Kualoa Ranch: Jungle Expedition

The next adventure at Kualoa Ranch; and also our last is the Jungle Expedition.

Like the earlier tour, we waited at the designated shed for the tour to begin as most of the other participants gather at the same shed for the driver cum tour guide to begin the ride.



This time, we are about to board a jeep which will take us on our hour-long exciting ride.
From the looks of it, seems like this is going to be a bumpy ride!





Our ride begins and as I was seated at the back of the truck, it was definitely a little more than bumpy for me as I was jolted up and down throughout the entire trip.
Still, what calls for an adventure right?
For a non-adventurous person like myself, this is as close as adventure for me that I can get :-P

Passing through the jungle tracks




However, besides the familiar scenes of the forest, there are also amazing blue canvases welcoming us at different points of the ride!



A little hut spotted



Our first stop


This is a tree which I constantly say that it reminds me of the Jerry Bruckheimer logo in his productions, don't you think so?

Close to nature!






Our jeep parked against the awesome landscaped background like it was from a picture!




Continuing with the journey through the less-traveled roads



Stop No.2!
Our driver/guide made us do a bit of hiking up the narrow and steep trail to get that feel of being close to nature.



He may sound crazy to me at first, but after the short hike, I was glad that we did it as the view was just stunning and the air was simply fresh!
I guess everything is always rewarding when you work for it? :-)





Our guide even plucked a fruit from its tree for us to try; as it was a local produce at the ranch.
It is a hybrid though; and I think he mentioned that it was a cross between a strawberry and a guava!
Interesting taste; slightly sour yet a lovely aftertaste!



Back at the ranch after the rumbling ride through the jungles of the ranch.


Our awesome driver/tour guide who was just so friendly and helpful!
Hang loose!


It was an amazing ride and an unforgettable experience for me!
A definite must-try tour if one is in Kualoa Ranch :-)

Kualoa Ranch: Movie Site and Ranch Tour

The first tour; the Movie Site and Ranch tour starts at 11.00a.m (the one we booked) and we headed directly to the station after lunch and a brief photography session of the place.

Horse-riding in session for the avid sports fan



At the ranch house; near the stables



Each of the tour begins from the starting point at their designated stations; which are ranch sheds like this one.



A sign will be attached to each shed to indicate the type of tour and to confirm that you are waiting at the right place for the right tour that you have signed up for.



Depending on the type of tour, there will be transportation provided and they may vary.
The Movie Site and Ranch tour will be using this bus to bring us around the ranch.



Inside the bus


As you can see, the windows are all open to allow everyone to have a better view/feel of the nature as we drive around the ranch; besides enjoying the breeze or strong wind from outside.
The driver himself is the tour guide as he speaks through a microphone throughout the journey to explain the scenes and also a little on the history of each of the place we passed by to give us the insight on the significance of the location to the ranch.

The typical scenes greeting us as we drove around the ranch; the horses and cattle were all living such a carefree life!~



Our first stop was at the movie props warehouse, or hall of fame where some episodes of Lost were reportedly filmed here.
The place was located on a slightly hilly area overlooking the sea; and the warehouse was burrowed into the hills.



As we enter the warehouse through the light and slightly rusty metal doors, I did get the feeling that we were in one of those exciting warfare drama; or one of an action-packed movie, where one is about to be ambushed at any time or perhaps about to make a startling discovery.




Large black metal cylindrical barrels were located beside the entrance



The interior of the warehouse was designed in such a way that it is like a winding tunnel inside and there were even dark cells on the right hand side; which resembled the set of a prison.



The halls of fame of Kualoa Ranch; where all the memorabilia of the movies which were filmed here before were collected and framed within these walls for the visitors to enjoy.



Spotted two gigantic eggs in one spot; and the tour guide told us that those were the props used in the latest movie (at the time of visit); Journey to the Mysterious Island.



Our tour guide cum driver closing the door of the warehouse as we continue on our journey.



Along the hilly area; it was extremely windy that day and even the sea was really rough; splashing the waves so aggressively up against the shores.



The tour continues to a wide and greener pastures on the other side!



Replica of Easter Island statue?



Spotted the riders in action!


Hang Loose, yeah!:)

Next stop: Jurassic Park filming location




Godzilla's print?




These places look familiar? With the green and the cattle?



Remember this from Mighty Joe Young?


More movie sets along the way



The natural and amazing views around the ranch, as part of the ranch tour...




Back at the main ranch grounds at the end of the tour; which took approximately 45 minutes.




To be continued...