Atauro Island

Atauro Island is a wonderful spiritual place situated almost at the end of the world, to be more specific it lies on the extinct Wetar segment, 25km north of Dili, East Timor. Its lush mountain interior hemmed by uninterrupted beach and coral reef. This is pure escapism: you’re free to do a lot or a little, with excellent walking trails and snorkelling opportunities (off the pier at Beloi and in front of Tua Koin), and seemingly endless beaches to prop on and watch passing outriggers.

Atauro’s isolation made it a natural prison, and it’s been used by both the Portuguese and Indonesian governments as a place of exile. The community today comprises around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers, living in a few villages spread across the island. The main centres are along the east coast: Makili (a carving centre), Vila (with leafy lanes and a few colonial vestiges) and Beloi (where the public ferry docks), with Macadade in the mountains. However, you truly adventure will begin of you take take the 90 minute trip via Water taxi from Dili Harbour to Atauro across the 30 km Wetar Straight. You may see dolphins in the water taxi as you head to Atauro. Upon arrival at Atauro, you will be greeted by joyful Timorese smiles of the locals. The boat will drop you off right at your accommodation, in most cases situated right on the beach.

Relax on the beach or in a hammock and soak-up the glorious views of the crystal clear water. As I mentioned in the upper lines snorkelling is a must, so find those superb coral reefs that extend along most of the northern stretch of the west coast of the island and dive into the water with grace!

If you wish, stroll through the villages sitting on the coast around the island, including Vila, the biggest village with an underground prison that was built by the Portuguese. On Fridays, you will find a local market where the locals gather to buy and sell their wares. To the south, you will find the village of Makili, where local people create wooden statues and handmade baskets that can be purchased. Not far from your accommodation is Ekmonu, where you will find a mountain spring and if there is enough water you can take a dip. For the energetic, you can climb Mt. Manucoco (995m) which is approximately a three hour trek from Vila. Vila is 6km from Barry’s Place and a local truck transport costs 3 USD each way.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu, officially the Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is some 1,750 kilometres (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 500 kilometres (310 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and southeast of the Solomon Islands, near New Guinea. Vanuatu is an island archipelago consisting of approximately 82 relatively small, geologically newer islands of volcanic origin. There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu, including Lopevi, as well as several underwater ones. Volcanic activity is common with an ever-present danger of a major eruption; a recent nearby undersea eruption of 6.4 magnitude occurred in November 2008 with no casualties, and an eruption occurred in 1945.

Despite its tropical forests, Vanuatu has a limited number of plant and animal species. There are no indigenous large mammals. The 19 species of native reptiles include the flowerpot snake, found only on Efate. The Fiji Banded Iguana has been introduced as a feral animal since the 1960s. There are 11 species of bats (3 unique to Vanuatu) and 61 species of land and water birds. While the small Polynesian rat is thought to be indigenous, the large species arrived with Europeans, as did domesticated hogs, dogs, and cattle. The ant species of some of the islands of Vanuatu were catalogued by E. O. Wilson. The region is rich in sea life, with more than 4,000 species of marine molluscs. Coneshell and stonefish carry poison fatal to humans. The giant East African land snail arrived only in the 1970s but already has spread from the Port-Vila region to Luganville.

Vanuatu culture is know with its strong diversity through local regional variations and through foreign influence. Vanuatu may be divided into three major cultural regions. In the north, wealth is established by how much one can give away. Pigs, particularly those with rounded tusks, are considered a symbol of wealth throughout Vanuatu. In the centre, more traditional Melanesian cultural systems dominate. In the south, a system involving grants of title with associated privileges has developed.Young men undergo various coming-of-age ceremonies and rituals to initiate them into manhood, usually including circumcision. Most villages have a nakamal or village clubhouse which serves as a meeting point for men and as a place to drink kava. Villages also have male and female-only sections. These sections are situated all over the villages; in nakamals, special spaces are provided for females when they are in their menstruation period.

The cuisine of Vanuatu (aelan kakae) incorporates fish, root vegetables such as taro and yams, fruits, and vegetables. Most island families grow food in their gardens, and food shortages are rare. Papayas, pineapples, mangoes, plantains, and sweet potatoes are abundant through much of the year.Coconut milkand cream are used to flavor many dishes.Most food is cooked using hot stones or through boiling and steaming; very little food is fried.

Vanuatu has a tropical climate and over 80% of the population lives in rural, isolated villages with access to their own gardens and food supplies. These geographically isolated communities have minimal access to basic health and education services. Churches and non-government organizations provide a minimal level of support to many rural villages.

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, the same as the USA and Europe. Cars, 4WDs and jeeps are available for hire. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered although some may agree to a fixed rate. It is quite common for a driver to offer passengers a comparable rate to the bus. Mini buses offer a frequent though not timetabled service. Look for the letter ‘B’ next to the front licence plate and simply flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go.

Cabrera, Balearic Islands

Cabrera is an uninhabited islet in the Balearic Islands, Spain, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the southern coast of Majorca. It is also a national park.The highest point is Na Picamosques, 172 m high. Cabrera is the largest island of the small archipelago that features the islands of Estells de Fora, L’Imperial, Illa de ses Bledes, Na Redona, Conillera, L’Esponja, Na Plana, Illot Pla, Na Pobra, and Na Foradada.

There, you can find numerous coves and inlets, small beaches and rocky cliffs of considerable height. In order to sail & moor in the waters of Cabrera, one has to apply ahead of time for authorization at the ¡National Parks office in Palma de Mallorca. 50 vessels are allowed to anchor per day, and in order to satisfy demand for these sought-after moorings, anchorages are offered for one night only during the months of July and August, two nights in the months of June and September and seven nights the rest of the year.

At least there are 450 known plant species. The dominant vegetation in the Mediterranean maquis, it is highly variable in composition and appearance according to the statement of the islands to sunshine and storms. Cabrera is covered by a young pine forest of Aleppo pine. There are reported 30 endemic species, five of them are located in Cabrera like own varieties. Among them, in Llampudol bord. It has been described 10 different breeds of the Balearic lizard living on different islands, like common and rose gecko and Mediterranean turtle. The terrestrial fauna is discrete, however, the marine avifauna is represented by all species that breed in the Mediterranean rim, at least 150, including 25 nesting.

The marine part of the park is equally rich, from Oceanic Posidonia meadows in fixing more than 60 different species of algae, coralligenous funds in which specialist have found features of tropical nature. In the waters of Cabrera is common to see dolphins and occasionally whales and sperm whales although these don’t come near to shore. The 214 marine fish species live in addition to the dwelling turtle, green turtle and the leatherback turtle, this last one is in grave extinction danger.

Tanguar Haor

Tanguar Haor is located in the Dharmapasha and Tahirpur upazilas of Sunamganj District in Bangladesh. It is a unique wetland ecosystem of national importance and has come into international focus. The area of Tanguar Haor features 46 villages and it is also a source of livelihood for more than 40,000 people. The Government of Bangladesh declared Tanguar Haor as an Ecologically Critical Area in 1999 considering its critical condition as a result of overexploitation of its natural resources. In 2000, the hoar basin was declared a Ramsar site – wetland of international importance. With this declaration, the Government is committed to preserve its natural resources and has taken several steps for protection of this wetland.

Tanguar Haor plays a vital function in fish manufacturing as it functions as a ‘mother fishery’ for the country. Every winter the Hoar is home to about 200 types of migratory birds. The haor is an important source of fish. In 1999-2000, the government earned 7,073,184 takas as revenue just from fisheries of the haor. There are more than 140 species of fresh water fish in the haor. The more predominant among them are: ayir, gang magur, baim, tara, gutum, gulsha, tengra, titna, garia, beti, kakia etc. Hijal, karach, gulli, balua, ban tulsi, nalkhagra and other freshwater wetland trees are in this haor. Plant species like Hizol, Clematis cadmia, Crataeva nurvala, Euryale ferox, Nelumbo nucifera, Ottelia alismoides, Oxystelma secamone var. secamone, Pongamia pinnata, Rosa clinophylla, and Typha species are threatened, rapidly disappearing and becoming rare.

When haors are full of water, the only transport available is the launch (a type of motorised river boat). Country boats are slow and can become unsafe with overloading. There is a regular launch service (several launches are there at different times) between Mohanganj and Sunamganj Sadar Upazila offering majestic views of the Kangsa and Surma rivers in addition to the haors. It has a comfortable seating arrangement for the 12 hour journey (one way) but one has to carry food and water. Tea and biscuits are available on board. The steamer service is there when it is haor season, but in the dry season the service depends on how much water remains in the river. Travel costs are reasonable by South Asia standards and cheap by Western standards.

The best time to visit the haors is at the end of the monsoons, say around August-September, when they are full with water. Thereafter, the water in the haors starts receding but still provides an awe-inspiring sight. In winter, the haors and beels receive thousands of migratory birds. It is the ideal season for bird-watchers, but then the haors are reduced in size and lose much of their watery grandeur. As summer sets in the haors are no more there, but one can still see numerous beels.

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park is an evergreen dry forest that spread over an area of 6656 hectares, connected to the corridor between nearby Minneriya Wildlife Park and Kaudulla in Sri Lanka. Kaudulla National Park features Relapanawa reservoir, Olumadu Wewa reservoir, Puliyan Kalla wewa reservor, Minneriya-Kanthale Yoda Ela canal, Aluth Oya stream and Hatharas Kotuwa Oya. In view of the large water bodies in close proximity to each other, two thirds of the park is get submerged in water for several month each year. In view of the large water bodies in close proximity to each other, two thirds of the park is get submerged in water for several month each year.

Kaudulla National Park is famous for the numerous herds of elephants. However, besides them it is also home to 23 species of mammals including Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Chevrotain, Wild boar, Leopard, and Sloth Bear are other mammals. Very rarely one could spot leopard and sloth bears. The best period of time to visit this park is during the months of June to September.Tourists find a ride in Paddle-boats on the lake an excellent opportunity to enjoy bird watching.

Over 160 species of bird including large water birds such as Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant visit the Kaudulla tank. Asian Spoonbill, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork and Openbill Stork are common sights at the park. Peacock, Eagle, Giant Eagle that are hereditary to Sri Lanka are always hover over the park. One of the most spectacular sceneries in the park is hundreds of pelicans at the tank when it is about to sun set.

Kaudulla National Park was opened in 2002 providing the elephants more expanses in the wilderness, in the process connecting to the elephant corridor between Minneriya and Wasgomuwa National Parks to the south. Kaudulla also connects Somawathiya National Park to the east. The centerpiece of the park, Kaudulla reservoir draws herds of elephants during the dry season. September and October are the best times to visit Kaudulla to enjoy the sight of large herd of elephant. 211 beasts were counted in Kaudulla in 2008.Habarana road too lies in the midst of the elephant domains. Vehicles travelling in the evening to/from Kaudulla National Park often come across these beasts, who are now well used to human interference.

The best time to visit Kaudulla National Park is between August and December, with the population of Elephants peaking to over 200 in September to October, following the period of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park. However, the Elephants could be seen in either one of these parks during any time of the year.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla cave temple also famous as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon.

The temple is composed of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. The caves, built at the base of a 150m high rock during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa times are by far the most impressive of the many cave temples found in Sri Lanka. Access is along the gentle slope of the Dambulla Rock, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the rock fortress Sigiriya, 19 km away. Dusk brings hundreds of swooping swallows to the cave entrance. The largest cave measures about 52m from east to west, and 23m from the entrance to the back, this spectacular cave is 7m tall at its highest point. Hindu deities are also represented here, as are the kings Valagamba and Nissankamalla, and Ananda - the Buddha’s most devoted disciple.

However, the temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It consists of five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. The inner side of the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Valagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Apart from the temple side and the surrounding caves, being there will open you a wonderful opportunity to explore the surrounding area, meaning that inside the jungle, where is perhaps the oldest garden in Sri Lanka, the Iron Wood Forest and the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia. The site had been declared as a human sanctuary by King Dappula in 10 century AD as shown in an inscription at the entrance to Namal Uyana. Trees believed to have been planted by those who sought sanctuary here and subsequently turned in to a vast plantation of Iron wood forest. Apart from the biodiversity of the site as it contains many other plants, it is also geologically important because of the Rose Quartz mountain range in the garden, which is believed to be over 500 million years old. White, rose and violet colour quartz deposits can be seen there.

Gandan Monastery

During the communist regime, the majority of the Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia were destroyed, which lasted until 1990. One of the only to survive was Gandan Monastery, being used as a showcase for visitors. It’s official name is Gandantegchinleng Khiid, which signifies something like Great Place of Complete Joy or Great Way to the Cosmos. It is also known that Gandan is the largest and most vital monastery of Mongolia, consisting of over 400 monks. When you are inside the monastery, you will be captured by a statue of Magjid Janraisig (the lord who looks in every direction), which is 25 meters tall and is covered by a huge number of precious stones. Amazing..!

The monastery has hundred years of impressive history. The first temple of Gandantegchinleng Monastery was established in 1835 by the Fifth Jebtsundamba, the highest reincarnated lama of Mongolia. In the following years temples for daily service, veneration of Avalokiteshvara and colleges of Buddhist philosophy, medicine, astrology and tantric ritual were established. In the beginning of the 20th century Gandantegchinleng Monastery was the centre of Buddhist learning in Mongolia. Many prominent Buddhist scholars in Mongolia as well as in Buddhist world were educated and trained by its various colleges and their works on Buddhist philosophy, linguistics, medicine, astrology and tantric practice became the most authoritative and accurate Buddhist texts. However, in 1938, Gandantegchinleng Monastery was closed, but reopened in 1944 as the only functioning monastery during the socialist regime. After the democratic change took place in 1990 Buddhism regained its full right of worship. Gandantegchinleng Monastery has, as being the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists, been striving to propagate peaceful teaching of Lord Buddha among family and society.

These days, the monastery has over 400 monks; a Mongolian Buddhist University (established in 1970); three colleges of Buddhist philosophy; a Medical and Astrological College; a Kalachakra temple; a Jud Tantric College and an Avalokiteshvara (Migjid Janraisig) temple. The monastery complex consists of Zanabazar Buddhist University, three temples for Buddhist service and veneration of Avalokiteshvara, three Buddhist Colleges of Buddhist Philosophy, College of Medicine and Astrology and two Tantric College.

Wonderful romantic location

The 1.6-kilometre overnight pedestrianised extent, which is Europe’s longstanding, begins correct remote the advanced ingress and invites you to go on a memorable shopping look. The hotel is placed in the quill stadt of Heidelberg so it’s genuine composer to all of the shops, restaurants, pubs, the manse, and parking garages. Photos by: http://www.booked.net/.

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