As a Singapore travel influencer, I’m constantly on the lookout for unique and unforgettable destinations, and Seychelles has been at the top of my list. Recently, my brother Ken and I had the opportunity to explore this paradise, and thanks to the incredible hospitality of Berjaya Beau Vallon Resorts and Berjaya Praslin Resorts, our adventure turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the breathtaking views on Mahe Island to the rich cultural experiences, Seychelles offers something for every traveler, and we can’t wait to share our journey with you!
The Great Seychelles Surprise
When Ken and I decided to embark on a 6-day, 5-night trip to Seychelles, we thought, “Hey, that’s plenty of time to explore a small island nation, right?” Oh, how wrong we were! From the moment we stepped off the plane, we were hit with that laid-back islander vibe, and let me tell you, it’s contagious.
Here’s a fun fact for you: Seychelles is actually an archipelago of 115 islands! And get this – it’s the only granite-based oceanic islands in the world. Talk about unique, right? No wonder we felt like we needed more time!
As we started our journey, I couldn’t help but think about how this trip was going to be different from my usual solo adventures. Traveling with Ken meant double the laughs, double the mishaps, and definitely double the memories. Little did I know, it also meant double the trouble when it came to giant tortoises, but more on that later! Bur first off look at these beautiful sunsets are the place we stay – Berjaya Beau Vallon Resort!
Mahe Island: Where the Adventure Begins
Morne Blanc Trail: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally!)
Our first big adventure on Mahe Island was tackling the Morne Blanc Trail. Now, I’m no stranger to hiking, but when Ken suggested we “climb higher,” I didn’t realize he meant scaling one of the highest peaks in Seychelles! haha
As we laced up our hiking shoes, I couldn’t help but tease him. “You ready for this, my dear brother?” As apprenhensive as we thought, we went ahead with it knowing it won’t be a problem for us!
The trail was no joke – rugged, steep, and without proper pathways. At one point, I looked at Ken with those puppy dog eyes and said, “Didi (little brother), I thought you said this was a walk in the park!” He couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, technically, it is a park… just a very vertical one! haha”
But oh boy, was it worth it! When we reached the summit, the panoramic view of Mahe Island spread out before us like a living, breathing postcard. Ken’s jaw dropped, and I dropped my bag! haha “Wow, gor,” he whispered, “I can see why you love traveling so much.”
Pro tip: While it’s tempting to get that perfect Instagram shot from the edge of the cliff, maybe leave that to the pros. Trust me, the view is just as stunning a few feet back, and you won’t give your mom a heart attack when she sees the photos! haha
Takamaka Rum Distillery: A Toast to Adventure
Next adventure we decided to reward ourselves with a visit to the Takamaka Rum Distillery. Now, neither Ken nor I are drinkers, but the historic site and chill vibe were too good to pass up.
Even though we didn’t partake in any rum tasting, we had a blast learning about the distillation process and the fascinating history of rum production in Seychelles. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining, making the tour enjoyable even for non-drinkers like us.
We explored the old plantation house, marveling at the colonial architecture and learning about the lives of the people who once lived and worked here. The lush gardens surrounding the distillery were a photographer’s dream, and Ken and I had a great time posing for photos among the tropical plants and historic buildings.
Eden Island: A Slice of Paradise
Our next stop was Eden Island, and let me tell you, it lives up to its name. As we wandered around this man-made wonder, Ken couldn’t stop snapping photos. “Gor, no one’s going to believe this is real!” he exclaimed.
Fun fact: Eden Island is actually built on reclaimed land and connected to Mahe by a bridge. It’s like a little slice of luxury floating in the Indian Ocean!
We spent just a while soaking in the views, posing for photos, and daydreaming about owning one of those swanky villas. Hey, a guy can dream, right?
Victoria City: Small Town, Big Charm
Our last stop on Mahe was Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles. Now, when I say “city,” don’t go imagining skyscrapers and bustling streets. Victoria is more like a charming town with a big personality.
As we strolled through the streets, taking in the colonial architecture and vibrant markets, Ken turned to me and said, “Is it just me, or does everyone here look super relaxed?” I laughed and replied, “Welcome to island time, little didi. No rush, no fuss, just living in the moment.”
We even stumbled upon a miniature replica of London’s Big Ben clock tower right in the center of Victoria. We couldn’t resist taking a photo, while driving past it a few times. “Look, didi! It’s the Seychelles’ version of Big Ben!” Oh, brothers…
La Digue Island: Where Time Stands Still (And Tortoises Rule)
The Great Tortoise Encounter
One of the major highlight in Seychelles was our adventure took us to La Digue Island, and boy, were we in for a treat! As we explored the island, we came face-to-face (or rather, face-to-shell) with the famous Aldabra giant tortoises.
Now, I’ve seen these gentle giants before in the Galapagos Islands, but there’s something extra special about the Seychelles tortoises. Maybe it’s their flatter, wider shells that make them look like they’re ready for a beach party, or maybe it’s just the laid-back Seychelles vibe rubbing off on them.
Ken was absolutely smitten. I’ve never seen my little brother so excited about anything that wasn’t a basketball game or a pizza. He knelt down next to one of the tortoises and started chatting away like they were old friends. “Hey there, big guy! Have you eaten enough? You want more?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Ken, I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think he speaks English.” Ken just grinned and replied, “Maybe not, but I bet he understands the universal language of friendship!”
As we were rushing to catch our ferry from La Digue to Praslin, we witnessed something truly magical. Two giant tortoises slowly moved together, forming a heart shape, and even shared a little tortoise kiss! Ken’s eyes went wide. “Gor, are we witnessing tortoise romance right now?” I nodded, trying to hold back a laugh. “Looks like it. I guess even tortoises need a little love on vacation!” And tata, here we go the magical photo!
It was a moment neither of us will ever forget. Who knew that watching two century-old creatures share a slow-motion smooch would be the highlight of our day? haha
The Humble Fruit Seller: A Lesson in Kindness
As we cycled through La Digue, we came across a local fruit seller whose warm smile caught our attention. I decided to buy some bananas from him, and to our surprise, he charged only SGD $0.30 (about USD $0.22) for a whole bunch!
What really touched our hearts was when we realized the seller was deaf and mute. Despite the communication barrier, his kindness and honesty shone through. Ken and I looked at each other, both thinking the same thing: this is what travel is all about. These genuine human connections that remind us of the goodness in the world.
As we cycled away, our backpack full of bananas and our hearts full of warmth, Ken turned to me and said, “You know, gor, I think I’m starting to get why you love traveling so much. It’s not just about the places, is it? It’s about the people you meet along the way.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. In that moment, I felt incredibly proud of my brother Ken and grateful for this experience we were sharing.
Anse Source D’Argent: Picture Perfect Paradise
Our La Digue adventure wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world-famous Anse Source D’Argent beach. As we pedaled our rented bicycles towards this slice of paradise, Ken couldn’t contain his excitement. “Gor, is this the beach that’s all over social media and internet? The one with the big rocks?”
I chuckled, “Yep, that’s the one. But trust me, no photo does it justice.”
As we rounded the corner and the beach came into view, Our jaws dropped. The powdery white sand, the crystal-clear turquoise water, and those iconic granite boulders – it was like stepping into a postcard. Even I went to numerous beaches (yea over 100 countries) too many beaches to count, it was truly magical!
We spent hours exploring the beach, climbing over the smooth, sun-warmed rocks, and taking about a million photos. Many Instagram-worthy brothers shot! Was a fun day at the beach admiring all the uniqe beachscapes!
Just as we posed for photos, a wave crashed against the rock, sending a spray of water all over us. We yelped and almost lost our balance. We couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Well, now it’s definitely a memorable experience!” That’s how we felt clumspy with the slashes and cool on photos! haha
Praslin Island: The Grand Finale
Berjaya Praslin Resort: Home Away From Home
Our adventure continued on Praslin Island, where we were welcomed with open arms at the Berjaya Praslin Resort. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the incredible hospitality. Mr Sunil took us around Praslin island and giving us the best hospitality we ever received!
The staff at Berjaya went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Sunil, Bilal, Mangit, and the entire team took care of our every need. Being vegetarians with strict dietary restrictions (no onions or garlic), we’re used to facing challenges when dining out. But Chef Mangit and his team surprised us with their attention to detail and willingness to accommodate our needs.
The rooms were incredibly beautiful and spacious, and we were pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful gestures from the Berjaya staff. Knowing we had traveled from Mahé Island to La Digue and now to Praslin, they welcomed us warmly and prepared delightful surprises. Our names were elegantly decorated on the beds, adding a personal touch that made us smile! The rooms were exceptionally clean, and the shower area was cozy and comfortable, providing us with a luxurious experience in this island paradise..
Berjaya boasts a stunning pool that offers a perfect escape for relaxation and leisure. Surrounded by lush greenery and comfortable lounge chairs, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Whether you’re looking to take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, the pool at Berjaya is a true oasis. Remember to try their mocktails, it was amazing!
One evening, as we sat down for dinner, Chef Mangit personally came out to reassure us that our meals were prepared without any alliums. Ken’s eyes lit up as he saw the spread before us. “Gor, is that… Chinese food?” he asked incredulously.
I nodded, equally amazed. “Looks like it! Who would’ve thought we’d find a taste of home here in Seychelles?”
As we dug into our delicious meal, we turned to each other with a mischievous grin. “You know, if this is what vegetarian food is like here, there goes our plan to diet” We laughed, knowing full well that the chances of us to slim down were slim to none. But it was a testament to how good the food was!
Anse Lazio: Beauty in the Storm
Our visit to the famous Anse Lazio beach was an adventure in itself. Despite the gloomy weather and impending rain, we were determined to see this renowned spot.
As we arrived, the sky was overcast, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Ken and I spent hours taking photos, trying to capture the unique beauty of the beach under moody skies. Just as we were about to leave, the heavens opened up and it started pouring.
Before we knew it, we were both wet by the warm Indian Ocean rain, laughing like kids as the rain pelted down around us. It might not have been the sunny beach day we’d imagined, but it was perfect in its own way.
The Coco de Mer Discovery
One of the biggest surprises of our trip was our encounter with the famous Coco de Mer. We had no prior knowledge of this unique nut, but by the end of our trip, we’d become its biggest fans!
We decided to skip the touristy Vallée de Mai and instead opted for a more natural experience at Fond Ferdinand National Park. As we hiked up the trail, huffing and puffing (maybe we shouldn’t have had that extra helping at breakfast), Ken and I suddenly stopped in his tracks.
“Didi, what’s that?” I asked, pointing at a massive nut hanging from a palm tree.
He squinted up at it, equally baffled. “I have no idea. It looks like a coconut on steroids!”
We later learned that this was the famous Coco de Mer, the largest seed in the plant kingdom. As we continued our hike, we couldn’t stop marveling at these giant nuts and their, um, rather unique shape symbolising shape of women’s and men’s. Anyway it was said by the local, not us! So go find them. 🙂
When we reached the top of the trail, we were rewarded with an incredible view and complete solitude. As we caught our breath and took in the panorama, Ken turned to me with a grin. “You know, gor, I know what we can sell, did you see the price tag on them in the gift shop?”
My eyes widened. “Yeah, who knew a nut could cost more than my entire wardrobe?”
As we made our way back down the trail, still chuckling about our newfound “nut,” I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these moments of discovery and laughter shared with my brother.
The Berjaya Experience: More Than Just a Stay
Our time at both Berjaya Beau Vallon Resort on Mahe and Berjaya Praslin Resort was nothing short of magical. The hospitality we experienced went beyond just good service – it felt like we were part of the Berjaya family.
I’ll never forget the evening we spent chatting with a Mauritian doctor named Joy, a regular guest at Berjaya. As we watched the sun set from the perfect vantage point at Beau Vallon, Joy turned to us and said, “You know, I’ve stayed all over Seychelles for work, but Berjaya? It’s simply the best.”
Ken nodded in agreement, his mouth full of the delicious vegetarian tenpenyaki Chef had prepared specially for us. “Mmph… can’t argue with that!” he mumbled, giving a thumbs up.
As our 6-day adventure came to an end, Ken and I found ourselves wishing for more time. Who knew a small island nation could have so much to offer?
On our last night, as we sat on the beach watching our final Seychelles sunset, I turned to Ken with a smile. “You know, didi, I thought this trip was going to be all about the beaches and the views. But it’s been so much more than that.”
He nodded, knowing exactly what I meant. “The people, the food, the unexpected adventures…”
“The giant tortoises!” Ken chimed in with a grin.
We both laughed, remembering all the moments that made this trip special. From scaling Morne Blanc to making friends with century-old reptiles, from discovering the world’s largest nut to dancing in the rain at Anse Lazio, every day had brought new wonders.
As the last rays of sun dipped below the horizon, I realized that this trip had not only shown us the beauty of Seychelles but had also brought Ken and me closer together. And isn’t that what travel is all about?
So, if you’re thinking about a trip to Seychelles, take it from two brothers who thought 6 days would be enough – give yourself more time to explore, to discover, and to make memories that will last a lifetime. And if you’re looking for a place that feels like home away from home, Berjaya resorts are the way to go. Trust us, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!
Want more tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes shenanigans from our Seychelles adventure? Check out our Travel Inspiration 360 posts, or social media posts from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for all the content we couldn’t fit into this blog. Who knows, you might even catch a video of Ken’s infamous tortoise whispering session
📱 Follow Keith Yuen’s Journey on Travel Inspiration 360 :
- Travel Inspiration 360 website
- Travel Inspiration 360’s Facebook Page
- Keith Yuen’s Facebook Account
- Travel Inspiration 360’s Instagram
- Travel Inspiration 360’s Tiktok
- Subscribe to Travel Inspiration 360’s YouTube channel
📱 Follow my two little brothers Ryan’s and Ken’s Journey on Travel Inspiration 360 :
Travel is more than just the places you go; it’s the connections you make, the lessons you learn, and the memories you create with the people you love. The world is big, but the experiences that shape you are even bigger. Traveling with my brother is like seeing the world through two lenses—one for the places we go, and one for the bond we grow. Every adventure deepens both. – Keith Yuen