Travel Deals to India

by: Mandy Chagger


So you want to visit India? Well, good choice: you'll need to access cheap flight India opportunities. Wild tigers, Buddhist Monasteries, the Lotus Temple and the Taj Mahal ' India is a country rich in beauty, culture, color, and sound. The problem, of course, is getting there ' and finding travel tips to India can be done with just a little thought and preparation.

As always when looking for cheap flight India offers, there are a few things to keep in mind. The biggest key to getting discounted airfare is flexibility: off-season, weekday, or after-hours flights will always be cheaper than a Friday afternoon 4:00 flight to Paris. Enter multiple dates when searching for tickets; Monday and Wednesday may be the same to you, but have a hundred-dollar difference to the airline carrier. Flying right around holidays can be difficult, but flying on a holiday ' such as Thanksgiving ' can be a major steal, since the day itself is a slow one for airlines. Being flexible with your route ' for example, stopovers in Bangkok or Taipei ' may also save you money; instead of looking at it as an extra long flight, see it as an opportunity to experience even more places!

Another tactic for saving money and finding a cheap flight India offer is flying in to a major city in India even if it's not where you're ultimately trying to go. Big airports in Bengal or Calcutta will cost a lot less than a private charter plane to Mynokaleesh, and public transport ' such as train, taxi, or jeep ' is relatively cheap. With this method, of course, you have the added benefit of seeing even more of the country ' something no smart traveler would say no to.

India is a fascinating and vibrant country, with a huge span of culture and diversity. Start in the south, perhaps in Calcutta, and make sure you take a guided tour into the heart of the lush jungles. One of the last places where wild tigers, wolves, and elephants still exist, these vine-entangled forests set the scene for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, an author well worth reading if you are going to his beloved country.

From the south you will want to work up ' and the north is as different from the south as the east is from the west, so much different. Where on one end you find tropical flowers and exotic spices, on the other you are immersed in towering mountains, Himalayan peaks and steaming cups of fresh-picked Darjeeling Tea. The tea, of course, is a facet in itself of Indian culture; everywhere you go vendors selling hot pots of creamy chai will meet you.

India is chosen as a destination by thousands every year, coming for reasons as varied and complex as the country itself. Student backpackers flock to the country for the rich, delicious and inexpensive food, as well as cheap lodging and amazing sights. Older tourists may come for the history, beauty, and architecture, admiring the stunning expanse of the Taj Mahal and Indian Palaces, while others may come for spiritual reasons, giving honour to the ancient traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism that have made India a Mecca for many spiritual seekers. Hikers and Bikers also come, eager to tackle those royal peaks, scaling the Himalayas and looking across to neighbouring Mount Everest.

India is a country of sharp and striking colours; destitute poverty alongside riches and wealth, dirt and grime against silk and beauty, delicious spices mingling their scents with the smell of elephant manure. Not for the weak stomach, India will explode on your palate, your vision, your ears, and your soul. As always when traveling, there are a few things to be careful of: always keep copies of your passport and important documents somewhere other than your wallet, and keep money or valuables strapped close to your body, not on a loose-strung purse or hanging from a backpack. With a few precautions, however, India is both a warm and friendly place, and one of the safest places on the continent to visit.

The food is an experience in itself ' thick breaded naan, spicy mushroom masala, lentil dal, and rich potato somalas will leave you with cravings you may never get rid of. India is unique in its cuisine, specialising of course in heavily spiced dishes fairly exploding with flavor. The exotic quality of the food mingles well with the sights and sounds ' a scitar player sings loudly as he walks down the street, the monkeys screech from the temple, pots and pans jangle noisily on the back of a water buffalo. No matter what your reasons for coming, your experience in India is bound to be more than you expected. Finding a cheap flight to India is more than a quick trip ' it is a discount ticket to a once in a lifetime adventure.


About The Author

Mandy Chagger
Travel deals to India Tel: 08700 490002 or +44 (0)1780 484824 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm or visit http://www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel/india/cheap-flights-to-india.aspx or for general travel enquiries visit http://www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel Our staff are multilingual and very friendly with many years of experience.

Day Tripping To St. Kitts' Little Sister Island - Nevis

by: Justin Burch


Resting only a few miles apart in calm Caribbean waters, St. Kitts and Nevis have always shared an intimate relationship. Today, that relationship finds St. Kitts as one of the Caribbean’s premier travel destinations, while the smaller island of Nevis offers plenty of great activities for day tripping tourists. Though St. Kitts remains a superior resort destination with more tourist opportunities, the islands have much in common. For starters, both islands feature dormant volcanoes at their center, each surrounded by lush rainforests with miles of hiking trails. Furthermore, as St. Kitts and Nevis represent former colonial outposts with economies once dominated by successful sugar plantations, both islands possess an incredible array of historic architecture. Lastly, as most visitors to the Caribbean take great interest in the beaches and the recreation opportunities provided by the Caribbean Sea, tourists will find plenty of warm, clear water and powdery sand wherever they travel.

Rising over 3,200 feet above the Caribbean Sea, Nevis Peak dominates the landscape of St. Kitts’ sister island. Similar to Mt. Liamuiga at the center of St. Kitts, Nevis Peak is surrounded by lush trail-filled rainforests and diverse plant and animal life. As a result, hiking and biking in the shadow of Nevis’ dormant volcano are two of the most popular activities for day-tripping tourists. With tours available for every age and skill level, visitors can spend a few hours experiencing the unspoiled beauty of Nevis and learning about her vibrant Caribbean ecosystem.

Scuba divers and snorkelers will also want to spend an afternoon on Nevis, enjoying pristine coral reefs and ship wrecks. As only 2 miles of Caribbean waters separate St. Kitts and Nevis, many of the best diving tours visit the most popular sites surrounding both islands. Many of the other water sports popular on St. Kitts can also be found on Nevis. A number of tour operators cater to deep sea fishermen and wind surfing enthusiasts, with many offering lessons for those new to the adventurous pursuits. After spending some time in the water, many day-trippers spend their afternoons relaxing on Pinneys Beach – one of the Caribbean’s most beloved stretches of sand.

If you would rather spend your day on land experiencing Caribbean history, there are plenty of sites worth visiting on Nevis. Much like the historic city of Basseterre on St. Kitts, much of the activity on Nevis revolves around the island’s colonial capital – Charlestown. Walking the streets of this quiet city, you will see charming remnants of the island’s history around every corner – from Anglican churches and the Caribbean’s first hotel to elegant plantation homes and the childhood residence of an American founding father, Alexander Hamilton. Elsewhere on the island, you can spot the remains of the once-bustling sugar industry in the form of 18th century plantations, windmills and mansions.

As St. Kitts sister island is close enough to be visible from the beach, a short ferry ride is all that is required to access the small island of Nevis. For many visitors, the 45-minute ferry ride itself is a memorable activity, as the trip provides exceptional views of both islands and the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, as the ferries operate daily from the early morning until the evening hours, it is easy to spend the afternoon on Nevis and return to St. Kitts for the superior dining and nightlife.

Additionally, many tour companies operate on both islands, making it possible to find activities on Nevis through your resort on St. Kitts.

When in St. Kitts, try to make the short voyage across the Caribbean to Nevis. Though St. Kitts may feature superior resorts and recreation opportunities, it is hard to deny the charm of St. Kitts’ little sister.


About The Author
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean for the St. Kitts Resort

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/skbrb-st-kitts-marriott-resort-and-the-royal-beach-casino/

A Family Vacation Getaway In One Of The Best Luxury Hotels In Krabi Thailand

by: Peter R Stewart


So far as luxury hotels go anywhere in the Far East, the Rayavadee in Krabi Thailand is as good if not better than most other luxury hotels.

It is a great beach vacation hotel, with 77 rooms, perfect for a family vacation getaway, and equally fantastic for a honeymoon vacation special deal.

The Rayavadee has to be seen to be believed and everything from the staff to the accommodation, to the grounds, the beaches, and the food are close to being perfect. Krabi is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth so it is just the perfect position for the Rayavadee.

You have to get to Rayavadee by boat, and the first thing that will strike you is the boat. White leather upholstery and the crew all in matching sailors uniforms. Initial impressions are lasting ones, and this certainly makes you feel you are going to a luxury resort. Moving from the speedboat to reception, the impression continues with details all being taken whilst sitting down with hot towels and drinks, which beats standing around a crowded reception area any time.

The accommodation is top class, and if you are on a family vacation getaway there is the family villa with two bedrooms, one on the ground floor, the extra bedroom being the only difference from the De Luxe Pavilion

A two storey villa, and it is so well equipped with all mod cons. It is the small touches like the bathroom own brand products, the bottles of water everywhere, tea, coffee, and biscuits replaced every day. More food and drinks in a huge sideboard, and chocolates left every night by the bed.

A huge bath which holds two, is a feature of the bathroom, and a huge bed are all part of the ambiance.

A great luxury resort has great food, and on a family vacation getaway with hungry kids to feed, this is a very important consideration. If the reader is considering the Rayavadee for a Beach honeymoon vacation special then food is probably high on your agenda.

You will find the restaurants at the Rayavadee are all of the very best, with impeccable service in each of the four different restaurants. It is fair to say that food is not cheap but the views are just out of this world, and you may find it sensible to go down the beach and eat instead, where you will pay perhaps $15 instead of $100, and get genuine Thai food. It’s perfectly safe and worth the effort.

If you want to be active, then there is lots to do from kayaking through the sea caves hiking, swimming, snorkelling, tennis.

The service from the staff could not be more helpful, you will be treated like royalty.in every way. The only downside is the service by the pool which seems to be on the slow side of slow, but always extremely polite.

They are exceptional apart from that small point in every way, and are a big part of the success of the Rayavedee.

Words cannot do justice to the incredibly beautiful beaches, especially the Phranang and Railey beaches which have powder white sand and views of islands in the distance with little caves to explore. Beware however of the monkeys, who although friendly are everywhere!!

All in all there is no doubt that the Rayavadee in Krabi is one of the best luxury hotels in the Far East. It is an ideal spot place for a family vacation getaway on some of the best beaches anywhere. It would also be a good choice for a honeymoon vacation special, so look out for some great honeymoon vacation deals.

For more informaton on Far East Hotels go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Far-East-Hotels/


About The Author
Peter Stewart writes exclusively for http://www.in-kenyasafari.com as well as http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com and has visited personally many of the places he reports on, and has done extensive research on the others

A Kenya Safari Holiday At A Private Game Lodge Next To The Lewa Conservancy

by: Peter R Stewart

A Kenya Safari Holiday, part of which is spent at a Private Game Lodge called Borana adjacent to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy may not at first seem to be what you are looking for, because Borana is probably a name you are unfamiliar with.

You are going to spend a lot of money taking any African safari Trip, especially one at the luxury end of the scale, so it is very well worth your while doing a lot of research before committing your hard earned cash to a safari picked because you liked a picture in a brochure. The best Private Game Lodges are very often not in the popular holiday brochures

Choosing a Kenya Safari as part of your Holiday in Kenya can be difficult, and then on top of that there can be a bewildering choice of accommodation from Camps to Lodges. More often than not you will take a package and these decisions will be taken out of your hands, and this can be a great pity.

There are Game Lodges, and private Game Lodges, safari camps and luxury camps, and there are very popular and sometimes overcrowded game parks, and on the other hand places that are less well known, which will have all the game you could want to view with no other vehicles in sight at this time.

There are game lodges where you will pile into a mini bus for a game drive, and others where you have your own 4x4 with your own knowledgeable guide who will go where you want to go.

With this in mind, study Borana Lodge at the foot of Mount Kenya roughly 6500 feet above sea level, and only sixteen miles from the equator.

Your temporary Kenya Safari Holiday Home at Borana Private Game Lodge has six cottages, so it is small, a good thing as far as it meaning personal attention. There are two cottages with large double beds, and four with Queen sized beds. They are all situated well for privacy, and views from their verandahs, and each has an open fireplace, and ensuite bathrooms.

At Borana there is a selection of available activities which includes Game drives accompanied by rangers and trackers who know all there is to know and more about everything that moves and even stuff that stands still, like trees, flowers, and bushes.

You can take game walks with an experienced guide.

There will be night Game Drives and you will be staggered at the activities of those nocturnal creatures you encounter.

You can explore the 35000 acre ranch on horseback.

Eat farm fresh cooked bush meals wherever and whenever your fancy takes you.

On returning to Borana Lodge you can relax and unwind in the swimming pool which has lovely views over the valley below.

In addition you can choose trips to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy specifically to see the black and white rhino who are protected here.

You can take professionally guided walking safaris.

Above all else remember that whilst you are on a Kenya Safari Holiday, living in some luxury at Borana private game lodge, that Borana is not just a game sanctuary it is also a working ranch, so take the time to be shown round and try to understand the challenges facing those who live and work in what are pretty hostile conditions, where dangerous game such as lions and elephants cause damage and death on an everyday basis.

Borana Private Game Lodge is a very different way to spend part of your Kenya Safari Holiday, but its situation next to the Lewa Conservancy gives you the opportunity of a lifetime to see and do things out of the ordinary.

For more information on In Kenya Safaris go to http://www.in-kenyasafari.com/pages/Site-Map.html

How To Find Cheap Holidays To Spain

by: Terry Roberts


Are you thinking of visiting Spain but are put off by what you’ve heard from your friends about the expense of a holiday there? It’s true that often people think of a holiday to a Mediterranean country such as Spain as a very expensive and difficult trip to plan. This is simply not true. There is a good selection of cheap holidays to Spain that include airfare, hotels and even car rentals or tours once you arrive.

Looking for one of the many cheap holidays to Spain is simple if you have access to a computer and the internet. Many of the online booking companies offer discount packages if you travel slightly off season, which may mean planning your vacation either just in front or just behind the peak tourist season.

In Spain the peak vacation times are the summer months of June to September, but the warm weather often extends well past September and even in April and May. In fact, you may find that a holiday outside the peak periods is in fact much more enjoyable – and bearable. After all, it’s no fun at all walking around cities like Seville, Cordoba or Granada in the boiling heat of a July or August midday.

Planning your vacation just off the main tourist times will usually give you cheaper flights, cheaper hotels and a lot less people around. Another option is to take last minute flights that have not sold, often these flights are a fraction of the price but do require a lot of flexibility.

Staying in hostels is a great way to have cheap holidays to Spain but many hostels have requirements on age and time that you can stay. Sticking to independent hotels rather than the larger chain hotels can also provide slightly decreased costs, plus it allows you to really experience the culture of the area. Another option is to stay in one place that has a good low daily rate and simply travel using rental cars, buses or even the train on day trips to see the surrounding areas.

One of the best ways to decrease the costs of a trip to Spain is to stay just slightly off the beaten path. Many of the smaller towns around the larger cities have wonderful accommodations at a fraction of the price. Meals, food and drink are often much more reasonable in smaller areas than in the big cities.

A rail pass is a relatively inexpensive way to get around the country and saves the traveler from having to navigate the roads and deal with a rental car. Rail or train travel is popular and inexpensive throughout Europe and the rail passes can be used outside of Spain, making them a good cost saving idea for cheap holidays in Spain.

As you can see, there are many ways you can look into to reduce the price of your holidays in Spain. The main thing is to actually get there and soak in the sun, the joie de vivre of the people, the delicious food – or whatever else attracts you!


About The Author
Terry Roberts is a professional linguist and translator who has lived in Spain for over 30 years. To read more travel advice and tips for your next trip to Spain, visit his website at http://www.spain-traveler.com/

Grand Canyon Rafting--The Greatest Vacation in the World

by: Walker D. Mackay


As the snow continues to fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming my mind drifts toward the upcoming summer in the Colorado Plateau of Utah and Arizona. Not because I am chilled by the weather outside, but instead I am thrilled about the thought of water in the mighty Colorado River and in its largest tributary the Green River. I have traveled to Costa Rica and ridden the zip lines through the rainforest, I have seen the incredible animals of the Galapagos Islands, and walked on the glaciers of Alaska; but no place on Earth has captured my mind, body, and soul as the Grand Canyon has. There is no vacation on earth better than a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip.

A Grand Canyon Rafting trip is great for families, groups, or individuals. People are allowed to escape from the ordinary on a multi-day rafting trip. Their worries change from cell phones and business to adapting to the natural world. Trips to the movies are traded for hikes to waterfalls. Crowded swimming pools in the city are traded for natural quiet swimming holes. The bedroom ceiling is traded for the dark star filled night sky. A sense of the natural world is put back into those who have been on a rafting trip.

I feel sorry for those who never see the Grand Canyon, or only peer into its depths from the popular South Rim. As a river guide for Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (http://www.crateinc.com) for the past 13 years I have seen many people's lives change on the Colorado River. It is truly amazing how many people tell me that their trip through Grand Canyon is the greatest thing they have ever done. Many of them are very worldly travelers having been to places I have only seen in magazines, or read about in books. I think that a rafting trip fills people with a sense of accomplishment. After all you usually sleep outside, deal with changing weather, surive rapids, and get sand blasting facials. A huge amount of people come back year after year with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions. Take Wilma for example who had never been camping until she came on a rafting trip alone at age 58. Since that time she has been back twelve times. She always says "Why would I do anything else when I like this so much?". I think the canyon makes you selfish. I always feel offended when it comes up #2 or #3 in a magazine's greatest vacation list or 100 things to do before you die.

The Grand Canyon can only be seen from the bottom to really get the praise it deserves. Pictures don't give the Grand Canyon the justice it deserves. The bottom of the Grand Canyon is unbelievable if you have not seen it. There are waterfalls, steams, pinnacles, rapids, buttes, caves, caverns, animals, grottos, rapids, wildflowers, vertical walls, metamorphic rocks, sedimentry rocks, igneous rocks, trees, and open space.

If you are thinking about doing a rafting trip next summer here are some suggestions. Take enough time to see the Grand Canyon. If you want to do a Grand Canyon Trip do the whole 280 miles, don't do a partial trip. If the eight days are too long then try a shorter trip on the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Colorado River and Trail Expeditions offers motor, row, and paddle rafting trips in both locations. Grand Canyon trips usually originate and end in Las Vegas. Plan on a day of rest and spa treatments after your trip, it will give you some time to start thinking about your next river adventure.


About The Author
Walker Mackay and his wife Mindy are Grand Canyon river guides for Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (http://www.crateinc.com). They live in Fredonia, AZ in the summer and Salt Lake City, UT in the Winter.

Use This Strategy To Get Cheap Holidays

by: Peter Craske


Introduction

We all know someone like my friend Carol. She has done fairly well for herself and holds down a reasonable job. She works as a primary school teacher here in the U.K. but quite frankly her salary is nothing to write home about. Yet, (and this is the amazing thing), Carol always seems to be able to take the most remarkable holidays outside of term time. Amongst our group of friends she is known as the “supremo of cheap last minute foreign holidays” as she always seems to be away on some Caribbean cruise or safari in Africa. One of her cheap vacations last year wasn’t quite so glamorous - she visited Argentina and stayed in some metal shack type accommodation, but when you are literally booking holidays at the last second you have to be prepared to take the rough with the smooth sometimes.

All in all, I know that Carol has had some great experiences and doesn’t regret any of the holidays she has taken. She is the most travelled person I know, which can only enrich the lives of the children she teaches. A couple of months I invited Carol over to my house for dinner with an ulterior motive in mind. I had been curious about her ability to find the low-cost holidays for some time and finally my inquisitiveness had got the better of me. The moment I had served dinner I decided to ask her outright how she managed to afford so many wonderful exotic holidays each year. She stared back at me for a moment, with a somewhat perplexed look on her faced as if I was trying to pry into her soul for some dark secret she was keeping, then she merely gave the answer that I had been expecting all along. She told me she used websites like lastminute.com to source the best holiday at the best price. However there was more to it that this – to Carol what had started as a bit of fun had now become a regular pastime. Carol admitted that she spent a lot of her free time searching out the best deals.

Part of the reason for me asking the question of Carol was that I had a holiday planned and needed to find a cheap vacation myself. When I asked for her best tips she really surprised me. From what little she had told me so far that her methods I assumed Carol found all of her low cost holidays by searching the Internet. But this was not the case. It transpired that Carol had many contacts in the travel industry itself, and could receive a call from personal call from any one of them at any time with an offer of holiday a discounted price. Because they had known Carol for a long time, they were familiar with her requirements exactly, they were well aware of her personal situation in terms of here availability i.e. when she did not work and the fact that she would be willing to travel at a moments notice Because of Carol’s availability and willingness to travel, this made her a very good contact to have for the travel agents and this was reciprocated by the agents in that Carol’s was able to get some of the very best deals available.

Conclusion

If you are looking for cheap last minute foreign holidays and cheap vacations, keep a close eye on site like last minute.com. That said, it is equally important to develop a close relationship with you local travel agent, making then aware of you exact requirements in terms of location and price and contact them often.

About The Author

Peter Craske runs an informational website about the coolest ways to use your leisure time, please visit his site for more info on kid friendly ski resorts colorado and Used acoustic guitars in philadelphia.

Nightclubbing in New York a Destination for Everyone’s Taste

Author: Ken Wilson

In spite, New York is becoming more and more reputable for tourists, this city is still full of the sinful ecstasy that even tourists and more over locals know and love. Nightclubbing in New York can offer you a variety of places where you will find that what you need. There is a bar on each main street in New York. Bars are inclined to specialize in diverse crowds. There are bars that are specialized in serving young business people, other bars are for students.

New York is considered the "heart" of the Jazz World. Nightclubbing is not complete without Jazz. The most preeminent Jazz stars made their names in this city. Some of Jazz clubs in New York are “55 Bar”, where the shows start at 9.00 pm. “Blue Note” is undoubtedly one of the most popular Jazz club in the world. The club is opened six days a week and it activated from 1981.

Nightclubbing is difficult to imagine without dancing, especially in the Big Apple. There are many night clubs in New York where you can dance the night away. “Le Bar Bat”, a dance club with DJs, a restaurant, bars, chillout rooms and live music. “Copacabana” is one of the oldest dance clubs in New York, which offers live Latin music.

Rock clubs are a part of nightclubbing in New York. Every more or less popular rock band started their career in such a club. “Acme Underground” offers life rock shows every night. CBGB is one of the oldest clubs which offers Punk and alternative Rock music. “Drinkland” is the place specialized in Drum and Bass and Techno music, sometimes with special invited DJs, who play electronics of all kinds. “Float” is a big dance floor and two large recreation areas. You will have access in this club if you will follow the Trendy dress code.

Besides bars and supper clubs for dancing with halls and various VIP rooms, there is an ample choice of nightclubbing in New York where you can find a soft and comfortable place to sit, drink, to have a nice chat with friends or to have a romantic date, or simply to listen to music. “13 Bar/Lounge” is a three-floor lounge/nightclub with live Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Soul music every Tuesday. Besides music, this club offers Spoken Word poetry every Monday.

New York nightclubbing offers you good and many comedy clubs. Comedy represents a huge branch for entertainment in New York City. Comedy Cellar is a comfy and welcoming comedy area in the heart of the village, located below the Olive Tree Cafe. This comedy club activates already 11 years and was called by New York Post the best comedy room in New York. “Comic Strip Live” is a pub style comedy club where many famous comedians read their speeches.

It is possible to obtain reduced prices on drink during happy hour at most of the New York bars. “Red Rock West Saloon” is considered one of the best bars in the city. The working staff is very pleasant and there you can’t find bad people working there. It is impossible to have unpleasant time there. “The Shark Bar” is a nice place for a pleasant dinner and a nice chat. Live Jazz music is possible to listen on Tuesdays.

New York has always been the center of entertainment and night life in the USA and also all round the world. Its famous nickname the “City which never sleeps” was acquired correctly. It is the city of contrasts where nightlife offers a variety of choices for all. You should also base on your financial possibilities when planning a night in New York’s clubs. Some clubs can offer you big reductions and a nice and comfortable table with a decent food and drink, some places can offer you luxury and expensive VIP zones.

Source: articlebase.com

UJUNG KULON NATIONAL PARK : The Last Sanctuary of the Javan Rhino

This national park, located in the extreme south-western tip of Java on the Sunda shelf, includes the Ujung Kulon peninsula, several offshore islands as well as the Krakatoa natural reserve. In addition to its natural beauty and geological interest – particularly for the study of inland volcanoes – it contains the largest remaining area of lowland rainforests in the Java plain. Several species of endangered plants and animals can be found there, the Javan rhinoceros being the most seriously under threat. Ujung Kulon National Park is the country’s premier wildlife reserve where the last fifty or so Javan rhinoceros survive. In 1992, UNESCO designated the area as a world natural heritage site.

How to Get There:
Fly to Jakarta and then drive to Serang (Banten Province) via toll road, continue to Labuan, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Labuan head to Taman Jaya, where the excursion into the park usually starts, in a 3.5 hours drive.

The Best Season to Visit:
April to September every year.

Contact:
Ujung Kulon National Park:
Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 51,
Labuan Pandeglang 42264
Ph. (0253) 801731, Fax. (0253) 804651
E-mail: btnuk@cilegon.wasantara.net.id

Source: my-indonesia.info

Baliem Valley - Papua

Once you read or give it a deeper study to Danis way of life, dont be surprise that you may find your eye lifting or forehead wrinkling. Why? Because the Dani is uniquely amazing.

The Dani men and women sleep separately in different honai (Danis traditional house). The men sleep grouped in one honai, while the women and children slumber in another honai. As descended from their ancestor, sex is taboo for the women after giving birth, for 2 or 5 years, as the result the Dani generated healthier kids since the women focus on babysitting the kids during the most important phase of growth. This situation makes the men vulnerable to polygamy, its a true fact of life that the Dani men are allowed to have more than 1 wife or as many as he can afford. A man should give 4-5 pigs to the girls parent he wants to marry. For Dani men, his social status are initiated by the number of wives and pigs he has.

Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die, hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.

To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.

Getting There

Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from Jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center).

• Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.
• MAF
• AMA
• Yajasi
• Manunggal Air
• Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)

To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.

Where to Stay

For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.

If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:

• Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
• Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
• Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
• Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
• Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
• Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
• Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
• Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort), www.baliem-valley-resort.de

Moving Around

Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.

Dining Guide

There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley, a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena

Souvenir Tips

• Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
• Stone blade is a major favorite for the tourist
• Sekan: rattan bracelate
• Noken: made from trees bark
• Head and arm necklace
• Jogal: grass skirt
• And other head decorations

Other Things to See or Do

• The captivating Baliem Fiesta is held on August around 10 - 17 August every year. The festival performs traditional dances, pig races, ancestral fighting and races. Today, Baliem Fiesta is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Papua. Its a magical Fiesta says most of the tourist.
• Join the large and busy local market at Sinatma.
• Spotting mummies at Kurulu Village.

Travel Tips

• Guide is needed to explore the valley
• Dont forget to bring the copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
• Best time to visit is between March and August
• If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared with cold weather equipment
• Ask your guide about Dos and Donts in the Baliem Valley

Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.

You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.

Further Reading:

www.papua-adventures.com

Greek Shipping And Pirates

Yachts are seen as a luxury experience that are normally associated with rich people. The Greek yacht and shipping industry have been a strong business for over 10,000 years. Some of the most famous magnates of the twentieth century have used the shipping industry to make their fortune. The Greeks have maintained their passion for the sea, which is revered as the a beautiful element and believing it possessed Godlike powers. To this day they still use the sea for many explorations and have continued to keep the sea as part of their way of life.

Greek yachts are more popularly used for sailing holidays for younger people and families, travelling around the Ionian Islands. However, yachts have not always been used for vacations and family holiday explorations. Yachts were a very effective method of travelling on sea because of its lightweight build and fast sailing vessel. The Dutch Navy were commonly found to use them for capturing pirates, which were for a long time a major problem on the Greek islands.

History

The word pirate is a derivative from the Latin Pirata and the Greek Peiras meaning attempting and experience. Pirates were known as rebellious violent people who committed robbery at sea, they were more active and prominent during the early 17th and 18th century, particularly among the Mediterranean and Caribbean coasts. Though Greek yachts were not used to capture pirates, pirates had used their knowledge of shipping and sailing to invade the islands creating their own base.

Early pirate activities have been recorded to date back as far as Ancient Greek and Roman periods around 500 BC. Ancient Greek pirates used the Lipari Islands as their base for over 2000 years; Crete was the main homeland and haven for pirates for almost 800 years, until the Rhodeans had begun patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, with the sole purpose of removing pirates from the island.

Other Greek Islands that suffered from many pirate attacks were Paros and Corfu. Paros officials were forced to build fortresses around the island to prevent any further attacks, whilst the people of Corfu were pushed to seek help from the Romans. The Greeks and the Romans together had spent years fighting against pirates, and had successfully deterred many away from the island.

The pirates had built their own lairs in and around Greece, making life difficult for religious officials to build their monasteries in certain areas for fear of being attacked. Saracen pirates, had created their own base on the small island of Gavdos, where the inhabitants lived in fear secretly cultivating their field to avoid trouble. Locals avoided settling near the bay and sea, as this would normally attract many pirates travelling across the sea.

Some of the effects of pirate attacks are still evident in certain parts of the island. The narrow twisting roads and paths were built to further deter pirates off the island, and are prevalent for tourist attraction. Tourists today can even experience the slippery mosaic paths, which were made to slow down the movement of invaders and attackers. Pirates are no longer a threat in Greece, however the shipping industry is thriving even today and people can enjoy the historical remnants of what is left from pirate bases.

Source: ArticleBase.com

Extreme Kenya Adventure safari

Kenya adventure safaris and tours are for the visitor full of energy. Kenya adventure tours and safaris offer a variety of high energy, high adrenaline activities for that memorable feeling. Kenya adventure safari and tour package include activities like bungee jumping, Mt. Kenya adventure climbing, rock climbing, white water rafting, biking, cliff diving and safari treks. Enjoy kenya adventure tour and safari

Mt. Kenya Climbing Adventure safari

The snow-copped 5000m+ Mt Kenya is a challenge to many seasoned mountain climbers. There are several built-up resting camps as well as marked climbing routes. Climbing gear and guides are hired at base camp for the 5-6 day climb.

Bungee Jumping adventure tour

Bungee jumping and white water rafting is done 50 km from Nairobi town at Sagana/ that is along the upstream of Tana River. You also have 60 ft cliff diving into the Sagana River.

Biking adventure Safaris

Biking is usually organized activity within wildlife areas from your lodge. Trekking game tours are also done in community group ranches in the Maasai Mara area.

White Water rafting adventure tours

There is a white water rafting spot near the Aberdare Mountains at Sagana. The Savage adventure facility hires out rubber dinghy for rafting the over 3 km of raging river Sagana. Accommodation is provides in tents and other activities include bungee jumping and cliff diving into the river.

Rock climbing adventures

Rock climbing is offered just a few kilometres from Nairobi. Other hiking and walking venues include Mt. Longonot, Suswa and Ol Donyo Sabuk. These are one day trekking and hiking adventure safaris and need not be strenuous.

Other adventure tours include the over Lander camping, off the beaten truck trips. These camping tours usually involve covering larger areas and gets more interior, takes longer days but is also the most rewarding.

Adventure tours will usually include camping in mobile 1-2 man tent units. Catering is provided while transport is by over Landers and or trucks.

About the author:
Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant with Landmark Safaris. He is degreed in tourism and hospitality management and author to 500 Kenya tour articles.

By Robert Muhoho Published: 12/14/2006

Source: buzzle.com