Madrid is undergoing a period of astonishing creativity, resulting in a city that feels more distinctive and authentic than many other modern capitals. A young city by European standards, the vibe here is adventurous and unpretentious but with an eye toward quality in all pursuits of life, from architecture and design to food and wine.
On the cultural front, the Spanish capital is home to many of the country’s greatest national museums, including the masterpiece-dense Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen art museums. Building on their strength, at least a dozen other cultural institutions and attractions share the same sidewalks, and the surrounding streets are lined with commercial galleries. The city’s culinary reputation as more traditional than daring, dynamic Barcelona has also come unbuttoned. With chefs from across Spain and around the world joining the local talent, the city’s restaurants and bars are a major draw for gastronomes.
Travel to Madrid to see its gorgeous architecture and plazas, many of which were constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries, and its lovely avenues and thoroughfares. Read Travel + Leisure’s Madrid travel guide to see why those who visit can’t get enough of this bustling Spanish city.
What to Expect
On your maiden visit to the Big Apple, be sure to allow a minimum of three days so you can take a breath and enjoy all the city has to offer without being in transit every moment of your trip. The following will only scratch the surface of what to expect but will arm you with information to feel confident during your time in New York City.
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have any free time beforehand, why not get out and explore this intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea.
Modern-day ‘KK’ is a vibrant modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings – the Sabah State Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in its backstory.
Accommodation: Hotel
Leaving Kota Kinabalu behind, you’ll head for the hills and travel towards the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Mt Kinabalu National Park (approximately 3 hours). You will stop off en route at a local home in a Dusun Village. Sample the local foods with a home cooked lunch to get some insight into what it’s like to live in a rural village.
Later you can stretch your legs and soak up the mountain scenery with a stroll through Mt Kinabalu National Park. There are many walking trails from which you can bird watch. The Mt Kinabalu Botanical Garden is an excellent showcase of the diverse plant life on the mountain, as flora from all over the park has been replanted here. Spend the night in a mountain lodge close by to the park in Kundasang.
Accommodation: Resort
You might wake to the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill. Enjoy an early morning cruise down the river, searching for more birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for Long Tail Macaques and Pig Tail Macaques – your expert leader can tell you the difference. Later that morning, take a walk to Bilit Village, home to the local Orang Sungei community.
The Orang Sungei, which translates to ‘River People’, are one of Sabah’s many indigenous communities and are very hospitable with a diverse cultural heritage. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before another river cruise to see wildlife along the riverbank. This final river cruise will be your last chance to photograph or simply marvel at your surrounds. Spend one more night in your lovely accommodation right in the heart of the jungle.
Accommodation: Lodge
Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. This will take around 40 minutes. Optional activities include a visit the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. Or a visit to the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah’s past or do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Filipino market. Tonight, perhaps head out for a meal with your group to celebrate your Borneo adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
Mary Doe
Take a sunset cruise on a spacious yacht for sweeping views of New York City. Sail down the Hudson River on the 1920s replica yacht with one drink of your choice included. Hear light narration from your captain and watch the sun set as your boat glides by landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Battery Park. Indoor seating and outdoor observation areas available.