Chasing Culture: Jibao Huang’s Jamaican Adventure

At the Bob Marley Museum, Kingston, Jamaica
When 20-year-old Jibao Huang booked a last-minute flight from Los Angeles to Jamaica, he wasn’t after the usual sun-soaked beaches or all-inclusive resorts. Instead, he was on a quest for culture. “I actually found Jamaica by accident,” Huang shared with the Jamaica Observer. “I went on Google Flights looking for a cheap ticket, and Jamaica popped up. I knew of Bob Marley, jerk chicken, the culture, and I said I had to experience it for myself.”

Huang landed on January 11, armed with no itinerary but a single goal: to see Jamaica beyond the tourist lens. As he researched the island, he noticed a pattern. “Montego Bay and Ocho Rios kept coming up, but that’s where all the tourists go,” he explained. “I wanted to see the real Jamaica, where the food, the culture, and the people really are. That’s why I chose Kingston.”

Overcoming Misconceptions

Before arriving, Huang was bombarded with online warnings about Kingston, especially downtown. “Everywhere online it’s like, ‘Don’t go there. It’s dangerous. Those are the slums of Jamaica,’” he recalled. But he decided to venture in anyway. “I understand it’s not comparable to big cities in America in terms of development, but it’s not something dangerous or something that should scare you away,” he said. “It’s just a part of Jamaican culture.”

Walking through downtown Kingston, he observed daily life unfolding. “Everyone was hustling, everyone was just minding their own business,” he noted. “No one bothered me. No one tried to sell me anything unless I spoke to them first. People were just working and living.” Instead of fear, he felt a sense of normalcy. “It didn’t feel dangerous. It felt human.”

A Warm Welcome

Huang emphasized that one of the biggest misconceptions about Kingston is safety, especially for solo travelers. “A lot of videos online make it seem like you’re going to get robbed or hurt,” he said. “But when I got here, I didn’t feel unsafe at all. Even walking alone at night, I felt normal. Everyone I met was kind. The hospitality here is unmatched.”

That warmth was palpable from his first moments on the island. “The first thing I did when I landed was buy a coconut,” Huang recalled with a laugh. “I thought, tropical island… I have to.” He was pleasantly surprised by the price. “Only $300! The vendor cut a piece of the shell and used it as a spoon. That was my first time ever doing that. I definitely have to get another one before I leave.”

The Bob Marley Experience

Standing at the Bob Marley Museum, Huang felt the weight of Jamaica’s cultural influence. “For someone like me who grew up hearing Bob Marley’s music, being here makes it real,” he said. “It connects the culture, the history, and the people.” His father’s love for coffee led him to try a cup of Blue Mountain coffee at Cafe Blue in Liguanea, St Andrew, further enriching his experience.

During his trip, Huang also ventured to Ocho Rios and Oracabessa, where he met a local chef who prepared a meal for him. “That experience was deeply personal and memorable,” he said. Yet, Kingston remained his favorite. “Kingston holds a special place in my heart,” he declared. “If you want white sand beaches and resorts, Montego Bay or Ocho Rios is perfect. But if you want culture, food, real people, and real vibes, come to Kingston.”

A Philosophy of Exploration

Huang’s travel philosophy is straightforward: arrive with curiosity, not assumptions. “No itinerary,” he said. “Just explore and ask locals… the Anthony Bourdain way.” After just two days on the island, he was already wearing a Jamaican shirt and planning his next moves. “I’ve only been here a short time, and I’m already loving it,” he added.

You can follow Huang’s adventures on social media at @BaoAroundTheWorld, where he shares his journey of cultural exploration. What hidden gems might you discover if you ventured beyond the usual tourist spots?