A growing trend among Singaporeans leans towards immersive travel experiences provided by boutique adventure agencies, with many opting to invest thousands for deeper connections rather than conventional luxury stays. These companies are designed to create authentic encounters in small groups, typically fewer than ten participants, over extended periods ranging from ten days to more than two weeks.
Agencies like The Untold Direction, Adventure Together, and Jambo Journeys cater to travelers seeking to explore culture, history, and nature in a more profound way. Participants engage in activities such as witnessing turtle nest hatchings or camping in remote canyons, which contrast sharply with traditional tourism.
Ganesha Balakrishnan, founder of The Untold Direction, emphasizes the importance of breaking away from the typical tourist experience. His firm focuses primarily on Central Asia and the Silk Road, providing opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in local lifestyles and foster genuine connections. By sharing accommodations with locals, they gain insights that enrich their understanding of the regions they visit.