Germany Travel Guide

on Saturday, September 18, 2010

From the high Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the flowing hills of central Germany to the coast of the North and Baltic Sea: it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the nicest of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches.
Thanks to the different regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies and states Germany did not unite until the last centuries. Thus Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.
To start in the north, spend some days in Hamburg, Bremen or Lübeck, those old "Hanse" cities, whose prosperity arose from the independent shipping trade. Berlin, the capital, is of course one of the top travel destinations in Germany - no matter if you are going there for business, cultural or political reasons, or just to enjoy yourself: Berlin has everything!
Right in the centre Hannover is worth a visit. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find real jewels: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden , although it was bombed horribly, saved lots of their prewar architectural heritage, and the latter has just restored the famous Frauenkirche. Continue going southwards, maybe with passing Nuremberg, you will sooner or later arrive in Munich, the capital city of beer, but also of art, with the famous Pinakothek. It is a good starting point to find the treasures of Bavaria.
Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Accompanied by our world-famous beers and wines, all this plenty is guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable culinary experience.
Discover the beautiful Southwest of Germany with cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg and Tübingen. In the western part cities still have some french influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne- the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse. In the Ruhrgebiet ( Essen, Oberhausen, Duisburg and surroundings) there is heavy industry, different car brands like Porsche, Mercedes (near Stuttgart ), BMW and VW make Germany one of the world's biggest car producers and Frankfurt is the country's bank and finance centre, called also "Mainhattan" ("Main" is a river in Frankfurt). All this makes the standard of living one of the highest in the world.
To make the different cities and sights more accessible to you, we have divided Germany into regions. Click on the regions to find more info about them and the cities that are in them.
After years of separation between West Germany and the DDR, the country is now growing together back again, a longer and perhaps more painful process than many expected. At the same time has Germany become a more normal country. If you look at the history of Germany this century, being normal is not a bad thing.

Mali Travel Guide

Mali is landlocked country in Africa. It is bordered by Mauritania, Algeria, Nigerja, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinee Conakry and Senegal.

Mali is a fascinating country to explore. With its old cities along the Niger river and its well documented history, it gives you an unique insight in pre-colonial African civilization. Gao, Djenne, with its famous mosque, Segou, Mopti and Timbuktu all are very exciting travel destinations.


Dogon Country is possibly even more exciting to explore. The way the Dogon people have survived over the centuries in this barren land teaches us all a lesson.

Mali is also famous among the traveler community for its laidback atmosphere, its easy going people, Those thnings make a trip to Mali worth your while.

Italy Travel Guide

on Friday, September 17, 2010

Italy is one of those countries about which you probably have quite a number of preconceptions before you have put one foot into the country. A country of olive oil and mafia, pasta, wine and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to offer its visitors. Although some of these images are appealing, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and interesting than that.


Italy is a modern country with deep Roman Catholic roots, full of interesting stuff for the casual tourist and even more for the educated visitor. It is easy to spend two weeks in major tourist centers without any reason to get bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the flatlands of the Po river, both cultural jewels and highly developed industrial cities attract. This is where Italy's economic heart beats, but even in the bustling cities, people live the "la vita Italiana".

In Lombardia's capital Milan, city of haute couture and business, you can easily spend weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour away and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will discover something new. The most famous tourist attractions in the north-east are Venice and Verona, that both let you think of romantic love affairs. To discover the beautiful landscapes around, for example, the Verona province may be even more fascinating. The north-west of Italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For wine lovers, Piemonte is directly connected with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo fairs make Turin one of the leading Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.

The coastal region of Liguria is another highlight. The Riviera delle Palme has no reason to envy its French counterpart. Beaches, countryside, the right climate and old towns like Genoa make this region a must to visit. Mostly undiscovered valleys offer beautiful walking possibilities. The Lunigiana region, Albenga and Ceriale are worth a visit and an even longer stay. Gourmets should not miss the Emilia Romagna, Italy's culinary centre. Bologna, "La Grassa" like the Italians say, is a must see as well as Ravenna with its impressive mosaic works and the Byzantine architecture and last but not least Rimini, on the Adriatic Sea. For Tuscany words fail to describe its beauty: You have to go there to see, smell and experience the beauty of the old towns and lovely valleys yourself. Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Prato and Siena, offer more cultural highlights than some countries as a whole. The way of living does the rest to attract every year millions of visitors. Elba, the island of Napoleans first exile, is only one of seven Tuscan Archipelago islands.


What can we say about Rome? The Eternal City, with its monumental palaces, churches, squares, and fountains still fed by acqueducts with ancient water sources, has to be visited by every Italy traveler. To discover Rome, it is said, "A lifetime is not enough." The southern part of Italy fascinates the traveler with its great hospitality and gorgeous landscapes. Campania has attracted visitors over the centuries: Capri, Ischia, Sorrento and Amalfi became the chosen destinations of visitors from many countries. "To see Naples and then die" is not just an old spell. Try it yourself and even if you don't die, you will surely lose your heart. Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean has been influenced by the culture of the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs the Normans and many others. They all loved life on the island and left their marks. Italy has a great climate and the beaches to go with it. Look at the map and you will notice immediately that Italy has a very long coastline. Different mountain chains run through the country and you never have to travel far to find some excellent places to go hiking. Volcanoes like Stromboli or the Etna are still active and can be visited.

For those of you who enjoy walking and climbing, then you will want to go to the Dolomites, this is the Mountain range in Northern Italy that sperates it from Austria and extends westwards to join the Alps.

Major centres include Cortina - famous for hosting the Winter Olympics and still a major ski centre and further South and West is Arco a few kilometers from the Northern tip of Lake Garda.

Cortina can be expensive, this is where the rich and famous like to visit and while drinking your cafe in the main square do not be startled to see film stars saunter past taking in the mountain air, but this area is home to some of the best climbing, walking and mountain biking available in the high Dolomites, Via Ferrattas are a must for those experienced walkers who want just a bit more excitement in thier day, strongly recommended will be the Ivano Dibona High Level Path - but be warned you need to be an exerienced walker, with good equipment and have a head for heights.

Arco has now become a famous venue for climbers all over Europe, in early September one of the Worl Cup climbing events is held here, attracting scores of climbers to watch or participate. There is an excellent camp site at the town, that has am olympic size swimming pool and an indoor climbing wall. The town has arange of bars, cafes and restaurants to suit every pocket, an amble through the old town in the evening is a must, along with a visit to the Castle, but for climbers, walkers and mountain bikers, everything at every grade you ever wanted can be found within a few kilometers of the town.

Switzerland Budget Travel Guide


Interior of Cathédrale de Lausanne

Interior of Cathédrale de Lausanne
Author: Arnaud Gaillard (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

About Switzerland 

Switzerland, or officially the Swiss Confederation, or Confœderatio Helvetica in Latin, is a relatively small landlocked country in Central Europe. It has a total area of 41,285 sq km (15,940 sq miles), making it slightly bigger than the US state of Maryland. The country is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Much of Switzerland is mountainous, with most of its 7.8 million inhabitants concentrated in its major cities.

Switzerland is home to two global cities, Z&uum;rich and Geneva, which lead the country in having some of the highest per capita gross domestic product in the world. Three major languages are spoken in Switzerland, predominant according to region. They are German, French and Italian. In the canton of Graubünden, the people speak Romansh, an obscure language believed to have been derived from Vulgar Latin. Together they form the four national languages of Switzerland.

Traveling in Switzerland pose a challenge to many budget travelers at it is an expensive country. Having said that, every major town and city has at least one budget hostel. Alternatively, you should compare the price of hotel rooms in Switzerland before making any bookings. (Use our free hotel search engine - scroll down below - to compare prices quoted by different booking sites.)


Klein Matterhorn Bahn
Klein Matterhorn Bahn
Author: Patrick (public domain)

Fast Facts about Switzerland


  • Official Name: Switzerland, Swiss Confederation

  • Capital: Bern

  • Population of Switzerland: 7,318,000

  • Languages: German, French, Italian, Romansch

  • Currency: Swiss Franc

  • Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, others

  • Size: 39,770 sq km (15,355 sq miles)

  • Continent: Europe




  • Grand Combin glaciers as seen from Verbier, Switzerland
    Grand Combin glaciers as seen from Verbier, Switzerland
    Author: Jphoto (public domain)

    Budget Travel to Switzerland

    By Plane The major airports in Switzerland are located in Zürich, Geneva and Basil. Budget travelers can also opt to fly to Friedrichshafen in Germany, a short distance from Zürich.

    By Train
    Being in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is connect by rail to most of the major cities on the continent. There are several high-speed trains that links Switzerland to its neighbors. Major Swiss cities are served by the French TGV trains from Paris, Avignon, Dijon and Nice. The German ICE links Zürich with Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin as well as to Amsterdam.


    Lac de Moiry, near Grimentz, Valais, Switzerland
    Lac de Moiry, near Grimentz, Valais, Switzerland
    Author: BraunW (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

    Budget Travel within Switzerland

    The most practical form of transport in Switzerland are the trains. Switzerland has a high level of public transportation that is famously punctual. When traveling in Switzerland, you should get the Half-Fare Card entitling you to half fare on all national buses and trains. The card costs CHF99 for one month and CHF150 for a whole year. The Half-Fare Card is available from the train station ticket office.

    Here's some tips to understand the train schedule sheet in Switzerland. The yellow sheet shows departures while the white sheets are the arrivals. Express trains are printed in red while regular trains in black.

    Useful Links

  • Valais Vacation Rentals: Find the perfect rental on TripAdvisor.




  • Scenic view of Lake Geneva, Switzerland
    Scenic view of Lake Geneva, Switzerland
    Author: CalistaZ (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)

    View of Paradiso in Lugano, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland
    View of Paradiso in Lugano, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland

    Thailand Public Holidays

    The following are the public holidays observed in Thailand

    • New Year Day: 1 January
    • Magha Puja: Full moon in February/March. This festival commemorates the speech given by Buddha to 1,250 enlightened monks. Throughout Thailand, devotees carry candles and circumambulate the main shrine of the wats three times in the clockwise direction.
    • Chinese New Year: January/February
    • Chakri Day: 6 April, commemorates the establishment of the royal house of Chakri
    • Songkran: 13-15 April - Thai New Year, characterised by water throwing.
    • Coronation Day: 5 May
    • Ploughing Ceremony: May, actual day varies
    • Visakha Puja: Full moon in May, to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha
    • Asalaha Puja: Full moon in July, to commemorate Buddha's first sermon
    • Khao Phansa: July, beginning of the Buddhist rainy season retreat
    • Queen's Birthday: 12 August
    • Chulalongkorn Day: 23 October
    • Loy Krathong: Full moon in November, when people head to rivers and lakes to float candle-laden banana-leaf floats called the krathong, intended to be a thanksgiving offering to the water deity. It is also believed that bad luck floats away with the krathong. A spectacular light show takes place at the Sukhothai Historical Park.
    • King's Birthday: 5 December
    • Constitution Day 10 December
    • New Year Eve: 31 December
    Stupa in Chiang Mai
    Stupa in Chiang Mai (24 October 2006)

    Macau Travel Guide

    Macau is a wonderful city to stroll around. If you’re feeling energetic you could walk to almost all of its sights in one single day (the entire territory covering 7 sq mi/17 sq km). We loved the feeling we got roaming the hilly winding streets and the back alleys. Although the European-style architecture and plazas are unusual for this part of the world, you would never mistake Macau for Lisbon.
    The territory’s most famous landmark is the Church of Sao Paulo (circa 1600). All that remains is the facade—the rest of the church was destroyed by fire in 1835. However, it’s worth climbing the imposing set of stairs to view the ruins up close, especially at night when the lit-up city is spread out below. Farther on, another set of stairs leads to the Citadel of Sao Paulo do Monte where you can still see the cannon that helped repel the Dutch invasion of 1622. The view of the city and countryside is fantastic.
    If time permits, visit the temple of the Goddess A-Ma as well as Lin Fong Temple. Then see the old Protestant cemetery where early non-Catholic settlers and traders are interred (an ancestor of Winston Churchill is buried there). Visit the Lou Lim Ioc garden, but only if you’re not going to see any of the large formal gardens in China. Restoration Row in northern Macau is an interesting area of 1920s buildings restored by the government. Take a walk down the Praia Grande to see some of the older buildings including Government House and the Macau Governor’s Residence (built in 1849).
    At night the main entertainment revolves around casinos jai alai and horse racing. It’s also possible to make day trips into China by passing through Macau’s symbol the 'Barrier Gate'.
    Jai alai has now been banned as it is too dangerous.

    New York U.S.A




    Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

    Empire State Building



    The famous Empire State Building, a Famous NYC Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. Each year over 3.5 million people are whisked to the 86th floor above the city's bustling streets. The Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade.

    Times Square



    The most bustling square of city is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and supersigns. It is one of those places that make this city that never sleeps. The billboards have become such a tourist attraction for the area that the zoning now requires the buildings to be covered with billboards. The Disney Store here attracts a lot of family-friendly businesses to the area.

    Brooklyn Bridge
    Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge is an experience that is hard to match. City is spread out in front, behind, on the left, on the right, and below you. Because the subway runs under the East River, and the vehicular level is under the pedestrian level, it had been said that Brooklyn Bridge is the only place on earth where an airplane could fly over a pedestrian who is walking over a car that is driving over a boat that is floating over a train.

    Madison Square Garden
    Madison Square Garden is sometimes called "The Most Famous Arena in the World". It is a 20,000-seat arena located atop the city's Pennsylvania Station on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. Built in 1968, the current arena is the fourth in a line of Madison Square Gardens; the facility is home to the  cities basketball teams and the hockey team. In addition, the arena hosts over 600 events per year, including concerts, conventions, award shows, the NBA draft, and the Ringling Bros Barnum Bailey Circus

    The Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, is known for its Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall and numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of the year. The Rockefeller Center, known as the 'city in the city' is an exceptional example of civic planning. All buildings share a common design style, Art Deco, and are connected to each other via an underground concourse, the Catacombs. The complex is nevertheless well integrated in the City, especially along Fifth Avenue.

    Central Park Right in the heart of Manhattan stands this oasis of rolling pastures and gardens, stretching from Midtown to Harlem. These days walkers, rollerbladers, bikers and joggers compete for space. To the north, others wonder at the mystery of Belvedere Castle. Nearby is the Delacorte Theater, where you can watch plays in the summer. It blends so easily with the Manhattan environment that it is difficult to guess that it is totally man-made.

    Museum of Modern Art
    A "modernist dream world" is how critics described the museum after its $425 million face-lift. Yoshio Taniguchi, the Japanese architect responsible for the six-story structure, said he wanted to "create an environment rather than simply making a building." Indeed, soaring galleries suffused with natural light hold such masterpieces as Monet's Water Lilies, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, and Van Gogh's Starry Night. But it's the museum itself that is the attraction.

    American Museum of Natural History Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.

    United Nations Headquarters The design for the United Nations complex was drawn by an international committee of architects, the United Nations Board of Design. The international style was chosen by the board members as it symbolized a new start after the Second World War. The UN site is an international territory that has its own fire department, security force and postal service. Along 1st Avenue in front of the United Nations Headquarters is a display of flags from each member of the UN. It starts with Afghanistan at 48th street and ends with Zimbabwe at 42nd street.

    OTHER PLACES OF ATTRACTION

    Metropolitan Museum of Art

    City's grand museum! Journeying through the art of mankind can be an overwhelming yet joyous experience. From Ancient Egypt through the Renaissance to American masters, try and take your time going through each section. You won't get to see everything but what you do see will be memorable.

    Grand Central Terminal
    Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.

    Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. It was added to the National Park System in May of 1965 and through extensive restoration, its main building opened over a quarter century later on September 10, 1990 as a national museum of immigration. Ellis Island is federal property partly within the territorial jurisdiction of the both the States of New York and New Jersey.

    Bronx Zoo
    The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, the Bronx Zoo comprises 265 acres of parklands and naturalistic habitats -- home to over 4,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species. The Zoo contains a number of unique habitats -- areas designed to replicate the homes of their inhabitants as closely as possible. Jungle World, for instance, is an indoor rain forest where Asian gibbons, hornbills, tapirs, and many other rare species live among equally rare and beautiful plants and trees.  Himalayan Highland Habitat is the home of the red panda, snow leopard and white-naped crane.

    SoHo in city is the most unique shopping area of the world. With everything from art stands on the street to high-end boutiques, SoHo is certain to exceed every shopper’s expectation. The elegant cast-iron buildings, occasional cobblestone street, art galleries, chic boutiques, and swanky hotels make this a wonderful area in which to shop, eat, and dream of a more glamorous life.

    World travel guide

    Pictures and maps

    This century gives us so many useful things that save our time and money. And even now you are looking at one of the greatest things that every man, woman, family needs. If you want to visit places like Europe, Africa, India or some other countries of the world, then you must know your rout or what places you should visit first, weather and many other things that every traveler should know. This is where Volcanoworld will help you in your journey.

    Weather Forecast

    Volcanoworld is a site with interactive maps based on Google. It's the best world travel guide that thousands of people are using every minute. It will be the best travel guide for your vacation. You don't have to worry about anything. You will find travel tips for any place you will choose. When using our services you can find useful information, you just need to choose continent or a country. Weather, climate, road, hotels all of this and more you can learn here and now. This information is important for travelers so we giving you as much accurate information as possible about one or another territory you are interested in. You can see on every map an image of place you want to go and decide where you want to go and what you want to see.

    Hotels review

    Forget about paper guides that worth nothing. They are not dependable if you want to spend your time with use and unforgettably. They will not provide with the information that you will need. If you want to spend your time without problems you have to be aware of everything: weather, roads, costs, hotels, restaurants and many other things that any trip requires. So using our services will prevent you from unnecessary costs. Using our services is like being already on your trip, fast, easy and very informant.

    Germany Travel Guide

    From the high Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the flowing hills of central Germany to the coast of the North and Baltic Sea: it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the nicest of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches.
    Thanks to the different regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies and states Germany did not unite until the last centuries. Thus Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.
    To start in the north, spend some days in Hamburg, Bremen or Lübeck, those old "Hanse" cities, whose prosperity arose from the independent shipping trade. Berlin, the capital, is of course one of the top travel destinations in Germany - no matter if you are going there for business, cultural or political reasons, or just to enjoy yourself: Berlin has everything!
    Right in the centre Hannover is worth a visit. In the eastern part of Germany, you can find real jewels: Leipzig, Weimar, Schwerin and even Dresden , although it was bombed horribly, saved lots of their prewar architectural heritage, and the latter has just restored the famous Frauenkirche. Continue going southwards, maybe with passing Nuremberg, you will sooner or later arrive in Munich, the capital city of beer, but also of art, with the famous Pinakothek. It is a good starting point to find the treasures of Bavaria.
    Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Accompanied by our world-famous beers and wines, all this plenty is guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable culinary experience.
    Discover the beautiful Southwest of Germany with cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg and Tübingen. In the western part cities still have some french influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne- the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
    Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse. In the Ruhrgebiet ( Essen, Oberhausen, Duisburg and surroundings) there is heavy industry, different car brands like Porsche, Mercedes (near Stuttgart ), BMW and VW make Germany one of the world's biggest car producers and Frankfurt is the country's bank and finance centre, called also "Mainhattan" ("Main" is a river in Frankfurt). All this makes the standard of living one of the highest in the world.
    To make the different cities and sights more accessible to you, we have divided Germany into regions. Click on the regions to find more info about them and the cities that are in them.
    After years of separation between West Germany and the DDR, the country is now growing together back again, a longer and perhaps more painful process than many expected. At the same time has Germany become a more normal country. If you look at the history of Germany this century, being normal is not a bad thing.

    South Asia Travel Guide

    The South Asia travel guide encompasses an area which stretches from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Tropical islands such as the Maldives also form part of the region. Countries situated in South Asia include Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Asia is densely populated and has been the site for political conflict. Each country is unique and boasts a variety of attractions, making this a fascinating region to visit. The diversity of the area reflects both extreme poverty and astounding beauty.


    Climate

    The majority of South Asia has a tropical climate. Monsoon season generally falls in summer. Winters usually have a low rainfall. As this is a diverse region there are differences in climatic conditions from country to country. The Himalayas have a completely different climate to the rest of the region. Visiting the Himalayas during summer offers a respite from the heat.

    Language

    There is a diverse range of languages and India, in particular, has many different languages. Hindi and Urdu are spoken by many people. Most well-educated people speak English. It is possible to get by with English in most big cities and tourist areas.


    Attractions

    With so many things to do in South Asia there is no time to be bored. In India a popular activity is to go trekking in the Himalayas. Camel safaris are a good way to explore the desert and enjoy an experience of a life time. For peace and quite visit a meditation center or ashram in India. Goa boasts a famous nightlife and party lovers flock to Goa from all over the world. The beautiful beaches are the perfect backdrop for parties. In Pakistan there are magnificent mosques that are must sees when touring the region. The mosques are not only beautiful buildings with historical significance but they also offer insight into the culture of Pakistan. White river rafting, canoeing and water sports are other activities that tourists can enjoy in Pakistan. Skiing is possible and the Karakoram Range has skiing resorts. In Nepal you can buy Tibetan crafts from Bodnath Stupa. It is also possible to hire a hot air balloon or to go hang-gliding. The conditions in the area are good for rafting and there are rafting facilities.
    Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikipedia

    New Zealand Travel Guide

    Blessed with fantastic nature, New Zealand is worlds apart from any experience found elsewhere and it is geographically much farther southeast than most people imagine. New Zealand is a former British colony, with fascinating cultural influences due to its location in southern Polynesia. Large swaths of rolling green meadows, churning geysers, creaking glaciers, and never-ending stretches of magical overgrown beaches encourage travelers to make the long haul across oceans to indulge in the disarming natural beauty of New Zealand year after year.
    newzealand-travelguide
    New Zealand was one of the last landmasses to be inhabited, only discovered in 800 AD by Polynesian navigator Kupe. The discovery initiated a steady stream of migration from today’s French Polynesia until Dutch Abel Tasman and finally James Cook came across the islands and claimed them for the British Crown, ruled from Australia. The native Maori people are still a considerable minority, enriching the cultural climate of the largely European (Pakeha) nation.
    New Zealand’s geography is divided into two major north-south islands. Depending on where you travel and the time of year, the activities and topography will change dramatically.

    South Island

    Southern Alps - New ZealandExcitement is never far away in the South Island. Fast flowing rivers rush through the rocky ravines, then growl across plains washed down from the Southern Alps. The South Island’s unique relics includes the last Ice Age, the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers, which plunge just below the islands tallest peak in the Southern Alps, Mount Cook. These glaciers are particularly spectacular because they continue to flow through temperate rainforest strikingly close to sea level. Alpine lakes provide endless diversions, and the various contents that sweep along the western and eastern coasts carry food and a huge variety of dramatic sea life. Winter in the Alps region is excellent for skiing, mountaineering and film making – scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia were filmed here.  Creative Commons License photo credit: geoftheref
    Up in the north golden sand and countless untouched coves attract a steady line of sea kayakers and canoeists to Abel Tasman National Park.
    Just around the corner, the deeply incised waterways of the Marlborough Sounds attract boaties and fisherfolk to it’s fiords and inlets. The mix of hot and cold currents and the plunging continental shelf bring sperm whales, minke, humpback and southern right whales to within a few kilometres of the Kaikoura coast, along with orcas, dolphins and other mammals.

    Rakaia GorgeThe shallow, braided rivers of Canterbury are stocked with sea-run trout and huge quinnat salmon, and the rivers, especially around the town of Gore, boast the finest brown trout in the land. Powerful jetboats take groups of people on thrilling rides along braided rivers and steep gorges. Some of the most spectacular rides are on the Shotover and Kawarau rivers near Queenstown, the resort known as the adventure capital of the world, where the drivers judge gaps to the metre and perform thrilling spins and turns. Creative Commons License photo credit: geoftheref
    For those after a slightly slower pace, white water rafting can bring out the same whoops and shouts of glee. And on hot summer days, the Southern Lakes are abuzz with waterskiers and sailing dinghies.
    The chill currents of the Southern Ocean crash on the coast of Otago, creating excellent rides for well-insulated surfers. In the deep southwestern corner of the South Island, the formidable fiords of Fiordland have more surprises, as heavy rainfall creates a layer of dark stained fresh water, below which are a diverse range of corals, sponges and fish.

    North Island

    The North Island is relatively warmer during the summer and milder all year long. Put yourself ‘on edge’ with a trip to serene Lake Taupo, which also happens to fill the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world. Extreme outdoor sports abound on both islands, as New Zealand is the original inventor of Bungy Jumping (also found at Lake Taupo) among other creatively dangerous activities. The west coasts are extremely popular for black water rafting, otherwise known as cave rafting. This exhilarating experience should not be missed, even by the beginner.
    Lake Waikaremoana TrackIf a new heart rate is not what you are looking for, make your leisurely way to
    at the very north end of the island; the name is not deceiving and the experience is absolute paradise in the summer months.
    The Great Barrier Island to the east is a mind blowing underwater experience for most scuba divers and an equally sensational getaway for the sand-bound.
    Creative Commons License photo credit: RowanTownsend

    The Best Time for New Zealand Travel

    As its location on the southeast of the globe, New Zealand’s warmer high-season months are between November to April. It is good time for outdoor exploration. While summer time (December to February) is the time for festivals, concerts and sports events. If you look for ski vacation in New Zealand, go between June to August. However, during winter time, warm-weather beach towns might be too quiet for travel. To have more relaxing vacation Avoid school holiday (mid December to early February) if possible as most places are packed with tourists and kids. So, October/November and April/May are the best time to go to New Zealand and also for getting the best travel deals.

    Where to Stay

    Quick links to find the best hotel deals in New Zealand :
    New Zealand is a destination for all seasons, with activities spanning the elements and progressive cities to keep up with those of faster pace. Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown are all very youthful and spirited cities with the distinct eclecticism of New Zealand culture to overload the senses and invigorate the spirit. New Zealand may be far from most places in the world, but it is certainly worth any length of travel to reap the fruit of this nation’s existence. Travel to New Zealand and experience it all for yourself.

    The Best Time For The Best Deals Seychelles

    Most people think of the Seychelles as a winter holiday destination, and Seychelles Island vacations to one of the increasing number of Seychelles Five Stars Hotels tend to be taken between November and March.
    best-deals-seychelles
    In fact, winter time north side of the globe is the time of the greatest Seychelles rain fall with the heaviest rain being December through to February. Therefore, a little strange that these are the popular holiday months when the weather isn’t really ideal. During this time, you will find grey skies, and a torrential downpour, and it was quite depressing for beach vacation, whilst you pay price for lush green foliage. Well, the rain may soon stop, and the sun come out, or it rained only in the early evening every day. But still, it is not the island vacation you dream of.
    You may assume that people suffer the very long flight because what they get is a lot better than a European winter, but there are other times to consider a Seychelles island vacation.
    The slight problem is that summer isn’t perfect either because the tropical trade wind blows from the south east, and this means you rough seas, probably no swimming off the beach, and poor old holidaymaker who has a boat transfer. In addition the snorkeling in the Seychelles is normally brilliant but because of the rough seas you can’t see anything at all.
    Seychelles - AcquaSo, what is the best time to visit the Seychelles? If you want the best of all worlds, visit the Seychelles in April or May.
    If you can avoid the Easter break then you have a great chance of getting a cheap deal to the Seychelles with savings of several hundred dollars. The sea is calm, the temperature is about right, and the colors are at their best as the rainy season has only just finished. Creative Commons License photo credit: rachel_thecat
    So that’s it, for the best deals Seychelles, the best weather, and the best temperature, visit the Seychelles in April May.

    A short guide to Okinawa, Japan

    Okinawa is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Consisting of 41 inhabited islands and 16 uninhabited islands, Okinawa has the only sub-tropical climate in Japan and as such is a major tourist destination for the Japanese, but not many foreign visitors make it to these shores.
    The name Okinawa means “rope in the open sea”, a fairly apt description of this long stretch of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan.
    Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Okinawa
    From the northern end of the chain near Kyushu to the southern end near Taiwan, Okinawa’s major islands are:
    Okinawa Island — the largest island in both size and population, featuring administrative capital Naha
    - Ie - an upheaved coral reef island with only one village and an estimated population of about 5,000 inhabitants
    - Ikei - a great secluded island getaway with some of the best beaches
    - Hamahika
    - Kume - often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Ryukyu Islands
    - Kerama Islands — a cluster of tiny islands between Kume and Okinawa
    Daito Islands — specks in the sea hundreds of kilometers to the east
    - Kitadaito — the easternmost island in the prefecture
    Miyako Islands — tourists are usually most interested in the natural monuments found here
    - Irabu — the “other island” of Miyako
    - Miyako — by far the largest of the three main islands that make up the group
    - Shimoji — very close to Irabu, but not quite as large
    - Tarama — known for its August festival
    Yaeyama Islands — closer to Taiwan than the mainland
    - Hateruma — the southernmost inhabited point of Japan
    - Hatoma - the smallest of the Yaeyama Islands, barely 1 kilometer in diameter
    - Ishigaki — the hub of the Yaeyamas, with spectacular beaches and manta rays
    - Iriomote — jungles and the mysterious Iriomote wild cat
    - Taketomi — small island off Ishigaki, known for a carefully restored Ryukyu village
    - Yonaguni — the westernmost point of Japan, with mysterious ruins and hammerhead sharks
    - Kuro — tiny island mildly famous for having (way) more cows than people
    Most people come to Okinawa for the sun and beaches. Even in midwinter, when mainland Japan teeters around the freezing point, temperatures rarely dip below 15°C in Okinawa. For more adventurous types, the vast yet almost uninhabited island of Iriomote is covered in dense jungle.
    Cultural attractions are rather more limited — Japanese colonization and World War II did a regrettably thorough job of eliminating most traces — but two standouts are Shuri Castle in Naha on Okinawa Island, and the carefully preserved village of Taketomi in the southern Yaeyama Islands.
    The main attraction in Naha is the Shuri Castle, the former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, built in the Okinawan gusuku style. Completely destroyed during World War II, the present buildings are reconstruction from 1958 and 1992.

    The town of Itoman lies south and southeast of Naha, and has several attractions:

    - Himeyuri Peace Museum 671-1 Aza-Ihara, Itoman, 098-997-2101, (in Japanese). 9 AM-5 PM. Students from two women’s schools, together called Himeyuri, were mobilized to work as field nurses during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. This memorial museum documents, from a personal perspective, their lives before and during the battle, in which many of them died. Exhibits are labeled in English, and the museum is a worthwhile visit. Â¥300 (discounts for high school students and younger)

    - Okinawa Peace Park has several memorials relating to the Battle of Okinawa. To get there by bus, take bus no. 89 from Naha bus terminal, change to bus no. 82 at Itoman bus terminal, and get off at the Heiwa-kinendo-iriguchi stop.

    - Okinawa World 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku village (by bus No. 54 or 83, get off Gyokusendo-mae stop), 098-949-7421, (in Japanese). 9AM-5PM. The major attraction at this theme park is Gyokusendo Cave, 890 meters long, with some interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. Above the cave is a touristy village with performances of traditional dance, shops selling crafts and snake liquors, and restaurants. Separate admission is required for the habu snake exhibition which includes a snake and mongose show. Cave and village ¥1200, add ¥400 for snake exhibition
    Kitadaito, literally “North Great East”, is the northern half of the Daito Islands, with a population of under 700 (approximately 500).

    The outer part of the island is made of precipitous cliffs, while the inside is flat plains. Here you may want to see Cape Makkuro, the easternmost point of Okinawa.
    The Yaeyama Islands are about as off the beaten track as it gets in Japan, but each has its own distinct character. Ishigaki has some spectacular beaches and Iriomote is the only island in all Japan with authentic jungle and mangrove forests, while tiny Taketomi is known for its carefully maintained traditional Ryukyu village.

    Thanks to the pristine coral reefs that surround practically all the islands, scuba diving is the number one sports activity. Ishigaki is known for its manta rays, while Yonaguni’s star attractions are hammerhead sharks and underwater ruins.

    Even with just a snorkel and mask, it’s possible to see a good assortment of tropical fish and other marine life among the reefs just a short distance from the beaches. The best spots are probably Nakamoto Beach on Kuro Island and Star Sand Beach on Iriomote.
    Iriomote is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands. Around a third of the island is designated as the Iriomote National Park, the only national park in all of Okinawa. The park’s most famous denizen is the Iriomote wildcat an endangered creature found only on this island. Alas, the critter is nocturnal and very rarely seen. Other more readily viewable flora and fauna include the giant mangrove trees known as sakishimasuo-no-ki, a range of water birds, and lizards, including Japan’s largest lizard, a skink, reaching up to 2 feet in length.
    On the west side of the island, the longest river in Okinawa, Urauchi River is running deep inland through dense mangroves and often likened to a little Amazon. The views can be quite spectacular, especially on a still morning. Cruises up the Urauchi River are probably the most popular activity on the island. ¥1500 per person, the exact schedule changes daily but departures are frequent (every 30 minutes or so) in the mornings. Cruise commentary is Japanese only, but an English-language summary leaflet is provided. The departure point is near the Urauchibashi bus stop.
    Mariyudu Waterfall on Urauchi River, Iriomote, Okinawa
    At the end of the 8-km cruise you can disembark at Gunkan-iwa Rock and trek for half an hour through the jungle down a well-trod path to a viewing pavilion with views of the Mariyudu Waterfalls. Another 10 minutes from here the trail descends to the upper level of the falls, and still 5 minutes onward it reaches the Kanbire Waterfalls. The cross-island trail starts from here. You can also canoe your way up the river. Canoe rentals from Â¥800/hour, or take a guided “eco tour” with boat transfer upriver for Â¥6000. On your way back, pop into the little museum on the second floor of the cruise pier building, featuring a selection of stuffed and mounted big bugs and crabs including the scary-looking yashigani. Free.

    On the east side of the island, accessible from Ohara is Nakama River. Much the same as Urauchi, except that instead of waterfalls the trail at the end leads to a giant mangrove tree said to be the largest and oldest in Japan. 70-minute cruises from ¥1,260.
    Okinawa is subtropical and even in winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°C, making the area a popular winter getaway, although it’s often cloudy and usually a little too cold for sunbathing. Spring, around March and April, is an excellent time to visit if you take care to avoid Golden Week at the beginning of May. The rainy season starts early in May and continues until June. Summer in Okinawa is hot and humid but still one of the peak visiting seasons, while September-October brings a succession of fierce typhoons. November and December are again good times to visit.
    [Photos: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki & A section of the Mariyudu Waterfall on Urauchi River, Iriomote. By jpatokal. CC Some rights reserved. Text partly derived from Wikitravel. This post is released under the CC license]

    World Wine Tour 2010 Travels in Asia

    We are really grateful to our intrepid World Wine Tour 2010 friends Anja and Georges who have supplied the following overview and photos about their wine travels in Asia earlier this year. They are travelling through the world of wine, collecting donations of the best bottles they encounter en route to sell next year at an auction in Napa in aid of the Lao Rehabilitation Foundation.
    Asia, perhaps the most interesting up and coming market for just about every industry, is also moving fast with wines, as both consumer and producer. And although it’s one continent, the four countries we visited – China, Vietnam, Thailand and India – diverted in their ways of attracting wine tourists. Differences abounded, but overall we found three words that linked together all the wineries we visited. All three words happen to start with the letter ‘E’.
    China – Big distances and big potential
    For us, on our ‘World Wine Tour 2010,’ China turned out to be not too difficult for arranging appointments with wineries, but if we were just tourists passing through the area, we imagine it might be quite a different story. So, making an appointment in advance is advised! Of the three wineries we visited, only one had a cellar door facility; one was quite a trek to reach and is only for the highly devoted; and the third was a bulk producer, more interesting for our project than for its charm. Some wineries would provide private functions, but weren’t set up yet for public visits, as known in the more established wine worlds.

    China's Dragon Seal
    The Museum at Dragon Seal Winery
    Our top pick for wine tourism was Dragon Seal Winery, the oldest in China and the one which had a great cellar door in the center of Beijing. This ease of access meant you could jump into any taxi to take you there, and after sitting through half an hour of bustling capital city traffic you were ready to try their wines and could also explore a rewarding museum of Chinese winemaking. Dragon Seal was the dream of a French missionary as long ago as 1910, and now offers a tasting of its noble grape varietal productions made in French style. Overall, Dragon Seal seemed to us to be the best bet for any wine tourist heading to the Far East. What’s more, we heard from its managing director that the company was planning to move  the winery and cellar door facility from Beijing city to the site of the vineyards, which happen to be right at the foot of the Great Wall of China. Sounds like it couldn’t get more tourist friendly!
    For a more authentic taste of China, we recommend a visit to Grace Vineyards. Located in central Shanxi province this winery has chosen a great location to build its beautiful French chateau-style winery. The wines were the best we tried in China, and the people working there were wonderful. The only draw back may be that you only reach this blissful place from Beijing after 4 hours of train to get to the Shanxi province, and then another several hours of car ride to reach the vineyards. Luckily, they offer limited accommodation on site, though it might require some advanced planning to arrange.

    Beco Dalat Vietnam
    Anja and Georges at Beco Dalat
    Vietnam – Challenges in Dalat
    Vietnam was the second country in Asia we visited as we continued our mission to find those exotic wines. The wines we found easily, but to find the wineries was a bit more complicated! Over the entire country, in every restaurant and hotel you will be able to buy the biggest Vietnamese wine brand: Vang Dalat. Unfortunately getting an appointment to visit them was impossible as no one we contacted through email or on the phone spoke English. We even managed to actually arrive at the winery via taxi, but the result was similar: guards in front of a security gate shaking their heads …
    Our Vietnamese wine quest did not go unfulfilled however, as we managed to find another significant producer called Beco Dalat. Perhaps not surprisingly, Beco Dalat is in the same region of Vietnam as Vang Dalat, namely Dalat. This province is a place of anomalies; pine trees rather than palms, and fruits and vegetables of all types rather than rice. The region and city are seen as the ‘France of Vietnam’, with rolling hills and houses built by French aristocrats from the colonial days. During our visit to Beco Dalat, we had a tour through the winery, all well equipped and getting ready to harvest.  The traditional grape varieties were just imported a few years ago and so production today is mainly of plum juice blended with table grape juice (which are often boiled prior to fermentation to improve quality). The winery had a great outside terrace where you could enjoy different wines, and with Dalat becoming a tourist destination in its own right, wine tourism is not far behind!
    Thailand – Wine Tourism Surprises
    Thailand Winery
    PB Valley Winery in Thailand
    Thailand, the country of smiles, had the most wonderful surprises for us, both in terms of quality and hospitality. Just three hours from Bangkok, you can find the beautiful Khao Yai National Park where tigers may be spotted, and great wineries can provide you shelter! Not too many tourists have discovered this amazing holiday spot (beaches seem to be the primary attraction in Thailand). Our first visit brought us to the Village Farm Winery (about one hour away from the park), whose name doesn’t disappoint. Not only located between farms of all kinds (mushrooms etc), Village Farm has a farm-like setting itself. With wooden cottages and vineyard cats and dogs running around, you’ll feel like you’re completely immersed in the farm lifestyle. There is also an onsite restaurant offering simple and delicious locally grown foods that go well in accompanying the wines. Sited even closer to the Khao Yai National park (just behind the hills) we found PB Valley Winery, another winery also geared towards tourism with onsite chalets and a bar-and-grill restaurant of German inspiration. Jump on a bike and you can take a break near their lake while sipping on your great Thai wine!

    Indian wine
    Sula sparkling wine
    India – Exploring the Nashik wine region
    Our last Asia-Wine-Discovery stop was in India, a vibrant and colorful country with many different faces. The major wine growing region of the country is situated in Nashik, just three hours by train away from Mumbai. Nashik is also a city with holy river water, and walking through the market in town can offer you countless hours to lose yourself and your thoughts. For those seeking to visit wineries, there are already over 40 spread over the region, with more to come thanks to the Maharashtra government’s initiative of creating a ‘wine park’ with winery equipment available to lease for grape growers.
    As everywhere, not all these wineries can be seen as equal, but a great place to start (and perhaps the best at catering for a wine tourist’s visit) is at Sula Winery. This winery offers amazing hospitality with facilities far above the norm in the Nashik region: extensive wine tastings available; a balcony view overlooking the Nashik Lake, and two onsite restaurants plus accommodation. Most wineries in Nashik make wine from a large variety of grapes, some reds being made through public demand. But, it is whites such as Chenin Blanc that are more suited to the climate, which lends itself more easily to this grape, which is used to create a delicious sparkling wine!
    So what were the three ‘E’s? It is fair to say that each country is at best ‘Emerging’ both as a wine market and a wine producer, and much work still needs to be done for a winery to succeed in sales to its own countrymen. This has resulted in quite a similar approach in each of the four countries focused on Education. Wineries want their fellow countrymen to drink local wine, and need to convince them of their quality first (if not just to drink wine in the first place). This offers outsiders a great opportunity to jump in and learn as well, taking advantage of the refreshing ‘Enthusiasm’ taking place in these new latitudes. Emerging, Educational, and Enthusiastic are perhaps the best words to describe the Asian wine regions, just beginning to flourish. Now may very well be the best chance to catch these giants in their infancy and the experience of a visit will be unforgettable!
    You can read more about these wineries and the ongoing travels of Anja and Georges on the World Wine Tour 2010 blog. Wine Travel Guides will be supporting World Wine Tour 2010 in helping Anja and Georges plan the itineraries for their wine tour in Europe at the end of this year.

    TRAVEL BALI | BALI TRAVEL GUIDE




    TRAVEL BALI | BALI TRAVEL GUIDE There is a sure sorcery in Bali. The longer a single stays, a he/she is fascinated by a glimpses of beauty of a island as good as by a desirable comfortable people.
    Bali is indeed exceptional. Bali presents a complicated paradox, an ancient, normal multitude which is still incredibly alive as good as vital. Bali is so lifelike which we could be fooled in to meditative it was a embellished backdrop; rice paddies outing down hillsides similar to hulk steps, volcanoes soar by a clouds, a timberland have been sensuous as good as pleasant as good as beaches have been lapped by comfortable H2O of Indian ocean.
    Since an unequivocally old time, Bali is means to drew ostracise artist, bard as good as escapists from all over a world. Indonesian supervision has taken critical stairs to refurbish confidence for traveller as good as tourism sectors.
    Despite a militant bombings, Bali stays an delectable destination, maybe even some-more so given a comfortless events have marked down a series of tourists. It seems which no area of a universe is defence from militant activity, as good as there is no genuine reason to consider which Bali is reduction protected than Madrid, New York, or London. Having pronounced that, beware of pick-pockets, income sell scams as good as all of a common annoyances.
    Introduction
    Bali, The island of a gods, is sanctified by goes, flashy with pleasing countryside, rice terraces, outlandish beaches, holy temples, erotically appealing cultures as good as many more. Bali island embody of province, regency, encampment as good as Banjar(sub-village).
    There is a sure sorcery in Bali. The longer a single stays, a he/she is fascinated by a glimpses of beauty of a island as good as by a desirable comfortable people. Bali is indeed exceptional. Bali presents a complicated paradox, an ancient, normal multitude which is still incredibly alive as good as vital.
    Bali is so lifelike which we could be fooled in to meditative it was a embellished backdrop; rice paddies outing down hillsides similar to hulk steps, volcanoes soar by a clouds, a timberland have been sensuous as good as pleasant as good as beaches have been lapped by comfortable H2O of Indian ocean. Since an unequivocally old time, Bali is means to drew ostracise artist, bard as good as escapists from all over a world. Indonesian supervision has taken critical stairs to refurbish confidence for traveller as good as tourism sectors.
    It’s critical to know which pacific Balinese acquire caller tenderly with good hospitability so, a revisit to Bali is still full with majestic amenities enthralled in an unequivocally old note upon a pleasing island paradise.
    History
    Bali is a customarily island in Indonesia, which enjoyed reduction undeviating note continuity. Bali was isolated, left to go her upon approach nonetheless Dutch couple arrived in Sanur beach upon 1900 as good as assigned it. As a result, Bali is a customarily area of Indonesia which stays ‘Hindu’ with alloy of inland as good as Indian cultures which took place over a thousands year ago.
    It has been found which Bali has been inhabited given early antiquated times. Bronze age began in Bali prior to 300 B.C. Hinduism widespread a change around 400 A.D. followed by Buddhism in 500 A.D. After Japanese function in Second World War from 1939 to 1945; Bali became an Indonesian operation yet was means to say a own singular culture.
    Climate
    Bali is amazingly sanctified by inlet . Lying inside of a slight rope of a tropics, where soppy as good as dry deteriorate tumble rounded off in to change upon condition which both competent rainfall as good as prolonged duration of sunshine.
    When to go
    April to October is a cooler dry reason as good as is a many appropriate time to revisit Bali. Rest of a year is some-more humid, cloudier as good as has some-more sleet charge yet we can still suffer prohibited day.
    July, August as good as early September is a busiest month as many traveller revisit in these months.
    Accommodation as good as prices competence be aloft in there season.
    Many Indonesian additionally revisit Bali around Christmas. Outside there times, Bali has couple of tourists.
    How to go By Air
    Most general flights from Europe, America, Australia as good as many Asian countries fly to Bali. You might additionally get unchanging done during home flights to as good as from vital cities inside of indonesia.
    By sea
    You can get unchanging newcomer ferries journey vessel from Java as good as Lombak.
    Local transportation
    You can find cars as good as taxies job we by observant ‘transport, transport’. Normally motorist knows many denunciation as good as can action as a beam to you. Buses as good as bemos have been found as internal transport. They substantially take we anywhere we wish to in yet solemnly due to trade as good as have been infrequently overcrowded.
    Bicycles have been permitted yet recollect Kuta, Legian, Denpasar have been complicated trade area. You can additionally get a automobile upon hire. The rented association will assistance we acquire a permit. It is not endorsed to expostulate during night generally highway to Gilimanuk where packet embark to Java as good as lorry drivers have been notories to overtake.
    The many appropriate approach to kick trade in Bali is to in by air. You can licence helicopters as good as even a packet as good as good as if we have been a inlet amatory chairman afterwards i suggest we to travel as we can suffer beauty in a widen of your breath.
    Places to revisit South as good as West of Bali
    1. Sanur Beach as good as Kuta Beach
    Sanur, 10 kilometres to south-east of denpasar during a lagoonside finish of a fruitful renon-kepaon-legian rice crescent, was once an enclave of fishermen as good as holy Brahman priest, some-more critical for a demons as good as sorcery than a scenic delight. Kuta beach is good well known for a white sand, as good as a food call to capture surfer to float upon it. From here we can additionally see a pleasing sunset.
    2. Uluwatu
    A bulbous member fans out form a Bukit Peninsula, once a competition drift of Denpasar’s rajas. Geologically as good as climatically this area is mediterranean-a dry, often empty plateu fibbing good upon tip of sea level. The horse opera as good as south shoreline is rimmed with sharp, projecting cliffs, site of uluwatu temple- a high place to watch sunset.
    3. Tanah Lot
    Here we can find a church upon a vast mill customarily offshore, a conspicuous church of Tanah Lot. One of Bali’s many critical sea temples, Tanah Lot church is built atop a outrageous rock, surrounded by a sea. Build in a 16th century, Tanah Lot’s rituals embody profitable of loyalty to a defender intoxicating beverage of a sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in a tiny caves during a bottom of a hilly island have been believed to ensure a church from immorality intoxicating beverage as good as intruders. 4. Other enchanting place in this areas
    Taman ayun temple, Bali Museum, Monkey timberland during Kedaton, The Palace of Kerambitan
    Places to revisit Central of Bali
    1. Ubud
    For many years, ubud has been a mecca for unfamiliar as good as internal artists who suffer a beautiful ambience in this have been of bali. Although Ubud’s categorical streets is right divided lined with emporium offered all demeanour of paintings, carvings, weavings as good as bric-a-brac, a surrounding villages as good as panorama have been as desirable as ever, as good as many artists gladly acquire visitors in to their home or studio.
    Ubud currently expands to alternative arts. You should not be astounded to run in to a immigrant who happens to be vital in Ubud, meditating or essence acid for his subsequent book or communication collection.
    2. Goa gajah
    Most of bali’s unequivocally old stays as good as artifacts have been to be found in a slight segment restrained by dual holy rivers, a Pekerisan as good as a Petanu. Crossing a Petanu stream immedietely to a easterly of Peliatan upon a highway to Bedulu, a puzzling Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is customarily manifest upon a revoke side of a road.
    The Cave’s gaping mouth is fantastically forged with leaves, rocks, animals, waves as good as demons, as good as when it was detected in 1923 these figure were assumingly in error for an elephant.
    3. Other enchanting place in this areas
    Celuk a core of a china smith, Mas a core of timber carving, Batuan a core of a mill carving, Sukawati a place of Art Market, Peliatan place of a dance performing, etc.
    Places to revisit North of Bali
    1. Mount Batur
    A beautifull towering which fibbing upon a revoke land, finish with a own lake. This palce have been unequivocally charming, as good as a good place to outlayed your time during a holiday. Across a lake there is a unequivocally singular encampment name Trunyan.2. Other enchanting place in this area such as : Lovina Beach, Air saneh, Bedugul,etc.
    Places to revisit East of Bali
    1. Besakih, Holiest church in Bali
    The towering highway north from Klungkung climbs up for about an hour by a little of Bali’s many fantastic rices terraces, flitting by multiform villages upon a approach to a island’s holiest spot, Pura Besakih temple. With a large rise of towering Agung, a Balinese Olympus, as a backdrop, a broad, stepped slab terraces as good as slender, forked black pagodas of this 60 church formidable have been wise chateau for a gods.
    2. Klungkung
    The Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali, where Balinese kingship draws a red blood line, sat in Klungkung. It is a oldest dominion upon a island, as good as a Raja a many exalted.
    The roof of Kertha Gosa (Royal Court of Justice), built in a 18th century, displays a single of Bali’s masterpieces. Much similar to Michelangelo’s The Creation upon a Sistine Chapel, a murals execute a low mark of ruin as good as a rewards of heaven, elaborated in thousands of panels of wayang style. The floating pavillion, garden, as good as lotus ponds have been a pointer of a former excellence of this kingdom.
    3. Other enchanting place in this areas
    Kamasan place which furnish bullion as good as china work, kertagosa, Karangasem Palace, Tenganan Village, etc.
    Mountain Climbing
    Climbing Gunung Batur (1,717 meters) in Bangli District is a single of Bali’s many celestial experiences. The morning from a tip is awesome. To find report upon rock climbing Batur, in a encampment of Toyabungkah during a bottom of a volcano demeanour for a pointer CV. Jero Wijaya Tourist Service, P.O. Box 1, Kintamani 80652, Indonesia, run by we Made Suarsana. He can insist a geologic story of a mountain, uncover we a little glorious maps of a area, as good as prepare guides to a top. The beam price includes eggs as good as bananas baked in a bubbling fissures during a summit, yet your beam should be disheartened from enchanting in this environmentally polluting practice.
    Bungee-Jumping
    Australian-based A.J. Hacket Company invites we to knowledge a consternation as good as fad of jumping off a 44-meter-high building scored equally to a hulk rubber band. The platform, done in Australia, overlooks a single of southern Bali’s many fantastic beachfronts.
    A veteran organisation will take we by a preparations, afterwards it’s up to you. Or as a spectator, lay behind as good as relax, take a swim, have a splash during a pool club or a snack, as good as customarily watch a jumpers. You can additionally float a lift to a observation height yet jumping, as good as take in Bali from a brand brand new perspective-views widen from a northern volcanoes to a surfing beach of Ulu Watu. On a transparent day we can see Java.
    Two alternative companies have emerged: Adrenalin is located to a south upon a Kuta-Legian line, as good as Bungee-Bali offers Bali’s tip as good as customarily rapids jump.
    Paragliding
    Based during breezy Bukit Peninsula’s Bali Cliff Resort, a competent professionals of Water world, suggest direction as good as tandem glides for those wanting to try it first. One of a many appropriate locations upon a island to take off. No precipice jumping involved, customarily a peaceful zephyr to lift we off a ground. It’s simpler than it looks, as good as upon a transparent day you’ll see Bali from a brand brand new perspective.Golf
    The glorious march in Middle East as good as a single of a world’s tip 50 is a Bali Golf as good as Country Club in Pancasari circuitously Bedugul customarily north of Lake Bratan. Judged fifth in a universe for technical pattern as good as service, this 18-hole championship march facilities high trees as good as flowering plants in rebellious colors separating a grand, breathtaking fairways.
    Pony Rides
    It’s a long, flattering expostulate down rough nation roads to a Pony Tour trickery low in Tabanan Regency for this full-day guided round tour. Horses concede we entrance to an area customarily 3 kilometers west of Tanah Lot, nonetheless roughly all unblushing by traveller development. After a reserve speak you’ll get a 5 notation roving doctrine to consider your knowledge as good as find a befitting mount. You might be led or float unassisted. Helmets have been permitted as have been ponchos if it rains as good as a fanny container to lift valuables.
    The word “pony” is used given it sounds safer, yet these have been essentially late racing horses from Java as good as Sumba.
    Surfing
    Bali’s roller is universe class, with energy as good as speed allied to Hawaii. Surfers who have gifted waves from Santa Cruz to Baja explain which Bali’s roller is higher to any along a United States’ West Coast. Drawn by a surf, thousands of Californians, Japanese, Australians, as good as Brazilians arrive any year to exam themselves upon Bali’s critical tubular waves. International as good as veteran surfers sight upon Bali for a esteem income upon a competition circuit around a Pacific. Bali’s Annual Surf Championships have been reason during Suluban, not distant from Jimbaran, yet a logistics of a Bukit Peninsula have it formidable to reason large events similar to a Quicksilver Pro contest.
    Surfing
    The many appropriate surfing spots have been swarming during a dry season, yet given there have been so many a gifted call supplement is regularly means to find his own retreat. Pride of place goes to Uluwatu as good as circuitously Padang Padang upon a Bukit Peninsula, which get swells topsy-turvy in storms in a Indian Ocean during a soppy season. Snorkeling as good as scuba diving
    Bali is a scuba, spearfishing, as good as snorkeling center, critical in in between scuba divers for marinelife, glorious visibility, as good as marvellous dropoffs. Six hundred km of seashore as good as countless offshore islands suggest a far-reaching operation of snorkeling as good as diving locations. Your options embody a single of many operators charity snorkeling as good as diving trips or stick upon an comprehensive package which sails to dive sites around Bali as good as islands to a east. If it’s not monsoon deteriorate (Oct.-April), equate upon comfortable pleasant waters around 80c F.
    Snorkeling is an glorious as good as protected wake up for children. Abundant marinelife can be enjoyed upon a reefs off Sanur, Nusa Dua, Lovina, as good as Padangbai-all permitted by boat. Snorkeling can be enjoyed anywhere there’s scuba diving-if an area has good coral reefs, there will be snorkeling rigging for rent.
    Scuba diving is some-more expensive, often requiring land or sea float to a many appropriate dive locations. The many appropriate diving upon Bali is from around 5 to twenty meters, yet during a soppy deteriorate storms might revoke visibility. Drift diving was done renouned upon Bali given techniques were indispensable to house a low currents surrounding a island. Other H2O sports
    If you’re unequivocally in to H2O sports, stay in Nusa Dua, Sanur, or Tanjung Benoa, Candidasa upon a coast, or Bedugul in a plateau of Tabanan Regency. Dozens of sea competition agencies line Sanur’s categorical street, charity waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, as good as franchised sailboats. Windsurfing
    Along with typical surfing, windsurfing is gaining good popularity; see brightly colored sails jump over waves off Kuta, Sanur, as good as Candidasa. Jul as good as August have been a many appropriate time to windsurf. Ideal breeze quickness is fifteen km/hour, as good as we can windsurf all a approach from Sanur to Serangan Island. Sanur Wind Surfing Centre, substantially offers Bali’s many appropriate service.
    Swimming
    The safest areas to float have been a coral lagoons adjoining Sanur, Nusa Dua, as good as Candidasa. Kuta as good as Legian exaggerate glorious bodysurfing with intelligible H2O as good as top-to-bottom tubes. For your own safety, float customarily in in between a red as good as yellow flags, never after sunset, as good as do not float deeper than your physique length. The undercurrent off Kuta/Legian is intensely fraudulent as good as unpredictable.
    One of Bali’s nicest, slightest good well known beaches for swimming is during a airfield finish of Kuta in Tuban. Virtually all of a luxury-class hotels, as good as a flourishing series of small, tolerably labelled hotels, have swimming pools, open to roughly everyone.
    Festivals as good as Events
    Apart from a common horse opera calendar, a Balinese additionally make use of dual internal calendars, a Hindu saka as good as a wuku. The wuku calendar, which is used to establish legal holiday dates, uses 10 opposite sorts of weeks in in between a single as good as 10 days long, all regulating simultaneously! The intersection of a assorted weeks determines portentous days. It’s unfit to work it out yourself: when we arrive in Bali, go to a traveller bureau as good as ask which festivals as good as celebrations have been entrance up. Try to get to during slightest one.
    The Galungan Festival, Bali’s vital feast, is reason via a island as good as is an annual eventuality in a wuku year. During this 10-day duration all a gods come down to earth for a festivities as good as barongs (mythical lion-dog creatures) saunter from church to church as good as encampment to village. The final as good as many critical day of a legal holiday is Kuningan.
    Nyepi is a vital legal holiday of a saka year – it’s a final day of a year, as good as customarily falls towards a finish of Mar or a commencement of April. The day prior to is set in reserve as a day of catharsis opposite a island. The night before, immorality intoxicating beverage have been noisily chased divided with cymbals, gongs, drums as good as fiery torches. On Nyepi itself, everybody stays sensitively during home, creation no noise, regulating no lights as good as you do no cooking. The thought is which when immorality intoxicating beverage descend, they have been fooled in to meditative which Bali is void as good as leave a island in assent for an additional year.
    Public Holidays
    - 1 January – New Year’s Day
    - February – Idul Adha (Muslim legal holiday of sacrifice)
    - Feb/Mar – Muharram (Islamic New Year)
    - Mar/Apr – Nyepi (Hindu New Year)
    - Mar/Apr – Good Friday
    - Apr/May – Ascension of Christ
    - Apr/May – Hari Waisak (Buddha’s birth, note as good as death)
    - May – Maulud Nabi Mohammed or Prophet Mohammed’s birthday
    - seventeen August – Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan (Indonesian Independence Day)
    - September – Isra Miraj Nabi Mohammed (ascension of a Prophet Mohammed)
    - Nov/Dec – Idul Fitri (the finish of Ramadan)
    - twenty-five December – Yuletide Day

    Nyingchi city guide

    nyingchi
    nyingchi

    Nyingchi(also spelled Nyangchi) is located in the southeast portion of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This region is characterized by emerald-green pastures and forests. Snowy mountain tops, as well as lakes and waterfalls all can be found within the region. The region consists of 7 counties and spans an area of approximately 100,000sq km. The population tops off at 165,000. The region also has a newly built airport, which should contribute to an increase in tourism.

    nyingchi_airport
    nyingchi_airport

    The climate in the region is vastly different than other parts of Tibet-neither freezing cold or blistering hot. It does get a fair amount of precipitation and has quite a bit of humidity. The climate adds to the wonderful landscape of the area. Nyangchi is a unique region, in that it houses Tibet`s largest forest. It is also home to many rare species of animals. Some of these include the antelope, bengal tiger, as well as pandas. Nyangchi is also home to the ancient ethnic peoples groups called the Lhoba and the Monba.
    Bayi is one of the most important areas in Nyingchi. It is located toward the northern section of the region. It has recently grown very rapidly and is one of the major industrial towns in all of Tibet. Here one can manufacture building materials, paper, wool, food stuff, and farming equipment to name a few. The town has further advanced since the completion of the region`s airport.
    Nyingchi is famous for over 35 scenic spots spread throughout the region. Included in this list are Basum Co(lake)-definitely worth seeing, and the Cypress Forest-which include some trees over 1000 years old. The Peach valley in the southeast portion of Nyangchi county is noteworthy. There are a number of waterfalls worth the time to see. These include the Tigermouth and Beiben waterfalls.
    The ancient tombs in Nang county and Mainling county`s Lhoba people`s village are fascinating stops. One should not miss seeing two of the largest canyons in the world-the Yarlung Zhangbo(largest) and the Parlung Zhangbo(3rd largest). They are incredible sites that definitely will heighten your senses!
    nyingchi
    nyingchi