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Turismo Chile

2009-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Chile

Isolated from the rest of the continent by the Andes Mountains, Chile stretches along the Pacific coast from the southern tip of South America to Peru. The country runs 4300km/2666mi from north to south offering an extreme range of climates and sights.

The far south, often known for being a cold and windy place, offers some of the countries best mountain scenery and national parks. The central region is the heart of the country; the industrial and agricultural region is also becoming internationally known. In the north lies the Atacama Deser t, one of the driest regions on earth, where volcanoes, beaches and mountains combine to make this a very unique area.
read more: http://www.planetware.com/chile/chile-chi-st-chi.htm

Surface: Chile has a total land area of 748,800 sq km.

Population: Argentina has approximately 16,284,700 (July 2007) inhabitants, most of which are Europeans or European–Amerindian.

System of government: Chile has a democratic republic government.

Capital: The capital of Chile, Santiago, has a population of 5,623,000

Religion: Roman Catholicism is predominant religion in the region.

Official Language: Spanish is the official language in Chile.

Government: Chile has a democratic republic government.

Climate: Chile experiences a temperate climate.

Units of measure and electricity: Chileans follow the metric system and the electricity unit used is 220 V, 5

Time Zone: Chile’s standard time zone is GMT –4. Daylight saving time is GMT + 1.

Currency: Chile Pesos (1 € = 708.937 CLP).

Travel documents required: Visas are necessary for travel to Chile, except for Americans, Canadians, Australians, South Africans and the Irish.

Places to Visit

Santiago, Chile

Today, Santiago is a city that occupies the fertile central valley of Chile between the Andes and the coast, with the Mapocho River crossing the city from east to west. The most remarkable thing about Santiago, with its five million inhabitants, is perhaps its diversity. It is a city with many faces, great and varied changes, and a social and political landscape that sometimes takes us back to the colonial city it once was. Almost 500 years after Pedro de Valdivia traced around the Plaza de Armas the 35 blocks that would compose the city in 1541, Santiago is now an extensive urban environment with skyscrapers and
read more...http://travel.yahoo.com/p-trave lguide-191502068-santiago_vacations-i;_ylt=As8_IwSvsTRqLUPYXQbSZo3zFmoL

Vina del Mar, Chile

Topography and Coastline Like many other Chilean coastal towns and cities, Viña del Mar consists of two areas: one of winding streets and houses clinging precariously to the hills, while the other, lying be tween the hills and the sea, is built along the strict formality of the colonial era grid plan. Viña, often called the tourism capital of Chile, has an area of 172 square kilometers and just over 300 thousand inhabitants. From Abarca Cove to Salinas , the resort stretches three and a half kilometers, and includes the beaches o f Acapulco , Mirasol and Los Marineros , among others. As well, there are two …
read more...http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-482528vina_del_mar_vacations-i;_ylt=AotWhpoGPomXJZ2hP50Ec3HzFmoL

Easter Island / Rapa Nui / Isla Pascua D escription

Evidence suggests the first Polynesians arrived on Easter Island (also known as Rapa Nui or Isla Pascua) around 800 AD. It was first "discovered" by Europeans in 1722. The Dutch mariner Admiral Jacob Roggeveen landed on the island on Easter Day, thus naming it Easter Island.

Although the history of the island is the subject of some debate it is generally thought that as the islands population gre w , clans developed and eventually battled each other over the limited reso u rces of the island. There is evidence of stronger and weaker clans, suggesting one group controlled most of the resources. Estimates of the island's maximum population in the e arl y 1800s range from 4,000 to 20,000. The total area of the island is only 117sq.km/72.5sq...
more...http://www.planetware.com/chile/easter-island-rapa-nui-isla-pascua-chi-vp-e.htm

Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt, (pop. 87,000) was settled by Germans in the mid 1800s. As the last major city before Chiloé and Chilean Pata gonia, Puerto Montt is considered the gateway city to these areas.

Valparaíso

Valparaíso, Chile's second largest city, is nes tled between the sea and the coastal mountain range. The city center is lined with cobbled streets and some unique architecture.

Beaches

Pichilemu

Known internationally by surfers, Pichilemu is not only a sportsmen's paradise but it is also an attractive resort for sun wors hippers, beach lovers and entertainment. The beach exhibits a harmonious combination of an aristocratic history, rural environment and the growing modern lifestyle. Although the water during the summer time is frigid, the beaches are pac ked with tourists and young people in search of a good time. The best beac h for surfing, Punta de Lobos, is located several miles from the town itself. Its waves a re high and regular, but what also stands out in this area is the beautiful view from t he grandiose cliffs and rocks.

Location
Region of Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, 182 km (113.75 mi) southwest of Rancagua. San Fernando is located 126 km (78.75 mi) southeast. Map

When to go
Year-round

Attractions
Beaches, town.

How to get there
Santiago-San Fernando: Route 5 South. From San Fernando take the road towards Santa Cruz, go straight to Marchihue and then to Pichilemu. This is a paved road. See Transport

Activities
Surf, windsurf, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, sea kayak. Activities Index

Services
Lodging, food, road, transportation, entertainment, restaurants

Surroundings
Cahuil Lagoon

Bahia Inglesa (English Bay) Beaches

It is a small resort known for its white san dy beaches and its warm, calm waters.
Its name remembers an English corsai r, Ed wa rd David, whose ship reached its coast in 1687. The local gastronomy consists mainly of seafood and the preferred varieties are large oysters, flounder, and albacore. As far as accommodations are concerned, there are cabanas, campsites, motels, and houses that can be rented throughout the season. The most important restaurants and services are located at the port of Caldera, just a couple of miles from the locale.

Location
Atacama Region, 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Co piapo. 6 km. (3.75 mi) south of Caldera. Map

When to go
Year-round.
Attractions
Beaches, culinary tour.

How to get there
From Santiago to Copiapo by airplane, public transportation or car. From Caldera by way of the Atacama Desert Airport, locat ed 20 km s. south of the city of Caldera and 60 kms. from Copiapo. From Copiapo to Bahia Inglesa take the Panamerican Highway to the northeast, after 66 km there is a 6 km detour to Bahia Inglesa. See Transport

Activities
Hiking, windsurfing, sea kayak, swimming. Activities Index

Services
Food, lodging, transportation, roads, restaurants.

Surroundings
Caldera

Pucon

Embedded in the Andes foothills, right besi de the Villarrica volcano, this small town has become the top tourist resort of Southern Chile. This community boasts beautiful, natural attractions that are suited for practicing high-risk sports or for families to simply enjoy spending time together. The events that take place with the sole purpose to entertain visitors, are growing in spectacularity and participants year by year. Pucon is called "the capital of Southern Chile".

Location
La Araucania Region, 112 km (70 mi) southeast of Temuco. 27 km (16.8 mi) east of Villarrica. Map

When to go
Year-round

Attractions
Mountains, coast, lagoons, rivers, flora and fauna, waterfalls, caves, wildlife, picturesque route, hot springs, archeological sites, anthropology, national parks, folklore and handicraft, programmed events.

How to get there
Santiago-Temuco: by airplane, public or private transportation. From Temuco take Route 5 south until Freire. There take the detour to Villarrica, passing through the city and then following the road along the lake until you reach Pucon. See Transport

Activities
Horseback riding, swimming, mountaineering, trekking, sea kayak, white water kayak, mountain biking, parasailing, fishin g, rafting, ski, windsurf, photography, wildlife watching, cultural journey. Activities Index

Services
Lodging, food, transportation, road, entertainment, restaurants

Surroundings
Villarrica, Villarrica National Park, Huerqueh ue National Park.

Ski Center

Antillanca Ski Center

Surrounded by volcanoes and the lovely backdrop of Puyehue National Park, Antillanca was founded in the year 1951 when Carlos Buschmann, representative of the Club Andino Osorno, installed the first shelter for skiers in the area, baptizing it with the name Antillanca, meaning "jewel of the sun" in the Mapuche language.

Adequately equipped with an optimal hotel infrastructure, little by little, this ski center has been earning a name for itself among national ski complexes.

Antillanca boasts excellent snow conditions for all types of skiers and snowboarders. Other notable characteristics are the off-piste slopes and cornices, most appreciated by snowboarders.

The center is equipped with four drag lifts and one chair lift. It features a hotel, restaurant that serves homemade food, a pub that functions as a fast food restaurant by day, daycare, gym, television room, conference room, game room and dance club.

Antuco Ski Center

This ski center is situated on the north slop e of the Antuco Volcano (2,985 meters high), inside the limits of the Laguna del Laja national park and near to the border with Argentina.

The center is at an altitude of 1,400 meters and is equipped with three lifts. Simple accommodation is available here as well as a cafeteria, bar, equipment rental and ski classes. It is also possible to stay at the Ski Club at Los Angeles.

Cerro Mirador Ski Center

Located at an altitude of 600 meters ab ove sea level, inside the Magellan National Reserve, Cerro Mirador has a beautiful and spectacular view of the city of Punta Arenas, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego.

On the peak and the Mount Fenton side there is good infraestructure and narrow powder runs, through the trees, which offers a challenge. Though its near the city, the access road is not paved.Tire chains are recommended for less than ideal weather conditions.

The center has 12 runs, the majority of a medi um level of difficulty, with a special texture of snow because of the wind. It is equiped with a 1200 meter double chair lift and a drop of 50 meters.

There is a lodge with a restaurant, ski school, shuttles, equipment and ski doo rentals.

Chapa Verde Ski Center

Situated amongst the grounds of CODELCO (Chile's mining organization), Chapa Verde is 60 kilometers to the northeast of Rancagua and 145 km from Santiago. This center offers the best alternative in the central zone for those who are looking for a cheaper, more relaxed center with fewer visitors.

The maximum altitude is 3,100 meters, and the ski area covers 1,200 hectares. Access is restricted and only vehicles and buses from the center or individual vehicles with permission are permitted. You can obtain permission from the offices in the Rancagua center. The 22 slopes have a southwest orientation, and range from between 1,200m and 2,500m in length. There are also four ski-lifts and a triple chair lift, repair shop, equipment rental, a restaurant, a cafeteria, ski school and first aid. The center also has individual cabins for rent throughout the season.

Hot Springs

Chillan Hot Springs

Considered by many to be the best hot springs resort in Chile, Chillan Hot Springs is situated at 5,248 ft (1,600 m) above sea level and combines thermal activity with a modern ski center.
This thermal and recreational resort is located 51 miles (82 km) from Chillan amidst the Andes foothills in the Eighth Region of Chile.

Surrounded by a natural scenery abundant in flora and fauna, Chillan Hot Springs boasts hot waters averaging temperatures of 140°F (60°C). Bathing in these waters is recommended for the relief of arthritis, skin conditions, and respiratory illnesses. Their healing powers were discovered long ago by original indigenous populations and now in 1954, the Department of Health in Chile declared them "healing fountains".
more:http://www.gochile.cl/eng/Guide/ChileTermas/Chillan/Chile-TermasChillan.asp

Huife Hot Springs

Huife Hot Springs boasts a favorable location immersed in a spectacular Andean landscape in the Ninth Region of Chile. The Hot Springs are located next to the Liucura River, about 20 miles northeast of Pucon, approximately 1,312 ft (400 m) above sea level. Its backdrop is the grand Villarrica Volcano.

To get here, visitors can take a bus from Temuco to Pucón and from Pucón to the Hot Springs. Renting a car in Temuco is also a possibility. Half of the road to the Hot Springs is asphalt and the rest of the way is gravel, but nevertheless in good condition.

more:http://www.gochile.cl/eng/Guide/ChileTermas/Huife/Chile-Termas-Huife.asp

Safety in Chile

The major cities of Santiago and Valparaiso are the areas to which the following suggestions are most applicable. In general, Chile is a very safe country for travel. You will find a police presence even in the most remote areas of the country.

However, it is prudent to make simple precautions:
- keep your documents in a locker in your hotel room or hotel safe - somewhere not easily accessible. - store your money in several locations; never put all of your money in one pocket, purse, etc. A good idea is to sew in several inside pockets, or to wear a money pouch below the waist (not outside your closes). Another good idea is to keep an elasticized support bandage above the elbow where you could store your money and checks. It is not a smart idea to wear your biggest diamonds on your fingers while traveling - or any other clearly expensive jewelry. In busy markets and streets keep your bag in front of you or under your arm; have a small lock for your backpack.

Holy Land: Israel

2009-10-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Israel: The Holy Land

is a developed state in Western Asia located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan in the east, and Egypt on the southwest, and contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. Also adjacent are the West Bank to the east and Gaza Strip to the southwest. Israel is the world's only predominantly Jewish statewith a population of about 7.4 million people, of whom approximately 5.62 million are Jewish.The largest ethnic minority group is the segment denominated as Arab citizens of Israel, while minority religious groups include Muslims, Christians, Druze, Samaritans and others, most of which are found within the Arab segment.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

Attractions and Destinations:

Jerusalem

What has not already been said about the holiest city in the world, the city that has been united, the eternal city first built thousands of years ago, whose history can be heard in the whispering of the wind along the walls, where every stone tells a wondrous story of a city that has drawn millions of faithful pilgrims for thousands of years. Such is Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the only city in the world that has 70 names of love and yearning, the city that in old maps appears at the center of the world and is still adored like a young bride.

Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Here, alongside Jerusalem’s fascinating historic and archeological sites, there are amazingly modern tourist attractions for all lovers of culture, the arts, theater and music, architecture and gastronomic delights.
read more:

http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Discover+Israel/Cities/Jerusalem.htm

The Old City of Jerusalem

There is a magical quality about the Old City of Jerusalem that does not exist anywhere else in the world. Perhaps it is due to the glorious history of the towering stone walls and ancient buildings, or the sacred atmosphere that surrounds the holy sites of Jewish, Christian, and Moslem religions. The enchanting quality of Jerusalem may also come from the colorful markets and narrow alleyways, or from the city’s dynamic history - a history woven with war and peace, love and hate, destruction and resurrection.

The Old City was originally built by King David in 1004 B.C.E. and has always been considered the center of the world. Ancient maps show the three continents known at the time: Europe, Asia, and Africa, situated in a circle with Jerusalem at their center. Since then Jerusalem has been cherished and glorified by kings, rulers, and conquerors who attempted to storm its walls and adored by ordinary people who made it the loadstone of their faith. This was the place where the Jews built the Temple, where Jesus was crucified, and where Mohammed rose to Heaven. Pilgrims, beggars, merchants, students of great scholars, warriors and slaves have all walked its streets, and have praised and revered Jerusalem.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Articles/Attractions/The+Old+City+of+Jerusalem.htm

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher bears little if any resemblance to the churches most visitors know from home. And that, it seems, is the best reason to visit it.

Here, where Orthodox and Catholic Christians mark the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, Christians of other denominations can explore the world of what scholars call the “historic churches.” Six denominations celebrate their rites in and around the cavernous house of worship. These communities are some of Christianity’s most ancient. Among the lesser known churches in the West, the Ethiopians, for example, trace their Christian origins back to Philip’s conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-34), and listening to the Syriac Orthodox praying in Aramaic might be the only chance you’ll ever have to hear the language Jesus used on a daily basis.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Christian+Themes/Details/The+Church+of+the+Holy+Sepulcher.htm

The City of David

The City of David is the birthplace of the city of Jerusalem, the place where King David established his kingdom, and where the history of the People of Israel was written. It is within walking distance from the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall, and is one of the most exciting sites in Israel. Visitors come there from all over the world to see the place where the Holy City started and the strongest physical connection between the stories of the Bible and reality.

In the year 1004 B. C. E. King David conquered the city from the Jebusites and established his capital there. It was here where the People of Israel were united under King David’s rule, here where the Holy Ark was bought and here where the First Temple was built by King Solomon, King David’s son.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Articles/Attractions/The+City+of+David.htm

The Jewish Quarter

Every step you take in the Jewish Quarter brings you closer to discovering tangible remains of dramatic chapter in Jewish history, especially of the period of its greatest grandeur: the time of the Second Temple.
This period is richly commemorated at the Burnt House and the Herodian Mansions.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Jewish+Themes/Jewish+Sites/Jewish+Quarter+jew.htm

The Garden of Gethsemane

Visitors to of the Garden of Gethsemane are amazed when they learn that the gnarled olive trees they see could have been young saplings when Jesus came here with the disciples on that fateful night after the Last Supper (Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32; John 18:1). Today the ancient trees rise from manicured flower beds; in Jesus’ time this would have been an olive grove where an olive-oil press – gethsemane in Greek – was located.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Christian+Themes/Details/The+Garden+of+Gethsemane.htm

Mary’s Tomb

The Tomb of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is marked by one of Jerusalem’s most venerable churches, located in the Kidron Valley, which the at the foot of the Mount of Olives near the Garden of Gethsemane.

Christians built the first house of prayer here 1,500 years ago over a stone crypt visitors can still see. By Crusader times the church had been destroyed, and only a small cupola remained over the tomb. But in 1130 a new church was built, its façade with pointed Gothic arches, and most of the interior has amazingly survived frequent flooding of the Kidron Stream.

The present décor, with its flickering oil lamps and icons gives the church a feel of mystery and antiquity, and attests to its present congregation of Eastern Christian denominations.

Next to the church is a cave which some believe suits the description of Gethsemane in Mark 14:32 and Matthew 26:36.

Mount of Olives

Located east of Jerusalem’s Old City and separating it from the Judean Desert, the Mount of Olives is one of the most prominent sites in the Jerusalem vicinity mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. It is first mentioned as King David’s escape route during the rebellion of his son Absalom, then later in the prophets; but it is most often referred to in the New Testament, being the route from Jerusalem to Bethany and a favorite location for Jesus' teachings to his pupils and where he wept over Jerusalem. Here, the Dominus Flevit Church was built by the Franciscan order in 1954 to designs by A. Barluzzi in the shape of a tear atop remains of a Byzantine church.

read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Articles/Attractions/Mount+of+Olives+++chr.htm

Nazareth

Nazareth, or Natsrat as its name is pronounced in Hebrew, is the cradle of Christianity, the city where, according to tradition, the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the place where Jesus spent his childhood and youth. Nazareth, in the lower Galilee, is located in the heart of a valley surrounded by mountains that embrace several of the most important Christian sites in the world. This is a city of religion and faith, of spirituality and holiness, but also a city with a rich history, fascinating archeology, modern culture and Middle Eastern charm.

Nazareth, which began as a small Jewish village about 2,000 years ago, became a stronghold of Christianity in the Byzantine period, just a few hundred years later. During that period the name of Nazareth spread far and wide, and the yearnings to see the place where the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ had lived turned the city into a popular pilgrimage site. These visits led to the building of the city’s first church - the Church of the Annunciation at the traditional site of Joseph and Mary’s home. Many more churches have been built throughout the city, and were destroyed and rebuilt with the changes in Muslim and Christian rule over the centuries. In the 19th century Nazareth attracted renewed interest and Christians returned to live in this city and rebuilt churches and monasteries. Today Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel and has about 30 churches and monasteries, as well as mosques and ancient synagogues.

read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Discover+Israel/Cities/Nazareth.htm

Western Wall and the Temple Mount

Visitors who stand at the Western Wall, looking up at the huge ancient stones – the last remnant of the Temple in Jerusalem – are almost always surrounded by people: some have come to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah, others to take pictures before a wedding, or to place a heartfelt prayer-note within the cracks between the stones. But they sense the presence not only of the here-and-now, but also of the untold numbers of people who for centuries streamed to this, the most sacred place in the world to the Jewish people.

The Western Wall was part of the most magnificent building Jerusalem had ever seen. It was one of four walls Herod the Great built to support the 1,555,000-square-foot plaza on which the Temple stood. It was almost 1,500 feet long – the rest can still be seen inside the Western Wall Tunnel . Originally it was some 90 feet high and reached some 60 feet into the ground.
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Jewish+Themes/Jewish+Sites/The+Western+Wall+and+the+Temple+Mount+jew.htm

Temple Mount

When King Solomon constructed his first Temple in Jerusalem the hillside on which he did so became the most Important cultic site of the monotheistic world, and is still reverenced by Jews and Muslims today. Solomon (960 - 900BCE) built the temple that David was not allowed to, using Phoenician craftsmen from the neighbouring kingdom of Tyre (See the lengthy account of the process in 1 Kings). He also built a circular platform around the edge of the hill to hold the courtyards that encircled the cedarwood and bronze building, and the whole edifice was to have been the focus of Jewish worship for ever. However, after his reign the Northern Kingdom declared autonomy, after which time the Temple was used by the tribes of Judea and Benjamin only.

In 586BCE the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians as Israelites continued to be trapped between warlike Southern and Northern empires. The inhabitants of Judea were killed or taken into exile (excepting the farmers). It was only after fifty years and the auspicious intervention of Persia, the new inheritors of imperial power, that they had the opportunity to return and rebuild the Temple, the thought of returning having sustained many of them during their exile (See Ezra and Nehemiah).
read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Tourist+Information/Christian+Themes/Details/Temple+Mount+++chr.htm

The Dead Sea

The breathtaking landscape…the therapeutic air and mud…the luxury spas…a visit to this incredible area will leave you feeling anything BUT dead!

So why is it called the Dead Sea? The salinity (salt content) and minerals in this amazing body of water inhibit the existence of most life forms. However, it’s these same salt & minerals that provide the perfect environment for those who want to treat their body and mind. Here are a few interesting facts about this extraordinary area:

It’s the lowest location on Earth – 400 metres below sea level

The unique properties of the water mean that even non-swimmers can float effortlessly

It’s one of the best locations in the world for sunbathing, as the extra layers of atmosphere help block the suns harmful radiation and let the beneficial properties through

The air contains extra oxygen and bromine, which causes a relaxing effect

The area is virtually pollen-free, so great for those with allergies

The combination of mud, sea & air is highly beneficial for those suffering from skin ailments as well as those with joint problems (arthritis, etc)

There are many spas offering a multitude of health & beauty treatments

The area experiences an average of 330 days of sunshine per year

read more: http://www.tourism.gov.il/Tourism_Euk/Destinations/Dead+Sea/The+Dead+Sea+General+Info.htm

Galilee

The Galilee is not a large region. A mere 80 miles separate its northern border-the peak of Mount Hermon from its southernmost boundary along the Jezreel Plain, the site of biblical Armageddon .

Its eastern reaches, on the far edge of the Golan plateau, lie only 50 miles from the Mediterranean sea in the west, but these 5,000 square miles encompass amazingly beautiful and contrasting scenery: mountains and valleys, fertile plateaus and stark cliffs and glimmering seacoast.

The dirve just one hour from one end of the Galilee to the other, and it is also a short hop from major attractions all around Israel: a two hour drive to Tel Aviv,under three hours to Jerusalem or the Dead Sea.

read more: http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Euk/Destinations/Galilee/general+info.htm

Red Sea Riviera Egypt

2009-09-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dahab

Dahab, which means “gold” in Arabic, was named after its glimmering sandy beaches that resemble gold dust. It lies 85 km north of Sharm El Sheikh and was originally a Bedouin village called Assalah. However, in recent years it has grown to become one of the main Red Sea Riviera resorts. Visitors love to relax in its excellent restaurants and hotels or among the palm trees that surround its turquoise sea.

Among popular activities are diving, snorkelling and windsurfing. There are more than 40 dive clubs and most diving centres organise safaris to Abu Galum, the Nabq Protectorates and The Blue Hole (which is one of the best sites for experienced divers). Among the best spots for snorkelling are Lighthouse Reef, Eel Garden and the Canyon.

El Gouna

Positioned between the Sienna Mountains and the Red Sea, El Gouna owes it popularity to the vision of a businessman from Cairo, who chose the spot to build himself a house and a small jetty for his boat. Now, El Gouna has 13 hotels and a variety of residential villas, making it the Red Sea hotspot that it is today.The town is ideally situated along 10 kilometres of scenic beachfront, and is built by award-winning architects on islands surrounded by crystalline turquoise lagoons.

With many hotels to choose from – ranging from guesthouses to five-star beachfront resort hotels – El Gouna is a sophisticated yet informal holiday destination with year-round sunshine and an exciting array of sports and leisure activities.

Its downtown area and marina are always buzzing with shopping arcades, bazaars, an art village, cafes, and a wide selection of restaurants, bars and pubs, as well as a casino and discos.
For many, El Gouna is the ultimate holiday destination for diving, water skiing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing and golf – it is home to an 18-hole USPGA championship golf course with panoramic views.

El Qusier

Once one of the major ports on the Red Sea coast, Quseir was where Queen Hatshepsut set off from on an expedition to the mystical African land of Punt. On top of that, it was also a major point for pilgrims leaving for Mecca, as well as a significant trade route for spices from India to Britain. Today, Quseir is better-known as a first-class diving destination. It is also home to a number of attractions, including Wadi Hammamat and Bir Umm Fawakhir, both of which can be reached within a day.

Wadi Hammamat has hundreds of rock inscriptions, some of which date back to 4000 BC. During antiquity, it was famous for production of the Bekheny Stone, a beautiful, green ornamental rock, whichwas considered sacred. The stone was actively quarried from Pharaonic until Roman times to make bowls, statues and sarcophagi, many of which have been found in the Pyramids, graves and temples of those periods. A little to the north of Wadi Hammamat, in the central part of the Eastern Desert, lies Bir Umm Fawakhir, a gold mining settlement from the fifth and sixth century.

Hurghada

Tucked into the lower end of the Gulf of Suez, Hurghada is one of Egypt’s liveliest and busiest resorts. And it manages to merge the old with the new to perfection in that its fine, modern buildings sit happily alongside El-Dahar, the old town, which is the centre of everyday Egyptian life.

Diving has long been the main attraction of Hurghada. The area is renowned for its extraordinary and unique reefs. And, for non-divers, Giftun Island is perfect for snorkelling, and as a spot for camping. Not far from Hurghada are the exceptional dive sites of Brothers Islands, Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Gubal, where Thistlegorm, the Red Sea’s most well known wreck, is found.
The town also has an exciting nightlife, with many clubs, bars and pubs; and is a good base for visiting the Monasteries of St Anthony and St Paul.

Makadi Bay

This new resort, 35 km south of Hurghada, is a beautiful natural bay, nestled between desert dunes and a superb mountain range. It offers translucent waters, white sandy beaches and exquisite marine life. Facilities include tennis, diving, watersports, an open-theatre, a health club, a children’s club, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and horse and camel riding. At night, visitors can enjoy live music at a number of bars, restaurants and discos.

Monastery of St. Katherine

In 330 AD, the mother of Emperor Constantine, Empress Helena, ordered the construction of a small church near Moses’ Burning Bush. It was called the Church of the Transfiguration. The fortified Monastery of St Katherine seen today was built around the church during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565 AD). In the 11th century, the monastery was dedicated to St Katherine of Alexandria, who died in 310 AD. Her remains, reportedly found by monks on a mountain peak next to Mount Sinai, are buried in the monastery’s Basilica.

Again, underwater activities are the main attraction in Nuweiba. Shallow reefs create interesting locations for snorkeling; and diving sites include Ras Burka, Big Ruta, Devil’s Head and Maagana to name but a few. Opportunities exist, too, for trekking, either by camel or jeep, into the astounding Sinai interior or through the coastline mountains. Highlights include St Katherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai, the Coloured Canyon, or a visit to some of the oases in the area.

MOUNT SINAI

Mount Sinai, just south of the Monastery of St Katherine, is of great religious importance to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. According to the Old Testament, this is where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Throughout the centuries, the mountain has drawn thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Visitors can ascend to the summit (7497 ft) either by climbing the ‘ancient route’ - some 4000 steps built by monks - or by following an easier but longer path. Both lead to an open area known as Elija’s Basin, where it is necessary to walk up the remaining 750 steps to the top. At the summit, is the Chapel of the Holy Trinity built in 1934 on the site of a much earlier chapel built in 363 AD. The climb takes about three hours but the view from the top is truly breathtaking, especially at sunrise.

National Parks in Sinai

RAS MOHAMED NATIONAL PARK

This 480-square kilometre protected area lies where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba at Sinai's southern extremity. The arid desert terrain - consisting of sand dunes, gravel plains, fossilised corals and granite mountains - is home to a number of rare species, including Dorcas gazelle, Nubian ibex and red fox.

Easier to spot, though, are its resident birds such as terns, herons, gulls and ospreys. Thousands of white storks pass through Ras Mohammed each year, heading south during September/October and back north during April/May. There are about 85 different types of flowers and plants in the park, including magnificent mangroves. In glaring contrast to the seemingly desolate landscape, the ecosystem underwater at Ras is a magnificent eruption of life: 200 types of coral (125 of which are soft corals), 1000 different fish, 40 starfish, 25 sea urchin, 100 mollusk, 150 species of crustacean, as well as the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle

NABQ PROTECTORATE

Spread across 600 sq km, Nabq contains a variety of ecosystems that provide for nature unique in the Sinai Peninsula. The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) agreed to protect Nabq on the basis of its rich natural resource base. These include:* The most northerly mangrove trees in the Red Sea/Indian Ocean complex* One of the largest single of Arak Bushes in the Middle East, covering the higher dunes of the Wadi Kid*Some 134 plant species of which six are found only in Nabq* Gazelle, Nubian Ibex, Hyrax and many varied small mammals* Rich coral reefs

ABU GALUM PROTECTORATE

Characterised by its spectacular granite mountains ending abruptly on a narrow coastal plain fronted by rich coral reefs, Abu Galum (located between Dahab and Nuweiba) owes its protected status to its varied ecosystems, unique back reef communities and excellent coral. Recent surveys have identified 167 species of desert plants, many of which are not found in either Ras Mohamed or Nabq. As a result, Abu Galum is also home to the largest number of Nubian ibex, Hyrax, red fox and striped hyena. Ten different species of lizards and snakes have also been identified.

TABA PROTECTORATE

This covers a massive 2,800 sq km and is located between Nuweiba and Taba. Mainly, it contains an intricate system of valleys and rifts beautifully sculpted by the elements of nature across time. It engulfs the Ein Umm Ahmed and Ein Khudra oases and the Nawamis tombs, and has many plants.

ST KATHERINE'S PROTECTORATE

This comprises the mountain network in South Sinai. Home to many plants - many of which are not found anywhere else in the world - it is also inhabited by some interesting mammals, reptiles, birds and insects.

Nuweiba

About 87 km north of Dahab lies Nuweiba, ‘the pearl of the Gulf of Aqaba’. Rugged mountains and sandy beaches make this a particular heavenly spot, and the city itself offers a range of accommodation, a fascinating bazaar and a wide selection of bars and restaurants. North of the centre is Tarabin, a marina walk alongside peaceful Nuweiba Bay, which, with its bamboo beach huts, is a perfect place to sit and watch the sun rise or set.

Safaga

Safaga is a favourite spot for sun bathers, and its water is known to have a high content of saline, which is said to be beneficial for the skin. Encircled by Makadi Bay, Soma Bay and Shahl Hashish - Safaga is also home to Tobia Arbaa and Tobia Hamra; these two chain reefs line the shore and make it an ideal spot for daily diving.The town is also popular for windsurfing and, in 1993, hosted the World Windsurfing Championships.

Most dive sites are still unspoilt and can be reached by boat, less than one hour to the inner reefs and between one-and-a-half to two hours to the outer reefs. There is something there to match all interests: manta rays at Sha’ab Saiman, the eel garden at Gamul Kabira, blue-spotted stingrays at Tobias, sharp drop-offs at Abu Kafan, the anemone city at Panorama Reef. And then there is the night dive at Sha’ab Sheer or confronting the huge Salem Express lying on its starboard side. Safaga is also famed for Mons Claudianus.

These fascinating ruins of a Roman settlement lie in the desert between the Red Sea and the Nile. For more than two centuries, from 68 AD to 282 AD, Mons Claudianus used the surrounding mountains to produce high quality columns and building blocks of grey granite known as granodiorite for the sole purpose of beautifying imperial Rome.

Sahl Hashish

Situated just 20 km south of Hurghada, on the Hurghada-Safaga Road, Sahl Hashish is made up of a variety of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and Oriental-style buildings. Divers, watersport lovers and sun worshippers love its clear waters, pristine beaches and marvellous coral reefs. It is convenient for day trips to Luxor, Nile cruises, trekking in the Eastern Desert and visits to the Roman site of Mons Claudianus.

Sharm El Sheikh

Overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, in Southern Sinai, lies one of the most outstanding marine environments in the world, with its varied coral reefs, and diverse aquatic life, in crystal clear waters. There are direct flights from Europe to Sharm El Sheikh airport, which is about 14 km from Sharm EL Maya and 8 km from Na’ama Bay.

The city of Sharm El Sheikh comprises three centres: Sharm El Maya, Om El Seed Hill and Na’ama Bay.

The resort offers the very best tourist facilities, including restaurants, varied entertainment and numerous activities such as underwater photography, horse and camel riding, quad-biking, snorkeling, desert safaris, windsurfing and sailing to mention just a few. One of the most popular activities is diving. Easy’ sites include The Temple and Middle-to-Near Garden. Intermediate sites are White Knights, Tower and Paradise, while most experienced divers delight to find themselves among the amazing Jackson and Thomas Reefs off Tiran Island and the Shark and Yolanda reefs in the Ras Mohamed National Park. The richness of their fauna and flora and the beauty of their reefs is simply overwhelming.

Soma Bay

Soma Bay is a new exclusive holiday destination. It includes some of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Red Sea. Year round sunshine and temperate climate makes it an ideal resort for leisure and water sports enthusiasts. The area offers an 18 hole championship golf course - "The Cascades" - designed by Gary Player, superior scuba diving, world-class wind surfing, sailing, tennis, squash, in addition to some excellent hotels.

Less than 45 kilometres from Hurghada International Airport and 4 hours flight from Central Europe, the ten million square meters, self-contained community of Soma Bay is surrounded on all sides by the sea. With Luxor only 240 kilometers away by road, same day excursions to the treasures of ancient Egypt provide a break from sun, sea and surf.

Taba

Taba, "The gateway to Sinai" is a beautiful, fast growing resort 75 km north of Nuweiba. Well known for its charming bays and coastline, tourism has blossomed recently with the opening of its International Airport, which has direct flights from many parts of Europe. The 12th century fortress of Saladin on Pharaoh's Island is a joy to visit as it is in a remarkable condition.

It is surrounded by blue and turquoise waters and its reefs are a paradise for snorkellers and divers.Just 50 km south of Taba is the stunning Coloured Canyon, a marvel of the natural world and a kaleidescope of colour. The Fjord, another spectacular site, just 15 km south of Taba, is a delightful and protected bay with stunning coral refs and unforgettable scenery.

Taba Heights

A picturesque, year-round resort that overlooks one of the most beautiful spots on the Sinai Peninsula, Taba Heights spreads over 4.5 million square meters of colourful mountains and coastline and boasts 5 kilometres of beautiful and secluded beaches.This magnificent destination offers a collection of world-class leisure hotels, and a myriad of services and activities, that seek to be discovered.

Located on the shores of the Red Sea. Taba Heights is 35 km away from Taba International Airport.
Taba Heights offers a new concept in holidays making: a complete and cohesive community.

Designed and managed by an international team of renowned specialists, it promises to offer a world-class holiday destination. This unrivalled year-round sun-filled experience is at Europe’s doorstep.

http://www.gotoegypt.org/RedSea.htm

Wonders of Egypt

2009-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Egypt was known throughout its history as a destination for tourists and travelers since it was visited by "Herodotus" during the ancient time, when he got surprised because of the vast difference between Egypt and his homeland. Egypt maintained this image throughout the middle and modern history. However, the discovery of the Pharaonic antiquities long time ago has added a special charm to Egypt, besides its unique religious and cultural monuments. On the other hand, Egypt enjoys a geographical location, and a moderate climate all the year-round, along with its smooth vast coastlines, and beaches with its unique treasures of coral reefs, providing Egypt with advantages of a competitive edge.

Egypt has plenty of swimming opportunities on the beaches along the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. Diving and snorkeling are the most popular activities in Egypt; the underwater life comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Cairo is a city of 19th century buildings, modern art and sculpture as well as Pharaonic sites and pyramids.

The Great Pyramid of Giza was the world's tallest building from c. 2570 BC to c. 1300 AD. Today it is one of Egypt's largest tourist attractions

Local Highligths:

Cairo

The origins of the Egyptian capital with it's 15 million inhabitants can be found near the present day Coptic district. In 641 AD, Amr Ibn Al-As, general of the Caliph Omar built a new capital for Egypt near his tent (Arabic: Fustat). That is why the first capital of Egypt was called Fustat. But when the Abbassids overthrew the Omaiads in 750 AD the city was burnt down except the mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As, so that a new capitol was built somewhat to the north and was called Al-Askar.

During the reign of Ahmed Ibn Tulun (863-883), his residence was transferred to the Jashkur hills where he built his famous mosque and a new capital names "Al Katai". The origin of today's name (Cairo) can be traced back to the Fatimid General Gohar invading Egypt in 969 AD. He named the city after constellation of Mars (Al-Kahir), the victorious.Under the reign of many sultans and especially in the Mameluke period, Cairo prospered and became a centre of Islamic art and architecture. read more http://www.gotoegypt.org/Cairo.htm

Islamic Cairo

Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As was founded by Amr Ibn Al in 642 AD, north of the site of the Fortress of Babylon, it is considered to be the first mosque in Egypt. Simple in design, it represents schools of architecture of different periods.Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun is the oldest entirely preserved Islamic monument. It is the largest mosque in the country. It was built between 876 - 879 AD. The mosque has a unique feature of an external spiral staircase winding up a minaret.The Mosque of Al-Azhar, the first fatimid mosque in Cairo, was constructed between 970 - 973 AD. The mosque is considered to be the oldest Islamic university comprising more than 80,000 Islamic manuscripts in it's libraries. In it's present form, the mosque is a collection of buildings and several exensions, added during various periods. Today it is one of the leading centres of Islamic teachings.The Mosque of Sultan Hassan was founded by Sultan Hassan, to be a mosque and madrasah for the four schools of Islam, built between 1356 - 1362 AD.

Bazaars

Khan El Khalili

Comprising an array of shops dating back to the 14th century AD, it developed into one of the most magnificent oriental markets.

Kerdasah

Famous for it's embroidered cotton and silk dresses (Galabeyas) as well as other handmade products

Harrania

An important centre for the production of handmade carpets.

Memphis

Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt, situated 24km south-west of Cairo near the present day village of Mit Rahena. It is presumed that the city was built around 3100 BC, most likely by King Menes, when Upper and Lower Egypt were first united. One of the interesting objects is the laying statue of Ramses II, exhibited in a small museum. It was made of fine-grained limestone and is considered to be one of the most beautiful statues of this great king. Remarkable are also the temple of embalming of the sacred Apis Bulls and the Alabaster Sphinx of Amenophis II, at the same site.

Saqqara

Saqqara is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cemeteries and it was the necropolis of Memphis. Today it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt because monuments of most of the principal dynasties are represented there. Many pharaohs with their court dignitaries were buried in Saqqara.

The Stepped Pyramid

Originally, a mastaba tomb was planned for King Zoser (3rd dynasty) in 2816 BC, by his physician and architect Imhotep. Finally, after several extensions, it became a 60 metres high stepped pyramid composed of six steps in the middle of the necropolis of Saqqara. At the base, the Step Pyramid is rectangular and measures 123.5 x 107 metres and is surrounded by a mortuary compound of Zoser, which is the oldest stone structure of this dimension in the world

The Pyramid of

The pyramid of Unas, the last pharaoh of the 5th dynasty is situated to the south of the Stepped Pyramid of King Zoser. The pyramid of Unas is famous for its burial chamber, where its walls are covered with what is known as the "Pyramid Text", the first collection of religious texts drawn up during the Old Kingdom and destined to protect and guide the dead pharaoh during his journey in the "other world". The tomb chamber still contains the granite sarcophagus of the king. South to the Pyramid of Unas, the so called Persian tombs of the 26th dynasty are located, where a shaft of 25 metres in depth is leading to three beautifully decorated burial chambers.

The Serapeum

The Apis Bull lived in a stable in front of the temple of Ptah, the creator of the world. There, the animal received offerings from its worshippers and pronounced its oracles. After its death it was mummified and buried in a tomb in the desert. Up until the 19th dynasty each bull had its own separate burial place. Later on, Ramses II created a common burial place for them, which was enlarged by the Ptolemaic period, known today as Serapeum.

The Mastaba of Meruka

Close to King Teti's pyramid, is the most complex mastaba of the 6th dynasty situated, containing 33 chambers with many magnificent wall inscriptions. Particularly original in its conception is the scene showing hunting and fishing, in which plants and animals are freely distributed all over the available space in a fantastic manner.

The Mastabas

Saqqara is well known for the mastaba-type tombs of the ancient Egyptian nobles. The tomb walls bear inscriptions showing scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt, such as: farming, animal breeding, hunting, as well as religious rites and offerings to the owners of the mastabas and to the gods.

The Mastaba of Ptah Hotep

The walls of the offering chambers are covered by colourful reliefs, depicting everyday life scenes. The most important scene shows Ptah Hotep, being entertained by a band of musicians

The Pyramids of Giza

Giza is the name of a district near Cairo where the famous necropolis of the 4th dynasty can be visited. Points of interest are of course, the famous Sphinx and the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinos.

The Pyramid of King Cheops

One of the most famous structures in the world built by King Cheops (4th dynasty) about 2,650 BC.

Almost 2.5 million blocks of limestone were used in building this pyramid, which measures 230 x 230 metres at the base. It was originally 146 metres high and is today only 137 metres high. It's sidelines are exactly oriented to the north, south, east and west.

The Pyramid of Chephren

This pyramid was built by Chephren (son of Cheops), south-west of his father's pyramid and is very similar to it. Although lower in height, 136 metres, it looks higher as it was built on a higher plateau.

At the base it measures 210 x 210 metres. On the north side it possesses two entrances leading down into a passage and then across a corridor to the burial chamber, which still contains the large granite sarcophagus of Chephren. Among the most interesting features are the remains of the Valley Temple with it's granite casing and the rising causeway leading to the pyramid. This temple witnessed the religious rites of embalming Chephren's body.

The Pyramid of Mycerinos

Finally, the smallest of the three pyramids, barely 66 metres high, was originally covered with red granite stones from Aswan. The burial chamber, once contained a splendid sarcophagus of basalt, is now empty. All three pyramids of Giza are surrounded by several small pyramids and hundreds of mastaba tombs belonging to the members of the royal family, nobles and high ranking employees.

The Sphinx

On the way down to the Valley Temple of King Chefren, the famous large statue of the Sphinx is located. This colossal statue represents a body of a lion with a human head measuring 70 metres in length and 20 metres in height.
Many scholars and scientists share the opinion, that the face of the Sphinx closely resembles that of King Chefren.

http://www.gotoegypt.org

Places of a Lifetime

2009-09-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Mount Everest

With Mount Everest in the background, prayer flags flutter in the wind at Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park. The park, encompassing the southern part of the world's highest peak, includes rugged forests, glaciers, Himalayan peaks, and diverse wildlife, including red pandas and snow leopards.

California

Coast redwoods tower over a stop sign in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 50 miles north of Eureka, California. The trees cover 450 miles in a narrow band from southwest Oregon to central California, never more than 50 miles from the sea. Protected redwood groves—not all of them old growth—amount to about 352,000 acres altogether. The redwood canopies contain their own complex ecosystem, often with deep soil accumulations supporting other tree or shrub species growing in the canopy.

Caribbean

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a diver cruises along a shallow reef teeming with brown chromis. This 60-mile island chain separates the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Blessed with a wealth of safe anchorages and near-constant breezes, the Grenadines offer one of the world's best sailing grounds.

Australia

A scene from the Jurassic age? No, just a typically primeval slice of Lord Howe Island, a little known gem off the east coast of Australia. Islanders preserve their unique bird and plant species with a visitor limit of 400 people at a time.

Egypt

Inscriptions at the Karnak Temple near Luxor, Egypt, trumpet the victories of Seti, an Egyptian pharaoh. The Karnak Temple complex, 313 miles south of Cairo, covers 247 acres and features massive columns, some reaching 80 feet in height, as well as vast halls, chapels, and reliefs. Construction began around 1975 B.C. and continued for 2,000 years, incorporating the contributions of 30 pharaohs. In Traveler's October 2009 Places of a Lifetime special issue, Emmy-winning writer-director Bruce Neibaur calls Karnak "gigantic almost beyond description," a place of "heroic statuary."

Virginia

Sunrise gilds a thoroughbred horse at Northstar Farm, one of many scenic farms in Virginia's pastoral Piedmont region. "Every nook and turn of the road, every stream and pond in this region, has an addictive charm that no one I've ever met has been able to resist," says essayist and noted orchestra conductor Lorin Maazel in Traveler's October 2009 Places of a Lifetime special issue.

http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/10/places-of-a-lifetime-photography

World's Famous Ecolodges

2009-09-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Australia

Key Features: luxury, active adventures, local culture
Run in partnership with the local Kuku Yalanji tribe, Daintree is one of the few places where outsiders can interact with Australian Aborigines in their element. Guides offer painting workshops using ocher from the lodge's waterfall and hiking tours (a must for fans of Bruce Chatwin's The Songlines) to see medicinal plants and ferns with 25-foot fronds. Guests stay in a series of 15 elevated tree house-like villas ensconced in thick, misty rain forest, located a mere 40-minute drive e from the Great Barrier Reef.

+ Doubles from $457; daintree-ecolodge.com.au

Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania

Key Features: active adventures, wildlife, local culture, family
Welcome, Sierra Club members! Chumbe's seven bungalows, outfitted with solar-heated showers, are fit for Robinson Crusoe. The lodge was founded in conjunction with Zanzibar's first marine park and now trains local rangers. Spot the rare nine-pound coconut crab, the largest on land, then snorkel with dol s and hawksbill turtles.

+ Doubles from $400; chumbeisland.com

North Island, Seychelles

Key Features: luxury, active adventures, wildlife
While taking in uninterrupted views of the turquoise sea from a villa handcrafted by local Seychellois carpenters, it's easy to mistake this as one's own private island. It's even harder to believe that the isle was once ravaged by invasive species. African outfitter Wilderness Safaris rehabbed the land by reintroducing endemic tortoises, birds, and plants and building 11 no-expense-spared villas, a spa, and a dive center.

+ Doubles from $5,000; north-island.com

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica

Key Features: luxury, active adventures, wildlife, local culture, family
Set in a thousand-acre private tropical rain forest reserve on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios was Costa Rica's first ecolodge to combine creature conservation with creature comforts. Hardly a weed was harmed in the building of the 16 thatch bungalows outfitted with locally made bamboo furniture, solar-heated showers, and hammocks overlooking the Pacific.

+ $464 per person, per night; laparios.com

Black Sheep Inn, Ecuador

Key Features: active adventures, local culture
The Black Sheep Inn, perched at 10,500 feet in the Ecuadorian highlands south of Quito, has transparent roofs to let sunlight into the indoor flower gardens, with views of the Rio Toachi Canyon. Everything else at this simple eight-room eco-retreat and bunkhouse follows in irrepressible green style. After hiking through remote Andean villages and canyons, feast on a vegetarian dinner from the organic garden, sit in the sauna, then cap it all off with a glass of Ecuadorian rum.

+ Doubles from $80; blacksheepinn.com

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Key Features: luxury, wildlife
In just four years, entrepreneur Stephen Boler bought 34 farms in the Kalahari Desert and turned them into a 220,000-acre wilderness reserve, one of the largest private conservation projects in African history. Walk and horseback ride to view resuscitated populations of rare wild dogs, roan antelope, lions, and rhinos. Luxury cottages have private pools and sundecks overlooking watering holes.

+ Doubles from $1,486; tswalu.com

Ranweli Holiday Villagee, Sri Lanka

Key Features: local culture
Staying at Ranweli's thatch bungalows, modeled after a traditional village, is just short of complete Sri Lankan immersion. Locals demonstrate weaving and cooking techniques, an on-site fruit stall sells medicinal drinks, and an ayurvedic center offers herbal oil massages—all just a two-hour drive from the capital.

+ Doubles from $66; lranweli.com

Concordia EcoTents, U.S. Virgin Islands

Key Features: active adventures, family
Concordia's solar-powered tents are decidedly rustic (yup, composting toilets), but their location on St. John's is five-star, set on a hillside next to Virgin Islands National Park. Snorkeling and scuba diving are de rigueur, as is a visit to Maho Bay's Trash to Treasures, where guests make art from recycled glass.

+ Doubles from $105; maho.org

Milia Mountain Retreat, Greece

Key Features: active adventures, local culture, family
Local Cretans built Milia out of the ruins of their ancestors' rural stone village and reforested the farm-ravaged gorge in the early 1990s. Now, staying in one of the 16 unique rooms, outfitted with wood-burning stoves, candles, and handwoven blankets, is akin to time travel. After hiking the surrounding peaks, guests dawdle over local wines and learn to cook dishes like grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs grown in the organic garden.

+ Doubles from $102; milia.gr

Whitepod, Switzerland

Key Features: active adventures
James Bond meets Conrad Anker in Whitepod's nine groovy, ultra-insulated geodesic domes, outfitted with cowskins, wood-burning stoves, and retro-chic furniture. Situated high in the Swiss Alps, Whitepod is a train ride, a car ride, and a short walk from Paris or Geneva, so guests have the vistas, private ski lifts, and pistes almost all to themselves. Apr?s-ski, paraglide above the Alps or take a dogsledding tour, then gather around a campfire for aperitifs and fixed-menu dinners like cheese fondue.

+ Doubles from $532; whitepod.com

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/11/ecotourism/lodges-photography

World's National Parks

2009-09-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Arches National Park

This park contains more than 2,000 natural arches—the greatest concentration in the country. But numbers have no significance beside the grandeur of the landscape—the arches, the giant balanced rocks, spires, pinnacles, and slickrock domes against the enormous sky.

Perched high above the Colorado River, the park is part of southern Utah's extended canyon country, carved and shaped by eons of weathering and erosion. Some 300 million years ago, inland seas covered the large basin that formed this region. The seas refilled and evaporated—29 times in all—leaving behind salt beds thousands of feet thick. Later, sand and boulders carried down by streams from the uplands eventually buried the salt beds beneath thick layers of stone. Because the salt layer is less dense than the overlying blanket of rock, it rises up through it, forming it into domes and ridges, with valleys in between.
Most of the formations at Arches are made of soft red sandstone deposited 150 million years ago. Much later, groundwater began to dissolve the underlying salt deposits. The sandstone domes collapsed and weathered into a maze of vertical rock slabs called "fins." Sections of these slender walls eventually wore through, creating the spectacular rock sculptures that visitors to Arches see today.

The land has a timeless, indestructible look that is misleading. More than 700,000 visitors each year threaten the fragile high desert ecosystem. One concern is a dark scale called biological soil crust composed of cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and lichens that grow in sandy areas in the park. Footprints tracked across this living community may remain visible for years. In fact, the aridity helps preserve traces of past activity for centuries. Visitors are asked to walk only on designated trails or stay on slickrock or wash bottoms.

How to Get There

From Moab, take US 191 north 5 miles to the park entrance. From I-70, exit at Crescent Junction and follow US 191 south for 25 miles to the entrance. Airport: 15 miles north of Moab and at Grand Junction, Colorado, about 120 miles away.

When to Go

Year-round, but spring and fall are best; moderate temperatures are ideal for hiking in the high desert. Summers are hot and winters mild. Wildflowers peak in April and May.

How to Visit

Take the Arches Scenic Drive at least as far as The Windows Section. If possible, carry on to the historic Wolfe Ranch, Fiery Furnace, and the Devils Garden. Also allow time for hiking at least one of the park's spectacular trails, perhaps to Delicate Arch or even Tower Arch, in the park's remote Klondike Bluffs. If it's spring, summer, or fall (and you're not bothered by heights), consider joining a naturalist-led 3-hour hike through Fiery Furnace. It's strenuous, but you'll appreciate the shade in summer's heat. Contact the visitor center in person for reservations and tickets (walks fill quickly; reserve early).

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Kayakers brave rapid waters in Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. As it has for eons, water continues to carve the gorge, known for its unmatched combination of narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths.

Sheer walls of dark gray stone rise more than 2,700 feet above the swift and turbulent Gunnison River to create one of the most dramatic canyons in the country. Deeper than it is wide in some places, this great slit in the Earth is so narrow that sunlight penetrates to the bottom only at midday. The park protects the deepest, most thrilling 14 miles of the gorge, about 75 miles upstream of the Gunnison's junction with the Colorado River.

Imagine chiseling two parallel walls of hard gneiss and schist running the length of Manhattan and standing higher than two Empire State Buildings stacked atop one another, with water as your only tool. At the inconceivable rate of one inch per century, it would take all of human history just to cut through five feet of rock. What you see from the rim is the product of two million years of patient work.

The metamorphic rocks exposed at the bottom of the canyon are nearly two billion years old, dating from the Precambrian or oldest era of the Earth. Here and there swirling pink veins of igneous pegmatite shoot through the walls, livening up the canyon's somber appearance.

Indians and white explorers generally avoided the formidable canyon up through the 19th century. In 1900, five men attempted to run the river in wooden boats to survey it as a possible source of irrigation for the Uncompahgre Valley. After a month, with their boats in splinters and their supplies gone, they gave up. But the next year two men ran it in ten days on rubber air mattresses. A water diversion tunnel was soon in the works; the fouryear project, dedicated in 1909, resulted in a 6-mile-long tunnel through rock, clay, and sand. The labor was so grueling and dangerous that the average period of employment was only two weeks. Today, three dams upstream have further tamed the Gunnison, but the canyon and its section of river remain wild.

Rim drives and hikes offer plenty of opportunities for peering into the magnificent canyon and marveling at its cliffs and towers of stone. Ravens, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons soar the great gulf of air out in front. On top grows a thick forest of Gambel oak and serviceberry, which provide cover for mule deer and black bears, while farther down the canyon Douglas firs thrive in the shade, and cottonwoods and box elders find footholds along the river.

How to Get There

The South Rim is located 15 miles northeast of Montrose, via US 50 and Colo. 347. The North Rim is 80 miles by car from the South Rim, via US 50W and Colo. 92. Turn south off Colo. 92 onto the 15-mile North Rim Road, the first half of which is paved. Airports: Montrose and Gunnison.

When to Go

Summer is the most popular time to visit. But be prepared to perspire if you hike at midday on exposed trails, and bring lots of water. Crisp days in late spring and early fall make for excellent walks. Winter affords opportunities for backcountry camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. With the rim at 8,000 feet above sea level, winter can set in as early as November and last until April. Snow closes vehicle access to the North Rim; the South Rim road stays open as far as the second overlook year-round.

How to Visit

You can spend most of the day driving the 7-mile (one-way) South Rim and exploring its 5 or so miles of trails. But reserve the afternoon, or a second day, for a walk down to the canyon floor. If you have more time, visit the North Rim and its 5-mile unpaved drive.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Shown here in the sunny season, Bryce Canyon's colorful hoodoos are sculpted by snow over thousands of years. Freezing meltwater enlarges cracks to slowly create—and eventually destroy—the towering limestone pinnacles

Perhaps nowhere are the forces of natural erosion more tangible than at Bryce Canyon. Its wilderness of phantom-like rock spires, or hoodoos, attracts more than one million visitors a year. Many descend on trails that give hikers and horseback riders a close look at the fluted walls and sculptured pinnacles.

The park follows the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. On the west are heavily forested tablelands more than 9,000 feet high; on the east are the intricately carved breaks that drop 2,000 feet to the Paria Valley. Many ephemeral streams have eaten into the plateau, forming horseshoe-shaped bowls. The largest and most striking is Bryce Amphitheater. Encompassing 6 square miles, it is the park's scenic heart.

For millions of years water has carved, as it continues to, Bryce's rugged landscape. Water may split rock as it freezes and expands in cracks—a cyclic process that occurs some 200 times a year. In summer, runoff from cloudbursts etches into the softer limestones and sluices through the deep runnels. In about 50 years the present rim will be cut back another foot. But there is more here than spectacular erosion.

In the early morning you can stand for long moments on the rim, held by the amphitheater's mysterious blend of rock and color. Warm yellows and oranges radiate from the deeply pigmented walls as scatterings of light illuminate the pale spires.

There is a sense of place here that goes beyond rocks. Some local Paiute Indians explained it with a legend. Once there lived animal-like creatures that changed themselves into people. But they were bad, so Coyote turned them into rocks of various configurations. The spellbound creatures still huddle together here with faces painted just as they were before being turned to stone.

How to Get There

From Zion NP (83 miles west), follow Utah 9 east, turn north on Utah 89, then continue east on Utah 12 to Utah 63, which is the park entrance road. From Capitol Reef NP (about 120 miles away), follow Utah 12 southwest to Utah 63. Airports: Salt Lake City, Utah or Las Vegas, Nevada.

When to Go

All-year park. Wildflowers peak in spring and early summer; the greatest variety of the park's 170 bird species appear between May and October. Winter lasts from November through March; snow highlights the colored cliffs and provides fine crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

How to Visit

On a 1-day visit, tour the Bryce Amphitheater, beginning, if possible, with sunrise at Bryce Point. If limited time requires choosing between the scenic drive or a walk beneath the rim, take the walk. On a longer stay, drive to Rainbow Point; consider a moonlight stroll among the hoodoos.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Stalactites hang like daggers in the Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. The huge space covers more than eight acres (three hectares).

The Chihuahuan Desert, studded with spiky plants and lizards, offers little hint that what Will Rogers called the "Grand Canyon with a roof on it" waits underground. Yet, at this desert's northern reaches, underneath the Guadalupe Mountains, lies one of the deepest, largest, and most ornate caverns ever found.

Water molded this underworld 4 to 6 million years ago. Some 250 million years ago, the region lay underneath the inland arm of an ancient sea. Near the shore grew a limestone reef. By the time the sea withdrew, the reef stood hundreds of feet high, later to be buried under thousands of feet of soil. Some 15 to 20 million years ago, the ground uplifted. Naturally occurring sulfuric acid seeped into cracks in the limestone, gradually enlarging them to form a honeycomb of chambers. Millions of years passed before the cave decoration began. Then, drop by drop, limestone-laden moisture built an extraordinary variety of glistening formations—some six stories tall; others tiny and delicate.

Cave scientists have explored more than 30 miles of passageways of the main cavern of Carlsbad, and investigation continues. Visitors may tour 3 of these miles on a paved trail. Slaughter Canyon Cave provides the hardy an opportunity to play caver, albeit with a guide. The park has more than 100 other caves open primarily to specialists.

Some visitors think the park's most spectacular sight is the one seen at the cave's mouth. More than a quarter million Brazilian (Mexican) free-tailed bats summer in a section of the cave, and around sunset they spiral up from the entrance to hunt for insects. The nightly exodus led to the discovery of the cave in modern times. Around the turn of the 20th century, miners began to excavate bat guano—a potent fertilizer—for shipment to the citrus groves of southern California. One of the guano miners, James Larkin White, became the first to explore and publicize the caverns beyond Bat Cave.

How to Get There

The park is off US 62/180, 20 miles southwest of Carlsbad and 164 miles east of El Paso, Texas. For the visitor center, turn west at Whites City and drive 7 miles. For Slaughter Canyon, turn west on County Road 418, 5 miles south of Whites City; drive another 11 miles, some unpaved, to the parking lot. Airports: Carlsbad, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.

When to Go

Year-round. The weather underground remains a constant 56°F. The main cavern gets crowded, especially in summer and on major holiday weekends. Either spring or fall, when the desert's in bloom, is an excellent time to go. You'll see the bats fly from April or mid-May through October.

How to Visit

One full day allows you time to tour the main cavern and take a nature walk or a drive before watching the bats fly at sunset. For a second day's activity, reserve space on a tour of "unimproved" Slaughter Canyon Cave, if you're ready for a more rugged caving experience.

At the visitor center, select either the Natural Entrance Tour or the Big Room Tour (both are 1.25-mile walks). Try the first unless you have walking, breathing, or heart problems. It starts at the natural entrance and is mostly downhill, except for one stretch where you climb 83 feet; an elevator whisks you back to ground level. The Natural Entrance Tour is more intimate and may be less crowded than the Big Room.

The Big Room Tour begins with an elevator ride directly to the Big Room, in which you can see most of the types of formations visible in areas of the cave not open to the public. If after this tour you want to see more caves, take the elevator back up to ground level and proceed with the first half of the Natural Entrance Tour.

Another option, the Kings Palace Tour visits the stunning formations in the scenic rooms.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Coral reefs ring Fort Jefferson, an unfinished military fortress that was abandoned in 1907, now part of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. Seven islands make up the Dry Tortugas, known for rich bird and marine life.

In the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 nautical miles west of Key West, Florida, a 7-mile-long archipelago of seven low-lying islands forms the centerpiece of Dry Tortugas National Park. A bird and marine life sanctuary, it harbors some of the healthiest coral reefs remaining off North American shores. Towering incongruously in the midst of this subtropical Eden is Fort Jefferson, a relic of 19th century military strategy.

Barely 40 acres of the park's 100 square miles are above water. Three easterly keys are little more than spits of white coral sand. A stone's throw from the visitor center in Fort Jefferson, Bush Key is home to a tangle of bay cedar, sea grape, mangrove, sea oats, and prickly pear cactus that reflect the original "desert island" character of the islands. The chain ends about 3 miles west with 30-acre Loggerhead Key, where a lighthouse completed in 1858 still flashes a beacon to mariners.

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, the first European to describe the Florida peninsula, dropped anchor here in 1513. He found pellucid waters teeming with green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead turtles, and so named the islands las tortugas, which means "the turtles." For the next three centuries, pirates relied on the turtles for meat and eggs; they also raided the sandy nests of roosting sooty and noddy terns, over 100,000 of which descend on Bush Key every year between March and September. By 1825, when the islands' first lighthouse began to alert sailors of surrounding reefs and shoals—a grave for more than 200 ships wrecked here since the 1600s—nautical charts warned that the Tortugas were "dry," because of the lack of fresh water.

In 1846, U.S. Army strategists were concerned that hostile nations could disrupt shipping lanes in the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, they decided to build a 450-gun, 2,000- man fort on Garden Key. The intimidating bulk of the 50-foot-high, three-level hexagon, whose 2,000 archways run half a mile around, spared it from ever having to fire a shot in anger. A Union prison for Civil War deserters, it also held physician Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of conspiracy in Abraham Lincoln's murder after he (unknowingly, he claimed) set the broken leg of fugitive assassin John Wilkes Booth. He served four years before being released.

Unfinished after nearly 30 years of intermittent construction, the "Gibraltar of the Gulf" succumbed in 1874 to several factors: yellow fever, hurricane damage, and the new rifled cannon, which rendered its 8-foot-thick walls obsolete. Revived in 1898 as a Navy coaling station—the battleship Maine steamed from here to its infamous destiny in Havana's harbor 90 miles south—the fort was permanently abandoned in 1907. In 1935 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the papers naming the site a national monument.

How to Get There

Access to Dry Tortugas is by boat or seaplane. Yankee Fleet and Sunny Days run regular boat service. For Yankee Fleet, call (800) 634-0939 or (305) 294-7009; for Sunny Days, call (800) 236-7937 or (305) 292- 6100. For names of authorized air taxis and charter boats, call park headquarters. Boat passage from Key West takes about 3 hours; by air, 40 minutes. Private boaters should refer to NOAA Chart #11434 ("Sombrero Key To Dry Tortugas") and Chart #11438 ("Dry Tortugas").

When to Go

Year-round. Temperatures range from the mid-80s to the low 50s. Moderate weather prevails in April and May, when visitation is at its peak. Winter is often windy with rough seas. The tropical storm or "hurricane" season lasts from June through November, when temperatures and humidity are highest.

How to Visit

A day trip by boat or floatplane permits an unhurried visit to Garden Key including a self-guided walking tour of Fort Jefferson, a stroll around the fort's marine life-rich seawall, swimming, and snorkeling. If Bush Key is open to visitors and you can spare an hour, consider swimming the narrow channel to experience a true "desert island" environment. Or use the new land bridge.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Glaciers, earthquakes, and ocean storms have shaped Alaska's Kenai Fjords for centuries, resulting in constantly changing terrain. Experienced kayakers often travel in and around Resurrection Bay.

Distill the essence of coastal Alaska into one place—wild, dynamic, and scenic, rich with the signatures of glaciers, light with the marks of people, unforgiving in stormy seas, unforgettable in warm sunshine—and you have Kenai Fjords, the smallest national park in Alaska. Here the south-central part of the state tumbles into the Gulf of Alaska; here the land challenges the sea with talonlike peninsulas and rocky headlands, while the sea itself reaches inland with long fjords and hundreds of quiet bays and coves.

The Harding Icefield is the park's crown jewel, almost 700 square miles of ice up to a mile thick. It feeds nearly three dozen glaciers flowing out of the mountains, 6 of them to tidewater. The Harding Icefield is a vestige of the massive ice sheet that covered much of Alaska in the Pleistocene era.

The ancient ice gouged out Kenai's fjords, creating habitats for throngs of sea animals. About 20 species of seabirds nest along the rocky coastline; the most charismatic of the birds are clown-faced puffins. Bald eagles swoop along the towering cliffs, and peregrine falcons hunt over the outer islands. Seabirds, by the tens of thousands, migrate or congregate here.

Approximately 23 species of mammals, including harbor seals, northern sea lions, and sea otters, live here. Moose, black bears, wolverines, lynx, and marten roam narrow bands of forest between the coast and icefield. And just above them, on the treeless slopes, climb surefooted mountain goats.

How to Get There

Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords. To get to Seward, take the Seward Highway (Alas. 9) south from Anchorage. The 130-mile drive is spectacular. Buses and small commuter planes also connect Anchorage and Seward.
You can also charter a flight from Seward or Homer directly to the park. In summer, the Alaska Railroad serves Seward from Anchorage (with connections to Fairbanks and Whittier).

When to GoUsually summer. The days lengthen; the seas calm down. The road to Exit Glacier generally opens in May and closes with the first snowfall, usually in October. Many winter visitors ski the road into Exit Glacier, or snowmobile in. Flight-seeing trips can be arranged in Seward any time of the year, subject to weather.

How to Visit

For recommendations on getting around the park, visit the Seward Information Center near the small boat harbor. The most popular and accessible area in the park is Exit Glacier, 13 miles northwest of Seward. You can drive to it or take a tour bus. Trails offer half-hour hikes to the glacier and a full-day roundtrip hike to the Harding Icefield.

Otherwise, hiking is a matter of exploring wilderness shores and ridges accessible only by boat and plane. From mid-May to late September, daily tour boats from Seward offer round-trip half-day and full-day excursions to the fjords and outlying islands. Charter boats take kayakers and campers to any fjord they wish (most often Aialik Bay) and pick them up the same day or days later. Kayaking, fishing, and backpacking guides are available. Ask the park for a list.

From Seward or Homer you can book a breathtaking 1-hour flight over the Harding Icefield and Kenai coast. For extended adventures, skiplanes drop off and pick up skiers on the icefield, and floatplanes do the same for kayakers in the fjords, weather permitting.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Continual volcanic activity from Cinder Cone helps create the colors of the vibrant Painted Dunes in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, seen here.

On June 14, 1914, three men climbed Lassen Peak to see why a seemingly dormant volcano had started rumbling 16 days before. Now, peering into a newborn crater, they felt the ground tremble. As they turned and ran down the steep slope, the mountain erupted. Rocks hurtled through the ash-filled air. One struck a man, knocking him out. Ashes rained down on the men. They seemed doomed. But the eruption stopped as suddenly as it had begun, and the three men survived.

From 1914 to early 1915, Lassen spewed steam and ashes in more than 150 eruptions. Finally, on May 19, 1915, the mountaintop exploded. Lava crashed through the 1914 crater. A 20-foot-high wall of mud, ash, and melted snow roared down the mountain, snapping tree trunks. Three days later, a huge mass of ashes and gases shot out of the volcano, devastating a swath a mile wide and 3 miles long. Above the havoc a cloud of volcanic steam and ash rose 30,000 feet.

Eruptions of steam, ash, and tephra continued until June 1917, when the volcano resumed its quiet profile, with minor steam clouds occasionally reported. Since 1921 Lassen Peak has remained quiet. But it is still considered an active volcano, the centerpiece of a vast panorama, where volcanism displays its spectaculars—wrecked mountains, devastated land, bubbling cauldrons of mud. Until Mount St. Helens blew in 1980, Lassen's eruption was the most recent volcanic explosion in the lower 48 states. Ecologists now study Lassen's landscape to see what the future may bring to the terrain around St. Helens.

How to Get There

From Redding (about 45 miles away), take Calif. 44 east then Calif. 89 south to Manzanita Lake Entrance; from Red Bluff, follow Calif. 36 east to Mineral, turn north on Calif. 89 to Southwest Entrance. The three other entrances—at Warner Valley, Butte Lake, and Juniper Lake—are reached via unpaved roads. Airports: Redding and Chico, California; Reno, Nevada.

When to Go

The volcanic areas are best visited in summer and fall. Heavy snows close most of the main road in winter. But visitors still enjoy snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing at the southern and northern entrances.

How to Visit

On a 1-day visit, drive the main park road, linking Calif. 89. The road, snaking across the western side of the park between the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Entrances, takes you near the major volcanic features. Explore Bumpass Hell and other sites along the way. If you can stay longer, climb Cinder Cone, an outstanding example of the results of volcanism, and, if you have the stamina for a more demanding trek, try Lassen Peak.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/parks/

Volcanoes of the World

2009-09-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

Green vegetation surrounds villages on the slopes of Mount Merapi, a highly active volcano in Central Java, Indonesia. Thousands of people, lured by fertile volcanic soils, live on or near Merapi. Many lives have been lost to the volcano’s frequent eruptions, which are accompanied by high-speed pyroclastic flows and mudflows called lahars.

Pavlof Volcano blasts clouds of ash and steam to a height of about 18,000 feet (5,490 meters) over the Alaska Peninsula during an August 2007 eruption. Pavlof is the most dangerous type of volcano—a stratovolcano—with the potential for highly explosive eruptions. Stratovolcanoes tend to form where one of the Earth’s tectonic plates descends below another.

Pahoehoe lava flows on Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unlike aa (pronounced “ah ah”) lava, pahoehoe flows relatively slowly, allowing an insulating skin to form that keeps the temperature close to 2,190 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1,200 degrees Celsius). Aa lava, on the other hand, moves faster and doesn’t have time to develop a skin, resulting in a cooler flow with a more angular texture.

Navbiotum Volcano lies dormant on the southern shore of Lake Turkana in Kenya. Once known as Lake Rudolf, Lake Turkana is the northernmost lake in the Great Rift Valley, a highly volcanic region that runs 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) from Mozambique to Syria.

With a hiss of steam, lava flows into the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. The Hawaiian island chain has been built up by similar flows of molten rock over millions of years.

Gas and steam rise from a volcanic vent in New Zealand. This small island nation uses the Earth's heat to generate about 12 percent of its energy demands.

A whisk fern grows from recently cooled lava in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. Plants can return rapidly to areas affected by volcanic eruptions. Over time, lava and ash break down to form fertile soils ideal for agriculture.

Climbers mount whorls of lava on the caldera of Ethiopia’s Ertale Volcano as steam escapes from a lava lake in the volcano’s crater that can reach temperatures of 1,868°F (1,020°C).

A pool of mud boils near Dallol Volcano, located in Ethiopia’s remote Danakil Depression. Volcanic explosion craters such as Dallol form during phreatic eruptions—where rising magma comes into contact with water beneath the surface of the Earth, causing a steam explosion.

A stream of neon-orange lava cascades down Ol Doinyo Lengai, in Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley. Ol Doinyo Lengai, "Mountain of God" in the language of the Maasai, is the only volcano in the world erupting natrocarbonatite lava, an extremely fluid lava that contains almost no silicon.

Flashes of lightning add to the drama of an eruption as Tavurvur Volcano spews lava in the Rabaul Caldera in Papua New Guinea. Although volcanic lightning is a common occurrence, its causes are still being determined. Researchers think that in some cases static charges are formed by collisions of rock fragments, ash, and ice particles.

Perched above the lighted city of Catania, Italy, Mount Etna hurls a fountain of fire skyward as rivers of lava spill down its flanks. In spite of its dazzling displays, Mount Etna is a relatively safe volcano with rare, compact eruptions and slow-flowing lava that gives people a chance to escape.

The Pacific smolders as lava from Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano hits the ocean. Kilauea is a shield volcano, or a low, gently sloping volcano built almost entirely from basaltic lava flows. It is one of five such volcanoes that make up Hawaii's Big Island.

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/photos/volcano-general.html

Singapore: Jurong Bird Park

2009-09-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

About US:

The idea of a Bird Park in Jurong was first conceived in 1968 by Dr Goh Keng Swee, the then Minister for Finance. During a World Bank Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Dr Goh visited a zoological garden and was impressed with its free-flight aviary.

He saw that Jurong would be more than an industrial zone for Singaporeans where people could relax with nature. All this Dr Goh saw in the Jurong Bird Park, which would be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

The western slope of Jurong Hill (Bukit Perepok) was chosen in December 1968.

While the Park was being built, the Park’s officials urged ambassadors and foreign dignitaries to Singapore to contribute birds for the new park. Soon, birds from all over the world finches, pheasants, herons, mallards, owls, cockatoos began arriving. By opening day, 12 countries, 7 zoos and 40 private donors had contributed birds to the Park.

On 3 January 1971, Jurong Bird Park was opened to the public. It was built at a cost of $3.5 million, excluding land cost.

Visitor's Info

Opening Hours & Rates
Opening hours of Park: 8.30am to 6pm daily
(Last ticket sale at 5.30pm)

Panorail Ride: 8.30am to 6pm
(Last train leaves from Main Station at 5.45pm)

Adult Child (3-12 years old)
Admission S$18
Panorail Ride S$5

Egg-cellent Saver

Visit the Jurong Bird Park for egg-cellent package savings! Visitors to the Bird Park can enjoy the following for a package price of $25 for an adult and $12.50 for a child (3 to 12 years old).

Both adult and child packages include:

Admission into the Bird Park
Panorail rides
African Waterfall Aviary Bird Feeding
Lory Loft Bird Feeding

All components of the Egg-cellent Saver promotional package have to be utilised in a day.

Egg-cellent Saver packages can only be purchased at the ticketing counter at the Jurong Bird Park.

Getting Here

Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and transfer to SBS number 194 or 251 at the Boon Lay Bus Interchange.

If you are driving:

From AYE, use Exit 17
From PIE, use Exit 36. Turn left into Jalan Bahar towards the direction of Jalan Boon Lay. Turn right at Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim to reach Jurong Bird Park

Address:

2 Jurong Hill Singapore 628925
Tel: (65) 6265 0022
Fax: (65) 6261 1869
E-mail: info@birdpark.com.sg
http://www.birdpark.com.sg

Getting to the Jurong Bird Park!

By Bus Hub Service (Daily)

This daily bus service takes visitors direct from one of the pick-up points below to Bird Park, and back. A one-way trip costs $4 for an adult and $2 for a child.

This service is run by BusHub Services Pvt. Ltd.

For more information, please visit www.bushub.com.sg or contact 6753 0506 or enquiry@bushub.com.sg

Daily from Orchard Road to Jurong Bird Park.During Public Holidays in Singapore, there will be additional shuttle services at 3.30pm & 6.00pm.

By City Tours (Daily)

This service is run by City Tours Singapore. For more information, please visit www.citytours.sg or contact 6738 3338 / 8188 6000.

Multimedia Theme Park Express

This daily bus service takes visitors direct from one of the pick-up points below to Jurong Bird Park, and back. A two-way trip costs $11.90 per person and includes door to door hotel service. Information is also given onboard.

Reservations are required. Please call 6738 3338 or 8188 6000 or visit www.citytours.sg

Food & Beverages

Finally a gourmet burger experience amidst birds and nature.

Visitors will experience a restaurant ambience with African artifacts, arts and setting as inspiration. The African culture will charm you as you enjoy the air-condition comfort of indoor dinning area.

This new African-themed, fully air-conditioned restaurant also offers a delectable choice of pure and lean patties in generous American-sized servings, plus a selection of easy-to-go bites. This is the Bird Park's original recipe carefully mixed with the freshest and best ingredients to give visitors a taste of quality and a sumptuous burger meal.

Dinasour Descendents

The Flightless Birds

The Dinosaurs Descendants exhibit hopes to interest visitors with the similarities and intriguing facts which link Ratites or Flightless Birds to Dinosaurs.
Journey through time in these 4,579 square feet of simulated grasslands that evoke visions of hot and dry “Gondwanaland.”
The Elephant Birds Eggs Display
Replicas of Elephant Eggs that are on display enhance the visitors’ understanding of the life and evolution of Ratites and Dinosaurs. The Elephant Birds Aepyornis, are considered the world’s largest birds, standing over 10 feet tall and weighing close to half a ton. These birds are extinct since the 16th century.
Greater and Common Rheas
Native to South America (Argentina & Brazil), Rheas resemble the Ostrich and have powerful legs.

“Gondwanaland” is a name coined by Austrian geologist Eduard Suess after a fossil plant that can be found mostly in India, South America, Southern Africa, Australia and Antarctica.Upon arrival, visitors will be greeted by a huge rock with relief of feathers and ostrich eggs. Four lookout huts with interactive interpretives allow both adults and children to learn and have fun amidst the simulated habitat of these birds.

Hornbill and Toucans Exhibit

The World's Largest Collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills

Playful South American Toucans tossing fruits into the air; exotic hornbills displaying their magnificent bills and casques in flight; the female hornbill sealing herself in a tree hole for nesting – these amazing and rare sights of nature are happening right here at the Hornbill and Toucan Exhibit.Covering an area of 2,000m², the exhibit houses the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian hornbills and a wide variety of South American Toucans. The 25 large aviaries measuring some 10m in height are landscaped to simulate the birds’ natural habitat. These spacious aviaries provide a conducive environment for them to display their natural behaviour and also breed in captivity.

Parrot Paradise

The Jurong Bird Park has 92 species of parrots in several exhibits around the Park, the largest collection of any Bird Park or Zoo in Asia. Parrot Paradise was conceived from the idea of housing the Parrots into one comprehensive exhibit for the convenience of the visitors.Although not all parrots in the Bird Park are found in the exhibit, the one-hectare exhibit remains an impressive showcase of some of the world’s most unique of these birds.

Swan Lake

This is located next to the Pelican Cove and has a variety of swan species like the Black-necked Swan, Black Swan and the Mute Swan.

Swans are strikingly beautiful birds, which swim with perfect grace. They are basically vegetarian, feeding on a wide variety of water plants. Both parents share responsibility of caring for their young. Baby swans known as ‘cygnets’ pass through the “ugly duckling” phase before changing into exquisitely beautiful adults.

World Of Darkness

Step into a star-lit jungle inspiration where Owls abound.

The exhibit uses a reversed lighting technique which transforms day to night and vice versa. This induces night-active creatures to come alive during the daylight hours.First opened in April, 1982, the World of Darkness is Asia’s first nocturnal house.

Penguin Expedition

Occupying 1,630 square metres, Penguin Expedition is home to endearing penguins. The five species on exhibit are the Humboldt, the Rockhopper, the Macaroni, the Fairy and the majestic King Penguin.The Penguin Expedition, with a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, has a large pool set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows.

Royal Ramble

Home to the Crowned Pigeons – the World’s Largest Pigeons

Occupying 800 metres with a 40-metre long walkway, Royal Ramble offers visitors an unobtrusive view of the world’s largest pigeons.
The name Royal Ramble is inspired by its feathered residents and their “noble” bearings and “rambling” walk. Royal Ramble has three separate aviaries housing the three species of Crowned Pigeons found in the world, namely the Common Crowned Pigeon, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon and the Scheepmaker’s Crowned Pigeon.

The Riverine

The Riverine is a simulated freshwater river habitat featuring various species of waterfowl, fishes and turtles. It gives visitors an intimate underwater view of more than 20 duck species, through an 11 metre wide glass-viewing gallery. Filled with clear recycled water from the Park’s very own industrial water treatment plant, The Riverine gives the illusion of a fast-flowing and cascading river where visitors have the unique opportunity to see these waterfowl swimming and diving.The visitor’s gallery area has a seating capacity for 24 persons where they can rest and observe the diving bids in action.

http://www.birdpark.com.sg/contactus.aspx?l2=0&l1=8&langid=1

Singapore Zoo

2009-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

About Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. WRS parks strive to be world-class leisure attractions, providing excellent exhibits of animals and birds presented in their natural environment for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation. In 2008, Jurong Bird Park served 900,000 visitors, the Night Safari, more than 1.1 million visitors and Singapore Zoo welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors.

WRS parks have been conferred the Best Leisure Attraction Experience Award at the Singapore Tourism Awards 18 times. The record achievement affirms WRS parks’ status as Singapore’s premier leisure venues.

In the areas of conservation and research, WRS parks have undertaken multiple projects, which focus on species such as the oriental pied hornbill, pangolin and orang utan, through collaborations with various organisations and institutions. Recent conservation efforts include hosting a regional Asian pangolin conservation workshop. All WRS parks are designated wildlife rescue centres by the governing authority.

Fast Facts

Opened in:27 June 1973
Officiated by: Dr Goh Keng Swee
Total Land Area: 28 hectares
Initial Capital:$9 million (Government grant)
Design Concept:Set in a rainforest environment, Singapore Zoo’s world famous ‘open concept’ offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature. Animals here live in spacious and landscaped environments simulating that of their natural habitat. Singapore Zoo is taking this further by evolving into an Open, Learning Zoo. Instead of just observing the animals, educational content designed in an interactive mode is a feature of all exhibits. These interpretives aim to effectively convey facts about the animals and messages about wildlife conservation. Number of animal species: 315, 16% of which are threatened species
Total number of specimens: 2530
Number of visitors: 1.5 million visitors per year

What's New

Remembering Ah Meng (1960 – 2008)
Ah Meng, Singapore Zoo’s most famous and well-loved orang utan, passed away on 8 February 2008 due to old age. She was 48 years old.

Ah Meng is the first and only non-human recipient of the ‘Special Tourism Ambassador’ award conferred by the then Singapore Tourism Promotion Board in 1992. As an icon for the Zoo, Ah Meng has met numerous foreign dignitaries and celebrities such as Prince Philip, Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor.
A devoted mother, Ah Meng leaves behind two sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.

To commemorate Ah Meng’s efforts towards generating a greater awareness on the plight of orang utans in the wild, the Singapore Zoo will intensify its conservation work for orang utans.
Ah Meng will be reposed at Garden With A View from 9-11am on 10 February (Sunday) for members of the public wishing to visit her for the last time.

Visitor's Info

Opening Hours and Rates
Open 365 days a year, the Singapore Zoo is a must-see destination on every visitor's attractions list. With the following useful information at hand, you can plan your day of fun and exploration with ease.

Opening Hours:
8.30am to 6.00pm dailyLast admission at 5.30pm

Admission Rates:

Adult S$18.00Child (3 to 12 years old) S$9.00 All prices include 7% GST.Prices quoted are subject to change.

Parking Charges:
Car S$3.90Bus/ Lorry S$4.90

Parking charges are per entry basis. No grace period.

(Electronic Parking System - Please insert your cashcard with sufficient funds into the vehicle's I/U unit when exiting the carpark.)

Tram Ride:
The tram ride covers 2.2km with four stopovers.Each tram ticket allows unlimited rides within the park.

Charges: Adult S$5.00Child (3 to 12 years old) S$2.50

BoatBoat Dock 1 is located across from the white tiger habitat. Boat Dock 2 is located next to our newly opened Rainforest Kidzworld. The ride will take approximately 20min. Tickets can be purchased at the dock.
Adult S$6.00 Child (3-12 years old) S$3.00

Zoo-per Saver
Visit the Singapore Zoo for zoo-per package savings! Visitors to the Singapore Zoo can enjoy the following for a package price of $25 for an adult and $12.50 for a child (3 to 12 years old).

Both adult and child packages include:
Admission into the Singapore Zoo
Tram rides
Single trip boat ride
Zoo-per Saver packages can only be purchased at the ticketing counter at the Singapore Zoo. All components of the Zoo-per Saver promotional package have to be utilised in a day.

Park Hoppers Special (admission only)3-in-1: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari & Jurong Bird ParkAdult S$45.00 (saves $13)Child (3 to 12 years old) S$22.50
2-in-1: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari & Jurong Bird Park (any 2 parks)Adult S$32.00 (saves $4)Child (3 to 12 years old) S$16.00
Depending on the category of Park Hopper ticket purchased (either 3-in-1 or 2-in-1), visitors can visit all three parks or two parks anytime during the 1 month validity from the date the ticket was first used.

Getting Here
Address
80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826

By Car/Taxi
From the City, take the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Jurong.

By Bus
From the City, take bus service 171 to Mandai Road, then alight at the first bus stop and transfer to bus service 927 or 926 (operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays).

From the City, take bus service 167 to Upper Thomson Road, then alight at the first bus stop and transfer to bus service 138.

By Mass Rapid Transit

Alight at Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138.
Alight at Choa Chu Kang station (BP1/NS4) and take bus service 927.
Alight at Woodlands station (NS9) or Marsiling station (NS8) and take bus service 926 (operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays).
From Changi Airport station (CG2), board the train and alight at Tanah Merah Interchange station (EW4) to switch to the west-bound train to City Hall Interchange station (EW13/NS25). There, switch again to the north-bound train to Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138.
From Changi Airport station (CG2), board the train and alight at Tanah Merah Interchange station (EW4) to switch to the west-bound train to Jurong East Interchange station (EW24/NS1). There, switch again to the north-bound train to Choa Chu Kang Interchange station (BP1/NS4) and take bus service 927.

What's Inside

Singapore Zoo Unveils 'Rainforest Fights Back' - A New Conservation Themed Animal Presentation.

Experience the wonder and magic of the rainforests right here at the Singapore Zoo! Be introduced to myriad animals, close to 15 species comprising both mammals and birds, as they ‘fight’ back to restore their rainforest home to its full splendour when its serenity is disturbed by man.

Details:
Time: 10.30am and 1.30pm daily
Venue: Shaw Foundation AmphitheatreSingapore Zoo 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826
Price: Free (Normal zoo admission of $18.00 per adult and $9.00 per child applies)
Opening hours: 8.30am-6.00pm

Feeding Times

Token feedings, with live commentary by keepers, give an insight into the characteristics of the respective animals. Feel free to ask questions! The day's feeding timings may be picked up at the entrance of the zoo.
(Schedules are subjected to change. Please look out for changes on notices and entrances.)

http://www.zoo.com.sg/visitor/feedings.htm

Animal Photography

Make your trip to the Singapore Zoo a memorable one by having a photograph taken with our animal stars. Instant photography services are available at all our photography areas.

Daily
Pony:(At Pony Ride Area)

10.00am – 5.00pm (Available only to those who are taking a pony ride)

2.00pm - 2.30pm
(temporarily suspended)

Bird:(Start of Treetops Trail. During bad weather, birds will be displayed outside Zoo Shop) Daily

10.00am – 5.00pm*Suspended Temporarily

Island Free Ranging Orang Utan:

11.30am & 3.30pm

Boardwalk Free Ranging Orang Utan

2.15pm & 4.30pm

Elephant:

Daily

1.00pm - 2.00pm

4.30pm - 5.30pm

(Available only to those who are taking an elephant ride)

Food and Beverages

Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife

It’s not every day you get to have breakfast with charismatic orang utans. In fact, the Singapore Zoo is the only place in the world where you can do so! Don’t miss this award-winning breakfast programme where you can take a photo with them, watch the Asian elephants take their morning bath, get a chance to feed them and marvel at a snake, all while savouring a sumptuous buffet spread!!

Venue:
Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace)

Time:
9am – 10.30am, daily

Price:
$25++ (Adult)
$16++ (Child between 6 - 12years)

Ah Meng Restaurant

The self-service style restaurant affords a more casual and friendly atmosphere for both the young and old with memories of Ah Meng visibly depicted by the numerous framed photographs. Must-try options are the tasty Hainanese chicken rice set, fluffy briyani rice set and tantalising barbeque chicken leg.

Daily: 10.00am – 5.00pm (air-conditioned area) Additional live stations available on weekends and public holidays between 11.00am – 5.30pm

Ah Meng Kopi

The al fresco dining area at the Zoo’s entrance dishes out delightful chef’s recommendations such as laksa, nasi lemak, nonya chicken curry and light snacks including Singapore favourite butter and kaya toast and five other delectable toast spreads.

Daily: 8.00am – 7.00pm

Pizzafari

Enjoy an enticing spread of mouth-watering Italian-style thin crusted pizza at this pizzeria

Mon – Fri:
10.30am – 6.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH:
8.00am – 6.30pm

KFC Restaurants

Savour yummy deep-fried chicken, whipped potato and many more fast food delights at the two KFC Restaurants located at the zoo’s entrance and at Children’s World Play Land.

Venue:
Zoo Entrance
Mon – Fri:
10.00am – 6.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH:
8.30am – 6.30pm

Venue: Rainforest KidzWorld

Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9.00am – 6.00pm

Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop - America’s favourite ice cream welcomes you to their first scoop shop in Southeast Asia at Singapore Zoo. Order up your favourite flavour for an instant icy treat!

Daily: 8.00am – 7.00pm
Venue: Zoo entrance
Daily: 8.00am – 6.30pm

Venue: Rainforest KidzWorld
Mon- Fri: 9.30am- 5.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH:9am- 6pm

Cheers - Grab some drinks and snacks from Cheers convenience store before starting off your exciting journey at the Zoo.

Mon- Fri: 8.30am- 6.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am- 7.00pm

Snack Kiosks – Want something to nibble or a refreshing drink? Stop by the many conveniently-located snack kiosks around the zoo for an instant pick-me-up.

Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 5.00pmSat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 5.00pm

Exhibit

Orang Utan at Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo displays a large social group of 25 orang utans in a spacious naturalistic enclosure. Though not the only zoo in the world to display a social group of orang utans, we are the only ones who have done so on such a large scale.

Feeding sessions at the two areas are as follows:
Boardwalk free ranging area at 11.30am and 3.30pm daily.
Island free ranging area at 2.15pm and 4.30pm daily

White Tiger

In the wild, Bengal White Tigers are found exclusively within South Asia, notably in India. Although Bengal tigers make up 60% of the world’s wild tiger population, individuals with white coats are indeed very rare. Only one White Tiger exists out of every 10,000 normal orange-coloured tigers.

Wild Africa

'Wild Africa' zone reveals the true nature and reasons behind the magic of the dark continent - a magnificent and diverse mosaic of strange fauna and fascinating animals, stretching far back into some of the remotest corners of Africa. Listen to the epic tales as told by the white rhinoceros, the ferocious African wild dogs, the ubiquitous zebra herds and other ancient animals. Be awed as you journey into Wild Africa zone and into history, to a world that has to be seen to be believed.

Cat Country

A face-to-face encounter with a big cat such as the jaguar, leopard or lion is certain to leave a lasting impression in the mind of a guest. This is exactly the experience our guests get to enjoy at the glass-fronted enclosures for the lions, jaguars and leopards. The animals are so close that one can count their whiskers.

Elephants Of Asia

Singapore Zoo unveils a brand new home for the largest terrestrial animal on earth - the elephant, at its latest eco-exhibit. This new ecological journey is modeled after one of the few remaining logging areas where hill tracts of Arakan in Myanmar, where elephants are still used in sustainable logging operations.

Primate Kingdom

The Primate Kingdom consists of six large and two small moated islands which house several species of attractive monkeys including the lion-tailed macaques, patas monkeys, brown capuchins, Celebes macaques, douc langurs, black spider monkeys and Golden-Lion Tamarins.

The landscaping in Primate Kingdom epitomises our efforts in creating natural habitats for the animals. Tall trees, long wild grasses, gingers, palms and bamboo are used to recreate a lush rainforest. The sides of the moat are sprayed with coloured concrete implanted with tree roots to resemble an eroded riverbank.

Hamadryas Baboons - The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

In the remote parts of Ethiopia are populations that seem completely cut off from the modern world. They farm, fish and harvest everything that is needed to sustain life from Mother Earth. Independent and resilient, some of these natives have learned to survive in extremely harsh conditions, such as the Afar areas where temperatures often soar above 50 degrees Celsius. As you journey through Hamadryas Baboons - The Great Rift Valley Of Ethiopia, you will begin to appreciate the often misunderstood Ethiopia - her beautiful people, dramatic landscapes, dazzling variety of wildlife and plant life, and fascinating history.

Polar Bear

The opening of the Polar Bear Viewing Exhibit in 1988 marked the beginning of a new concept in displaying aquatic animals. It is a great thrill for guests to be able to observe the seldom-seen underwater behaviour of the bears and to `rub noses' with them.

Polar bears are endangered creatures of the Arctic. They have a thick coat of hollow hairs and a thick layer of body fat to insulate themselves against the cold. So, how does a tropical zoo like ours keep our polar bears and bred a male cub in 1990, the first such birth in the tropics?

Reptile Garden

Komodo Dragon
The Singapore Zoo is one of the few zoos outside Indonesia to display the endangered Komodo dragons, the largest lizards in the world. There are only about 3,000 of these lizards left in Indonesia on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and Flores. Since 1970, Komodo dragons are believed to have disappeared on Padar Island where they once ranged.

Walk-Through Reptile Exhibit
Walk through this exhibit with iguanas, common marmosets and tortoises. This unique adventure is indeed a truly unforgettable experience!

Fragile Forest

Fragile Forest takes you on a journey through a rainforest where you can have a hair raising encounter with creepy crawlies, enjoy the company of fluttering butterflies, find out why the Asmat tribe eat beetle grubs and more. Fragile Forest is an ecological and cultural showpiece highlighting the inter-relationships of animals, plants and human beings in rainforests. It is the first international zoo exhibit to display invertebrates and vertebrates under one roof. Also, Fragile Forest features one of the world’s largest walk-though butterfly flight areas and four indoor Discovery Centres.

HOP INTO THE SINGAPORE ZOO'S "AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK"
From the world's second largest marsupial - the grey kangaroos, to the world's deadliest snake - the Inland Taipan, these animals can now be found at the Singapore Zoo's "Australian Outback".

Seven female grey kangaroos, together with the wallabies, are happily nestled in the middle area of the exhibit that is interspersed with semi-arid and marginally fertile ground. Flanking them are two sheds at the entrances containing reptiles and educational interpretives.

http://www.zoo.com.sg/index.htm

Welcome to Sentosa

2009-08-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sentosa, which translates to peace and tranquility in Malay, is a popular island resort in Singapore, visited by some five million people a year.[Attractions include a two-kilometre long sheltered beach, Fort Siloso, two golf courses and two five-star hotels, and the upcoming Resort Worlds at Sentosa, featuring the new theme park Universal Studios Singapore.

Attractions:

Sentosa Luge Skyride:

Sentosa brings you the first ever luge in Southeast Asia. Part go-cart, part-toboggan, pure excitement – the luge is a fun-filled gravity ride that's safe for all ages. With a unique steering and braking system that allows you to make the ride as leisurely or as exciting as you want. Jump on the Sentosa Luge & Skyride and brace yourself for a brand new island resort adventure!
What's more! - Experience the Night Sentosa Luge & Skyride!If you love the day luge, you will find irresistible with the night ones! Sentosa Luge & Skyride now operates from 10am in the morning all the way till late at night. Come on, discover this new experience now!

Admission

Luge & Skyride comboLuge & Skyride:S$11.00 / personTwo Luge & Skyrides: S$16.00 / personThree Luge & Skyrides: S$20.00 / person

http://www.hg.sg/sentosa/luge/index.html

The Merlion and Merlion Walk

Get ready for a fascinating encounter with the biggest replica of Singapore's most enduring symbol - The Merlion. Standing at 37 metres high, this half-lion, half-fish creature brings you to the depth of the sea as you walk side-by-side with legendary sea dragons and mythical mermaids. Relive the origins of the Merlion in an enchanting animation feature and discover what fortune lies in store for you at the mouth of the Mercubs.

Get a glimpse of the Merlion view where you will be rewarded with a 360° view of Sentosa and Singapore's southern shores. From the Mouth Gallery Viewing Deck on level 9, you can even spot Singapore's impressive skyline.
When you're done gazing at the splendid views, don’t forget to grab an iconic souvenir of Singapore, Merlion from The Merlion Shop. Let the myths and legends of the deep and the joy and fortunes of the Mercubs continue to be with you. At the back of The Merlion is a 120-metre-long Gaudi-inspired mosaic walkway – Merlion Walk.

Dolphin Lagoon

Included in your Underwater World ticket price is a visit to the Dolphin Lagoon. You'll get to observe the highly intelligent Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions specially designed to demonstrate their natural ability of tail-walking synchronization. Lucky visitors might even score a peck on the cheek, or a chance to wade next to them, fully supervised by the trainers, of course.
"Swim with the Dolphins" PackageExperience the 'dorsal tow' for a fun ride in the lagoon or learn hand cues to give to the lovable pink dolphins!

Admission:

S$150/person

S$425 for Trio Package (3 persons). Additional person for the Trio Package will be chargeable at S$140 each. (Price inclusive of admission to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon)

Advance booking is required. For more information or booking, please call (65)6275 0030. Subject to availability of dates and timing.

Tiger Sky Tower

Singapore's tallest observatory tower offers panoramic views at 131 metres above sea level across Singapore, Sentosa, Southern Islands, right up to neighboring Malaysia and the Indonesian islands. The Tiger Sky Tower has a capacity of 72 in its enclosed, air-conditioned cabin. Day or night, views from the tower promise to be both scenic and breathtaking. Located adjacent to the Sentosa cable car station, the Tiger Sky Tower is a key point of interest and forms a distinctive landmark as it soars above the surrounding natural greenery.

Tower height: 110mView height: 131m from sea levelTower column diameter: 2.5mFoundation diameter: 15mCabin capacity: 72 persons

Admission
S$12 / Adult, S$8 / Child(aged 3 - 12 years old)

Time
9am - 9pm daily(Last admission 8.45pm)

http://www.skytower.com.sg/

Underwater World

The Underwater World oceanarium on Sentosa is home to more than 2,500 fishes from 250 different species. Start your tour with the Touch Pool for some 'hands on' experience with starfish, stingrays and if you dare, baby sharks. Then venture into the ocean depths via a moving travellator that ferries you through an 83-metre-long acrylic tunnel. All around you, sharks, stingrays, eels and schools of fish glide past – engrossed in their own world. For those who don't mind getting wet, interactive programmes such as 'Dive with the Sharks' or 'Dive with the Dugong' are available upon advance booking.

"Dive with the Sharks" PackageCome nose to nose with our ever-vigilant sharks and colourful marine life on a fun-filled discovery into the underwater world!

Package Price : S$120/person (inclusive of admission to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon) Advance booking is required.

For more information or booking, please call (65) 6275 0030. Subject to availability of dates and timing

Admission
S$22.90 / Adult, S$14.60 / Child (Aged 3 - 12 years old)Includes admission to Dolphin Lagoon

Time
9am - 9pm daily*(Last admission at 8.30pm)

Desperados

Step right into this 20-seater cinema for a virtual shoot-out blast! Ride on motion-based saddles and gallop through this animated movie while shooting bandits using your hand-held laser guns.

Admission
S$12 / person(minimum height of 110cm)

TIme
10am – 9pm daily(Last show starts at 8.45pm)

Resorts World at Sentosa

Resorts World at Sentosa, a world-class family resort opening in 2010, is designed as a collection of resorts within a resort so visitors can have a multi-resort experience.

Family Entertainment Like No OtherPacked with thrilling rides and a dazzling array of leisure attractions offering fascinating experiences. Resorts World at Sentosa will be a mesmerizing family resort.

Kick start an extraordinary adventure at Universal Studios Singapore®, the region's first and boast 22 attractions with 16 attractions newly designed for Singapore, expect ever themed areas like Egypt, Backlet - the Big Apple, THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK™ and Waterworld™.

See, touch and mingle with over 700,000 aquatic creatures at the Marine Life Park's magnificent oceanarium, which is also home to dolphins, whale sharks, tiger sharks and rays.

Get wet at Equarius Water Park, an exciting water theme park nestled under the natural canopy of Sentosa's rainforest, with water rides integrated into the hillside terrain and tropical environment. It is a jungle water adventure not to be missed!

The Maritime Xperiential Museum, the first in the region that celebrates the diversity and richness of Asia's maritime history, provides a fascinating look into the history of the maritime silk route, maritime trade along the Straits of Malacca and its surroundings from 9th to 19th century.

Be entertained along FestiveWalk by three public entertainments at The

Showplace, Bull Ring and Imagineering, with shows like the "Crane Ballet" featuring pyrotechnics and cleverly choreographed laser lights, sounds and water effects. Resident show "Le Vie" with its spectacular stage props will front the international Showroom with an unprecedented theatrical music and dance epic dedicated to celebration of life and a journey through time.

Live it UpOther than indulging in gourmet dishes by celebrity chefs and shopping to your hearts content at the largest collection of flagship concepts stores of leading brands, pamper yourself at the exclusive ESPA offering wellness treatments amidst tranquil atmosphere. With six uniquely themed hotels providing over 1800 rooms to suit various tastes and interests, step into a world of fun, excitement and enrichment at Resort World at Sentosa!

Megazip Adventure Park

Fancy gliding from a forest tower at a height of over 70 metres? Located near Imbiah Lookout, the 450-metre "flying fox" is one of the longest and steepest zipwire descents in Asia. It will take you above the jungle canopy, the sandy beaches and across the sea to an islet off Siloso beach. A definite thriller!

Beaches

Palawan Beach

Palawan Beach, where a suspension bridge links beach-goers to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia (and also Asia's closest point to the Equator), boasts of beach bars where you can chill out while staying in touch with the rest of the world through wireless internet access. Check out the other interesting shops and eateries available at the Palawan stretch, or play a game of netball at the public netball court!* Whatever you choose, you are bound to have fun at the family-friendly Palawan beach.

Siloso Beach

Siloso Beach is the home of beach volleyball enthusiasts. The stretch of beach also boasts of dining and shopping outlets, and for those who like their day at the beach more vigorous, engage yourself in other outdoor activities such as canoeing, mountain biking or rollerblading.

Tanjong Beach

Tanjong Beach is a favourite with guests who treasure its tranquility and solitude. Here, armed with your favourite book, you can while away the hours with the sun and a gentle breeze for company. This stretch of beach gets especially romantic by night, with the twinkling lights of ships docked at the nearby port.

Nature

Mount Imbiah

A short detour leads to the summit of Mount Imbiah where the remnants of British pre-World War II gun emplacement still stand today. At 60 metres above sea level, this scenic lookout point commands some fabulous sea views of the Western Anchorage. Originally used as an "examination battery" to screen merchant vessels before they enter the Singapore harbour, the battery was abandoned in the 1930s.

Nature Walk

Housed in a former monorail station within Sentosa's largest cluster of attractions, Sentosa Nature Discovery is a hands-on journey of discovery, where nature and fun go hand-in-hand. The exploration takes place indoors and outdoors. A gallery of interactive exhibits will whet appetites for all things nature, before you go out into the forest to feed your curiosity about the birds, insects, wildlife and the different habitats and plants that can be found on Sentosa. Along the way, you will pick up nature detective skills which you can use anywhere you go. Then step out into the Imbiah forest reserve via an elevated boardwalk that was the monorail tracks, to truely experience nature and put those skills to the test! The 1.8-km Nature Walk starts from the Sentosa Nature Discovery, and meanders through a secondary rainforest, giving you a closer look at Sentosa's flora and fauna. Look out for interesting vegetation like the insectivorous pitcher plants and Tembusu trees among others. You may also catch sight of long-tailed macaques, squirrels, geckos, and over 20 species of birds.

Southern Islands

Planning a quiet respite away from the city? Try island-hopping! Head down south to the offshore islands – Kusu Island, St John's Island, Sisters' Islands and Pulau Hantu - for that much deserved break. These islands are perfect spots to do some swimming, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and even fishing.
While a regular ferry service plies to Kusu & St John's Islands, the other islands are only accessible by hired boats. Pulau Hantu is accessible by hired boats from

West Coast Pier.
For overnight stay or camping, please obtain prior approval from Sentosa, which is the agent for managing these offshore islands for the Singapore Land Authority.

Ticket Info
S$15 / Adult, S$12 / Child (Child aged from 1 - 12 years old)Sale of tickets at Marina South Pier, Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services Pte Ltd.

Getting to Sentosa

By Foot:Please be informed that this section of the pathway has been closed for development works till further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.To get to Sentosa, hop on the Sentosa Express located at VivoCity, Level 3.For further assistance, please call 1800-SENTOSA (736-8672).Ticketing: S$3 per person (Adult and Child aged 3 and above)

By Sentosa Express:The Sentosa Express, located at VivoCity (Lobby L, Level 3), provides easy access to Sentosa, HarbourFront Center and St. James Power Station.

By Car:Car owners will be required to purchase the S$2 per car per entry charge; and island admission applies for all passengers onboard at S$2 per person. Various parking lots can be found at designated carparks on the island.Note: Speed limit is 40km/h. Motorcycles are not allowed on the island.

By Taxi:On top of the taxi fare reflected on the meter, all passenger(s) in taxi will need to pay Island admission at S$2 per person.Note: speed limit on the island is 40km/h.

By MRT:Take the North-East Line and alight at the HarbourFront MRT Station. From there, you may either go to the 3rd level of VivoCity shopping mall, transfer onto our Sentosa Express or you may follow the signs to the HarbourFront Bus interchange. Hop onto the orange Sentosa bus and you'll be on your way to Sentosa. Train fares vary.

By Public Bus:Take a bus and alight along Telok Blangah Road. Make your way to the HarbourFront Bus interchange and hop onto the orange Sentosa bus. You may seek assistance from the friendly bus captain to find out where to alight.Bus fares vary.Bus numbers: 65, 80, 93, 188, 855, 10, 30, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166

By Sentosa Bus:Guests boarding the orange Sentosa bus from HarbourFront Interchange will alight at the Beach Station. Remember to purchase your Songs of the Sea admission tickets from the Ticketing booth nearby!
Operating hours (Sentosa – HarbourFront Bus Terminal 10 – 20minutes frequency): 7am – 12mn (Sun – Thu & Public Holidays)7am – 12.30mn (Fri, Sat and eves of Public Holidays)

Last bus leaving from Beach Station to HarbourFront Bus Terminal:12mn (Sun – Thu & Public Holidays)12.30am (Fri, Sat and eves of Public Holidays)
When leaving the island, guests may either board Sentosa Express or the orange bus from Beach Station once more. Ticketing: S$3 per person (Adult and Child aged 3 and above). Payment is made at HarbourFront Interchange Ticketing Counter.

By Cable Car:Normal CabinOne-way: S$17.90 / Adult; S$9.00 / Child (3-12 years old) Two-way: S$18.90 / Adult; S$9.50 / Child (3-12 years old) Glass Cabin (2-way)Two-way: S$21.90 / Adult; S$12.50 / Child (3-12 years old) Operating hours8.30am - 11pm daily

http://www.sentosa.com.sg/index.html

Uniquely Singapore

2009-08-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡; pinyin: Xīnjiāpō; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர், Cingkappūr), officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, lying 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 710.2 km2 (274.2 sq mi),Singapore is a microstate and the smallest nation in Southeast Asia. This is orders of magnitude larger than Monaco and Vatican City, the only other surviving sovereign city-states.

History: First settlement

The first records of settlement in Singapore are from the 2nd century AD. The island was an outpost of the Sumatran Srivijaya empire and originally had the Javanese name Temasek ('sea town'). Temasek (Tumasek) rapidly became a significant trading settlement, but declined in the late 14th century. There are few remnants of old Temasek in Singapore, but archaeologists in Singapore have uncovered artifacts of that and other settlements. Between the 16th and early 19th centuries, Singapore island was part of the Sultanate of Johor. During the Malay-Portugal wars in 1613, the settlement was set ablaze by Portuguese troops. The Portuguese subsequently held control in that century and the Dutch in the 18th, but throughout most of this time the island's population consisted mainly of fishermen.

Colonial rule

Statue of Thomas Stamford Raffles by Thomas Woolner, erected at the location where he first landed at Singapore. He is recognised as the founder of modern Singapore

On 29 January 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles landed on the main island. Spotting its potential as a strategic geographical trading post in Southeast Asia, Raffles signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on behalf of the British East India Company on 6 February 1819 to develop the southern part of Singapore as a British trading post and settlement. Until August 1824, Singapore was still a territory controlled by a Malay Sultan. Singapore only officially became a British colony in August 1824 when the British extended control over the whole island. John Crawfurd, the second resident of Singapore, was the one who officially made Singapore a British possession. He signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shah on 2 August 1824 in which the Sultan and the Temmenggong handed over the whole island to the British East India Company thus marking the start of the island's modern era. Raffles's deputy, William Farquhar, oversaw a period of growth and ethnic migration, which was largely spurred by a no-restriction immigration policy. The British India office governed the island from 1858, but Singapore was made a British crown colony in 1867, answerable directly to the Crown. By 1869, 100,000 lived on the island.

Government and politics

Parliament House
Singapore is a parliamentary democracy with a Westminster system of unicameral parliamentary government representing different constituencies. The bulk of the executive powers rests with the Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, currently Mr Lee Hsien Loong. The office of President of Singapore, historically a ceremonial one, was granted some veto powers as of 1991 for a few key decisions such as the use of the national reserves and the appointment of judiciary positions. Although the position is to be elected by popular vote, only the 1993 election has been contested to date. The legislative branch of government is the Parliament.

Geography and climate

Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 67.3-hectare (166 acre) Botanic Gardens in Singapore that includes the National Orchid Garden, which has a collection of more than 3,000 species of orchids
Singapore consists of 63 islands, including mainland Singapore. There are two man-made connections to Johor, Malaysia — Johor-Singapore Causeway in the north, and Tuas Second Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa are the largest of Singapore's many smaller islands. The highest natural point of Singapore is Bukit Timah Hill at 166 m (545 ft).

The south of Singapore, around the mouth of the Singapore River and what is now the Downtown Core, used to be the only concentrated urban area, while the rest of the land was either undeveloped tropical rainforest or used for agriculture. Since the 1960s, the government has constructed new residential towns in outlying areas, resulting in an entirely built-up urban landscape. The Urban Redevelopment Authority was established on 1 April 1974, responsible for urban planning.

Currency

Main article: Singapore dollar

The currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar, represented by the symbol S$ or the abbreviation SGD. The central bank of Singapore is the Monetary Authority of Singapore, responsible for issuing currency. Singapore established the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Singapore, on 7 April 1967 and issued its first coins and notes. The Singapore dollar was exchangeable at par with the Malaysian ringgit until 1973. Interchangeability with the Brunei dollar is still maintained.

On 27 June 2007, to commemorate 40 years of currency agreement with Brunei, a commemorative S$20 note was launched; the back is identical to the Bruneian $20 note launched concurrently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore

Puerto Princesa: Waterfalls and Rivers

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Puerto Princesa Waterfalls

Bonton Waterfalls from the imposing mountains, water overflows into rock –faced waterfalls and natural lagoons. Adventure seekers will find thrill in hitting the rapids of Bonton Waterfalls in Irawan ,Olanguan Waterfalls in Binduyan

Salakot Waterfalls in Napsan, Puerto Princesa City Palawan

Kayulo Waterfalls in Bahile, Puerto Princesa City Palawan

Olanguan Waterfalls in Binduyan, Puerto Princesa City Palawan

Puerto Princesa Rivers

Babuyan River, the Longest river in the province at 64 kms, meanders through the upper valleys and mountainous region of Tagbinet, Cabayugan and Marufinas extending eastward to the low-lying Barangay’s of Mauyon and Babuyan before finally emptying into Honda Bay. By special arrangement. Experience a river kayaking safari of Babuyan river for the great outdoor adventure!

Others worth exploring are the mangrove-lined Bahile in Kayulo rivers. The scenic Tanabag river in Langogan river up north in the tranquil Iwahig and Inagawan rivers south of the City proper. Traversing the east end of Babuyan river will bring adventure seekers Marangreg cave in Mauyon.

The highland for forest assure adequate water shade into life-giving rivers and streams. There are areas accessible to visitors such as the Irawan river and the Balsahan river inside Iwahig, both have facilities for excursionists.

http://www.puertoprincesa.ph/index.php?page=viewarticle&aid=27

Puerto Princesa: Caves And Mountains

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Caving Adventure

Ugong Rock, located in the Barangay Tagabinet, a small karst tower is a foramtion honeycombed with caves.

Eli Cave, Linapacan Island, Palawan

Gangub Cave, Bataraza, Palawan

Lion's Cave, a lion-shaped stalagmite created by droplets from draped-like stalactites.

Cawili Cave, a 5 ledges of limestone, each storey furnished with odd shaped tables and chairs ventillation comes from Gothic-inspired windows overlooking the village of Cabayugan.

Cavernous Daylight Hole, has a massive gaping entrance that collects the sun and provides the only ray of light.

Taraw Cave, Eastern side of the city in Barangay San Rafael. A scenic and awesomeat the top. The cave provided a safe shelter for the hero of Palawan, Dr. Higinio Mendoza Sr. when as governor of the province during the Japanese Occupation, he persistently fought for freedom with his guerilla forces.

Mountains & Peaks Adventures

Mt. Cleopatra, 1,593 meters the city's highest peak. At the peak, see a panoramic vistas of the city proper, Cabayugan and the coastline on both sides of the city.

Mt. Beaufort and Thumb Peak, lording over Puerto Princesa Bay and City Proper to Mt. Peel in the central part to Mt. Bloomfield and Mt. saint Paul on the North, among interesting ones.

Puerto Princesa: Tips and Advice

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What to Bring & What to Wear:

1. Light casual wear is always practical when touring around the city.

2. Bring warm garments during rainy days (July to September) or when visiting mountainous areas where nights can be cool and chilly.

3. On hot summer months (March to May) it is best to wear a hat, a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen.

4. Carry an insect repellant, bottled water, and a flashlight when visiting remote and forested areas.

5. Expect to get wet on your trip to the Underground River, wear shorts and

sandals.

Reminders:

1. Do not litter on roads, trails, beaches or sea. You can help keep the environment clean and make the city a better place to live and visit.

2. To help protect, preserve and conserve the natural beauty of the place, please avoid damage to forest, caves and corals, and don’t collect plant and animal species.

3. When entering ethnic and local villages, be sensitive to the local values and culture of the local people.

4. Entry permits and fees are required when visiting the Underground River and another attractions in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

5. Always seek the services of a duly-registered and licensed tour agency and a licensed tour guide of the city.

6. It is advisable to register in Visitor Centers / Tourism Information Assistance

7. Centers, or with the Barangay (Village) office when visiting tourist spots or adventure destinations in the city, for better facilitation and assistance.

http://www.puertoprincesaresorts.com/traveltips.php

Historical Sites in Puerto Princesa

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Princess Eulalia Park, features the statue of a princess whom the park was named and a memorial marker as a perennial remembrance to the founder of Puerto Princesa

Plaza Cuartel, a restored ruin of an old garrison wherein the evening of December 14,1944, Japanese soldiers burned around 150 American prisoners of war in a tunnel found beneath the park's portal which nowstands as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, March 10, 1872, six (6) days after the Spanish expidition arrived in Puerto Princesa, the first mass was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Exequiel Moreno in the same place where the cathedral now stands.

Mendoza Park, named after Dr. Higinio Mendoza Sr., the war hero of Palawan. His resistance to Japanese control led to his execution on January 24, 1944 at Canigaran Beach.

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, unique prison without bars was established by the Americans in 1904. The inmates tend vast farms instead of idly spending time behind bars.

Arts & Cultural Sites:

Palawan Museum, a repository of Palwan relics and artifacts. The artifacts unearthed from the Tabon Caves including a skullcap of the remains of a caveman carbon dated back to the early Paleolithic Era or about 22,000 years ago.

Galeri Kamarikutan, art gallery cum cafe' promotes the city's rich cultural heritage by featuring ethnic crafts and culture through monthly art exhibits and performances.

Weaving Centers, Rurungan sa Tubod Weaving Center and see how fabrics are woven in traditional Philippine looms.

Palawan State University Museum, a Learning Resouce Center features a museum within the campus of the first State University in the Southern Tagalog Region.

Ethnographic Museum, an interesting showcase of the customs and way of life of the two distinct ethnic groups, Bataks and Tagbanuas.

Nature & Leisure Places:

Firefly Watching, watch the sun descend along the horizon. at night, enjoy the magical sight of the fireflies admist the mangroves.

Puerto Princesa Bay, provide a glimpse of the bay area's varied attractions, foremost is the port of Puerto Princesa or the Princess of Ports from which the city get its name.

Ulugan Bay, a deep channel on the central western coast of Puerto Princesa, Rita Island, inside the bay, known for its diving spots. Tres Marias, a cluster of three islets stand guard at the mouth of the bay.

http://www.puertoprincesaresorts.com/citytours.php

Puerto Princesa Resorts

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Asturias Hotel

When in Palawan, stay at Asturias Hotel and experience homegrown hospitality, the Asturias way.Located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, the Asturias Hotel consists of 60 luxurious guestrooms that complement the warmth and friendly services that make you feel right at home. With a perfect blend both for business functions and leisure vacations, the Asturias Hotel will make it all happen flawlessly for you.

http://www.asturiashotel.ph/

Dos Palmas Resort

A Unique Island Experience ESCAPE to a 20-hectare private island in the tropical waters of Honda Bay. Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa offers the ideal setting in which to celebrate a great island experience. Our location is isolated enough to transport guests away from the everyday cares of urban living. Yet, we’re fully equipped to provide plenty of opportunities for adventure, fun and relaxation.Surrounded by nature, yet embraced by the comforts of our modern facilities and accommodations, you are free to find your own adventure. Time is a luxury you can afford on Dos Palmas. Luxuriate in doing nothing. Or indulge in everything you’ve always wanted to do. We’re always on hand to help make your stay most pleasant and memorable.

http://www.dospalmas.com.ph/corporate_profile.php

Dolce Vita Hotel

Descriptions: Dolce Vita Hotel situated only 10 minutes away from Puerto Princesa airport. With only 11 rooms it creates a cozy athmosphere. You feel at home from the moment You are welcomed from our friendly staff. The shape of the building looks like a small castle, surrounding a native pavillion restaurant. With a waterfall swimming pool amidst a beautiful tropical garden it is the perfect place to relax.Dolce Vita Hotel rooms furnished with rattan (Orchid, Dahlia, Lotos, Sampaguita and Bougainvilla) or furnished in Italian barock style (Rose, Daisy, Tulip, Ilang Ilang and Gumamela).

Skylight Hotel

"It's New" situated in the center of the city.just five minutes ride from the airport. Convenientfor nearby shopping and business centers, withhospitable staff and first class services.

http://www.skylighthotelpalawan.com/

Badjao Inn & Restaurant

Descriptions: Badjao Inn & Restaurant offers a tradition and nature ambience. For years now, Badjao has served as the traveler’s home in Palawan. Dine at the cozy Gazebo and enjoy a great view of butterflies and birds playing inthe garden.

D' Lucky Garden Inn

Descriptions: D' Lucky Garden Inn nestled in the heart of Palawan's Tropical Paradise, Puerto Princesa City, D'Lucky Garden Inn and Suites will delight you with it's unique charm, tranquil gardens and friendly atmosphere. Providing the guests with the highest standard of service possible, affordable accommodations, superior cleanliness in a quiet and traditional guest house atmosphere.

Hotel Fleuris

Situated in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Hotel Fleuris was established to add exquisiteness to the city. Despite the high technology that has infiltrated the country, Hotel Fleuris’ heart still dances to the beat of instinctive ways. And it’s a place where guests can find a home away from home, with a highly trained, guest friendly staff.
Hotel Fleuris has forty-seven (47) elegantly furnished guestrooms including thirty-eight (38) deluxe rooms, Eight (8) Suite rooms and one (1) Special room for disabled. All guestrooms are equipped with air-conditioning system, cable television, mini bar, hot and cold shower, IDD and NDD telephone and WiFi connection in some areas of hotel.

http://www.fleuris.com/

The Legend Hotel

A place to stay... a port in a storm... a business venue... a family hideaway... a professional convention partner... an ultimate destination...and always a premier place in the heart.How your day begins and ends make a world of difference. At The Legend Palawan in Puerto Princesa, we strive for good beginnings and even better endings.Make us your home away from home.

http://www.legendpalawan.com.ph/

Crystal Paradise Resort, Spa & Winery

Welcome to the getaway body and soul experience at Crystal Paradise. This is the place to unwind, de-stress, relieve tension, bring balance to the entire body, relax, rejuvenate your body and skin, compliment your health, and consequently create calming & healing responses for the body and soul. Our goal ,is to provide a soothing, healing vacation care atmosphere balanced with natural products.

http://www.crystalparadiseresort.com/

De Loro Inn & Restaurant

Descriptions: De Loro Inn and Restaurant is conveniently located at PEO Road, Bancao-Bancao Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (just 3 minutes away from the airport).De Loro Inn & Restaurant a service-oriented company with firm commitment to its clientele. It offers a personalized service and endows designed packages to fit the clients preferred budget. De Loro Inn & Restaurant provide guest satisfaction during their stay in the hotel. De Loro Inn and Restaurant began on July 17, 2004, for almost 2 years gaining more and more clients.

http://www.deloropalawan.com/index.html

Hillside Resort

Any Palawan resort can promise a pleasant vacation. At Hillside Resort Palawan, however, holidays are more than the usual – they take you much closer to nature.
Perched atop the rolling hills of Puerto Princesa, with stunning views of a sheltered marina, our resort is your gateway to a grand vacation. The thrilling jungle treks, Underground River tours, and island hopping trips we offer let you enjoy nature's amazing wonders up close.

http://www.hillsideresortpalawan.com/

Kawayanan Resort

Kawayanan Resort provides the comfort, privacy, and security of your second home while exploring nature’s beauty. Experience interesting travel spots of Puerto Princesa and nearby towns in the province of Palawan.
It is located 10 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa City Airport.

http://www.palawan-resort.net/

How to get there?

Transfer By Air

Air transport from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes less than an hour and available thrice daily by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. There are also flights from Puerto Princesa to Cebu four times a week.

SeaAir flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila two to three times a week, oftentimes via Busuanga, Cuyo and El Nido.

Transfer By Sea

Puerto Princesa is accessible by boat from Manila twice a week by WG&A Superferry and Negros Navigation shipping lines, with stopovers in Coron. Boat trips from Puerto Princesa to Cuyo and Iloilo aboard M/V Milagrosa are also available twice weekly.

Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Prinsesa

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The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. It is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park, or St. Paul Underground River. The entrance to the Subterranean River is a short hike from the town of Sabang. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park has been nominated for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature" competition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park

Features of Subterranean River National Park in Philippines:

- The national park features an outstanding limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the striking features of the river is that it merges with the sea and the end of the river is subject to tidal waves.

- The area has much bio-diversity conservation. The river winds meanders through a cave before flowing into the South China Sea.

- The area also boasts of a complete 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and is home to some of the dense forests of Asia.

- This fascinating area has spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers. These amazing stalactites and stalagmites are sure to mesmerize the tourists.

- The place becomes a haven of mystery with the approaching of the dark.

Wonder of Nature – This Underground River is one of the few such rivers which the general public can easily experience and appreciate। It is easily navigable up to 4.3 km and is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the World. Park operated paddle boats take visitors for a 1 hour tour to marvel at the interesting rock formations and the thousands of bats and swiftlets that inhabit the cave.

Park Rates and Other Fees
General Entrance Fee
Adult Php 75.00
Minor Php 50.00
Cave Entrance Fee
21 to 59 Years Old Php 200.00
17 to 20 Years Old Php 100.00
13 to 16 Years Old Php 75.00
6 to 12 Years Old Php 50.00

Best Time To Visit

The Park is open to the public the whole year round, however the best time to visit is from January to June when the weather is drier making it easier to get around.

Accommodation

The Park does not operate any visitor overnight facilities. There are a number of locally owned and managed resorts in the surrounding areas that offer modest accommodations and food at very reasonable prices. They cater both local and international cuisine.

How To Get There

Puerto Princesa City is accessible by air with at three airlines having daily flights from Manila, and trice weekly from Cebu City. Puerto Princesa City is also accessible by sea with voyages scheduled twice weekly from Manila and Ilo-ilo City.

From Puerto Princesa City, the PPSRNP is accessible by land via a 75 km road. It takes around one and a half hours of travel over mostly paved road from the City to Sabang. It is served by public utility jeepneys and air-condition shuttle vans.
Management strictly enforces a “No permit, No entrance policy”. Visitor Entry Permits can be obtained at the Park’s Information and Booking Office located at the center of the City.

Prohibited Acts

Pursuant to R.A. 7586,

the following acts are considered a crime and punishable by law.

Hunting , destroying, disturbing or more possession of any plant or animal products derived there from without permit, specifically authorizing such activity;

Dumping or otherwise disposing of any waste detrimental to the protected area or to the plants and animals or inhabitants therein;

Use of any motorized equipment without permit;

Mutilating, defacing or destroying objects of natural beauty, or burial grounds, religious sites, artifacts or other objects belonging to the cultural communities;

Damaging and leaving roads and trails in damaged condition;

Squatting, mineral exploration, or otherwise illegally occupying the land;

Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures and conducting business enterprise without a permit;

Leaving in exposed or unsanitary condition, refuse or debris, or disposing wastes in bodies of water;

Altering, removing destroying or defacing boundary marks or signs.

http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/tourism

Puerto Princesa: The Heart of Palawan

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Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is a first class city in the Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 210,508 people in 33,306 households. It is famous for its crocodile farms, underground rivers and dive spots. It is also the largest city in the Philippines in terms of total land area. This city is the hometown of the former House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Jr..

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.

On 30 June 1992, Edward S. Hagedorn was elected Mayor of the city and completed his three term limit of three years for every term. In November 2002, Hagedorn was re-elected as mayor of the city.

As the city was recently declared a highly-urbanized city, per Section 29 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines, it is no longer under the administrative supervision of the provincial government of Palawan, and its residents are no longer eligible to vote for provincial officials.

Geography

Puerto Princesa City lies at the mid-section of the long strip of Palawan Island province. It is approximately 306 nautical miles from Manila, 206 nautical miles to Panay Island and about 250 nautical miles to Zamboanga. It is bounded on the north by the municipalities of San Vicente and Roxas and on the south by the municipality of Aborlan. To its west is the South China Sea while to the East lies the Sulu Sea.

A 1904 nautical chart of Puerto Princesa's harbor
Total land area is 253,982 hectares stretched over 106 kilometers long with the narrowest breadth of 8.5 kilometers in Barangay Bahile.
Puerto Princesa City has 35 urban and 31 rural barangays, a total of 66 barangays.

History

Folk etymology attributes the name "Puerto Princesa" to a princess-like maiden who in the early days is said to have roamed around the place on certain nights of the year. On the other hand, practical people attribute the name to the geographical advantages of the place as a seaport – naturally protected the whole year round and endowed with a depth that can accommodate any size of shipping – a royal heaven for vessels or a virtual princess of ports as thus indicated by Spanish Colonizers on the country’s map.

Historically, the place was named after Princess Asunción, born in 1864 to Queen Isabella II and her consort, Francisco de Cádiz. When the princess suffered an untimely death, the Queen changed the name to Puerto de la Princesa. Eventually, the name was reduced to Puerto Princesa as it is known today...

People/Culture

Waves of migrants from other Philippine provinces, and even other countries, have turned Puerto Princesa into a melting pot of various cultures. Among the original inhabitants are the Cuyunons who have a rich legacy of folklore and traditions. Indigenous groups include the Tagbanuas and the Bataks, each group with its distinct culture and system of beliefs.
Total inhabitants number about 161,912 (as of May 2000), Three fourth of the population resides in the city proper, an urban settlement on the shores of Puerto Princesa Bay. While the predominant local tongue is Cuyuno, Tagalog, Visayan, as well as English are widely spoken.

E-tricycle

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn unveiled the environment-friendly and economical electric-powered “Trikebayan” (which does not emit any noise or carbon monoxide) at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum, Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. The Trikebayan costs only P 48 or $ 1.20 per day to operate, while a gasoline-powered tricycle operation would cost P 200. Rolly Concepcion, who conceptualized the Trikebayan, said that converting a tricycle engine to electric costs P 68,000. The 36-watt rechargeable battery under the passenger seat can run for 12 hours

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_City

Things to See and Do in Puerto Princesa

People come to Puerto Princesa not only for the dive sites that abound in the area, but also for its wonderful festivities, amusement sights, beaches, water sports, and nature trails. Some of the festivities in the city are Love Affair with Nature mangrove planting becomes the highlight, Cherry Festival where the city's founding is celebrated, Pangalipay sa Baybay features coastal cleanups, parades, and fireworks. The Seafood Festival is a time to feast on the city's authentic cuisine.

Other than the many feasts that go on throughout an entire year, there are key sights that visitors might want to check out. The Capitol Square Complex is a great place to hang out. Food kiosks and restaurants are lined up here, making it a great place to hang out or grab something to eat. The Mendoza Park was named after a World War II hero whose remains are buried in a memorial in this said park. Now, if all that strolling has gotten you hungry then walk on to Baker's Hill where they offer sumptuous pastries and snacks.

Diving is always a popular activity in Puerto Princesa.There are dozens of dive sites spanning the bay area. Honda Bay, Taytay Bay, Port Barton, Shark Rock, and Royalist Shoal are only a few places of interest. A lot of diving enthusiasts that come here every year enjoy these said dive spots. Divers may contact any of the dive shops that offer such services. A few of these said shops are Moonshadow, Island Divers and Last Frontier Dive.

Puerto Princesa Dining

There are a lot of options for you when choosing a place to eat in Puerto Princesa. Restaurants here serve the best of Filipino Dishes and other international cuisine. Kamayan Restaurant, a popular chain of restaurants in the country, serves the best of Filipino cuisine. Lotus Garden serves an array of mouthwatering Japanese food. Ka Lui serves some of the best seafood in the city, which is evident since you'll usually find a line of people waiting to get in.
Another place to get your sumptuous seafood is at Badjao Seafood Restaurant. Now if you're looking for some place that serve exotic food then you may want to try Kinabuch's where they serve local dishes including a woodworm dish. Food prices range from less than $10 to more than $20.

Puerto Princesa Accommodations

There is a wide array of accommodation options in Puerto Princesa City. You may choose from hotels of different grades or if you're backpacking then you can go for the modestly priced inns or pension houses. It's always a good practice to have a look around and before taking a room. Some of the places you might like to stay are Royal Oberoi, Ardent Suites, The Legend Hotel, and Asturias Hotel.
Other accommodations of note include Niko's Cabanas and Restaurant, Puerto Pension, Liberty Park Pension, Badjao Inn and Restaurant, and Palawan Village Hotel. Rates for mid-range and higher rated hotels start around $80 while the budget class ones and pension houses and inns go for less than $30 or so. The top rated hotels and resorts have rates starting around $100.

http://www.puertoprincesaboard.com/

Travelling Around Coron Island

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Mt. Tapyas Hike - If you are staying in the Coron main town, you can walk to the foot of Mt. Tapyas or grab a tricycle for P7 (May 2008). The hike reportedly is a 700+-step stairs to the top, the entrance is found at the side of community basketball court. Experience a breathtaking view of the sunset, recommended to start setting out at 4pm.

Island Hopping - Head down to the Market Pier and get a boat captain (P1000-1500) Boats generally handle around 6 passengers. Grab a lunch before you head out. Vivian at the Discovery Bar can arrange it all for you as well. You can also buy meat, fish, veggies from the wet market and request the boat captain to barbecue or cook them for you or your group.

Island Hopping Adventure:

-Siete Pecados is popularized by the shoot of a local television show of a mermaid love story. Experience swimming in an aquarium, beautiful corals and a great variety of fishes. There is a caretaker who will collect P100 from tourists. Recommended time to snorkle is around 1pm to 2pm. Current can be strong in the morning. This is one of the best sites to snorkel in Coron. Myth suggests that seven kids swam from the main island to escape it and follow their parents. They all drowned and the place where they drowned is where the islands are now present

-Barracuda Lake on Coron Island is amazing. Entrance is P100. Bring goggles or snorkles to observe underwater rock formations. It is known for having a thermocline, where the water heats up as you decend into the lake.

-Kayangan Lake P200 entrance fee. Before approaching the lake, go over the cave and glimpse at the great view on top of the mountain. This view is the most photographed area in Palawan. It is also judged as the cleanest lake in the country.

-Twin Lagoon The water and towering rocks are great photos for poster. On low tide, experience kayaking under the hole of the rock. P100 entrance fee

-CYC Island is nice but gets very busy. It's the only free beach in the area. Entrance fees for the other beaches aren't too steep (P100).

-Skeleton Wreck is a snorkeling destination where you can see a sunken ship even while snorkeling. Around it are what were once beautiful corals but now are damaged by illegal fishing. Beware of sea urchins.

-Banol is very picturesque with its flower trees set against the rocky island. It has sugary fine white sand in its beachline.

-Beach 69 is not as good as Banol. Free if you come from Kayangan lake (as of May 2008) however seems unmaintained. Beware of jellyfishes (me and my companion had individual encounters).

-7 Islands This is a marine reserve, guarded 24/7 by 2 locals. P100 entrance. snorkel or dive to see the amazing coral reefs!

Other places must see.

Maquinit Hot Spring Beautiful place to hang out in the evening/during storms. Suffers from tourist induced price hikes (P100) with P300-P400 to rent the tricycle (back and forth, including the 1 to 2 hours waiting time for the driver)

Camping on a (somewhat) deserted island. There are a couple of islands to check out. You can find everything you need in town/at resorts. Ask around. Gunter at Discovery seems to know of a couple good spots. All info as of December 2006.

Malcapuya Island Beautiful Island with very fine white sand beach just like Boracay (or better) but without construction. Entrance is P150-200

Culion the former leper colony. The public boat leaves Coron town at 12 noon daily and returns at 7:30 am the next day. Fare is P175.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Coron

Resorts in Coron, Palawan

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There are no 5-star hotels nor fancy restaurants in Coron, as there are no 5-star nor fancy tourists: we are virtually all divers:) The accommodation and dining we have are all family run, comfortable, homely places, rather than designer decorated palaces. Similarly there are no MacDonalds nor Wendy's, and no ATM's either, so read the page on money changing very carefully! Everything here is very relaxed, so chill out!

KokosNuss

KokosNuss is a small Resort in the town of Coron on the tropical Island of Busuanga, Province of Palawan, in the Republic of the Philippines. If you are interested to learn more about accommodation at KokosNuss Resort, the location, how to get there and possible activities like diving our famous japanes World War II wrecks, island hopping, horseback riding, vulcanic hot springs, motorbike tours, calauit island wildlife safaris, sea safaris or if you just like to see some photos of the philippine treasures, take your time and browse through our little website.

http://www.kokosnuss.info/

Kalamayan Inn

A family operated Bed & Breakfast located in Coron Town on Busuanga Island in the Province of Palawan, Philippines.We are located some 300 kilometers South of the smog of Metro Manila and 310 kilometers North of Puerto Princessa. The province of Palawan is one of the largest in the Philippines and includes almost 2,000 islands. We are in the very Northern section of the province and a long way from the main island of Palawan.

http://www.palawan.com/resort_details.php?resort_id=27

Club Paradise

A tropical Shangri-la nestled upon a coral jewel set amidst Palawan’s sparkling turquoise waters. Comely and idyllic, this island resort is a perfect hideaway for those who seek both relaxation and discovery. Club Paradise is on Dimakya Island, Municipality of Coron. A part of the Calamian Group of Islands, it is situated at the Northern tip of Palawan, the Philippine’s last frontier. Club Paradise - where possibilities are blissful, endearing and endless.

http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/

Busuanga Island Paradise

Busuanga Island Paradise is located 20 minutes east of Coron. Wake up to the sound of Dimanyan River, a stone's throw away from your room. Enjoy the amazing views and hear the birds sing while enjoying your breakfast on your veranda.

http://www.philippineadventures.com/Busuanga-Island-Resort.हतं

El Rio y Mar Island Resort

El Rio y Mar Resort with its unique flora and fauna has its romantic ambiance combined with the serenity and beauty of the natural environment. The resort is set amidst 500 meters stretch of pure white-sand beach, distinctive panoramic view with enchanting mangroves and its breath-taking neighboring islands. Guests can also relax in the well-maintained swimming pool with crystal clear waters.

http://www.elrioymar.com/index.html

Dive Link Resort

Dive Link Island Resort is your link to volcanic lakes, tropical jungles, caves, and some of the best preserved World War II wrecks[www.divecal.com] in Asia.
Take a short 10-minute banca ride from Coron town and you'll find a cozy resort sitting on a sheltered hillside. Welcome to Dive Link Island Resort. Your best start-off point to a thrilling Palawan adventure...

http://www.divelink.com.ph/

SeaDive Resort

Welcome to Sea Dive Resort! Sea Dive is recognized by PADI, Rough Guide and many others as Coron's best choice for diving, hotel and more. Sea Dive is home to Coron's only PADI authorized dive shop, Palawan's only recompression chamber and one of the friendliest staffs of any dive shop, resort or hotel anywhere. Seadive is also Coron's only Project Aware "Go Eco" Dive Center

http://www.seadiveresort.com/

Seafront Resort Coron

A wonderful place to relax on the beautiful un-spoilt Busuanga Paradise Island. Choose from en-suite rooms with air-con in the water-side hotel or your own private cottage like the one shown here. Boat trips to secluded white sand beaches (below) for barbecue lunches. Good food and entertainment. An ideal spot for Scuba diving and trips to local beauty spots

http://www.seafront-resort.com/

Coral Bay Resort

Accredited by the Department of tourism as a " Special interest Resort"

http://coralbay.ph/default.asp?pid=1

Darayonan

Darayonan is a Cuyonon word that means a place to stay. To the weary traveler it connotes a place of sanctuary where one can rest, relax and feel safe. Darayonan Lodge tries to be such a place to its guests.

http://www.darayonan.com/index.htm