Bunaken is one of the over 17 000 islands of Indonesia and lies in the North of Sulawesi (in former times: Celebes) You need about 45 minutes with a boat from Manado. Manado is the capital of the province North Sulawesi with approx. 230 000 inhabitants. The international airport Dr. Samratulangi is approximately 15 km northeastern.

Perhaps you are interested in country and people of North Sulawesi, its history, culture or touristly interesting places.

The Bunaken National Abyssal Esplanade was formally accustomed in 1991 and is a allotment of the aboriginal of Indonesia's growing arrangement of abyssal parks. The esplanade covers a absolute apparent breadth of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, balmy close water. The actual 3% of the esplanade is terrestrial, including the 5 islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although anniversary of these islands has a appropriate character, it is the amphibian ecosystem that attracts a lot of naturalists.

The amnion of Bunaken National Abyssal Esplanade are acutely abysmal (1566 m in Manado Bay), bright (up to 35-40 m visibility), auspicious in temperature (27-29 C) and anchorage some of the accomplished levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of accumulation of absorption - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the amount of families, genera or breed is apprenticed to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 breed of behemothic clams that action in the world, action in Bunaken. The esplanade has about 70 genera of corals; analyze this to a simple 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact amount of angle breed is unknown, it may be hardly college than in the Philippines, area 2,500 species, or about 70% of all angle breed accepted to the Indo-western Pacific, are found.

Oceanic currents may explain, in part, why Bunaken National Abyssal Esplanade is such a abundance accession of biodiversity. Northeasternly currents about ambit through the esplanade but abounding adverse currents and gyros accompanying to lunar cycles are believed to be a allurement for chargeless pond larvae. This is decidedly accurate on the south ancillary of the crescent-shaped Bunaken Island, lying in the affection of the park. A snorkler or diver in the around of Lekuan or Fukui may atom over 33 breed of butterfly angle and abundant types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, baby angle with billowing eyes and adapted fins that acquiesce them to attach to harder surfaces, are the a lot of assorted but atomic accepted accumulation of angle in the park.

Now that you’ve arrived in Manado and enjoyed a few breathtaking dives in the Bunaken National Marine Park, you may be tempted to ask: "Just where does my Rp 150,000 ($15) entrance fee go anyway"? The answer will probably surprise you, as Bunaken’s entrance fee system is the first of its kind in Asia, and is being held up as a model system by marine conservationists around the world. The most important aspect of Bunaken’s system is that the money collected remains with the Bunaken Management Advisory Board to fund conservation and village development programs in the park – instead of heading to the national coffers as with every other national park in Asia (and many throughout the world)! This makes a world of difference, as it means your money goes towards managing the very reefs you’ve come to enjoy.

Technorati Tags: Bunaken,Indonesia,Tourism

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The characteristic agreeableness of Katong can be traced aback to its Peranakan roots. A quiet residential breadth aforetime bedeviled by affluent Straits Chinese families or the Peranakans, abounding of the earlier Peranakan homes in Katong, already bank villas, still angle alpine and picturesque. Katong is the abode to go for colourful Nonya kebayas (traditional dress of changeable Peranakans), admirable beaded slippers and handbags, and of advance home-made Peranakan cuisine like ayam buah keluak.

Along East Coast Road, you will acquisition three retail-cum-cultural establishments showcasing the abounding facets of Peranakan ability - Katong Antique House, Rumah Bebe and Kim Choo Kueh Chang.

Set in an elaborately-designed Peranakan 'house', Rumah Bebe not alone sells Nonya kebayas and accessories, it aswell offers classes in Peranakan cuisine, beadwork and acceptable embroidery. Appointment the high attic to appearance a affectation of a Peranakan conjugal alcove and apprentice added about the activity of a archetypal adolescent Peranakan lady.

Founded over 40 years ago, Kim Choo Kueh Chang is area assemblage can savour its acclaimed candied rice dumplings as able-bodied as apprentice the art of wrapping Nonya dumplings at organised demonstrations and reside classes throughout the day.

The 25 year-old Katong Antique Abode is abounding with every blazon of acceptable Peranakan costumes, ceramics and furniture. Meet Mr Peter Wee, a fourth bearing Baba Peranakan who will amuse you with belief of his heritage. A little arcade sits on the top attic of the two-storey shophouse, which Mr Wee affiliated from his affectionate grandfather, Mr Tan Cheng Kee.

The Eurasians are addition indigenous accumulation whose roots are in Katong. The Eurasian Ancestry Centre, amid at the Eurasian Association's association house, offers alluring acumen into the Eurasian culture, from music, bounded celebrities and even language. Visitors can aswell sample adorable Eurasian book at the Association's actual own Eurasian restaurant - Eddie's Place.

In the aforementioned around is the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, with beauteous architectonics and murals – absolutely able-bodied account a visit. For something added modern, Parkway Parade is the arcade capital of the east. But ultimately, Katong is best accepted for Singaporeans’ favourite amusement – food!

Technorati Tags: Singapore. Asia,Katong,Travel,Tourism

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Hangzhou – Paradise on earth, the capital of Zhejiang province in east China, lies close to the mouth of the Qiantang River at the western end of the Gulf of Hangzhou.

Hangzhou was a small fishing village until late in the sixth century, when the extension of the Grand Canal southward from the Yangzi led to the development of a busy commercial center in the town. It prospered, especially during the peaceful early period of the Tang Dynasty. Its growth was assisted by the development of the lower Yangzi area into the nation's most important agricultural region.

Hangzhou underwent dramatic development when the Song Dynasty, pushed south by the conquering Jin, established its capital there. In a short space of 100 years, the population grew to almost a million and the town flourished as a major trading center. Although the city was partly destroyed by the invading Mongols in the late 13th-century, it appeared impressive to Marco Polo when the famous Italian traveler visited the city shortly afterwards. According to Marco Polo, Hangzhou was “without doubt the finest and most splendid city the world... there are said to be 13,000 bridges, mostly of stone... vast are the numbers of those accustomed to dainty living, to the point of eating fish and meat at one meal.”

As for the West Lake, Marco Pole wrote: “On one side it skirts the city... and commands a distant view of all its grandeur and loveliness, its temples, monasteries, and gardens with their towering trees, running down to the water's edge. On the lake itself is the endless procession of barges thronged with pleasure-seekers... their minds and thoughts are intent upon nothing but bodily pleasures and the delights of society.”

Today, the city remains renowned for its beauty, which some claim is unsurpassed in China; and although some of the historic buildings have been destroyed, the archaeological attractions that remain are still impressive. Many sections of the town have not changed for centuries, while the famous West Lake region retains its reputation as one of the most beautiful spots in China, with landscaped gardens on its banks, tree-shaded walks, and in the nearby hills, temples, pagodas, and monasteries.

WEST LAKE
Hangzhou's fame rests mainly with the picturesque West Lake, so named because it is located in its western fringe. Covering about four square miles, West Lake is surrounded on three sides by rolling wood hills. At the center are three isles--Lesser Yingzhou, Mid-lake Pavilion and Ruangong Isle. Solitary Hill stands by itself on the northern lakeshore. It can be reached from the city by Bai Causeway, with Su Causeway bisects the lake from north to south. The blue, often rippling, water is dotted with elegant stone bridges and charming pavilions.

QIANTANG TIDAL BORE
If you are visiting in September during the autumn equinox, you may be able to see one of the most unusual sights in the world. A tidal bore gathers momentum in the Gulf of Hangzhou, surges into the mouth of the Qiangtang River, and races up the river, at a height of up to 30 ft. and a speed of more than 15m.p.h. In ancient times, governors of Hangzhou used to have arrows fired at the waves in an attempt to quell their destructive forces. Nowadays more effective methods are used.

LINGYIN TEMPLE
It is believed that the temple was first established in 336 A.D. by a monk known as Hui Li. It was destroyed on a number of occasions, the last time during the Taiping Rebellion, and the latest rebuilding was in the early part of the 20^th century. It was then restored in 1956.

The temple sits at the foot of the Northern Peak in a wooded area, with a stream running in front of it. Some of the trees in front are believed to be more than 1,000 years old.

The foremost temple houses a laughing Buddha carved in camphor wood and covered in gold with a carved gilt figure standing behind as a guard. Both figures are set under a two-eaves wooden canopy decorated in red and gold. Ornate lamps hang on either side.

HANGZHOU, known as "paradise on earth," has a humid climate, fresh air, a clean, well-ordered environment, and the West Lake as its back garden. The land around Hangzhou City is one of "fish and rice" as well as a production base for silk. Each person encountered on its streets radiates contentment. An increasing number of people are purchasing villas in the area, and real estate prices have consequently increased.

Technorati Tags: China Travel,Hangzhou,China Tour

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Kuta has traveled from slave port to stardom. This is where modern tourism in Bali all started and it’s still the most happening place of all. With the building of the airport in Bali, Kuta became a firmly established part of the “Hippy Trail” and the Balinese responded with smiles, homestays and other simple accommodation, and eateries.

From this small sleepy village with a white sand beach and good surf grew the Kuta of today which extends 8-10 km northeast of the airport and includes the villages of Tuban, the three villages of Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa and now Petitenget, with hotels, resorts and restaurants virtually lining the length of the beach.

It’s been fashionable for many years now to decry Kuta for its brashness, crassness and chaos, but the fact remains that the most cosmopolitan and interesting people are to be found here. Like it or not, this is 21st Century Bali, warts and all, without the sanitisation of the more planned areas.

But even in central Kuta you can find quiet hotels and intimate restaurants, and while the beach may be crowded in pockets, most of it is virtually empty, even in peak season. This is where you will find the widest range of accommodation and the best shopping, from trinkets to well-priced designer wear to elegant homewares and exquisitely crafted furniture.

You'll also find the best variety of eating and nightlife: The beachside Hard Rock Café; the tired 24 hour Mamas; the noisy unsophisticated drinking holes such as Sari Club and Flanagans in Central Kuta; the earsplitting beachside 66 (Double Six) Disco; the trendy bars and restaurants of Seminyak; and the air-conditioned cigar bar of KuDeTa restaurant in Petitenget.

Chaos and traffic notwithstanding, the Kuta area has it all. As the parts that make up the whole have their own distinct characteristics we list them going north/west along the beach from the airport. The divisions are not exact but close enough for our purposes.

Kuta in addition  to being the Sunset Site Number One, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurants line up the streets as well as the Bachfront, Hotels, ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

The beach of Kuta is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives you a breathtaking landing experience. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, waves will invite you to test  your surfing

Kuta is very short drive away from the airport, and transportation is readily available to take you from and to Kuta to and from anywhere else in Bali.

Technorati Tags: Bali,Island,Indonesia,Tourism

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A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a verdant valley in northern Thailand. About 668 kilometres from Bangkok, it covers an area of 11,472 square kilometres and is made up of the following districts: Mueang, Wiang Sa, Na Noi, Pua, Chiang Klang, Tha Wang Pha, Thung Chang, Mae Charim, Ban Luang, Na Mun, Santi Suk, Bo Kluea, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Song Khwae, and Phu Phiang.

The people of Nan descend from the Lan Changs (Laotians). Their forebears moved to settle around present-day Pua district which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago at the time when Sukhothai was becoming the kingdom of the Thais. They subsequently moved south to the fertile Nan River basin which is much more extensive.

Nan's history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hilltribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

 

About Thai Lue Village Ban Nong Bua

This village is about 40 kilometres to the north of the town on Highway No. 1080, with an additional 3 kilometres after the left turn into the village in Tha Wang Pha district. The Thai Lue people living at Ban Nong Bua are noted or producing the traditional tribal fabric, an art handed down from generation to generation. It has also been improved in the designs but still retaining the original patterns. The native woven materials have now become a highly popular buy among tourist.

Technorati Tags: Thailand,Nan,Touring,Travel

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