sources of knowledge

Enjoying Fun Fishing In Thousand Islands Region

2011-11-23T03:44:00.000-08:00

pulau-seribuThousand Islands? Surely everyone knows the name of the Thousand Islands Tourism is not far from the capital. Tour the Thousand Islands, not just swimming at the beach, snorkeling or diving (diving). One of the thousand islands tourism activities we can do is fishing. This fishing can be just ‘killing time’ or to kill time and drive a sense of boredom, or both to deliver a hobby.

Fishing on the island of a thousand tourist areas or at sea, as opposed to when we are fishing in fresh water such as in lakes, reservoirs, ponds or ponds. Say not the same fishing pole, using a stick or ‘rod’ and equipment. But the use of fishing gear, if we are fishing in the sea we can only use when we are fishing at the pier.

If we are fishing in the sea, with fishing vessels (traditional boats) or fast boat (speedboat) is more fun if we did not use a stick or rod. Usually people when provoked into the middle of such terms or the island into the sea with a ship, do not use sticks, but only use strings just roll and it was certainly complete with hook and bait.

Fishing on the pier, the fish usually we can generally bloated, cendro and squid. Now, if we are fishing in the middle of the sea, we can get a fish like snapper, kuweh, grouper and other fish, depending on luck or fate alone.

Fun and cool fishing in tourist areas this a thousand islands, lies in when we are struck by a fish hook. We like to fight with the fish. We have smart and interesting in order to gain the fish that have been in front of the eyes, can not be separated because of our teaser break.

Location is another fun when we do not have fish as our next partner could continue. Here we are more curious to get a fish. Although we are experts, if luck was not taking sides, not necessarily lure us will be struck or eaten by fish.

To be fishing on the island of a thousand tourist areas, many ways we can do. We can depart from Pulau Muara Angke to the Boy Scouts, or the Coconut Grill. Tariff traditional transport ship, not too expensive. Only around Rp 30,000 to Rp 35,000.

When he arrived at these islands, we just choose, fishing on the dock or out to sea. If we chose to sea fishing, we can hire a fishing boat at a rate of about Rp 100,000 depending on our smart negotiating.

If we still do not understand the lay or fishing, no one we asked for help the fishermen to teach us. There are advantages if we rented the boat because we could be told the place or location of many fish fishing. We can also hire a trainer of fish, but fishermen who rent the boat we know where the location of many fish fishing.

Fishing pole, can we buy in stores that sell fishing. Equipment that we buy we can adjust our financial ability. No need of expensive fishing equipment to fishing. So, what are you waiting?
source:unlvasa.org

Top Reasons To Visit Hyderabad- The City Of Nizams

2011-11-23T03:15:00.000-08:00

by: Aanchal Gupta

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is one of the fastest developing cities in India and the city is known as the preserver of the unique culture of India. It is surely one of the most visited place in South India and every year tourists from every nook and corner of the world travels in Hyderabad for a memorable holiday.

Well, there are many solid reasons to visit Hyderabad and here are some of them:

Images of the past: The city of Hyderabad is a living example of the images of the opulent days of its ancient rulers. This 400 year old city is a must visit destination for history lovers. There are many places to visit in Hyderabad that reminds of the glorious past like Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort and so on. There are also many attractions that have remnants of art and culture of the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties

Mouth-watering dishes: One of the main highlights of the Hyderabad tourism is the Hyderabadi food which is a blend of Mughlai and Persian cuisines. It is famous for its rich and aromatic nature that comes due to the liberal use of exotic spices, ghee and fresh fruits. The Hyderabadi food uses fresh fruit instead of dried fruits. Biryani, one of India's most popular foods, is flavored rice with meat or vegetables and an important part of Hyderabadi cuisine.

Rich culture: Hyderabad is known for its rich history and culture with a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance that was formed during the rule of Nizams. One who travels in Hyderabad must visit the Salar Jung Museum to witness the cultural side of Hyderabad. It is one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world who was Salar Jung III. Some of the top items here are Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures and daggers, Chinese porcelain, jade collection and Japanese lacquer and other fabulous items.

Paradise for shopping lovers: Hyderabad is surely the best place in India for shopping. In fact, the city has been a major shopping center of India for years, right from the Mogul kings to the British rule to the present day. People come here to shop for, antiques, jewelry items, beautiful dresses, rare semi precious gems, natural pearls and handicrafts. Due to a pleasant Hyderabad weather, there will be no problem for tourists to travel around looking for souvenirs to take back home.

Other attractions: Gandhipet Lake also known as Osman Sagar is one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad. Spread over an area of 46 square kilometers, here people come to enjoy the lush greenery. One important lake is the Hussain Sagar Lake where 33 statues of different celebrities is breathtaking sight for one who travels in Hyderabad. One can even experience skiing in sweltering summers by visiting the Snow theme Park. It is the only such park in entire India where you can enjoy skiing in artificial snow.

Apart from this, there are Film City Birla mandir and Osmania University which are amongst the top places to visit in Hyderabad. So, it’s time to plan your trip to this “City of Nizams”.
source:articlecity.com

Different Things to Do on Your Trip to India

2011-11-23T03:10:00.001-08:00

by: Aalia Khan

So you have planned a trip to India and are all set to embark on your journey. If you have read/ heard about travel in India you will know that the opportunities to spend time are virtually limitless and there is no end to the various things to do, experiences to undertake and sights and sounds to marvel at. It can be quite challenging for a traveler to make the most of traveling in India since the country is so vast and there is just so much to do. In this article, we have shortlisted the best ways to spend time during a vacation in India.

1. Go Shopping for Unique Goods: This is a favorite pastime of all tourists in India. The handicrafts industry in the country produces just about every imaginable good, from textiles and garments to jewelry and footwear, from paintings and sculptures to household utility items and home furnishings. Instead of purchasing the usual mementoes, spend time in the bazaars and ‘haats’ of India to buy the “real India goods and wares” and take back a small piece of your trip to India with you. Delhi Haat in the capital city of Delhi, Lal Chowk in Kashmir and Meena Bazaars across various states in the country are all great examples of shopping opportunities.

2. Spend Time Trying Out the Food: Food is one of the biggest attractions of visiting India. From the spicy hot foods of Rajasthan to the localized Chinese cuisine all over the country, from the sambhar-vada of South India to the extravagant meat dishes of Kashmir, the cuisines and variety of food in India are limitless. For true Mughal cooking visit Old Delhi and Chandini Chowk in Delhi while you can try all kinds of state cuisines at Pragati Maidan and Delhi Haat.

3. Storytelling styles and puppetry are an integral part of the culture of India. No trip to India is complete without attending some shows. The India Habitat Centre in Delhi is often a venue for various street plays, concerts and small performances. Delhi Haatal ways has ongoing thematic festivals, usually with focus on specific states at a time, and one can not only buy goods and try out cuisines of the state but also attend theatre, dances and music performances of the state. These events are lively and vibrant and are a great effort on the patrons’ part to keep the ancient traditions and culture of the country alive. You can watch these age-old arts come to life, meet the performers, hear about the history of these performing arts and take beautiful pictures and videos that you will cherish for life.

Now that you have a list of the three best ways to spend time on a trip to India, make sure you follow this advice and do these things. Apart from visiting the monuments and tourist attractions and spending time at all the famous places it is also essential to explore the culture, cuisine and spirit of the country on any travel plan.

In order to get more details on shopping, dining and cultural opportunities of India do some research on the Internet. This way you will have an extensive list of places to go to, different schedules and price lists to rely on during your travel.
source:articlecity.com

Plan a San Diego Vacation for Your Family

2011-11-23T03:03:00.000-08:00

by: Chaitanya patel

Everyone who travels to San Diego for a family vacation must feel excited knowing what to expect. However, vacation such place must be planned with utmost care. The fact remains that this city offers so much it takes probably several consecutive vacations to see all there is to see. San Diego is a top choice destination for a family vacation filled with fun.

It does not matter what is the time of year once you reach San Diego. Its moderate climate is usually the same at all times. Apart from extraordinary beaches all around you, there are so many wonderful and attractive places you should visit with your family. Every family should make a trip to San Diego for excellent combination of amusement and combined historical and cultural contents.

When you plan vacation in San Diego with your family, your kids can feel a true touch of history in the remnants of Mexican architecture of the Old Town. The feel of old Californian times is all around you at this place. For yet another great experience, Mexico is just across the border and it is an excellent spot for a whole day visit.

San Diego is remarkable due to its legacies from the times of Mexican wars until present days. Since it’s historically related to the Navy, there is a perfectly maintained harbor on the Coronado Island. It is a very interesting for your kids to see the Maritime Museum display and USS Midway.

The variety of content in San Diego is a choice where no family will have time to rest. Many zoo gardens, especially the Sea World, are built and maintained up to the highest world standards. San Diego differs a lot from other tourist destinations with Zoo content because they care a lot for most accurate natural settings for their wildlife species. It is so easy to transfer yourself to entirely different world, whether it being Africa or the Polar Cap with rare, white bears.

If you know your wishes and study San Diego carefully, your every day will be an extraordinary adventure. Apart from visiting cultural jewel of the town, Balboa Park, you can simply walk to the beach and enjoy. Still the hottest spot on this coastline is La Jolla, though other beaches offer nothing less.

Most beaches you can take your family to will offer diversity of water sports and adventures. Visiting La Jolla Cove will enable you see the seals. If your kids love to surf, the Ocean Beach is excellent spot. The point you have to deal with in the beginning is that San Diego always offers more than merely beaches and you might not be able to see it all.

Rich in exquisite restaurants of Old City or Gaslight District, it will offer you opportunity to taste some of the best prepared meals you have ever tasted. With its fresh air, proximity to bigger centers and its wide offer, San Diego is a true sanctuary for families who want to escape ordinary and hectic city life.
source:articlecity.com

Tips and Tricks to a Magical Disney Vacation!

2011-11-14T01:48:00.001-08:00

by: Megan Biller

It all started when I was two years old. My parents brought me to the magical land of Disney World, and I was hooked. I’ve been there at least 15 times since that first trip, including my honeymoon!

Every vacation there has been magical – even in the heat and humidity of Florida in August! Although most of this was due to the magic of Disney itself, it was also due to the tips I have learned, and the tricks we use frequently! Allow me to share a few with you so that your Disney vacation can be just as magical as mine are!

Utilize Extra Magic Hours

Being a Disney resort guest, your family can enter certain parks an hour early, or stay up to three hours later at night! These are great times to ride on those popular rides before crowds start to form, or when the crowds are leaving.

Take an Afternoon Break

This is extremely important if you are traveling with kids, or are visiting in the summer. Taking a break from the parks in the afternoon allows you to enjoy your resort pool, or take a nap so you can ride more rides in the evening. It also lessens the chances of a mid-day breakdown in the middle of Main Street USA!

Make Dining Reservations

Even if you are traveling during a ‘value’ season, it is important to make dining reservations! It is very difficult to walk up to a restaurant and be able to have a meal. Disney allows you to make these 180 days before your arrival date, so research what restaurants you are interested in first, then make those reservations!

Use Disney’s FASTPASS

Disney’s FASTPASS is available for any guest who has a park ticket. Head to your favorite ride (that usually has a longer line) and put your park ticket in the kiosk. It will print out a ticket with a return time for you to come back to the ride, walk in a shorter line to the front of the line! After using your FASTPASS (or 2 hours after getting one) you can do the same for another ride. (Another note: if the stand-by line is 20 minutes or less, it is better to just wait in line.)

Explore the Resorts

Disney’s attention to detail goes beyond the theme parks. Explore the resorts as well! At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can view animals outside the hotel room, roaming in the savannah. At the Polynesian Resort, listen to the sounds of the Pacific islands while relaxing on a white sand beach. At Coronado Springs Resort, explore ancient Mayan ruins. At the Boardwalk Resort, watch entertainers along the actual boardwalk! (Another note: If traveling around the holidays, the resorts are decorated with trees, lights and even gingerbread houses!)

The tips and tricks are endless! Each Disney vacation is different in its own way – but always magical!
source: articlecity.com

Free Attractions In Las Vegas

2011-11-14T01:46:00.000-08:00

by: Andrea Ivey

Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the globe, has lots of free attractions for everyone. Famous for shopping, gambling, top notch restaurants, amusement and lively night life, Las Vegas is the 28th most densely populated city in the United States of America. You don’t need to worry about your budget as the city offers lots of free things to do. You can enjoy lots of free attractions in Las Vegas that comprise great places, parks, museums, shows and much more.

The wide availability of free attractions in Las Vegas makes this superb, lively city a grand place to chill out without spending a fortune. If you are looking for free things to do in Las Vegas, this article will help you a lot. Some of top notch places to visit in Las Vegas for free or for a really cheap price are as follows:

Anderson Dairy

This grand place (Anderson Dairy) has been attracting tourists in addition to the city’s inhabitants since 1907. At Anderson Dairy, you can enjoy guided trips of the plant without spending any money. In addition, you can also enjoy a delicious and yummy ice cream treat free of cost.

Marjorie Barrick Museum

Established in 1969, this antique repository offers opportunities to get familiar with the local cultures of the southwest US as well as Mesoamerica. From the survival arts of the Southern Paiute to the impressive and extravagant weaving of the Navajo and attractive monument of the Hopi, the displays aid the visitors to notify not only the charisma of objects but their individual and sacred importance.

Wetlands Park

This is an astonishing place for bird watching and leisure activities. The superb, astounding park is a home to numerous types of animals as well as birds. The Wetlands Park has on foot trails, secondary trails, ponds and bird seeing places.

Liberace Museum

Among free attraction in Las Vegas, Liberace Museum is one of the major attractions. This depositary demands a small entry charge. You can spend lots of time basking the surprises of this great place. The Museum has many things to exhibit comprising momentous pianos, traditional car compilation and exceptional antique works.

Circus Circus Casino

Enter the circus tent and get amused by free circus acts at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. each day, you can enjoy some unmatched circus plays here. Performances consist of mid-air shows, swing performers and jocks. This is among one of the best free activities for kids in Las Vegas.

Arts District

Las Vegas's downtown Arts District is jam-packed with creative activities. This district has lots of artists' studios in addition to picture galleries. You need not pay any entry fee. It is open to everybody every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Apart from these attractions, Las Vegas has much more to offer for a budget friendly vacation.
source:articlecity.com

The Breathtaking Beauty Of Kerala Tours

2011-11-12T05:09:00.000-08:00

by: Aalia Khan

Kerala if one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing states of India. It has been proudly named ‘God’s Own Country’. It lies in South India and is one of the most popular tourist regions of the world. It’s beautiful beaches, spectacular backwaters, palm trees, leafy hill stations with rubber and tea plantations, coconut trees adjacent to the beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, gushing waters, soothing lakes and calm atmosphere make Kerala a land blessed with beauty. Its ecosystem is a perfect example of nature’s equilibrium and that is why it is also known as the “green paradise”. It is a perfect destination for eco-tourism, as it has greenery in abundance.

Its beaches are among some of the finest beaches of the world and are known for their beach resorts. Every year, its exquisite beaches are visited by thousands of tourists from all around the world. These beaches enthrall everybody and the memory remains with them forever. Water sports like scuba diving are exhilarating to one’s sensations, and beach volleyball, amongst other sports, is a great way to relax and have fun with friends, family and even strangers.

It is also known as the Venice of the East, because it represents a figure of romantic destination and attracts honeymoon couples from all over the world. These beaches are perfect places for celebration for honeymoon couples.

Verdant hill stations are a treasure of beautiful nature, rich flora and fauna, and marvelous landscape. These are very famous and known as the green carpet lands that enchant every tourist. Tourists can visit the places like Munnar, Trivandrum, Thekaddy and Allahpuzaha; these are the resorts famous for their mesmerizing beauty and cultural dignity.

Any Kerala Tour is incomplete without visiting some popular wildlife sanctuaries; for instance, Animal and Wildlife Sanctuary at Eravikulam and Fauna Wildlife Sanctuary at Chinnar. These places cast a spell on your mind and weave magic that will enchant you forever.

Kerala is famous all over the world in the production of spices. Fish is mostly used in every dish and a wide variety of different spices are used in making the dishes, lending them a flavor that is so extraordinary that it has no parallels to be compared with. Idli, Dosa, Sambhar, Vadha and Utthapam are some of the specialties of South Indian food that can be experienced in Kerala. South Indian coffee is also famous all around the world for its rich taste, warming brew and delicious aromas.

Kerala has an enviable cultural heritage. Its temples are the epitome of architectural beauty; they stand tall, carved out of the gigantic stones, and are some of the most glorious examples of the heritage to be experienced in Incredible India. Their architecture seems to be designed by God himself. One must visit these stupendous artistic surprises to understand art and cultural dignity of India.

Kerala is a complete tour package that one can enjoy with family. It is a wholesome honeymoon destination and wonderful destination for youth. One celebrates nature in nature’s lap, and it is an unforgettable episode in one’s life, one that is bound to make you return to its wonderful goodness. So pack up your bags today, and come visit the luxury of the green paradise.
source: articlecity.com

Relax in the blessed beaches of Australia via Flights to Perth

2011-11-12T05:08:00.000-08:00

by: Chrish Watson

Perth is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city of Australia. With myriad bars, restaurants and cultural activities all vying for attention it has become a tourist hotspot. The best bit about Perth is that when you want to chill out, Perth’s pristine parkland and beaches offer various excitements. Beaches, exotic marine life, national reserves and the bluest ocean in the world, Perth has various enchantments. Perth’s regal history and prosperous culture along with the mystical sand beaches and plethoric natural beauty attract throngs of people from various parts of the globe. Swim with whale sharks, meet the dolphins of Monkey Mia and take in the unique rock formations of the Pinnacles.

Attractions that offer a peep into life

Visitors from around the globe take Cheap Flights to Perth with great enthusiasm and vigor to experience the unique blend of culture and cuisines offering one with a wide range of night clubs, pubs, cafes and eateries. A journey to the majestic past can be made with a visit to the Perth city centre and art gallery of Western Australia. Places like The Western Australian Museum, Alexander library and Perth institute of contemporary art should be further stops in the exploration of this majestic city. Tourists in Australia definitely will enjoy a day at Pinnaroo Valley memorial Park with the semi wild kangaroos. Sports loving tourists can enjoy by being spectator to some of the most world popular games associations in town such as the Australian Rules football, Perth basketball, and Cricket and Rugby associations. Plan a vacation to Perth with premium Perth flights and witness life like never before.

Discover the aquatic paradise

Perth is known for its captivating beaches and known as the aquatic paradise. Perth boasts of crystal-clear coastline, teeming with brilliant coral, unspoiled reefs, 19th century shipwrecks, spectacular surf and majestic sea creatures. Relax and rejuvenate your senses on the golden sand beaches of Perth. Tourists from far and wide book Flights to Perth to explore the aquatic beauties and wonders of Perth. Adventure lovers can try exciting water sports such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, rafting and many other adventure sports. Whale watching and swimming with the dolphins are the exciting activities the tourist look forward to.

Relax in the sprawling city

Visitors in Perth can relax by shopping, lazing around in the beaches, and tasting delicacies. Cheap Flights to Perth helps you experience the most abundant dining experiences, from the high-end waterfronts, to the budget cheerful Perth cafés. One can find a gamut of flavors from Italian Vietnamese, Indian, and Chinese to Thai, Ethiopian and Turkish. Take home some of the most excellent clicks of the landscape by taking a ferry to south Perth and take the world famous snap of Perth skyline or get a spectacular look of the glittering horizon in the Swan River.

Homely environment

Perth is one of the most tourist friendly destinations. Visitors feel quite at home in this city. To experience some of the most extravagant and homely ambiance in the world board Perth Flights and get value for money. Perth looks after the needs and budgets of all its guests. From luxury treatment hotels to budget hotels accommodation is available for all tourists.
source: articlecity.com

Traveling in Oman

2011-11-12T04:45:00.000-08:00

by: Oman Tours & Travels

Tourism is a priority sector in Oman, since its potential for growth and popularity has been recognized the world over. The country possesses amazing historic heritage, perfect environment, splendid folklore, and traditional industries like fishing, in addition to its natural beauty. All these tourist assets have given this country its own status on the travel map for the Middle East for decades, and now this great sea faring nation is all set to mystify the world. Before you get ready to visit any foreign land, it is crucial that you know how you can get around, thus is it helpful to have tips on traveling in Oman.

Whether you enter the country by means of air, land or sea, it is very important to read up on Oman. This way you can make a list of things you want to do during your stay, you can plan your itinerary well, and know how you will be traveling to all the destinations you have in mind. There are a large number of websites on the Internet that provide all information about the country. You can even know about the weather conditions, activities, sightseeing, and dressing norms here to pack your bags accordingly.

Internal travel in Oman can be undertaken by plane, bus, or rental car. If the places you want to visit are near Muscat or Salalah, there are regular flights between the two airports by the national carrier, Oman Air. To connect bigger cities in the country like Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Sohar, and Salalah, there are daily bus services. Buses here are punctual and never crowded, providing inexpensive option of transportation. The state-owned bus service also has air-conditioned modern buses. Private or shared taxis are available in Oman, and are fairly cheap and convenient, but the best mode of transportation to explore the place is by renting a car.

There are plenty of car rental companies in Oman. Most of them have offices at the airport as well. These companies are equipped to give you multiple options in type of car, brand, amenities, etc. If budget is not a concern to you, then a nice four wheel drive with GPS is advisable to explore the rough terrains of the country. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, traveling in Oman is a pleasure. The people are friendly and helpful, and who knows you might go back home with not just memories of adventure and sightseeing but even some memories of new found friends.
source:articlecity.com

Advice That Could Come In Handy When Booking BVI Bareboats

2011-10-19T05:40:00.002-07:00

by: Tony K.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get on Caribbean bareboats? Well if you have ever played around with the thought or have seen pictures from friends who have BVI bareboats, you should consider turning the thought into a reality. BVI bareboats are not something that should intimidate you. These bareboats are a lovely way of taking a unique vacation to whichever destination your heart desires. When it comes to booking bareboat yacht charters, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. By following these handy tidbits of advice, you will realize that booking these charters is not as difficult as you may have presumed the process to be.

BVI bareboats charters can be booked by contacting a charter manager that is both knowledgeable as well as helpful. One should always ensure that they contact a reputable charter company. By using reputable charter companies, you are assured to be dealing with personnel that is experienced as well as personable. You will also find that the BVI bareboats that are available to you when dealing with a reputable company are in good condition and are well maintained. Experienced Caribbean yacht charter companies will walk you through the whole process of booking BVI bareboats without any fuss. Another advantage of dealing with a reputable company is that they tend to anticipate any questions you may have about the entire process as well as any concerns that may be at the back of your mind. This ensures that you get all the information that you need making the entire process as straight forward as it could possibly be.

Once you have researched on the available BVI bareboats charter companies that are available to you, you can then make the decision on which would be best suited for you to deal with. Once this has been established, you can then go about getting the required documentation. The first kind of certification that you would need to present if you are looking for BVI bareboats would be a résumé on sailing. If you do not have this, you have two options available to you. The first would be to take up a sailing course beforehand so that you may acquire the recommended skills as well as the required certification of sailing. The second option would be to look into hiring someone who is an experienced sailor to handle the BVI bareboats for you. If you choose to hire someone, then the charter company would need them to produce the required certification in order for them to know that they are competent and legal. The other documents that you would need would be valid passports for you and any people travelling with you so that you may be able to gain access to the BVI bareboats. You would also have to make prior arrangements for provisions to be supplied to your BVI bareboats. If you do not know how to go about this the charter company should be able to arrange it to be done for you. The provisions include food for your trip, toiletries, beverages and anything else you may need for your vacation.

After years of international corporate experience with several Fortune 500 companies, in 1998, Tony King finally decided to "re-invent" himself and, accordingly, obtained his USCG captains license and, together with his wife Gail, started our their business in their favorite recreational activity, yachts and the ocean. They now co-own the American Yacht Company that places our clients on charter yachts and bareboats all over the world.
source: articlecity.com

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Join the Celebrations with a 7 Feet Tall Dallas Mavericks LEGO Brick Replica

2011-10-19T05:40:00.001-07:00

by: Rivington
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Dallas has invited all to Join them along with a special guest, ESPN Radio's "Voice of the Mavericks", Chuck Cooperstein, for a special unveiling of a 7-foot-tall LEGO Brick replica! In celebration of the recent NBA Championship victory of the Dallas Mavericks, LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills mall is joining in the "Mavs-mania" and will unveil their special tribute for all of Dallas and Fort Worth to enjoy!

The event will take place on Tuesday the 28th of June at 10:00am at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills mall, in front of Entrance 5; by the AMC Theater, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, TX 76051.

The event will feature Chuck Cooperstein "voice of the Mavericks" from ESPN Radio's 103.3 FM, Iain Scouller the General Manager at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Dallas and Cal Walsh LEGOLAND Discovery Center's very own LEGO Master Model Builder.

All media must check-in with Elysa Nelson (469-766-9358) at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center retail entrance to be escorted inside the attraction for the photo-opp. The brief remarks will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the unveiling of the special tribute LEGO brick replica will happen at around 10:10 a.m.

The $12-million, 35,000-square-foot indoor attraction in Dallas is the second LEGOLAND Discovery Center venue to open in the U.S. and the fifth in the world. It offers a fun, highly interactive and educational 2-3 hour indoor experience which is ideal for families with children. Based on the ever-popular LEGO brick, LEGOLAND Discovery Center provides a range of interactive features including hands-on play areas; a 4D cinema; master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder; LEGO rides; special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations; and the venue's signature MINILAND exhibit, which is a recreation of landmarks in North Texas out of LEGO bricks.

Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location-based family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe's number one, and the world's second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 62 attractions and six hotels in 12 countries across three continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 14,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions - SEA LIFE - the world's No 1 aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures, Heide Park, Underwater Adventures, and Earth Explorer.
source: articlecity.com

LEGO Events in June at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Chicago

2011-10-19T05:39:00.001-07:00

by: Rivington
The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Chicago has some LEGOtastic events this June including a LEGO Cars 2 weekend to celebrate Fathers Day and LEGO Star Wars days towards the end of the month.

Celebrate Fathers Day with LEGO Cars weekend

It's a fast and furious start to summer as LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago hosts two LEGO Cars Weekends. The fun runs June 10-12 and June 17-19 and includes two weekends full of LEGO car-themed activities.

Guests at LEGO Cars Weekends are invited to perfect their skills in the pit with car-themed activities including Creative Challenges, Derby Races, LEGO Games, and, for younger builders, LEGO Traffic School where you can drive cars down the streets of LEGO City.

On Father's Day, June 19, dads are invited to take part in the fun with their kids at the first ever LDC Derby! Families can build their LEGO racer at home or create one on-site in the LEGO Cars Building Workshop. Expert Model Builders will be on hand to help dads and kids design their perfect car out of LEGO bricks. Teams will then race their cars against others on the track for a chance to win a number of great prizes.

"Building a LEGO car is fun for kids and the kids at heart. It's also a unique way to spend time with dad and let him know that he's appreciated," said LEGOLAND Discovery Center Master Model Builder, Daniel Morey. "We really want to shine a light on the importance of family and teamwork, and what better way to do it than with a little friendly competition?"

The battle continues at LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

The Force is strong at a LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago as the Jedi, Droids and Clone Troopers return for three days of intergalactic fun to celebrate LEGO Star Wars Days. The legendary battle over MINILAND – a scaled down version of Chicago made out of LEGO bricks – continues as the Clone Troopers fight to keep the city safe from the destructive Battle Droids from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

"LEGO Star Wars Days has quickly become our most popular event of the season," said LEGOLAND Discovery Center's own Master Model Builder, Daniel Morey. "We have a lot of great new activities planned for the weekend, including a very special makeover of MINILAND that will capture the essence of a true Star Wars battle."

The intergalactic Star Wars weekend includes Star Wars themed Model Builder Workshops and

opportunities to assist the Master Model Builder in a Yoda group build.

Life-sized LEGO Darth Vader and LEGO R2-D2 models will be on show to give guests the best photo opportunities in the galaxy. 1,000 clone trooper and battle droid minifigures ready for battle in MINILAND.

Activities will include a scavenger hunt to find ten characters hidden throughout MINILAND with the chance to win a family four-pack of Annual Passes and Star Wars Building activities with prizes and giveaways.
source: articlecity.com

The Most Beneficial Off Roading Spots

2011-10-19T05:38:00.002-07:00

by: Wendell Combs
The Greatest Off Roading Locations

Four of the best off road driving locations tend to be Bundy Hill Off-Road Park, Twisted Trails Off Road Park, Badlands Off Road Park and Silver Lake State Park. All four of those areas offer exhilaration and fun. These are great places in order to ride atvs.

Bundy Hill Off-Road Park has a variety of functions. This off road recreation area has trails for novices and for more experienced riders. The park consists of 300 acres associated with land and exists in Michigan. 1 passenger per day is $5. There are bottomless dirt pits and sand dunes. Many people possess really enjoyed this dirt park for its variety.

The Twisted Paths Off Road park is found in Michigan. The park contains sand, dirt, a race service and much more. The park contains 240 acres of land. This particular park is free for people 9 and more youthful, and the cost is $10 for each person that is 9 and older. The Twisted Trails Off Road Park has been operating for many years. This is an off road park many might consider for its many features.

The Badlands Dirt Park is located in Michigan. This park consists of many different features and over 700 acres associated with land. One passenger per day is $5. This particular park contains sand dunes, stream crossings, bottomless mud and extreme rock crawling. This park has trails for drivers who would like easier trails as well as drivers who want challenging trails. This park offers many options. Experienced drivers and drivers with little encounter would enjoy this recreation area.

The Silver Lake State Park resides in Michigan. There are many sand dunes in this park. Drivers possess enjoyed going over these types of sand dunes. This particular park contains 2,936 acres of land. There is also much forest to travel through. This is another good place for off road driving.

All four of those places are great for dirt driving. People have enjoyed all of them. Off road driving can be very exciting. The actual Badlands Off Road Park as well as Bundy Hill Off-Road Park each have trails for both beginners and more experienced drivers. The Badlands Dirt Park and Twisted Trails Off Road Recreation area offer many different functions. People can mix streams, ride on sand dunes as well as race. The off Road Parks have what many people want within off road driving. These are four of the best off road parks in America. They all offer excitement and fun for the skilled and beginning.
source: articlecity.com

Draper Days 2011- Utah Festivals

2011-10-19T05:38:00.001-07:00

by: Jenn Foster
Draper Days 2011- Utah Festivals

Local Businesses in Utah participate in Draper Days Parade and Festival
The largest community event in Draper is held mid-summer. This is an opportunity for community members and visitors to get out in the summer sun, play, listen to
a concert, see a parade and marvel at the fireworks display. Sporting events include a rodeo, 5k run, and childrens' activities. Two evenings of concerts are scheduled for July 15th and 16th, 2011

Founded in 1997, the Draper Community Foundation is a nonprofit -organization dedicated to promoting and managing the Arts and many other
community events, programs and projects in Draper, Utah. The Community Foundation strives to bring good people and good causes together to build a better
community.

Parade Entries included: Forever Young, Classic Fun Center, Lyric Motion, Bank of American Fork, Jill Saddler Remax Alta High School, Alta Hawks Cheer and Football, Draper Rotary, Riverton Rotary, Draper Theater, Tropical Snow, 4-H, Girl Scouts of America, Fashion Corner, Bobby Lawrence Karate, Esteem Dance, Definitely Dance, Whisper Creek Preschool, Bodyquardz, Online Marketing Utah, Walk on Water USA, Xinfinity, and many more local businesses in Draper, Utah and surrounding Cities.

EVENTS 2011 included:
"Miss Draper Rodeo Queen - June 3-4"
"Utah Symphony - June 29th"
"National Story Telling - July 7th"
Draper Days Rodeo - July 8th & 9th
Utah National Guard Army Band - July 11th
Carnival & Pool Party - July 11th
Children's Parade - July 12th
Heritage Banquet - July 13th
Draper Idol- July 14th
Family Movie Night - July 14th
Draper Nights - July 15th & 16th
Entertainment at the Park - July 16th
Family Activities - July 15th & 16th
Horse Pull - July 16th
Draper Parade - July 16th
5K Race - July 16th
Pancake Breakfast - July 16th
Fireworks - July 16th

The City of Draper and the Draper Community Foundation
are pleased to present the 2011 Draper Days Community
Event. It is our way of saying thank you to our residents and
a way to celebrate our Draper Heritage and spend time with
our neighbors. This is an opportunity for community members
and visitors to get out in the summer sun, play, listen to
a concert, see a parade and marvel at the fireworks display.
Sporting events include a rodeo and 5K run. Two evenings of
free concerts are scheduled for July 15th and 16th. We invite
you to: Come out and play! Sincerely,
Mayor Darrell H. Smith

Visit Online Marketing Utah to learn more about Video Marketing, Social Marketing and Internet Marketing.
Or Text your name and email to 801-901-3480!
source: articlecity.com

A Road Trip To Jamaica

2011-10-19T05:37:00.002-07:00

by: Karen Thompson
If you are planning a holiday to Jamaica, know that there is more to the beautiful Caribbean country than simply its beaches and the spectacular shoreline. Beyond the usual tourist traps there is much on offer and so if you want to experience the real Jamaica, you can go off the beaten track.

Jamaica is known for its friendly people and warm hospitality and there is no better way to experience it than by staying in your private Jamaica villas, cottages and apartments that are your home away from home. Offering the best of comfort, privacy, space and services these Jamaica accommodation rentals are more affordable than hotels and provide you the perfect opportunity to explore the island at your own leisure and pace.

Once you have settled in your Jamaica villas, you can take to the roads literally. Indeed there is no better way to appreciate the scenic beauty of the island, savour the local delicacies, and browse through the best craft markets than by journeying on the 17000 kilometers of road meandering its way through mountains, circling the stunning coastline and zigzagging through the forests and woodlands.

Talk to the staff of your Jamaica accommodation rentals and they will arrange a vehicle and an experienced driver who will drive you through the highways and byways and point out the places of interest on the way.

You can try out the ride between Ocho Rios and Port Antonio that will open up amazing vistas of the beautiful surroundings. The roads are dotted with stalls selling sumptuous Jamaican delicacies especially jerked meat. In fact, jerked meat is Jamaica's speciality and there is no better place to savour it than at the Portland's Boston Jerk Centre or Buff Bay's Blueberry Hill Jerk Stop.

If it is sea food that catches your fancy, there is no better place to savour it than in the fishing villages between Negril to the south coast. If you are interested in unique beachfront dining experience, you can stop at the Alligator Pond's Little Ochie, where you can enjoy your meals on a boat on stilts under a thatched roof overlooking the sea.

Along the roadsides, you'll notice farmers selling fresh produce and fruits such as jackfruits, sour sops, mangos and coconuts. You can also check out the local drinks such as the ice-cold jelly made from coconut or root wine made from various indigenous herbs and roots boiled in molasses or honey.

Then there are various craft markets along the roads where you can shop for souvenirs such as hand-painted woodcarvings, bamboo shakers, quirky t-shirts and live Dancehall compilation tapes.
source: articlecity.com

Features of Resort Wear

2011-10-19T05:37:00.001-07:00

by: Raina
Resort wear is a specialized clothing style, as well as a year-round fashion "season". Sometimes known as "cruise wear". It was originally marketed by upscale stores and collections only to very affluent customers who were expected to spend the post-Christmas/New Year's weeks in warm-weather climates. Resort wear is very easy to carry and comfortable. Not only in India, but people across the globe love wearing it. I believe for outings or weekends the fashion conscious lot are updating their racks with resort wear; the key factor is to flaunt something very different and easy going. People generally avoid the fitted and heavy clothes

From walking shorts, caftans and sandals, to full-length evening dresses for women and light dinner jackets for men, resort wear is unique in its design and function.[citation needed] Resort wear is generally made from cotton, silk, denim, microfiber, straw and poplin that are easy to pack, lightweight and breathable. They are easy to clean and look great without ironing or fuss, much like the new hair styles that are casual, yet very fashionable.

The style has gained enormous popularity for many[who?] who demanded the comfort and ease of care the old summer clothes had, but tired of the stereotypical t-shirts, shorts and baseball caps seen by the masses. This newly-defined style instantly combines comfort and easy care with a fashion sense, comfort and personality, thus its sudden rise in visibility is no surprise.

It is characterized by the "nautical" style, inspired by sailor and yachting themes, classic Hawaiian prints of palm trees and hula girls, brushed denim from San Francisco, bright floral prints from South America, minty greens, yellows, blues and whites from the Mediterranean and natural materials and glove-weight leathers from the Caribbean. Large hats, sunglasses, open-toed shoes and innovative waistlines complete the look of sun-soaked destinations. The style has already been the subject of small runway shows in New York, Paris and Milan.

Resorts in Ranikhet is quite unique when you think about it. Initially directed towards a small pocket of people who could afford to whisk themselves away to warmer climates for the holidays, the fashion industry has now deemed 'resort wear' a "season".

Resort wear appropriate for men and women are ‘country club’ type clothing. Since the invitation is for dinner, then evening resort attire for men would be nice slacks, polo shirts, button down shirts, nice shoes or sandals, with the option of wearing a sport coat. For women: nice pants, skorts, skirts, nice top, casual dress, sundress, nice sandals or casual shoes. The length of the skirt or dress is knee length or longer.

Resort wear is getting big in India, especially Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and many other places with key factor being all-year-round hot/humid weather. People like simple and loving silhouette with flowy fabrics. Resort wear is a very trendy and eye-catchy line. It is something very unique, fun-filled and relaxed. People get bored with the conventional and embroidered party-wear in regular days, and so for an outing they want something more flowy with easy silhouette with chiffon and soft jersey materials. Moreover, the fabric makes it comfortable."
source: articlecity.com

You Beautiful Lovers Can Sit Back In Your Paris Boats And Enjoy The View

2011-10-19T05:36:00.002-07:00

by: Christophe Garnier
Paris is known to be a romantic city. One goes to this amazing place to be dazzled by the modern beauty is provides but has well kept its historical value. It is the third in the list of being an influential city across the world. It is known to have a beautiful river the Seine River which is flowing across the capital of France.

This Seine River is 777 kilometers in length and is visited by tourist when traveling to Paris. All one has to do is go through the choices of Paris boats and peniche paris to be able to enjoy the scenery that Paris has to offer. The boat rides are known to be heavenly and boats its self is full of colorful decorations that attract the tourists. Going around the Seine River or just along the city canals make you realize and dream how it was in the olden time where people travel through this river. Merchants and lovers sit back in their Paris boats and enjoy the view and as you imagine being them you will be transported to the old time. This is one of the best rides you will enjoy as this provides the unique ambiance one cannot capture in any other country.

It is worth the ride to go around the river as it only takes one day. As you travel around the river you will see the historical beauty the city has to offer however most tourists go through this river to enjoy the history it brings to them. The river is known to have many mysteries and a lot of activities that went on in the past.

As one travels to the city of Paris he should never forget to go through this magnificent river as it is one of the most talked about destinations to visit in the world. However the Barge Paris is not just for a travel along the Seine River you can also use this to travel across other parts of the city.

It is fairly easy to travel along the river. The best way to do it is to rent a boat or a barge. You can opt to bring a tourist guide with you or just travel with a boat man. However it is your responsibility to bring all the necessary documents that is needed by the travel agency to assist you in your tour. They create a tour package just for you based on your plans. They can offer you great evening tours around Paris without having to plan it on their own.

As early as now if you plan to go to Paris start planning your itinerary and look at the different options that are available to you. location de salles.

Visit http://www.bateaux-privatises-paris.com/ for more information bateaux paris, louer peniche Paris, mariage reception Paris, location bateau Paris, louer bateau Paris, location péniche Paris and bateaux sur paris.
source: articlecity.com

Mobile Homes and Their Advantages

2011-10-19T05:36:00.001-07:00

by: Christina Xio
Mobile homes are the ones which are moveable and can be placed anywhere. People who love to explore different places and add to their experiences, it’s an idea thing. These homes are used quite widely in many countries. They are the ones with free hand to the owner to take them to any place they like. These are mostly used in United States and Israel. These are used in different weather conditions, they can be moved to some other places to avoid rainstorms, heavy snowfalls etc. these homes are lifted on the trucks and heavy machinery to take them to other places. Financing for these mobile homes can be very difficult to arrange. Most banks won’t finance these manufactured homes when there is no land included in the loan. There are some companies that specialize in mobile home loans and mobile home financing. They can finance and refinance mobile homes in parks. There are countries that allow the financing of these mobile homes.

The United States Department of Agriculture has rural development guaranteed loan and direct loan programs for low-income individuals living in small towns and rural areas who currently have inadequate housing. The restrictions on loans involving manufactured homes require that the unit be brand-new, located on a relatively small lot and sold to the new occupant as a package deal. The biggest problem with this program is that once the unit has been occupied, new buyers will not be able to qualify for the same type of loan, as the home is no longer new, making it difficult for the current occupant to "trade up" to a larger or better property. Once you have come up with a mobile home you can use it for either purpose. If you live in a place where there are rain storms and floods you can use this mobile home and can take it to somewhere that is safe.

Other than that these are pretty useful for companies and agencies that provide you with various services and products. You can put the stock in that mobile home and use it commercially for marketing and selling of your items. Also it adds to your safety, while a tornado, hurricanes or heavy winds might cause minor damage to a site-built home, it could do significant damage to a typical built home, especially an older model or one that is not properly secured. Also, structural components (such as windows) are typically weaker than those in site-built homes. 70 mile per hour or winds of more speed and intensity can destroy a mobile home in a matter of minutes. Many brands offer optional hurricane straps, which can be used to tie the home to anchors embedded in the ground. There are many companies who can design your mobile homes according to your want adding to your costs and also to the advantages. In a nutshell, these are multipurpose and efficient that has a lot of advantages and can ease your life.
source: articlecity.com

Visit The Burj Khalifa-The Tallest Building In The World

2011-10-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

by: Highest Building
The Burj Khalifa: Standing Tall and Proud

The United Arab Emirates owns the distinction of having the tallest building internationally. Measuring a staggering 2,717 feet (828 meters), the Burj Khalifa, formerly known as Burj Dubai, is the highest man-made structure in history. It can be found along Sheikh Zayed Road generally business district in Dubai.

This marks the second time the Middle East has claimed the honor of having the tallest artificial structure in the world. The Great Pyramid of Giza once held that distinction for many hundreds of years until England built the Lincoln Cathedral in 1311.

Named in honor of one or more of the project's top supporters and the actual president of the United Arab Emirates and king of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa bin Sayed Al Nahyan, the Burj Khalifa gained the attention and recognition of the rest of the world. It was constructed with the primary goal of diverting the country's image from a debt-ridden oil-producing country into a tourist mecca generating necessary income and investments. Conceptualization and construction began in 2004 and the building was launched on January 4, 2010 during the rise to the throne of Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashin Al Maktoum.

The Burj Khalifa was designed by architect Adrian Smith and engineer Bill Baker who were with Chicago's Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) right at that moment. Among the other groups involved in the actual construction were South Korea's Samsung Engineering and Construction (primary contractor) and Besix and Arabtec. Emaar Properties served as the project's developer. The $1.5 billion tower was inspired by Islamic traditions and culture and featured patterns prevalent in Islamic architecture. The three-lobed base of the building was patterned after the flower Hymenocalli.

Among the lavish features of the Burj Khalifa are the 57 double-deck elevators with modern LCD displays for the visitors' entertainment. There are also eight escalators and a total of 2,909 stairs. The 124th floor showcases the highest open-air observation deck internationally, the At the Top. It was opened to the public on the 5th of January, the day after Burj Khalifa's inauguration and also houses the Behold Telescope.

Apart from being the tallest building ever, the Burj Khalifa holds a number of other records. Among them are:

• The most number of floors (160) - beating the former record holder Willis Tower by 52 floors

• The highest occupied floor (160th floor)

• The highest pool - situated at the 76th floor

• The highest nightclub - located at the 144th floor

• World's highest mosque - discovered on the 158th floor

• The highest outdoor observation deck at 1483 feet - aptly named At the Top and situated at the 124th floor; it is the second highest observation desk on record

• The highest restaurant - At.mosphere that is on the 122nd floor and at a height of 1450 feet, a distant 302 feet over CN Towers' 360 restaurant

• The world's fastest elevator which goes at a speed of 64 kilometers per hour

• The highest elevator installation

• The tallest man-made structure that has residential features, and

• The world's highest New Year's Eve celebration and firework display
source: articlecity.com

Information Regarding Tickets of Arabian Nights and Disney World Tickets

2011-08-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

by: Paul Ice

The famous theme park of the world, a Walt Disney creation is located in Disney world, Orlando, Florida, the hub for excitement and is the centers of attraction of people belong to all ages. These attractions of Orlando Florida will give you fun-filled adventure and serve as educational tours for children and millions of tourists’ visit the theme parks of Florida to take a glimpse of the beauty of these theme parks that stimulate a strong desire to return here once in a while. Today you will get unlimited choice of packages that ensure cheaper budget for visiting different theme parks with Disney world tickets and Disney base tickets.

The theme parks of Walt Disney World, Florida is a gateway to various events filled with excitement and are perfect vacation choice for everyone. Adding the charm of the unexpected scenes that you view in the theme parks, you will be getting discounts on Disney World tickets as well as special packages to fit your budget. Orlando attraction tickets like Arabian Nights tickets, Sea World Tickets etc are available at discounts as well as freebie. There are special treats that everybody will surely going to love. Once you have your tickets, you have the passes through your selected theme parks.

You have to explore the online resource to catch hold of Florida attractions with unlimited offers given at affordable cost. Visit the Arabian night Dinner Show situated to taste the world’s best delicacies and enjoy the magical feast of Scheherazade or enter the world of stunning rides in Universal Studios. You can enjoy the Disney Universal Studios by purchase Universal Studios theme park tickets at lucrative discount from various special offers advertised online.

You will also find plenty of registered brokers who that get Disney world tickets along with Arabian Nights Tickets and Adventure land tickets and more in bulk and put up for sale to travelers at discounted price. But if you go for such deals make sure to verify the authenticity of such brokers as many brokers are caught to be cheating the travelers by selling them fake tickets.

source: http://www.articlecity.com/

Blizzard Beach And Disney World Theme Park - Best Florida Attractions By Age Group

2011-08-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

by: Jon Par

Disney World Theme Park is the favorite tourist destination drawing vacationers from all across the globe. Started in 1971, Walt Disney world occupies about 23,447 acres of land consist of four theme parks with two water resorts as well as twenty four hotels. Within its boundary, you will get all types of entertainment that one can ever imagine. The four Disney World Theme Parks are namely the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom Park, Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot. The two well known water parks are Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Disney world theme park tickets including blizzard beach tickets will open the gate to a whole world of entertainment where people of all age enjoy thrill rides or participate in adventure show and various other shows and enjoy buffet meals etc and more.

Disney world theme park tickets including blizzard beach tickets can be bought from online stores or from the entry gate of the Walt Disney World. An easy and economical way to get such costly Disney world tickets is to purchase these tickets from official site of Disney World. The promotion offers are available at the peak season that will reduce the cost of such tickets and make your budget vacation a success. To make sure that you enjoy to the fullest, plan where you should visit in the limited time period of your vacation and the amount of time you should spend in the wonderful place and buy tickets accordingly.

Blizzard beach Water Park is the best destination if you have planned to chill out and do a lot of activities on waters with your family in your vacation. This water park is the home to the world’s tallest waterslides and attracts the bold vacationer to try a dip from extreme slides. The main attractions of blizzard beach are the Downhill Double Dipper, Tike’s Peak as well as the Teamboat Springs.

Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher are challenging course for any riders and vacationers should participate in activities in drive them in ecstasy. The Melt-Away Bay will offer another breath taking scenic beauty and should not be missed out if you visit the Blizzard beach. You can buy Blizzard Beach tickets from the official sites of Disney World and take part in those incredible slides to enjoy to the fullest.

Disney Islands of Adventure - Islands of Adventure is an attractive and magical world of Disney theme park. So buy discount Islands of Adventure tickets and enjoy there.

source: http://www.articlecity.com/

Disney World Fantasyland Expansion Features Fun for Families

2011-06-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

by: Reserve Orlando

Disney World Theme Parks is currently in the midst of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, with the new expansion at Fantasyland. The Magic Kingdom’s goal with Fantasyland is to provide guests a new way to interact with their favorite characters and immerse themselves in the Disney experience like never before. To see these exciting changes up close, visit www.reserveorlando.com/walt_disney_world_tickets.asp and find great offers on tickets.

Fantasyland experiences will includes fun attractions like Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. This ride-through adventure features Ariel, her friends and the popular songs from The Little Mermaid.

Construction is underway on Beast’s Castle, located on hill to create an even more majestic experience. Guests will cross over a stone bridge before arriving at Be Our Guest Restaurant, which ties in well with the Beauty and the Beast theme. Located within the Beast’s Castle, the restaurant will have a 550 person capacity and offer delicious fast food items by day and full table service dinging by night. The area home to the restaurant will be known as Belle’s Village, which will feature Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Belle’s Cottage will feature a new experience where Belle, Lumiere and guests participate in “Enchanted Tales with Belle.”

Storybook Circus is an elaborate addition that includes adding another carousel to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Guests in queue for the ride will be able to join the circus and step inside the Big Top for interactive experiences that make waiting in line fun. The existing Barnstormer ride, located near Dumbo the Flying Elephant, is also getting a makeover. Goofy will be remade as The Great Goofini and the attraction will take guests on a roller-coaster flight above the Big Top.

Disney Princesses will be highlighted at the new Princess Fairytale Hall. Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses such as Rapunzel with greet guests at the royal court and guests will be able to interact with the princesses. The Princess Fairytale Hall will be located where Snow White’s Scary Adventures is currently.

One of the most exciting additions is a Snow White-themed family mine coaster. Called “The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train,” the ride features onboard music and animated figures from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The coaster features a unique ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth as they travel along the track.

The Disney World Fantasyland area is being constructed in phases, with the entire project scheduled to be completed by 2013.

source : http://www.articlecity.com/

Budget London Hotels: Cheap Accommodation In An Opulent City

2011-02-26T06:06:00.001-08:00

by: Lisha Hans

London, the classy city that draws in thousands of visitors from all over the world is also quite an expensive city. It hosts cheap hotels in several parts of the city that make reasonable accommodation possible. If it is cost which is bothering you, don't hold back your wish to visit London. Go for a cheap hotel.

London, the capital of the UK, is also known to the world for many more reasons. Regarded as one of the classiest cities in the world, London is a world class city with modern amenities and a rich cultural heritage at the same time. Thousands of tourists visiting the city every year are a testimonial to the city's appeal. The classic places of interest like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, the Millennium Wheel and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum continue to call in several visitors from around the world. The art galleries and night life of London are also attributes of the city that anyone who has visited London never fails to talk about. At the same time, visiting London itself is a luxury. The city is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Even so, don't be too quick to decide. There is no denying the fact that London is indeed an expensive place in many aspects, yet it is possible to get cheap accommodation in the city. It is growing trend of cheap hotels that makes it possible. Being cheap, however, does not imply that the services offered are not up to mark. In fact, the definition of cheap varies from person to person. What one person may consider expensive may appear cheap to another. However, the hotels classified as cheap or budget hotels are cheaper in comparison to regular or highly luxuriant hotels like five star hotels.

London offers a broad range of hotels to cater to different requirements of holidaymakers. So, there are luxuriant hotels, the prices of which are sky-high. At the same time, there are hotels that offer a more economical alternative to people willing to spend a modest amount for their holiday. The hotels provide bed and breakfast services that are quite convenient as well as economical for travellers. Overall, they offer all facilities for a comfortable stay. The hotels are perfect for people with stringent budget limits, holidaying with a large group or family, or travelling for other purposes.

Budget hotels are available in many areas of London like Bayswater, Victoria, Paddington and Kensington. Victoria is a more preferred location for most of the holiday seekers owing to its ideal location. Victoria has an easy access to the airports like Gatwick Airport and is also well connected to many places of interest to the holiday seekers, some of the essential features that people look for in the location of the hotel. This gives an edge to budget hotels located in Victoria, over hotels scattered in different parts of the city.

It is cheap hotels that make it possible for holiday seekers with tight budgets to stay in an expensive city like London. Savings on lodging facilities is substantial if you wish to enjoy the city to the utmost.

A wholesome holiday means spending time on shopping, eating out, visiting the popular sights, wandering around the city, enjoying the local flavour, exploring the night life and so on, and that implies expenses. Saving on accommodation costs means there's more to spend on your holiday.

If the next holiday on your mind is in London, then explore the cost cutting possibilities of budget hotels. Cheap central London hotels will not only offer you a comfortable stay but also help you save a good deal. Plan your next holiday in London, explore the classy city, relish the rich cultural heritage and enjoy world class amenities while staying at a budget hotel.

Meet and Greet Luton Airport Parking Could Avoid Your Automobile parking Worries

2011-02-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

by: Luton Airport Meet And Greet

Meet and Greet Luton Airport Parking Could Stop Your Automobile parking Worries.

When you program on flying from Luton airport, meet and greet Luton airport parking is one issue you want to seriously contemplate. Airport parking can absolutely be a true headache and after all, a plane trip is generally stressful enough devoid of the will need to concern oneself with exactly where to park the car. Why don't we take a moment to step back and have a appear at 3 chief alternatives for parking at Luton airport.

The first approach is usually known as off-airport parking. It is typically the least high-priced option for obvious reasons. The parking location isn't within the airport itself which means that you will need to get a shuttle transfer to take you to the actual airport terminal. These shuttle transfers might differ from a handful of minutes to twenty minutes or much more, as a handful of of the car parks could nicely be about four miles from the airport. Of course for some folks this is surely no large deal, even so other individuals demand additional convenience.

In order to receive that additional convenience the next step to think about is going to be on-airport parking. In this scenario you'll be ready to park your car within the airport facility itself. You can park your personal automobile and also maintain your keys with you, which normally can be a key element to some travelers. This selection is clearly a lot more pricey, even so it does lead to the ability to transfer into the airport terminal that much faster, and at occasions even merely walking there.

Without having a doubt the quite ideal and most anxiety-totally free alternative is Meet and Greet Luton airport parking. Luton meet and greet parking is just about as hassle-free of charge as it will get. Really all you have to truly do is drive up to the departure terminal and then a valet will look after your car from there onwards. All you require to do is wander into the terminal developing and check in. Whilst you're busy checking in your trusty valet will take your car to a secure and safe car parking facility. In a similar fashion, once you get back to the UK, you just choose up your baggage and your friendly valet will have your automobile waiting for you on the outside. Naturally this third selection is most likely to expense you far more. Nevertheless for sheer anxiety free of charge worth numerous folks are only too pleased to pay dollars for this service.

The very best and hassle totally free alternative will be to go with the meet and greet Luton airport parking services at http://www.lutonairportmeetandgreet.com/

Meet and greet valet parking at Luton airport stands out as the greatest relaxed business trip or holiday from starting to finish. The specialized services supplied are close to flawless, especially for households travelling together with little ones as effectively as company travellers that surely have practically no time to invest parking their autos. It's also excellent for men and women carrying huge bags or possibly hefty sporting gear, as properly as for men and women that have handicaps.

http://www.lutonairportmeetandgreet.com/at Luton airport makes it doable for vacationers to make a reservation ahead of time and as properly make changes to their booking. Once you reach your destination, all you will need to do is generally pay a visit to the web page or maybe make a call to adjust the return time in the event that you have to.

Kerala, the perfect place for your honeymoon

2011-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

by: Kerala Hotels

Kerala the land of unaltered beauty is the variety of sacred greenery, unexcelled beauty of backwaters and beaches, ardent hospitality and epicure cuisines. The interlacing charm of natural scene and ethnic views summon scores of holidaymakers to this place from across the world. Come, explore and feel this land of becharmed beauty.

Kerala is most quixotic honeymoon destination in India. Its romantic atmosphere and the lively beauty have made it really a heaven for honeymooners. Kerala is unmatched of the hottest honeymoon destinations in the world. With its beautiful backwater destinations, enchanting beaches, bracing hill stations, Kerala is fine to be called the Honeymooner’s heaven. The almost beautiful part for designing Kerala honeymoon tours is nature has sanctified this land vastly.

Alongside backwaters and hill stations, Kerala is also noted for its colorful carnivals & fetes, historical forts & palaces, rich culture and inheritance, regenerating ayurveda therapy and more. Celebrating honeymoon in Kerala will be an experience which both of you will love to treasure for lifetime. So design your holiday in this beauteous paradise with the right honeymoon package from a numerous Kerala honeymoon packages made available by the tour operators. Certainly you will experience a romanticist honeymoon vacation in Kerala, which will kick off the beginning of newly married life

Houseboat Honeymoon in Kerala is the most in demand honeymoon package. The lavishness bundled houseboats have one or two baths, deck, lounge, and kitchenette. The crew on the houseboat comprises of two rowers and a cook. Sail by the palm-fringed watercourses on your houseboat honeymoon in Kerala. The sights during the travel offer a enchanting experience.

The houseboats drift by coir hamlets, water lilies, lush paddy field fields and coconut groves. The houseboat was traditionally known as Kettuvallam. Kettuvallam pertains to a boat made by attaching logs of wood put together. Amazing fact about Kettuvallam is that not even a single nail is applied in its structure. A coir rope / coconut fiber ropes is employed to tie the boards of jack wood. Then these boards are surfaced with black resin. This conventional houseboat is strictly eco-friendly

Long Distance Limo Luxury

2011-02-26T05:52:00.001-08:00

by: Shawn Lindsey

When going to a New Jersey limos service many people assume that their services are limited to one single night jaunts about town and fancy events such as weddings or proms, but most limo renting business have options for overnight and long distance voyages as well. The next time you are considering a road trip to attend a sporting event or concert, think about renting a limo to make your journey all the more exciting, comfortable and elegant.

Consider the benefits of renting a limo when you plan to attend a large sporting event in a far away city. If flying is not an option because the city is not too far away a limo can get you from point A to point B while you sit comfortably in the back with your friends and family. Being able to relax, listen to other sporting events or even watch them in vehicles equipped with televisions, is a welcome change from the normal inconveniences of having to plan your route, deal with traffic and constantly worry about your time constraints. A New Jersey limos service can take care of all these unfortunate aspects of attending large sporting events.

What about a concert or symphony in a relatively far away city, you want to be able to roll into your seats without feeling stressed out from a day of driving and planning. Let a new Jersey limos service transport you to and from your event so that you can sit back and relax, enjoying the melodious sounds from your favorite artists without having a nagging feeling of expectation and anxiousness in the back of your mind about the trip back home. Many limos available also offer surround sound systems, so you can enjoy your favorite music all the way to the event, during the event and then reminisce all the way home.

Renting a limo should be a comfortable and pleasant experience, which is why New Jersey limo services attend to all of your needs applying to your travels and the event you are attending. Let a friendly driver take care of your logistics and door opening requirements so that you can focus on what is important, enjoying yourself, your company and being in the moment of excitement and happiness that you have been planning for. Also do not forget that your limo choices are not limited to the tradition stretch variety, but that you can ride in any number of different types of elegant transport options.

Traveling 101: Cheap Flights and Secured Nights

2011-02-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

by: Fly SEAIR

Taking a trip out of town should not resemble the chaos that one wants leaves behind the urban jungle. From choosing a destination, to settling into a nice and comfortable hotel, these tasks shouldn’t be too overwhelming and most importantly, costly. If this is the case, maybe you should sit back, drop everything and analyze the steps you have taken and see where a bit of tweaking is needed.

It can be tough choosing the perfect destination among the 7,107 islands in the Philippines. The trick is to know whether the preference is off the beaten track destinations such as the scenic Batanes, or uber hip havens like Boracay. Good thing is that many airlines in the Philippines offer cheap flights to both destinations.

If going abroad is an option, Singapore is the best thing for a first class vacation. Many domestic airlines in the Philippines also provide cheap flights to Singapore. This saves you from spending too much on your ticket and too little during the vacation.

Every vacation is not complete without that perfect bed and breakfast accommodation either in the heart of the destination, or in the more exclusive and muted parts of the province. Luckily, sweet promo flights, which consists of cheap flights and accommodation to some of the most sought after hotels are fast becoming a trend to travelers.

You can choose a package that would fit perfectly to your taste and of course, budget. From the luxurious beachfront resorts of Boracay like Escondido Beach Resort in Station 1, The TIdes in Station 2 or Surfside Boracay Resort and Spa in Station 3. The more exotic province of Batanes also offers bed and breakfast accommodations in Pension Ivatan in the Basco town proper, or the more idyllic Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge in Barangay Tukon.

The advent of these promos now makes almost everyone enjoy the growing accessibility of various destinations in the Philippines and also abroad. But more importantly, these cheap flight rates and stress-free accommodations make travelling what it should be, fun, enjoyable and light on the budget.

Expert Advice To Have The Best Vacation In India

2011-02-26T05:49:00.001-08:00

by: Aalia Khan

India is famous as the land of diversity. Indian culture is a potpourri of various colorful cultures. India is a multi-religious country where all the various religions have influenced each other and helped them grow. Indian geography is full of variety, the snow capped mountains of Himalayas, the majestic deserts of Rajasthan and the beautiful beaches of Goa and Kerala there is no dearth of natural beauty in India. All this makes India a popular tourist destination. To make your trip unforgettable here are some important tips to remember while you travel to India.

First and foremost you should book a good travelling agency which will assign you a personal agent. Discuss your budget and preferences with your travel agent to ensure that you have a memorable journey. But make sure that you choose a certified travelling agency. Discuss all the possible tour packages with your agent and choose the best suited package for yourself. Book your tickets and hotels before hand to avoid any last minute hassles. You can ask your travel agent to do this on your behalf.

Before you reach your destinations do a bit of research about the place. You should be familiar with the culture and language of that place. By following some important tips to remember while you trip to India you will make sure that you don’t offend the local people and enjoy their hospitality. Also check the weather conditions of your destination and pack your luggage according to that. Make sure that you travel light because you will have heavier luggage full of souvenirs when you go back from India.

Keep a first-aid box with all the medicines you might require during your journey. Keep all your documents in a safe place and carry a photocopy of all the documents. Carry some amount of Indian currency to pay the taxis etc.

Avoid giving alms to beggars. It’s an offence in most Indian cities to pay them any amount of money. If you give them money they will run after you all the time and spoil your sightseeing trip.

While sightseeing you must follow the rules and regulations else you might end up paying fine at the spots. You must limit yourself to the time period given for sightseeing. Don’t delay to reach your vehicle as it will lead to a delay in your whole tour plan. Always follow your agent’s advice and the list of some important tips to remember while you travel to India given in this article to enjoy a stress free vacation.

While going to religious building like temples, mosques, gurudwara and churches always follow the local code of conduct like covering your head and taking off your foot wears. Respect the culture and traditions of the local people. While visiting the markets and shopping for local handicrafts don’t forget to bargain. But always prefer to shop from government recognized outlets to ensure that you are not cheated by the shopkeepers.

To enjoy hassle free vacations follow the above given some important tips to remember while you tours to India. These tips will make your journey to India an experience you will cherish all your life.

Things to Do on Your Miami Vacation

2011-02-26T05:48:00.001-08:00

by: Joel Stafford

Arriving:

If you are like a lot of people you will be flying into Miami Florida for your visitYou can find several options for ground transport at MIA. The vast ground transportation services at MIA includes both the public and private service sector including Miami limos.

Tip number one

Most times a person can be driven in a limo at the same cost per person, as it would be to ride in a cab According to the size of your party it might even be cheaper than taxi service. It will certainly be much more enjoyable arriving at your hotel in a long shiny stretch limo.

Lodging:

Miami has no shortage of of nice hotels to stay in. It is a good idea to check around for the best deal, before you finalize your reservation. Time of the year and availability of rooms will make a huge difference on how good the deals are. If you are flexible about the times you are able to visit Miami. Being flexible makes it much easier to get great rates.

You will want to make sure there are no major events in town during you vacation, if there is you will not get a deal. It is normal for the rates to go way up, when something major is in town. Such as the Miami boat show, Dolphins home games, holidays etc.

A very popular area of town to get a hotel in is South Beach. There is a lot of highly rated hotels to choose from in the South Beach area. Both Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue have a big selection of popular hotels.

Tip number 2

Don't be afraid to wheel and deal on the price of a room. You will find many of the hotels are more than willing to offer you a lower price, just to get your business.

Dining:

The city of Miami is renowned for its variety of ethnic restaurants. Eating in Miami is always exciting, no matter if you are a homebody or an experienced traveler. In Miami the selection of Latin, Cuban, Italian, Brazilian, seafood and any other type of food know to mankind, is nothing short of amazing.

One of my favorite things to do in Miami is to hunt down the mom and pop ethnic restaurants. They are the ones that have the real authentic food, just like you would get in their countries of origin.

Tip # 3

For the best local eateries, ask the local where they dine at. It is amazing how many great places to eat you will find using this technique.

Some of the more famous restaurants in Miami are Joe's Stone Crabs, Emeril's Miami Beach, News Cafe, Cafe Prima Pasta, Azul and Shorty's BBQ to name a few.

Spending a little time to find some of Miami's best home grown places to eat, while you are here. You will find it was well worth the time spent. It will be an awesome story to tell all of your friends when you get home.

Attractions:

Being there is so much to do and things to see in Miami that you will not possibly be able to do them all. So it is very handy if you plan out ahead of time things that are the most important things on your wish list. There is such a large amount of activities to keep you busy. Things such as an air boat or swamp buggy ride in the Everglades. To a exciting night on the city in South Beach and everything in between.

Here are few of the most popular things to do on a Miami vacation:

You can not visit Miami without spending some time at South Beach. It is one of the worlds hottest beaches. On South Beach the fun never stops. On any given day you can find some of the worlds most beautiful people, it is a people watcher's dream come true. The rich and famous like to show off their hottest car along Ocean Drive too, so the cars are phenomenal. At night South Beach is one of the hottest party scenes in the USA. You will experience the best party to be found anywhere.

Seeing the Everglades on an air boat is one of the most popular outback things to do in the area. Miami has several guided tours of the city they are very popular to go on. Tour companies in Miami provide all types of tours. If you want to really see Miami while styling, then hire a Miami limo to take you for a customize limo tour of Miami. A limo tour is actually fairly cheap if you have a group of people going. Riding in a stylish stretch limousine really adds to the sightseeing experience.

Other awesome places to visit in Miami are the Miami Zoo, Jungle Island, The Miami Seaquarium, Biscayne Bay and the celebrity mansions.

Whatever you decide to do while you are in Miami, you will have an enjoyable and exciting time in this mixing bowl, that we call Miami.

Places You Have To Visit in the United States

2011-02-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

by: Phillip Rutledge

Places You Have To Visit in america

Ah, America with many things to see and do!! Hopefully, these will give you some great ideas.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona begins this list. Featuring mesas of numerous colors, craggy cliffs, and smaller canyons, it is essentially the most breathtaking natural wonders on the planet. The Grand Canyon National Park is considered the jewel of America's National Parks. Visiting early in the year when cooler and desert flowers are bloomingis the better time for you to visit. Summertime can be unbearably hot. Paved, accessible trails give you a way to walk between Grand Canyon Village as well as the South Kaibab Trailhead, two completely different areas of the Grand Canyon.. They are far enough apart, that it really is difficult to visit both on a single trip, but that provides a person a reason to check out again. Not that a reason to check out this glorious site is needed!!! More people check out the South rim, as it is easily accessible, has the most panoramic views, and offers more services. But the North Rim is charming as the cooler temperatures help the growth of the lovely wildflowers and also the trees are thick. The canyon has a glass, horse-shoe shaped skywalk with a great view where visitors will likely have the feeling of vertigo. The Grand Canyon is just too very wonderful to miss when traveling in america.

Orlando, Florida

Number 2 is Orlando, Florida,a fantastic, fun city with many places to check out and things to do. Orlando is known as the largest family entertainment center on the planet. Probably most widely known is Walt Disney World featuring the Magic Kingdom where one can shake hands with Mickey, dine in Cinderella's Castle or perhaps get married with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as your attendants. The whole park is wonderful and you also surely are going to have fun with the clowns at Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. A safari is an excellent adventure when you visit Animal Kingdom.

Take in the Epcot Center and tour the world in "Under a Mile". Design and experience your own ride, hang glide above California's redwood forests, ride in a "clamobile" with Nemo and his awesome friends, or launch into space!! Go to Universal Studios and fight against aliens, see a "volcano' erupt, view your favorite movies come to life, and so much more.

Of course, a holiday to Orlando, without going to Seaworld, is nearly impossible. You possibly can ride the breathtaking Mantra rollercoaster or feel a sense of weightlessness on the Omaka Rocka. Discover the lost city of Atlantis, touch a stingray, and maybe see a dolphin mother and her calves. It really is great fun to eat in the Sharks Underwater Grill and view the mighty predators.

There are a selection of side trips to take. For instance visit the Kennedy Space Center and perhaps dine with an astronaut, train like an astronaut, or maybe see a rocket launch. Nearby you may go whale watching.

Back in Orlando, shop your heart out at The Mall at Millenia. For golfers,there are more than 176 golf courses. You possibly can, also, watch the NBA Orlando Magic play basketball.

Then take a breath, get back to the Magic Kingdom and watch the nightly fireworks.

While enjoying your trip to Orlando, it is so nice to stay in one of many Kissimmee Villas, of which there are several. Many are close to Walt Disney World and/or are within short driving distances of bars, shops, restaurants, and golf courses. Some include pools, tennis courts and children's play areas and more.

These amazing places offer a change from what you would normally look for in http://www.holiday365.co.uk/citybreaks. Next time you are planning a trip to one of your favourite http://www.holiday365.co.uk/parks, give one of these locations a consideration.

Why Bali is Mostly Chosen the Place to Relax?

2011-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

by: Bali Villa Holidays

Bali Island is located in the western most end Lesser Sundra Islands. This beautiful island is not just known for being a great tourist destination but also famous for its dance, painting, sculpture, highly developed arts, metal working, leather and music.

Best places to visit in this breathtaking island are the Hindu temples and other endless temples. It is said there are nine large respective temples that are the directional temples. You will see these historical temples at strategic points in Bali. It is something that increases Bali tourism. What’s exciting is that visitors have to wear the traditional clothing of Bali to be able to enter any of these prestigious temples. The traditional clothing is the sarong and the sash which can be rented and available at the temples.

Tourists, both from local and foreign countries, enjoy Bali vacation through beaches that have high cliffs while some of them have mangrove forest which give them no continuous sand beach stretch.

Island of Bali is now well thought-out as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Pacific Archipelago. Why most tourists choose Bali? The island gives you the unequal Bali paradise of relaxation and calmness which can’t be found in other places. It also has the flora and fauna which is purely extraordinary and sightseeing has never been so fine unless you’re in this exotic island.

Vacation in Bali offers travel packages that can be the last possibilities open to you in the entire world. The island is an private wilderness in which locals still converse their own language – an obvious thriving trade of Bali tourism.

The island of Bali offers an experience with its culture and traditions customs and its natural wonders. There are numerous hotel and villa accommodations that offer brilliant accommodations and best deals to suit a range of tastes and budgets.

Bali beaches are perfectly safe for swimming which makes waters sports as a very common activity on this island. You will see numbers of tourists enjoying scuba diving or drift diving. There are also surf schools available for those who are interested in learning surfing courses. Plus, game fishing is also something not missed in this wonderful island.

A fertile and largely lush green, Bali Island gives its visitors extraordinary scenic views. You will enjoy sightseeing the terrace fields and rice fields that make great pleasing scenery. Beautiful Bali is also a home of several active volcanoes. There are also mountains easy to access and the famous one is Batur that engages tourists in mountain climbing or trekking.

As there are many hot springs found in Bali, it is also popular heaven for spa lovers. You can choose any sorts of treatment such as body scrub which in some cases performs before weddings. You can also pamper yourself with Balinese massage which is done with different unique oils. You will also have a chance to enjoy you best yoga retreats and centres which can be found in Ubud and Seminyak.

Visit http://www.balivillaholidays.com/blog to read more about holiday vacation tips and updates.

12 Creative Hotels - Which one is your favorite?

2011-02-26T04:49:00.000-08:00

The Floating Hotel in Sweden

Hotel made of Sand in England

Houses in Mexico

Icehotel, Canada

Capsule Hotel, Japan

Survival Pod Hotel, Holland

Cave Hotel, Turkey

Jumbo Hostel, Sweden

Tree House, India

German Prison Hotel

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

Sewage Pipe Hotel, Austria

source : http://stumbleupon.com/

Increased VOIP Sales Leads with Telemarketing

2011-02-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

by: Phillip Mckenzie

Higher VOIP sales can be very hard to get. Fortunately, telemarketing can make that happen. Read on to find out more.

There are some things that don’t change in the world. One of these is the need of companies to sell. It’s only natural, since this is an integral part of keeping a business going. IT becomes even more obvious when it comes to telecom sales. If you really want to sell well, then you will need to use telecom sales leads to boost your efforts. Of course, for you to get them, you will need the help of telemarketing firms. It’s also helpful in the area of VOIP sales leads, where companies are constantly in search of new markets that will buy the products and services that you sell. It may be tough at the start, but it can be done. There’s no doubt that telemarketing can help you achieve more than you can get on your own. It is what you might consider as an indispensable tool in the overall operations of the business.

Telemarketing is a handy tool when it comes to increasing sales. And why not? It is very useful in getting you ahead in the market. There’s no doubt that the simple, but effective, means of calling prospects on the phone, inviting them to work with you is actually much better in producing results than what other marketing methods can achieve. For example, television is not really a smart idea to advertise to people, especially those in business, since they would most likely not be watching them at all. There’s also the fact that a well-handled phone call is actually more professional in appearance. It’s also much better than getting yourself promoted through radio and print add, two other marketing methods that are usually ignored by prospective customers. If you really want to make your presence known, then telemarketing would be the tool that is right for you. It works quite well. You should try it and see.

Is it hard to promote your firm? That depends on how good your leads are. If your telecommunications sales leads are faulty, then you are just ending up wasting your time and effort. It also depends on how good your telemarketers are. No matter how great your leads, how updated it is, and how accurate it is, if your telemarketer botches up his sales pitch at the first call, then you are at a loss. The same goes for the prospects who received such a call. They would be missing out on something good that you are offering them. But what would probably be troublesome is the fact that they might spread negative word-of-mouth about you and your firm. That’s why it pays to be cautious when it comes to working with a telemarketing firm. You have to choose your telemarketers carefully.

That also goes for internet service providers and ISP sales. If you want to gain a good foothold in a market, then you would need telemarketing to bring you useful ISP sales leads. IT Telemarketing would be one of the best means for you to capture such important assets. Just to be sure, you will need the best people for this kind of work. It would be better if you leave this task to professional telemarketers who know this job better than you do. Besides, you can better use the time and effort that you have saved to concentrate more in making your company successful. At least you would be able to focus more on the daily operations of your firm, which would need your attention.

So, if you are looking to obtain good IT sales leads, telemarketing may be a simple yet effective solution. There’s no doubt that you can gain more from the use of this method.
source : http://www.articlecity.com/

Uluwatu and Kuta Beach Tour

2011-02-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. Legian Street, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. We can find any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores such as the leather store staffed by two young Balinese men that will perfectly sculpt a leather jacket. (They are all extremely talented artists). _At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs. Gastronomical demands inspire a multitude of restaurants, serving traditional Indonesian and Balinese food to various ethnic meals from Japan, Switzerland, etc. As if these were not enough, various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.

Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said the statue represents the founding priest Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex represents the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, then, Hindu Java. According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta.

Uluwatu Beach is known for its surf and, in nearby hostelries, its full moon rage parties. It rages at the temple too but in an orderly way, thanks to the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, Denpasar, who are the temple's hereditary pangemong (custodians). Hundreds of nobles from this family, and many 'devotees' (pengayah) and village pemangku priests from nearby hamlets, ensure that every seven months (on Anggar Kasih Medangsya by the Wuku Calendar, to be exact) the festival is run efficiently, and most elegantly. The palace is proud of its ancestral role: it manages the awesome logistics with fitting dignity.
Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Warungs or small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 100-meter-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

source : http://www.balitrips.net/

Plumbing Services

2011-02-13T04:34:00.000-08:00

by: Mr Rescue

Each house nowadays has a plumbing system for both drainage and water supply. We cannot even think of a home these days without plumbing services. Even though all this was not so long ago, the closest thing to plumbing was what ancient civilizations have done for the construction of canals to guide water to specific areas and ditches built specifically for their waste. They used the idea of gravity to direct the water wherever they wanted.

Modern day plumbing is very different. Not only is the working way dissimilar but it also requires a large amount maintenance and service. Today's plumbing uses force to direct the water where it is needed and particular pipe are also built to lead the drainage out of the house. During the construction of the house, all the plumbing system is done with care. And tests are completed to confirm that there are no damages or leaks in the pipes. Plumbing may be completed by the use of either pipes or tubes. Pipes are usually thicker and are welded together while tubes are comparatively thinner and are joined together by other different techniques.

Water supply pipes are made up of unique materials that are non toxic while no importance is given to the pipes toxicity in drainage pipes. Drainage pipes are carefully sealed because any problem with that system can cause health issues for residents of a house. Plumbing systems must be perfect, since any mistake in functionality can cause big problems. Plumbing services are offered by many companies these days. Not only they offer you free consultation with your plumbing when it is being done, but they also offer you the services of extremely trained and professional plumbers. These plumbers test for the slightest of issues and resolve them with care. Whether the issue is of a broken pipe or a small leak, the plumbing repair company provides the plumber with proper tools needed to solve the problem.

Plumbing service is now so simple to reach that we have created Mr. Rescue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning website to report your problems online and get you a plumber as quick as possible. Not only that we also offer you free estimates and easy solutions to resolve the problems. Amongst the services offered by us are tasks like flushing gutters, locating and stopping leaks, tankless water heater replacement, installation and repair of hot water heaters and repair of sewer lines. We also install showers and bath tubs or even your kitchen sink faucets. In a nutshell, we begin from the installation and are with you whenever any trouble occurs with something old. The cost of such services is also not as much of compared to freelance plumbers who offer the same services.

source : http://articlecity.com/

General Construction Contract

2011-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

by: Jeffrey Austin

Before you start any building project a person definitely will need to sign a legal contract. A construction contract does not just safeguard the contractor, but it will also guard you. In the present day and age it is important that a agreement is finalized for virtually every venture. You can find so many cases when people don't get what they really want, and having a binding agreement will help you to clear up these types of problems.

In case you are not really experienced in the legal domain, you may have a difficult time reading the first construction contract which you run into. However the good thing about most of these contracts is they are written so the client can fully grasp them. Even when there will probably be some terminology that you aren't acquainted with, you should not have too difficult of a time deciphering a building agreement.

The first thing that the majority of people look for is definitely the price. There is nothing unethical with this, however , ensure that you don't get caught up in this particular area. Just make sure the amount is the thing that you consented to, and that there isn't any hidden fees involved. When there is something you don't understand within the pricing portion, just remember to ask. It is far better to obtain each of the facts beforehand, rather than get a substantial bill in the end you did not anticipate.

On top of the cost, another essential subject that you'll need to look into will be the finish date. If your construction agreement you happen to be provided with fails to define this, demand a revision. By signing a construction agreement that doesn't stipulate a completion date, you are leaving yourself open for a serious problem. Generally, one of the biggest problems that folk have in the course of a building project is the time period which they take. If you have a construction contract which says when the work needs to be finalized, it will be easier to place your mind to rest. Lots of individuals overlook this area, and it results haunting them in the long run.

It is important to keep in mind with regards to a construction agreement should be to examine it over carefully. When there is any scenario that you don't comprehend, or anything you are uncomfortable with, ensure that you make inquiries. It is far better to ask questions in advance, than run across an issue later on.

Look for a precise payment schedule within the contract. For most construction jobs, you will pay certain sums of money as phases of the project are completed. Make sure the payment schedule includes specific amounts, as well as the work that needs to be completed before the payment is made.

Request for a limit on expenditures. The building contract should include a quote for the work, but as problems or challenges come up, it's normal for the cost to increase. Get yourself a cap on the total price of the building project written in the contract or you will find yourself forking out thousands more than you agreed to.

Pay attention to the cost of subcontracted work. Construction projects normally consist of the use of subcontracted workers regarding various components, for example electricity and plumbing. These need to be listed in the agreement, along with their price ranges.

More Information at:

http://contracting-form.com/ or at: http://icfhome.ca/

source : http://articlecity.com/

Mounting Fuji

2011-02-13T03:16:00.001-08:00

There are few symbols that represent Japan as clearly as does Mt. Fuji, or Fuji-san in Japanese. Its near perfect conical shape makes it a much sought after photo opportunity for foreign tourists and Japanese nationals alike. The only thing better than snapping that wonderful photo of the mountain, is climbing it. Making the trek to the top of Fuji always seems like a great idea when on the ground, far away from the mountain with friends over a few beers, and while extremely rewarding, it is a long and tiring journey.

You don't actually climb from the bottom to the top of Fuji. The highway approaches Fuji and winds up the base to an area with some shops, restaurants and a hotel designated as station five. From here is where the hike begins. Its best to bring food and drink with you up the mountain rather than buying them at the stations you will encounter as you ascend. I've found that rice balls, trail mix, jerky, lots of water and a small thermos of hot green tea make for the best set of provisions. One thing that is a must for all climbers that can be obtained at station five is a walking stick. These octagonal sticks made of what appears to be pine run about 1500 to 2000 yen and have a little bell attached to the top by a red ribbon. Lose the bell. The constant noise will fast become an irritation after the eight hour hike to the top. You may not think you care for a walking stick but it will become the best souvenir that you will descend Fuji with. At each station they have metal brands, warming in a fire that can be used to burn a small picture into your stick as you make your way to the top. Each will have the altitude of the station your at and some nifty Japanese Kanji characters on it. By the time you reach the top and get the much coveted final brand, your stick will be covered in unique Japanese pictures and messages that really make your stick a very personal part your Fuji experience. For the next long, tiring eight hours, this stick will be with you the entire way.

The goal of most climbers at Fuji is to see the sunrise the following day. Since the climb takes around eight hours to complete, the easiest way to accomplish this is by a night climb. By starting between eight and nine in the evening, you're pretty much guaranteed to be at the top by sunrise, which is always around 4 to 5 in the morning in Japan. Climbing at night like this is a truly unique experience, especially if there is a full moon out and no cloud cover. A flashlight is very helpful for a night hike like this. The other way to climb Fuji is to reserve a spot at one of the lodges far up the mountain. This allows a climb to start earlier in the day, even before noon. It takes about four or five hours to reach the first of these lodges. You can find nice package deals at most Japanese tourist agencies which will include a light meal with your stay. This way is also very fun and you still get to see the sunrise, just after a few hours of sleep and a hot meal. I've done both trips and can honestly say there's no shame in taking a nap in one of these little lodges on the side of Mt. Fuji. One last suggestion is to bring warm clothing. A thick sweater and any jacket that will break the wind along with a wool cap or beanie will do nicely. It's cold at the top, and even though Fuji is only open for climbing in July and August, and you start your climb in warm summer weather, due to the altitude at the top, the last part of the climb will be chilly.

The first part of the trail is a little unremarkable. Most of the mountain is not visible at this time and the scenery at this point is not particularly thrilling. One of your first sights will be a set of toilets about 30 minutes from station five. As you make your way up to the mountain, the different stations are spaced at a good interval apart to take breaks and get your walking sticks branded. At each station you'll find a couple of young people manning the lodges. They're usually huddled around the fire they keep burning inside with a pot of soup or tea swinging over it. To mark your stick costs between 100 and 300 yen as you go up the mountain. It's a way to generate revenue for the park and employees and can easily cost twenty to thirty dollars by the time you get to the top. You don't need to get one done at every station, but seven or eight of them along with the "I climbed Fuji and all I got was this lousy stamp" that you get at the top of the mountain is a good amount to adorn your stick.

The views of the surrounding countryside as you climb are just amazing. While the view is fantastic, the climb will get a little tiring. There's only so much purple mountain majesty that can keep you bubbly after five hours of constant switchbacks up the mountain. An interesting aspect of the climb up is how enormous the mountain actually is. The higher you get, it's very easy to comprehend just how small you are in comparison to your surroundings. The trails aren't too difficult to climb, with only a small part of the hiking actually done over uneven, rocky terrain. There's little else to say about the actual climb itself. It just goes, and goes, on and on for hours. The last hour is pretty congested with other climbers making the hike. Regardless of the speed at which different people make the ascent, the narrow, steep portion of the trail just before the summit is slow going due to the large volume of people there.

Once at the top a truly rewarding feeling washes over you. The incredible view coupled with the knowledge that you literally just scaled a mountain make for a wonderful memory. Watching the sunrise from the top is breathtaking. Surrounded by hundreds of other climbers waiting in anticipation for the first rays of the sun creates a collective feeling of joy and accomplishment. It's not uncommon to hear large groups of Japanese shouting the classic "Bonsai!' three times, and just adds to the moment. The top is dotted with several buildings literally covered with large, lava rocks that are stacked all around, probably to negate the high winds that prevail at this part of the mountain. It further adds to the sense of the harshness of the environment at the top and the sense of achievement of your successful climb. There is hot coffee, cocoa or soup to be had here, though for a price. There are toilets to be found as well as open heated buildings to warm up in before the next part of the journey.

Though it may sound obvious when explained, the realization that making it to the top is only half of the experience soon sets in. It quickly becomes apparent that going down the mountain is just as arduous a task as was climbing up. Again, there's not much to say about this part. There are no stations on the way down to rest or buy food or drinks, just dozens of other tired climbers making the descent. About an hour before you reach the bottom there's a bathroom that you will smell before you see, but that is it. The view during this time is still amazing. The mix of crisp morning air and the warming temperatures as you descend will help to negate the tedium of the seemingly endless switchbacks that characterize the trip down. The trail downward is separate from the one going up, but they meet up right around the first toilet you saw as you begun. Its fun when you arrive at this point, because you will run into the people making the climb up. Even though it has only been one night since that fresh, laughing person you see hiking up was you, you feel like you know something that he or she doesn't. It's a small comfort to ponder that you will soon be on the way home to a shower and a warm bed, while these people passing you going the opposite direction have a long night ahead of them.

Source: http://sightseeing.in-japan.jp/

Art Painting Sokaraja

2011-02-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Epidemic around the 1970s until the 1980s that the city Sokaraja painting known as the city or town in the gallery because it is displayed throughout the city that works around the painter and Banyumas Sokaraja general. Painter-painter is famous, among others: Gesang, Mustaqim Imam, Abdul Basyir, Fatoni and others. Typical painting Sokaraja is about natural, generally have the time Slamet mountain Serayu also rice fields.

Source : wikipedia with translate by dyandepe

Soto Sokaraja

2011-02-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Soto is and Indonesian version of chicken soup.
It contains broth, veggie and chicken/beef.. some versions has fish, ribs or mutton.
throughout Indonesia, there are various type of soto, depends on the region it comes from and one another has different disctict taste, appearance or smell.
One special soto from my hometown is called Soto Sokaraja, Sokaraja itself is a tiny town nearby Purwokerto, and wellknown of several food.
The Soto is made of glass noodle, beansprout, shredded chicken and cruched colorful flour chips.
Then poured with hot broth, served with the famous sweet spicy peanut sauce, and eaten with more chips or fried chicken intestine/skin.
The famous place for Soto is located along Bank Street (Jalan Bank), thus the name is Soto Jalan Bank.
1 portion of soto c/w rice: 0.8USD
1 orange squeezed ice: 0.6USD
1 glass of dessert made of mil coconut, syrup, jelly and palm sugar ~ 0.6USD

Old Batavia (Jakarta) City Tour

2011-02-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

Bicycle for rent

Actually we did this tour on June 2nd, 2009 but I haven’t post about it.

Since we have a toddler, we decided it would be best to do this tour on our own, meaning we rent a car and have the driver took us places. Simple and there were no rushing. For a less than $50 we got to rent a car for a whole day (yep, 24 hours!).

First stop was the Jakarta History Museum (better known by the locals as Fatahillah Museum). Located in the old part of Jakarta this building was originally built for the governor’s office during the Dutch colonial era in 1707-1711. There’s a small entrance fee to go inside the Museum building (cost about Rp. 2,000/$0.2 per person).

Fatahillah Museum

An Antique Bench

This place is also famous for pre-wedding photo shots spot among the future bride-groom to be. When you’re in that area, don’t forget to stop by for some refreshing cool drinks (or food) at the awesome Batavia Café.

From there we went to the old port, known as Sunda Kelapa Port. It’s one of the oldest port in Indonesia and was once the most important port in the country. While taking pictures there, a guy approached Hubby and offered to give us a guide to some more historical places in Jakarta. The guy’s English is excellent and he holds a tour guide permit issued by the government although the card looks really old and faded when he showed it us. At first I hesitate but then I realized some of the places he mentions are the ones that I never even heard of and for Rp. 700,000 ($70) he took us to these amazingly hidden places.

Sunda Kelapa Port

The first stop he took us was the Maritime Museum. This place is so small and tucked behind the city traffic, one could easily miss it. We climbed up the old wooden stairs to the old watchtower and the views are really nice. Although, it disappoint me to hear our guide explained that in a few years, the old ‘kampung’ (village) located behind the museum will be gone and turned into fancy apartments and God knows what else. Our guide really is very knowledgeable in his field as he explained a lot about the history of every place.

The Watch Tower

View From The Maritime Museum Watch Tower

From there we took a little walk to another building, again, tucked away behind the small fishing village. This building is still part of the Maritime Museum. We saw the largest traditional boat ever built being restored.

Then we crossed the streets to another old building that was once used as storage facility for the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or the Dutch East India Company). Some Indonesian conglomerate bought that place, restore it and use part of the area as a restaurant. It is really beautiful and kudos for her to preserve one of the heritage of this country.

Old VOC Storage Facility

The last place he took us was really interesting. Unfortunately, Lil’ A fell asleep after a long day of walking and sight seeing that DH stayed in the car parked nearby a mall. Our guide took me across the busy street, into the alleys and I had no idea where I was. We ended up in one of the oldest Chinese temple in the city. It is so hidden; doubt I can find it again alone. He wanted to show me the largest burning candle in the world, or so he claimed, I have to admit I never seen a candle that big before. Too bad, we got there a bit too late after 6:00 PM and they already blew the candles out. Those really big giants candles are lit every morning from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I bet they’ll make a fantastic picture!

Small Entrance Door To the Temple

The Prayer Hall

Candles Just Some of The Many Candles Lit

All in all, we are glad we hired our guide, he turned out to be one heck of a guide with so much valuable information stored in him. Too bad I lost his phone number!

This tour was so worth it despite the sweats from humidity and heat as a change from mall to mall activities that got us bored to death already. Why don’t you give it a try?

Source : http://www.tatterscoops.com/old-batavia-city-tour/

Venice Italy Sightseeing

2011-02-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

In Venice Italy, even the ambulances are waterborne. The addresses are numbered in an erratic fashion - to put it diplomatically - and often times the city appears to be nothing more than a confluence of boats and gondolas lugging confused looking visitors to parts unknown. Many Venetians have fled the city, looking for a break from tourists and the city's overwhelming prices. The history of Venice Italy is unclear. The city was first formed by refugees escaping from barbarian hordes, weary evacuees who gave up their land for the possibility of freedom upon the nearby islands deemed uninhabitable by many at the time. Like their ancestors, the Venetians are running again.

Every year, the city's water levels rise. The muggy summer air cooks the canals and scrapes the paint and enamel from the city's finest pieces of art. Faithful to its origins, everything in Venice seems to be in peril. This has - logically - spiked tourism in Venice, which for years has been the sole means of support for the historic city, so at least you can rest assured that the high prices you"ll encounter will be funneled into programs to renovate the city. Because, despite its continual decay and a layout so confounding it makes your eyes spasm, the city is still one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Tourism in Venice reaches its peak during Carnavale, the annual celebration before lent, where millions of visitors come from around the globe to take part in festivities. Other attractions include St. Mark's Basilica, also known as "The Church Of Gold". The cathedral takes its names because it houses a golden altar measuring 40 square feet and set with thousands upon thousands of jewels. Hundreds of other treasures culled from centuries of wealth and privilege also remain inside.

The gondola is the primary mode of transportation throughout the canals, not to mention the enduring symbol of tourism in Venice. Though speedboats have become more commonplace nowadays, they are unable to drown out the traditional songs of the gondoliers, with most of these ballads reciting tales of true love or the magnificent history of Venice Italy itself.

And a storied history it is. Like Genoa, Venice used its waterways to develop into a powerful city, a hub for trade and commercial exploits, until it dominated a large portion of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic and hundreds of vital trade routes. The city thrived for centuries, becoming a center of the arts that made all others pale in comparison. Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and Longhi all called Venice home at some point, and their works live on in the many galleries and museums spread throughout the city's maze of canals. The Academy Gallery is surely the most famous, where many of the city's masterpieces are displayed. Take a gondola ride down the famous Grand Canal and it will lead you to Ca' Rezzonico and Ca' d'Oro, the former famous for its ornate ballrooms and aristocratic balconies, the latter for providing shelter for the great works of Titian, Mantegna and Carpaccio.

The pageantry and history of Venice Italy are still alive and well for the time being. And don"t worry about getting lost, either - it is said by locals that there are no wrong turns in Venice. See for yourself.

source :http://www.destination360.com/

Sorrento Italy Sightseeing, tourism, guides, hotel, history, geography

2011-02-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

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Tourist Information on Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is a small village southeast of Naples that is the starting point for your Amalfi Coast tour, but don't leave so quickly; Sorrento has a lot to offer. This city on water has been a vacation spot for centuries and its charm is still apparent today. Ancient villas and cathedrals for the historical, blue waters and pink sunsets over the Bay of Naples for the romantics, and quaint shops with artisan merchants for the prize seekers.

History
- Fotolia.com"> Santa Maria del Lauro image by Ingrid Walter from Fotolia.com
  Known as Surrentum by the Greeks and later by the Romans, Sorrento has a long history of trade, culture, and even war. Some of the oldest structures found in the city originate from Italian tribes (900 BC) before they were incorporated into the Roman Empire. Sorrento is also the site of the mythological sirens that tempted sailors to certain doom with their enchanting voices and singing. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Sorrento passed from hand to hand and was even its own duchy until being conquered by Spain. Eventually, Sorrento overthrew the Spanish and became part of the brief Kingdom of Naples until it failed and Sorrento fell under the rule of Ferdinand II. In 1861 it was annexed into the new Kingdom of Italy.
Geography
- Fotolia.com"> View of Marina in Sorrento, Italy image by abstrand from Fotolia.com
  Sorrento is located on a peninsula forming the southeast wall of the Bay of Naples. The peninsula separates the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno and is formed by the Lattari Mountains. Sorrento is positioned in a ravine of limestone cliffs that offered natural protection from invaders in ancient times and now offers natural beauty. The island of Capri is only 5 km away by ferry. The islands of Ischia and Procida are also nearby.
Sights
- Fotolia.com"> sorrento image by euforbo from Fotolia.com
  For some examples of Sorrento's traditional craft intarsio, inlaid woodwork, check out Duomo, Sorrento. It also features marble tombs and relics from long dead saints, some of whose bones rest in one of chapels. The Museo Bottega Della Tarsia Lignea is housed in an 18th Century villa and showcases even more of the famous woodwork. You can admire frescos and sip café at the Sedil Dominova, a domed building that was a traditional meeting place for nobles in the 15th Century.
Limoncello
- Fotolia.com"> limone limoncello image by Fotograv from Fotolia.com
  In Sorrento, don't be surprised when you see lemons the size of footballs barely hanging onto straining branches. The citrus smells are the beginnings of the famous local beverage, limoncello. Although there are arguments as to whether the aspertif or digestif originated in Salerno, Capri or Sorrento, the sweet liqueur is common all over Sorrento. Served ice cold, its syrupy sweet citrus smell hides the cold burning that occurs as it slides down your throat and warms your stomach.
Shopping
- Fotolia.com"> sorrento piazza tasso image by euforbo from Fotolia.com
  Via San Nicola offers artisan shops and demonstrations of inlaid woodwork. You can even buy beautiful inlaid wood tables and music boxes directly from the artisans. For the upscale shopper looking for designer merchandise, Piazza Umberto I offers items from the top designers in Italy. Via S. Cesareo is Sorrento's main pedestrian street.

Florence Italy Tourist Guide, Tourism, atraction, vacation, guides, hotels

2011-02-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

About Florence

Florence (Firenze) is the regional capital of Tuscany, in the centre of Italy. A town with a turbulent and action-packed history, Florence is now packed with tourists being shepherded around the city's museums. The town is situated on the river Arno, which is spanned by the famous Ponte Vecchio, the only of Florence's bridges not to be blown up in the Second World War. Florence's most striking landmark is Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo, and its most reproduced sight is Michelangelo's statue of David.

When to go

In summer, at the height of the tourist season, Florence can be heaving with tourists, as well as uncomfortably hot. But Florence is a tourist city, and its artistic attractions are indoors, so the town is really an all-year-round destination. You're unlikely to find Florence empty; but visiting away from the summer peak should make the infamous queues a little shorter.

Florence advice

On arrival, visit the Tourist Information Office opposite the station, where you can pick up a free town plan and a vital piece of equipment - a list of museum opening times and prices. Some museums and galleries are open only in the morning, others may close one or two days a week, so you really need to plan your sightseeing if you want to get the most from your trip. It's also worth visiting the ATAF bus station alongside the railway station to pick up a free bus map and a couple of tickets.

Get out of town. If you're in Florence for several days you will probably begin to suffer from the crowds, heat, museum-fatigue. It's a great idea to take a trip out into the Tuscan countryside. Visit one of the Medici villas, explore the hills and vineyards by bus or car, or see another town - Siena or San Gimignano, for example.

Reductions at museums: if you are an EU citizen and are over 65, under 25 or a student, you can obtain reductions at some of Florence's sights. Bring your passport and any other ID to confirm your status. See our tourist attractions page for more information.

The Florentine rip-off

Florence is not a good destination if you are on a budget. There is very little in town for the hard-up tourist. Unlike Rome, where churches and monuments are free of charge, or Venice, where the city itself is the main attraction, Florence will empty your wallet. The Florentines have mastered the art of extracting money from visitors; museums and churches can be very expensive, with few joint/combined tickets on offer. Statues and artworks have been removed from the streets and free churches, and placed in expensive galleries. Of course there is justification for this: tourists swamp the city and it seems fair that the city should profit, but all the same, the constant expenditure is a drain which can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Tourists may feel especially aggrieved when they find that museums will close down rooms and galleries without advance notice, pleading staff shortages. Prize exhibits may be missing (for restoration or on loan elsewhere), and few museums are well planned and signed. Visitors should research their trip in advance, book ahead or visit at unpopular times, and when you're in a musuem, make a point of exploring stairways and dark corners to make sure you don't miss anything important.

source : http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/

Siena

2011-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

Siena Tourist Information, Hotel and Travel Guide
Siena, Tuscany

Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany, one of Italy's most appealing regions. The well-conserved medieval streets and piazzas are home to the annual festival of the Palio, a neck-or-nothing horserace which takes place in Siena's main square, the Campo. The town can be reached as a daytrip from Florence or Rome, but it's also a good place to stay for several days, soak up the atmosphere, and visit the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The town is still sometimes known by its alternative English spelling of Sienna.

> Siena Hotels
> Siena Guidebooks

Siena Tourist Attractions and Holiday Information

Historical Siena is arranged around three radiating ridges of high ground, with green valleys enclosed within the old city walls. The town is divided into terzi, or thirds, and within each of these there are a number of the districts known as contrade (more about the contrade below). It's easy to walk around the historic centre of Siena on foot, exploring as you go, but if you're the organised type you may find it helpful to take the terzi one at a time.The Tourist Information Offices and museums supply leaflet guides to each one. The Terzo di Camollia, for example, contains the gigantic and shadowy Basilica di San Francesco, dating from the late 13th century; the rival Dominican church, the Basilica of San Domenico; the Sanctuary of St Catherine of Siena; the former Medici Fortress, which is now a pleasant and panoramic public park.
View over the Campo to the Palazzo Pubblico

The first stop for tourists in Siena is Piazza del Campo (otherwise known simply as il Campo). This is the secular heart of Siena, a sloping amphitheatre of a square, lined with cafe tables and thronged with tourists, school parties and locals. The Campo is the dramatic setting for the Palio horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace, which dates back to 1250 and is still the seat of the Municipality.

The Palazzo is also home to some fine frescoes, and makes a good beginning to your sightseeing tour. At the ticket office in the internal courtyard you can buy a range of tickets. These give access to differing numbers of Siena's attractions, and some are valid for several days - a good way to save money, if you're planning a longer stay. A combined ticket for €9.50 gives you access to the Museo Civico inside the Palazzo, and also to the tall belltower, the Torre del Mangia. The tower is an excellent way to view Siena, the views over the town and countryside are breathtaking and help the visitor understand the geography of the town. Be warned though, that the climb is also breathtaking. A limited number of people are allowed up at a time, and you'll understand why when you see how narrow and poky the stairs are. The final climb up to the highest bell on its lofty framework is a nervewracking ladder - don't even think of making the climb if you have a poor head for heights or are very unfit.

Moving on to the museum, highlights include superb frescoes by Simone Martini, whose Maestà religious scene is one of the oldest examples of Sienese painting and glows with colour and life. Even more fascinating is a fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1319-1348), the Allegories of Good and Bad Government. In one series, a 'good' ruler presides over a prosperous city (Siena) and productive countryside, while the effects of bad government are shown to be dismal misery and urban deprivation. Also worth seeing are an exquisite rose-tree made of gold (a gift to Siena from a pope), and some beautiful carved choir stalls with religious illustrations (one fine example shows the dead clambering from their graves on Judgement Day).
Unfinished cathedral walls

Heading uphill from the Campo, you arrive outside the monumental green-and-white-striped Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Before the collapse of the city's fortunes, Siena had ambitious plans to enlarge the edifice into the largest in the world. You can still see the facade and one side of the new cathedral, which would have incorporated the older building as a mere transept. Work was stopped, but the grandiose ambitions of the Sienese were preserved in the freestanding striped walls. The interior of the cathedral itself is ornate and decorated, lined with the heads of saints. The floor is composed of extremely fine inlaid marble scenes - some are covered to preserve them from wear, but others are usually exposed in roped-off sections. The Duomo is free to visit; although there is a small charge to visit the Piccolomini Library, (off to the left of the nave), where charming courtly scenes by Pinturicchio recount the life story of Sienese Pope Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pius II). Adjacent to the Duomo, the Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana contains much of the original artwork from the cathedral, Sienese paintings, and the opportunity to view Siena from a vantage point on the unfinished new cathedral facade.

Siena History, the Palio and the Contrade
Youths from the Contrada of the Goose practise their flag-throwing in front of the Sanctuary of St Catherine

Early in its history, Siena was a Roman colony, and the later town retained pride in its past, with many statues and reminders of Romulus, Remus and the legendary she-wolf. In subsequent centuries, Siena became a prosperous and important medieval town, a rival to nearby Florence (which it famously defeated in battle in 1270). But the Black Death in 1348, and a decline in the town's banking business changed Siena's fortunes. A large proportion of the population died, and Siena's star fell. Major building work on the vast cathedral extension was stopped, never to be restarted. Medieval Siena is so well-preserved because after the middle ages there was little development or industrialisation.

Perhaps because of its cultural and ecomonic stagnancy, perhaps because of a consequent need to maintain its own internal traditions, Siena has kept alive unusual and renowned traditions. In what is though to date back to a historic tribal system, the town is divided into 17 contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own animal emblem (a caterpillar, a giraffe, a goose etc.) and its own strong identity. The rivalry between contrade is expressed twice every year in Siena's biggest tourist attraction, the Palio. Horses representing the contrade (and blessed in their local churches) are raced perilously around the perimeter of Piazza del Campo; the whole event surrounded by an orgy of historical pageantry, flagwaving and cheering. The Palio takes place on 2nd July and 16th August; if you're planning to visit then, it's best to book your hotel well in advance.

Siena Travel Information

Get to Siena

Siena is well-served by bus services, both from the surrounding towns and from more distant destinations, such as Rome. If you are travelling by train from the north of Italy, you should change at Florence for Siena; from Rome and the south, change trains at Chiusi.

Get around Siena
The curving edge of Piazza del Campo, seen from the belltower

Siena's railway station is a bus-ride from the centre of town - buy your 1-hour tickets first at the newsstand in the station (you must stamp them on the bus), then cross the piazza outside the station to the bus stop on the far side. In the middle of town, Piazza Gramsci is the central pick-up and drop-off point. The centre of Siena is most easily seen on foot - there are many steep slopes, so be prepared for some exercise.

San Gimignano

2011-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in Tuscany. It’s famous for its medieval architecture, especially its high towers. Of the 72 that once existed, 13 remain today. San Gimignano is a popular destination for day trippers from Florence, but spend the night here and the city quiets down and takes you back in time.

source : http://blog.hotelclub.com/

Abruzzo Italy

2011-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Abruzzo holds some of Italy’s best-preserved medieval and Renaissance hill towns. Many lie entirely within regional and national parks so they won’t be developed anytime soon. Abruzzo is an excellent place to see some of Italy’s best preserved landscape.
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Sorrento Italy

2011-02-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

The gateway to the Amalfi coast, Sorrento is located on the Bay of Naples. It’s especially busy here in the summer time but the city is big enough and has enough to offer for all its visitors. This sea sport has been active for thousands of years and has a rich history. Any journey down south would be incomplete without a visit.

Capri Italy

2011-02-02T11:32:00.001-08:00

Capri is an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. It has been a major resort destination since Roman time and is popular with the well to do of the world. During summers, the island sees a lot of tourists, who mostly stick to the major towns. Get out of the towns and the island is yours!

Turin Italy

2011-02-02T11:31:00.001-08:00

Turin is a major city in northern Italy. Turin is well-known as the home of the Shroud of Turin and host of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Located right near the alps, with the Po River flowing through the city, and villas dotting the surrounding area, Turin is trying to attract more tourist so get there before the crowds!
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Sicily Italy

2011-02-02T11:30:00.001-08:00

Sicily may be famous for the mafia but it has much more than that. Sicily has a long history of foreign domination and he result is an eclectic culture that mixes it all in. Every little city seems to have its own culture. Come and explore the countryside and well preserved towns. Just don’t ask for Tony Soprano!

Cinque Terra

2011-02-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Five towns located on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Cinque Terra is simply breathtaking. Spend the day walking the 12km trail that connects each town, exploring there tiny streets, and stopping at little cafes. Explore the olive groves in the hills and relax yourself with a shot of Limoncello.
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Venice Italy

2011-02-02T11:28:00.002-08:00

The city of lovers- Venice is a great place for couples and families. Hang out in St. Mark’s Square (watch out for all the pigeons!!), stroll through tiny alleys, and take a gondola ride through the canals. Venice may be an expensive city but it is worth every Euro.
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Florence Italy

2011-02-02T11:28:00.001-08:00

Florence
Birthplace of the renaissance and home to the David, Florence is Italy’s second obvious stop. For art lovers and foodies, Florence offers an array of goodies. (Try the gelato!!!) Another bonus: it’s right in Tuscany, home of Italy’s premier wine country.
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Rome Italy

2011-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

The capital wasn’t built in a day and you’ll need a lifetime to see it. With so many sites and places to see, you’ll never be at a loss to do. Whether it’s exploring the ancient roman forum and walking where Caesar did, seeing the Vatican, or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is an obvious stop for anyone’s trip to Italy

A Calming Experience on the Beautiful Beaches of Port Aransas

2011-01-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

by: Victor Komaleng

Spending a time at the beach is a refreshing moment for everyone who likes to be under the heat of the sun. The beach is a perfect getaway for people who just want to relax and see the beauty of nature as well. Variety of enjoyable activities can be done like making sand castles, skim boarding, surfing, swimming and family picnics. Port Aransas is one of the best beaches in the United States which is located in Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico.

Port Aransas is a lovely place. Most people always come to this place for their recreational beach activities. The island is perfect for people who love a coastal lifestyle. You can enjoy the cool sea breeze and receive an immense feeling of tranquility and comfort. The beach reduces your stress and anxiety. If you sit comfortably near the beach, you can appreciate the beauty of nature. You can also engage in some meditation and connect with nature like breathing deeply and slowly.

Gazing the birds from the sky can also be mind-refreshing. As you glance in the sea, sometimes you can also see some birds going down from the sky catching fishes. It's an interesting scene to behold. A lot of awesome things can be seen in the beach that can captivate your naked eyes. You can also stare the tide approaching you and touching your little toes. Your body's weight will somehow push you down into the sand and it is something like the sand is eating or grabbing you.

Port Aransas is a famous beach community in Florida endowed with incredible spots. It is a like a paradise for beach-goers. This place is also ideal for those people who are looking for places after their retirement where they can just relax and enjoy. If you're planning of buying beach properties then this would be a perfect place for you. You can look for properties at Port Aransas Homes for sale. Port Aransas real estate can also help you find your dream house in this marvelous location.

source : http://www.articlecity.com/

Top Ten Travel Tips for Traveling with Kids

2011-01-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

by Elaine Sosa Labalme

Traveling with kids certainly requires a lot of planning - and even more patience. Seeing as how you've got your hands full already (and are still out for a good time), you're well advised to take advantage of any shortcuts, tricks and travel wisdom that comes your way. With that in mind, we offer our top ten travel tips from the trenches. These pointers were collected from parents all over the country, experienced travelers as well as those just getting out on the road with their kids. Take heed, take off and have a great time!

Our list begins with tips for traveling with infants and toddlers and proceeds to advice geared toward traveling with toddlers, mid-kids (ages 5-12) and teens.

1. A portable high chair. A compact, easy-to-pack high chair is invaluable on the road. You can't count on a restaurant having a high chair available (grandma doesn't always have a high chair, either), and the last thing you need is junior falling off a stack of phone books. The chair made by Me Too Products (metooproducts.com) clamps onto most tables, weighs less than two pounds and folds to about an inch thick. Its nylon fabric wipes clean and the chair's frame is a lightweight, sturdy aluminum. We've used this chair extensively for well over a year now and it's still like new. At under $50, it's well priced and an essential part of our travel gear.

2. A new bag of toys for the car or plane. You can't underestimate the value of new loot for the car or plane ride. One mom from San Diego brings a small bag filled with new toys for each trip and pulls them out one by one. Handled deftly, this exercise takes her the entire plane (or car) ride. At our house, we hoard the giveaways my husband collects at computer conferences. These squeeze-y balls, rubber snakes and twisty shapes are usually soft, colorful and, best of all, free. They're only pulled out for road trips or plane rides, and our two-year-old, Steven, is forever dazzled at the opportunity to play with this stash.

3. A combination stroller/car seat. When traveling with small kids, every inch and pound of gear counts. The "Sit 'n' Stroll" made by Safeline Kids (available at babycenter.com) is a combination stroller, car seat and booster seat. A full-sized car seat, it holds a youngster weighing up to 40 pounds and can also be used on a plane. Once at your destination, simply slide out the wheels tucked underneath, pull out the handle and you're ready to roll. "It's been great not to have to take a separate car seat and stroller every time we go anywhere," says a San Francisco mother who swears by this inventive piece of gear.

4. Don't go to Disney World until your child is (almost) three. Have you ever noticed the parents who've brought their really young children to Disney World? I mean, have you really looked at them? They're EXHAUSTED. Disney World, even with its emphasis on service and ease, is not the best place to muddle through endless crying jags and dirty diapers - and is a one-year-old really going to remember this visit with Mickey and friends in the years to come? Save your money (and retain your sanity) and make the pilgrimage to the Magic Kingdom right before your kid turns three. Why is this the magical moment? Because kids are FREE at Walt Disney World until they turn three. Not only will you give your toddler time to develop some endurance for the marathon that is Disney, you'll also save over $150 by not having to buy junior a Park Hopper 4-Day ticket of his own. Plan your visit to Disney for the week before your child's third birthday and let his favorite "character" croon him a birthday tune.

5. Books of all kinds. A mom from Atlanta, determined to read her own book on plane rides, invested in a $5 tape recorder from Target and checks out children's books on tape from her local library before a trip. Her four-year-old gets to "read" (quietly at that) and so does she. Again, newness counts for a lot, so bring along books your child has yet to read. The same principle can be applied to older kids. Find out what's on their reading list and pick up a copy before the trip. Bring out your surprise just before takeoff.

6. Bring the meds. No matter how hale and hearty everyone looks before the trip, things can change very quickly - and do you really want to figure out where to get cough medicine at 3 AM in Yosemite? Bring a small supply of the medicines you might well need on every trip. We have a pre-packed baggie with just these things, and pop it into the suitcase as a matter of course. Ours includes cough medicine, fever reducer, Benadryl, Tylenol and syrup of Ipecac. Sunscreen and calamine lotion are also musts for summer/hot weather trips.

7. Pack less…and less. Your ten-year-old daughter won't need eighteen blouses for a two-week trip, despite her protestations to the contrary. For that matter, neither will you. Someone is going to be carrying the bags, and overstuffed, overweight bags are an argument waiting to happen. Pack once, as lightly as possible and with an eye to items (especially clothing and shoes) that can do double or triple duty (and toiletries in travel sizes only). Once you've closed your bags, open them up again and take out even more stuff. Do this a third time and you're bound to have a good time.

8. Split up. Did someone once say that the family that plays together stays together? True, perhaps, but we could all use a little time of our own every now and then. Parents should consider splitting up a few times while on vacation. Mom can do a museum or a spa while dad takes the kids to the swimming pool. Conversely, dad can go golfing (or to a museum or spa, it's equal opportunity here) while mom takes the kids hiking, biking or picnicking. Or consider staying at a full service resort where baby sitting services are available. At most Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and Loews properties offer this perk. Parents should get as much out of a vacation as their kids, so be sure to include some time for yourself and your mate (separately or together) as part of your itinerary.

9. Down time. Admit it, how many times have you had the temptation to fit it all in while on vacation? This strategy may seem like a lot of fun at the time (it almost always is), but then everyone gets home exhausted and that's no fun at all. Plan for some down time every day of your trip. This could mean a leisurely bike ride, an afternoon matinee or a swim in the hotel pool. Need something more relaxing? Read a book in a park or play a game of cards. Tops on the down time list has to be an afternoon nap. My husband and I (and our son, too) seem to nap (and sleep) best when we're on the road. Hmm, maybe that's due to all the activity…

10. Involve the kids. Planning a trip carefully is the first step in insuring its success. A friend in Santa Fe ascribes to the following model: "group decision making that considers everyone's time as equal but respects those who are paying." This particular friend has been traveling with his twin teenagers since they were two months old and his kids are some of the happiest travelers I've ever met. Do yourself a favor and talk to your kids before you hit the road. Better yet, listen to them. Get a sense of the things they enjoy and those they'd rather not do. Do they like action and adventure or museums and historical attractions more their thing? Close to home or far away? Big hotel or not? Eat in or eat out? Armed with a better sense of what everyone's likes and dislikes are, you can craft a travel agenda suited to all, with the parents getting the last word. Bear in mind, though, it's not just the big picture you're trying to create here - if you keep your kids in the loop along the way, the journey will most likely be a smooth one.

Lake Toba

2011-01-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Geology

The Toba caldera complex in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia consists of four overlapping volcanic craters that adjoin the Sumatran "volcanic front". The youngest and fourth caldera is the world’s largest Quarternary caldera (100 by 30 kilometers) and intercepts the three older calderas. An estimate of 2500-3000 cubic kilometers of dense-rock equivalent pyroclastic material, nicknamed the Youngest Toba tuff, was blasted from the youngest caldera during one of the largest single eruptions in geologic history. Following the "Youngest Toba tuff eruption", a typical resurgent dome formed within the new caldera, joining two half-domes separated by a longitudinal graben.

People

Most of the people who live around Lake Toba are ethnically Bataks. Traditional Batak houses are noted for their distinctive roofs (which curve upwards at each end, as a boat's hull does) and their colorful decor.

Flora and fauna

Lake Toba offers a nurturing environment for fish such as the tilapia mossambica, aplocheilus pachax, lebistes reticulatus, osphronemus goramy, trichogaster trichopterus, channa striata, chana gachua, clarias batrachus, clarias nieuhofi, clarias. sp., nemachilus fasciatus, cyprinus carpio, puntius javanicus, puntius binotatus, osteochilus nasselti, lissochilus sp., labeobarbus sora, and rasbora sp.

Many other types of plants and animals live within the boundaries of Lake Toba. Flora organisms include various types of phytoplankton, emerged macrophytes, floating macrophytes, and submerged macrophytes. Fauna include several variations of zooplankton and benthos.

source : http://tourismlaketoba.blogspot.com/

Suramadu Bridge

2011-01-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Suramadu Bridge

Suramadu National Bridge is a bridge that crosses the Madura Strait, connecting the island of Java (in Surabaya) and Madura Island (in Bangkalan, exactly east Kamal), Indonesia. With a length of 5438 m, this bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia today. Southeast Asia's longest bridge is the Bang Na Expressway in Thailand (54 km). Suramadu bridge consists of three parts, namely the overpass (causeway), bridges (bridge approach), and the main bridge (main bridge). This bridge was inaugurated by the President of the beginning of construction Megawati Sukarnoputri on August 20, 2003 and inaugurated the opening by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on June 10, 2009 Bridge construction is intended to accelerate development on the island of Madura, including infrastructure and economic field in Madura, which is relatively backward compared to other areas in East Java.

Estimated cost of construction of this bridge is a 4.5 trillion rupiah. Making the bridge is made from three sides, both sides Bangkalan both sides of Surabaya.Meanwhile, at the same time span was also carried out development which consists of playing bridge and approach bridge. Suramadu bridge is basically a combination of three types of bridges with overall length of 5438 meters long with a width of approximately 30 meters. This bridge provides four lanes in both directions as wide as 3.5 meters with two 2.75-meter-wide emergency lane.

This bridge also provides a special lane for motorists outside the bridge on each side Flyover Causeway Road overpass or a bridge built to connect with the road construction through shallow waters on both sides. This flyover consists of 36 spans over 1458 meters on the side of Surabaya and 45 spans over 1818 meters on the side of Madura. Construction of this flyover using PCI buffer length of each span 40 meters foundation supported 60 cm diameter steel pipe Mediator The connecting bridge or bridge approach, the main bridge linking the elevated road. The bridge consists of two parts with a length of 672 meters each. Construction of this bridge using a buffer along the 80-meter concrete box each span with seven spans supported on each side of foundation support 180 cm in diameter The main flyoverThe main bridge or bridge consists of three parts, namely two side spans 192 meters long and one along the 434-meter main span.

The main bridge using a cable stayed construction supported by the 140-meter-high twin towers. The bridge deck using 2.4-meter-thick composite construction. To accommodate cruise ships crossing the Strait of Madura, the bridge is providing free space as high as 35 meters from the sea surface. In part this is what causes become difficult and hampered its development, and also cause construction costs to swell.

source : http://phototourismindonesia.blogspot.com/

10 Place to Visit in Bali

2011-01-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

1. Pantai Tanjung Benoa

It is the name of a beach in Southern part of Bali. This is a beautiful beach with clean and white sands along the beach. In this beach, you can find many kind of water sports like Jet Ski, diving, and parasailing. You can also rent a boat and headed to Penyu Island where you can see the biggest breeding and maintenance of turtle in Bali.

2. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

In this place, you can see the sculpture of Lord Vishnu who is driving a Garuda bird

3. Uluwatu

It is a holy temple and a relic of Dang Hyang Nirartha during his mission to spread the Hindu religion in Bali. The story, Dang Hyang Nirartha was a holy man who came to Bali in 16th century. Uluwatu was the last destination of his journey and went to heaven. This temple is guarded by monkeys said to be the loyal followers of the holy man.

4. Alas Kedaton

Alas Kedaton is a small jungle with a holy temple, guarded by monkeys and giant bats.

5. Tanah Lot

This is a famous place in Bali because of the uniqueness of a temple in the middle of the ocean and the beauty of the sunset panorama.

6. Tohpati

A village that is famous with the making of Batik. In this village, the people will demonstrate the process the making of Batik from the beginning to the end. You can also buy the ready stock if you wish.

7. Celuk

It’s another famous village in Bali. In this village, we can find so many houses producing silver. If you are going there with a tour leader, your tour leader will take you into one of the house to see the activities and how they are producing the silver in traditional way.

8. Batuan

This village is not far away from Celuk. It is famous with their paintings.

9. Kemenuh

Kemenuh is a village famous with wooden sculpture. If you are looking so many wooden sculpture in city area, most of them are produced in this village.

10. Ubud

It is also known as international village. You can see so many restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops along the street in Ubud. You can also find some art museums in this village like Neka, Antonio Blanco, Arma, etc. You can also stop by in Ubud Art Market where you can find cheap handicraft products.

source : http://factoids.com/

"Ketapang" sponge (Bolu Ketapang)

2010-10-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Sponge cake is a cake based on flour (usually wheat flour), sugar, and eggs, sometimes leavened with baking powder, that derives its structure from an egg foam into which the other ingredients are folded. In addition to being eaten on its own, it lends itself to incorporation in a vast variety of recipes in which pre-made sponge cake serves as the base.

“Ketapang” sponge is like a bread but its have an unique form. The form is like a seed of ketapan. In our shop there are two kinds of “ketapang” sponge i.e. dry and intricate “ketapang” sponge and soggy “ketapang” sponge. These are made traditionally an originally. But you can order in a big amount. You can order by call @ +6281327270278 or come to our shop at jalan Amad II Sokaraja-Banyumas.

This is the picture of mold:

J don’t forget to order it ok… J

Thx… :)

SMA N Banyumas

2009-11-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

SMA N Banyumas is my favorite school,..
SMA N Banyumas is so bonafit school because the facility in this school is complete now, but I hope the facility is increases..

Calender academic "SMA N Banyumas"

2009-11-14T22:38:00.001-08:00

source: http://smanbanyumas.sch.id/

Chicago’s Top 5 Places to Live for Convenient Biking by: Spencer Mason

2009-10-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Park

With one of the city’s longest stretches of traffic-free biking and designated bike lanes along many of the main streets, it’s no wonder Lincoln Park is a favorite Chicago neighborhood among avid cyclists and recreational bike riders alike. Paved paths crisscross the expansive namesake park, providing easy access to the site’s many attractions (such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Conservatory and History Museum), and underground passes and a skywalk with ramps to North Avenue Beach make crossing busy Lake Shore Drive carefree. The bike trail along the edge of Lake Michigan has become a main artery for city cyclists heading south to downtown and beyond or north to Lakeview and other north side neighborhoods. Actually, the path is part of a continuous 18-mile-long lakefront bike trail that hugs the shoreline from the South Shore Cultural Center up to East Rogers Park.

The bike lanes in Lincoln Park are especially useful in areas like DePaul University where many students ride bikes around campus; Armitage Avenue, which is a popular boutique shopping district that is easier to walk or bike to than drive; and the Clybourn Corridor where a bunch of big box stores and chain retail options make for a parking shortage that bikers do not have to deal with. Lincoln Park residents who work in downtown have a quick commute to the business district in the Loop. Bikers can shoot down Wells Street and be in the midst of City Hall, Chicago Board of Trade, Sears Tower and other major office buildings in less than 10 minutes.

The Loop

Living in the Loop, you are already in the heart of Chicago and close to many of the city’s main attractions and its thriving business center. That’s exactly why a good number of Loop residents ride bikes around the neighborhood: everything is nearby and it sure beats sitting in traffic or waiting for the “L” train to come by. The inner blocks of the Loop are fairly congested with cars, taxis, buses and pedestrians, so cyclists should be cautious when riding through these hectic downtown streets (wearing a helmet and reflective gear is always recommended). Just west of the Chicago River, Canal and Clinton streets have bike lanes, which make for quick and safe north-south routes that pass by both Union Station and Ogilvie Center (Chicago’s main transportation hubs). Ride east pass Michigan Avenue and you’ll be in the sprawling park grounds of Millennium and Grant parks, which offer several outlets to the extensive lakefront bike trail—a wildly popular means for travel by city cyclists.

Once on the lakefront trail, bikers enjoy well-maintained, paved paths with mile markers and lane designations for orderly riding and directional assistance. From the Loop, bicyclists can head down the trail 5 minutes to the Museum Campus to spend a day at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium, or see the Chicago Bears play at Solider Field. And, instead of paying through the nose for parking, bikers can lock up their bikes outside for free!

Lakeview

Bike riding is such a common form of transportation in Lakeview that you’re bound to see bicyclists coasting down the streets even during winter! The strong cycling interest in this north side Chicago neighborhood has prompted the establishment of bike lanes and shared lanes on several of Lakeview’s major thoroughfares. Halsted Street, which divides East Lakeview and Lakeview proper, has handy bike lanes that provide a north-south travel route right by loads of dining options, trendy night clubs and comfy neighborhood watering holes. During the summer, Cubs games are always cause for bottlenecks around Wrigley Field, but bikers never get caught up in the traffic jams. Those swift two-wheelers can fly right by the line of cars backed up at lights and diverted by barriers set up for the crush of fans flooding the ballpark grounds.

Chicago’s well-traveled 18-mile lakefront bike trail makes a tour through Lakeview East with easy access from the neighborhood streets to the path via three Lake Shore Drive underpasses at Barry, Roscoe and Waveland. Bike riders can take the vehicle-free trail north a few minutes to the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course and Montrose Harbor and Beach, or south past the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach to Lincoln Park and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. And, Lakeview residents who work in downtown might just find this picturesque trail to be the fastest way down to the Loop (roughly a 20-minute ride). Try to beat that time in a car during rush hour!

South Loop

The South Loop is a budding Chicago neighborhood that has the right idea when it comes to “bikeability.” As one of the lucky communities with public parkland along Lake Michigan, the city’s extensive lakefront bike trail runs right through the South Loop, connecting it with 18 continuous miles of scenic shoreline cycling. On the north end of the neighborhood, bikers can hop on the path from Grant Park. Cruise by Buckingham Fountain and watch the impressive water jets shoot 50 feet in the air then take the paved trail south through the Museum Campus and right past Burnham Harbor. Further down, bikers can easily cross Lake Shore Drive at the overpass/ underpass at 18th Street and another elevated skyway at the massive McCormick Place convention center on Cermak Road.

Students at Roosevelt University and Columbia College (both located on Michigan Avenue in the South Loop) appreciate the convenient bike routes through the park and the designated bike lanes along the neighborhood’s high-traffic streets. Wabash is useful for north-south travel and Roosevelt provides bikers with a safe east-west avenue to cross the Chicago River. Just west of the waterway, Roosevelt meets up with Canal Street, which also has bike lanes and allows cyclists to head up to the business district in the Loop from a less-congested west side approach.

Bucktown

Unlike Chicago’s other top neighborhoods for biking, Bucktown is inland from the water and does not share in the popular lakefront bike trail that runs practically the entire length of the city shoreline. Nevertheless, this ultra-trendy community shows a fondness for cycling that has spurred neighborhood-wide measures to provide safe and convenient bike routes within the Bucktown borders. Streets with designated bike lanes are concentrated in the center of Bucktown, where most of the area’s business and entertainment are focused. Damen is a north-south running thoroughfare that bisects the neighborhood and intersects all the other main avenues in Bucktown with bike lanes or shared lanes. From Damen, riders can pick up Armitage to the west or Cortland to the east, which crosses the Chicago River and hooks back up with Armitage in Lincoln Park and takes bicyclists directly to the waterfront (about a 10-minute trip from the heart of Bucktown).

Slicing diagonally through Bucktown is Milwaukee Avenue, another heavily-traveled Chicago road that passes through numerous neighborhoods and is the site of countless shops, restaurants, bars and other businesses. Up in Bucktown, Milwaukee has shared lanes (marked by chevron and bike symbols on the pavement and yellow diamond warning signs). At Division, the shared lanes change to bike lanes (indicated by solid stripes on the pavement and signage alerting motorists to its existence), which continue to Grand Avenue where Milwaukee dead-ends in the River West neighborhood. Because Milwaukee angles straight towards the Loop, it provides a great way to transverse downtown from the near northwest side community of Bucktown.

Developing Indonesia’s Cruise Ship Tourism

2009-07-27T03:34:00.002-07:00

Cruise ship tourism has an important role to play in the overall development of Indonesia’s tourism potential. Geographically, Indonesia’s extensive seas and the riches they contain, as well as the land (islands) the water surrounds, provide a strong basis for the expansion of cruise ship tourism.

The Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism is already trying to develop this potential, both through the promotional angle and through other efforts such as providing and upgrading the necessary infrastructure, in cooperation with expert consultants to provide a better focus on the development.

“We have been working on this continually for quite some time. We’ve been making efforts to develop this potential both continuously and consistently,” says Noviendi Makalam, acting Secretary General of the Department of Culture and Tourism.

From 17 to 22 November 2008, the Culture and Tourism Department held a Familiarization Trip by inviting a number of international cruise operators to observe the potential in several regions of Indonesia, specifically Central Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara. One featured event was a half-day workshop on the theme “Bali As a Turnaround Destination for Cruises”.

Bali is a strategic gateway to Indonesia, lying between Singapore and Sydney, making it an ideal location in the development of the cruise ship market (routes) to and from these two cities, and is also well prepared in terms of tourism facilities. The support provided in this regard has been the construction of the harbor at Benoa to meet international standards, which will clearly support development of travel to all the islands of Indonesia.

It was mentioned that, thanks in part to all the efforts by the central government, local governments, and all stakeholders concerned, the number of visits to Indonesia by international cruise ships has risen significantly over the past several years.

As the target for 2009, 15 international cruise ship companies (operators) have expressed interest in making Indonesia one of their destinations. They will transport passengers to visit 38 different destinations in the islands of Indonesia, from Jayapura in the far east to Belawan in the west.

Enchanting Candikuning

2009-07-27T03:34:00.001-07:00

Located in the northern tip of Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency in northern Bali is a place with several fascinating tourism attractions. It lies at 1301 meters above sea level, so the weather is cool most of the day, averaging 24oC in the daytime and falling as low as 18oC at night.

Here we find Lake Beratan, with the Ulun Danunya temple whose fame has spread far and wide. The temple’s meru section, on the shores of Danau Beratan, is one of Bali’s most often photographed icons.

Setting out from the city of Denpasar in the early morning, I first headed west toward Mengwi District in Badung, and then northward on the main Tabanan–Singaraja road. It’s around 62 kilometers from Denpasar Candikuning, on a steep and twisty road, especially as you approach Candikuning. It took me around an hour to get there.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
My main purpose in Candikuning was to see the sun rise from the shores of Danau Beratan near Ulun Danu temple. After paying for my entry ticket, I entered the temple area through the surrounding garden and headed toward Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on the lake shore. The silhouette of the temple’s meru lit up by lights, with the blue morning sky in the background, was a sight of incomparable beauty. A moment later, a thin mist crept into the sunlight, blanketing the area around the temple and enhancing the drama of the ambience. In the distance I could see several tourists taking boats out to the middle of the lake to enjoy the splendid view of the temple from up close. Wooden boats can be rented for around Rp?50.000 per hour.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan was built in the 15th century as a place to worship the gods and supplicate them for fertility, prosperity, welfare for humans and preservation of the natural universe. Within the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan area lie four other temples, including a Buddhist stupa to the east. The remains of several megalithic sarcophagi and stone walls indicate that this place has been used for rituals since the megalithic era.

Kebun Raya Eka Karya
From Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, I went to the Eka Karya botanical garden, quite near by, only a ten-minute drive. I took my vehicle in so that I could get around the 154-hectare complex more easily. The roads within the botanical garden are excellent.

Expanses of greenery delighted the eye in every direction. Cool breezes reinforced the feeling of calm, inviting me to stay longer in this well-maintained place. Kebun Raya Eka Karya, established in 1958, has a collection of roughly 16,000 plants, comprising 1500 species. The garden is divided into several zones for different types of plants: an orchid garden, a rose garden, a cactus garden, a medicinal plant garden, and so on.

The botanical garden functions as a place for scientific research, conservation, education, and recreation. Various recreational facilities are provided, such as gazebos and benches, as well as toilets. There’s also a treetop adventure called “Bali Treetop”. The cool surroundings with rows of trees and vast open spaces make this a perfect place for a family outing.

Candikuning Market
I then headed for my third destination, Candikuning market, around 500 meters from the botanical garden entrance, just a five-minute drive. I wandered through the market. In the front section are ranks of vegetable and fruit vendors, offering cabbage, green vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, strawberries and much more, all fresh and neatly displayed. There are also many types of souvenirs and traditional snacks available to take home to family and friends. To the rear of the market are rows of plant and flower vendors, and surrounding the market are several restaurants where you can eat and rest.

The cool climate is very favorable for various types of vegetable, fruits, flowers and other plants. The local people’s activities in the market bring together the tourist destination, visitors, and the local community. The benefits of tourism are enjoyed not only by those directly involved in the tourism industry; other local residents also indirectly benefit from the large numbers of tourists visiting their area.

Water sports at Bedugul
My trip now took me to my final destination, the water sports venue at Bedugul, around one kilometer west of Candikuning market. Bedugul is the name of a spot on the south shore of Lake Beratan. It is equipped with a small dock where you can rent wooden boats to navigate around Lake Beratan for Rp 50.000 an hour; it takes around Rp?100.000 to go all the way around the lake once.

A wide variety of other water sports and adventures are on offer here: jet skis, water skiing, banana boat, and much more. If you don’t want to travel around the lake, just sit by the shore and enjoy the spectacular view. Fishing equipment can also be rented from the local residents.

And because these tourist attractions are located so close together, you can visit all of them in the same day!

Voting for the Dragons

2009-07-27T03:32:00.001-07:00

Komodo National Park Nominated for New 7 Wonders of Nature

Komodo Island is famous as home to the komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), a fierce creature with a prehistoric appearance, tough hide, and sharp claws. In 1980, the Indonesian government designated it as a national park in order to protect the komodo dragon and its habitat. In 1986, UNESCO designated it as a biosphere preserve. And in 1991, the national park was officially declared a world heritage site.

This year, Komodo National Park has been nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, representing Indonesia in the national park category. This selection process is being conducted by the New 7 Wonders Foundation in an effort to mobilize participation by the world community to support documentation and conservation of the wonders created by nature and humankind on this planet.

Komodo National Park is a strong contender in this competition. It’s the ideal home for around 2,500 giant lizards, commonly called komodo dragons. It extends over 1,817 square kilometers of land and sea, comprising two large islands, Komodo and Rinca, the small islands of Padar, Gili Motang, and Kode, and many other smaller islands, such as those in the Sape strait beween the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. The terrain includes savanna, mangrove forest, grasslands and beaches, and the seas are an enchanting turqoise.

The komodo dragon is a unique creature, believed to be a direct descendant of an even larger lizard species (Megalania presca) that lived in Java or Australia 30,000 years ago. Komodo dragons can be more than three meters long and weigh 70 to 160 kilograms.
Their large size is apparently the result of island gigantism; the lack of carnivorous mammals on the islands has caused the lizards to become huge. They are the chief predator, dominating their ecosystem. Nevertheless, they are endangered.

Komodo National Park is also an excellent tourism destination for diving. Enthusiasts can access the diving spots by luxury yacht or on simple sailboats owned by local dive operators. The islands offer dramatic landscapes and a wealth of maritime assets such as coral reefs, mangroves, seaweed, sea grass, and over 1000 fish species, 385 species of reef coral, 70 species of sponge, 10 species of dolphins, large tortoises, sharks, and mantas.

Exploring the Wonders

Arriving at Labuan Bajo, the chief city of West Manggarai district, I had only four hours to visit Komodo National Park. Obviously, more time would be better to fully appreciate its beauty, but I still managed to get some satisfaction from my short visit.

From the dock at Labuan Bajo, a speedboat took us over to Komodo Island in around 30 minutes. Islands covered with dry savanna dominated this passage; I saw colors one doesn’t usually see on an ocean journey. The pink sand beaches never fail to impress visitors heading toward Komodo Island. I was told that the sand is pink because it is mixed with fine grains from damaged red coral reefs. Tourists usually use these beaches for diving or snorkeling to observe the beauties of the coral reefs and the many fishes that dwell therein.

The pink beaches are very close to Komodo Island. Our friends from PT Putri Naga Komodo (PNK) were ready and waiting to take me and the group from our international cruise operator to explore the surrounding area and, hopefully, catch a glimpse of the charismatic and fearsome dragons.

All visitors to Komodo Island and the other islands within Komodo National Park must be accompanied by a local forest ranger throughout their stay. This is essential for the visitors’ own safety. The rangers and guides also provide important information about the places being visited.

From among the various trekking options, I and a friend from Singapore chose a short hike of around 40 minutes, while the others chose a medium-length route. They would have preferred a longer, more challenging hike, but time constraints prevented this.

Setting out from the PNK home base, my friend and I were accompanied by four rangers, each carrying a long wooden pole with a Y-shaped end. “This shape resembles a komodo’s tongue, and is useful to ward off any komodos that might try to approach or attack us,” a ranger told us; they really care about visitors’ safety.

About 300 meters along, we found many birds perched in the trees, and as we headed into denser forest, we saw a group of deer enjoying the shade.

Throughout our hike, all of us were constantly scanning every corner and byway that we passed, hoping to see a komodo emerging from the forest, and not simply to assuage our curiosity. My friend and I were actually a bit scared by this prospect, since we’d heard tales of tourists being killed by attacking komodos.

“That’s why you must never go hiking here without a local escort. Often tourists are so excited about the idea of seeing a komodo that they go off by themselves. It’s very dangerous to do so, especially if you meet a dragon that happens to be hungry,” said a ranger, repeating the message he always conveys to the visitors he escorts.

He reminded us that as well as being accompanied by a forest ranger, visitors must maintain a safe distance if they encounter a komodo and must never wave any objects such as knapsacks, as doing so could atract the dragon’s attention and motivate it to attack.

Komodos have extraordinary capabilities. They can see 300 meters and can smell a rotting animal corpse up to 10 kilometers away. They can also run up to 20 km per hour, swim, dive, and climb trees.

“We’re almost back to the base,” our PNK guide told us. My friend and I were resigned to not having seen a komodo. “I guess we’re just not lucky,” I remarked to the PNK personnel who were fixing lunch.

I and my friend from Singapore assumed that the other groups had encountered komodos, because they had taken longer hikes and therefore had a better chance. I climbed the stairs to the PNK restaurant to find a place to rest. All buildings on Komodo Island have this platform design, for safety’s sake.

Half an hour later, the other groups arrived; they, too, had seen no dragons, but had enjoyed seeing the other animal species on the island.

Eventually, we decided to have lunch. As we were enjoying our meal, we heard a scuffling noise coming from below where we were eating. It turned out there was a komodo right below us. We immediately grabbed our cameras and headed to where the noise was coming from. The rangers readied themselves to protect us, while trying to coax the komodo to come out.

As we gazed at the creature, which seemed calm but still showed fierceness in its eyes, someone shouted, “Look, there’s another komodo!” And indeed, another one was coming from another direction.

“Look over there – what kind of animal is that?” We thought it might be yet another komodo.

The creature loped slowly from the beach; as it came closer, the PNK people said, “It’s a boar.”

The rangers told us that the komodo that created such an impression during my visit was a medium-sized one and had eaten fairly recently; that’s why it seemed so calm. This komodo appeared quite unexpectedly; I was very lucky. I hope that one day I can visit the other islands in Komodo National Park and see more of these creatures, who truly deserve to be one of the wonders of the world.

Monuments of the Ocean Floor

2009-07-27T03:32:00.000-07:00

The sky broke open before dawn.

The rain teeming down from the heavens was splattered horizontal by fierce winds. I could hear the surf pounding as if to destroy our inn’s beach walls – terrifying.

This is Belitung, where the rain never comes gently. “I’ve never seen it rain harder than it does in Belitung,” says Andrea Hirata in his novel Laskar Pelangi. The sailors in these parts refer to these powerful wind and rain storms as “squalls” – a natural phenomenon that they fear.

But in the morning, the sky was clear. My friends and I walked down to the harbor to head over to Lengkuas Island. We walked along the beach of Tanjung Kelayang toward a row of fishing boats. An island shaped like the head of a garuda stood boldly across the strait.

Suddenly the weather changed, and a chill wind blew; another squall was on the way. The fishing boats tied to the pier were tossed about by the waves and smashed into one another. One of the fishermen came over. “Are you sure you want to sail over to Pulau Lengkuas?” he asked our friend. We could see the doubt and reluctance reflected in his face. We had rented a boat to sail to Pulau Lengkuas this morning, and he was the skipper.

I remembered that the day before, in Tanjung Bira, another fisherman told us that fishermen in Belitung never set out to sea in December; it’s just too unsafe. If you want to go to Belitung, go between April and August; then the sea is as clear as glass, he said. My friend replied confidently, “We’ll give it a try.” After all, Lengkuas is not far from Belitung, just a few dozen minutes.

Shortly after we set out, it started to rain and the sea became choppy. Belitung was far behind us, and small islands appeared on either side of the boat. The waves grew bigger, higher even than the roof of the boat. If the skipper made just one false move in navigating through these waves, we’d all be dumped out into the sea.

I regretted the phrase carpe diem (Latin for “seize the day!”) from the Dead Poets Society that had inspired me to agree to join this trip to Pulau Lengkuas.

It took far longer than expected to reach Pulau Lengkuas, because the boat had to follow the waves. I prayed as I watched each huge wave rolling toward us. But my prayers were answered; like the squall before dawn, this storm vanished as quickly as it had come.

The surface of the sea surrounding the island was like glass, and the water was so shallow the boat could not dock close to shore. There was no other choice but to plunge in and wade to shore through waist-high water. Pak Komarudin, the lighthouse keeper, welcomed us with a big smile. He and his family live here at the lighthouse. A government ship comes to bring their food and drink rations once every three months. Pak Komarudin relies on rain water for his fresh water needs. A great vat is set out to collect rain water, and it flows from there into a big square tank with “Conserve Water!” written on the upper wall. If the water supply runs out, Komarudin has to contact Jakarta to ask them to deliver some water from Belitung.

Belitung and the hundreds of islands surrounding it are actually seabed that has been lifted to the surface by powerful forces of nature. The granite rock of Belitung originated through solidification of acidic magma. Because the magma cooled slowly, deep below the earth’s surface, the atoms and elements had a chance to bond strongly. This produced phaneritic minerals with large, coarse grains containing silica (the material glass is made from). Because these structures work this way, they produced joints with large spaces, so when the granite was later exposed and degraded by weather and other natural forces over millions of years, the result was giant boulders with astonishing shapes.

In the distance, several other smaller islands lay scattered in the open sea. The grains of the rocks in all the islands of Belitung run parallel, as if a giant ruler connected them all to each other. Amazing! This seems to prove the process of geological lifting followed by erosion. The raising of the ocean floor to become the islands of Belitung has occurred quite quickly in geological terms – only a few hundred million years.

The main function of Pulau Lengkuas in the maritime traffic of Belitung is its lighthouse. The Lengkuas lighthouse was built in 1882, and its strong light still serves as a navigational aid in the Gaspar Strait between the islands of Bangka and Belitung. The interior of the lighthouse is a prison-like space with a sad aura. The lighthouse walls are made of sturdy iron plates. The windows on each floor are in different locations, so you get a different view from each window. The top floor, the 14th, is where the light itself is located. The lantern is half the size of a grown human. The walls of this top story are made of thick rounds of glass; it seems as if nothing separates us from the clouds that seem so close.

When we returned to the boat, the pilot asked, “Wanna buy an island?” Huh? “Sure, when people come here from Jakarta it’s usually to buy an island. That one over there belongs to Mr. X (an important official in Jakarta). It’s for sale, if you’re interested. And that one belongs to Mr. Y (another Jakarta official), and it’s for sale too. Lots of people from Jakarta come here to buy islands”.

If these islands are sold, the owners will have the right to play God, level some of Belitung’s gigantic granite structures, and turn them into a bunch of boring resorts. The children of Belitung will no longer run free or visit these islands, once they’re fenced in. It’s probably better if Belitung and the neighboring islands remain a secret – a monument of beautiful jewels raised from the ocean floor.

The Rhythms of Morning at Pantai Kelan

2009-07-27T03:30:00.000-07:00

If you’re a seafood lover and have been to Bali, you have certainly heard of Kedonganan and Jimbaran, Kuta.

These two beaches, world famous as culinary tourism destinations focused on first-rate seafood served at an exotic venue with white sand beaches, are packed every afternoon and long into the evening.

But a bit further to the north is another beach that is equally interesting, Pantai Kelan. It’s just south of Ngurah Rai International Airport and only around 15 minutes from Kuta, but not so well known by tourists’– yet.

I decided to visit Kelan beach because I had heard that it is different from Kedonganan or Jimbaran Kuta, in that it’s busiest in the morning, when the fishermen’s activities are at their peak.

At this hour, the beach is full of fishermen involved in their work, equipped with their fishing boats, nets, and the fishing mentality. The beach itself is lovely and serene, with white sand; the nearby fish market is a bit more rowdy.

Far off on the horizon are rows of fishing boats waiting their turn to come in and unload their catch, or preparing to set out again to sea. Several smaller boats can be seen returning after a night at sea to dock along the coast; when they stop, people come from the shore to bear off the catch and carry away the engines; others then drag the boats onto the shore. Next, the women remove the fish from the nets one by one and lay them on blocks of ice to keep fresh.

All along the beach, one sees women walking back and forth, selling freshly caught fish from buckets they carry on their heads, stopping now and then to make a sale.

The catches from the bigger boats, which are based in several islands in Indonesia, are taken directly to the market for sale. Many varieties are available – red snapper, tuna, grouper, lobster – you name it. Buyers include the public and the owners of those seafood restaurants down the coast in Kedonganan and Jimbaran Kuta.

As one of the many beaches in the Kuta area, Pantai Kelan is a perfect place to visit to see the genuine atmosphere of everyday morning life in Bali – and superbly fresh seafood!

Cooling Down Our Warming Planet

2009-07-27T03:29:00.001-07:00

The science of climate change is complex, but everyone should know the basics: the Earth is heating up because gases produced by vehicles, power plants, deforestation, and other sources are building up in the atmosphere, acting like a thick blanket over our planet, over-heating the planet and threatening our health, our economy and our environment.

Climate change is already beginning to transform life on Earth. Around the globe, seasons are shifting, temperatures are climbing and sea levels are rising. Research shows that the world has now become hotter than at any time during the past 1000 years.

Until recently global warming didn’t worry too many people. A few years back people thought it was a joke, a fantasy dreamed up by scientists. But things have changed. Many people now accept the reality of global warming. And this includes most of the world’s governments. We also realize that global warming is mostly bad news. Rising sea levels will threaten coastal communities, especially affecting countries like Indonesia which has very long coast lines. We will see more extreme droughts and other weather events.

About three billion people who live in poverty around the world will be hardest hit by climate change. The poor are more dependent on natural resources and have less of an ability to adapt to a changing climate. Diseases, declining crop yields and natural disasters are just a few of the impacts of climate change that could devastate the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Keeping the Rainforest Intact

Many agree that we need to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses, such as CO2, into the atmosphere. One way to do this is to avoid further deforestation. Between 2000 and 2005, loss of global forests was about 7.5 million hectares per year, or about twice the size of the Netherlands. The loss of tropical forests alone released some 5.5 billion ton of CO2 throughout the 1990s, accounting for almost 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Clearly, reducing forest loss can have a significant impact on reducing global warming.

But how do we reduce forest loss? First we need to know what is actually causing deforestation. Among the many factors, unsustainable logging (illegal and legal), fires, development of plantations for palm oil and pulp and paper, unregulated mining, and also small-scale agricultural activities stand out as major factors. These activities can take place because national and local governments develop land use plans that aim at rapid economic development of forest areas. So the key to reducing loss of forest and species like orangutans is to convince governments to not allocate forest to non-forest use.

Let’s look at an example. Of the 8 million hectare of land earmarked for oil palm development in Kalimantan, 1 million is in orangutan forest habitat. This means that some 10,000 orangutans or about 20% of Kalimantan’s remaining populations are threatened by oil palm. Some of this oil palm will be planted on peat lands, which basically consist of carbon. Development of these peats can release vast amounts of CO2. This is one of the reasons why the Indonesian government is looking into better protection of peat lands.

But these are not easy choices. Oil palm is highly profitable. One hectare of oil palm on peat can result in more than US$4,000 in annual revenues. On non-peat soils in Kalimantan this is reduced to some US$ 3,000, but this is still a lot of money.

One potential help in the protection of forests comes from payments for avoided deforestation. Increasingly, buyers in the United States, Australia, and Europe are willing to pay forests users in countries like Indonesia to protect forests. Payments for this can be substantial.

Erik Meijaard, TNC Indonesia’s senior science advisor, explains how payments for avoided deforestation could be at a level similar to revenues from oil palm.

“At a carbon price of US$ 3.50/ton, peat land conservation could be worth as much as the annual revenues from oil palm. If in addition, some timber is extracted at low volumes forests would be worth more than oil palm,” he says.

Local communities would then still enjoy forest benefits like bush meat, fish, fruit, honey and other products. Much depends on market price development of palm oil and carbon and the availability of carbon buyers, but as Erik says “payments for avoided deforestation on peat could save species like orangutans while allowing for economic growth in Indonesia.”

Not all forest is on peat, although the potential value of other forests through avoided deforestation is also high and could provide a badly needed stimulus to forest and wildlife conservation, it appears that revenues from oil palm, mining, and pulp and paper plantations is often higher. If we think in economic terms alone, there will likely be more forest loss in Indonesia.

Derawan Turtle Paradise

2009-07-27T03:29:00.000-07:00

In Berau Regency, on the eastern side of the island of Kalimantan, is a unique cluster of islands, comprising Pulau Derawan, Pulau Kakaban, Pulau Maratua and Pulau Sangalaki. This island chain lies to the east of Tanjung Redeb, the chief city of Berau Regency, and can be reached by traveling around two hours down the Berau River.

Pulau Derawan first became known to the outside world in the early 1990s. It has a resort that accommodates divers who are eager for adventure. Great numbers of green turtles live around Derawan, both in the shallow coastal waters and in greater depths of up to 30 meters. In the evening, you can see over 30 turtles digging nests and laying eggs on the islands’ beaches.

But Derawan still faces a rough future in developing its maritime tourism. Market demand for turtle eggs remains high, and many local people have started gathering the eggs.

In fact, turtle egg hunting has expanded to nearly all the coastal waters of East Kalimantan.

Brown river water and dense mangrove forests along both sides escort us as we cruise down the Berau River. On the horizon, we see Pulau Derawan. As we approach the island, we see semi-permanent structures stretching out from the coastline – some of the bungalows that have sprouted up like mushrooms on Pulau Derawan in the past few years.

A walk along Derawan’s dock and beach can be a unique experience. Now and then you see a beak poking to the surface – these are the beaks of the turtles that swarm in the shallow waters off Pulau Derawan. It’s easier to see the turtles swimming underwater when you observe them from the pier.

The turtles are seeking food among the sea grass that grows near the pier.

Diving at Derawan is fairly easy, because the waters are reasonable calm, and the gently sloping seabed makes it easier for divers to descend. With correct buoyancy regulation, even a tyro diver can enjoy a relaxed dive. Many unusual fish species can be seen here, including the crocodile fish, which does indeed resemble a crocodile; fortunately, they don’t attack, and prefer to camouflage themselves among the reefs to avoid detection by predators. In the reefs you also find many types of nudibranch – snails without shells. These nudibranchs have soft bodies with beautiful colors. They move slowly and are generally less than 5 cm long.

Nudibranchs are the sea creatures most often sought by underwater photographers.

You can also see several rare species of “squat lobsters”, which are only 2 to 3 centimeters across and inedible, with hairy bodies; they, too, are very skilled at hiding in the reefs.

The next day we headed over to Pulau Kakaban, 45 minutes southeast of Derawan. Our diving site was Danau (Lake) Purba, in the middle of the island. We docked at the pier on the south end of Pulau Kakaban, the gateway to the lake.

On the edge of the lake is another pier – a place to relax and prepare oneself for diving or snorkeling. At first the lake looks just like any other lake; the water’s not particularly clear, and there are a few water plants and mangroves. In fact, this is a huge marsh lake, covering 390 hectares and up to 17 meters deep. Living in the lake are four species of non-stinging jellyfish, which have been trapped in Danau Kakaban for hundreds or possibly thousands of years. Since they have no predators, gradually these jellyfish lost their sting organs, so they’re completely harmless to humans.

Apart from the jellyfish, there are also many species of nudibranch, sea snakes, sea slugs, fish (including gobies and cardinals), and soft-shelled shellfish. Thus far, very little of the lake’s area has ever been dived or investigated.

From Pulau Kakaban, we went to another dive site at Pulau Sangalaki, just 20 minutes away.

Our speed boat headed for the eastern part of Sangalaki, where there are four dive sites regularly visited by groups of manta rays. These rays can have “wingspans” of up to five meters and weigh over a ton each. They have short tails, without the venomous spikes found on most rays; their wide mouths filter plankton from the water. These manta rays pose no danger to humans, and their beauty makes them a major attraction for underwater photographers.

Apart from the many turtles laying eggs on the beach, this island has gained an international reputation for the huge numbers of manta rays. Schools of mantas can easily be seen in the waters off Pulau Sangalaki almost all year round.

Another diving site that is not to be missed is “Sleeping Turtle” at Pulau Maratua, off the village of Payung-payung. Diving at this site is quite difficult, mostly because of the strong currents, but it’s the best place in the whole area to observe turtles. The sea bed slope is not gradual, but neither is it too steep. If you dive here when the current is running, it’s best not to try to oppose the current but rather to simply “go with the flow”. While maintaining your balance, you’ll feel as if you’re “flying” between the reefs.

This was the first time we’d seen so many turtles. Under nearly ever reef we found turtles, with carapaces ranging from half a meter to over a meter across. The turtles didn’t seem to be bothered at all by our presence; when the water is calm, it’s very easy to approach them for a closer look.

There are plenty of other diving sites in the Derawan area, including Barracuda Point, The Wall, and Blue Light Cave at Pulau Kakaban, Big Fish Country, Paradise Reef, and Light House at Pulau Maratua, and others at Sangalaki and Derawan islands. If you wanted to try all of them, you’d need at least two weeks!

Taman Sari - More than Just a Water Castle

2009-07-27T03:25:00.001-07:00

Yogyakarta! Nearly every corner of the city and its environs contains heritage sites with deep historic value. One of the best known is Taman Sari, in the western part of the Keraton of Yogyakarta. A trip to Yogyakarta is incomplete until you have visited this lovely castle.

Taman Sari was built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, also known as Pangeran Mangkubumi, starting in 1683 in the Javanese Saka calendar, or 1757 CE – the same year in which the Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat was established. The architecture and reliefs in the Taman Sari complex blend Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, European and Chinese elements.

During the reign of Panembahan Senapati, Taman Sari was known as Umbul Pacethokan, or Pacethokan Spring, and was famous for its strong flow of clear water. Taman Sari covered an area of over 10 hectares with around 58 clusters of structures, including buildings, bathing pools, hanging bridges, water canals, and even artificial lakes with artificial islands and underwater tunnels. Only around 22 of these structures are still recognizable. The garden, which was planted with fruit and vegetables, was in effective use between 1765 and 1812 and originally stretched from the Kedhaton complex on the northwest to the Magangan complex in the southeast; the only remnants of Taman Sari still visible are those in the Kedhaton complex.

To enter Taman Sari, one must now go through the rear entrance, because the road in front is closed off by local residents’ homes. At the entry gate are Gedhong Temanten and Gedhong Sekawan, where the royal family used to enjoy food and drink after “chatting” in the baths.

As well as these two buildings, we will also encounter Gedhong Gapura Panggung, a structure with four segments, two on the west and two more on the east. The building used to have four dragon statues; only two are left. Gedhong Gapura Panggung symbolizes the year in which Taman Sari was built, 1684 Saka (around 1758 CE). It also features decorative reliefs, as does Gedhong Gapura Hageng.

“Gedhong Gapura Hageng” was the main gate for the sultans. In those days, Taman Sari faced west and extended to the east. This gate is at the westernmost part of the remaining water palace site. The eastern part of this main gate can still be seen, while its western side is surrounded by dense housing. The gate, which comprises several rooms and two sectors is decorated with reliefs of birds and flowers indicating the year when the construction of Taman Sari was completed, 1691 Saka (around 1765 CE).

To the east of Taman Sari’s ancient main gate is an eight-sided courtyard. In the middle of this courtyard there used to stand a two-story tower named “Gedhong Lopak-lopak”; all that is left is a row of giant flower pots and the doors that connected this place with others. The door at the eastern end of this eight-sided courtyard is one of the gateways to Umbul Binangun.

The Umbul Binangun bathing pool was the swimming pool for the Sultan, his wives and concubines, and his daughters. This complex is surrounded by a high wall. Two gates provide access to this place, one on the east and one on the west. In the Umbul Pasiraman complex are three pools, decorated with mushroom-shaped springs. Surrounding the pools are giant flower pots, which can still be seen.

The building on the northmost side was the rest area and changing room for the sultan’s daughters, wives and concubines. To the south is another pool named “Umbul Muncar”. A path resembling a dock separates this pool from another to its south called “Blumbang Kuras”.

To the south of Blumbang Kuras is a building with a tower in the middle. The west wing of this building is the changing room, while the east wing was where the sultan relaxed. It is said that the sultan used the tower in the middle to watch his wives and daughters while they were bathing. In that era, apart from the Sultan, only females were allowed to enter the complex.

From the southeast of the Magangan complex to the northeast of Siti Hinggil Kidul is an artificial lake, in the middle of which is an artificial island called “Pulo Kinupeng”. On the island is a tall structure called “Gedhong Gading” which is also referred to as the city tower.

To the northwest of the artificial lake and stretching off to its southeast runs a large canal. This canal has two narrow points, where it is believed there used to be hanging bridges. One of these bridges was over the path connecting the Magangan complex with Kamandhungan Kidul. Remnants of this bridge can still be seen, though the bridge itself is long gone. To the west of the hanging bridge was a pier, which it is said the sultans used as the starting point for their entrance to Taman Sari. It is also said that the Sultans entered Taman Sari by boat.

To the south of the canal was a garden, lying to the west of the Kamandhungan Kidul complex and Siti Hinggil Kidul. This has now become a residential area, the garden is now the kampung (urban village) of Ngadisuryan, and the artificial lake has now become the kampung of Segaran.

In the middle of Segaran is an artificial island, “Pulo Kenongo”, planted with kenanga (ylang-ylang) trees. On this island stands a two-story structure called “Gedhong Kenongo”. The largest, first part of this structure is quite high. From the highest level, one can observe the Keraton Yogyakarta and its surroundings, even beyond the Baluwarti fortress. It is said that Gedhong Kenongo comprised several rooms with different functions. From afar, the building seems to be floating above the water. It is therefore not surprising that the entire Taman Sari complex is also often called the Water Castle (Istana Air), since in the past, two-thirds of the complex was surrounded by water which could be used by the royal for boating. This structure is now in ruins. To the south of Pulo Kenongo is a row of smaller structures called “Tajug”, which are ventilation towers for the underwater tunnel that led to Pulo Kenongo.

To the south of Pulo Kenongo is yet another artificial island, called “Pulo Cemethi”. This two-story structure is also called “Pulo Panembung”. Here the sultan came to meditate. Some also call it “Sumur Gumantung”, because at the south end is a well that protrudes above the ground surface. To reach it, one had to go through an underwater tunnel. This structure is also now in ruins.

To the west of Pulo Kenongo is a ring-shaped structure called “Sumur Gumuling”. This two-story building can only be reached through an underwater tunnel. Sumur Gumuling was traditionally used as a mosque. On the second floor is a nook that was used as the mihrab, from which the imam led the prayers. In the middle of this open structure are five stairs leading to the second floor, symbolizing the five pillars of Islam.

Nowadays, many parts of Taman Sari are densely inhabited kampung, where the families of the keraton’s abdi dalem, or loyal supporters live. Taman Sari became a residential area because during the colonial era, it was difficult for the abdi dalem to find any place to live. Their families sought the sultan’s protection and permission to live within the keraton fortress, which the Dutch were not allowed to enter.

Even now, in nearly every house in Taman Sari you will find batik tulis producers, who have been making batik for the royal family for generations. Souvenir shops selling batik paintings and cloth at affordable prices are easy to find in these residential parts of Taman Sari. The Taman Sari area is now a zone comprising an archeological site, a community of craftspersons producing batik, paintings, sungging (wayang paintings) and bamboo handicrafts, traditional markets, and people’s homes.

Taman Sari Yogyakarta is a relic of the largest and most beautiful royal pleasure park ever built in Indonesia. As well as the massive earthquake that struck Yogyakarta in 1867, the earthquake two years ago caused considerable damage in the area, particularly to Pulo Panembung (the meditation spot), Sumur Gumantung, and Pulo Cemethi. The site is also under threat of encroachment for expansion of housing, which will accelerate the damage to the site if nothing is done to prevent it.

As one of Yogyakarta’s cultural icons, Taman Sari was designated in 2004 by the New York-based World Monument Fund (WMF) as one of the 100 most threatened historic sites; it urgently needs to be preserved.

Bunaken

2009-07-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

Bunaken Island has become an icon of the city of Manado, and indeed of North Sulawesi, since an underwater paradise was discovered by several North Sulawesi diving pioneers, among them Loky Herlambang and Ricky Lasut. The vertical coral reefs that seem to go down forever immediately made Bunaken one of the world’s favorite diving venues. The underwater walls of Pulau Bunaken are full of colorful corals and exotic fish.

Like mushrooms in the rainy season, in the mid 1990s diving resorts sprouted up along the beaches of Malalayang and Molas, not far from the Manado city center. Bunaken is now home to dozens of diving resorts; over 30 diving operators are eager to take you on a dive trip to Bunaken every day.

The run over to Bunaken takes only around 50 minutes on a motorboat specially designed to accommodate diving tourists. As long as the seas are fairly calm and the sun is gently shining, it’s an ideal time for those who want to sunbathe before the sun’s rays get too fierce.

There are more than 12 diving sites around Pulau Bunaken. Some of these dive sites are characterized by steep walls quite densely covered

with coral to a depth of 40 meters.

Others are more gently sloping but covered even more densely with coral. Typically one will see many types of reef fish – butterfly fish, wrasses, angelfish, snapper, surgeonfish, damselfish, anthias, parrotfish, groupers, and fusiliers, as well as pelagic species such as barracuda, mackerel and tuna. Shark species are also occasionally encountered, and gobies and rays hiding in the sand. There are also small caves that are great places for photography.

If you’re lucky, you may also see marine mammals such as whales and dolphins passing through. Bunaken Maritime National Park has over 2000 species of reef fish and 58 genera of coral.

The tides at Bunaken are not usually very strong, though occasionally one must be prepared to deal with rapidly changing tides. With information and direction from an experienced diving guide, diving at Bunaken is quite safe. The water temperature is comfortable the year round, averaging between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.

The diving spot we chose this morning is Lekuan I, just off Lekuan village on Bunaken Island. Lekuan I is a series of underwater walls that is part of the same diving route as two other dive sites, Lekuan II and Lekuan III.

From the surface, I could see far into the depths: steep, seemingly bottomless walls, with deep blue sea on the right and walls covered with corals on the left. Our dive started by exploring to a depth of around 20 meters, examining the coral-covered walls; it felt as if we were flying along the side of a colorful skyscraper. A great swarm of yellow-and-white pyramid butterfly fish suddenly appeared, in such numbers as to almost block our way. The visibility at this point was over 20 meters; from this depth, we could still see the surface clearly. The visibility at Bunaken is extraordinary; often up to 30 meters, a diver’s dream. But you mustn’t let this visibility lull you into a false sense of security, feeling that you’re at a shallow depth and therefore safe. In addition to the colorful reef fish, in this dive we also saw leaf fish and hawk fish, with their nearly perfect camouflage.

The local community and the tourism operators at Bunaken recognize that they have a valuable asset here, which can easily be damaged if diving boats drop their anchors carelessly.

For this reason, the boats operating in this area are not allowed to drop their anchors just anywhere; instead, mooring buoys are provided for the boats to stop at. One of these is at the Fukui diving site.

This diving site is quite different from Lekuan. Here we found an expanse of coral creating a rather gentle slope. The coral cover was fairly thick, though at certain spots we found places that showed signs of past damage. The main attraction at the Fukui dive site is the giant clams. After admiring these clams, we continued our dive, taking a route to the right.

Unexpectedly, we encountered a school of barracuda.

The aim of our next dive was to discover and document a species of pygmy sea horse, a tiny creature that lives in symbiosis with a species of gorgonian (sea fan) at relatively low depths.

We were specifically looking not for the common type of pygmy sea horse, but the Pontoh’s Pygmy Sea Horse. This tiny sea horse was discovered a few years ago by a diving guide from Manado named Hence Pontoh and has since then been known by the species name Pontohi.

It is not well known and is believed to be a new species; it lives not on the gorgonian but rather in the cracks between the coral. We headed to a dive site on the west side of Pulau Bunaken, not far from the Mandolin dive site.

Diving to a depth of around 15 meters, we came to a cluster of coral.

After examining the reef centimeter by centimeter for around ten minutes, suddenly we saw a small creature wiggling its head to catch something in the water; it was a Pontohi, eating. We had finally discovered this rare creature. This tiny sea horse, no more than 1 cm in length, constantly moves its head to catch any food in the water.

I first went diving at Bunaken in 1992, but its attractions never cease to amaze me. Bunaken’s success in conserving and even enhancing the reefs’ esthetic value has made it a valuable asset for Indonesia and the world.

One of Indonesian’s last frontiers, Kalimantan’s Mahakam river is a gateway to adventure

2009-07-27T03:23:00.000-07:00

East Kalimantan is easily as rich in wild, untamed nature and culture as it is in crude oil. Kalimantan is also one of Indonesian’s most isolated regions. This has helped preserve the traditions of its Dayak culture, and kept the forest at the upper Mahakam River in good condition for visitors.

On arrival in Balikpapan, just beyond the oil storage tanks, lies a forest reserve – visit it straight from the airport for your first high oxygen experience of Kalimantan. After a 40km drive over the inland belt of gentle hills, leave the paved road and get onto a thick and muddy one. You enter a tunnel of trees as your four wheel drive jeep careens sideways through heavy mud.

Bukit Bankirai Nature Reserve is a protected jungle area of 18,000 hectares, where Bankirai hardwood tree species over a hundred years old loom all around you. But the main attraction here is the tree-top canopy bridge hanging 30 meters above the forest floor in this dense, hilly forest. Your nerves will be tingling as you walk along the rope bridge, seemingly stepping out into nothingness. Yet for the brave, your feeling of freedom will rise between these mighty trees scattered throughout the canopy. Welcome to the jungle.

The drive to Samarinda is peaceful and, thankfully, mudfree. Your evening arrival to the city offers the first scenic view of the tremendous Mahakam River, the third longest between the coast and the deep interior. These liquid highways attract visitors seeking to head into the jungle regions to visit the traditional Dayak tribes. Once headhunters, they still live in communal hardwood longhouses.

The dense jungle and wide terrain of wetlands have traditionally kept the region isolated from all but the more adventurous travelers. The best way to visit indigenous Dayak settlements along the Mahakam River is by motor canoe or houseboat. The first village after Samarinda city is Tenggarong, which has a waterfront and Sultan Palace turned museum. It huses impressive heirlooms, ceramics, and Dayak art and culture.

Tenggarong has a mix of Kutai, Dayak and Bugis tribes, and is the perfect place for a stroll. Traditional Dayak longhouses filled with vibrant designs can be found at Kumala Island in the middle of the Mahakam River in front of Tenggarong. Its 40 family room longhouses are painted with the characteristically flowing geometrical designs used by the Dayak to portray scenes of jungle life. Each carries Chinese and Vietnamese Dong Son influences, telling the historical stories of Kalimantan’s tribes.

Move further up the Mahakam to reach Muara Muntai, the next stop for sightseeing at the hardwood floating village, before you cross over the Jempang Lake hopefully escorted by freshwater dolphins beside your canoe, going towards Ohong Creek.

Drive through a forest tunnel and listen to the calls of long nose monkeys, hornbill and sunbirds above you. Before long, these calls turn to human ones, as you’re welcomed by a traditional ceremony of the Dayak Benuaq tribe at Mancong village – the oldest longhouse in East Kalimantan. The Dayak religion is based upon Kaharingan, a form of animism. Traditional belief is that at death, the human spirit ascends to a mountain where the spirits of past ancestors of the tribe reside. Over the last two centuries, most Dayaks converted to Christianity. The most lasting feature of Dayak social organization is longhouse living, usually along a terraced riverbank. At one side is a long communal platform, from which individual households can be reached. Longhouses have a door and apartment for each family; a longhouse of 200 doors is a settlement of 200 families.

At sunrise, continue by motorized canoe upstream on the Mahakam River to Muara Pahau village at the delta of Bongan River. Make a short stop at RASI Dolphin Information Center. This journey takes you through tropical forests and dense undergrowth draped in giant orchids, mangrove flowers and lianes.

The wildlife is diverse, and includes monkeys, gibbons, wild ox, wild cats, freshwater dolphin, orangutans, sun bear, parrots, parakeets and crested fireback pheasants.

Dayak elders still practice traditional medicine and mark their status with intricate body tattoos and ear adornments. Everywhere along the river, you will be a welcomed guest as you enjoy the colorful longhouse art and learn about their mystic beliefs.

For those seeking even wilder adventures, try passing the rapids in the middle - to - upper part of the Mahakam. Here, great 50 to 200 meter rocky walls stretch into the sky, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. Ahead of these walls, virgin rainforests await you – brilliantly cut off from the glare of reality by this natural break in Kalimantan’s great highway of life.

Halimun Salak National Park: Final Gateway to Conservation

2009-07-27T03:22:00.000-07:00

Gunung Halimun? Gunung, I know, means “mountain” or “Mount” – but halimun? I open the dictionary: ah, halimun means “fog”. I visualize a mysterious atmosphere: fog descending and enveloping the mountain, the sky turning grey, cold and silent.

A three-hour drive south from Jakarta, a billboard by the side of the road greets us: “Welcome to the largest tropical rainforest mountain ecosystem in Java – Gunung Halimun Salak National Park”. The largest in Java? And so close to the bustling capital, Jakarta?
There’s no public transport going to Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP); visitors have to go by car or charter a vehicle. As instructed in the website, we stop to report our presence at the Cikaniki Research Center.

The number of visitors to the park quadrupled during 2008. This surge in visits is a two-edged sword for GHSNP: more visitors means more people gaining the educational benefits of nature tourism, thereby spreading the message of conservation so that the forest will be better protected. On the other hand, with more visitors, the wildlife – gibbons, surili (leaf monkeys) and deer will be disturbed and forced to move further up the mountains. But the forest at 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level offers them little food.

Visitors who want to go hiking are urged to have no more than four people in each group, and not to speak loudly or carry radios or tape players. When trekking, visitors are also advised not to wear bright-colored clothing or perfume, which could annoy the wildcats (panthers, leopards, etc.).

The ranger on duty at the Cikaniki Research Center greets us warmly. “We’re really sorry, but we don’t have any rooms – we’re full up. You should book at least a week in advance.” Several researchers from Japan are staying at the Center and doing research in the forest.

The Cikaniki Research Center consists of two elevated houses built jointly by the governments of Indonesia and Japan, represented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Not far from the Research Center is a species of mushroom that glows in the dark.

So we head to the Citalahab homestay – accommodation operated by residents of Citalahab village. It looks just like a village in a painting: distant mountains in the background, framed by the tea plantation in the foreground; fog gradually descending on the far-off peaks. Déjà vu: halimun. No wonder it’s called Gunung Halimun Salak National Park.

The three-room (twin sharing basis) platform house is in the middle of the village, facing the valley, river, and rice fields. It’s very basic, lit by only a few 5-watt bulbs with power from a turbine driven by the river water. Don’t expect to charge your hand phone; but you won’t need it anyway, since there’s almost no signal here. The wide floor is completely devoid of furniture.

It’s extremely cold at night. Even though we’re sleeping on a spring bed mattress with both sleeping bag and blankets, we still shiver from the cold.

The next morning, Pak Dedek offers to take us trekking into the forest to the canopy trail – a long bridge hanging 20 to 25 meters above the forest floor, built for research purposes. I’m constantly impressed by how well the Park personnel maintain the forest.

There’s no litter along the trail, and the signage is very clear, so you can’t get lost. Unfortunately, the canopy trail is closed; much of the iron the bridge is made of has been stolen. Apparently conservation is a difficult concept for hungry, uneducated residents.

Finally we arrive at the Cikaniki Research Center. The friendly ranger on duty gives us a map of Cikaniki, Citalahab and Cipta Rasa, a village of the Kasepuhan Abah Anom traditional community, who moved to Cipta Gelar in 2001. Cipta Rasa is located within the Park, while Cipta Gelar is famous for its Seren Taun annual village cleansing ceremony at rice harvest time, which is part of Indonesia’s tourism calendarCikaniki Research Center.

It turns out that there are many interesting places to go in GHSNP – several waterfalls, hot springs all along the Cipanas Sukarame river, an archeological site of still unknown origin, and much more. There’s also a lot to see in the Park: watch palm sugar being produced in Kampung Legok Jeruk, watch the rice harvest or tea picking in the Nirmala plantation, and of course observe the wildlife – owa jawa (gibbons), elang jawa (Javan eagles) and macan tutul (spotted leopards), while tasting wild plants as part of a jungle survival lesson.

“Could I come along on the next leopard tracking expedition?” I asked the ranger.

He took a deep breath and gazed off into the distance. “Well, it’s like this – the last time we did research, in late 2007, we didn’t find any tracks at all,” he said.

Could it be that the leopard’s presence in the Park ended in 2007? If so, sad news, especially since the Park is working so hard to prevent illegal logging. Since 2003, the limited production forest areas and protected forest areas near the GHSNP have been united into the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) Conservation Zone. This has made local people who are used to managing the forests feel their livelihood is under threat, and the situation is aggravated by population growth.

After lunch at the Citalahab homestay, we hike up the valley again to go to our car, which is parked near the road on the hilltop. A cluster of village children are stopped at the bend in the road, pointing up and whispering to each other. “Surili! Surili!”
Two surili (grizzled leaf monkeys) are hanging in the high branches, but they quickly “hide” themselves when they sense the presence of humans. They hide their faces behind the branches, but their big bodies are still quite visible.

I wonder – monkeys right outside the village. Are they starting to get used to the presence of humans, or is their habitat under so much stress that they’re forced to seek food near human habitation? If only there weren’t so many people, there would be plenty of resources for all other living creatures, who also have the right to live. And conservation wouldn’t need to conflict with other interests, such as people’s need to eat.

A Green Journey through a Range of Hills

2009-07-27T03:21:00.000-07:00

In a recent visit to Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) in Lampung, southern Sumatra, I and my colleagues from WWF Indonesia saw just a small portion of the assets the park contains, but had a tremendous experience.

We chose this park because it’s not too far from Jakarta and thus fairly easy to get to; it’s just a short hop across the strait from Java, followed by a land journey of about five hours from Bandar Lampung via Pringsewu and Kota Agung. If you’re using public transport, take the bus from Raja Basa terminal toward Kota Agung and stop in front of the TNBBS main office.

Several campgrounds are available for visitors to rent; information is available at the park office. I chose a small but comfortable site called Rhino Camp, operated by the Indonesian Rhinoceros Foundation (YABI) specifically for people who want to explore the park.

The camp is also designed to accommodate the patrol personnel who monitor large endangered mammals such as tigers, elephants, boar and rhinos. This camp, located in Tanggamus Regency, was the starting point for my journey into TNBBS.

It’s easy to get up early in the camp; the natural “alarm” sounded by various wild creatures rouses you to start your morning journey. From Rhino Camp, we headed towards the headwaters of Way Bamban, through some fairly easy terrain. Our guide told us that if we were very lucky, we might see some elephants or rhinoceros, which receive special attention, as their numbers are steadily declining.

The Head of the Rhino Patrol Unit told us that during 2000-2002 there were still around 80 rhinos in TNBBS, but by 2003 they were down to only 60. However, no rhinoceros deaths have been recorded since that year. One reason the population has remained fairly constant is that rhinos have a life span of up to 30 years.

Along our way, as we headed toward the small stream that runs through the trekking area, we encountered some trees whose bark had been stripped off, as if rubbed by some large object.

“These are traces of elephants, which probably just passed through this area,” said one of our friends from YABI, who seemed quite familiar with this phenomenon. And in fact, we saw a lot more of this indicator later.

We kept walking; after around two kilometers, we headed into a hilly area with soggy soil. Though the trek itself wasn’t very tiring, we still had to be very careful; the area is full of leeches that can creep unnnoticed into the crevices of your body.

As we were about to return to the camp, we saw a hornbill display; we had heard their loud cries constantly during our trek through the woods. We tried to conceal ourselves and watch from afar so that the big birds would continue their “performance” on the tips of the tall trees. Data from the Park’s main office state that nine species of hornbill, or rangkong, have been identified here. Hornbills are very lively creatures; they can run and leap so fast that your eyes can’t catch their movements. Their display really enlivened our hike.

We continued hiking after lunch in order to see the giant flower, Rafflesia Arnoldi. We had to drive to the trailhead, as it was quite far from camp and the trail was slippery from the previous night’s rain.

We took a rather long but level route so as not to tire ourselves out. Along the way we encountered a Rafflesia Arnoldi that was now a bit wilted, as it had bloomed a month earlier, in February. The area was also teeming with insect and mushroom species. As well as flowers of several Rafflesia species, there were odiferous snake plants (Amorphophallus titanum and A. deculsivae), known in Indonesian as bunga bangkai, or “corpse plants”. This is also an excellent place for night hikes, as it is inhabited by tarsiers, those cute, tiny, wide-eyed nocturnal primates. We continued until we came to the Rafflesia Pillar, erected to indicate that this area is home to the unusual flowers, which attract both tourists and researchers.

This pillar also marks the boundary between Tanggamus and West Lampung districts.

The clear weather that day gave us a splendid view of the vast forest, part of which is within the Park. With an area of 356,800 hectares, the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park plays an important role in supporting life systems by conserving wildlife and their ecosystems, thus enabling the sustainable utilization of the larger environment.

The main problems faced here are illegal logging, which generates a lot of income for the perpetrators but causes great losses to the state, hunting of wildlife, and clearing of the forest to grow commercial crops such as coffee and cacao. WWF Indonesia is working with other NGOs to help tackle these problems.

After our afternoon hike, we visited a village where a group of organic robusta coffee farmers has recognized the importance of conserving the park area. After being given instruction and provided with certain facilities, they have applied the concepts of sustainable agriculture.

Their local wisdom alone has not sufficed to maximize coffee production outside the park zone, but it has inspired other farmers to protect this and other important areas for future generations. UNESCO declared this National Park the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra in July 2004.

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park extends over the provinces of Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra. Its natural phenomena include unique topography combining forest, beach, and mountains, and no less than 23 watersheds that support the lives of at least ten million humans. Lying within it are five specific tourism destinations: Tampang, at Belimbing, with a prestigious tourist resort; Kubu Perahu, with waterfalls and a variety of orchid species; Suoh, with natural hot springs; and Keramat Menula and Pemerihan. To the southeast, south and west, the park is bounded by Semangka Bay, Tanjung Cina, and the Indian Ocean, offering spectacular views of the waters.

We ended our experience in the Park with a visit to Bengkunat, the village closest to West Lampung. Here we saw another form of local wisdom at Sungai Way Baru, where the local people are generating their own electricity with a “micro hydro” plant using the swiftly flowing water and turbines. The villagers operate the plant collectively and use the power they generate for their own purposes.

According to the TNBBS Main Office, there are around 215 such micro hydro plants in and around the Park, with generation capacity of 3,000 to 7,500 watts each. In total, these plants generate 860,000 to 1,000,000 watts. At a rate of Rp 650 per watt, the power generated by micro hydro plants at TNBBS is equivalent to between Rp 559.000.000 and Rp 650.000.000.

From this fact alone, it is clear why application of local wisdom is essential to conserve our national parks.

Bromo Tour

2009-07-27T03:18:00.001-07:00

One of the most exciting experiences in visiting East Java is being the witness of the wonderful sun rise from the crest of BROMO vulcano from the highest possibility of Peak Pananjakan(2.600m).A ride of more or less three hours are needed from Surabaya,where We pick you up upon your arrival at the international airport of Juanda (Surabaya),after arriving in Bromo area,We will bring you directly to your hotel for check in,either in Ngadisari village or in Tosari,the nearest villages from Bromo where the local people are mostly Hindus followers what We name them the famous Tenggerese.Vulcanic sulphur fumes and smokes quite often from it's depth, while during intense rumbling sound the surounding population who believes in the God of Bromo quickly brings offering.
The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is regularly held on 14th day of Kasada. The twelfth month in the Tenggerese calender year. Our Travel company,Bromo Tour offers you this itinerary below to visit the beautiful sunrise in Bromo..Our company,Bromo Tour which has been famous to provide service related with this wonderful visit to Mount Bromo,Semeru,Ijen crater,even crossing the strait to Bali by ferry,or just a short city sight seeing both in Malang and Surabaya.An easy step of connection to Central Java can be also organized after an unforgetable moment in Bromo,either by train ,flight or by coach to enjoy the interesting culture of the ancient Javanese,such as tour to Borobudur Temple,Prambanan Temple,Sultan Palace,and Dieng Plateau.

The Best Bromo Vulcano Tour

Day 1 : Arrival at BROMO
Pick up at Juanda International airport in Surabaya , meet and greet then transfer to hotel in Bromo, check In and Dinner at hotel.

Day 2 : BROMO Tour
Wake up call at 03:30. Leaving from Hotel by 4X4 Toyota Jeeps take you into the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park; first of all to Mt. Pananjakan (2.600)to see the breathtaking sunrise as well as the regular attractive explotion of Mt.SEMERU , the roof of the island,which officially noted as the Java`s tallest Vulcano(3.676m),the explotion accumulate up to the form of mushroom,and then to the “Sea of Sand “ where you can climb the crater of Mt. Bromo. After this trip, back to your hotel for breakfast at . As your flight schedule you will be transfered to airport or next destination. End of Tour.

Bromo-Ijen Crater-Bali

Day 1 : Surabaya-Bromo
Upon your arrival in Surabaya,meet and greet,direct transfer to your hotel in Bromo area
Dinner and overnight in your hotel.

Day 2 : Bromo-Ijen
at 03.30 depart to Mt.Pananjakan by jeep after a cup of tea in your hotel lobby.Easy climb to the top of mount for a wonderful sunrise,then continue to the sea of sand by jeep,further on the horse/pony back.Reach the active craater of Bromo,return to your hotel for breakfast,then proceed to Ijen by passing the beautiful high land of Jember and Banyuwangi area which is very rich of Coffee,Cacao and Rubber plantation.

Day 3 : Ijen crater-Bali
On early morning,right after breakfast,depart for Paltuding peak,before starting the real soft trekking to Ijen Crater to see the Colourful Sulphur Lake with wonderful rain forest in the surrounding.Return to Licin village to explore the plantation of Coffee and Clove.Further proceed to Banyuwangi to cross the strait by ferry.in the afternoon arrive in Bali.End of our service

Beside organizing the above tours, Bromo tour also offers some other services, l

Hotel Reservation in Java Bali Lombok and beyond
Transport Hire , from the small size up to the big bus with the capacity of 45 Persons
Air Ticket Reservation
Meeting and Organized Events
Incentive and Company Gathering
Tours Desinger

All tours are conducted by our friendly staffs with long years experiences in organizing tours to BROMO, BOROBUDUR, JOGJA, BALI, LOMBOK, SEMERU, KRAKATAU, IJEN, JAKARTA, TANGKUBAN PERAHU, TORAJA, AND BEYOND.

Wherever you go , to entire destination in Java and Bali,Our Operators are ready to assist you.In case you do not need our full arrangement,and You prefer only hire our small car with licenced driver , We will pick you up exactly in front of your hotel entrance before starting the tours.
We do not only provide the English speaking Tour Staffs , but the number of multi languages Speaking Staffs are ready to answer all of your questions, such as Germany, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Japanese.

Baturraden Mountain Resort

2009-07-27T03:10:00.000-07:00

Baturraden gateway

As Indonesians breathe a sigh of relief after a barrage of warnings of eruptions from the country's most active volcanoes, Baturraden resort at the foot of Mount Slamet in central Java remains calm and shines as an eco-tourism jewel.

Mount Slamet or Gunung Slamet in Indonesian, is an active volcano and the second-highest peak on Java island, reaching 3,428 metres above sea level.

The resort itself was established in 1979, and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels 650 metres up the slopes. As we indulge ourselves with the harmonic surroundings of a vast pine forest and green valley, we can also dip our feet in the cold spring water running through the middle of the resort.

'It's such a great place to breathe fresh, clean air for me and my family,' said Widyanarti, 32, a mother who came all the way from Jakarta and who goes by a single name.

Baturraden area

'You don't get this kind of weather in the polluted cities such as Jakarta,' she said, adding that the resort is also a perfect place for children to learn about nature and the importance of preserving it.

The cool mountain breezes are a special draw for domestic and international visitors, and the resort caters to all. Admission is only 3,000 Rupiah or 0.30 cents. It opens daily from 5:30 am and closes around midnight.

Baturraden is also a well-known spot to spend a day trekking through its splendid natural forest and villages. Always green, blanketed with a light misty air, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural water resources spouting in numerous waterfalls and rivers, which flow between the huge boulders of hardened lava.

Mount Slamet

'Baturraden has been a great example of how a mountainous area can be managed as a potential asset for eco-tourism,' Indriyani, a programme manager at Indecon, a non-governmental organization specializing in the expansion of eco-tourism in Indonesia, said.

Destination: Baturraden mountain resort located near Purwokerto city in central Java, Indonesia.

Climate and best time to travel: Tropical country, best time is in the dry season between March to October.

How to get there: Seven to nine hours drive from Jakarta by car, bus or train. Bus ticket costs around 40,000 Rupiah with AC (about 5 dollars) or by executive train with AC is 190,000 Rupiah (about 20 dollars).

By : www.tourismindonesia.com
Foto : mendoane.wordpress.com,sunarto.wordpress.com,m4m1r4lgv.wordpress.com

Raja Ampat at a Glance

2009-07-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

The local people believe that the Raja Ampat region was formerly ruled by four kings who hatched from four eggs. They shared the area and lived together in peace by establishing four territorial alliances, or traditional kingdoms.

These four territories ruled by the kings are now known as Pulau Waigeo, Pulau Misool, Pulau Batanta, and Pulau Salawati. Together with around 600 smaller islands, these four major islands now comprise Raja Ampat Regency.

Administratively, Raja Ampat lies within the province of West Papua; geographically, it extends north and northwest from Sorong, covering 4.6 million hectares of waters.

Since 2003, Raja Ampat has been a newly-created regency, separate from Sorong. The administrative capital of Raja Ampat is Waisai, on Waigeo, the largest island in Raja Ampat, which is roughly the size of Bali.

Raja Ampat is a maritime region located within the world Coral Triangle, which includes parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.

In 2007, Raja Ampat Regency was declared a Maritime Regency by the Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

A Diver’s Paradise

The islands of Raja Ampat were visited by several European explorers in the nineteenth century. In 1860, the renowned British researcher Sir Alfred Wallace spent three months in Waigeo studying birds and insects.

Diving activities began in Raja Ampat in the early 1990s, but the area remained relatively unknown until the 2000s.

Attracted by the reports of biological diversity in the Raja Ampat Islands, since 2002 several world conservation organizations have been conducting research. The survey results are amazing; Raja Ampat is home to at least 537 species of coral – 75% of all coral species known in the world – as well as at least 1074 fish species.

Thanks to these discoveries, Raja Ampat has been declared the center of the world Coral Triangle, with the greatest biodiversity found anywhere. A renowned scientist, Dr. Gerald Allen, says that in just one dive he recorded 283 fish species, far higher than the average diversity level of 183.6 species.

With these survey results, the eyes of the world turned to Raja Ampat. Over the past few years, Raja Ampat has become known as one of the world’s best diving regions. The limited facilities did not deter enthusiasts from diving at Raja Ampat. These underwater explorers were enticed by the chance to encounter rare creatures or even discover new species.

The islands of Raja Ampat extend over quite a large area; to explore the islands properly, you need highly mobile transport facilities. More than 15 diving ships now operate regularly, enabling visitors to explore the entire Raja Ampat area. As well as providing transport to diving sites, these tour ships also offer full accommodation, just like floating hotels. And if you’d prefer to relax on the beach and interact with the local people and their culture, resort accommodation is available on several islands near Waisai and Misool, which are surrounded by extraordinary diving sites.

Live-aboard and land-based accommodations each have their advantages; together, they complement one another and offer a truly different experience.

All foreign tourists entering the area are required to pay an entrance fee of Rp 500.000, which entitles them to visit for one year; for domestic tourists, the fee is Rp 250.000. The entrance fee can be paid at a counter at the airport or through any live-aboard or land-based dive tour operator in Raja Ampat.

The 36-nautical-mile journey from Sorong to Waisai takes 2 to 2½ hours by speedboat. We docked at an area near Waisai to visit Waiwo, an area managed by the Raja Ampat regency government as a local development facility. Waiwo has several guest houses, and diving facilities such as scuba tanks and air compressors.

Waiwo is located near Waisai, just ten minutes away by speedboat; it takes only 20 to 30 minutes to reach the best diving sites in the area. To visit the Manta Point at Arborek Island takes around 90 minutes.

The diving sites near Waiwo include Sardine Reef, Mike’s Point, The Passage, Cape Ri, and Mansuar Reef. Here you regularly encounter schools of fusiliers, jacks, snapper, and anthias. Though reef damage is evident in a few places, most of the reef coverage is still excellent.

One unusual species that can be seen here fairly easily is the pygmy sea horse, a tiny creature (±1-2 cm) that lives in symbiosis with gorgonians and in the gaps between hydroids living in the coral reefs. Another rare species found here is a shark seldom found elsewhere, the wobbegong shark, which conceals itself among the reefs and plays dead. You can get quite close to them, but mustn’t touch them or disturb them in any way; though they seem very passive, they are very dangerous and likely to bite.

To the south of Waiwo is Pulau Saonek, the administrative capital of South Waigeo District. For those who enjoy “muck diving” (diving to dig for unusual creatures in the sand, dead reefs and/or slime), the dock at Saonek is the perfect place. Living in the shallow waters below the pier are several rare species of octopus, such as the mimic octopus, often called the “wonderpus”, which camouflages itself by imitating various fish species to avoid detection by predators.

Also found here is the blue ring octopus, a small but highly venomous octopus that can be recognized by the blue rings that appear when it is stressed or otherwise disturbed. Never try to touch this beautiful creature! Other exotic species found here include the ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, and crocodile fish.

A short journey to the west takes us to Pulau Arborek, home to schools of manta rays. The currents run swift here, and you can see the schools of mantas playing while seeking food. Below the simple pier at Arborek you can find many other schools of fish, ideal subjects for photographs.

There’s always more to say about the beauty of Raja Ampat; every time you dive, you discover something new and unusual.

Borobudur temple

2009-07-26T02:28:00.000-07:00

Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century measuring 123 x 123 meters. It is located at Magelang, 90-km southeast of Semarang, or 42-km northwest of Yogyakarta. Borobudur temple is the one of the best-preserved ancient monument in Indonesia that are most frequently visited by over a million domestic as well as foreign visitors. It also had been acclaimed by the world as a cultural heritage main kind. The architectural style has no equal through out the world. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Kamboja. Borobudur is one of the world's most famous temples; it stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray andesite stone. It rises to seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured in bas-reliefs extending over a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece.

Borobudur temple built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty, is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr" the Buddhist Monastery on the hill. Borobudur is a terraced temple surmounted by stupas, or stone towers; the terraces resemble Indonesian burial foundations, indicating that Borobudur was regarded as the symbol of the final resting place of its founder, a Syailendra, who was united after his death with the Buddha. The Prambanan temple complex is also associated with a dead king. The inscription of 856 mentions a royal funeral ceremony and shows that the dead king had joined Shiva, just as the founder of the Borobudur monument had joined the Buddha. Divine attributes, however, had been ascribed to kings during their lifetimes. A Mahayana inscription of this period shows that a ruler was said to have the purifying powers of a bodhisattva, the status assumed by the ruler of Shrivijaya in the 7th century; a 9th-century Shaivite inscription from the Kedu Plain describes a ruler as being "a portion of Shiva."

The Borobudur was in danger of collapsing as its stone statues and stone cancer, moss and lichen affected bas-reliefs. But, the monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23rd February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from the UNESCO and donations from private citizens as well as from foreign governments.

The visitors have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple. Public transportation is available from the bus terminal. From that point visitors can hire becaks or horse carts, or walk the rest of the way to the monument. A large parking area is available not far from the monument, so private cars and buses can park in this area.

Great wall of China

2009-04-07T04:12:00.001-07:00

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

History: Excitement abounds in the origin, vicissitude and nature of the great wall of the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties.

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards; it brings tourists great excitement in each step of the wall.

Construction: The mystery of the construction of the wall is amazing. The construction of the Great Wall, drew heavily on the local resources for construction materials, was carried out in line with the local conditions under the management of contract and responsibility system. A great army of manpower, composed of soldiers, prisoners, and local people, built the wall. The construction result demonstrates the manifestation of the wisdom and tenacity of the Chinese people.

Sections: Ready to show you an incredible diversity of scenery and ethnic people along its way.

The Great Wall as we see today was mostly built during the Ming Dynasty. It starts from Shanhaiguan Pass in the east to Jiayuguan Pass in the west traversing provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi and Gansu.
Protection: The China Great Wall Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Following a forty-five day long survey of 101 sections of the Wall in different provinces, the China Great Wall Academy reported on December 12, 2002 that the forces of nature and destruction at the hand of mankind are bringing about the gradual reduction of its extent with the result that less than 30% remains in good condition. The Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

Culture: Unfolding a considerable part of Chinese culture beyond the wall.The Great Wall has long been incorporated into Chinese mythology and popular symbolism.

The most beautiful of several legends is about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu, who cried bitterly over the death of her husband in the construction of the Great Wall. This legend has been spread widely through textbooks, folk songs and traditional operas. It is well-known in China.

Travel of the wall: Make a trip to at least one section of the Great Wall should be a must for your China Trip. Elaborate tour plans make travel comfortable, memorable, enjoyable and informative. See details of our Memorable Highlights Tours.

If you prefer to see the wall in a relatively natural state, visit Simatai, 110km north-east of Beijing. This part of the Wall is the best choice, for it is still in its original state without being developed into a popular tourist attraction due to its distance and little public transportation options.

Durango Colorado

2009-04-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

Durango, Colorado is a year-round, international tourism destination where people come to ride the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, visit nearby Mesa Verde National Park, and ski the slopes of Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort. The train is a remnant of the time when Durango was a mining town where silver and gold flowed from the mines of the La Plata Mountains.

Durango is one of the most scenic towns in the United States and is a favorite vacation spot both in the winter and summer. The area abounds with mountain and high desert hiking areas, trout fishing and some of the best big game hunting in the United States. See some of our available packages below, or speak with a Durango Travel Expert for help in planning and booking your vacation today.

Available Packages:

Durango Colorado History
From the 1910's to the 1930's Durango's economy focused primarily on agriculture, ranching, and logging with the beginnings of a tourist economy as travelers began to discover the area as a vacation destination. In the 1930's during the Great Depression, the Durango area suffered many of the same economic hardships facing the rest of the country.

Like many other parts of the country during World War II, the Durango area contributed to the war effort in the 1940's through agriculture, ranching, and some mining. The 1950's in Durango marked the beginning of another "boom cycle" as mining of uranium and oil exploration in the region increased. The Durango Smelter was refitted for processing of uranium ore, and there was a flurry of building in the community to house the smelter workers, and the workers who supported the burgeoning natural gas industry. During the "boom" of the 1950's, Fort Lewis College was moved from south of Hesperus where it had been a two year agricultural school to its present location. With its relocation, the college changed to a four-year, liberal arts curriculum.

In the 1960's Purgatory Ski Resort (Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort) was developed north of Durango. The presence of the ski resort and Fort Lewis College has added additional elements to the local economy and helped to develop the tourist economy of the area. From the 1970's to present, the area has gone through a series of economic ups and downs as Durango’s setting has continued to draw people for recreation and the healthy quality of life found in the Rocky Mountains.

Durango Lifestyle and Recreational Activities
Though Durango is a geographically, culturally, and economically diverse area, the one thread that ties its citizenry together is, without a doubt, quality of life.

Durango has also become one of the West's latest boomtowns, with an eclectic economic mix focused in agriculture, industry, and tourism. Combine them with the local population of students from Fort Lewis College and outdoors enthusiasts who come to enjoy Colorado’s high country adventures and you end up with a town which has a youthful, energetic buzz.

Durango holds a myriad of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, golf and horseback riding. Surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, recreational activities and wildlife are never far away. The Animas River winds through town allowing easy access to residents and visitors alike.

Although Durango has the charming feeling of a small town community, it is not at all void of culture and entertainment. Music abounds at annual festivals ranging from the internationally-renown classical series Music in the Mountains, to the grassroots Durango Bluegrass Meltdown. Live jazz, blues, swing, Celtic, country and rock - it all can be relished in Durango, Colorado.

Durango Quick Facts:
Elevation - 6,512 feet above sea level.
Climate Transition zone between desert and semi-arid. Daytime temps in the 70's and 80's, night time lows in the 40's. (summer)
Population:
Approximately 16,000 in Durango.
Approximately 64,000 in La Plata County.
National Forest - San Juan
Mountain Range - San Juan Mountains

Durango is located in the southwest corner of Colorado, nestled at the base of the famous San Juan Mountains. To the southwest are the metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. Albuquerque, New Mexico and Dallas, Texas lie to the southeast.

Get a Taste of Durango
From locally roasted coffee beans and gourmet natural foods, to award-winning, micro-brewed beer and authentic Mexican pastries, great food is a given in Durango. Not a guest leaves the area without citing the amazing plethora of exciting dining establishments, with cuisine ranging from the progressive to the more traditional at restaurants that embrace the area's ranching tradition. Indeed, Durango’s agricultural heritage thrives today through local farmers' markets and the special "Taste of Durango," a community feast featuring delectable dishes from local dining establishments.

portofino italy sightseeing

2009-04-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

With its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views, warm weather and delicious food, Portofino Italy is the incarnation of La Dolce Vita. Located in the province of Liguria, on a section of the Italian Riviera known as the Levante Riviera, this quaint little fishing town has become the darling of the rich and famous. Since the 1950’s, Hollywood stars and European royalty have flocked to Portofino hotels for a little rest and plenty of relaxation.

There are numerous ways to travel to Portofino Italy. Along with the regular train route, you could opt to fly into Genoa and then drive down the coast or you enjoy a ride on the sea taxi that runs from Cinque Terre to Portofino.

While Portofino is certainly a tiny little town, there is plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Portofino tourism relies upon many activities including upscale shopping, sight-seeing, water-sports and Italian fine dining - they are all within easy reach of any of the Portofino hotels.

Portofino vacations take on a glamorous edge when you book at the Hotel Splendido. Incorporating parts of a 16th-century monastery into its design, this upscale Portofino resort has been receiving guests for almost 100 years. The 64-room hotel is reputed for its five-star service and has a salt-water heated outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and an indoor gym. Rooms and suites offer a garden or ocean view and feature cable television as well as free Wi-Fi internet connection. For a truly unique dining experience, make sure to spend an evening at this Portofino resort’s restaurant, La Terrazza. You’ll be able to feast upon fine regional cuisine on the open-terrace while enjoying Portofino Italy’s stunning landscape, including views of the port and the Mediterranean Sea.

The San Giorgio is one of many Portofino hotels located in the centre of town. Conveniently located just a short walk from the town’s famous Piazetta, this boutique hotel offers 25 rooms and suites ranging from double standard to suite size. Double superior rooms have a small terrace or French balcony as well as a shower and bath while the suites offer breathe-taking views as well as a cozy place sitting space. All rooms feature plasma televisions and guests have free use of the Turkish bath and sauna found on the lower floors. Breakfast is included with a night’s stay, but the San Giorgio does not have a restaurant so guests will need to explore Portofino Italy and discover its fine regional cuisine for lunch and dinner.

Portofino vacations aren’t complete without a trip to Castello Brown and make sure to bring your camera! Along with a lovely garden to stroll through and learning a good dose of Italian history within its walls, the castle offers picturesque views of the harbour and the town. If you’re looking for an energetic hike to work off those Italian meals spend some time in the Portofino Natural Park. Opened since 1935, its 31 miles of hiking trails offer scenic landscapes featuring lush chestnut and olive groves.

Portofino vacations can often be an expensive proposition. For those looking for a slightly more budget-conscious option, book a room at the Eden Hotel. Located on a quiet street in downtown Portofino Italy, this 12-room hotel is the picture of simplicity and charm. During the warmer months, meals are served outside overlooking its peaceful garden. Rooms come with all basic amenities including colour televisions, phones and wireless internet connections.

The Eden Hotel is located just a short walk from the marina, where you’ll be able to hop on a water taxi and take a daytrip to nearby Santa Margherita, located just 15 minutes down the coast.

London Sightseeing

2009-03-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the ten top London tourist attractions for London sightseeing trip.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade are free displays of colourful Royal pageantry. In August and September Buckingham Palace itself is open to visitors. Take a look at the Houses of Parliament and the famous clocktower that houses Big Ben. Other must-see London sights include the London Bridge and nearby Tower of London with its colourful 'Beefeaters', British museum, Princess of Diana's Memorial and Madame Tussauds . Of course, you have to ride on the London Eye - the new landmark for London! London has some of the finest parks in the world. If you have time, pay a visit to Hamstead Health and kew Garden - you will feel some peaceful in a busy city!

Kew Gardens | London Kew

2009-03-25T22:51:00.001-07:00

Location: Kew Rd., London
Tube Station: Kew Gardens - Map of Kew Gardens
Category: Parks Gardens, Arboretums
Phone: 020/8332-5655
Price: £11.75
Hours: Gardens Apr.-Oct., weekdays 9:30-6:30, weekends 9:30-7:30; Nov.-Mar., daily 9:30-4:30
Website: http://www.kew.org

Kew Gardens, (the plural being it’s proper name) lies on the South bank of the River Thames between Kew and Richmond and it was originally two estates - the Kew Estate and the Richmond Estate, however the two were formed to form this beautiful park.

It is a Botanical Research Center and it boasts the largest plant collection in the world, homed in temperature and condition controlled greenhouses as well as the stunning gardens. With its landscaped lawns, formal gardens and greenhouses, it’s no wonder that this is such a tourist attraction for anybody that is visiting the capital. Possibly the most recognizable structure within the gardens is the infamous Chinese Pagoda.

If you are planning to visit either of these parks, you will be thrilled to know that the area has six main car parks, all costing small fees, although the disabled, providing a disabled badge, can park for free.
Kew Gardens is open 9.30 am to 3.45 pm during the winter months, and 9.30am to 5pm in the summer months. Richmond Park, however, is open from 7am (7.30 in the winter) through to dusk. Richmond park is also free of charge, whereas you need to pay to get into Kew Gardens. The price is fairly small though, with children under the age of 17 (whilst accompanied by an adult) visiting for free and adults only paying 12.25 GBP.

Hampstead Heath | London Hampstead

2009-03-25T22:50:00.003-07:00

Location: London, NW3
Tube Station: Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath Silverlink Line from Highbury & Islington underground for south of Heath; Golders Green underground for north and west of Heath - Map of Hampstead Heath
Category: Parks
Phone: 020/7482-7073 Heath Information Centre
Website: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Hampstead Heath is a public open space situated in North London, the capital city of England. With 25 main ponds, areas of ancient woodland, grassland, hedgerows and bog lands, this is possibly one of the most peaceful, and stunning places in the country!

Not only is it a magnificently beautiful patch of land, it has fantastic panoramic views of London, and the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral are fully visible. However, if you are looking for it, you must take a map, there are no signposts within it, or leading up to it!

Hampstead Heath is known as the home of British Cross Country running and it is a popular open space used for as many as 16 different types of organized sport, including cricket, swimming and fishing.

During the Summer, there were music concerts, mostly classical, but also the occasional pop concert, held by the lake. Due to residents complaints, however, these have now been abandoned and because of this, the future of Kenwood House now hangs in the balance. It very much depended on the income of these concerts to survive. It seems a great shame to no longer visit a concert in this area, simply because since 1951(until 2006) there was a concert held every Saturday during the summer!

British Airways London Eye

2009-03-25T22:50:00.001-07:00

Price: Starting from USD $29.09 per person
Duration: Varies

The British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel at 135 meters high. Located on the banks of the River Thames it offers unrivalled views over London.

Since opening at the turn of the century, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, with a status that can be compared to Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London. It has been used as a backdrop in countless films and for innumerable TV programs. A source of pride for the whole country as well as the capital, the London Eye is the most distinctive addition this century to the world's greatest city, loved by Britons and tourists alike.

In fact, in its short life, it has become the most popular paid for UK visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year (an average of 10,000 a day). A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometers in all directions, in complete comfort and safety.

But there's much, much more to the London Eye than its views and its engineering. It plays an integral role in the community, has become something of a gateway or a symbol for London and offers a unique venue for corporate events and entertainment.

Madame Tussaud's

2009-03-25T22:49:00.001-07:00

Location: Marylebone Rd., London, NW1
Tube Station: Baker St. - Map of Madame Tussaud's
Category: Museums, Galleries
Phone: 0870/400-3000 for timed entry tickets
Price: From £14.99; prices vary according to day and season, call for details, or check Web site
Hours: Sept.-June, weekdays 10-5:30, weekends 9:30-5:30; July and Aug., daily 9:30-5:30
Website: http://www.madame-tussauds.com

If you want to hang out with the stars of the celebrity world, why not do it right here in London? Whether you want to mingle with the Beatles or chill out with Liz Hurley, Madame Tussauds has all the best stars all brought together under on roof!

Ok, I must admit, they are made of wax, but the photo opportunities are pretty awesome!

Madame Tussauds has fast become on of London’s top attraction, and with the number of stars available to see in their wax form rising every week, it’s not hard to see why. With new attractions constantly under development, more and more people are visiting the attraction every day, and with its easy accessibility and reasonable prices, you’ll understand why!

There’s a new sport section within Madam Tussauds as well as a Big Brother section, why not sit in the infamous BB chair and pour your heart out to the live Madame Tussauds Big Brother experience!

If that doesn’t float your boat, you could always check out on of the many other zones in Madam Tussauds built to amaze. You could grab a taxi and take a journey through the history of London. The mini versions of the famous London black cabs take you back and guide you through the historical events in London’s history, from the Tudor times right up to the swinging sixties!

You can get to Madame Tussauds by tube, rail, bus or car (although driving within London isn’t really advisable) There are many multi-storey car parks nearby as well as the major transport stations.

There are many facilities available too, so you won’t have to stray too far away from the attraction to get the most out of your trip to London. There is a café and also a gift shop, not to mention, toilets and baby changing facilities. You must be aware though, that pushchairs and prams are not permitted within the attraction.

Kensington palace

2009-03-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Location: The Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, London, W8
Tube Station: High St. Kensington - Map of Kensington Palace
Category: Castles, Palaces
Phone: 0870/751-5180 advance booking and information
Price: £11.50
Hours: Mar.-Oct., daily 10-6; Nov.-Feb., daily 10-5; last admission 1 hr before closing
Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk

Set in Kensington Gardens, the palace has been an official Royal residency since the early 17th Century and is now the home of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as well as the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

At present, it is also the home of the “Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino” memorial, which consists of never seen before images of the Princess, and also a selection of dresses that she has worn that are due to be auctioned off at Christies in New York. This wonderful memorial for the young Princess closes in December 2007. A normal adult price to visit this attraction is approximately 12GBP and a child’s entrance is normally half of that.

You can get to Kensington Palace by the many methods of public transport that London has to offer, but with the limited parking spaces available, it is not advisable to drive to this location!

If all of this wonderful sightseeing within London and paying your respect to one of Britain’s most loved women has worn you out, why not take a trip down to the Orangery Restaurant within Kensington Palace. This restaurant hosts one of the finest tea selections in London and you can’t come to the capital of England without having a proper cup of English tea!

London Bridge

2009-03-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

Location: H.M. Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N
Category: Bridges, Tunnels
Phone: 020/7403-3761
Price: £5.50, joint ticket available for Monument
Hours: Daily 9:30-5:30; last admission 5
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk

Tower Bridge, given its name because of it being close to the Tower of London. It was originally opened on 1894 and is a suspension bridge and bascule bridge combined to allow boats to pass freely underneath on the River Thames. Not only is it a famous landmark to walk or drive over (over 40,000 pedestrians and vehicles pass over it everyday) but you can also visit the Tower Bridge experience, and walk over the high-level walkways between the two tower. It was originally closed in 1910 because it became a famous haunt for pickpockets and prostitutes alike, but has now been reopened for the general public.

Tower Bridge and Bridge of London are very close together, so you may has well visit one and then the other. They are easily accessible by train, tube and bus. You can also drive to these, but London is a busy town and there is the congestion charge to think about.

If you wish to visit the Tower Bridge exhibition, again, you may wish to take in to account the opening times vary on the time of year and it costs 6GBP for an adult and 3.00 GBP for a child. Kids under the age of five can visit the attraction for free.

Big Ben

2009-03-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Location: St. Stephen's Entrance, St. Margaret St., London, SW1
Tube Station: Westminster - Map of Houses of Parliament
Category: Government Buildings
Phone: 020/7219-4272 Commons information; 020/7219-3107 Lords information; 020/7222-2219 Jewel Tower; 020/7219-2184 Lord Chancellor's Residence; 0870/906-3773 summer tours
Price: Free, £7 summer tours
Hours: Commons Mon. 2:30-10:30, Tues. and Wed. 11:30-7:30, Thurs. 11:30-6:30, Fri. 9:30-3 although not every Fri.; Lords Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-10; Lord Chancellor's Residence Tues. and Thurs. 10:30-12:30. Closed Easter wk, late July-early Sept., 3 wks for party conference recess mid-Sept.-early Oct., and 3 wks at Christmas
Website: http://www.parliament.uk

When visiting London, there is one landmark that you can’t help but notice, and that it is Big Ben, not named due to it’s sheer size, but after the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. It is 96.3 meters (315.9feet) high! It has four clock faces which are 23 feet squared and the minute hand alone, stands at 14 feet long. The numbers on the clock face are 2 feet tall! Now you can understand why it simply can’t be missed! It holds the record of being the “worlds largest four-faced chiming clock.” It did have the record of being the largest four-faced clock in the world, but this has since been overtaken by a clock in Wisconsin. That clock, however, does not chime!

The tower of the clock, has cells within it to imprison members of parliament for breach of parliamentary privilege, but the last recorded case of this was in 1880. The tower itself isn’t actually open to the general public, but if you have a “special” interest, you can try and make an appointment to visit it through the local MP.

Big Ben lies at the North-Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. This magnificent building has been the home of the English parliament since before 1547 and was originally called the Palace of Westminster. This is the site that Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. However, in 1547, the royal residence was moved, but the Lords continued to meet here and that is how it became the home of the English Parliament!

You can visit the Houses of Parliaments to view debates and also the Prime Minister’s question time, which is, expectedly the busiest time. If you want to arrange a visit to this, you need to book it through an MP or the embassy.

Not only are these fantastic landmarks full of history, they are also magnificent buildings and are part of the culture of London. They have survived many years, and Big Ben, especially, has survived bombings and all sorts and the lengthiest shut down of the clock for maintenance in 22 years was in 2005, and this was for 33 hours. IT has become well known for being a massive part of the New Year’s celebrations in the UK, with the countdown of the new year being on the “bongs” of the clock. Also, in films, it has become known as the biggest way to portray London, and it has been featured in many films.

All in all, you can’t really come to the Capital City of England and not visit Big Ben and the houses of Parliament. London is well known because of these landmarks, and although there are hundreds of things to view in the City, but these are by far, the biggest and best!