing in the shade of the trees and examining the rocks for coral remains.
|
| | |
Visiting Negril?
Read reviews about Negril Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
True to normal form, I decided I needed to get out of tourist area and with the locals. We ventured from town into the Hills of Negril and it was one of the most lovely afternoons of the trip. We met some wonderful locals and it was a great experience.
The residents of Negril had nothing but smiles and we even got a few marriage proposals along the way. It's quite obvious that not too many tourists make it up around these areas and that's what made it that much more special. A brief stop into the Dragon Bar and we continued along our way.
From downtown, next to the Seaview bar, just start walking upwards. There is a main road that winds all of the way through and will dump you back onto the main road, next to the Supermarket(I think it was the HiLo). Leave a Comment
|
There is a place called the Roaring River, which is a 1/2 hour trip from Negril. (Actually, it's just NE of Savannah La Mar) It is a beautiful place to see. The mountain mineral springs are a fabulous place to swim and according to locals, cure what ails you. When you get there are guides waiting to take you on tours of the springs and caves. Ask for Alvin. He was a very good guide and was very helpfull!!!
During the tour you learn about the caves and you get to swim in 2 seperate mineral springs. At the end of the tour, your guide may play music for you in the music room, a place they say Bob Marley used to sit and write music sometimes.
|
Mayfield Falls is fairly remote, about 9 hair-raising, spectacular miles north of Savanna-La-Mar (which is about 30 minutes east of Negril). As you approach the falls, you'll find two competing outfits eager to guide you. We skipped the first one and tried the "original" tour, about 100 yards further up the road.
Once you walk down a formidible hill, you pay your $15 admission and order lunch (if you choose) which will be ready when you return from your climb. In the "village" you'll find a well-stocked bar and a lethargic group of locals who will sell you food, souveniers and trinkets. Wet-shoe and locker rental is available and recommended. Your guide will carry all your can't-leave-behinds in a "waterproof" bag. (Put your wallet, cigs, passport, rolling papers, etc. in the zip-lock baggie you brought with you for extra moisture protection!)
The climb looks easy. Most of the time it is. Some of the time you will be climbing up slick boulders, against a strong current. And suddenly it flattens out into a stunningly beautiful pool. On the way, you'll be able to enjoy a natural jacuzzi, slide down a rock, and swim through a cave! Only about a half-mile upstream (feels like more) you come to the eponymous waterfall. As my last girlfriend said, "I've seen bigger." But reward yourself with a dip under the falls before your trek (by trail) back to the village. You can get back into dry clothes in the changing rooms (free!), tour the village, and grab a bite and a Red Stripe.
Our eyes popped out when we ran into a couple we knew from our resort in Negril. They'd come over 30 miles and up the mountain on motor-bikes! I'd strongly suggest hiring a taxi or mini-bus instead. Organized tours are available, as always, at your hotel. Plan on half-a-day for this trip. Wear swim-shoes and bathing suit. Bring sun-screen & bug spray. Dry clothes for the long ride back are suggested. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Most miss out on the Jamaican Jerk chicken and end up getting some high priced meal from a restaurant, when all they need to do is a pay a couple bucks over at the local eatery...where all the Jamaicans are at. Ask someone where the best jerk is...probably not on the water front..but on the main road. Leave a Comment
|
negril's sunsets are amazingly beautiful. every afternoon around 6/7 pm, you can see how the suns sets behind the blue waters of the caribbean.
many tourists go to the beach a few minutes before dusk to enjoy this free show. every day the sun set is different. when there are clouds on the horizon, the show is even lovelier Leave a Comment
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
|
|
on April 13, 2004
on April 15, 2008
on February 24, 2003
on July 1, 2006
on January 28, 2007
on May 13, 2006
on December 31, 2004
on January 18, 2004
