Latest news with #SpaJunglia
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
We visited Okinawa's new Junglia theme park – here's what to expect
Most people head to Okinawa for its pristine beaches and relaxing resorts, but now there's an exciting new reason to visit this tropical paradise. A jungle-inspired theme park has just opened on Okinawa's main island, and it's pretty incredible. Junglia Okinawa is a sprawling tropical amusement park featuring 22 attractions, a rejuvenating spa, 15 dining spots and retail outlets – all set within the lush Yanbaru National Park in northern Okinawa. We got a sneak peek at Okinawa's newest theme park ahead of its grand opening on July 25 – here are some of the highlights. Big thrills await There's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping fun at Junglia, where you can cross an 84-metre-long sky trek suspension bridge, soar on the giant four-person Titan's Swing, launch yourself into the air as a human arrow, and navigate a rugged jungle course in an off-road buggy. If you're after a more laid-back experience, there's still plenty to enjoy. For instance, you can hop aboard the Tam Tam Tram for a scenic ride through the park, take part in the family-friendly Treasure Fight laser tag game, or sit back and enjoy the daily fireworks show. Expect lots of dinosaurs A major highlight at Junglia is the variety of fun, dinosaur-themed activities you can dive into. Don't miss the Dinosaur Safari – an epic jungle adventure where you'll come face to face with everything from a towering Brachiosaurus to a roaring T-Rex. For something a bit more relaxed, join Finding Dinosaurs – a guided forest activity where you'll help track down a missing baby dino. Enjoy a toast from high in the sky The gorgeous park is best seen from a sky-high vantage point, and there's no better place to take in the views than from the Horizon Ballon. This giant gondola floats in the air like a hot air balloon, offering stunning 360-degree panoramas. Even better, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you admire the scenery. Your dining options are endless One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the local cuisine, and at Junglia, you'll have plenty of chances to do just that. The park features 15 dining spots, including three restaurants and 12 food carts, serving everything from tropical-inspired dishes to sweets and snacks you can enjoy throughout the day. Restaurants include Panorama Dining, a spectacular eatery featuring open-air seating that looks like a giant bird's nest nestled high up in a tree (seats available with advance reservations). Here, you can dig into hamburg steak wrapped in bacon, fresh fish from Okinawa's waters, and a green harvest pizza topped with salt-cured pork and seafood. For a more upscale dining experience, head to Tropical Oasis attached to Spa Junglia where you can dine on tapas made from local Okinawan ingredients, Iejima Hizakura beef marinated in miso, island curry, pasta and more. Relax in an amazing spa After getting your fill of thrills, unwind at Spa Junglia, a luxurious spa facility connected to the park via a free shuttle bus. This relaxing retreat offers a variety of baths for both men and women, including calcium rock baths, saunas and even natural hot spring waters. A must-visit is the stunning outdoor infinity bath, officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world's largest public infinity bath. It's the ultimate place to soak your worries away while taking in breathtaking views of Yanbaru's lush landscape. Admission to Spa Junglia is ¥2,640 for adults and ¥1,540 for children. Pick up plenty of fun merch Junglia is home to ten retail shops, so you're bound to do a bit of souvenir shopping while visiting the park. Stop by Village Bazaar, a massive shop offering 550 items including tableware, clothing, Okinawan treats and other unique souvenirs. Want to gear up for your jungle adventure? Grab some fun items like dinosaur headgear and tropical flower headbands to get into the spirit before exploring. It's cheaper than Disneyland One-day admission to Junglia costs ¥6,930 for adults and ¥4,950 for children aged between 11 and four, while kids three and under can enter for free. If you want to enjoy both the park and the spa, combo tickets are available for ¥9,570 for adults and ¥6,490 for children. The park and spa pass also comes with a ¥500 food cart voucher. To shorten waiting times, you can also purchase premium passes for specific attractions around the park. More ticketing information can be found on the website.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
9 unmissable new luxury experiences in Asia that are worth the splurge
These hot new stays and services prove Asia does luxe best. Fairmont Udaipur supplied By Carrie Hutchinson The Aussie dollar's not stretching far in Europe or the US - but in Asia? It still buys you serious luxury. Think top-tier service, bold design and stays that are anything but ordinary. From jungle spas to design-led villas and palace hotels, these are the newest places to spoil yourself sensibly. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area 1. Fine dining meets star power Chef Andre Chiang in the Kitchen. Picture supplied Michelin-starred chefs are bringing their celebrity to Singapore. Like Madonna, he goes by one name only, and now chef Fei (real name: Fei Lianghui) offers a contemporary take on Cantonese and Teochew cuisines at the Mandarin Oriental's Cherry Garden. His aromatic lobster creation, with basil and pickled mustard greens, is an homage to Chaoshan, where he grew up. Take the pressure out of ordering by choosing a set menu, starting at about $165 a person. Across town, Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang is setting up a culinary home at Raffles, where he's been the artist in residence while writing his book, Fragments of Time . His outpost, in the hotel's most elegant dining space, opens later this year. 2. The world's biggest infinity bath Spa Junglia. Picture supplied Soak away stress on Japan's tropical Okinawa island. This week saw the scheduled opening of Spa Junglia, and the Guinness Book of Records has already certified its public infinity bath, at nearly 83 square metres, as the biggest on Earth. The views of dense mountain-side forest are hard to beat, but there's also an onsen, sauna, cold plunge and cave bath. It's part of a huge entertainment destination, so send the kids off to Dinosaur Safari - the landscape bears more than a passing resemblance to Jurassic Park - while you kick back. 3. A Maldivian retreat for mind, body and sea SOUL Festival, Maldives. How do you make a Maldivian break better? Add an immersive wellness program. Soneva Fushi hosts the annual SOUL Festival (October 9-13), with a line-up of thought leaders and practitioners including biohacker Tim Gray, sound therapist Roses Gabor and longevity expert Nils Behrens. Start your day with an energising morning ritual, take part in workshops, book healing therapies at the spa and eat healthy cuisine. Of course, there's also time to explore shore and sea. From $5130 a night for two people, all-inclusive; 4. A new palace hotel with next-level grandeur Fairmont Udaipur bedroom. When you've finished dodging traffic in Delhi, head to the City of Lakes and the newly opened Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Fit for modern-day royalty, this lavish 327-room hotel set atop the Aravalli Hills is spread across a seven-hectare estate. Guests enter through a jaw-dropping fortress gateway before being welcomed beneath a sparkling chandelier. The rooms are dotted with handiwork by village craftspeople, while the restaurants serve the cuisines of India, Asia and the Mediterranean. From $443 a night; 5. Colonial charm in the Sri Lankan highlands Uga Halloowella. Picture supplied In the highlands of Sri Lanka, Channa Daswatte, protege of revered architect Geoffrey Bawa, has transformed the former residence of a World War I RAF fighter pilot. Uga Halloowella's six suites overlooking a tea plantation have an eclectic colonial vibe, but it's the attention to detail - a butler attending to all your tea-drinking needs, exquisite cuisine inspired by its location, and thoughtful excursions - that makes this boutique hotel a gentle retreat into times past. From about $1200 a night; Ne. Picture supplied Japan has become one of Australia's favourite travel destinations, but if you're keen to avoid crowds, head outside Tokyo and Kyoto. Set on farmland outside Shibata City, two hours by fast train from Tokyo, is Ne, offering an exclusive, all-inclusive, cuisine-focused rental for a party of up to four adults. Designed by architect Kenta Fukunishi, Ne is built using wood, earth from the property and locally fired Yasuda tiles. The commitment to sustainability and local culture at the eye-catching property runs deep. Chef Makoto Fuse, who studied the culinary arts in Paris, sources ingredients from the local area - he dries mountain herbs, makes spices from crushed branches and ferments vegetables for broth - and returns anything unused to the earth. Opens in August; from $2075 a night for two; 7. Temples, tuk-tuks and the Ganges in style See India on a Globus cruise. Picture supplied Ready to dip your toe into the world of river cruising? Globus's new 13-day Heritage of India & the Ganges River tour and cruise (from $8668 a person, twin-share) blends land and water activities. See the Taj Mahal at sunset, ride a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk bazaar and visit the spectacular Amber Fort before setting sail down the Ganges from Kolkata. 8. Adults-only glamping in Phuket Twinpalms Tented Camp in Phuket. Picture supplied Bustling Phuket now has a chic adults-only glamping retreat. Twinpalms Tented Camp has 29 spacious safari-style canvas abodes, some with their own plunge pools, set back from Bang Tao Beach on Phuket's west coast. Rather than full moon parties and Muay Thai fights, this is a retreat for those ready to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the finer things in life, like island hopping on a superyacht. From $270 a night; 9. A boundary-blurring new dining experience 9 unmissable new luxury experiences in Asia that are worth the splurge British chef Joshua Paris has worked across the world - including at the Sydney Opera House restaurant Bennelong - and now his skills are on show at Aster by Joshua Paris. Set in Shanghai's upcoming Jing'an neighbourhood, the restaurant has a menu Paris describes as borderless, which means he blends techniques and influences from Europe, Australia and China. Be sure to order his rendition of the classic drunken pigeon, which comes with marinated foie gras. Seating just 46, the space features a purple aster flower installation floating above the bar. Speaking of which, end the night here with a cocktail and bite from the snack menu, available from 10pm.
Time Out
29-05-2025
- Time Out
Okinawa is getting a new jungle amusement park with dinosaurs and outdoor adventures
Japan's tropical paradise, Okinawa, is a postcard image of pristine beaches, clear azure waters and rich culture. A new attraction set to open this summer, however, will spotlight the island prefecture's stunning forests instead. Set in the lush Yanbaru National Park in the north of the main Okinawa island, Junglia Okinawa is a sprawling amusement park that lets you explore the vibrant green landscape in an active way. The park will feature 22 attractions, 15 dining facilities, 10 shops and a rejuvenating spa – all set against a backdrop of dense jungle. Here's what to expect from Junglia Okinawa. There will be dinosaurs One section of Junglia takes you back to the Jurassic age. Hop into an off-road safari vehicle for a close encounter with 20 life-sized dinosaurs, including a towering 19-metre Brachiosaurus and a formidable T-Rex. For a gentler adventure, families can follow a jungle trail in search of a lost baby Pachyrhinosaurus and meet seven baby dinos along the way. There will be thrills Junglia eschews traditional rides in favour of high-adrenaline experiences. Soar 200 metres into the sky in a hot air balloon for sweeping views of the jungle and sea. Then, tear through rugged terrain in an off-road buggy, zip-line from a 19-metre tower, launch yourself as a human catapult, take a backward free-fall from high up, or brave rope bridges across deep jungle ravines. It's a playground for thrill-seekers. There will be entertainment Junglia has plenty more to offer when it's time to catch your breath. Enjoy live outdoor shows featuring music and acrobatics at Breeze Arena, and hop on a scenic tram ride through the park. There are indoor attractions, too. Just make sure you don't miss the evening fireworks that are set to music. There will be indulgences With 15 dining venues across the park, your appetite is well taken care of, too. Panorama Dining takes full advantage of the location's breathtaking views, especially from the outdoor bird's nest-like seats. Wild Banquet, meanwhile, is a lively open-air restaurant with show kitchens and tropical vibes. For total relaxation, head to the resort-style Spa Junglia. In addition to the world's largest infinity bath, as recognised by Guinness World Records, you can unwind in outdoor saunas, natural onsen baths and cave pools, all set against a backdrop of lush jungle and open skies. Junglia is set to open on Friday July 25, just in time for the summer holidays. One-day tickets for Japan residents are ¥6,930 for adults and ¥4,950 for children. General admission for overseas visitors is ¥8,800 for adults and ¥5,940 for kids. Visit Junglia Okinawa's website for more information.
AsiaOne
21-05-2025
- AsiaOne
New theme park to open in Japan's Okinawa this July offering scenic treks, hot air balloon rides and more, Lifestyle News
Japan is one of the top travel destinations for Singaporeans — with a record of more than 690,000 travelling to the country from Singapore in 2024. Soon, travellers to Japan will have a new attraction to add to their itineraries as Junglia — a new theme park on the southern island of Okinawa — is set to open on July 25. The adventure park, spanning 600,000 sq m and built on an old golf course, is located in the forested area of Yambaru. Here, visitors can expect to explore more than 20 attractions ranging from scenic outdoor treks to buggy rides, as well as relaxing onsen facilities. According to its website, some highlights include the Dinosaur Safari; and Horizon Balloon, a hot air balloon ride offering a panoramic view of the area and surrounding greenery. There's also a tree-top trekking experience featuring a suspension bridge and nine challenging points hovering over the treetops, among others. The full list of attractions can be found on the theme park's official website. Apart from the activities, Junglia Okinawa is also home to Spa Junglia, which features both indoor and outdoor areas with views of the surrounding nature. Here, visitors can expect amenities such as an infinity bath, onsen, sauna, limestone bath and more. Other things that visitors can look out for at Junglia Okinawa include Junglia Splash Fest, a music and water festival experience and Junglia Night Fest, a dance and music festival featuring a grand finale of fireworks. The company behind the new park, which cost some 70 billion yen (S$627 million), is hoping Japan's tourism boom will get it off to a strong start, according to a Reuters article. CEO Tsuyoshi Morioka told Reuters he expects several thousand visitors a day to Junglia, and if it is successful, developing smaller attractions could be replicated in other Asian markets such as Taiwan and Indonesia. According to the website, a one-day ticket to the theme park costs 8,000 yen (around S$72) for adults and 5,400 yen for children. Spa tickets are 2,800 yen for adults and 1,700 yen for children. More information can be found on Junglia's official site. [[nid:685816]]
