NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Gather the boys. It is now possible to take a holiday right at the edge of an ice blue glacier. Can you spot the polar bear?
WHEN WAS THE last time you snuck off somewhere with your best mates, and took a breath of the wild? No, we’re not talking about getting smashed in a foreign city and trashing hotel suites like in The Hangover series. We won’t judge if you do, but that’s actually not cool if you think about it. What we have here is something else more awesome.
While we’re also not advocating that you cross Antarctica in the manner that daredevil explorer Mike Horn did two years ago, when he circumnavigated the globe via the North and South Poles, a trip out to a remote destination is doable now that independent travel specialists are stepping up to create opportunities for mere mortals to indulge their taste for adventure.
Get Off The Map
One travel curator, who has nurtured intimate connections with ground operators, is making it possible to stay on the Norwegian island of Svalbard, deep in the Arctic Circle. Specialising in soft adventure, Off the Map Travel brings its guests out to explore the hidden wonders of our planet without requiring them to go through months of physical or specific skills training prior to the trip.
The company’s latest Night on a Glacier itinerary takes guests to the Nordenskiold Lodge located at the foot of the huge blue glacier. The lodge offers all of the creature comforts and luxury you would want from a holiday home, and provides the perfect base for activities that are less physically rigorous but no less stimulating or exhilarating.
As you can imagine, fresh air will not be in short supply. You’ll be able to make out the
“IF YOU LIE BACK IN A MOMENT OF CONSCIOUS SILENCE, YOU WILL HEAR THE SOUND OF GLACIAL ICE ON THE MOVE, CREAKING AND CRACKING AS IT HEAVES OVER LAND”
stellar constellations in the absence of light pollution. Better yet, you’ll be able to watch the northern lights dance in the sky.
And if you lie back in a moment of conscious silence, you will hear the sound of glacial ice on the move, creaking and cracking as it heaves over land. You’ll also be in the perfect spot for wildlife spotting, which includes the island’s most famous resident, the polar bear.
Think Adventure
According to Jonny Cooper, the luxury adventure travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel, the best time to experience some
of the best Svalbard has to offer is from May to September, when the snow has melted after the winter and not returned yet.
“What better way to do just that, than from your own private lodge perched at the foot of a spectacular glacier overlooking prime polar bear spotting wilderness?” Cooper said. “Not only are guests in the best spot for observing polar wildlife, but the dramatic glacier rising from your back door and all of the comforts you’d expect from a premium lodge make for a once in a lifetime Arctic summer experience,” he added.
Sounds like a dream, but its price isn’t exactly small change for many ‒ it costs upwards of SGD11,500 for two guests, and the plane tickets to Norway are not included.
Trip Of A Lifetime
It’s certainly no scoot to Bali, but it may be worth the price for the unique experience, aside from the gazillion Instagram likes and legitimate boasting rights.
Once on Longyearbyen island, your Arctic journey starts with a summer dogsledding trip. You then join a guided RIB boat expedition around the coast searching for walruses, whales and polar bears.
And then it’s off to the Nordenskiold Lodge where the adventure continues with a guided glacier climb right up to its source, kayaking and a photo walk, with spectacular scenery and the chance for wildlife encounters along every step. In the evening, good food and the cosy lodge make for the perfect base to continue wildlife spotting, while also enjoying the lodge’s sauna.
“Summer on Svalbard offers a destination unlike anywhere else on earth,” Cooper added. “Whether one is looking to escape the Singapore heat or simply wants a special wildlife holiday experience, Svalbard is set to be the new luxury adventure holiday destination for 2019.” Are you game? AM