(Chile) - The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua)

Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Officially a territory of Chile, it lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway to Tahiti. Known as one of the world's sacred sites, it is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone busts, built centuries ago, which reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

How to get there

The island is accessible by regular commercial air service, and tourism is the main industry of the island.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Still, it is rather "out of the way" for most people, with a minimum of more than 5.5 hours in the air from the nearest continent, and very limited routes to get there. The only regular flights are via LAN Airlines, several times each week on the route between Tahiti and daily to Santiago de Chile.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- If you want to take the intrepid route Tallship Soren Larsen sails to Easter Island from New Zealand once a year. The voyage takes 35 days, crossing the point on earth furthest from land.

How to get around

Easter Island is extremely small, so it is possible to get around fairly easily. There are rental cars, generally jeeps, available from a few rental agencies in Hanga Roa, as well as a few dirtbikes.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- With a car, it's possible to see most of the sites on the island in a few hours.

- Most hosts will also rent out their jeep to you (at a very competitive rate) if you simply ask. Be aware, you will not get insurance with your car hire.

- Bicycles can be hired on a daily basis.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

For those on a tight schedule, a rental car is really quite advantageous, and sometimes not much more expensive than other options and offering more independence for more curious or adventurous visitors than an organized tour. Bicycling may be tried, but note that aside from the main paved roads in Hanga Roa or the single smooth paved road to Anakena, roads to many main sites are of dirt and sometimes quite uneven and potholed, so the benefit of a car cannot be overstated for some parts of the island. Note that for motor scooters and motorbikes, a valid driver's license specifically for these vehicles is required. Otherwise, driver's licenses for cars will allow the use of cars or 4x4 quad bikes.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

Food & Restaurant

There are around 25 restaurants catering to tourists on the island:

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Te Moana - Quite possibly the best restaurant on the island. The Tuna Sandwich is particularly good. A live band is often playing on Wednesdays and the weekends. Get to Te Moana early or it is likely that you will not get a table.

- La Taverne du Pêcheur - A small restaurant in the port section of the village held by a resident of Rapa Nui who lived for some time in the French Polynesia. Very good seafood, the most expensive restaurant on the island. Some consider it to be a lot of money for not much of value.

- Varua, Atamu Takena. A new restaurant with all the classics to be found on the island at good prices, plus an excellent value Menu del dia. Service and food both excellent.

- A bout du Monde - A nice restaurant overlooking the sea. Pretty expensive but the seafood is really good. During certain nights, you can also watch a Polynesian dance for a hour or so.

Guest houses

Some of the accommodations on Easter Island are "guest houses".  A number of guest houses describe themselves as hotels, and certainly would pass for them elsewhere in the world as well. These hotels frequently have restaurants offering at least breakfast, and often dinner as well.

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

- Inaki Uhi , Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56 32) 2100231. A great place to stay, located on the main street in the centre of town, close to restaurants, supermarkets, pubs and services

- Tekarera Kainga Ora, Tel: (56 98) 134 5757. Excellent accommodation close to the center of the town, but not on the main street.

- Tauraa Hotel, Atamu Tekena, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56-32) 100 463. Very clean guest house, less than 5 minutes from the airport.

- Kona Tau, Avaraipau, Hanga Roa. Tel: (56-32) 2100321. A very nice hostel, and quite cheap taking the island in mind

- Tupa Hotel,  Sebastian Englert, Hanga Roa, Tel: (56-32) 2100 225, A larger 30 room hotel with a spectacular ocean view, two blocks from the main street

(Wiki)

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

The mystery of Easter Island tour - (Isla de Pascua) - Chile

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(Vietnam) - Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang One of the 77 geological parks in the world

Located at the highest latitude in Vietnam, Ha Giang is surrounded by Cao Bang on the east, Tuyen Quang on the south, Lao Cai, and Yen Bai on the west. It shares a border with China in the north (274km boundary).

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Ha Giang's complicated topography is divided into 3 areas. The area on the south has rocky mountain, separated rivers. The west area has sloping mountain side, high pass, valleys, and narrow springs. The low land area includes hills, valley of Lo River, and Ha Giang Town.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

The climate is divided in two distinct seasons, rainy and dry, although it tends to vary depending on altitude. The annual average temperature varies between 24 and 28ºC. In winter, the temperature is sometimes down to -5ºC.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Tourism

Mountains in Ha Giang are quite high, in which the highest Tay Con Linh point with 2,419m in height. There are good woods, over 1000 kinds of valuable drug trees, animals (tigers, peacocks, phoenix, pangolin) in primitive forests.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Coming to Ha Giang, tourists are attracted by poetic Dong Van Highland, Love Market of Khau Vai. They can buy embroidery such as handkerchief, haversack, and dress with colorful, fine pattern. They also take part in enjoyable market-day of local ethnics. The people and natural scenes here are unlike anywhere in Vietnam.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Especially, the Dong Van plateau was recognized by the UNESCO as one of the 77 geological parks in the world and the second in Southeast Asia. The park covers four districts of Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh and Quan Ba, totaling over 2,300sq.km, with nearly 250,000 residents. Up to 80 percent of the plateau is covered by limestone.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Scientists have discovered 40 locations which have special values in terms of natural resources in Dong Van.

 

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

  Dong Van is home to nearly 20 ethnic groups, with diverse cultures and traditions, which make the plateau an interesting destination for tourists/visitors.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

Transport

Ha Giang Town is 320km from Hanoi. Ha Giang is on National Highway No.2, 34, 279 linking to Yen Bai, Cao Bang, Lao Cai provinces in turn.

Dong Van plateau – Ha Giang - Vietnam

(Vietnam Tourism and Google Search)

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(Singapore) - Information for Singapore Travel

Below is some information for Singapore Travel for your reference:

Information for Singapore Travel

1.       Destination:

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/experience.html

http://app.www.sg/

http://www.singaporetravelholic.com/

http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/

http://www.zoo.com.sg/

http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/

http://www.birdpark.com.sg/

2.       Airline:

http://www.tigerairways.com/

http://www.airasia.com

3.       Hotel in Singapore

http://asiatravel.com

http://hostelworld.com

http://www.hostelbookers.com/

http://agoda.com.vn

Recommended:

- Fragrance Hotel (432 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118773

- Empire Hostel (202a Syed Alwi Road 2nd Floor

- WCA Fort Canning Lodge (6 Fort Canning Road, Orchard, Singapore 179494)

- Marina Bay Sands Hotel (10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956)

4.       University

National University of Singapore – NUS

-          Add: 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077

-          Tel: +65 6773 0272

-          Fax: +65 6775 9330

-          Website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/

Nanyang Technological University – NTU

-          Add: 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798

-          Tel: +65 67911744

-          Fax: +65 67904777

-          Website: http://www.ntu.edu.sg

Singapore Management University – SMU

-          Add: 81 Victoria Street, Singapore 188065

-          Tel: + 65 6828 0100

-          Fax: + 65 6828 0101

-          Website: http://www.smu.edu.sg

5.       Others

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

-          Add: ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

-          Tel: +65 6391 6100

-          Fax: +65 6298 0843 / 6298 0837

-          Website: http://www.cgh.com.sg/

Taxi

-          MaxiCab: 6542 8297

-          TIBS Taxi: 6555 8888

-          CityCab: 6552 2222

Credit card

-          Visa: 6437 5800

-          Master Card: 6533 2888

Lost property

-          Tel: 6391 0000

Police:

-          999

Urgent consultant

-          1800 221 4444

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(Vietnam) – Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai - Heaven is here

With many historical, cultural relics and fascinating tourist areas, the 10-square-kilometer Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province is really an amazing tourist attraction.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

From Quang Ngai Province, Ly Son Island can be reached by trains from Sa Ky fishing port at 8 a.m. every morning. The island is distinguished for its vast garlic fields with a pungent aroma. That explains why Ly Son is called the kingdom of garlic.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

The island has a diverse ecosystem. It has five mountains, namely Thoi Loi, Gieng Tien, Hon Vung, Hon Soi and Hoi Tai. The magnificent mountains entice tourists by mysterious caves, imposing waterfalls, and splendid rivers and lakes.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

The mountainsides covered with green cornfields are studded with old, charming ruong houses.  Along the mountains are stunning beaches full of colorful rocks, pebbles and corals.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

Nestled in the Thoi Li Mountain is the Hang Pagoda, a peaceful sanctuary with ancient architecture surrounded by beautiful scenery.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

Not only accommodating various valuable historical and cultural relics, the Ly Son Island also embraces legends associated with many folk and traditional festivals such as Tet (Vietnam’s new year), boat race, hat boi (traditional Vietnamese opera), fish worshipping, and especially ceremonies to pay homage to solders who died in battles in Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) islands.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

The island is also considered a living museum for Hoang Sa’s artifacts.  An Vinh Temple worships the ancestors who explored and reclaimed the land four centuries ago.   It also hosts offering ceremony to marine soldiers who sacrificed in missions on the East Sea and the offering ceremony to the souls of Hoang Sa and Truong Sa soldiers in the third lunar month every year.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

The island has a 374-square-meters museum displaying more than 1,000 documents, photos and artifacts associated with the heroic Hoang Sa and Truong Sa troops. The island also holds a cemetery for the late Hoang Sa soldiers.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

Many artifacts of Sa Huynh and Cham Cultures were discovered on Ly Son island. The Thien Yana and old ruong houses are evidence for Sa Huynh and Cham’s ancient civilizations.

 Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

Ly Son can be reached by train from Sa Ky fishing port, about 20km away.  The one-hour trip by train is VND70,000 per person. A boat trip with local fishermen is cheaper at VND40,000 to VND50,000 (* cost in 2010).

Ly Son Island  in Quang Ngai

Some guest houses near the wharf are priced at VND80,000 (* cost in 2010) per room per night.  In case they are full, local people can offer their houses for rent.

In Ly Son, power is available once every two nights from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the summer, tourists can camp on the beach to experience nature.

More 2 km Grandiose Wall from Cau Cave to Hang Pagoda - National historic monument, one of the most amazing tourist attraction in Quang Ngai

(The Saigon Times and Phuot)

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(Mexico) – Island of the Dead Dolls - La Isla de las Muñecas

A world renowned tourist destination is “La Isla de la Munecas”- a Spanish name which means the Island of the dolls. This Island of dolls is situated in Mexico and as the name suggests, one expects to see a beautiful world which will leave an everlasting impression. But the reality is exactly opposite and very harsh when one discovers the thousands of mutilated ugly dolls hanging from every tree on the island.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

Don Julian Santana, a hermit who renounced the world and his family to inhabit this island dedicated his last fifty years of his life to the make the “La Isla de la Munecas”. It is believed that, he did this to please the spirit of a little girl who had drowned in the canal. Whatever may be the reason, he managed to turn this island into a bizarre, scary place where an eerie eye of mutilated dolls haunts your every move, on this strange island.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

Don Julian is said to have led an isolated life ,except when he ventured to collect old dolls that he either scavenged from the garbage dump or bought in exchange for his homegrown fruits and vegetables. Personally one is made to believe that he obviously did not like intrusion and tried to scare off inquisitive onlookers by hanging scary doll faces. In 2001, Don Julian was discovered drowned to his death in the same canal surrounding his home. Don Julian is dead to the world but his eerie disturbed vision stays on, in the faces of lifeless dolls mutilated and hung in the worst forms of human torture and punishment.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

This is a ghostly sight that serves as a dark tourist attraction especially for the young generation who is fascinated by gore and death. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the dead childish faces of dolls that never lived but appear to haunt this place, always looking at us as though we were responsible for their deaths. A world renowned tourist destination is “La Isla de la Munecas”- a Spanish name which means the Island of the dolls. This Island of dolls is situated in Mexico and as the name suggests, one expects to see a beautiful world which will leave an everlasting impression. But the reality is exactly opposite and very harsh when one discovers the thousands of mutilated ugly dolls hanging from every tree on the island.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

 Don Julian Santana, a hermit who renounced the world and his family to inhabit this island dedicated his last fifty years of his life to the make the “La Isla de la Munecas”. It is believed that, he did this to please the spirit of a little girl who had drowned in the canal. Whatever may be the reason, he managed to turn this island into a bizarre, scary place where an eerie eye of mutilated dolls haunts your every move, on this strange island.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

  Don Julian is said to have led an isolated life ,except when he ventured to collect old dolls that he either scavenged from the garbage dump or bought in exchange for his homegrown fruits and vegetables. Personally one is made to believe that he obviously did not like intrusion and tried to scare off inquisitive onlookers by hanging scary doll faces.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

In 2001, Don Julian was discovered drowned to his death in the same canal surrounding his home. Don Julian is dead to the world but his eerie disturbed vision stays on, in the faces of lifeless dolls mutilated and hung in the worst forms of human torture and punishment.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

This is a ghostly sight that serves as a dark tourist attraction especially for the young generation who is fascinated by gore and death. Many visitors are overwhelmed by the dead childish faces of dolls that never lived but appear to haunt this place, always looking at us as though we were responsible for their deaths.

Island of the Dead Dolls - Mexico

(Plane toddity)

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(Peru) - Exploring the Uros Floating Islands

Most visitors to Peru focus on exploring the Uros Floating Islands. More than 40 unique floating islands can be found on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world some 12,000 feet above sea level, and also South America’s largest lake. Located in the South eastern part of Peru near the city of Puno, the far side of the lake is bordered by Bolivia.

Uros Floating Islands - Peru

These islands are made and inhabited by the Uros people, who settled in the middle of the lake and started their strange lifestyle as a mean to avoid confrontations with the more powerful Collas and Incas. Uros, however, have long been intermarrying with Aymara Indians, so nowadays it would be more precise to refer to the families that inhabit the totora-reed islands as Uro-Aymaras.

Uros Floating Islands - Peru

The larger and most visited islands appear to many travellers as floating souvenirs, and to some extent these indeed are tourist-traps, their inhabitants having succeed in living off tourism. However, most of the smaller islands remain isolated from visitors and still practice a traditional way of life that includes old-technique fishing, bird-trapping, and relying on totora for housing and transportation.

Getting to the Floating Islands

Flying into the nearest airport in Juliaca is possible but the more intrepid Peru traveler may choose to explore the country more intensely by flying into Lima and then taking several days and various modes of transportation to truly experience the flavor of the countryside, the people and the culture.

Uros Floating Islands - Peru

Following the winding narrow roads of Peru into the mountains and into the small town of Puno, so high above sea level almost touching the clouds, the spectacular expanse of Lake Titicaca that greets visitors rounding the corner coming out of town is postcard perfect. There’s not much to see in Puno so most travelers head straight to the lake to the floating islands nestled amongst the natural islands of Taquile and Amantani. None of the islands, natural or man-made, have any cars or roads, only footpaths and peace and tranquility. The lake is a very spiritual place as it is believed that Manco Capac, the original Inca chieftain, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca to create the Incan Empire.

Uros Floating Islands - Peru

Lake Titicaca's Islands of Reed

The floating islands are made by hand from tortora reeds by the Quechua and Aymara Indians that inhabit the islands and welcome visitors, even for overnight stays so they can experience the simple lifestyle of the natives. The amenities are limited. However, there is the odd hut sporting a satellite dish precariously perched atop its thatched roof alongside the solar panels that power the rare televisions. The same type of reed is also used to make the island dwellers’ homes and boats. Reed boats take travelers from one floating island to the next with a special visit to the largest one where the school house sits.

The Inca Experience

Many visitors wrap up their visit on the lake with lunch on Taquile where the only footpath from the dock leads them on a steep journey through Inca and pre-Inca stone ruins and terraced farms into town where the local children adorn newcomers with friendship bracelets they’ve woven by hand, which are said to bring good luck. Plans should be made in advance since, with enough warning, lunch is typically prepared and served in one of the local’s homes. There are a few very simple restaurants near the central plaza but the home-cooked meal and hospitality is the favored experience.

Uros Floating Islands - Peru

Best times to visit are February or November when the Semana de Puno festivities celebrating the Inca culture are in full swing and Peruvian folklore is celebrated.

(Suite 101 and The Peru Guide)

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(Myanmar) - The beauty of Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach is the most beautiful beach among the beaches in Myanmar. Its beautiful sandy beach stretches on the Bay of Bengal and it lies in Rakhine State of Myanmar. Ngapali Beach is recommended that all vacationers seek a quieter resort, the bright sun, the blue clean sea ,the white sand and the warmly welcome smile from Royal Beach Motel.

The beauty of Ngapali Beach - Myanmar

Ngapali is accessible by plane from Yangon to Thandwe, then continuing to the Beach via coach. Once you’re in Thandwe, Myanmar, it’s only seven kilometers to this three kilometer stretch of coconut palm lined, soft sandy meeting of the land and sea. It takes about 45 minutes flight from Yangon. If you come by car from Yangon, it takes about 12 hours by Nga Thine Chaung-Gwa road and about 20 hours by Pyay-Taung Gote road. This unspoiled beach stretching over 3 km with blue sea, white sand and swaying palm trees is 35 minutes flight from Yangon.

The beauty of Ngapali Beach - Myanmar

The beauty of Ngapali Beach - Myanmar

The beauty of Ngapali Beach - Myanmar

The beauty of Ngapali Beach - Myanmar

 Ngapali Beach invites you to swim, surf, snorkel and relax under palm trees fringing the seaside resort.

(Myanmars and Three best beaches)

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