A once-in-a-lifetime experience
CROSSING the Arctic Circle, be greeted by a stunning sight of snow-bound forests and frozen fjords in the vast expanse of tundra, bathed in luminous blue lights in winter.
Welcome to the magical plains of the Lapland, home to 190,000 reindeer, 6,000 Sami folks, 749 fells and one Santa Claus.
The exact location of Santa’s hideaway is one of the best-kept secrets, so it is best to head over to his Rovaniemi office where he greets visitors all year round.
Take this opportunity to write letters to loved ones and the postal elves will help post your greetings with the special postmark of the Santa Claus Post Office.
Be assured, it will be delivered in time for Christmas.
There is more to the allure of the Lapland than meeting Father Christmas.
Drive out to the frozen fjords of Kirkenes for an all-you-can-eat feast of king crabs, freshly harvested right before your eyes.
You will be shown how to catch and prepare these gargantuan crabs before you have the chance to savour the natural sweetness of the succulent meat served in the comfort of a rustic restaurant by the fjord.
This king crab safari is known as one of the world’s best experience.
Spend a night in Ivalo at the Kakslauttanen, home to the original glass igloos, for a unique experience in chasing the Northern Lights.
The glass-roofed igloos offer a rare opportunity to witness the mesmerising swirls of the aurora, dancing across the sky in hues of green and yellow from the comforts of your room.
It is arguably the front row seats to nature’s most spectacular light shows.
Zip along snow-covered forest trails and past frozen lakes on snowmobiles for an exhilarating way to explore the beauty of Lapland or try your hands at husky-sledging through the wilderness to experience the traditional manner of traversing the frosty tundra.
You can also glide along the snowy forest on an open sleigh harnessed to a reindeer, towed in a languorous procession for truly a magical experience.
Learn more about the Lappish culture and history of the indigenous Sami folks at the Arktikum and meet local wildlife such as mighty polar bears and regal Arctic foxes that call Lapland its home at the Ranua National Park.
You can also try your luck at ice fishing at Lake Inari while sipping hot berry juice as you patiently wait for the catch to bite.
For a unique cruise experience unlike any other, board the Icebreaker Sampo in Kemi to witness the colossal bulk of steel plough open the frozen seas.
Tour the ship from the engine room all the way up to the captain’s bridge and even frolic in the icy waters of the Bothnian Sea for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Explore this winter wonderland from December onwards with Parlo Tours’ 10D7N Lifetime Experience in Arctic Circle package, inclusive of proper winter apparel and more.
For some tropical fun under the sun, make your way to Kyushu – the Land of Fire.
Known for its line of gigantic caldera volcanoes and balmy subtropical climate, Japan’s third largest island offers an exciting array of natural wonders, which you can explore with Parlo Tour’s 7D Scenic Kyushu package.
Catch the boiling geyser that periodically erupts and spews water every half hour at Tatsumaki Jigoku, the Tornado Hell, in Beppu.
Look out for one of the more photogenic hells known as the Chinoike Jigoku, the “blood pond hell”.
The light veil of smoke lingering above the red pool paints an eerie yet stunning image that lives up to its name.
Head down to Miyazaki where the narrow rocky chasm of the Takachiho Gorge resembles the scales of a dragon, twisting and flowing along the Gokase River.
Stroll along the paved path for an extraordinary sight of an overhanging waterfall against an idyllic backdrop of lush green foliage and surrounding grey cliffs.
For a one-of-a-kind spa experience, prepared to be buried under steaming volcanic sand in Ibusuki – home to the only natural steam sand bath in the world.
The delightfully peculiar experience will leave you feeling lighter and recharged.
You will also learn more on Kirishima’s local speciality, the “Kurozu” black vinegar, visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Senganen Garden and explore Tenmonkan, the largest downtown shopping district in Kagoshima.
Before you end your journey, send a postcard to your loved ones or yourself through the striking yellow post box with a special postmark that is unique only to Nishioyama station, the Japan Railway southernmost station.
This MATTA Fair, Kagoshima tourism is offering bottles of sake and vinegar as well as myriads of souvenirs in a lucky draw to customers participating in Kagoshima tours.
Parlo Tours will also be giving out interesting lucky draw prizes throughout the fair to customers who partake in any of its Japan packages.
■ For details, visit Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd at Booth No.1373-1412 (Hall 1) at PWTC this MATTA Fair.
Alternatively, log on to www.parlotours.com.my, e-mail outbound@parlotours.com.my or call 03-2274 7877 / 03-2726 6088.