Latest news with #HighlandSafari
Scottish Sun
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside the perfect Scots family resort after £5m makeover, from animal experiences and playpark to incredible dining
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY of us will remember our gym teachers saying: 'Pack away the basketballs and hockey sticks, it's time for social dancing.' Those school sessions, where we'd enter an unknown land of Dashing White Sergeants and Gay Gordons, set us up for being whirled about at weddings and parties in later life. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 The hotel has had a major revamp 7 You get up close with red deer 7 Cocktails in the bar were a real treat 7 The adventure park is perfect for kids And I got to relive that dance floor adventure with my wee boy on a mini-break at Crieff Hydro. The stunning Perthshire resort is a haven for families, full of activities to entertain kids, both big and small. And, for me, our highlight was the Saturday night ceilidh, where I spun five-year-old Jimmy around the ballroom for jigs and reels, leaving us grinning like loons. We arrived on a rainy Friday and checked into our spacious family room with gorgeous views. Gin and tonics had been left for the adults while the wee one was delighted with a bag of pick and mix — welcome, thoughtful touches. Each day, guests are provided with a daily activity rota with fun to be had every hour. We ditched our cases and immediately headed for an Animal Man session, where youngsters were introduced to amazing creatures while the adults relaxed — at one point I spotted a chicken wandering across the ballroom, and I'd only had a half pint! After a quick jaunt round the expansive grounds, we got dressed for the evening activities, starting with cocktails in the Ballroom Bar. You couldn't ask for a better vista to enjoy a cool drink, looking out over the rolling Perthshire Hills. My Penicillin was bitter and punchy, just how I like it, while husband Ryan loved his decadent Kir Royale and Jimmy was delighted with his bubblegum spritz mocktail. Dinner was at one of the Hydro's new restaurants, East, established after a multi-million pound revamp. Serving Asian fusion small plates, the menu has so many tempting dishes. A couple of highlights were black pepper beef fillet and sticky corn ribs, while Jimmy hoovered up sticky pork belly. Ronan Keating enjoys family holiday It was early to bed as we were up at the crack of dawn for a delicious buffet breakfast before a Highland Safari, an amazing must-do experience just 40 minutes from the hotel. We packed into a Land Rover with an expert guide who drove us high into the mountains passing through Dull on the way — and the trip was anything but. We learned about the flora, fauna and history of the area while we gasped at the stunning scenery. Jimmy loved hearing some of the wackier facts, like how a woodpecker wraps its tongue around its brain to soften the impact of drilling into trees with its beak. 7 The views on the safari were stunning 7 East has amazing fusion flavours Next on the agenda was a red deer experience back at Highland Safari base. We found out all about the beautiful creatures before getting up close to feed them. And before we headed back to the hotel we got to pan for gold, sifting through stones to find hidden gems — I was hooked on delving deep for gemstones like jasper and pyrite. We arrived back at the Hydro around 3pm, just in time for a treasure hunt, looking for hidden clues in a bid to win a medal. Glory secured, we had time for a relaxing dip in the pool before more cocktails and dinner, this time at the family-friendly Italian Piccolo. And, after fuelling up on pizza and pasta, it was time for my main event, the ceilidh. GO: CRIEFF STANDARD double rooms from £120 per night for midweek bookings. Grab 15 per cent discount plus a free experience, such as afternoon tea or Action Glen Adventure passes, this summer. Find out more at We danced into the night with expert musicians taking us through the steps and throwing in kids' classics, like the Hokey Cokey, to keep everyone on their feet. We were checking out on Sunday, but not before we headed for the on-site Action Glen where you can try everything from mini Land Rovers and disc-golf to axe throwing and archery. We had a fantastic time sampling almost everything before home-time. Crieff Hydro really is an exceptional escape for families — and we'll be St Bernard's Waltzing back as soon as possible.
Daily Express
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Highland Safari: More than just an off- road event
Published on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Apr 24, 2025 By: Stefyanie Myla Micheal Text Size: The top three winners of the Hardcore Straight Axle category receive their prizes from Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam (front, black jacket). RANAU: The Highland Safari 2025 wrapped up with a vibrant closing ceremony officiated by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam at Pentas Terbuka here, Tuesday. Dr. Joachim emphasised continued government backing to strengthen Kundasang's appeal as a prime adventure destination and praised the initiative's role in promoting tourism, supporting small businesses, and uniting youth 'I strongly support the initiative's role in promoting tourism and community development. 'Highland Safari is instrumental in attracting tourists to Kundasang, thereby enhancing the local economy, it is more than just an off-road event; it's a powerful tool for promoting Kundasang's natural beauty and boosting local businesses. 'Such an event not only serves as a competition but also promotes the area's tourism potential, which already hosts events like the Cabbage Festival and marathons,' he said. Dr. Joachim, who is also the Kundasang State Assemblyman, stated that if the people continue to support the current government, he will remain fully committed to supporting the organisation of the Highland Safari in the years to come. 'I would like to thank the organising team led by Samsul Sinun for their efforts and dedication in making this programme a success, with the support of various parties including sponsors, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations,' he said. The Highland Safari 2025 features a range of activities designed to appeal to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Participants can engage in off-road challenges, explore scenic trails, and experience the unique culture of the highlands. The event aims to position Kundasang as a premier destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel. This initiative aligns with Sabah's broader tourism objectives. The State government has allocated RM102.87 million in the 2025 budget to bolster the tourism, culture, and environment sectors. With a target of attracting three million visitors by the end of the year, events like the Highland Safari are pivotal in achieving this goal. Samsul, Chairman of the organising committee, said compared to last year's single amateur category, Highland Safari 2025 now includes two new categories: 'Hardcore Straight Axle' and 'Super Novice', catering to a wider range of participants and skill levels. 'The main goals are to promote and energise Sabah's 4x4 adventure sport, market Kundasang-Ranau as one of Malaysia's top tourist destinations, and strengthen unity among local youth and off-road clubs in the area. 'Participation has grown significantly since last year's 130 vehicles, with many families of participants also attending—further boosting Kundasang's visibility as a family-friendly travel destination. 'The influx of participants and visitors has positively impacted the local economy, giving small vendors the chance to sell food, drinks, and provide homestay accommodations,' he said. According to Samsul, despite favourable weather throughout the event, the trail remained rugged and challenging, adding to the thrill for off-road enthusiasts. 'The organising team, made up entirely of youth volunteers working without pay, also hopes this year's success helps build the Highland Safari brand, paving the way for future sponsorships and long-term growth. 'Each category awards ten winners, ensuring high stakes and strong competition. 'This is just the beginning, with continued support, Highland Safari can become one of Southeast Asia's signature off-road events,' he said. One of the highlights came from the Hardcore Straight Axle category, where Alexander Chang, 29, from Kota Marudu, alongside his co-driver Charlestine Jomis, 32 , took the championship title. 'We only had about one month to prepare, and honestly, this is just my second event as a driver. 'I was really excited to come here and didn't expect to win because the competition was intense,' he said. Alex recounted the final stage as the toughest. 'The last track was the most challenging, we had to pass a deep ditch and do some winching, not too high, but it was tough. I stayed steady and pushed through. The cool weather made the experience even better. Charlestine, sharing his perspective as a first-time Highland Safari co-driver, said that the main challenge for him was the track itself. 'Winning felt amazing. This was my first time joining, and I definitely want to come again next year,' he said. In the Hardcore category, Alexander Chang and co-driver Charlestine Jomis from Kota Marudu clinched first place, followed by Tommy Hardware, and in third, Max Ben with co-driver Lee Jun. For the Supernovice category, Mohd Azri Ahanin and Mohd Amry Mahatni took the top spot. Amal Bilan and Hameli Paita secured second place, while Mohd Rahman Mach and Mc Dexller Richy Lempesis came in third. The event brought together 160 vehicles and dozens of teams from across Malaysia and beyond, further solidifying Kundasang's status as a premier destination for off-road motorsports and eco-tourism. With ten winners awarded in each category, Highland Safari continues to fuel competitive spirit while building bonds in the off-road community. Organisers are already looking ahead, hoping to turn this growing grassroots event into a fully sponsored annual fixture with national and international recognition. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
