(Australia) –Getting to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of Australia's most recognizable natural icons. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands 348 m high above sea level with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures 9.4 km in circumference. Uluru appears to change color as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year.

(Australia) –Getting to  Uluru (Ayers Rock)

 

What to see

Uluru is an isolated sandstone rock (not technically a monolith) that stands 346 meters high and more than 8 km (5 miles) around. Roughly triangular in shape, it stretches for over 2 miles in length and nearly 2 miles in width. It has a harder exterior than most other rock formations, which allows for the unusually steep rock faces all the way to ground level.

Uluru is a completely bare rock without the least bit of vegetation, which only adds to its stark and mysterious beauty. By great contrast, however, the base of the rock is nourished by rain runoff from Uluru and is a fertile oasis of water pools, rich greenery and a variety of wildlife. It is thus an ideal ceremonial site for the Aborigines, who camp in the caves and are sustained by the water and available food.

Aside from its imposing size the most impressive feature of Uluru, beloved by Aborigines and visitors alike, is its beautiful range of changing colors throughout the day and year. Sunrise and sunset are particularly remarkable, with the rock glowing a deep rusty red. The rock derives its rust colour from oxidation, and the glowing effect at sunrise and sunset is due to the arkosic sandstone of the rock, which contains reflective minerals and changes color according to the attitude of the sun.

(Australia) –Getting to  Uluru (Ayers Rock)

 Ayers Rock contains a variety of interesting cracks, canyons, caves and natural formations, all of which the Anangu attribute to the activities of ancestral beings at the creation time. The shallow caves at the base of the rock contain ancient carvings and paintings. But unlike the Lascaux Caves and other cave art sites, the Uluru rock drawings are just not artifacts of some distant culture — they are still being created by the Anangu.

At Uluru, the old cave drawings are simply painted over with new ones, and the paint is made largely of water and is therefore quite delicate. For these reasons, the rock art in these caves is impossible to date with any certainty. The rock art includes figures like boomerangs, human beings, waterholes and abstract symbols.

The base walk around the perimeter of Uluru is 9.4 km long. There is also a Mala Walk (2 km) and Mutitjulu walk (1 km). Guided walking tours are available from park rangers and by the Anangu themselves. These are popular activities and are encouraged by the Anangu. However, the most popular thing to do at Uluru is to climb it (see Making the Climb, below).

About 25 km from Uluru is another sacred rock formation known as Kata Tjuta (“many heads”) or the Olgas (named for Queen Olga of Württemberg in 1872). Special viewing areas with road access and parking have been constructed to give tourists the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park also includes a Cultural Center, where you can learn more about Aboriginal culture and the sacredness of Uluru.

(Australia) –Getting to  Uluru (Ayers Rock)

 The Aboriginal community of Mutitjulu (pop. approx. 300) is near the western end of Uluru. From Uluru it is 17 km by road to the tourist town of Yulara (pop. 3,000), which is situated just outside of the National Park. Ayers Rock Resort just outside the park has accommodation for a wide range of budgets. The buildings of the tourist resort are colored to blend in with the surrounding desert.

Getting there

The most common journey to Ayers Rock begins at Alice Springs, from which it is 280 miles (450 km) southwest by road to the site. You can drive yourself, take a bus or join a tour from Alice Springs. See map below.

Flights depart daily from most capital cities to Connellan Airport, which is located just outside the Park. Contact a travel agent for further details. Car hire is available from the airport and is best arranged through a travel agent before arrival.

(Australia) –Getting to  Uluru (Ayers Rock)

 

Our tour partner Viator offers a variety of tours, walks, transportation options, night shows and workshops that you can book ahead in your own currency

Quick Facts

Site information:

Name:                             Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Location:                         Northern Territory, Australia

Faith:                               Indigenous

Denomination:                  Aboriginal

Categories:                      Sacred Rocks; Rock Art; World Heritage Sites

Size:                                1,100 feet (335 meters) high; 2.2 miles (3.6 km) long; 1.5 miles (2 km) wide

Features:                         Petroglyphs

Status:                             Active

Visitor information:

Address:                         Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, PO Box 119, Yulara NT 0872 Australia

Coordinates:                   25.344722° S, 131.0325° E

Phone:                            Park administration: (+61) 8 - 8956 1100

                                      Cultural Center: (+61) 8 - 8956 1128

Website:                         www.deh.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Email:                             uluru.info@deh.gov.au

Opening hours:               Open during daylight hours, including sunrise and sunset.

Cost:                              Free

(Wiki, Crystalinks and Sacred Destinations)

Read more

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is located entirely in Northern Arizona and is one of the great tourist attractions in the United States. The massive canyon encompasses several distinct areas, most famous of which is Grand Canyon National Park, a United States National Park. The national park is itself divided into two main areas: the remote North Rim and the more accessible (and therefore more crowded) South Rim. In addition, the southwestern end of the canyon is located within the borders of two Indian reservations: the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Hualapai Indian Reservation (also known as Grand Canyon West). All of the sections of the canyon offer amenities for visitors, but the national park, and in particular the South Rim, is by far the most popular destination and the best equipped to handle the millions of yearly visitors.

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

 

How to get there

A family trip to Grand Canyon means time in the car. The train trip from Williams to the South Rim provides a diversion for young kids and is a great option for day visitors and families intent on exploring the Grand Canyon on foot. The only way to get to the Toroweap and the North and West Rims is the automobile. Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff are convenient departure points for the West and South Rims. The North Rim is best accessed from points north, Las Vegas, Nevada and Page, Arizona, and can easily be combined with a trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell. Toroweap is a long way from just about everywhere.

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

Getting Around

A free shuttle bus operates four South Rim routes. The North Rim hiker shuttle makes the run from the Grand Canyon Lodge to the North Kaibab trailhead twice each morning (early!). A nominal fee is charged. Trans Canyon Shuttle provides a daily rim-to-rim shuttle service, roughly 4.5 hours, for a fee from mid-May to mid-October. At Toroweap, hiking is the only way to get around. Air tours - helicopter and small plane - depart from the Grand Canyon National Airport in Tusayan, 6 miles south of the entrance to the South Rim. Mule rides are offered on both the North and South Rims. The minimum age varies on North Rim trips. Day and overnight South Rim mule rides have a maximum weight (200 lbs or 91 kg fully dressed) and minimum height (4 feet 7 inches or 140 cm) requirement as well as variety of the other restrictions (fluent in English, good physical condition, no fear of heights or large animals, and pregnant women are not allowed).

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

 

When to Travel

Aside from the North Rim, which is best visited in summer, the best time of year to visit the Grand Canyon depends on your interests. Hiking in the canyon is best in spring (March/April) and fall (October/November) whereas summer (June-September) is the best time to hike on the rim. In summer, the daytime temperature along the Colorado River can reach 120º F (50° Celsius)! Expect snow on the South Rim in winter and on the North Rim throughout most of the year. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather at anytime.

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

 

Health & Safety

All points on the North Rim sit at least 8000 feet (2438 m) above sea level. Give your body a chance to acclimate to the elevation before you set out on a serious hike. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Keep a close eye on the kids at all times, even in areas with guardrails.

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

 

Hours & Seasons

The South Rim, Toroweap and Grand Canyon West are open year-round. North Rim facilities and visitor services are open from mid-May to mid-October only. Weather permitting; the North Rim is open for day use only from mid-October to mid-May. Opening hours for of the West Rim Entrance and Skywalk are seasonal.

(United States) – Discover Grand Canyon

 

Admission & Fees

Entrance to the North and South Rim areas of the park is charged per vehicle unless you are traveling on foot, bike or motorcycle in which case the fee is per person. Commercial vehicles are charged on capacity. Entrance to Toroweap is free of charge. The West Rim is priced like an attraction and the cost of the entrance fee is based on the activity package you choose. Of note, admission to the Skywalk is not included in all packages and in some cases cannot be added even with an additional fee.

Things to keep in mind

The magnitude of this gaping crevice is difficult for many children to comprehend.

(Wiki and Kids Can Travel)

Read more

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam and constitutes part of the western bank of Bac Bo Gulf, including the sea area of Ha Long City and Cam Pha Town and part of Vân Don island district. It abuts Cat Ba Island in the southwest. Toward the west is the shore with a 120 km-long coastline. It is located within 106o58’-107o22’ east longitude and within 20o45’- 20o50’ north latitude. The site is 1553 sq. km with 1969 islands of various sizes, of which 989 have been named.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 The islands in Ha Long Bay are mainly limestone and schist islands most lying in the two main areas: the southeastern part of Bái Tử Long Bay and southwestern part of Hạ Long Bay. These islands represent the most ancient images of a geographical site having a tectonic age of from 250 million to 280 million years. They are the result of many times of rising and lowering processes of the continent to form a karst. The process of nearly full erosion and weathering of the karst created the unique Hạ Long Bay in the world. In a not very large area, thousands of islands with different forms look like glittering emeralds attached to the blue scarf of a virgin. The area where many stone islands concentrate has spectacular scenes and world-famous caves and is the center of Ha Long Bay Natural Heritage, including HaLong Bay and a part of Bái Tu Long Bay.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

The area is recognized as the World Natural Heritage that is the area of 434 sq. km with 775 islands. It looks like a giant triangle with Ðầu Gỗ Island (in the west), Ba Hầm Lake (in the south) and Cống Tây Island (in the east) as its three angle points. The nearby area is the buffer area and areas classified as national beauty spots in 1962 by the Ministry of Culture and Information.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 Viewed from above, Hạ Long Bay looks like an extremely vivid huge drawing. This is a wonderful and skilful masterpiece of the Creation and of nature that turns thousands of dumb soulless stone islands into fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes, both familiar and strange to human beings. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 

There are many names given to islands according to their shapes and forms. This one looks like somebody heading toward the shore: Hòn Ðầu Người (Human Head Island); that one looks like a dragon hovering above the sea surface: Hòn Rông (Dragon Island); another looks like an old man sitting fishing: Hòn Lã Vọng; some look like big sails struggling amidst the wind to set off for the sea: Hòn Cánh Buồm (Sail Island); then two islands look like a pair of chicken lovingly playing with each other above the sea: Hòn Trống Mái (Male and Female Chicken Island); and amid the vast sea stands an island like a big incense burner like a ritual offering to Heaven: Hòn Lư Hương (Incense Burner Island). All are so real that people are taken aback by them. Those stone islands have experienced unpredictable changes over time and they take different shapes from different angles of view. Here, we come to realize that they are not dumb inanimate things but are vivid and soulful.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 Inside the stone islands are various breath-taking caves, such as Thiên Cung, Ðầu Gỗ, Sửng Sốt, Trinh Nữ, Tam Cung and others. These are really magnificent palaces of the Creation on earth. Long ago, Hạ Long Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyễn Trãi:“a wonder of the earth erected towards the high sky”. Many men of letters from all over the world have been taken aback at the grandiose scenery of Hạ Long. They seem to get puzzled and incompetent as their treasure of vocabulary is not rich enough to depict the splendor of this place.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 Hạ Long Bay is also attached to glorious pages of Vietnamese history, with famous sites such as Vân Ðồn, a bustling trade port in the 12th century, charming Bài Thơ Mountain, and not very far away from here is the Bạch Đằng River which witnessed two famous naval battles of the Viêt’s ancestors against invaders. Also, Hạ Long is one of the cradles of human kind with the glorious Hạ Long culture in the late Neolithic age, discovered at such archeological sites as Ðộng Mang, Xích Thổ, Soi Nhụ and Thoi Giếng.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 Hạ Long is also home to great biodiversity with typical eco-systems like mangrove forest, coral and tropical forest. It is also home to thousands of plants and animals of numerous species, for example shrimp, fish and squid. Some species are particularly rare and can be found no where else.

(Vietnam) – Enjoy full memories in Halong Bay

 

With such special values, at the 18th Session of UNESCO’s Council of World Heritage held on 17 December 1994 in Thailand, Hạ Long Bay was officially placed on the list of the World Natural Heritage. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values. This confirms the global premier value of Hạ Long Bay.

(Vietnam) - Halong Bay Floating Village

(Halong Travel Guide)

Read more

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

Table Mountain, Afrikaans Tafelberg, is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway, campaign, or hiking to the top and other activites. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

The mountain is sculpted from sandstone and rises 1086 metres at its highest point, Maclears Beacon, above the bay. Its flat summit measures nearly 3km and provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day one has a magnificent view across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

Table Mountain is home to a rich fauna and flora, many species of which are endemic and survive only in the unique ecosystem which is contained on the mountain. There are approximately 1470 species of plants, including over 250 different species of daisies! Examples of endemic plants are the rare Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. Animals such as baboons and porcupines live here freely, as well as furry rodents called Rock Dassies. These little creatures look like plump rabbits without ears - incredibly, their closest living relative is the elephant! The Table Mountain Ghost Frog is an example of an animal found in no other place on the world.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

The exhilerating ascent of Table Mountain in the cable car is a definite must for any visitor. Even the locals are awed time and again by the 360º view of Cape Town from the cable car. The cable car was first opened in 1929 and today conveys some 600,000 people to the summit annually. On the summit there is a Cape Town restaurant and a souvenir shop, from which letters bearing the Table Mountain postmark can be sent. Short walks from the cable station take visitors through the splendour of the flora of Table Mountain, punctuated by occasional sightings of dassies and framed by the surrounding azure of the Atlantic Ocean.

For those athletic and energetic types, there are some 350 recognised paths to the summit, some undemanding and suitable for children, and some extremely difficult. It is not advisable that visitors climb the mountain without an experienced guide. The mountain can be deceptive and it is strongly recommended that visitors contact the Mountain Club of South Africa on 021-4653412 before embarking on a hike or climb.

Table Mountain is flanked on the east by the legendary Devil's Peak. As the story goes Van Hunks, a pirate in the early 18th century, retired from his eventful life at sea to live on the slopes of Devil's Peak. He spent his days sitting on the mountain, smoking his pipe. One day a stranger approached him, and a smoking contest ensued which lasted for days. The smoke clouds built up and a strong wind blew them down towards the town. When Van Hunks finally won the contest, the stranger revealed himself to be the Devil (hence Devil's Peak), and the two disappeared in a puff of smoke. Legend says that the cloud of smoke they left became Table Mountain's tablecloth - the famous white cloud that spills over the mountain when the south-easter blows in summer.

(South Africa) - Table Mountain - The Landmark of Cape Town

 

Of course, the phenomenon is also supported by a meteorological explanation. The moisture-laden south-easter blows against Table Mountain from over the False Bay and rises. At a height of approximately 900 meters the winds reach the colder layers of air and thick clouds form. These clouds roll over the mountain and down towards the City Bowl. The characteristic tablecloth forms when the clouds reach the warmer, lower air layers and dissolve once more.

To the right of Table Mountain, Kloof Nek is linked to the aptly named Lion's Head. The spiral walk up Lion's Head passes through silver trees and spring flowers, and provides a 360º view of the Cape Peninsula as you go round the mountain. The walk is not terribly challenging, and is a popular family outing. At the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view, and birds scramble for the crumbs left behind by numerous picnic baskets.

Lion's Head in turn is connected by a lion's body to the rump known as Signal Hill. Signal Hill derives its name from the time when it was used as a semaphore post for communication with ships at sea. It is from here that the noon cannon is still fired every day. After dark, the hill is a popular scene for couples who enjoy the romantic sight of the sparkle of the city lights with the backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain.

(Wiki, Britannica and Cape Town)

Read more

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia. The island has a surface area of 390 km² and over 2000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed themselves with the Bugis from Sulawesi. The population are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu minorities.

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

 

Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part of the Komodo National Park. Particularly notable here is the native Komodo dragon. In addition, the island is a popular destination for diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province.

How to get to Komodo island

By Air

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

There are numerous flight to get to Komodo island from Bali or Lombok. The following below some of the airline which has daily flight to Komodo

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

Indonesia Air Transport (IAT)

Depart : Everyday

DPS - LBJ : 10.00 – 11.30

LBJ - DPS : 12.00 – 13.30

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

 

Trans Nusa Airlines (TGN)

Depart : Everyday

DPS – LBJ : 10.00 – 11.50 & 13.00 – 14.20

LBJ – DPS VIA BMU (BIMA) : 12.05 - 12.35

BMU-DPS : 12.50 – 13.45

LBJ – DPS : 14.35 – 15.15

By Land

There are two accessed point to Komodo island. On the east part via Bima and the ferry goes from Sape harbor and from the west part is Labuhan Bajo the main prot to Komodo island and other island arround the Komodo.

(Indonesia) – Komodo island – Walking with Dragons

 

 By Boat

Lombok Tourism com provide wide range option for live aboard - boat to Komdo island most of the live board are sort of tour package, from any major area in Indonesia like Bali, Lombok, Bima and Labuhan Bajo at reasonable price. Please feel free to contact us by email, or phone.

(Wiki, LomBok Tourism)

Read more

(Argentina & Brazil) - Iguazú Falls - Walking on the footbridge and Wild Adventure

Iguazu Falls is undoubtedly the most visited place in Misiones and one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina, and why not in South America.

(Argentina & Brazil) - Iguazú Falls - Walking on the footbridge and Wild Adventure

 Together with Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, it is one of the most frequented tourist sites.

In guarani language, the term "Iguazú" means "great waters". It was discovered in 1541 by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and established in 1984 as Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Situated in Iguazú National Park, some 20 km. from Puerto Iguazú in the north of the province, these falls are shared by Brazil and Argentina.

Iguazú river is born in Paraná state in Brazil, and after crossing 1,200 km. on a plateau where it receives several affluents, it reaches a fault forming a crack in the interleaved layers of sandstone and basalt where the river runs.

This river runs through a smooth geography until it reaches a series of faults, and suddenly an 80 m. canyon in the Devil's Throat where the water produces a thundering sound and then drains into the Parana river.

A legend says that a big snake called "Boi" lived in the river. To calm its ferocity, aborigines sacrificed a woman every year as an offering. But once a brave guarani aborigin kidnapped the woman and saved her from the traditional rite escaping through the river. Boi burst in anger, bent its body and split the river forming the cataracts separating the man and the woman.

Walking on the footbridge

There are more than 270 falls in an area where cliffs and islets are scattered in a half moon.

From the visitors center you can walk around trails or in a picturesque train.

There are two basic circuits: an upper path and a lower path.

(Argentina & Brazil) - Iguazú Falls - Walking on the footbridge and Wild Adventure

 The lower path leads to the base of the falls, where the spray moistens visitors. It is a unique experience, worth daring the adventure. In this circuit you may also take a boat to Isla San Martín.

From the upper path you have panoramic views from the footbridge in an unforgettable experience.

The falls that can be visited are: Salto Floriano, Salto Deodoro, Salto Benjamín Constant, Salto Unión, Salto Escondido, Salto Mitre, Salto Belgrano, Salto Rivadavia, Salto Tres Mosqueteros, Salto Dos Mosqueteros, Salto San Martín, Salto Adán y Eva, Salto Bozzetti, Salto Ramirez, Salto Chico, Salto Dos Hermanos and Salto Alvar Nuñez .

(Argentina & Brazil) - Iguazú Falls - Walking on the footbridge and Wild Adventure

 

Leaving from Cataratas station, we go to the footbridge on the upper part of the river. We get to the balcony on the Devil's Throat, the biggest fall with such a big flow of water that you will be overcome by the grandeur of the scenery.

Wild Adventure

The lovers of adventure travelling can acces to more intense circuits.

Apart from waterfalls, the jungle offers a series of alternatives in a dump but slightly fresher environment with a wide variety of animals and plants. Almost 500 species of wild fowl, 80 species of mammals and an immense variety of reptiles, fish, insects and butterflies live in this ecosystem.

(Argentina & Brazil) - Iguazú Falls - Walking on the footbridge and Wild Adventure

 Only some meters from the Research Center is Macuco Trail, a 3 km. walking path through the dense jungle with different degrees of difficulty. It is a 2 hour walk to Salto Arrechea.

A private operator offers a more daring alternative. Leaving in a 4x4 vehicle we drive 8 km. through the jungle to the coast of the inferior Iguazu river.

Some semi-rigid rafts with powerful engines will be waiting for us to go upstream and into the mist veil formed by the cascades.

Another option is to take a rowing boat in the upper Iguazú river to watch the animals and plants in this delta, and maybe see some water tortoises or yacares sunbathing on the coast.

Iguazú is a singular environment that inspired the writer Horacio Quiroga in his "Tales of the Jungle".

(Wiki, Welcome Argentina and Go South America)

Read more

(South America) – Amazon - World’s largest tropical rainforest and river basin

The Amazon rainforest is huge, and you can enter from several different countries in South America.

South America - Amazon - World's largest tropical rainforest and river basin

 

The landscape contains:

- One in ten known species on Earth

- 1.4 billion acres of dense forests, half of the planet’s remaining tropical forests

- 4,100 miles of winding rivers, the source of almost one-fifth of all free-flowing fresh water on Earth

- 2.6 million square miles, about 40 percent of South America, in the Amazon Basin

South America - Amazon - World's largest tropical rainforest and river basin

The easiest countries to enter from are Ecuador and Brazil. To enter from Ecuador , take an international airline to Quito . From Quito travel to the Amazon rainforest, by bus, small plane or private guide. Quito is a unique city, rich in history which should be explored if time permits. To enter from Brazil , you can easily find flights from all over the world to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro . If you have time spend a few days in those cities if you want, especially Rio which is famous for its carnival parade in February. From Sao Paulo or Rio you can get another flight to the Amazon cities, you can choose among many state capital cities like Manaus , Belem , Macapa, Boa Vista , Porto Velho or Rio Branco . Manuas and Belem have the most infrastructures for tourists.

South America - Amazon - World's largest tropical rainforest and river basin

In the Amazon rainforest you can travel in small airplanes (very nice to get an aerial view) between the smaller cities. But on the ground level there is just one way to travel in the Amazon rainforest, which is by boat. The Amazon rainforest is full of rivers, from the smallest one to the biggest one on the planet. The Amazon River is responsible for 25% of the fresh water that goes into the oceans. The Amazon River is so big that in some places you can't see the other side of the river. Certain areas seem just like an ocean since you have white sand beaches and waves! In some places the rivers edges are 30 miles from each other.

(South America - Amazon) Scarlet Macaw Flying

 The size of the boats depends on how far you are going. For smaller day-trip travel the usual boat is called "Voadeira" (the best translation it would be "Flyer Boat") which are small aluminum boats for just a dozen people with stern nautical engines, they are very common, fast and you can go in most places in a voadeira boat.

(South America - Amazon) Old Growth Rainforests Amazon Conservation

If you are going to make a longer trip you will use wooden boats that vary in size but sometimes can carry hundreds of passengers. In these boats you can pay for a cabin (on some of the better boats air conditioning is offered, this will make your trip more pleasant through the Amazon rainforest). If you can't or don't want to pay for the cabin, you will travel the way the local do, with nets! Yes, for the common Amazon man and woman when they travel for long distances they sleep in nets, they are very used to it since a net is one of the most common things in the region. If you are adventurous enough and like to travel like the local population, this is your way and it's much cheaper (although the cabin is not expensive).

South America - Amazon - World's largest tropical rainforest and river basin

Longer trips are a very nice way to get to know the region. You can go from Manaus to Santarem (a medium size city) or from Belem to Santarem by boat. These boats have regular schedules and it's safe. You can also go from Belem to Manaus (and vice-versa ) but then you would spend a week in a boat, to Santarem it will be only a few days and there you have an airport with direct flights to the Amazon region capitals or other cities in Brazil like Brasilia ( capital of the country) or even Rio de Janeiro . On the largest boats you can eat and take small foot tours in the small villages they stop by on the way up the river.

Along with the big boats and the voadeiras, canoes are very common and are the local population's most important way of transport. Canoes can be used for small trips or to go deep in small rivers. These canoes are hand made by Indians, or local individuals that learn from Indians, using Amazon rainforest wood and although they were originally conceived to be propelled by paddles, nowadays people use small engine propellers. Going deep in a small river branch in a paddle canoe is an incredible experience. You are almost completely covered with the rain forest canopy and you can feel and hear the Amazon rainforest in all its greatness.

(Wiki, Amazon Rainforest and World Wild Life

Read more

(Tibet) – The roof of the world - OM MANI PADME HUM

Tibet is located at the Southwest part of China, the capital city is Lhasa. It is bordered on the south by Burma, India, Bhutan and Nepal, on the north by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai province, and on the east by Sichuan and Yunnan Province.

The Potala Palace - Tibet

 

Located on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and with an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, Tibet is regarded as the roof of the world and the Third pole of the Globe. Tibet is encompassed by some of the world’s highest mountains: The Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram to the west, and the Kunlun to the north are the dream lands of so many adventurers and mountaineers.

Potala Palace - Tibet Lhasa

Tibet is blessed with an incredible topography dotted with numerous holy lakes, beautiful prairies, snowcapped peaks, towering Himalayas and it is hallowed by snow-white Khatag(Hada), religious sites, monasteries and palaces. Because of its special landscape and unique cultural traditions, more and more people dream to visit this mysterious Buddhist kingdom.

(Tibet) – The roof of the world - OM MANI PADME HUM

Tibetan Tourist Attractions

There are one municipality and six prefectures in Tibet, the municipality is Lhasa, while the six prefectures are Shigatse, Ngari, Lhaoka, Chamdo,Nakchu and Nyingtri.

(Tibet) – The roof of the world - OM MANI PADME HUM

What to see in Tibet?

1. See Temples and monasteries. Tibet is noted for the 'Buddhist Kingdom of Snow Land' for its over 1700 temples or monasteries, where about 40% people of the provincial population live there and most believe in Buddhism or Bon (Black) religion.

(Tibet) – The roof of the world - OM MANI PADME HUM

2. See the pilgrims. Many pious devotees who prostrate themselves on the roads when journey to Lhasa; some people rotating the prayer wheels and walk around the holy lakes, holy mountains, temples or along the Circumanbulations.

3. See the local people how to spend the Tibetan Festivals (you can enjoy with them of course). From the religious or traditional festivals, you will know something about the Tibetan songs, Tibetan dances, Tibetan traditions, Tibetan religions and so on during your Lhasa and Tibet tour.

4. See Tibetan architecture. As one of the most famous China's ethnic architecture, many traditional Tibetan buildings are hitherto mysterious.

(Tibet) – The roof of the world - OM MANI PADME HUM

5. See the stunning mountains. Nearly all Tibetan mountains are snow-clad, and most can be climbed on. You can trip to the base camp of Mount Qomolangma (Mt. Everest Base Camps) to admire the world's highest peak.

6. See the extensive grasslands under the azure dotted with yaks and Tibetan antelopes, vultures circling high overhead. Experience the real life of the Tibetan herders when traverse the grassland of the north Tibet.

7. To see the 'no man's land'. Few people reside in the stripe between Naqu and Ali, where is endowed with the most attractive primitive natural landscape in our planet. Many animals frequently haunt there.

8. See the historic ruins. Tibet is rich in historic ruins, of which the most famous one is the Ruin of Von Guge. Located in the Tibet of Tibet-Ali area, it was once the site of the mystic Guge Kingdom.

9. See the valley of north Tibet. It is the cradle of Tibetan civilization. According to Chinese history, the first Tibet's Kingdom--Tubo Kingdom was built there, in which the first farmland and the first palace of Tibetan still remained.

The square in front of Jokhang temple- Tibet Lhasa

10. Visit the Grand Canyon of east Tibet. Rich in rainfall, forests and the minorities' customs, this area is considered the heaven of Tibet. In the Grand Canyon area, you can see the Menba and Luoba people's unique ways of life.

11. See the most sensational lakes and rivers in the world. There are many sacred lakes and breathtaking rivers can be found in Tibet: Lake Namtso, Lake Manasarovar, Lake Yumutso, Lake Basong, Brahmaputra River, Lhasa River, and Niyang River...

(Let's Travel Tibet)

Read more

(China) - Ghostly mirage appears over river in Huanshan City

(China) - Ghostly mirage appears over river in Huanshan City

(China) - Ghostly mirage appears over river in Huanshan City

Read more