Crooked Compass

Have you heard of Siberut? We have! And yes, we can take you there! Siberut is the largest of the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, and is one of the most remote and pristine corners of the world. Think of dense rainforests, lush greenery and the sounds of exotic wildlife. The island's indigenous Mentawai people, known for their traditional tattoos and unique cultural practices, offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Navigating the winding rivers by canoe, you pass through traditional villages where time seems to stand still. Make poison for hunting arrows with the tribe, weave loin cloths with the ladies and prepare food from fresh sago. Don’t forget it’s also an island and the marine life in the surrounding waters is incredible! Make this experience yours and chat to our team today! #siberut #indonesia #mentawiislands

DOORWAY TO HELL - TURKMENISTAN - By LISA Pagotto The sun is dipping as we bounce down the fragmented road, dodging potholes and swerving cracks that could abruptly bring our journey to a halt if misjudged. We pass camel trains bobbing along in sync and abandoned cars whose suspension couldn’t quite handle the adventurous nature of this desert highway. The sky is glowing as the sun pulses towards the undulating horizon – this is the prime time we are told. We have been on the road for almost four hours, slowly chewing up the 280km between Ashgabat and the Karakum Desert. We skid into camp and throw ourselves out of the vehicle in excitement whilst it’s still rolling to a halt. The sky bathes us in soft mauve and rose, and before us is a vast hole in the ground dancing spectacularly with fire. We have arrived at the ‘Doorway to Hell.’ We all stop. Dead still. (No pun intended). Silent. Frozen. Jaws open. No sound comes out. We stare, like zombies, hypnotised at this phenomenon pulsating before us. Like a campfire (but on steroids), we are mesmerised and cannot look away. The sky deepens into an inky purple, the fire pit responds by strengthening its colour in vibrancy as golden flames lick the craters rim, like fingers luring us into the underworld. The fizz of the gas sizzles and pops. Beyond that, it is soundless. The Darvaza area of Turkmenistan is rich in natural gas and while drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large pit with a diameter of 70 metres. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. We start to re-focus and collect ourselves from the awe and slowly walk around the rim of the crater.   The sky is now velvet black. The fire continues its performance for us – a spectacle, daring us not to look away, but our grumbling tummies are now calling the shots. We stroll up a sand dune to our camp for a delicious BBQ dinner whilst the crater continues to hum and throb its eerie glow into the remoteness of the Karakum desert.   At night, in a vast empty expanse of desert with only the stars for company, red light emanates from the ground in the distance, and a distant rumble presages the crater. Shooting flames and fireballs soar across its crater, like a volcano – this wonder must be viewed at night for full effect. In the morning, we awaken to a soft desert sunrise. The plod of flat camel feet slap the sand next to our yurt and the crater is still flaming away. As the sun creeps into position, the craters intense colours become secreted by the brightness of day. The crater now quietly waits, patiently, for the next excited travellers to rush towards its beauty at dusk. Make this experience yours. https://lnkd.in/g6bxQvw9 #silkroad #centralasia #turkmenistan #travel #adventure

Ever wondered if Jurassic Park actually exists? It does! Minus the dinosaurs! It is time to discover Socotra, the Lost Island. Get ready to witness landscapes that seem plucked from another world, immerse yourself in the unique culture, and uncover the mysteries of this remote gem in the Indian Ocean. So, if you're up for an unforgettable journey that defies the ordinary, you're in the right place. Strap in and join us on this wild ride as we explore the enigmatic wonders of Socotra!

BULGARIA: Did you know that the Balkan region of Europe is one of the fastest growing areas for travel and exploration? Discover Bulgaria with us! Join us on a thrilling journey through this captivating country, where you'll discover the unexpected, the untamed, and the unforgettable. From ancient cities steeped in history to remote mountain villages and pristine natural wonders, our Bulgaria tour promises a blend of culture, adventure, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Prepare to be enchanted by the heartwarming hospitality of the locals, savor traditional cuisine, and embark on unique adventures that will leave you with lasting memories. Get ready for an expedition that goes beyond the ordinary and embraces the extraordinary!

We are thrilled to be supporting Travel Agent Day Australia in Melbourne on 2nd October! A day filled with a new way of learning and connecting with trade partners, this will be the trade show of the year for travel advisors! Be sure to register and secure your tickets! https://lnkd.in/gYjpXHZh

Is travelling to Georgia on your bucketlist? Have you dreamed of hiking through the Svaneti region amongst stone watch towers, glistening glaciers and snow capped peaks? What about treading between vibrant wildflowers, witnessing traditional Svan culture and their own mouthwatering mountain cuisine? Well best you tune in then for our next episode of Digging Deeper as we share with you, Five Things You Didn't Know About the Svaneti Region of Georgia!

How can we not share these incredible photos coming through from our India Through a Lens photography tour hosted by the incredibly talented David Kirkland. Snapped yesterday with the Holi Festival in Manthura - the day started with explosions of coloured power and ended with a flower fight - think thousands of petals! David will be hosting further photography tours with us in 2025 - to be the first to know about these, shoot an email to [email protected] and make this experience yours!

DIGGING DEEPER - Exploring Sanatorium Madea in Georgia - EPISODE 12 Today, we're embarking on an eerie and captivating journey as we step into the haunting world of the abandoned Sanatorim Madea, Georgia. Nestled deep within the shadows of forgotten history, this place holds secrets that time has all but erased. From its decaying hallways to the echoes of a bygone Soviet era, Sanatorim Madea's story is one that'll send shivers down your spine. What happened here? Who were the souls that once roamed these forsaken corridors? Step into the realm of Sanatorim Madea, where the past and the present collide in a chilling dance of history. #georgia #diggingdeeper #followadifferentpath

In November 2023, Crooked Compass Founder LISA Pagotto took a handful of travel advisors to Turkmenistan. A bizarre country with a fascinating and quirky history, Anna Bayley from Travel by Anna shares her personal experience below in what she perfectly describes as the love child of North Korea and Las Vegas!!

DIGGING DEEPER - 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE SVANETI REGION OF GEORGIA Today, we're embarking on a journey to the mesmerizing Svaneti region of Georgia, a place known for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and unique culture. But here's the twist – we've got five mind-blowing facts about Svaneti that you probably didn't know. So, fasten your seatbelts, because we're about to unveil the hidden treasures of this spectacular corner of the world! From towering watchtowers to the secret language of its people, Svaneti is a place that's full of surprises. Stick around till the end because you won't want to miss these incredible insights into one of Georgia's best-kept secrets. Let's dive right in!