Asia, Editor's Picks

Exploring Muscat

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It is hot outside. Very hot! I have never experienced 48 degrees Celsius before and I don’t like it. My wife and I are in Muscat the capital of Oman, an Arab state on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the heat we are out and about sightseeing because the weather forecast is for this weather to last another two or three months.

Muscat is a spread-out city of mainly low-level white buildings. The port-district with its waterfront road and harbour forms the north-eastern periphery of the city. This is probably the most interesting area for visitors although most of the better accommodation is elsewhere. It is where you find most of the following attractions.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

Muscat

The Qasr Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed over 200 years ago and the current Sultan is a direct descendent. The gold and blue palace  was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. Visitors are not allowed inside  even though the Sultan normally lives elsewhere in Oman but you are allowed to take photographs from the outside. The Palace is used for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors.

Fort al-Jalal

al-Jalal Fort

This is a fort in the harbor of the old city. It was built by the Portuguese in the 1580’s to protect the harbor after Muscat had twice been sacked by foreign forces. Until the 1970s it was used as Oman’s main prison, then was restored in 1983 and converted into a private museum of Omani cultural history, that is accessible only to dignitaries. The fort consists of two towers connected by a wall punctuated by holes for cannons. The building is completely isolated and cannot be accessed from its rocky façade; instead there is a small bridge and stairway

Al-Mirani Fort

Al-Mirani Fort

This was built at the same time as Al-Jalali Fort. Looking down over Muscat’s Old Town from its cliff top perch, it is one of Oman’s most striking landmarks, guarding the entrance to Muscat Bay. Unfortunately it is not open to the public but at night the spotlighted citadel appears like a fairy-tale castle. It can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs carved into the rock. There are two circular towers at the ends of the fort and another tower, almost semi-circular in shape, which rises above the rest of the fort and dominates the surrounding landscape.

Mutrah Fort

Mutrah Fort

Overlooking the town is this imposing fort which merges into the cliff on which it sits. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their occupation in the 1580’s.If you are adventurous it is possible to scale the steps that wind up the side of the cliff edge and from the top there are some great views.

Mutrah Corniche

Looking towards the Corniche

With its promenade, markets, cafés and restaurants, this is one of the highlights of the city. The Corniche stretches for three kilometres overlooking the port and clear blue sea. There are gardens and fountains along its length, while at the western end there is a fruit and vegetable market, a fish market and a fishing dhow port.

Towards the east you can see the Mutrah Fort raised high upon the rocks, explore a maze of narrow streets and traditional souks, or visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum.

Fish market

Fish market

The main fish hall is full of traders in traditional dress selling everything from shell fish to gigantic tuna. The sellers are very friendly and happy to answer questions and they generally allow photos if you ask first. You can see the boats coming in, the fish spread out on benches and in tubs, and people buying  fish for their families.

Mutrah Souq

Market

One of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years is also one of its most interesting. You don’t get a good impression  from the outside, as it is hidden behind other development and stretches from a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche, to another gate in the city’s old quarter, but inside it is marvellous.

Mutrah Souq is a modern interpretation of old Eastern markets, with narrow winding roofed alleys and central plazas filled with activity. The souq has many shops selling jewellery, traditional Omani handicrafts, clothes and several cafes selling Omani food at reasonable prices. Some shops accept credit cards.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Inside the mosque

This is the third largest mosque in the world and non-Muslims may visit from 8AM to 11AM every day except Friday. Ladies are expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. This is the only attraction in this post which is not in or near the old city.

The whole complex is stunning. Highlights are the gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier, the enormous hand-made Persian carpet which took 600 women three years to make, and the marble panelling.

Elsewhere in the city sandy Qurum beach is one of Muscat’s most popular beaches and is a good place for a swim or just to relax under the palm trees on a sun-lounger. It is an open public beach with coffee shops and cafes close by for refreshments.

Editor's Picks, Festivals, Indonesia

Lampung Krakatau Festival Will be Held in August 2014

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Mount Krakatau in Indonesia may emit scary images of mighty eruption, but every year, diverse and lively cultural festival is held around the area. Krakatau Festival has been held since 1991, in the spirit of reminiscence about how powerful Krakatau is and how generous it is; thanks to its presence, the soil around the mountain area becomes very fertile and the areas around it have grown ever since. Therefore, Krakatau is an important mount in cultural, economy and social sense.

This year, Krakatau Festival will be held from 24th to 31st August in Lampung Province, and will include various cultural and art performances as well as sport events.

Lampung Krakatau Festival Will be Held in August 2014

Events in Krakatau Festival 2014

Krakatau Festival events will be held in different areas, and each day will provide different delights and spectacles for the crowds and tourists. Here are the schedules of the entire festival:

  • Opening ceremony on August 24th. The ceremony will be held in Bandar Lampung, which is the capital city of Lampung province. Held in Enggal Field, the ceremony will consist of mass aerobic, kites and gasing (spinning top) competitions, indie movie festival, triathlon, modern dance competition and Lampung souvenir making competition.
  • Fine art exhibition from 24th to 28th August. The fine art exhibition will be held at Enggal Art Market, which features artists from entire Lampung area.
  • Poetry reading from 25th to 26th August at Enggal Art Market.
  • Bike tour in Bakauheni Lampung from 27th to 28th August. This is a non competitive bike tour with route around Siger Tower and beautiful Rimau Balak Island.
  • Krakatau Festival Expo, held from 29th to 31st August. Located in Kaliandra, South Lampung, the expo will showcase culinary, art, and culture exhibitions, with participants from government representatives, state owned and private companies, schools, communities, organizations, individual artists and many more.
  • Krakatau Fun Dive from 29th to 31st August. This is a mass diving and snorkeling event with participants from all over Lampung as well as tourists.
  • Krakatau Tour, which is the highlight of the event, which invites everyone from ambassadors and guests to general public and tourists to explore the mighty Krakatau and Anak Krakatau, which is the newly emerging, smaller, yet powerful mount that appeared after the great eruption of Krakatau in the 19th century.

Finally, on the last day, the entire event will be closed with gala dinner and traditional music as well as dance performances. The official event closure will be held on August 31st with The Legend and Glories of Lampung Parade, which is a parade that showcases rich history and cultural background of Lampung.

The Importance of Krakatau Festival
Krakatau Festival is held as reminder of the great Krakatau eruption on 26th and 27th August 1883, which was destructive but also important in shaping the current state of Lampung’s culture, history, agriculture and social life. In the end, the festival aims to remind people that Krakatau is a powerful force of nature, but it also helps shaping the social life, history and culture of people around it.

Editor's Picks, Festivals, Indonesia

Bintan 2014 MetaMan Triathlon Event to be Held in August

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Another international sport event will be held in Indonesia; this time, it is MetaMan Triathlon, which will be held in Bintan, Riau Archipelago, on 23rd to 25th August 2014. Like other similar sport events such as Bintan Triathlon and Tour de Singkarak, this is a unique annual sport event that deftly combines sport and tourism, and definitely will attract contestants, spectators and tourists from around the world. Of course, this event will also boast Bintan as one of global tourist destinations, especially since the contestants and spectators come from all Indonesian provinces and many countries.

Bintan Triathlon
Bintan 2014 MetaMan Triathlon Event to be Held in August

The triathlon will consist of three separate events; Full Iron Distance, Half Iron Distance and Blitz, which is the shortest course. While all the competitions will be started with swimming at the South China Sea, the cycling and running will be held on beautiful courses that showcase the beauty of nature in Bintan, such as forest and sea.

Swimming at Bintan 2014 MetaMan Triathlon
The competition will be started with swimming at South China Sea, with route that goes from East to West based on the wind and current condition. The Full Iron will swim in 2.8 kilometers of distance, while the Half Iron swims in 1.9 kilometer and Blitz in 1.2 kilometer. Contestants that swim for the Full Iron distance will start from Nirwana Gardens Bay, while contestants that swim for shorter races will start at the second loop.

South China Sea is chosen because of the clear water and perfect temperature, which is 29 Celsius degree, and all contestants will compete in fast swimming without wetsuit. The current and wind in August will also help swimmers, especially those in Blitz Category, to finish the race.

Biking and Running at Bintan 2014 Metaman Triathlon
Biking and running numbers are the true treats for all the contestants, because from here, the routes are chosen so every contestant can enjoy the natural beauty of Bintan and Riau Archipelago, including the famous Wakatobi Forest Reservation. For biking, it will be 180 kilometers for Full Distance, 90 kilometers for Half Distance and 55 kilometers for Blitz. As for running, it will be 42.2 kilometers for Full Distance, 21.1 kilometers for Half Distance and 7 kilometers for Blitz.

Bintan’s northwestern area is chosen for the bike route, which consists of tracks in the middle of hills, villages, lakes and beautiful beach. Meanwhile, running course will be in Nirwana Gardens, chosen because of the flat terrain that will make it easier for runners as well as spectators to gather. However, Nirwana Gardens also provides great view for the runners; the course runs through Wakatobi Jungle Track, with beautiful trees and canopies that provide shades for runners when running in the daytime.

After going out of the jungle track, runners will run through beach, flat lanes and paths until finish. The winner will receive US$34,000 of prize and certificate, but the true prize for everyone will be amazing experience to race and compete in the middle of beautiful nature of Bintan in Riau Archipelago.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe

Top Tourist Destinations in Norway for Viking Experiences

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If you love Europe history, you must have heard about the Vikings. Scandinavian lands such as Sweden and Norway are now important centers of Viking history and culture, and the fascination for this strong, resilient group of tribes is even encouraged with many Viking inspired movies, books, arts, fictional characters and musical pieces. Therefore, it is no wonder that many people from around the world are fascinated and interested to visit the actual lands of Viking.

Norway is famous for its Viking history

Every year, Norway becomes a place for Viking history enthusiasts to visit and enjoy Viking experiences. If you love Viking history and plan to visit Norway, make sure you already made itineraries to some of the most important Viking related sites and tourist destinations in Norway.

Most Recommended Places for Norway Viking Experiences
Are you clueless about picking your next destinations in Norway for Viking experiences? Follow these recommendations by Marion Fjelde Larsen, the Lofotr Viking Museum curator and Viking tourism expert:

Yes, Marion suggested visiting her museum as the first recommended destination. This museum is not just a stuffy building with various ancient exhibitions, but actually a large cultural center located near the excavation site of two largest Viking longhouses ever found. Located in Borg in Lofoten Islands, this is also a place where you can learn about Viking history and culture, join Viking role playing and even learn to throw axes as well as using bow and arrow like the true Vikings.

When you arrive in Oslo, Norway’s capital, take some time to visit the famous Viking Ship Museum. The Vikings are famous for their maritime traditions, and you can see various ships, boats, vessels and related relics. Plus, you can also see the best preserved Viking wooden ships from the 8th century.

  • Visit Viking Valley Market in Naeroyfjord

Naeroyfjord is a beautiful fjord that has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Lists. In the valley of this fjord, there is a Viking Camp and Viking Market in Gudvangen Village where you can buy handicrafts, garments, or taste Viking food. Do not miss the annual Viking festival on the village’s anniversary. If you are interested, you can also continue your adventure by signing up for fjord cruise.

Nord-Trondelag has Stiklestad National Culture Center, which becomes the venue of Saint Olav Festival every year. During this festival, you can see exhibitions, theater and musical performances, and even something more serious for academicians: Viking history and culture seminars. Also, do not miss the most popular reenactment show of Saint Olav’s chronicle, the most important figure that spread Christianity among the Vikings. The show is held in a large, open air amphitheatre.

Cultural center in these areas contain the history and chronicles of Harald Fairhair, the first Norway king that set up his first throne after The Battle of Hafrsfjord (872 AD) in Avaldsnes. Also, there is annual Viking festival with colorful exhibitions, art performances, markets and historical reenactments.

For annual Viking festivals held in several venues, make sure you update the schedules every year from various Norway travel websites and information sources.

Reference: 100 Best Things To Do In Norway

Editor's Picks, Festivals, Indonesia

August 2014, Surabaya City Will Host Asian Fashion Week

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Surabaya city in East Java, Indonesia will host Asian Fashion Week 2014 following a reschedule after Mongolia declared that they would not be able to host the show as previously scheduled. This biggest Asian fashion show will host designers from various Asian countries, from Southeast Asia and East Asia to South Asia and Middle East. The four days fashion event will bring many fashion enthusiasts, observers and of course designers from all over Asia to the second largest city in Indonesia.

Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia, which is also home for various brands of businesses including fashion houses, as well as having rich cultural background and potential fashion inspirations. It is also connected with various international flights.

Diverse Asian Fashion Shows in Asian fashion Week
Arwin Sharma, the CEO and president of Fashion Week Group, has confirmed last May that the event will be held between 15th and 18th August 2014 in Surabaya. This fashion week event will be a very diverse event, bringing diverse cultures and design arts from various Asian countries that have rich cultural backgrounds. Designers that will participate are not only from Indonesia, but also from Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, India, Vietnam, China, Japan, Iraq, Iran, Philippine, Laos, South Korea, Syria, Taiwan, Nepal, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Timor Leste, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Egypt and many more.

The vast numbers of countries involved promise four days full of amazing exhibitions and fashion shows that will show off colorful cultures involved in the designs. Furthermore, there will be specific fashion shows in the entire event such as World Islamic Fashion Week, Indian Ocean Fashion Week, World Indigenous Fashion Week and Silk Road Fashion Week.

Asian Fashion Week to Promote Asian Culture
Asia is a very diverse continent, which consist of countries with rich and different cultural backgrounds. This year’s Asian Fashion Week is expected to bring out cultural diversity of Asian countries in one event and enlighten representatives from different countries, opening more room for understanding and tolerance related to cultural diversity. In the middle of news about conflicts related to race and nationality, such diverse cultural show is hoped to bring more understanding about different culture.

Also, the show is aimed to promote unique traditional methods and practices in fashion world, as well as preserving them so they will not get drowned amidst modern or mechanized fashion techniques. Plus, the event is hoped to be a major platform for Asian designers, including new or independent designers, to be more recognized internationally as well as more understanding about fair trade principle in fashion world.

Finally, in effort to bring more recognition toward Asian fashion brands, Asian Fashion Week is also aimed to be an event that will showcase various new and old brands of shoes, jewelry, boutiques, haute couture brands, bags and other fashion items, which showcase the unique characteristics of Asian fashion inspired by rich cultural background. Therefore, this event is hoped to be milestone for Asian designers to create globally recognized Asian based fashion brands, which can compete with European or American brands.

Editor's Picks, Festivals, Indonesia

Catch Beautiful 2014 Flower Festival in Tomohon, North Sulawesi

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Do you like everything beautiful, like flowers? If yes, you must come to 2014 International Flower Festival in Tomohon, North Sulawesi. The biannual festival, which has been held since year 2008, always showcases all the most beautiful blooms grown in Tomohon area. This year’s festival will be likely to repeat its first festival, where 46 countries participated in amazing, colorful parades, exhibitions, and culture festivals. Being in this festival will remind you to the famous Flower Parade in Pasadena, Unites States, but with the more authentic taste of Sulawesi’s local culture.

The festival will be held from August 8th to 12th and surely will be the best flower festival to witness in North Sulawesi. Beautiful flowers and other flora that become main agricultural products in Tomohon will make great views when they are brandished in this hilly resort coty.

Catch Beautiful 2014 Flower Festival in Tomohon, North Sulawesi

What to Expect at International Flower Festival in Tomohon
As a town that is located on hillside area with fertile soil and cool temperature, Tomohon has always been famous as the main producer of flowers and other various plants. During the festival, people in Tomohon as well as all the participants from outside North Sulawesi and even Indonesia will compete to create the best flower floats, exhibition projects, art performance and traditional culture shows.

The whole event will consist of beauty pageant to choose the Flower Queen, trade and floricultural exhibitions, tourism exhibition, art and music show as well as culture performance. For the float parade, we can expect to see wonderful creations from various cities, regencies and provinces in Indonesia, as well as from other countries, which of course use flowers. This year’s event is thought to be successful as well, considering that the first event managed to attract 20,000 people and the second event attracted more than 25,000 people to flock.

We can also expect many countries to participate in this year’s flower festival; last events have successfully invited several neighboring and faraway countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Russia and many more. Also, there will be floats, arts and exhibition projects from private companies, government representatives, stated owned companies, organizations and schools.

Flower Festival Significance for Tomohon
Local government surely hopes that Tomohon International Flower Festival will be able to attract tourists and investors to come and see the potential in this fertile area, especially in floriculture. Tomohon is famous as the center of floriculture in North Sulawesi because of its cool climate (it is located on hillside) and its fertile soil thanks to its proximity to two volcanoes, Mahewu and Lokon. Flower Festival has managed to invite thousands of tourists and handful of investors, and local government hopes that each festival will be another success story.

Tomohon is a small hilly resort city located just 24 kilometers from Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province, and near the famous Lake Tondano. Besides its booming floriculture business (and the fact that each house always displays beautiful flowers during blooming season), Tomohon is also famous for its Christian schools and seminaries.

Destinations, Europe, Travel Tips

Europe’s Ultimate Sailing Destination

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Croatia has established a solid reputation as the go-to destination for vacationers, holidaymakers, adventurers and tourists. Every year, millions of travelers flock to the Adriatic country to enjoy its various attractions. Unfortunately, many of them still haven’t discovered Croatia’s best open secret i.e. that the best way to experience the country is by sea.

ultimate sailing destination

With a stunning coastline of over 1,100 miles and a total of 1,267 islands, Croatia is basically a sailing paradise. Among the savvy sailing enthusiasts, the country now fondly referred to as “Europe’s ultimate sailing destination”. Here’s why:

    • Endless Variety

Croatia is one of the most endowed countries in the world in terms of sailing attractions. The country boasts of a total of 1,246 islands, some of which are the most beautiful in the world. The country is also dotted with beautiful harbors, lagoons and berths where boats, yachts and even cruise ships can dock. There are rivers like Cetina and Krka which offer a wealth of adventurous attractions including grand canyons, ancient caves, crashing waterfalls and historical sites.

croatia sailing

The waters around Croatia’s coastlines possess a graceful, almost idyllic beauty. They are emerald blue, and are graced by spectacular reefs, and rare, unique aquatic life. The country boasts of numerous island national parks (e.g. Mljet, Krk and Konarti) which contain colorful plants, graceful birds and some sought-after endangered species. There are also romantic island attractions like Rab, Vis and Lopud. What makes the country truly special is not just the sheer variety, but the ease of access to its different natural wonders. As such, if you take a sailing excursion in Croatia,, you are basically spoilt for choice.

    • Unique Experiences

A Croatian sailing expedition is can expose you to a wealth of natural attractions which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. One such attraction is the picturesque sunset of Zadar. Popularly described as “the most beautiful sunset in the world”, watching the sunset is an experience that cannot be got anywhere. There is also the famous Sea Organ, the only organ in the world which is played by the sea. Listening to the haunting tunes played by Mother Nature herself is a truly elating experience.

unforgettable experience

And then there is Greeting to the Sun, a fusion of art, technology and creativity which transforms solar energy into a spectacular lightshow. There’s also the Theatrum 5D, a virtual tour of Dubrovnik featuring videos, holograms and lasers. This is a 35-minute high-tech exploration which is unrivaled in the world. These are attractions of which there is no equivalent in the world, let alone Europe. Therefore, the experience of visiting, watching, listening and feeling the aura of these attractions is truly unique to Croatia.

    • Fun and Adventure

Croatia is the one country which offers endless opportunities for people who are looking to have a good time. The country is dotted with thousands of pristine beaches where tourists can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. Some like the Zlatni Rat in Brac Island are famous for their breathtaking beauty. Others like Papaya and Calypso in Pag are renowned for their all-night parties.

istria croatia sailing

The country is also a popular destination for people interested in water adventures such as parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing and so on. There are also mountains, national parks and islands where people can go hiking, biking, trekking, bird watching, game viewing and even picnicking. There are also numerous annual festivals such as the Hideout Festival which is one of the top electronic music festivals in the world. Others are the Soundwave Festival, Electric Elephant festival and Dubrovnik Summer Festival. All these festivals attract thousands of visitors annually.

golden horn beach

In a nutshell, besides the joys of the sea, sailing offers you an opportunity to experience the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are numerous options for anyone who wants to go sailing in Croatia. There are a number of companies which organize categories of sailing expeditions from adventurous excursions to ultra-luxury cruises. However, if you want the ultimate sailing experience, then the best option is to rent a boat or yacht and sail to your preferred destinations. There are numerous charter companies which offer boat rental services at very affordable rates.

Destinations, Europe, Luxury Travel

An Adventurer’s Guide to the Hidden Gems of Croatia

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After many years of playing second fiddle to the more pretentiously marketed Mediterranean tourist destinations on the Italian and French Riviera, Croatia is finally rising from the shadows and claiming its rightful spot as a place of wonder, enchanting culture and pristine beauty. Spurred on by eye catching commercials, thrill seekers from all round the world flock to the Balkan country in droves each summer to explore the glorious spread of Dalmatian Islands which bedeck the Adriatic coastline of Croatia.

Hidden Gems of Croatia
The raving popularity of such Croatian islands as Hvar, Vis, Mljet, Kokular, and Brac is such that in recent years, it is no surprise to hear them being mentioned in the same breath as Monaco, Ibiza, Genoa and Saint Tropez. But are these all Croatia has to offer? Most certainly not! There are well over a thousand islands and islets along the Dalmatian coast, most of them virtually unknown but no less intriguing for the avid explorer. Here is a glimpse of three such hidden gems of the Croatian coast to whet your appetite.

  • Lopud, Elaphiti Islands

In medieval times, legend has it that the Dubrovnik aristocracy made Lopud their weekend playground. This culture endured well into late seventeenth century when Lopud slowly slipped off the limelight. Today it is a laidback, serene place where everything and everyone moves at a carefree, leisurely pace. The island is comparatively tiny (only 5 kilometers square) and has a total human population of less than 200.

lopud croatia

lopud croatia 2

With no cars and just the barest modicum of modern infrastructure and conveniences, there is no better place to play Robinson Crusoe for a few days but still be within a stone throw away from every luxury and creature comfort you could conceive of. As you embark off on the ‘vilagey’ harbor with gently rocking fishermen’s boats, you will feel as if you have just taken a trip back in time. Take to one of the dusty paths and you will need to pinch yourself to believe that the bustling city of Dubrovnik is half an hour away by ferry.

  • Pag, North Dalmatian Islands

Pag is the antithesis of everything you have been led to believe about the Dalmatian coastal region. Rocky and almost bereft of all signs of vegetation or habitation, the landscape is eerily more reminiscent of Martian wastelands than Mediterranean opulence.

pag croatia

pag zrce beach

You might be wondering by now why the island is worth a visit after such a stark description. The biggest attraction of Pag is the Zrce beach; a pristine sandy beach which requires firsthand experience to appreciate just how wonderful it is. Many of those who have been there say Zrce is the next Ibiza and for all intents and purposes, it is hard to contradict them.

  • Galesnjak, the Island of Love

Located in the Pasman Channel just a short distance from the mainland town of Turanj, Galesnjak is arguably the crown jewel among all the verdant islands on the Adriatic coastline. The island is reputed to be the most heart shaped of any natural land formation in the world. A privately owned island, Galesnjak is gaining runaway reputation as the most sought after wedding location in the world.

island of love

  • The Best Way to Explore the Hidden Gems of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

With dozens upon dozens of islands and islets dotted along its rugged coastline, Croatia has a complex network of ferries and taxi boats which provide means to across the major islands and coastal cities. While these might suffice for someone just looking for a random sampling of the Dalmatian delights, those looking to experience specific Croatian gems need more personalized means of travel. For such people, the best option is to rent a boat or gulet from the dozens of charters which operate in the region. A chartered boat offers you all the time and convenience you need to explore these hidden gems of the Dalmatian coast at your leisure.

Indonesia, Sport and Adventure

5 Most Beautiful Scuba Diving Destinations In Indonesia

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What makes Indonesia one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world? This Island nation has more than 17000 islands spread throughout the country and the natural beauty of the sea and beaches can be described as truly outstanding. You can dive all year around in Indonesia and the spectacular underwater visuals will take you into a different world altogether. It is unfair not to mention about the plant and marine life because they will unleash your imagination at its best. Take a look at the top 5 scuba diving destinations in this unique country:

1) Sumbawa and Flores Islands

Sumbawa and Flores Islands make diving in Indonesia truly memorable in many ways. This destination offers perfect sights of different aquatic animals and fish species and, the sheltered havens of this area offer crystal clear waters to present the vibrant colored walls and underwater volcanic vents in an amazing fashion. The animals and fishes grow really fast due to the fertile grounds and congenial conditions and, you can see some of the amazingly different species like ringed octopus, tiger fish, frog fish, butter fly fish and reef sharks when you visit this wonderful destination.

2) Pulau Bintan or Bintan Island, Riau

International travelers find this destination as the most convenient one because it is hardly one hour from Singapore. The white sandy beaches spread around 18 km and you will be able to see a rich marine life as well. This place offers a wide range of diving spots and many people think that it is an ideal place to learn scuba diving because of the presence of a small canyon as deep as eight meters with a flat base. You can also see the location of the shipwreck at this place and the remains of an old tank that sank many years back can also be seen.

3) Bunaken Island 

It is one of Indonesia’s most popular diving areas and it attracts visitors from all around the world. You can come across several mind blowing scuba diving destinations in this island and the banana-shaped Bunaken Island is blessed with stunning biodiversity. You can see some of rare and unique sights when you visit this part of the world and they include wide range of fishes, five species of sea turtle, saltwater crocodiles and resident dugongs as well.

4) Bali Island

Arguably, Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and it is Indonesia’s most popular diving destination as well. You will be able to see stunning and splendid volcanoes, coral ridges, deep drop-offs and steep banks and, this island also features various types of sea grass beds and volcanic outcrops. If you want to enjoy diving in Indonesia at its best, you must visit this place.

5) Lombok islands 

When you visit this attractive diving destination, you can see big pinnacles, hammerhead sharks, untouched coral reefs and other types of marine life species as well. This place also gives you a great opportunity to see a wide range of sea creatures like angel fish, eagle rays, reef sharks, cuttlefish, pipefish and many more.

Indonesia offers unlimited opportunities for all scuba diving lovers including the novice and experienced. The safety standards are really good and you will never have to spend a lot of money to enjoy these wonderful sights as well.

Travel Tips, Travelling with Pets

Top Tips When Traveling With Pets

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Would you like to make your pets feel happy? Bring them along on your vacation. They surely want to visit some interesting places around the world just like you. If you want to avoid getting some problems during your holiday, you have to prepare all important things before you start vacationing with your furry friend.

Lady and the Tramp Calendar

1. Visit a professional vet

Before you start your journey, you have to visit a professional vet. There are some veterinarians who are ready to help your pet get ready for your journey. They usually give some ideas on how to bring pets during vacation easily. They are going to check all medical conditions of your pet. It is very important to enjoy your holiday with your healthy pets, such as dogs or cats. It might also be a good idea to invest in the best pet insurance to make sure that your pet will have the best possible care if something unforeseen happens.

Dog-Stick trips

2. Pack all important items for your pet

When you are preparing for your vacation, you also need to prepare all important items for your pets. They will need some essential things, including water, first aid kit, treats, toys, and some other supplies. All items should be brought during the vacation. This tip is necessary to maintain the happiness of your pets. If you have some problems in preparing these items, you should write them all on your diary or book. It is recommended that you create a list that contains all important things for your pets.

3. Book pet-friendly hotels

If you are planning to spend several days for your vacation, you have to book the pet-friendly hotels. There are some hotels that allow their customers to bring their lovely pets. You may want to contact some available hotels, so you can find the best place for you and your pets to stay during your vacation. Some hotels may provide pet-friendly supplies to entertain your pets when you are in their places.

4. Buy the collar

This is one of the most important tips when traveling with pets. There are some pet shops selling high quality personal collars for all customers. You can buy the best ID tag for your dogs or cats. This tag is very useful to let other people know about your pets. Don’t forget to add some detailed information about yourself. When your pets are found by someone, he/she can bring them back to your house easily.

trip with my cat

5. Do some exercises with your pet

This tip is very useful to help your pets prepare themselves before your journey. It is recommended that you do some exercises with your pet. You can take your pets for a walk at least once a day. After they do some exercises regularly, they are able to be ready for having fun during your vacation. Regular exercise is also important to improve your body metabolism. As the result, you are able to get ready for your holiday.

6. Prepare the carrier

You should buy a portable kennel to bring your pets. This item should have enough room for your pet to turn around, stand, and do some activities. This carrier should be able to contain some important items, including food and water dishes, bedding system, some other necessary items. The carrier should be made from high quality materials, so your pet can stay in this kennel with full of comfort.

7. Buy the leash

This tip is very useful for you who want to take control of your pets. You should buy proper leash for your dogs or cats. There are several types of dog leashes that are available today. The leash should be made from soft materials, so your pets will feel comfortable with this leash. You also need to use this leash properly, so your pet will not suffer from wearing this leash.

8. Build good communication with your pets

When you are planning to enjoy your vacation with your pets, you should build good relationship with them. It can be beneficial for you when you are able to communicate with your pets easily. You should learn how to understand their body language properly. Understanding some body languages from your pets is very useful to help you communicate well with your dogs or cats.

Now, it is a great time for you to enjoy your vacation with your lovely pets. Don’t forget to do some research before your journey. Different places may have different rules or regulations for tourists who bring their pets. By reading these rules, you should be able to avoid some problems in the future effectively.

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