Traveling in a new country like a true insider is always challenging, even for the most seasoned of travellers. The different currencies, unfamiliar streets, and foreign culture can sometimes make one feel like an alien.
Of course, diving head first into the unknown is all part and parcel of the fun of travelling. But if you prefer consistency and a sure-fire way to explore a city, there are companies that can help you out.
Take for example Viator. The tour-booking agency was a big help during our recent stay in Los Angeles, pointing out the best spots to visit, and generally making our lives a whole lot easier.
That’s what they specialise in after all – churning out all sorts of “destination activities” for people, creating experiences that are just a simple click away. Here, we list down our favourite activities you can book through Viator to explore the City of Angels. We did, and we have no regrets at all.
STUDIO & CELEBRITY TOURS:
WARNER BROS. HOLLYWOOD STUDIO TOUR & MOVIE STARS’ HOMES TOUR
Los Angeles is all about Hollywood, and Hollywood is all about the movies. If you’re a movie buff (who isn’t?), then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this day tour. It starts with an early morning visit to the Warner Bros. movie studio, followed by a drive through Hollywood Hills and its surrounding suburbs where the rich and famous live. We suggest grabbing a huge breakfast before taking off because these tours are scheduled back to back and the only time you get a food break is at noon.
WARNER BROS. HOLLYWOOD STUDIO TOUR:
The day starts with a Starline minibus (starlinetours.com) that will pick you up in the morning at your hotel (or Airbnb). You’ll be dropped off at the entrance of Warner Bros. studio where you’re assigned a guide who will stay with
you and your group throughout the tour. Highlights include visiting famous television sets such as Friends, Gilmore Girls, Big Bang Theory and Pretty Little Liars; as well as movie sets like those from the Batman series and Argo. There’s also an incredible amount of movie trivia to take in as your guide brings you around the sound and light stages, and you’ll end off at a replica of the iconic Central Perk Cafe (yes, the one that just set up in Singapore with a $1,000 membership fee), which is where you can load up on coffee and sandwiches before the bus leaves for part two of your day’s activities.
MOVIE STARS’ HOMES TOUR: This is where it gets even more fun. You sit in an open top mini van that drives you around Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, and other rich estates, while your tour guide points out who lives where. We went past the homes of Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Sacha Baron Cohen and his wife Isla Fisher, Michael Jackson (the home he rented in which he eventually died), and the ex-home of Bruno Mars — he moved so mini vans like ours won’t keep coming round to peer over his fence. If you’re lucky you might even spot a celebrity leaving or returning home. The trick is to look inside the super expensive cars. Anything other than a sports car or luxury sedan is probably the help (says the guide, no really). If you feel like you’re intruding on the celebrity’s privacy, yes you are. If you’re totally ok with that, then get ready your zoom lens.
Tour available at www.viator.com.
PLAY WESTWORLD:
HORSEBACK-RIDING TOUR TO THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Never been horseback riding before? There’s nothing to worry about here; the professionals at Sunset Ranch will take care of you.
SUNSET RANCH: A Karmel shuttle (karmel.com) will pick you up from your designated location and drop you right at the gates of Sunset Ranch (sunsetranchhollywood.com). If you arrive early (we arrived about half an hour earlier than when the office opened), then you have the good fortune of hiking up the very steep hill to where the ranch of office is. Following which you can spend the time snapping photos of horses, ducks, chickens, and donkeys that live on the ranch — it’s a huge operation going on. Next, you’ll be filling out all sorts of indemnity forms and then getting saddled onto your assigned horse. All the horses are gentle (and lazy, so they say), and will bring you on a slow walk up and down the hills. Don’t expect any trotting or galloping of any sort — these horses are trained to be nice and slow. Also, they like to teeter on the edge of the cliff, which will give you a mini heart attack the first few times they do so. Just go with the flow. As the guide will point out, horses have much better senses than us humans, and won’t go over the edge. They like to go near the edge though to see where they are, so just let them be. The whole journey will show you incredible sights of Los Angeles, and your guide will help you take photos at the best spots. You’ll be in good hands all the way, just as long as no mountain lions run out of the bushes (there’s a sign warning about mountain lions in the area, but the guides assure us they have not seen any. Yet.).
Tour available at www.viator.com.
RIDE THE MOVIES:
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
If you like theme parks, you need to plan a visit to the original Universal Studios in Hollywood Los Angeles. It’s much bigger than the one in Singapore, and there’s Hogwarts. First things first, don’t buy your ticket at the gate — it’s always more expensive and there’s always a long queue. Be smart and get it online. Next, splurge for a Front of Line pass — you won’t regret it. This lets you skip the ridiculous queues for rides and shows. After all, it’s a lie that we Singaporeans love to queue (who in this world actually likes to queue?!). In fact, many of the estimated waiting times are between 40 to 50 minutes, and who has time for standing in line? Without the Front of Line pass, it’ll feel like you’ll be spending your whole time at Universal Studios doing nothing but queuing. Splurge on this pass and save on other things. Like the turkey leg (it was dry and tough) and churros (tasted like fake food) — both pale in comparison to the ones available at Disneyland (sorry Universal, but it’s true!). Anyway, Universal Studios has Hogwarts (did I already say that?).
NOTE:
• Check park hours before you go. There’s a calendar on the official website, and the hours are different every day.
• Buy your tickets online and not on site. They are cheaper and you don’t have to queue.
• MUST DO: Buy the Front of Line pass.
Tour available at www.viator.com.
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