Negril, JAMAICA
Airing Date: Oct 4th, 2004
It's all here in Negril, a popular tourist town that's situated in the heart of the Caribbean. Around here everyone lives on island time, so lose your watch and leave all the stress at home.
A popular and fun way to explore the island is by scooter; all you need is an Australian driver's licence. The locals drive on the same side of the road but their driving technique is a bit different to ours - there's a lot more pushing and shoving so you need to keep your wits about you while on the road. A scooter will cost you about $60 a day.
During your island tour check out the Negril Craft Markets. You can just about find anything at these markets, including the usual souvenir stuff like Bob Marley t-shirts and dreaded hair wigs to complete your 'chilled-out' look. The markets are open daily from around 9am to 5pm (island time of course).
There are food stalls on the side of the road that sell a type of cuisine that's widely popular in Jamaica. The meal is Jerk Chicken, which is basically barbequed Jamaican-style chicken. A plate of jerk chicken costs around $15.
On your travels you may also encounter Jason - the bush doctor. His stall is somewhere among the hundreds of stalls along Negril's main road. He can help anyone's sunburn with a natural remedy - Aloe Vera.
After some food and therapy, it's time to hit the road again. As you explore the town you'll notice the contrast between the northern and southern end of Negril. With its beautiful beaches the north end is ideal for a refreshing swim, and with all its rocky limestone cliffs at the south end is great for an adrenalin rush.
In the south you can jump off a cliff into the Caribbean Sea, and there are many types to choose from. For the amateurs you might want to head to the Rockhouse. This place not only has an easy but fun cliff jump, they also offer a bar - for the celebratory drink afterward - a restaurant and cabins for around $345 a night.
But if you're looking for the ultimate cliff jump then head to Rick's Bar - the bar is home to an 18 metres cliff jump. Forget skydiving or bungy jumping, here you get a heart-jolting adrenalin rush for free!
The facts
Jetset
Tel: 13 63 83
Tensing Pen
Tel: 0011 1 876 957 0387 (international)
Rockhouse Hotel
Tel: 0011 1 876 957 4373 (international)
Caribbean Destinations
Tel: 03 9614 7144
Jamaica Tourism Board
Tel: 0011 1 876 929 9200 (international)
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
