Words by Bunny Rugs and Erin MacLeod—
You have to have somewhere to go when it’s 96° in the shade. Of course Jamaica is a coastal paradise, but the white sand of its beaches is but one aspect of the country. Bunny Rugs, lead singer of Third World and internationally touring solo artist, was 14 years old on August 6, 1962 when Jamaica became independent from Britain and has traveled the island from tip to tip and coast to coast. Rugs knows the best places to experience Jamaica, the best places to immerse yourself in the vibes of the island and the best places to escape from it all as well. In tribute to the land he loves, Bunny Rugs collects his top spots in Jamaica and tells us why–and he’s not afraid to acknowledge the truly not-to-be-missed tourist spots alongside the off-the-beaten-track. This Independence week, check out Bunny Rugs’ top ten places you can’t miss in Jamaica and start planning your own trip. And here’s a link to your soundtrack for the journey, Bunny Rugs’ new single, “Land We Love” (listen on Soundcloud).
Ocho Rios (Dunns River)
I’ve always loved di river dem bad! I’m a river person and Dunn’s River never fails to amaze me.
Negril (Orange Hill)
Orange Hill is where I get my ‘Cool Meditation. Once you go, you’ll know. (For more gorgeous photos of Orange Hill see the work of Bob Spence)
Portland (Market Place)
Portland is one of the most unique areas in the country and Market Place offers some of the most beautiful sights. Tucked into Port Antonio’s town’s centre right near the water’s edge, I dont know why but for some reason the greens seem greener, the ocean bluer and of course I love the people and all the action of the market.
Port Royal (Gloria’s Fish Restaurant)
The fish is always big and nice. The vibes are relax outdoors under the sky. And out on the point overlooking Kingston it’s just the best place to spend time whenever I’m in town.
Montego Bay (Doctor’s Cave)
Some of my greatest memories are from Mobay over the years. I spent a lot of time there when it used to be a regular place for performing in the hotels and other venues. You could say Mobay was a big part of my schooling to be a singer and entertainer.
Kingston (Waterfront)
I was raised in Kingston, right near the waterfront downtown. I love the city and know it very well–4 right turns and you right back where you started. Where I grew up, at the corner of Johns Lane and Tower Street, I’ll never forget the way the seabreeze would come off the ocean and up the lane on a Sunday afternoon after Sunday dinner. That was my signal as a child–sleep time.
Hellshire Beach (Fish & Festival)
That’s the spot fi di Kinston yute dem. But when you reach Hellshire and dem fix a fish and festival fi yu and yu sip a cold one, the drive back to Kingston seems very, very far.
The Blue Mountains
I can’t see the words “blue mountain” together and not smell the rich Jamaican coffee, the cool temperatures and the dense forest. Up in the Blue Mountains, right away you feel as if you are on top of the world.
St Thomas (Bath)
I always try to find time to balance di ting and the mineral baths in none other than Bath, St Thomas is a great place to find your center. Not many people think about Jamaica and mineral baths but we have it and I’m proof it works.
Milk River
I’m a river man. It’s the beginning and the end for me. The Milk River in Clarendon has powerful healing and has been that way for hundreds of years. The river is where I spiritually get fresh and come again.
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