Things to Do in Monterey & Carmel

Kibera, the largest slum both in Nairobi and Africa, is home to more than a million residents packed into an area less than a square mile (2.6 square kilometers). While life here isn’t easy—it’s one of Nairobi’s poorest neighborhoods and the lack of running water and electricity are constant problems—the slum has its own buzzing industries, which include rows of tilted shacks selling produce, charcoal, homemade breads, secondhand clothes, and shoes.

While the thought of visiting one of the world’s largest urban slums might sound overwhelming, the experience of spending a few hours in this vibrant, multifaceted community is an educational one. With its maze-like network of unmarked streets and narrow alleys, Kibera is best visited on a small-group or private tour led by a guide from the community who can shed light on the inspiring creativity, resilience, and ingenuity employed by Kibera residents to survive under challenging circumstances in what they call the “city of hope.”

Catching a bus or matatu from center city to the outskirts of Kibera is easy, but without a tour guide, finding a bus for the return trip can be difficult. Travelers can walk the streets alone safely, but traveling with a tour guide familiar with the narrow passes and abandoned railways can make navigation easier and the experience more insightful.

The best time to visit the Kibera slum is during daytime business hours when it’s possible to see the neighborhood’s inventive industries in full swing. January, February, and July through October are the driest and most pleasant months weather-wise.

We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding slums, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of life inside Kibera.

Perched on the Gulf of Oman on the eastern shores of the United Arab Emirates, Khor Fakkan is most famously known as a major container shipping port; there are almost always ships lining up to load, unload or refuel.

But Khor Fakkan offers appeal beyond the port. The palm tree-lined Corniche extends from the port to the Oceanic Hotel, with gardens, parks, playgrounds and kiosks scattered along the beach. A fish and produce souk gives visitors a glimpse into local life, while the Badiyah Mosque, located just outside of town, has a history dating back to the fifteenth century, making it one of the UAE’s oldest places of worship.

One of the richest areas of biodiversity in all of Uganda is Kibale National Park, known primarily for its chimpanzees but equally for its tropical forest. Kibale National Park covers just under 300 square miles in southwestern Uganda, with the much larger Queen Elizabeth National Park just to the south of it. These adjacent parks give wildlife lots of room, which makes this part of Uganda particularly popular for safaris.

Chimpanzees are the most sought-after sight in Kibale, but they're not the only wildlife to see. Other animals in the area include elephants, buffalo, warthogs, bushbucks, leopards, mongoose, and more than 375 species of birds. There are also other primates, such as the Uganda mangabey, red colobus monkey, and L'Hoest's monkey.

If you don’t believe in love at first sight then you’ve never been to Kilkenny. As the smallest city in all of Ireland (there are 25,000 residents), Kilkenny swaps the traffic and crime for cobblestones and medieval charm. It’s a place most visitors instantly love the moment they drive into town. Impeccably clean and impossibly friendly, it’s a city that’s famous for its historical sites by day and dining and pub life by night. Most visits begin at the Kilkenny Castle—a towering, stone, Norman edifice that’s been standing for 800 years. Wander the alleyways past colorful storefronts selling fine, locally made crafts, or have a drink in a traditional pub where locals have drank for centuries. Take a long, romantic stroll along the banks of the River Nore, or tour the impressive Black Abbey—a Dominican Abbey by the original city walls that dates to 1255. Finish the day at one of Kilkenny’s award winning contemporary restaurants, and submit to being completely enamored with this jovial inland city.

More than 40 million people from across the world have visited Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO-listed golden-domed Orthodox Christian monastery that is the holiest place of pilgrimage in Ukraine. Translating into English as the ‘Monastery of the Caves’, Pechersk Lavra has its origins back in 1051, when an Orthodox monk founded an underground sanctuary in a cave; many monks gravitated to this subterranean hermitage and eventually began to construct an over-ground church. The caves where the hermits lived were subsequently used for burials and many mummified remains can be seen today by guided tour. 

From the 11th century onwards the monastery played a central role in Ukrainian life; it was here that the first national printing presses was used and many famous scholars passed through its doors. A fire destroyed the original complex in 1718 and the monastery, its cathedral, church and refectory were all rebuilt in Baroque style with gilded domes and portraits of the saints adorning the exterior; a 30-hectare estate surrounding the complex overlooks the River Dnieper. The fortunes of Pechersk Lavra waxed and waned with the political upheavals of the 19th and 20th centuries, but in 1988 the monastery and caves were returned from state control to a newly thriving community of monks.

A trip to this historic spot just 15 kilometers south of Phnom Penh is not for the faint of heart. Known as The Killing fields, some one million Cambodians were murdered here by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Nearly 9,000 bodies have been discovered—including former prisoners from Tuol Sleng.

A Buddhist stupa marks the memorial, and visitors can gaze through its clear walls at some 5,000 human skulls—all victims of the bloody regime. Dozens of mass graves are visible and it is not uncommon for travelers to find human bones, teeth or discarded clothing here—particularly after heavy rains—as a large number of people are still buried in shallow graves.

The family-friendly, 17,000-square-foot Kids' City at Macau's City of Dreams is a place for kids to play, get involved with various activities, eat, and even sleep. Split into four main zones (dream, excite, create, and explore), this indoor park allows little ones to enjoy slides, rope bridges, ball pits, and inflatable bouncy castles.

There's also plenty to develop kids' creative sides, with soft clay, origami, and brightly colored crayons complete with a glass wall for scrawling on. A walk-in closet with princess dresses and superhero costumes will keep those who like to play dress-up amused, while arcade games, consoles, and an interactive video wall will appeal to older children. Professionally trained staff members are on hand at all time, allowing adults to relax for a few hours while the kids roam and play.

Insider Tip: Most hotels in the tourist area of Macau provide free shuttle buses to all major attractions, meaning you can get a free ride to the City of Dreams for your visit to Kids' City.

Some call it an educational theme park, some call it a child-sized city, but the reality remains: KidZania is not for parents. Located inside one of London’s largest shopping malls, this whimsical center (and also quite large, at 75,000 square feet) invites children aged 4 to 14 to empower themselves by trying out over 60 different professions – surgeon, firemen, fashion stylist, engineer, receptionist, bank clerk, award-winning singer – through role-playing games and true-to-life situation. Each job is carefully crafted to provide kids with a variety of life skills, such as teamwork, confidence and financial independence.

They even get to open their own bank accounts to save money and later on gain access to different games. As KidZania is primarily oriented towards kids, parents get to sit back, relax, and enjoy their day by watching their kids empower themselves through viewing windows, or by meeting other adults in the dedicated parents space.

Hidden in a maze of alleyways in Georgetown sits one of Malaysia’s most important clan houses, the Khoo Kongsi Clan House. During Malaysia’s economic boom in the nineteenth century, many Chinese families relocated to Penang and built kongsi, or clan houses, to promote a sense of community. 

The Khoo clan was one of the most prosperous in Malaysia -- considered one of the “Five Big Clans” that made up the Hokkien Chinese community in Penang. The Khoo Kongsi Clan House comprises a main clan house -- one that resembles a Chinese temple, an administrative building, an opera state and more than 60 houses and shops.

The original kongsi was built in 1851 but was destroyed by fire in 1894. The current clan house dates back to 1906. Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings, ornamental architecture, painted murals and beautiful traditional Chinese ceramic sculptures. After touring the clan house, be sure to visit the administrative building and terraced houses of the complex, and notice how the architecture changes from distinctly Chinese to incorporating elements of British colonial style.

Kilt Rock is a sea cliff on the north end of Trotternish in northern Scotland. It was named Kilt Rock for its resemblance to a kilt. The vertical cliff is composed of both igneous and sedimentary rock which come together in vertical bands and look like the pleats of a kilt. The cliff is 200 feet high and one of many impressive cliffs along this coast. 

Kilt Rock is close to a waterfall that tumbles into the pebbled shore of the Sound of Raasay below. This waterfall is called Mealt Waterfall, and sometimes the wind here is so strong the water doesn't even reach the bottom before being blown away. There is a popular viewing spot that overlooks the dramatic sea cliffs where visitors can see both Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall. It is a fenced area and allows visitors to get their postcard pictures of both of these natural beauties in one frame. 

Drive along the Vale of York on the boundary of the North York Moors National Park and you won’t be able to miss the Kilburn White Horse, a gigantic artwork of a horse etched into the limestone cliffs of the Sutton Bank. Formed using more than 6 tons of limestone chalk chips to whiten the natural grey rock and featuring a lone grass patch for the ‘eye,’ the White Horse was designed by local businessman Thomas Taylor in 1857, inspired by similar designs in south England.

It might not have been the original, but it is the biggest – the Kilburn White Horse measures an impressive 97 meters long and 67 meters high, covering a plot of around 1.6 acres. Hiking routes and lookout points run along the hilltop around the White Horse (although walking on the horse is frowned upon as it damages the surface), but the most impressive views are from the bottom of the hill and on clear days, the landmark equine can be seen from as far away as North Leeds.

During the spring and early summer of 1994, hundreds of thousands of Rwandan Tutsis were slaughtered in a mass genocide planned by the country’s Hutu majority government. Some 259,000 victims of the massacre were laid to rest at what is today the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Opened in 2004 on the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the genocide, the memorial not only commemorates lives lost, it also serves as the base of operations for Aegis Trust, a UK-based genocide prevention organization.

The sober yet impressive site includes a peaceful garden where victims were laid to rest, as well as a museum examining the Rwandan genocide as well as other instances of genocide throughout history. Particularly moving is a gallery telling the story of how Rwanda’s children were impacted by this terrible chapter in history.

While the memorial itself is free, the English audio tour is very much worth the fee for the informative background information it provides.

Kilchurn is for anyone who has ever dreamed of having a ruined Scottish castle all to themselves, with no tourist trinket shops around. There isn’t even an attendant at the door of this picturesque ruin, but despite being unmanned, there are plenty of information boards throughout the castle. Climb to the top of its four-story tower for views of the loch and surrounding hills, and remember to say hi to the sheep on your way out!

See (and hear) water from the ocean’s force as it is pushed up into the rocks, creating the spout of Kiama Blowhole — the biggest natural blowhole in the world. Kiaram-a is believed the be the Aboriginal phrase meaning “the noise of the sea.” As water entered the enclosed space in the rock formation, the air is compressed and released with a low sound and the upward spouting of the water. Explosions of water can reach up to 80 feet high — quite the natural spectacle. 

Coastal explorers first discovered the blowhole in 1797, though it had been significant to local Aboriginal communities for centuries prior.  There is also a lighthouse overhead and a smaller blowhole fittingly called “Little Blowhole” a few minutes walk away. Picnic facilities and rock pools are present beside the blowhole, as well as a small cafe and visitor information center. 

Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol is a sobering reminder of Ireland’s fight for independence. Built in 1787, the damp cells of this former jailhouse held many prominent Irish nationalists before the gaol was closed down in 1924. Today, visitors can tour the eerie building and explore its storied past through a number of onsite exhibits. 

Once one of Europe’s largest jails, Kilmainham Gaol and its bleak, echoing interior transports visitors to a time of Irish political upheaval. Take a guided tour of the gaol to learn about the prison’s history, gain valuable insight into the experiences of prisoners who were once held here, and peruse onsite exhibits detailing Irish history and the country’s long fight for independence from Britain—including the 1916 Easter Rising revolt in which 14 political prisoners were executed at the gaol. With the prison’s  tumultuous past, it’s no wonder Kilmainham Gaol has featured in numerous ghost stories over the years—hear tales of the gaol’s resident hauntings and visit other creepy sites on a Dublin ghost tour. Or, visit Kilmainham Gaol on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to also see other city highlights such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the National Gallery. 

Kilmainham Gaol is located on Inchicore Road, roughly 20 minutes by road from central Dublin. The site does not have a dedicated public parking lot, but parking is available at the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art. The gaol is also accessible via Dublin’s public bus system and the Luas tram. 

The museum is open year-round, except December 24–25. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when visitors may experience long wait times. To avoid waiting, pre-book your tickets and opt for an early morning or weekday visit. Winter visitors should dress warmly; Kilmainham Gaol is not heated and can be very cold. 

Film buffs will recognize the exterior of Kilmainham Gaol from movies such as The Italian Job (1969), The Adventures of the Young Indiana Jones (2000), and The Babe (1992). The jail’s interior was featured in Michael Collins (1996), starring Liam Neeson, and In the Name of the Father (1993), starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

Literally translated as ‘Bloody Gateway’, Khooni Darwaza is an ancient tiered archway located in the middle of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the road that connects New and Old Delhi. This Mughal-Afghan style structure has a long and bloody history, and legend has it that its ruins are eerily haunted.

Built by Sher Shah Suri in the mid-16th century, Khooni Darwaza would go on to be associated with a series of brutal murders and other atrocities throughout history. The most famous of these incidents involved the killing of three Mughal princes during the Indian Rebellion in 1857. The sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were brutally murdered here on the orders of a British major, and the story goes that the three princes still haunt the archway to this day, waiting patiently to avenge their killings.

Those looking for something a little different from a tour of the Indian capital can embark on a haunted places in Delhi private tour. This combines a visit to Khooni Darwaza with other eerie sites seeped in mystery, such as Sanjay Van, the Nicholson Cemetery, the Delhi Cantonment, and House No. W-3.

Did You Know? Khooni Darwaza has seen many more bloody and tragic incidents throughout the years. For instance, during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, many refugees were murdered here by rioting crowds while on their way to a camp at the Old Fort.

This discount designer outlet center is a favorite among fashion-conscious tourists, who can join shopping day trips from Dublin or Belfast to search for cut-price clothing, accessories, and homewares. With around 90 boutiques at the outdoor village-like complex, and a range of cafés and restaurants, Kildare Village attracts bargain hunters.

 

Kildare Village is a popular half-day or full-day trip from Dublin. Opt for a comfortable round-trip bus excursion. You can also upgrade to include extras, such as a two-course lunch, gift cards, and VIP discount cards that offer bonus savings. Bus service to and from Kildare Village is also available from Belfast in Northern Ireland. Brands with outlets at Kildare Village include Anya Hindmarch, Barbour, Jaeger, Longines, Mulberry, and Nike.

 

 

Kildare Village is situated near Kildare town, less than an hour’s drive from Dublin Airport or Dublin city center. Free parking is available at the site. Regular trains depart from Dublin Heuston station and stop at Kildare town. Complimentary shuttle buses run between the station and Kildare Village.

 

The outlet is busiest on weekends, and during the weeks leading up to Christmas. To avoid crowds, plan your shopping trip for midweek when the boutiques are quietest.

 

You’ll find several worthwhile sights to explore near Kildare Village. Visit the Kildare Town Heritage Centre to learn about local history, or the grounds of the Norman-era St. Brigid's Cathedral, where you’ll find a 12th-century round tower. Climb up to the top of this tower for views of the rolling green countryside. Visitors can also join guided tours of the Irish National Stud, where many prizewinning racehorses are bred.

The Kidron Valley is known for its stunning views, as well as its historic and religious significance. It’s a destination for travelers seeking a Biblical touchstone, thanks to its starring role in the story of David in the Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles, in Orthodox, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic traditions. 

The valley is also home to hundreds of ancient tombs located near the village of Silwan. It is widely recognized as the main burial ground in the city during historic times. The most significant tombs in the Kidron Valley include the Pillar of Absalom, the Tomb of Benei Hezir and the Tomb of Zechariah. Travelers who explore these tombs on a visit to the valley will gain a deeper understanding of Jerusalem’s culture, history and religious traditions while taking in some truly incredible views.

Killiecrankie is a small village near Pitlochry in Perthshire, sitting close to a wooded gorge formed by the River Gary in a region of spectacular Highland scenery. Close by is the National Trust for Scotland’s Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, nestled in the scenic Killiecrankie Pass and marking the site of an historic battle that took place on 27 July, 1689, during the first Jacobite Rebellion. As well as information on the flora and fauna of the area, the Visitor Centre has plenty of gory detail about the battle and several of the way-marked walks from there lead to Soldier’s Leap, where legend holds that a Jacobite soldier leapt across the river gorge to escape English troops. Other outdoor activities include the Highland Fling bungee jump descending 40 m (130 ft) into the gorge, kayaking, cycling, and wildlife spotting; deer and elusive red squirrels are seen in the dense woods in fall, wrens and dippers in winter, and carpets of wild flowers in spring. Summer brings flycatchers and warblers – and bats in the evening – as well as hosts of butterflies and bees. A five-km (three-mile) section of the Killiecrankie Walk leaves Pitlochry next to the fish ladder and heads via viaducts, forest walks and tunnels to the dramatic viewing point at Soldier’s Leap.