Category Archives: Editor’s Picks

Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Bunaken, Underwater Paradise in North Sulawesi

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As a maritime country, Indonesia is famous for its various diving sites. One of the most colorful diving sites is Bunaken Island, which is located in North Sulawesi and a part of Manado municipality. The Island is only 8 km square in size, but it has one of the richest marine biodiversity stuffs in the world.

Bunaken Island itself is a part of Bunaken National Marine Park. It has been the pride of people in Manado since first established in 1991. Many divers and snorkelers around the world make this island one of their must-visit places for diving. It is not surprising considering its underwater beauty.

Bunaken got its rich biodiversity from the meeting between Northeastern currents and their counter currents, which constantly create a large swimming larva and plankton traps. This, in turn, attracts various species of animals that eat those larva and planktons, and in turn attract more large animals, forming a biodiversity. Other factors that make Bunaken so rich in life forms are its constantly warm water, being a tropical sea with temperature that ranges between 27 and 29 Celsius degree. This is an ideal condition for various marine plants and coral reefs to grow and multiply.

Biodiversity of Bunaken

Many divers and snorkelers have described incredible view under Bunaken water; not only because the water is clear blue, but also because the underwater life is very rich. It is said that Bunaken has about 70 percent of all fish species in Indo-Western Pacific, as well as having 7 out of 8 species of rare giant clams in the whole world.

Divers can also see hundreds of coral fish species, among them are damsels, gobies, clown fish and groupers. Other animals include sea turtle, several species of sea horses, colorful coral reefs and sponges. In fact, Bunaken has about 70 coral genera, which is claimed to be more than those in Hawaiian Island. There are also unique, rare animals such as dugongs. Bunaken is so famous that Department of Tourism always puts this island and one of the most recommended destinations for people who visit Eastern Indonesia areas, especially Sulawesi.

How to Enter Bunaken

To reach Bunaken, visitors can depart from Manado by boat in a 60 minutes trip. Public boats are available every day except on Sunday, with quite cheap fares; around $2.5 (IDR 25,000) for tourists. The boat departs at 2-3 PM and returns from the island at 8-8.30 AM. Many travel agents also arrange trip to the island with chartered boat. The entry fee to the island is $5 (IDR 50,000).

Bunaken also offers other activities. For example, instead of diving, visitors can join a hiking trip to see Bunaken’s coastal beauty from hilltop. Visitors can also join local anglers for a fishing trip, or hire boats to watch whales and dolphins. The beach is also nice for lazy strolling, but visitors must be careful about sea tide rising. Bunaken is clearly one of the most beautiful natural attractions Indonesia has, and its rich biodiversity suitably earns it the reputation as the underwater paradise in North Sulawesi.

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Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Exploring the Wonder of Crude Marine Tourism at Raja Ampat

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That Indonesia is a wonderful tourist destination is not a secret. It is home to many stunning islands, diverse cultures and delicious foods. Indonesia has so many wonderful tourist destinations that offer naturally rustic environment, which you cannot find in Bali or in any other established destinations. One of them is Raja Ampat in the Province of Papua, Indonesia.

What to Do

  • Diving

Raja Ampat is the destination of choice for divers and marine tourism lovers. It is even said to be one of 10 world’s best places, if not the best one, for diving since it has rare seawater flora and fauna. It has more than 600 species of coral reefs, which are not found at any other areas anymore. Preserved coral reefs are found in the strait between Waigeo Island and Batanta Island, in Kofiau, Misool, and Wayag Islands.

  • Boat Tour

Exploring the islands using a boat is an amazing activity to do in Raja Ampat. Renting a small boat, you can explore the islands freely. You can travel to the four main islands, with their hilly contour, and hundreds of other smaller islands. It is for sure, you will be amazed by the natural panorama surrounding you.

  • Trekking

Another way to explore the islands is trekking. Raja Ampat is known for scarce, unique fauna, like bald Cendrawasih, red Cendrawasih, maleo, waigeo, or kus-kus. In addition, trekking in the area of Tomolol will bring you to old bat caves, rare orchids or palms. Having a seat near to the natural falls in Salawati Island soothes your soul and mind, of course. There is also a traditional village in Waigeo, where you can sightsee and enjoy the unique and rustic environment.

What to Buy

Papua community is known for unique handicrafts, made of natural materials, particularly wood and bamboo. To get something interesting for your beloved ones at home, you can go handicraft centers or souvenir stores, such as plait crafts (anyaman) at Arborek, South Waigeo Island. You can bring the following stuffs home.

  • Sculptures, made by Asmat community; you can also learn to make the sculpture with the assistance of Asmat crafters.
  • Traditional clothes
  • Traditional flutes, and some other crafts

Where to Live

Raja Ampat is under large construction projects for accommodations in the Tourist Center, namely Saonek Monde, resorts in Nyandebabo, Waiwo Island, and South Wiageo Island. Right now, you have some alternative resorts, including:

  • Island camps, where you can enjoy local dishes like fish soup
  • Boathouses that are usually provided by diving agents
  • Kri Eco Resort, a unique resort with rustic style, built over the water
  • Sarido Bay Resort, which provides you with the joy of a house reef style
  • Hotels and resorts on Saonek Monde, Mansuar island, and Tenwupnor island

You may have to allocate relatively substantial amount of budget for a visit to Raja Ampat. From Jakarta, Indonesia, you fly to Sorong via Manado. The flight takes about 6 hours. From Sorong, you can go to Raja Ampat using speedboat or long boat for about 40 minutes of travel time. The standard transportation cost to Raja Ampat ranges from IDR 1 million to 1,2 millions. Surely, the cost and time you invest to visit Raja Ampat will be paid by the joy and unforgettable experience you get.

Editor's Picks, Food

10 Duck Dishes from All over the World

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Duck dishes may not as popular as chicken dishes, maybe because the meat is darker and harder so it would take longer time to cook it and many people hardly deal with the strong smell of the duck. Nonetheless, duck is used in various dishes all over the world. Nowadays, popularity of duck dishes is increasing as more and more people know how delicious the dishes are, if you know how to cook it right. If you need some recommendation, here are 10 duck dishes from all over the world.

1. Pecking Duck: this could be the most famous duck dish in the world because we can easily find the dishes in many Chinese food restaurants. This is national dish of China originally from Beijing and has been prepared from the Ming Dynasty. The whole body of the duck is seasoned and then roast by hanging it in the oven. It is served by slicing the meat. Some restaurants serve it with hoisin sauce or sweet bean sauce on the plate.

2. Foie Gras: this is another famous duck dish due to the delicious taste as well as the controversy. Foie gras is French dish made from fattened liver of duck. To make the liver fattened, the ducks are forced to eat and this fact make animal lover angry. Due to the force-feeding process, some countries prohibit foie gras.

3. Bebek Betutu: this is Indonesian duck dish originally from Bali. The dish is spicy and highly seasoned that some Balinese even made it extra-spicy with more red chilli pepper. After seasoned, the duck is wrapped with banana leaves and roasted.

4. Czernina: this duck dish is a traditional sweet and sour soup from Poland. The dish becomes popular due to the ingredient. Czernina is made from duck blood with addition of poultry broth. In Poland, czernina is mostly served for young men.

5. Oritang: in Korea, duck is shimmered with various vegetables to create a delicious guk or Korean soup. In Korea, different region has different oritang variant. Some of them made clear soup oritang and the other made stew. Addition of chilly is popular variant.

6. Arroz con Pato: this one is duck version of arroz con pollo (Latin rice and chicken dish) originally from Peru since Peruvian prefer duck. To make the dish special, Peruvian add cilantro and dark beer to the recipe. Some variant also use vegetables.

7. Turducken: the name is actually derived from turkey and duck. This American dish is combination of turkey and duck. The Americans cook turkey that stuffed by duck meat.

8. Long Island Roast Duckling: roast duck is very popular in the world and roast duck from Long Island is special. The duck is roasted in a whole to let the fat melt. In some restaurants, the Long Island roasted duck is served with cherry sauce.

9. Zhangcha Duck: China is well known for duck dish and this one is originally from Sichuan. The dish is also called tea-smoked duck because after marinated the duck is smoked over tea leaves and twigs.

10. Confit: another duck dish from France, this one is free from controversy. Confit is made from duck leg that should be marinated with salt, garlic, and some herbs for about 36 hours before cooking. The cooking process could be fry or grill.

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America

Highlights of British Columbia

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Highlights of British Columbia.
British Columbia is Canada’s south-western province bordering the Pacific Ocean and Alaska. There are vibrant cities, towering mountain peaks, blue ocean waters dotted with islands, and sun-baked desert. You can hike coastline or mountain trails, go whale or bear watching, visit award-winning wineries and relax at great resorts. Here are some suggestions:

Vancouver
This world-class city takes full advantage of its water-side location, has some good urban attractions, plenty of green space and many recreation opportunities in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. Visit Granville Island’s covered Public Market, a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Walk the 8.8km Stanley Park seawall, take a leisurely horse-drawn cart ride through the lush forest or relax at the ever-busy, family-friendly Second Beach on the park’s western side.
Gastown, one of the oldest areas in the city, is a place to stroll down cobbled streets, explore its historic buildings and courtyards and enjoy its unique shopping, nightlife, and attractions.  Don’t miss the statue of “Gassy Jack” and the wonderful steam clock that announces the quarter hours with a whistle chime.

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge
The first Capilano suspension bridge (www.capbridge.com/‎) was built at this North Vancouver location in1889. The present challenging bridge stretches 137m across and 70m above the Capilano River and is extremely popular . The bridge is what has made the park famous but there are several other excellent attractions. A highlight is the opportunity to see, touch and learn about the temperate rainforest with its 1000 year old trees, from both ground and treetops levels.
The twenty-seven acre privately-owned park provides tranquillity, adventure, thrills, meals, souvenirs and an unforgettable experience all at the same time. Cliffwalk is the park’s newest attraction and here you are challenged by a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff high above Capilano Canyon. You will experience exhilaration or fear but are likely to have a sense of achievement on finishing.

Whistler
Whistler (http://www.whistler.com) booms in winter but at other times it is still a delight. The pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been regularly voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines. The vibrant Village Stroll is a perfect place for people watching, shopping, dining or just kicking back. Grab a drink on an outdoor terrace and take in the glorious mountain scenery before indulging in a gourmet meal.
If you are into mountain biking there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. If not, take the Whistler Gondala ride to the top of Whistler Mountain then the amazing Peak to Peak journey between the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. You won’t be disappointed.

 

Highway 5
This is a 525 kilometre north-south road in the southern part of the province. South of Kamloops, it is a 186 km freeway. North of Kamloops the two-lane road follows the North Thompson River valley through the isolated forested hillsides and grasslands of the Thompson Plateau. This is a quiet, lightly populated region, with Clearwater the first significant settlement. This is the closest town to Wells Grey Provincial Park, with its stunning vistas of high mountains, deep canyons, volcanic cones, brooding old-growth forests and raging white-water rivers.
The highway continues north to the small settlement of Valemont. In winter this is the base for superb alpine snowmobiling with groomed trails and spectacular scenery. At other times there is white-water rafting, fishing or observing the wildlife in the Cranberry Marsh Sanctuary. The Mount Robson Provincial Park is 35 kilometres further north and a viewing point provides glorious views of Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.

Field, Golden, Glacier National Park
Highway 1 climbs Kicking Horse Pass, the point where the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans Canada Highway cross the continental divide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Near the top is a viewpoint where you see the famous spiral loop on the railway. If you are lucky you are rewarded by a view of an enormous freight train crossing over itself. Field, an historic railway town with a dramatic river outlook, provides a reason to stop as does Golden, a tidy town just off the highway.
There are two national parks here; the Yoho National Park and the Glacier National Park. The country is spectacular and it is tempting to stop at every turn. At the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre you learn about the intrepid railroaders who built the railway through this wilderness and the avalanche scientists and others who keep this wintery pass open today. Further on, the Hemlock Grove Trail, an interpretive boardwalk through the world’s only non-coastal cedar-hemlock rainforest, and the Skunk Cabbage Trail, through a unique wetland, are both great places to stretch the legs.

Wine country
The Okanagan Valley (http://www.okanagan.com/) has lakes, world-class golf, mountain and wellness resorts, great beaches and trails, and outstanding mountain biking, and it is also Canada’s best wine country. Vernon and Penticton are significant towns and Kelowna is the largest city in BC’s interior. The area has something like 90 wineries, many of them clustered between Peachland and Osoyoos and it’s here that Oliver lays claim to being Canada’s wine capital.
Throughout the valley you pass through cherry and stone fruit orchards and are tempted to explore many of the wineries. Greta Ranch Winery is attractively set high above the lake. At Dirty Laundry Winery you pass under a washing line hung with underwear to get into the tasting room and restaurant. Poplar Grove Winery has a beautiful building high above Penticton and a great cabernet franc wine. There are spectacular mountain and lake views everywhere and plenty of accommodation and other facilities. No wonder this region attracts so many visitors.

 

Watermark Beach Resort
The splendid Waterfront Beach Resort (http://www.watermarkbeachresort.com/‎) has lake frontage in the main street of Osoyoos and the views from our huge balcony are stunning. This is Canada’s warmest lake and the area calls itself Canada’s only desert but for many visitors it is simply paradise. The luxury resort has space, a lovely restaurant with an innovative menu, and excellent spa and massage facilities. The surrounding area has many wineries and several attractions including a desert boardwalk, a huge model railway and the spectacular Desert Cultural Centre which has a museum and an interesting walk with First Nations guides.

 

West Coast Railway Heritage Museum
Located in Squamish, this impressive outdoor museum (http://www.wcra.org/‎) has interesting authentic railway equipment and the magnificent Royal Hudson steam locomotive restored to its full beauty and housed in a huge hall. There are many items to climb over and there is an opportunity to learn how Canada’s mail was processed on rails. The park has 90 pieces of heritage railway rolling stock; the oldest are the business car British Columbia (1890) and a rare Canadian Pacific Colonist sleeping car (1905).
There are several buildings making up the park centre including Brightbill Heritage House and the Squamish Station, designed in 1915 but not built until 2000. This is one for the whole family and if you are a railway buff you will be in heaven.
Words: Len Rutledge
Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

The author.
Len Rutledge (www.LenRutledge.com) is an author and travel writer who has written thousands of newspaper and magazine articles and over 25 travel guide books. He currents writes the e-book Experience Guide series available from Amazon and has written the popular Bangkok Bargain Shopping app for Android and Apple devices.

Books, Movies, and TV Shows, Editor's Picks

The Best Travel TV Show

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best-of-the-road_about-the-showDo you want to travel around the world but you only have small funds to spend? You probably still need time to save. However, you may not know when you can go. Alternatively, you can follow travel TV show to get information of things happening and existing around the world. At least, you should watch one of the following travel programs.

9 Travel TV Shows You Should Watch

Watching travel show is one of the ways to let your mind make trips around the world without having to move your feet. It is easy, free and fun.

1. Around the World in 80 Days

British travel documentary series made to support the annual BBC Children in Need charity appeal in 2009. It starts from the Reform Club in London and ends at the same place. The journey is made without a flight.

2. Bridget Sexy beaches

USA documents Bridget Marquardt in traveling to visit different countries to explore their beaches, meet the locals and participate in various activities and also enjoy the nightlife.

3. Samantha Brown Series

Passport to Europe, passport to Asia, etc. can tell you how to go abroad. Samantha Brown knows how to travel and she will take you around the world.

4. Don’t tell my mother 

Hosted by Diego Buñuel and shown on subscription television channel Nat Geo Adventure. There are many places in the world to visit such as Colombia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Korea, Tokyo, Lagos and many more.

5. Scam city

This tv show will takes you to unusual traveling experience, exposing more crimes in tourism, including thieves. Conor Woodman goes around with an undercover team and hidden cameras and let himself scammed, rubbed and conned.

6. Banged up Abroad

British documentary television series created by Bart Layton. Most of the episodes feature the stories of people who have been arrested when travelling abroad.

7. Somewhere in China

Produced by Nat Geo Adventure, a cool TV show that will treat you with the stunning footage of China. It is where filmmaker/photographer duo Peter and Jeff Hutchens back to China where they lived as children.

8. Globbe treker, in Australia, Thailand and Canada, and more.

It is originally broadcasted as Lonely Planet. It is an adventure tourism television series produced by Pilot Productions. The show does not only cover a kind of traveling experience but also expose more to get deeper to the local culture. The presenters also take a part in different aspects of regional life including attending wedding ceremony.

9. An idiot abroad 

British travel documentary television series on Sky1 and Science. It documents Karl Pilkington’s journey to foreign countries under the guise of visiting New Seven Wonders in the world.

So, do you still want to travel abroad? Make sure you know where to go and what to do there. The coolest travel TV shows are great sources of knowledge to learn about before you take a flight.

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore

Books, Movies, and TV Shows, Editor's Picks, Food

It’s a foodie show, it’s a travel show

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Do you have much interest in culinary? If you go to a new place, make sure you spare the time to taste the local foods. Do you feel hesitated? The foodie adventure television show can be a great and free guide to follow. This article will show you some of the coolest foodie adventure TV shows.

 The 10 Coolest Foodie Shows on TV to Follow 

There are many foodie adventure TV shows to watch. But not all of them can offer the quality culinary program. If you want some cool recommendations, here they are:

1. No Reservation

This foodie adventure program is hosted by Anthony Bourdain and known as a popular American travel and food show on the travel channel. The host will take you to travel not only throughout the US but also around the globe where you can get special treats of cuisine and culture.

2. Street Food Around the World

Who says that the street food is less tasty than the restaurant food? There are many food stalls to find around the boulevards, alleyways and streets. Ishai Goshai will take you to visit them and taste the special foods that become the local people’s favorites.

3. Bizzare Foods

Andrew Zimmens will let you know about the exotic or even disgusting foods you can eat on Bizzare Foods TV show. This program invites your imagination to taste the totally different kinds of foods while traveling around the world. Raw pig’s testicle, giant snails, fried grasshoppers and many strange dishes are going to be discovered by Andrew Zimmens.

4. Man vs food nation

Can you beat foods? Adam Richman hosts man vs food nation and takes you to explore the US to taste the most iconic food dishes of local eateries. He will also take any talent for a food challenge while he serves as the coach.

5. Kimchi Chronicle

Are you a big fan of Korean stuff? Make sure you know their most iconic food, kimchi. Chef Marja Vongerichen will explore more about this food, share you its history and so on. She will let you know how to cook this Korean food in American kitchen too.

6. Ho Chak – Singapore and food glorious food – Singapore

Asian food channel also airs food travel programs in 24 hours, including Ho Chak which means tasty or very tasty. You will mostly be introduced to tasty Southeast Asian foods. You can also know more about them by following food glorious food TV show.

7. Taste with Jason – Malaysia

Jason is a music composer and a telecommunication engineer at the initial stage. He also has passion to culinary. That is why you are invited to follow taste with Jason show via Asian Food Channel and Mediacorp’s channel 8.

8. Martin Yans china

Have you ever visited china or tasted their iconic foods? Martin Yan will take you to a fascinating tour for exploring the four schools of Chinese cuisine. He will take you to different places to find the popular foods in china.

9. $2 Wonderfood – Singapore

Are you hungry but running out of cash when visiting Singapore? Before this situation happens to you, Ben Yeo will let you know the cheapest and tastiest foods around Singapore through $2 Wonderfood TV show.

10. Dining with Death

This culinary TV show will take you to explore the mysterious and exotic dishes served around the world. It really challenges your braveness to take a bite.

Do not you see? There are many cool foodie adventures TV shows you should not miss to watch.

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore

Editor's Picks

Top 5 Most Iconic Cities Worldwide

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Whether for an instantly recognisable skyline or home to one of the wonders of the ancient world, there are some cities that cannot fail to be iconic.

Paris

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Whether you’re in Paris for a weekend break or taking a few weeks to enjoy the French capital, you’ll never run out of things to do. Any visitor to Paris will want to take in iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum; but don’t be so swept up in checking off all the standard tourist destinations that you miss some of the less well-known places. Visit the Musée du Moyen-Âge for a glimpse of the fabled “La Dame à la Licorne”, one of the most magnificent medieval tapestries in existence. To really experience the City of Lights, book a room in one of the many luxury hotels in the Paris’ city centre rather than braving the cramped accommodation to be found in the outlying districts.

London

London taxi

Like Paris, London boasts a multitude of spectacular buildings and locations. Once you have visited Big Ben and the London Eye, why not pay a visit to the British Museum? Here you’ll find treasures from all over the world. As well as giving the London skyline one of its most dramatic elements, St. Paul’s Cathedral is packed with beautiful religious art and has a fascinating history. Natural history and science buffs might be interested in a visit to Crystal Palace park, where you can view full-sized replicas of those iconic Victorian attempts to reconstruct prehistoric animals. https://edpillgrece.gr/chapia-kamagra-100mg.html

Cairo

cairo

Cairo is one of the most unforgettable cities on Earth. If you want to witness the glory of the Pyramids first hand, you’ll need to begin here, in the hustle and bustle of the Egyptian capital. One of the largest cities in the whole of North Africa and the Middle East, Cairo is home to countless cultural treasures.

New York

New-York-Time-Square

If your ideal city is modern, magical and steeped with culture, a visit to the Big Apple is indispensable. New York is home to some of the most outstanding modern architecture in the world, from the Empire State Building to the Art Deco glories of the Chrysler Building. If you have any energy left after visiting world-class museums or picking up bargains at the famous New York City sample sales, New York’s nightlife is second to none. To take the biggest possible bite out of the Big Apple, you’ll want to stay in central New York accommodation— this will give you the perfect base from which to explore the city.

Hong Kong

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The complex history of Hong Kong has produced a city that’s completely unique. If your tastes run to new cultural experiences, don’t miss the Cantonese opera at the Sunbeam Theatre or the latest offerings from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Art buffs will want to make a beeline for the Hong Kong Arts Centre or maybe visit the lively artistic community in the Foh Tan district. Perhaps the best time to explore the amazing city of Hong Kong is during one of the traditional Chinese holidays, particularly the Chinese New Year or during the Dragon Boat Festival.

#For the latest travel news & tips, follow Travelfore on Twitter @travelfore