Jamaica?

[Tristans_Angels]

I'm posting on a couple boards in hopes someone has some ideas for me? If you can please PM me if you do, I would really appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart! I’m headed off to Jamaica next week for a friend’s wedding. I’ll be in Runaway Bay and just wondering if any of you have been there and can tell me what is worth seeing and what is not. I’m not much of a resort person and really like to walk off the beaten path but some are telling me that Jamaica is more dangerous than Columbia (was there a few years ago and had no problems off the beaten path at all!) and that I need to stay on the resort. Is this true or can I explore? Before anyone jumps in about marijuana, I don’t do drugs at all so I’m not looking for a ‘hook up’, just a good ‘feel’ of the culture and what to do that normal tourists don’t get to see. MANY thanks and hugz Tristan

 

[NorthernBear]

I'm not sure how far away from Runaway Bay it is, but if you get the chance take a visit to Dunn's River Falls in Ochos Rios.

It is a waterfall that is so gradual that you can actually climb from the bottom to the top of the falls in a little over an hour.

Just be careful once you leave the resort because every Jamaican out there will have his hand open looking for a tip no matter what they do.

One guy asked me for $3 because he pointed out the location of a garbage can when I had finished drinking a bottle of water.
As if I wouldn't have been able to find it 15 feet away!!

Enjoy your trip.

 

[healer677]

I usually stay at the new Bahia in Runaway Bay. Got married there.lol. Dunns River is nice. Runaway is between Ochie and MoBay. It's an hour or so from the airport on that new highway of theirs. The locals are nice -they do look for a handout from the tourists though (I agree with Northern Bear on this one). It's fairly safe. My buddies and I usually go to one of the local bars that has live music and check if we can jam with the band -that seems to always be a good time.

See if you can talk to one of the staff and have them hook you up with a local tour -something outside the beaten path.

I find the service in Jamaica a bit sloooowwww. I'm a Cancun guy and the service there is top notch. But still a great location either way. Have a great time:thumb:

 

[miles@divas]

Goto Shades strip club in Ocho Rios!!!

 

[spacyfoil]

Tristan, just remember anything outside Canada is NOT safe. Sorry to sound down, but nothing compares to our own.

Just be careful. I hope you have fun.

 

[afterhours]

Tristan, just remember anything outside Canada is NOT safe. Sorry to sound down, but nothing compares to our own.

Just be careful. I hope you have fun.

spoken like a True Looser indeed

 

[spacyfoil]

spoken like a True Looser indeed

lol thanks.

 

[CUTTERBUCK]

Jamaica?

I’ll be visiting, Montego Bay, Jamaica at the end of the month for the 4th time in 3 years, same resort each time, 5 minutes from Sangster Airport, located right on the “Hip Strip” The first visit I was a little apprehensive about leaving the compound, but when you realise that the locals, for the most part, are real decent people, you’ll be fine. Sure, they’ll try to lure you into their store and buy jewellry, ganja etc, just politely say “NO” and they’ll leave you alone. Word of caution….stay on the Hip Strip, don’t venture off the main road. Don’t forget to visit Margaritaville on the Hip Strip.

 

[shack]

Got mugged in Montego Bay.

 

[Smash]

When I go I stay in Negril and rent a mortorcycle to ride down to Savlamar and other places. Never had a problem. I find the people really friendly

 

[loveisblind]

Got mugged in Montego Bay.

details??

 

[shack]

Walking down a side street and got jumped by a guy trying to rip off a camera. Probably not smart, but we physically resisted him 'til he took off.

The weird thing was that a few hours later when we got to the airport to leave some taxi driver was pointing at us as if he'd known what happened.

 

[ready2rock]

Walking down a side street and got jumped by a guy trying to rip off a camera. Probably not smart, but we physically resisted him 'til he took off.

The weird thing was that a few hours later when we got to the airport to leave some taxi driver was pointing at us as if he'd known what happened.

This aligns with what my travel agent told me in the spring. There's a big divide between the have's and have not's in Jamaica. There's the shopping districts built for the cruise ship passengers, a couple Sandal's properties, and the balance of the island is really rough. OP - if you decide to go - be careful.

R2R

 

[NoFatties]

Got mugged in Montego Bay.

Somehow there was a lapse in hotel security when I was in Ocho Rios and a couple got robbed in their hotel room by a man with a machete. I hated the non-stop hassling when you try to walk around town. I notice they have a code that they will wait for a person to finish their sales pitch (annoying you) before they start their approach. When I noticed this, I paid one of the guys $20 to keep me company. It worked but over all I was still annoyed with Jamacia - never want to go back.

 

[JadenPressly]

It is a beautiful place and you will have a great time. I go once a year for the last 6 years, never had a problem or heard of something negative while there. Yes the "tipping" can be annoying I would say similar to anywhere in cuba if you have ever been. Dunns River Falls as some have mentioned is very nice I would advise to pay the $15 dollars for the tour. Basically your paying to go up with a group of 30+ people holding hands which is great because you meet some more people on your trip and you make it to the top, by yourself you may have a bit of a challange. If you youtube Ricks Cafe Cliff jumping or the lagoons my fav things to do.

Safe travels!