The tour guides got set up and we were all ready to go. I had no idea what to expect. Based on what the tour guide was saying about not looking back, watching out for animals crossing, passing a river etc. I figured that this was an off-road experience.

We went on the road, around the corner then up a hill. It felt like a never ending hill as we were going uphill for a good twenty minutes. I’m so disappointed that I didn’t get to record or take any pictures on the way up as I was very busy trying to control the vehicle. I had to keep my eyes in front and my hand near the brake.

The scenery on the way was more beautiful than I had imagined. Again, It’s just disappointing that I didn’t get to capture the moment so I could share the experience virtually. I didn’t know what was the end game. I thought we were going to ride to the end of the route then ride back. I had no idea there was more to the experience.

We rode through communities that I didn’t think would exist so deep in the bushes. We went nearby animal pastures, through rocky terrains and so much more. The experience was priceless. Every few minutes the tour guide with say, “Yea mon!!” and “you’re doing great!”

After about an hour of riding, we came to what seems as the final spot. I was amazed at how well the ATV managed the steep rocky hill.

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We stopped at our final destination in a huge, old but well kept yard. It definitely could be an easy hide away spot. We were off the ATVs and got the opportunity to tour the area.

As I walked to the pool side, the view was even more amazing. You could see the coastline of Ocho Rios directly from the pool.

I went in to the Bar just beside the pool to interview the owner of the property who told me the area was called Murphy’s Hill.(Interview coming soon)

We were ready again after about 45 minutes of exploring the property and having a very interesting and informative conversation with our tour guides.

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Our Tour Guides

By the time we got down the hill to our final destination, it was a few minutes after 1 pm. We were dusty and had dirt all over. We had to rush back to the hotel, get lunch then head to Dunn’s River before closing time. We went to KFC for lunch then took a cab to Dunn’s River Falls. The lunch was around $700 JMD and the cab fare was $200 JMD.

We got to Dunn’s River a few minutes after 3pm so we had to make it quick. We didn’t have to pay to go in as I contacted a friend of mine who was an employee there to get free passes. You could say we didn’t get in free as we had to pay for locker rental to put our things(which wasn’t planned). The cost for locker rental was $900 JMD.

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On the journey up the falls

The water falls seemed harder than I remembered or maybe I’m getting  old as I was struggling almost all the way up. I saw all sort of involuntary gymnastics due to the rocks being slippery. The water was forceful and I was struggling to climb as well as trying to keep my bikini on.

We had to assist a lot of people, some of which eventually gave up and went back down the falls. It was an exciting experience as it felt like I had just exercised. We didn’t have enough time to do a second climb but I didn’t mind it as I wasn’t up for it.

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We came across the Teen Miss. Jamaica team on the way up.

On our way down to collect our bags, we saw a wedding taking place. They had separated a section for small events. It was fascinating as the groom and best man were very busy searching for the ring. Lol

While we were walking out, I realized that they had craft market shops near the exits with some gorgeous pieces that of course was too much for my budget(tourist price).

The scenery on the way down to the main road was beautiful. You could see the sea from a distance, slightly blocked by the luscious trees along the entrance. I wanted to take it all in so we decide to walk to Ocho Rios town from Dunn’s River.

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Walking down to Dunn’s River entrance

It took us about an hour and a half to reach the town but it was well worth it.

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Scenery along the way to Ocho Rios town

We were able to take pictures along the way and managed to stop by the Ocho Rios Fort.

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The Ocho Rios Fort

When we got to the town we got ice-cream and a bottle of water for a total of $400 JMD ($3 USD).

By the time we arrived at the resort we were so tired we decide to get some rest until it was time to go to Margaritaville.

To my surprise, when we woke up, Margaritaville was already closed so we decided to just get some food in the town. We got ½ of Jerk Chicken and 2 slices of brown bread for a total of $800 JMD.

We went back to the hotel, watched a movie;maybe two and went back to bed.

The last day was Green Grotto Caves. As I said in part one, I didn’t have to worry about breakfast as I had already purchase it from the first day.

We checked out and rushed off to Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay, St. Ann.

The cab far from Ocho Rios to Discovery Bay was around $400 JMD total.

Then Green Grotto experience was a great one. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and ensured that we were safe. Fortunately, my budget allowed me to purchase a souvenir as it was the last day.

The fare back to Ocho Rios was the same; $400 JMD. We got back to the resort collected our bags and headed off to Kingston.

The bus was packed like canned food. We heard some strange sounds coming from the bus and thought that something was definitely wrong. By the time we got to Fern Gully it broke down. We all had to get out of the bus for the driver to fix the issue. He told us the bus wouldn’t make it to Kingston then drove off and left us in Fern Gully. Luckily, a policeman was driving by and stopped out of curiosity. He arranged another bus and we were on our way again.

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The bus leaving us in Fern Gully

The overall experience both good and bad made it an experience second to none. It can only happen in Jamaica.

I hope you got the purpose of this story/experience. Your vacation does not have to be expensive. Do what you can with the little you have. Fortunately, the ones living in Jamaica don’t have to worry about an airplane fare. Try treating yourselves by vacating at a place near you.