Singapore Adventurous Nature-Lovers (SANL)

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Trip plan
Total Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Start & end in Zagreb, CROATIA. Bases in Bled, Bohinj, Plitvice, Zadar Coast, and Zagreb
🥾 Hiking Overview: Total number of full-day hikes: 4 main day hikes + 2 scenic walks
=> 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 BOLD BLUE 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅?
Slovenia is a premier, safe, and easily accessible European hiking destination featuring breathtaking Julian Alps, turquoise rivers, and lush forests. Slovenians are certainly one of the most hiking-oriented nations, and the popularity of hiking has intensified in recent years.

Not the typical tourist route, as we escape into the Julian Alps, a stunning limestone mountain range in northwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy. This region offers dramatic peaks, alpine lakes (Bled, Bohinj), and the pristine Soča River valley.

SOCA VALLEY - will thrill you with various possibilities of an active holiday in nature in a relatively small area.
The high mountain world of the Julian Alps, the unspoiled nature of the Triglav National Park, and the refreshing proximity of the Soča River make the Soča Valley one of the most beautiful destinations for hiking.

LAKE BLED The icon of Slovenia, a premier glacial lake in northwestern Slovenia, located at the edge of the Julian Alps. Renowned for its emerald-green water, iconic island church, and cliffside castle, it is often referred to as a top tourist destination and a "summer health and holiday resort". Walking around Lake Bled is popular due to its breathtaking, easily accessible, and scenic landscape. Trails, such as the 6km lake perimeter or the hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint - exactly our plan, offer views of the Emerald green lake, Bled Island, and the surrounding Julian Alps. It's a favourite for its combination of accessible nature and proximity to the famous castle. Most important is your postcard photo shot with the lake - Slovenia’s most famous viewpoints.

HIKING CROATIA offers a diverse, year-round experience blending dramatic coastal scenery, rugged limestone mountains, and lush national parks. Key reasons to visit include exploring the UNESCO-listed lakes (Plitvice)

A must-do tourist route in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes National Park. We will take a scenic walk/hike instead of rushing & take Instagram shots, then exit.
No visit to Croatia is complete without a dip in the Adriatic Sea, renowned for having some of the cleanest, most crystal-clear waters in Europe. We will enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Dugi Otok, an island of great diversity and contrast, and the largest island among the North Dalmatian islands. It justifies its name (Long Island) with a length of about 45 km. The island's beauty is an ideal place for swimming and enjoying the purity of the sea and the beauty of nature.
Yes, we are swimming in Sakarun Beach. Its reputation comes from the whiteness of the sand and the cleanliness of the sea, and it is surrounded by a pine tree forest, which offers welcome shade in the summer.

🏛 Cultural & Local Experiences
• Lake Bled

• ◦Traditional Pletna boat ride to the island
• ◦Visit to the Church of the Assumption and bell-ringing ritual

• Karst & Natural Heritage

• Križna Jama Cave visit — underground lakes and pristine karst formations - the only naturally preserved tourist water cave in Slovenia
• Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

•Adriatic Coast & Islands

• ◦Scenic Ferry trip to Dugi Otok
• ◦Swimming at the Adriatic Sea - Sakarun Beach with white sand and turquoise water

•Zagreb - worth visiting?

• Historic old town stroll - Zagreb is not seasonal, and you'll find so much to see and do in Zagreb all year round.
• Dolac Market visit
• Coffee culture and farewell dinner

⑥ Scenic, Gorgeous & stunning hikes & walks
▣⥤ 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒔 ⥢▣
1️⃣ Soca Valley: Soča Trail (Soška Pot) follows the course of the Soča River, known for its turquoise colour, which runs through the Julian Alps.
Soča River Trail with the Lepena Valley climb is a classic route in the Triglav National Park, taking you from the emerald riverbanks deep into a rugged alpine side valley
2️⃣ Ojstrica Viewpoint 20 minutes + Lake Bled Walk, 6 km flat: Iconic, easy scenic hike
3️⃣ Črna Prst (1,844 m) Summit Hike: Classic Alpine day hike - a renowned panoramic summit in the Julian Alps.
4️⃣ Velika Paklenica Canyon Hike (Croatia): Karst canyon and limestone cliffs, a premier Croatian adventure, offering breathtaking, dramatic, and steep canyon scenery within a UNESCO-protected, accessible National Park. It is renowned for its 14 km long dramatic canyon, diverse trails for all levels, and unique flora/fauna, serving as a haven for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers.
5️⃣ Mostnica Gorge: wooden walkways, emerald pools, and waterfalls! A gorgeous walk near Lake Bohinj. Get ready for impressive rock formations & emerald green pools as you walk the well-marked trail.
6️⃣ Croatia Plitvice Lakes walks: cascading lakes, waterfalls, and boardwalks through one of Europe’s most beautiful national parks

Can I join alone?
Yes! You can join the tour with “single room occupancy” by paying the single supplement. Please note that our quoted price is for twin-sharing accommodations for those who join as a pair. Alternatively, we can assist in matching you with another single traveller of the same gender. 👉 We cannot guarantee the quality or character of your roommate. Please note that a successful match is not guaranteed, and if we cannot find a match, the single supplement will still apply.

▀▄ 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 [twin-share]
Min 8 pax-to-go, Max 15
8 pax & Above SGD 3,593
10 pax & Above SGD 3,403
12 pax & Above SGD 2,993
14 pax & Above SGD 2,893
Single room Extra SGD 525
Pay a deposit of $ 563 to secure a slot

▀▄ 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 Includes:

• Group airport 2-way transfer for the appointed flight time only
• 9 nights in apartments or a guesthouse - TWIN share basis
• Private transport & Daily bag transfer
• Almost all meals: ⁠9 dinners, ⁠5 lunches, ⁠5 breakfasts
• Local Tour guide & hiking guide
• All entrance / National park permit fees
• All activities' costs as stated above
• Trip leader TS Chua, founder

EXCLUDES:

• Any air travel costs
• Tips for tour & hiking guide + driver
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions list

Appointed flight: Lufthansa

Itinerary
2 Sep, Wed: Day 1 ☼ ✈️Arrival into Zagreb, transfer to Bohinj, visit Mostnica Gorge: Ease into Slovenia with a gentle walk through mossy canyons and wooden walkways, where clear streams and quiet forests set the tone for the adventure ahead.
3 Sep, Thu: Day 2 ☼ 🌊🏔️ Soča Valley: River Trail + Lepena Valley Climb: Walk beside the glowing emerald Soča River, cross hanging bridges and dramatic gorges, then finish with a rewarding ascent into the peaceful Lepena Valley surrounded by towering peaks.
4 Sep, Fri: Day 3 ☼ 🏞️ Lake Bled (Pletna boat to island) and Ojstrica Viewpoint:
A fairytale day of rowing to a storybook island and climbing to one of Slovenia’s most iconic viewpoints for postcard-perfect lake and castle views.
5 Sep, Sat: Day 4 ☼ ⛰️ Črna Prst (1844 m) – Classic Alpine Summit hike: A classic Alpine hike leads to sweeping panoramas over the Julian Alps, rewarding your effort with wide-open views and true mountain atmosphere.
6 Sep, Sun: Day 5 ☼ 🚗 Bohinj → Plitvice National Park, stop at Križna Jama Cave:
Transition from mountains to karst landscapes, exploring a magical underground cave system before continuing toward Croatia’s lush lake country.
7 Sep, Mon: Day 6 ☼ 💦 Visit Plitvice NP, then travel to Zadar Coast: Spend the day wandering boardwalks above cascading turquoise lakes and waterfalls, before ending by the sea as the landscape turns Mediterranean.
8 Sep, Tue: Day 7 ☼ 🏖️ Beach Day - Ferry ride to Dugi Otok, relax at or discover around Sakarun Beach: A laid-back island escape with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of time to swim, relax, or explore hidden coves.
9 Sep, Wed: Day 8 ☼ ⛰️Paklenica National Park: Velika Paklenica → Vidakov Kuk
Hike among dramatic limestone cliffs and deep canyons, finishing at Vidakov Kuk for breathtaking views stretching from mountains to the Adriatic.
10 Sep, Thu: Day 9 ☼ 🌄 Free morning (optional sea kayaking), drive to Zagreb
Enjoy a slow coastal morning - before returning inland for a final taste of city life.
11 Sep, Fri: Day 10 ☼🏙️Zagreb city stroll & Dolac Market, evening departure
Wander Zagreb’s charming streets, soak up local flavours at Dolac Market, and say goodbye to the Balkans with one last coffee before heading home.

Zoom Travel International Pte Ltd
STB license TA# 02902

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Please click on those 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨 in BOLD BLUE
Northern Xinjiang, nestled in the far northwest of China, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty & was key in Chinese history as a Silk Road gateway to the West. The province boasts vast, rugged landscapes, from the towering Altai Mountains and the Tianshan range to serene deserts and expansive grasslands. The region is renowned for its diverse scenery, including snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, clear lakes, and vibrant wildflower meadows. The blend of unique cultures and traditions, shaped by Uighur, Kazakh, and other ethnic groups, adds a rich layer to the area's beauty, making Northern Xinjiang a captivating and mesmerising destination. Such wonder cannot be described by words but with your 6 senses, mind, & Soul.

Northern Xinjiang is the first region in China to enter autumn, with a peak window that lasts only about 20 days. Specifically, September to early October. This is considered a "bucket list" experience because it is the only time the region transforms into a literal "fairytale world" of gold and sapphire. See the various photos attached below.
[This is the highest PEAK SEASON for the whole year, and hence the cost of everything.😭 Sadly]

• Vibrant Contrasts: Birch and larch forests turn a brilliant gold, contrasting against the emerald-to-turquoise "colour-changing" waters of Kanas Lake, 喀纳斯 and the white snow on the Altai Mountains.
• Morning Mist in Hemu, 禾木村: Autumn provides the perfect conditions for the famous "morning mist" that blankets the Tuva wooden cabins at sunrise, creating a scene often cited as one of the most beautiful in China.
• Pleasant Temperatures: Unlike the sweltering 40°C+ summers in the basins, Northern Xinjiang autumn features crisp, clear days with temperatures between 13°C and 23°C.
• Clear Skies: Autumn has the lowest rainfall and clearest skies, making it the premier season for stargazing and drone photography.
• Autumn coincides with the peak harvest season in the surrounding regions.
• Sweetest Fruits: You can sample the world-famous Hami melons and Turpan grapes at their peak sweetness due to the high temperature difference between day and night.

Being Nature Lovers, we will not rush an itinerary that covers as many spots as a typical package tour. We want to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Nature as much as possible. We are not there for history, shopping or the touch & go format. This explains why we added ~ 2 days more than other common tours that do the exact itinerary as ours. This, of course, increases the cost greatly. Since you are travelling so far away, why rush through? What better memory & experience do you get by saving 2 days' cost?

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅?
LATEST & HOTTEST ATTRACTION:
Ahe Highway (阿禾公路) is the newest legendary self-driving route in Northern Xinjiang. It slashes the travel time from Altay City to the fairytale Hemu Village, 禾木村, from 6 hours to just 3 hours. Opened in June 2025, it is already being hailed as the "Poetic Road" of the Altay Mountains, rivalling the famous Duku Highway in both beauty and thrill. Click for Autumn video

• 8 Terrains in 1 Trip: You will pass through canyons, snow-capped peaks, alpine grasslands, primitive "black forests," rivers, wetlands, and ancient glacier ruins.
• The "Oil Painting" Effect: Known as the Ice and Snow Landscape Avenue, the scenery is so vivid it’s often described as a "moving oil painting".

😍 Heavenly Lake of Tianchi in Autumn 天山天池
😍 Sayram Sailimu Lake 赛里木湖
😍 Kanas Natural Landscape Reserve in Autumn 喀纳斯
😍 Hemu Village in Autumn 禾木村
😍 Yunseow Peak to view 4 countries & Hemu, 2800 m 云霄峰
😍 Wucai Bay 五彩滩 - "multi-colored" landscapes at sunset
😍 Urumqi Tianshan Canyon 天山大峡谷
😍 Wuerhe Populus Euphratica Forest 乌尔禾胡杨林 - 新疆秋景的“天花板”
The Wuerhe (Urho) Populus Euphratica Forest, 乌尔禾胡杨林, is unique because it is one of the oldest and most primitive desert forests in the world, with trees estimated to be between 1,000 to 9,000 years old. Unlike more manicured parks, Wuerhe is celebrated for its rugged "living fossil" atmosphere and its striking visual contrast against the Gobi Desert. In autumn, the forest transforms into a "golden ocean" as the leaves change colour. The trees are known for their unique, twisted shapes caused by the harsh environment, and are called "Heroic Trees of the Desert" because of their resilience. The Baiyang River Grand Canyon borders the forest, and its water reflects the golden trees and blue sky, creating a picturesque scene.
😍 Xinjiang Grand Theatre [The BEST] Live Performance 新疆大剧院 - one of China's most significant cultural landmarks, known for its "Snow Lotus" architecture and large-scale immersive Silk Road performances
😍 International Bazaar 国际大巴扎 - world's largest bazaar by scale, cultural and commercial hub featuring iconic Islamic architecture, a 67-meter-tall sightseeing tower, and over 3,000 stalls.
😍 Ürümqi, the world's most inland city, serves as a massive cultural melting pot where the modern Silk Road meets ancient traditions.

Who is suitable?
This is not an intense hiking trip, but be prepared for a lot of walking.

►LAND COST with min 10 pax, hotel twin-share basis
Deposit $ 800 to secure a slot
10 pax & above: SGD 2,400
20 pax & above: SGD 2,290
30 pax & above: SGD 2,100
Single room + $ 683 for 10 nights (Avg. $68.3/night)

INCLUDES:
✅ All land transfers & Private comfortable coach
✅ All meals (16 Lunch & Dinner, 10 Breakfast), 5 lunches not included
✅ 10-night hotel/resort/guesthouse (twin share) tourist-class accommodation
✅ 200,000 RMB traffic insurance, 平安20万旅游意外保险
✅ All admission fees, transfer & transport within scenic areas
✅ Live Performance
✅ Luggage transfer
✅ Our regular Overall Trip Leader, Mr Zhou & Xinjiang Local guide
✅ TS Chua, SANL Founder

Itinerary (daily driving distance)
DAY 1 🔆 17 Sept 💠 Arrive Ürümqi, welcome, lunch ► nearby Ahe Highway 430 km
18 Sept 💠 Ahe Highway ► 禾木村, 333 km
19 Sept 💠 Early walk up for picturesque morning mist of Hemu village, 云霄峰 32 km
20 Sept 💠 喀纳斯 Full day walk to various scenic spots
21 Sept 💠 Sunset walk Wucai Bay 五彩滩 161 km
22 Sept 💠 Wuerhe Populus Euphratica Forest 乌尔禾胡杨林, 230 KM
23 Sept 💠 Long drive. Photo stop @ Start of Duku Highway, stay Near 赛里木湖 538 km
24 Sept 💠 Full day to enjoy Sayram Sailimu Lake, 136 Km
25 Sept 💠 Long drive to return to Urumqi & for night show Xinjiang Grand Theatre 458 km
26 Sept 💠 Full day enjoy Heavenly Lake of Tianchi & Urumqi Tianshan Canyon 天山天池-天山大峡谷一日游, 168 km
DAY 11 🔆 27 Sept 💠Relax morning, visit 大巴扎, shopping & food bazaar, transfer to the airport, 30 km
28 Sept 💠 Reach Home via CA

Flight for a 2-way airport transfer: only on appointed ✈️

All to Note: Xinjiang is vast, and the distances between cities are very far apart. Factors such as long travel time, irregular meal times, traffic control, and volatile weather patterns will affect travel time. Although the scenery is beautiful, please be mentally prepared.

Zoom Travel International Pte Ltd
STB license TA# 02902

Ready for sign-up! => NO POINT RSVP w/o paying.
Question? WhatsApp organizer
➡️ Pay to secure a slot
Min. 8 pax to confirm.

This trek is all about being in pristine nature, waterfalls & rivers - an active and healthy way to spend a day. In the cool waterfall environment, how does sipping hot coffee/tea and fresh fruits while enjoying your lunch sound?
No real need for hiking tee - this is a WET WET WET day.

Sungei Yong is a relatively unknown river about 18 km east of Kluang, Johor. It is located in the same oil palm plantation as Gunung Belumut.
Gunung Belumut is an isolated mountain (1010 m) about 25 km east of Kluang. This distinctive mountain resembling a “crouching dinosaur” is also the most prominent landmark in the district of Kluang. The mountain is clad in dipterocarp lowland and sub-montane forest. There is a well-maintained Recreational Forest on the slope of the mountain, and the road sign even posts a waterfall there.

The Sg Yong falls consist of seven tiers. The falls go down a narrow gorge.
Other than the relatively clean state of the river, it also boasted 7 large waterfalls and 20 smaller ones. However, as most of the larger waterfalls are found on a short stretch of the river and the waterfalls come in various heights, it is not easy to classify and count the actual number of large waterfalls encountered. But there are certainly many small ones about one or two meters high. It is not worth the effort to go in search of the other waterfalls after the first large waterfall.

Although the waterfalls in Sungei Yong are not very spectacular, the trek is still relatively clean and unspoilt.

This is a must-do for nature lovers seeking a refreshing, adventurous getaway with stunning, multi-tiered waterfalls (up to 14 tiers, with the 4th being the largest) and clean, unpolluted waters.

After a simple walk to a campsite, the actual hike up and down is 1.5 - 2 km. Though the distance is short, the trail involves a mixture of river crossing, forest trail and scampering over rocks with ropes. Extreme care has to be taken because the rocks are quite slippery. Good water shoes like Kampog Adidas must be worn. Gloves will be very useful. Our watchful guides will be around to assist whenever it is needed.

Suitable: If you love waterfalls, are willing to do wet hiking of 1.5 - 2 km over wet/slippery trail with safety gear [is a MUST]. Not a long-distance or physically demanding hike. An adventurous spirit is a must.

After reaching the main fall, we will have piping coffee, tea and fresh fruits served. While everyone soaks in the beneficial negative ions, cool dip or do water formation, etc.

Cost, SGD
Min 8 pax to confirm. Max 28
8 pax and above: $ 148

Include :

• 2-way Air-Con Coach, *Minivan if less than 13 pax*
• Pickup & Return from/at Marsiling station bus stop
• Licensed local guides with Walkie-Talkie [1 to 8 hikers ratio]
• SANL Founder, TS Chua
• Fresh fruits, piping hot coffee & Tea [wide selection] during lunchtime at the cooling waterfall
• 2-way big lorry transfer cost
• Park Entrance Fees & Permit
• PFD: Personal Flotation Device [Life Jacket]

Exclusive :

• Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
• All personal expenses & lunch
• All others not mentioned above

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲

• 5.45 am departure from Marsiling Station bus stop
• Cross Custom, then a 2-hour drive to Kluang town
• Local authentic breakfast in Skudai (own expense, pack lunch)
• Transfer to Gunung Belumut Forest Eco Park
• Meet at the trailhead, briefing, putting on PFD, Lorry ride
• Lunch with fresh fruit, piping-hot coffee and tea provided at the waterfall
• Back to Belumut entrance for a shower
• Head back to JB for dinner [BYO]
• If time permits - cafes or Shopping
• Return to Marsiling ~ 9.30 pm

Zoom Travel International Pte Ltd
STB license TA# 02902