2013/01/31

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


Moorea is a high island in French Polynesia, part of the Society Islands, 17 km (roughly 9 mi) northwest of Tahiti. Moorea means "yellow lizard" in Tahitian. An older name for the island is “Aimeho, sometimes spelled “Aimeo “or Eimeo” (among other spellings misunderstood by early visitors with no knowledge of the language). Early Western colonists and voyagers also referred to Moorea as York Island.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


Because of its stunning scenery and accessibility to Papeetē, Moorea is visited by many western tourists who travel to French Polynesia. Especially popular as a honeymoon destination, Moorea can often be seen in advertisements in American wedding magazines. Arthur Frommer declared in Frommer's travel guide that he considered it the most beautiful island in the world.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


In addition to its high and scenically dramatic interior mountains, Moorea is unique among the Society Islands in having magnificent expanses of both white and black sand beaches. It is no stretch to say that the beaches of Moorea Island can be rated among the worlds finest.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


Filled with Polynesian history and lore, Moorea is one of the most fascinating and completely relaxing places you could dream of vacationing. On a hilltop lookout high up in the interior mountains, between shark toothed Mount Rotui and towering Mount Tohivea, there is a view once reserved only for the gods...

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


On one side lies exquisite Cook's Bay, and the other a deep and equally entrancing Opunohu Bay. Their waiting arms reach up to embrace you. Which way do you go? There is only one way to make the choice... come to Moorea and experience the magic!

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


What to Do

6 categories for Moorea activities include: 

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


1.  WATERSPORTS:  with a special section for Scuba Diving, plus, Sailing, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, jetskiing, swimming, kitesurfing.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


2. RELAXATION:  motu picnics, nightlife, circle island tours, glass bottom boat, private lagoon tours, sunset cruises, massage

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


3.  ADVENTURES:  4x4 safaris, parasailing, deepsea & sportfishing, shark & ray feeding, hiking & climbing

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


4.  ISLAND FUN:  eco, cultural, & nature touring, lagoon excursions, horseback riding, light tackle fishing, Aquascope, Aquasafari, Lagoonarium, camping, flightseeing

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


5. RECREATION:  casual walking, bicycle riding, tennis, volleyball, billiards, massage.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


6.  SHOPPING, SERVICES & RESTAURANTS: local art galleries & studios, Black Pearls & jewelry, giftshops, boutiques & more.

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love

(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love
(Polynesia) – Moorea – Island of love


(Wikipedia, Moorea island)

2013/01/30

(Philippines) - Travel to Palawan


Palawan is an island province of the Philippines. The provincial capital is Puerto Princesa and it is the largest province in terms of land area. It is considered as the last frontier of the Philippines.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan

 Climate

The weather in Palawan is at its best from late February to about mid May. This is when the oceans are calmest and visibility for snorkeling and diving is best. Tubbataha dive trips only run during this period. Very few typhoons cross Palawan due to it lower latitude. The monsoons bring most of the rain to Palawan and they can develop very quickly, unleashing torrential downpours. The south west monsoon, "habagat", is from late May to October. The north east monsoon, "amihan", is from November to late February. The weather is always hot and humid. Wear the lightest possible cotton clothes to beat the heat. I recommend shorts, sleeveless shirt and sandals – no shoes and socks. Remember to always bring your hat, umbrella, insect repellant, sun-block and sunglasses.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Central and Northern Palawan

Puerto Princesa City -  Puerto Princesa City has a population of about 200,000 and is the Capital of Palawan. Puerto Princesa City and the Underground River are the most popular Palawan destinations for Filipinos. This is partly because of the large number of discount flights coming into the city every day, plus the relatively cheap accommodation available for large family groups with tight budgets. The typical Puerto Princesa two-night-three-day dash includes a one day snorkeling tour of Honda Bay, usually with pickup straight from the airport (need an early flight for this), a day trip to the Underground River on day 2 and a Puerto Princesa city tour on day 3, ending just before the late afternoon departure back to Manila.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


There are 9+ daily flights into and out of Puerto Princesa. The route is served by all of the major airlines with Cebu Pacific having the most flights. Although the majority of flights are to Manila, there are some to Cebu, Coron (Busuanga) and Boracay (Caticlan).


The Underground River at Sabang - The road from Puerto Princesa City to the Underground River in Sabang is almost completely concreted now and it takes less than two hours to travel the 80 km. The bus or jeepney will take up to three hours because it will continually stop to pick up passengers and cargo. Sabang is the village from where the boats ferry the tourists to the underground river, about 15 minutes away. If you can fit it into your itinerary, consider spending at least a night in Sabang. There is plenty of accommodation there to choose from. The beach is nice for swimming but there is a strong undertow sometimes. Also try to fit in the 1 hour mangrove tour.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Port Barton (in the Municipality of San Vicente) - Not as popular as El Nido or the Underground River, but one of my favorite places in the Philippines. The main activity there is island hopping, beach lazing and snorkeling. The islands in the vicinity of Port Barton are being newly developed into high end tourist resorts, but the impact of them has yet to affect the town of Port Barton. The road to Port Barton is now passable all year round with the very worst it having been cemented. During the typhoon season it is still recommended that your van or car be a 4 wheel drive. Port Barton is only a few hours from Sabang by boat and this is the preferred method of traveling between the two towns during the peak tourist season between December and May. Getting from Sabang to Port Barton is more complicated by road as there is no direct road linking them.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Also consider a night or two at Coconut Garden Island Resort on Cacnipa Island, just a short boat ride from Port Barton town.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Taytay - You will pass through Taytay on your way to El Nido when traveling by road. Taytay was once the capital of Palawan and is most famous for its 17th century Spanish garrison, Fort Isabel. Taytay is rarely on anyone's itinerary because the place is not well promoted. I like Taytay and go there often.. Tourism infrastructure is not as well oiled as in other major Palawan destinations. Don't let that put you off. There is plenty here to beguile the intrepid backpacker - and me also. Island hopping and snorkeling are the main activities around Taytay:  bird watching at Lake Manguao (also called Lake Danao), the largest lake on Palawan, dolphin watching at Malampaya Sound and swimming in the refreshing Canique Water Fall. The best thing about Taytay is that there are very few tourists here, especially since the nearby Club Noah ceased operations recently.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


El Nido - El Nido is located near the northern tip of Palawan and is a very popular island hopping destination and famous for its breathtaking seascapes. The high cost of flying into El Nido or the long trip from Puerto Princesa keeps many Filipinos away. ITI, a private charter airline, has 3 flights a day into the privately owned airstrip at El Nido but the first preferences for seats go to patrons of the high cost island resorts of Lagen and Miniloc. During the peak season, SEAIR also has several flights a week into El Nido, but I am told that they have been known to cancel flights at the last moment if there are not enough passengers. Daily buses and vans go from Puerto Princesa City to El Nido and the trip can take between 7 and 9 hours, depending on weather conditions. By far the best way to get to El Nido is by boat from Sabang or Port Barton. There are daily schedules from December to May. Regular boats to El Nido also leave from Coron.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


There is a common misconception, especially amongst Filipinos, that El Nido is a very expensive destination. What is not realized is that the island resorts can be very expensive, but accommodation in El Nido town is no more expensive than that of Puerto Princesa City, although it may be difficult to get cheap accommodation for a large family group.


Calamian group of islands

This group of islands is part of the Province of Palawan and is located above the main Island of Palawan. The larger islands are Busuanga, Culion, and Coron islands. There are also some 95 lesser coral isles and islets.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Coron - The town of Coron (not to be confused with the island of Coron) is on the island of Busuanga and is the principal city - population about 40,000. It is about 300km SW of Manila. There are no sandy beaches in Coron town so you would need to stay on one of the islands to get the “beach” experience. Until recently, Coron was mainly a destination for sea wreck scuba divers who dive on the many sunken World War 2 Japanese wrecks.  Because there are now four low cost fights into Coron each day, it has also become a popular destination for Filipinos, expats and Asian tourists who want to do some island hopping, snorkeling or kayaking but have only a few days to spare.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Southern Palawan

Apart from possibly a day trip to Estrella Falls, I would not recommend Southern Palawan unless you have lots of time on your hands and are prepared to travel a long way over some bad roads. I have toured Southern Palawan twice in my 4 wheel drive Suzuki. The first time was to Quezon and Brooke’s Point via the east coast road. That was in June 2009.  On the second trip, which was on the Easter weekend in April 2010,I traveled via the west coast road, passing through Rizal and returning via the east coast road via Bataraza. Infrastructure for tourism in South Palawan is poor and it’s difficult to get information about places to go, road conditions, etc. It would probably be much more difficult without you own transport. South Palawan is probably for the more adventurous tourists, but the west coast circuit is also popular with 4x4 drivers and trail bike riders. The traveling distances for both of my trips was about 550km.

Buses, jeeps and vans leave regularly from the San Jose terminal in Puerto Princesa going to Quezon and Brooke’s point. There are connecting jeepney services that can take you anywhere in Palawan.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Estrella Falls, Narra - The Estrella Falls is a popular destination for locals and Filipino family groups visiting Puerto Princesa and can be an ideal picnic outing day trip. There are huts for shelter and BBQ facilities for cooking your own food. The falls are great to swim in and both adults and children should have a fun day in and around the water. Without local knowledge, it may be difficult to go the falls by public transport because it is about 8km from the main road. Best way to do this trip would be to hire a van and driver and do it as a day trip. The van can accommodate up to 12 people and the price is P3,900 (fixed price) which includes all costs. Take all of the food and drinks you need. Perhaps purchase it from one of the Puerto Princesa markets on the way. Grill your food at the falls and don't forget to buy charcoal. Traveling time to the falls from Puerto Princesa City is about 2.5 hours for a distance of 95kms. Stop at the Aborlan market on the way for a snack or second breakfast.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Transport around Palawan

There are no flights around Palawan except from Puerto Princesa to Coron. The main methods of transport are jeepney, bus, van, hire van (with driver), rental motorbike or boat.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Jeepneys, Buses and Vans - Jeepneys are the cheapest way to travel, and for the adventurous types, you can sit on the roof if you don't want to be squashed in like a sardine.. The buses and vans are also usually packed to capacity but the vans have the advantage of being air-conditioned and are faster as they do not stop to pickup/drop-off people and cargo. Vans are slightly more expensive than buses or jeeps. None of the buses are air-conditioned so you can get quite dusty during the dry months.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Hire Car - The only company I know of in Palawan that rents cars without a driver is Pitstop Bike and Car Rental. They are based in El Nido but you can also pick up from Puerto Princesa. All their vehicles are 4-wheel-drive.



Hire car or van with driver - Probably the best ways to see Palawan is to rent a van or 4-wheel-drive with driver. You can rent a vehicle just to pick you up from the airport and take you to your destination, or you can rent it for your whole Palawan tour, including all overnights. Hiring a vehicle for your whole tour opens up a range of options which would be difficult to do with public transport. It is not expensive - you will pay about P20 per km plus P1500 a day. Therefore, a 6 day tour of Palawan may cost P20,000. Divide that by 4 to 10 people and it could be a very affordable way to travel. If you want to go off the beaten track a little, it is better that your van is a 4-wheel-drive. Note that if you want to hire a vehicle for a one way trip only, you will still need to pay for the return journey as there is very little chance of the driver getting passengers for it.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


Motorbike Hire - There are lots of motorbike rental places in Puerto Princesa City, El Nido and Coron. Prices vary from about P600 to P1000 a day, depending on engine size and quality. Discounts are usually available for long term rental. Be sure to get a mechanically sound motorbike if you intend to go on a long journey, especially if you have a pillion passenger.

The Backpacker Route – a Two Week Itinerary for Mid November to May End

You can play around with the schedule but this is the Palawan tour that I recommend. It can also be done in reverse, of course. If you are going by private hire car or rental motorbike, the itinerary is the same but the travel from Sabang to Port Barton and to El Nido would be done by road and not by boat.

1 – Puerto Princesa – 1 night – Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1 hour) – consider two nights if you are not returning via Puerto Princesa.

2 – Sabang (Underground River) – 2 nights – go by jeepney from Puerto Princesa early in the morning (3 hours)

3 – Port Barton – 3 to 5 nights and consider a night or two at nearby Cacnipa Island – go by boat from Sabang to Port Barton (3 hours)

4 – El Nido – 3 to 5 nights – go by boat from Port Barton to El Nido (4 hours)

5 option A – Taytay – 1 to 3 nights. By Bus from El Nido (2 hours max). By bus to Puerto Princesa (5 hours), stay 1 to 2 nights - End of Palawan tour – fly to Manila or go onward

5 option B – Coron – 2 to 3 nights - El Nido to Coron by boat (7 hours) – End of Palawan tour  - Fly to Manila or go onward


(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan



Money, Foreign Currency Exchange, Credit Cards and ATM's.

ATMs - The only ATM machines in Palawan that take international cards are in Puerto Princesa. There are a couple of ATMs in Coron but they only accept Philippine cards. A wide range of ATM's can be found around the main entrance to NCCC, the largest supermarket and department store in Puerto Princesa. For international ATM cards, I always use the ATM from BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands), the largest bank in the Philippines and I have never had a problem with them. The NCCC ATMs are best to use because there are often power outages in Puerto Princesa and NCCC has a backup generator while most banks do not.

Do not leave it until the last moment to withdraw your funds because the ATMs are sometimes all offline and you may not be able to continue on with your journey for lack of cash. The limit of the withdrawal is usually P10,000 per transaction, with a maximum of two withdrawals per day from the same bank. If you require lots more than that, you may need to do it over several days of from different banks. On one of my trips north I decided to get my money at the last moment from a BPI bank on the main highway out of Puerto Princesa. On one occasion, the power failed at the very moment I was waiting for the ATM to return my card and dispense my money. The ATM kept my card and did not dispense any money. It was early in the morning, so I had to wait for the bank to open to get my card back. My overseas bank credited the money back into my account, so there was only the hassle of it all.


(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan



Some foreigners find themselves in a bind when their international ATM cards will not work in the Philippines. That is usually because their bank's security has blocked access to cards in developing countries. You may need to let your bank know in advance that you will be traveling in the Philippines. I have never had this problem myself.

Foreign Currency Exchange - the best place to exchange your foreign notes is in a bank in Manila. BDO gives good rates. Outside of Manila you may have trouble cashing anything other than US$ and then with bad rates and large fees. Try Western Union, their rates may be the best you will get.

If you need money sent to you in Palawan, there are several of Western Union branches. I know there is one in Puerto Princesa and another in El Nido.

Credit Cards - Unless you are staying in a hotel or high end resort, don't expect to be able to pay by credit card anywhere for anything. Also expect to pay all credit card charges which may be as high as 7%. There will be no problems or extra charges for paying for flights with credit cards, as long as you do it through the airline booking office and not through an agent.

Hazards

Sandflies - Some of the beaches, especially Palawan, have sandflies. I have been bitten on the Palawan beaches of Sabang, Port Barton and El Nido. Their bites can lead to tropical ulcers, or worse, unless you treat them correctly. I am talking from personal experience. Read my section on Sandflies.


(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan



Malaria and Filariasis (Elephantiasis) - Malaria, and to a lesser degree, Filariasis, are problems in some parts of Palawan, especially during the rainy season. The worst areas are in Southern Palawan and generally in the jungles and the small villages. I have been assured many times by locals that there is no malaria in El Nido or Puerto Princesa City. I had heard of cases in Sabang and Port Barton some years ago but have been told that there have been no recent cases.

Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito and it is considered endemic in Palawan. Recent efforts to control malaria have shown a progressive decrease in the number of cases diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately there is the emergence of resistant cases of malaria due to poor treatment practices of communities. The common practice within the communities is to self-medicate, resulting  in an incomplete use of antimalarial drugs combinations or the use of inadequate doses.

Dengue Fever - This is another mosquito borne disease that is sometimes fatal, especially for young children. It is widespread throughout Palawan so take the same precautions as with Malaria. For tourists the risks are very low, but a little bit of care will greatly improve the statistics of you not catching dengue.

Rabies - Rabies is endemic in Palawan and many other parts of the Philippines. If you are bitten by a dog or any other animal, make sure you go to the nearest clinic for advice and possibly a rabies shot. This is called a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. It must be done within 10 days of the bite but immediately after would be better. The treatment is very successful, but left untreated, you would eventually die.


(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan



Visa Extensions in Puerto Princesa City

Renewing your Philippines tourist visa or any other visa is easily done in the efficient and friendly Palawan field office of the Bureau of Immigration. You will normally be in and out within 15 minutes. It is possible to renew a week or so before the expiry date but they may consider doing it much earlier if you have a valid reason for it. Most tourists can repeatedly extend for up to a year after which you must leave the country. Tourists and businessmen get a 21 day visa on arrival and it is stamped in your passport when you first pass through immigration. No need to get a visa before going to the Philippines. You can get a first extension that will allow you to stay for up to 59 days; each extension after that is for 2 month periods.

The first extension costs P2,030 and after that it varies between about P3,000 and P4,000. It is not the same amount for each 2 month extension.

The visa requirements are simple. You need your passport, a single photo copy of your main passport page and one of the page with your entry stamp on it. If you have renewed before, also include a photocopy of the page with your last visa extension if it is not on the same page as the entry stamp. No photograph required. The single visa form you fill out is straight forward. The photocopies cannot be done at the immigration office so you must bring them with you. There is a place somewhere across the road from the office that does photocopies and there are many more on the main street in the city center.

(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan
(Philippines) –Travel to Palawan


If you have overstayed on your visa there is no problems renewing but there will be a penalty of (I think) P110 if you are over by a few days. Better to fix it up at the immigration office rather than at the airport. Don't panic if you find that you are over the visa limit; it often happens and there is no "heavy scene" as this is a common mistake. I have met tourists who obtained their Philippines visa in their home country and misinterpreted the length of stay. The visa might say that it is "valid for 3 months" but that only means that you must enter within the three months and not that you can stay for 3 months.

The immigration office is located on Rizal Avenue, just a little over 200 meters from the airport exit heading into town and on the other side of the road. The actual  office entrance is at the back of a building on the second floor. The dress code is as casual as you like, i.e. shorts, slippers and T-shirt, unlike the requirements in Manila. Open 5 days a week but not on public holidays. Closed for lunch between 12 and 1.

(Wiki Travel, Travel Philippines)

2013/01/29

(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea


Ōkunoshima (大久野島?) is a small island located in the Inland Sea of Japan in the city of Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is accessible by ferry from Tadanoumi and Ōmishima. There are campsites, walking trails and places of historical interest on the island. It is often called Usagi Shima (ウサギ島?, "Rabbit Island") because of the numerous wild rabbits that roam the island; they are rather tame and will approach humans. Despite its size, the island played a key role during World War II as a poison gas factory for much of the chemical warfare that was carried out in China.

(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea
(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea


After the war, the poison was disposed of and the laboratory animals were set loose. With no natural predators native to the island, they quickly spread and now there are hundreds of tame rabbits roaming around.

(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea
(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea


Cute, adorable, cuddly, sweet and lovable; you're likely to run out of adjectives while trying to adequately sum up this odd occurrence taking place on the Japanese island of Okunoshima.

(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea
(Japan) – Let’s travel to Rabbit Island Ōkunoshima in the Inland Sea


There is an estimated population of 300 rabbits on the island today. And, of course, that population is continuing to grow. The island is now also becoming something of a tourist destination as people from all points in Japan come to see the feral rabbits. Tourists bring cameras to take photographs and video cameras to film videos of the endemic creatures frolicking about. 

(Wikipedia, Atlas obscura, Digital Journal)

2013/01/28

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


Mustang (from the Tibetan mun tan (Wylie: smon-thang), meaning "fertile plain") is the former Kingdom of Lo. It now forms part of north-central Nepal, bordering China on the Tibetan plateau between the provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The culture is Tibetan Buddhist.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


Mustang, or Lo as it is known by the inhabitants, is a mysterious high plateau tucked behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs in north central Nepal. The area is actually the top of a watershed, the headwaters of what becomes the mighty Kali Gandaki River, which then runs southward through the world's deepest gorge. In the rain shadow of the huge Himalayan peaks, though, this area is dry and windswept, ruggedly sculpted and mostly devoid of vegetation. The region offers dramatic and unique geography for those who only have seen the more familiar green, forested landscape of the rest of Nepal.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


With a cultural history that is as intriguing as the landscape, Mustang has piqued the curiosity of many Himalayan adventurers, and only recently was it opened for limited visitation. Historically a vital trading route between Tibet and India, the trail into Mustang is lined with the fascinating remains of forts that served as tax collection out posts. Settlements in Mustang were fortified, a testament to its turbulent history. More recently, in the late 1950s and 60s, the area was a center for Khampas, guerrilla's who were trained and armed by the US C.I.A. to resist the Chinese Army's occupation of Tibet.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


There are records that outline events stretching back to the eighth century, and from the writings of the Tibetan poet Milarepa it is known that the unique form of Buddhism called Sakyapa has been practiced here since 1073. This form of Buddhism lacks the more familiar metaphysical aspect; it is more worldly and practical, perhaps in response to the unforgiving environmental pressures in this area.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


Throughout recent decades, the Nepalese Government had maintained total restriction on visitation to this area. The democratic change of government of 1990 and the increasing international pressures for a more open Nepal have coincided to remove these restrictions. Since 1991, limited visitation has been allowed, providing the trekking party meets strict environmental requirements and pays a substantial amount for the entry permit. These conditions limit the number of visitors, minimize their impact, and generate revenues needed for future conservation efforts in this region.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking


The Mustang Trekking route stays mostly on the valley floor, though it may traverse the ridge during the occasional rainy period, which raises the level of the river. The horses provide uphill assistance, but must be dismounted for descending. Without substantially high passes (nothing over 5.000 meters) this is not too physically demanding as a trek, and it has the added advantage of a very long season, due to the lack of monsoon rains or high pass crossings.

(Nepal) - Mustang Lo Manthang Tiji Festival
(Nepal) - Mustang Lo Manthang Tiji Festival

(Nepal) - Mustang Lo Manthang Tiji Festival
(Nepal) - Mustang Lo Manthang Tiji Festival

Mustang's capital "city" is Lo Manthang, a magical place imbibed with centuries of rugged history. Set on a broad plateau, the town deserves its name, which translates from Tibetan as "plain of inspiration". The Raja, or King, lives in his palace in the center, while the four major temples form the corners of town. Lo Manthang and the surrounding area are usually savored for a day or two before heading back down toward Jomosom.

(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking - Lo Manthang - capital of the kingdom mustang
(Nepal) – Mustang Trekking - Lo Manthang - capital of the kingdom mustang
(Wikipedia, Green Lotus Trekking)

2013/01/27

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


The Geirangerfjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, north in Fjord Norway, approximately 100 kilometres from the town of Ålesund.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation.

Top things to do and see

1.  Cruise and sightseeing trips on the Geirangerfjord
2.  Kayaking on the Geirangerfjord
3.  The famous viewpoints Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road), Dalsnibba and Flydalsjuvet
4.  Mountain walks to Skageflå and Knivsflå mountain farms
5.  Geiranger Fjord Centre

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


What to do and see

Fjord cruises

Experience the fjord and waterfalls such as Brudesløret (the Bridal Veil) and De syv søstrene (the Seven Sisters) from one of the many available sightseeing trips. You can take the ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt, the longer ferry trip between Geiranger and Valldal, the one-and-a-half-hour sightseeing trip on board M/S Geirangerfjord Sightseeing, the Geiranger & Norway in a nutshell trip or the Fjord Experience trip.

Geirangerfjord Safari

FjordGuiding offers sightseeing trips in open RIB boats on the Geirangerfjord.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road)

Ørnevegen (the Eagle Road) is the name given to the steepest stretch of road up the mountain side from Geiranger towards Eidsdal on the road rv. 63. The road turns through 11 hairpin bends up from the Geirangerfjord to the highest point 620 metres above sea level.

At Ørnesvingen you can take in the magnificent panorama over Geiranger, the fjord, De syv søstrene and the alpine farm Knivsflå.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


The famous viewpoints of Dalsnibba and Flydalsjuvet

Dalsnibba (1,500 metres above sea level) and Flydalsjuvet are among the absolute favourite attractions in the area. Experience calm, raw nature and clean air combined with astonishing views.

Geiranger Fjord Centre

Offers a unique and rewarding insight into the history, the colourful people and the fabulous natural scenery of the Geiranger area. Geiranger Fjord Centre lies approximately one kilometre from the centre of Geiranger.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


Hiking and walking in the Norwegian fjord landscape

Choose between short easy walks or summit hikes offering you the most stunning view. Hiking is a must for everyone visiting the area. There is a wide variety of trails, all marked and with good maps available.

Many people who want an easy trip choose to walk along the fjord (2.5 kilometres) to the small place Homlong on the south side of the fjord. Here you will find a small, cosy café with great home-made food.

If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature in the Geirangerfjord area, you can drive to Westerås Farm (four kilometres from the centre of Geiranger). From there you have easy walks to view points or to the glorious Storseterfossen Waterfall where you can walk behind the waterfall.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


Kayaking on the Geirangerfjord

Get close to nature. Kayak rental is available in several villages along the Geirangerfjord, and in Geiranger you may join Coastal Odyssey for a guided kayak tour.

Fishing

There are fantastic fishing opportunities in the area. From fishing in the fjords, easily accessible rivers and lakes in the lowlands, to multi-day hikes in the mountains with a fishing rod in your backpack. Read more about fishing in the Geirangerfjord area and Trollstigen.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


What to do and see in the Geirangerfjord area

The Herdalssetra Mountain Farm

At this idyllic summer farm you may experience the manufacturing of goat milk cheese and caramels. And of course also meet the animals – goats, cows and sheep. Herdalssetra is located in Norddal within the UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Trollstigen Mountain Road

This road is one of Norway's most dramatic and most visited attractions. The mountains that encircle Trollstigen Mountain Road are enormous.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


Rafting down the Valldøla River

Feel the adrenalin rush in your body. Join a rafting trip on the Valldøla River in the village of Valldal.

Skiing

In winter, the region offers superb skiing experiences. Try skiing from the summits at around 1,500 metres above sea level down to the blue fjord. You can combine it with skiing at Stranda Ski Centre, Norway's powder paradise with fjord view.

During the summer you can go skiing on the Tystigbreen Glacier beside the scenic old Strynefjell Road. The popular Stryn Summer Ski Centre opens approximately at the end of May or beginning of June, depending on how much snow there is. Stryn Summer Ski Centre is located 50 kilometres (a one-hour drive) from Geiranger.

(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord
(Norway) – Visit The Geirangerfjord


Where to stay

Hotel Union Geiranger

Enjoy a stay at the family-run Hotel Union Geiranger which is situated on a hill just above the centre of Geiranger. From the hotel there is a fantastic view of the fjord and mountains.

Hotell Utsikten

From Utsikten Hotel & Restaurant  you have a stunning view of the Geirangerfjord.

Juvet Landscape Hotel

This "landscape hotel", winner of the Norwegian Tourism Award in 2010 (Reiselivsprisen) aims to be different from other design hotels in that it showcases the nature that surrounds it rather than focusing on its own architecture. Stay at Juvet and you can almost feel the spray from the Valldøla River on your face.

Hellesylt Youth Hostel

For those on a budget, stay at Hellesylt Youth Hostel in Hellesylt at the outer part of the Geirangerfjord.

Facts about the Geirangerfjord

-   Length: 15 kilometres
 -  Depth: More than 600 metres
-   The Geirangerfjord is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site The West Norwegian Fjords. This World Heritage site includes two separate areas: The Geirangerfjord area and the Nærøyfjord area. Together they make up an area of 1,227 square kilometres, of which 107 square kilometres is covered by sea.
-  The Geirangerfjord is visited by 150 - 200 cruise ships and more than 700,000 tourists each year

Getting to the Geirangerfjord and around

You can travel by car, bus or boat to the Geirangerfjord area. Travelling to the Geirangerfjord by car is a seven to eight-hour drive from Oslo, five to seven hours from Bergen and five to six hours from Trondheim. Read more about getting to the Geirangerfjord area.
 (Visit Norway)