A taxi ride on a holiday

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This is a very simple story, but enough to make you realize that even for a ride on a holiday, it can be enjoyable with things at their simplest.

Read on!
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Taxi ride most memorable

One cabbie, two passengers, six days in Western Australia

GOING on a road trip doesn't make one a celebrity, but the Singaporean winners of Tourism Western Australia's Extraordinary Taxi Ride contest, 33-year-old Ong Jing Yi and her brother Jason, 35, got a taste of stardom when a film crew followed them around during their road trip in Western Australia. They even got to meet the mayor and attend a radio interview at Geraldton town.

"No matter where we went, people waved and talked to us. I was really happy. I felt like a VIP," said Jing Yi.

In April, the siblings embarked on an all-expense paid road trip in a taxi driven by gregarious Australian taxi driver Doug Slater, a mini-celebrity himself after he was selected via a nationwide voting contest.

During the six-day tour, they visited destinations including Lancelin, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Shark Bay. At the end of each day, they blogged about their experiences and uploaded photos. A highlights video was also posted on the Extraordinary Taxi Ride website, www.extraordinarytaxiride.com.au, at the end of the trip. The siblings talk to Today about their experiences. Terence Lee


What were some of the most interesting places you visited?

Jing Yi: The town of Geraldton is actually the lobster capital of Western Australia. There, I got a chance to go down to the dinghy to collect lobsters.

Jason: The Pinnacles is a very special place. The vast landscape consists of piles of limestone, and over time, the wind will change the surface. A couple of years from now, it might not look the same.

Jing Yi: We even took out a Singapore flag and took a photo with it. The landscape is like the moon!


Was the taxi driver helpful?

Jing Yi: He's like a walking encyclopedia! He knows the country well, having travelled all around Western Australia for more than 20 years. He's wary of kangaroos jumping onto the road because knocking into one could destroy the car's engine. He told us to keep our eyes on the side of the road and look out for places where bushes are sparse, since kangaroos are more likely to jump out of those.


What did you learn about Australia on this trip?

Jason: We try not to drive around at night, especially in the rural areas. Many wild animals come out to roam then, so it's dangerous.



From TODAY, Travel - Thursday, 10-June-2010
Taxi ride most memorable
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Something for everyone

Image by iansand via Flickr

Breathtakingly gorgeous and filled with activities for both nature-lovers and city folks, Western Australia is a vacation spot full of possibilities for everyone.

Leaning Trees that lie parallel to the ground have become icons for the Shire of Greenough in Geraldton, Coral Coast.

Happy Family

Try a six-day tour to Perth and Fremantle which includes a farm stay - the kids will love the chance to participate in farm activities they've only seen on television. Also included is an overnight stay in the scenic Swan Valley along with a buffet dinner, plus a Captain Cook Cruise down the Swan River.

Romantic Duo

Savour fine wines, sample local cheeses, berries and chocolates; take a romantic stroll through blooming lavender gardens; and experience together the intriguing Tree Top Walk through a world-famous forest of gigantic proportions. If these catch your fancy, go for the seven-day tour to Southwest Perth and Swan Valley.

Walk amongst giant Tingle trees in Walpole.

Girly Trip

Gather your friends for a seven-day trip to Perth, Coral Coast and Monkey Mia. Eclectic markets, sprawling malls, beach bazaars and factory outlets in Perth offer plenty of shopping options before heading to the scenic Coral Coast where you'll find attractions such as stunning wildflower landscapes and endearing Leaning Trees.

Lone Ranger

A four-day Perth flexi holiday package is a great getaway option if you just want to be alone to catch your breath. It includes a day-trip to the awe-inspiring Pinnacles Desert, sandboarding opportunities and a chance to hang out with koalas. Spend the rest of your time shopping leisurely or indulging in café culture. He Peiwen

Book your 6D Perth, Fremantle & Farmstay or your 7D Perth, Southwest and Swan Valley tour package at Chan Brothers Great Travelholic Sale this weekend, Sept 19 and 20 at Suntec City Mall Level 1 Galleria Foyer from 10am to 8pm and enjoy up to $840 off per family.

From TODAY, Traveller – Thursday, 17-Sep-2009

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