Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a World Heritage site situated in the straits between Sumba and Flores and consists of the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller ones. Because of its unique geology, the islands have developed equally unique wildlife. With dragons on land and a utopia underwater, you will find an array of dive sites and hiking trails to suit every level of experience.

From pristine corals, mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong and giant pelagics to tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and frog fish, you'll find the diversity of marine life inspiring if not mind boggling. The islands feature a dramatic wild savannah landscape with patches of forest especially on the southern hills of Komodo and Rinca. White and red sand beaches, blue lagoons teeming with fish and some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world entice divers and guests from around the world.

The underwater topography is as varied as the marine life it homes. Dive sites vary from gentle coral slopes to sheer cliff walls, channels, flat bottoms, pinnacles, caves, swim-throughs and a host of hard and soft corals. From the Flores Sea in the north, the warm waters gradually become cooler as you travel southwards into the Indian Ocean.

Komodo boasts countless beautiful deserted beaches, hiking trails, great wildlife, shallow reefs for snorkeling and lagoons for water-skiing. Perfect for divers to take their family on a holiday, as there is something to be discovered for everyone.

Climate information
Dry season:
Rainy season:
Air temperature:
Water temperature:
Best time to dive:
Other interesting info:
April - November
December - March
27 - 32C
25 - 30C. Warmest in the north and coolest in the south
Year round with best weather April - November
Dive conditions vary with the tides, throughout the day. Therefore it is important to dive with the tide tables to hit every site at the optimal time.

Southern waters: Generally provide better visibility from December through April. Lower visibility in the dry season - in the south - is due to oceanic up-welling and plankton richness, which makes this area very rich in marine life, especially invertebrates. An underwater photographers dream! Highest temperatures in the south are during the rainy season.

Northern waters: Generally provide better visibility year round. Water temperature is usually higher. Fish are abundant everywhere but the rocks and reefs in 'current' areas provide the best chances for spotting the bigger fish, especially the sharks and pelagics.



How to get there
Flights: Bali to Labuan Bajo on the mainland of Flores (daily), and
Bali to Bima in Sumbawa at the other side of the Park (daily).

From one of these entry points you will be transferred to The Seven Seas for an itinerary that visits all the best sites in the Park.

Attractive alternatives:
Board The Seven Seas in Benoa Harbour, Bali, and sail to Komodo National Park in 2 days.
You get to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lombok, Sumbawa and Sangean Volcano. Delight in some excellent dives on the way and don't forget to catch a tuna at Sangean! This cruise is also offered in reverse direction, from Komodo to Bali. Selengkapnya...

Refreshing Maninjau Lake

Maninjau Lake West Sumatra, is one of the most splendid lakes in Indonesia. This volcanic lake is situated more or less 461 meters above sea level. This lake, 100 m2 in size with the maximum depth of 500 meters, is associated with a legend. It is said that from the local folklore called "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men"), one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.

Maninjau Lake has a five-starred resort located on the top of a hill. With pleasant, inspiring sceneries, staying around Maninjau Lake will be a dazzling experience for you.

Maninjau Village is located near the lake. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia's national hero. Her name is immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.

Getting There

Located only 35 kilometers away from Bukittinggi, you can visit this site by using a car or a public transportation.

Where to Stay

You can stay at various inns and hotels in Bukittinggi, or at Maninjau Resort, which is closer.

Moving Around

From where you stay, you can use a private car or public transportation to view the magnificent scenery.

Dining Guide

You can eat at several nearby restaurants or hotels. Bear in mind that West Sumatran food tends to be spicy.

Souvenir Tips

You can buy traditional Minangese crafts within the area or in Bukittinggi. Various songket (hand-woven cloth), slippers, shoes, bags, money pouches made of songket, and other unique items are also available. You can also buy traditional West Sumatran snack such as cassava chips coated with chili sauce.

Other Things to See or Do

Simple water recreations can be done in the lake. Unfortunately, since the locals consider swimsuits improper, you shouldn't swim in this lake. You can swim in the resort or in other hotels. If you stay at the resort, you can also use the fitness center and jogging track.


Travel Tips

* Respect the locals--dress casually yet not revealingly.
* Stay in Maninjau Resort to spend a memorable night in this fantastic place. Selengkapnya...

Ijen Plateau- Home-Grown Sulfur

Ijen plateau or known as "Kawah Ijen" is highly recommended to mountain buffs and hikers. The Plateau was at one time a huge active crater, 134 sq km in area. Today, Ijen is a quiet but active volcano, and the landscape is dominated by the volcanic cones of Ijen (2,368 asl) and Merapi (2,800 asl) on the northeastern edge of the Plateau, and Raung (3,332 asl) on the southwest corner.
The magnificent turquoise sulfur lake of Kawah Ijen lies at 2148 m above sea level and is surrounded by the volcanos sheer crater walls. The vent is a source of sulfur and collectors work here, making the trek up to the crater and down to the lake every day. Sulfur collectors hike up in the morning and return around 1 pm when the clouds roll in. They carry shoulder basket of pure sulfur from a quarry on the lakes edge under the shadow of the sheer walls of the crater. The mineral at Kawah Ijen is purer and is worth commercial exploitation despite the horrendous labor involved: Javas homegrown sulfur is a natural source of sulfuric acid, in great demand in the oil-refining business and in the production of fertilizers.

Getting There

The Ijen Plateau can be reached through Bondowoso from either the northern or the southern coast. It is closer to Banyuwangi, but the road is very steep and badly deteriorated. A 4 WD is essential, although difficult to hire in Banyuwangi and outrageously expensive. Most people walk the last 8 km along the road to Pos Paltuding (the PHPA Post, the starting point or the trek to the crater).

Where to Stay

You can choose your places of stay at Bondowoso or Banyuwangi. There's a few type of accommodation with varied price and facilities.

Moving Around

You can take a walk for about 1-1 1/2 hour to the crater rim.

Dining Guide

Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you have already eaten, or you can bring some food and drink from your places.of stay. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcoholic drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips

The sulphur diggers will approach you for playing a guide and sell some nice sulphur statues for 5.000 till 10.000 Rp (probably their day-income).

Other Things to See or Do

At the rim itself you have a nice view on the lake. You can walk around the rim or go immediately left so you can walk down to the lake for about 40 minutes.

Travel Tips

*The walk starts at Pal Tuding. Its a basic camp where you can stay overnight. There is a block with showers and toilets
*At night it can be pretty cold up there,(it is suggested that you carry a sleeping bag). Take your own picnic, since the food you can buy at the parking lot isn't up to much.
* The walk up to the crater rim takes 60-90 minutes. It's pretty steep. Halfway is a small post where the sulphurworkers take a break. A cup of tea is available here.
* The path is just one-way so there is no need for any guidance.
* An absolute must is a handkerchief to put in front of your mouth and nose to avoid inhalation of the sulphur gases.
* If you buy some souvenirs like statues, they are very breakable so tape them in with toilet paper and take precious care of it. Selengkapnya...

See Seoul's ancient sights for less

SEOUL - With the South Korean currency, called the won, down against the dollar, now's the time to wander the grounds of 600-year-old palaces, meditate in Buddhist temples and trawl cafes and markets in the labyrinthine capital city, Seoul.

Getting around: Seoul, home to nearly a quarter of South Korea's people and one of the world's most densely populated cities, has eight subway lines, hundreds of buses covering every corner and affordable cabs.

From Incheon International Airport, city shuttle buses reach Seoul for about $7 (9,000 won). Korean Air offers a more comfy door-to-door service to major hotels for $10 (14,000 won). A taxi to the city center runs $38-$45 (50,000-60,000 won).

The subway is fast and cheap. Fares start at 70 cents (900 won). The $1.10 (1,500-won) T-Money Card also works on buses and in many cabs. When taking cabs, look for silver or white taxis, which start the meter at $1.50 (1,900 won). (A fare increase is slated for June). "Luxury" black cabs are more expensive.

Cheap stays: Staying in a traditional Korean house is the best way to live the history of Seoul. The narrow, winding alleyways of Bukchon, one of the last surviving old-style areas of the capital, is full of guesthouses built in the traditional, U-shaped "hanok" style with graceful, swooping eaves and intimate courtyards.

Anguk Culture House is a charming hanok near the Insadong antiques district. Book early; it only has five rooms, all with en suite bathrooms and Western-style beds. Twin rooms cost $53 (70,000 won) and doubles $60 (80,000), only slightly more than hostels. Other hanok options: Tea Guest House, singles $38 (50,000 won) and doubles $60 (80,000 won) or the Seoul Guesthouse with twin rooms, $38 (50,000 won) and a shaggy dog that according to Korean folklore will chase away evil spirits.

Or live like a Buddhist monk with a temple stay. The Bongeunsa and Hwagyesa temples offer 24-hour packages of activities including ceremonial services, meditation, tea ceremonies, communal work on temple grounds, arts and crafts and authentic Buddhist meals. Beware: Lights out at 9:30 p.m. and wake up calls come at a bracing 3:30 a.m. Prices are $23-38 (30,000-50,000 won). Reserve at least a week in advance.

For hostels, the modern Hongdae Guesthouse in the student district is also in the heart of Seoul's community of young designers, with a myriad of small cafes and an affordable Saturday art market. Dormitory beds are $16-$18 (21,000-24,000 won). In the city center, try Seoul Backpackers or its sister guesthouse, Banana Backpackers with doubles at $34-38 (45,000-50,000 won) and dormitory beds at $15 (20,000 won).

Jet-lagged on arrival? Nab a nap at one of Seoul's "jjimjilbang" bathhouses. After paying the entrance fee, you get your own loungewear and access to baths, saunas, therapy rooms and relaxation area where perfect strangers catnap side by side or in individual booths. Sauna areas are men/women only but relaxation areas are usually co-ed. "Jjimjilbang" are open 24 hours, but go during the week as they can get family-style noisy on weekends.

The Hurest Well Being Club Spa offers city views from its upper floors in the downtown Myeongdong shopping area; entrance fee $4.50-$7.50 (6,000-10,000 won). The Riverside Spa Land is popular, with a salt room, clay room, charcoal room and oxygen room. The Seoul Leisure Sports Club offers a swimming pool and golf range. The Korean Tourism Organization has an excellent introduction to the "jjimjilbang" experience.

Cheap eats: Eating cheap in Seoul means spice, rice and plenty of everything. Seoulites like to eat out, filling thousands of mom-and-pop places that give good local color and value.

See the amazing images sent by msnbc.com readers and submit your own for next week!
If you're new to Korean food, start at Lotte Department store's self-serve food court, where traditional dishes, from dolsot bibimbap (rice and vegetables cooked in stone bowls) to naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) are on mouthwatering display. Note the number of the dish you want, pay at the central ticket booth, and watch for your number on the digital display.

The alleyways of the antiques district of Insadong are packed with tourist-friendly restaurants featuring traditional fare for less than $6 (8,000 won) for a set meal of soondubu chigae (spicy tofu stew) with rice, bulgogi (marinated beef) or dduk mandu guk (dumplings and rice cake in beef broth), and side dishes, including Korea's most famous condiment, kimchi, fermented and pickled vegetables. Wash it down with traditional liquor, milky makgeolli or tart dongdongju.

Ssamziegil Market in Insadong has cheap, chic restaurants like the healthy Dubu Ma-eul, or "Tofu Village," and the elegant Oh Mok Theh for hearty seafood pancakes. Selengkapnya...

Travel to Brisbane, Australia

Cutting dramatically through lush coastal plains, the Brisbane River coils like a snake around the cosmopolitan chic of Queensland's unique sub-tropical capital. Developed as a penal colony in 1824, the city spent years in the shadow of its southern neighbors. However, following the Commonwealth Games and Expo in the 1980s, investment skyrocketed, cementing Brisbane's future as a place of wealth, beauty and excitement.

Brisbane's architecture is a mix of the modern and the old with impressive Renaissance style and timber Queenslander dwellings sharing a berth with the modern giants. Despite being close to the ocean, this is very much a river city, and the footpaths and waterways are a delightful way to explore this majestic metropolis.

Central Business District

Dominated by the impressive City Hall , Brisbane's business center is a remarkable dichotomy of style. Unlike other Australian cities, the life of the central area does not fade with the sunset. Bars and clubs swell with numbers, attracting large crowds with entertainment each night. The spectacular Conrad Treasury Casino looms proudly over the river, whilst Queen Street Mall 's garnished modern decor greets shoppers, diners and people-watchers with open arms. Built in 1828, the Old Windmill and Observatory are some of Brisbane's oldest buildings and Parliament House , built to French Renaissance style in 1868, is a classic example of the city's historical prowess.

South Bank Parklands

If you cannot go to the beach, then the beach must come to you. The South Bank is a true wonder of ambitious modern design. With a large swimming area and sandy beach, escaping from the city is means a 30-second ferry ride. The nearly 40 acres of parkland include some of Brisbane's finest restaurants and cafes, and its own rainforest boardwalk. The popular South Bank Markets are held on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. The atrium snakes its way through the Parklands from the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses the Performing Arts Complex , Queensland Museum , Queensland Art Gallery and State Library .

Riverside District

Mirroring the diversity of the South Bank , this city side complex is dissected by a lazy walkway, curving its way past the City Botanical Gardens , and hugging the foreshore with its traditional timber jetties and visiting touring yachts. Eagle Street Pier is the wining and dining area, while the Riverside Centre hosts a huge Sunday Craft Market . Standing proud among its modern neighbors, Customs House is a glorious building, providing a timely reminder of the area's vibrant heritage.

Fortitude Valley & Chinatown

Depart the river at the engaging New Farm Park, and the walk toward Fortitude Valley could take you an age if you choose to wine, dine and shop your way through the broad spectrum of styles. In Brisbane's vibrant Chinatown , a bewildering selection of Asian cuisine swamps the senses with local shopkeepers contributing to the enchantment of this true Asian hideaway.

The Valley offers similar diversity but does it with a brash energetic style for fun loving, nightlife seekers. Originally unfortunate enough to be considered a bad area, this is now Brisbane's alternative Mecca. For a one location night out, Dooley's Hotel has become a cult favorite.

Kangaroo Point & Woolloongabba

The elder statesman of Brisbane suburbs, Kangaroo Point , is the place to gaze in awe at the city's dramatic views. Cast in the shadow of the imposing Story Bridge , the Point's impressive sandstone cliffs dominate the foreshore. With the area transforming into a dynamic residential enclave, the demand for cafes and restaurants has grown rapidly. Kangaroo Point rivals South Bank in style as it strives to become the south side's new home for fine dining.

The Gabba (Woolloongabba), gateway to the Gold Coast and southeast, has earned an international reputation as the location of the Brisbane Cricket Ground , home of the Brisbane Lions Football Team .

Milton, Paddington & Rosalie

These west side suburbs offer a change of pace from the frantic energy of the Valley. In Milton, Park Road 's mock Eiffel Tower calls the discerning visitor to the city's most fashionable pavement cafe precinct. Rosalie Village, nestled in the western hills, conjures up visions of a small European community, with fine dining or relaxed, inexpensive fare available al fresco throughout the year. For the eccentric or exotic, Paddington's Latrobe Street has a selection of hidden gem restaurants, galleries and boutiques encased in colorful Queenslander cottages.

Around the Bay

Within an hour's drive of Brisbane's downtown, the wonders of Moreton Bay provide the day-tripper with unequaled delights. Before leaving the mainland, a visit to the charming Manly Harbour is a must. A mix of the new and traditional, this is the East Coast's largest pleasure boat marina, and home to good food and shopping.

A short trip ferry trip to Moreton Island reveals a realm of sand dunes (the world's highest coastal dunes), dolphins and four-wheel drive adventures. Whether you choose to stay at the plush Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort or just camp along the beach, Moreton Island is a kaleidoscope of natural wonder.

North Stradbroke Island (Straddie to the locals), a stone's throw from the mainland, is a Queensland treasure, providing an escape to paradise without the long trip. Within the National Park, Tortoise Lagoon and the 'Window' Blue Lake are spectacular.

With a bridge connecting Bribie Island with the mainland, this is the most accessible destination to see the fauna-rich waters of the Bay without getting your feet wet. Diving, fishing and relaxing are the order of the day on this lively, well-populated island, and a visit to the wonderful Abbey Museum is essential.

Brisbane's self-promotion as Australia's "most livable city" may have been used before, but it is absolutely true. Spending time wandering Brisbane's districts will bring you to the realization that this city is Australia's true capital of leisure, jaunty style and good living. Selengkapnya...

Canada: Nunavut Bird

Birding opportunities abound in Nunavut, in our Bird Sanctuaries and our Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Beginning in June, millions of birds arrive in Nunavut. Our rugged cliffs and tundra – unspoiled and undisturbed for millennia – provide true sanctuary to huge populations, as many as 50,000 nesting birds in one location.

Nunavut has 11 Bird Sanctuaries:

* Akimiski Island
* Harry Gibbons
* Boatswain Bay
* Nannah Bay
* Bylot Island
* McConnell River
* Dewey Soper
* Prince Leopold Island
* East Bay
* Queen Maud Gulf
* Seymour Island

A good guide and a little planning ensures guaranteed encounters with snowy owls, sandhill cranes, gyrfalcons (including the white phase), jaegers, loons, plovers and more.

Bird Habitat

No matter what region you visit, you will find birds – lots of birds – in almost every area of Nunavut. The tundra is spectacular in its summer splendor. Arctic flowers roar with colour as stunning as any jungle.

Undiscovered bird bonanzas await. Seek assistance from outfitters, airline personnel, travel agents, lodge owners, who have the inside information to direct you.

For instance, Akpatok Island is home to an incredible population of Thick-Billed Murres and on Coburg Island you’ll discover 500,000 seabirds living in a local colony 6 kilometres long.

With unspoiled bird habitat everywhere, Nunavut is one of the best birding destinations in the world. Selengkapnya...

Explore Tibet

Explore TibetTibet Autonomous Region lies in the southwest of China and in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is bounded to the north by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, to the east by Sichuan Province, to the southeast by Yunnan Province, to the south and west by these countries: Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. The region covers an area of around 1.22 million km2, which accounts for 12.8% of the total of China.

With an average altitude of above 4,000 meters, Tibet Autonomous Region has very complex topography and falls into three geographic parts: the west, the south and the east. The west part, known as the North-Tibet Plateau, lies between Kunlun Mountain and Kangdese Mountain, and Tonglha Mountain and Nyainqentanglha Mountain. This part takes up 2/3 of the total area of Tibet. The south part of Tibet consists of valleys and lies between Kangdese Mountains and Himalayas. The east part is mainly made up of canyons and is marked by a gradual decline in altitude intercepted by small ranges called Henduan Ranges.


Basic Datas:
Official Name: Xizang Zizhiqu
Short form: Xizang
Int'l long form: Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
Int'l short form: Tibet
Etymological: the name Tibet is derived from the Sanskrit word Trivistapa which means "heaven." Tibetans called their homeland Bod.

People:
Population: 2.62 million
Ethnic Groups: primarily ethnic Tibetans; Menba, Lhoba, Mongols, Hui and a growing number of Han Chinese.
Religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Animism.
Culture: Wedding, Funeral
Languages: Tibetan, Chinese.
Festivals: Tibetan New Year, Shoton Festival, Bathing Festival..
Natural resources: Forests, wildlife, mineral resources, uranium (world's largest uranium reserve), hydro-, geothermal energy.
Agriculture products: Livestock and livestock products.
Industries: Mining, wool spinning, carpets, forestry, food processing, printing, building materials and machinery, tourism.
Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) Selengkapnya...

Introducing Tibet

Tibet: the Land of Snows, the roof of the world. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a lost Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery. When the doors were finally flung open in the mid-1980s, Tibet lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese wrested control of the plateau, drove the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and some 100, 000 of Tibet’s finest into exile and systematically dismantled most of the Tibetan cultural and historical heritage, all in the name of revolution. For a while images of the Buddha were replaced by icons of Chairman Mao. Today, Tibetan pilgrims across the country are once again mumbling mantras and swinging their prayer wheels in temples that are heavy with the thick intoxicating aroma of juniper incense and yak butter. Monasteries have been restored across the country, along with limited religious freedoms. A walk around Lhasa’s lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit is proof enough that the efforts of the communist Chinese to build a brave new (roof of the) world have foundered on the remarkable and inspiring faith of the Tibetan people.

For travellers, Tibet is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet. There's Gyantse, in the Nyang-chu Valley, famed for the largest chörten (stupa) in Tibet, and hiking in Yarlung Valley, widely considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Base yourself in Tsetang and marvel at the monkey cave in Gangpo Ri or walk the monastery kora (pilgrim path). Your trip will take you past glittering mountain turquoise lakes and over high passes draped with prayer flags. Find a quiet spot in a prayer hall full of chanting monks, hike past the ruins of remote hermitages or make an epic overland trip along some of the world’s wildest roads. The scope for adventure is limitless.

For many people, Tibet is a uniquely spiritual place. Those moments of peace, fleeting and precious, when everything seems to be in its proper place, seem to come more frequently in Tibet, whether inspired by the devotion apparent in the face of a pilgrim or the dwarfing scale of a beautiful landscape. Tibet can truly claim to be on a higher plain.

This remarkable place is changing fast. Investment and tourism are flooding into the region, inspired by a new train line from China, and GDP is rising even faster than the train tracks to Lhasa. Unfortunately the modernisation is coming first and foremost on China’s terms. China’s current wave of tourists has been dubbed the ‘second invasion’, with a slew of new hotels, restaurants and bars set up and run by Chinese for Chinese. Once the remote preserve of hardy backpackers, it is now local Chinese tourists who dominate the queues for the Potala and Jokhang. Lhasa is booming and even small towns across the plateau are being modernised and rebuilt. With every passing month Tibet looks less and less like itself.

The myths and propaganda that have grown up around Tibet can be so enticing, so pervasive and so entrenched that it’s hard to see the place through balanced eyes. The reality is that Tibet is no fragile Shangri-la but a resilient land underpinned by a unique culture and faith. But you are never far from the reality of politics here. For anyone who travels with their eyes open, a visit to Tibet will be memorable and fascinating, but also a sobering experience. It’s a place that’s likely to change the way you see the world and that will remain with you for years to come. And that’s surely the definition of the very best kind of travel.
lonelyplanet.com Selengkapnya...