Ao Nang Beach, Thailand - Things to Know

Ao Nang Beach, a Tranquility in Southern Thailand 

       Ao Nang is the main coast of the province of Krabi on the Andaman Sea coast. The wide sandy beach, offering fantastic views of the sea and islands, is surrounded by high limestone cliffs covered with lush tropical vegetation. Ao Nang has a marina from which boats go to all provinces of the Krabi Archipelago.

                                                          Image source: wikimedia.org

The name Ao Nang beach is not as popular as Patong Beach in Phuket, it is rarely talked about when planning a vacation in the Southern Thailand area. However, this beach is able to carve memories that cannot be neglected.

Ao Nang Beach has a 20-kilometer coastline from Krabi City. Traveling almost an hour from Krabi by public transportation, you will enjoy the beauty of the towering rocks and the green color of the plants on the rock cliffs.

Ao Nang is quiet, not as busy as the Patong beach in Phuket. The atmosphere is still fairly quiet, suitable for you to release the tiredness of working all this time.

Ao Nang Beach offers a very beautiful view of the beach, with limestone hills in the distance, clear water, and also the cleanliness of the beach.

Ao Nang beach is about 1.5 kilometers long and is covered with a layer of golden brown sand. The driveway is long and flat. The bottom is slippery, sandy, without rocks and sharp shells that can hurt your feet. The sea is calm, no waves. The water is muddy.

At certain moon phases, the water recedes up to 300 meters until the bottom surface is exposed. But a tidal wave can come fast.

The beaches in the province of Krabi are located in the southernmost region of the country, in the tropical climate zone. The best time to go to Ao Nang Beach is from November to April. This period is characterized by stable air and water temperatures - around + 30 ° C, calm seas, low precipitation and moderately strong winds.

On the first shoreline there are several four-star hotels with comfortable rooms, tropical gardens, swimming pools, restaurants and shuttle services.

Many of the hotels are located in the village near the beach. On the narrow streets that lead down to the beach, you can see an abundance of gift shops, cafes and restaurants, massage parlors, stalls with food, drinks, beach attributes, clothing and shoes.

Some of the restaurants are located on the quiet and peaceful southern part of the beach. In Thai-style bamboo huts, the national dish is served - roast pork, poultry or fish with sticky rice and papaya salad. You can order international, mexican, italian dishes. There is a cafe with a wide variety of sweet cakes, ice cream, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, and soft alcoholic drinks.

The Italian cuisine restaurant is in the middle of Ao Nang. On the road along the northern part of the beach you can see rows of mobile kitchens preparing traditional Thai dishes-noodles with meat, fish or seafood, fried meat, pancakes made of rice flour. There are also several large European restaurants serving international cuisine.

In the Ao Nang Beach area, there are also neatly arranged shopping centers. Offering a variety of Thai souvenirs. Starting from clothes that symbolize Ao Nang Beach, hats, bracelets, bags, and there is also a variety of beauty soaps with a refreshing scent.

In addition to the center for souvenir shops. There are also a number of travel agencies that offer tour packages to the Andaman Sea islands including a tour to Phi-Phi Island.

Things to Do in Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach is a great place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and stroll along the peaceful beach. It's comfortable to have a vacation with children here. Things you can do on Ao Nang beach include:

- snorkeling

- photo-safari by diving in the habitat of manta rays and sharks;

- surfing (for beginners)

- kayak

- sea trips to neighboring islands

- riding an elephant

One of Ao Nang's significant drawbacks is the high price. Even in the mobile kitchen, a plate is not less than 150 baht. Thai people sometimes charge high prices, so tourists should be careful.

Play all Day at Ba Na Hills Vietnam

Exciting Activities in Ba Na Hills Vietnam, Only Need One Ticket

     The country which is known as the land of “Uncle Ho” is also no less interesting. Vietnam has amazing tourist destinations, from mountainous areas to oceans.

Ba Na Hills is about 45 minutes from the city of Da Nang, this tourist spot is suitable as a place of refreshing from the hustle and bustle of the city. The air is cool, plus interesting attractions will make you enjoy your holiday.

                                                         Image Source: wikimedia.org

The most iconic thing that is the main attraction of this place is the Golden Bride (God Hand's Bridge). You can see the two giant hands supporting this unique bridge. From the bridge, you can also enjoy the beautiful natural panorama.

Ba Na Hills, the place is actually a resort that looks like a small village. The air temperature is not more than 20 degrees Celsius, suitable for those of you who want to avoid the tropical heat.

To get into Ba Na Hills, you don't need to bother climbing, because the resort lobby is at the foot of the mountain.

In the lobby, you can buy a one-day pass for 700,000 Dong. With this one ticket, you can do as many activities in Ba Na Hills as you like.

Enjoying the View from the Cable Car of Ba Na Hills 

Prior to the construction, visitors to Ba Na Hills had to use a steep mountain road, as far as 20 km, but by cable car, the distance was only 5 km. Although it sounds close, it is the longest cable car in the world.

For 45 minutes, you can see the city of Da Nang in the distance and the mountains around it. When approaching the top, you can see the roofs of buildings in Ba Na Hills from behind the trees.

Test Your Guts at Fantasy Park

Behind the pale yellow buildings, Ba Na Hills has an indoor playground that can be enjoyed by anyone, for free!

You are free to choose the rides that you like and test your guts with other visitors.

Some of the rides are designed for kids, so it's safe to take small children here.

Alpine Coaster Riding

This coaster ride is a must try! While sliding, you will enjoy the view of the green foothills. Don't be afraid to fall because you can set your own speed.

Before boarding, there is an attendant who teaches you how to ride it. Just like the other rides, the Alpine Coaster is free!

Explore a small French Themed Village

When Vietnam was still in colonial times, Bana Hills was a real village inhabited by the French.

They missed the cold air, so they built settlements on the mountains. Unfortunately, the village was damaged during the Second World War. Only one building survives to this day, namely the ancient wine cellar of Debay.

To revive the atmosphere at that time, the management built a village with old French-style buildings complete with churches, lampposts, and antique cars. If you're lucky, you can also watch a carnival.

Explore every corner of Bana Hills with Funicular

Tired of walking? Just relax inside the Funicular. This vehicle will take you around the resort in all directions, including the Debay wine cellar, the Le Jardin D'Amour flower garden, and the Linh Ung Pagoda.

Apart from the activities mentioned above, you can also visit the museum which contains wax statues of world famous people. You can selfie there.

However, the ticket to enter this museum is different from the ticket you buy at the lobby of Ba Na Hills.

Kaco Lake, Indonesia, Sparkling in the Forest

Lake Kaco, Hidden Paradise in the Forest of Jambi Indonesia

      Lake Kaco is a beautiful sparkling lake, which is in the middle of a forest. Kaco Lake is located in the Kerinci Regency, Jambi Indonesia, precisely in the Kerinci Seblat National Park Area.

Because it is located in the middle of the forest, you have to do trekking under the lush trees, passing through the incline and rocky paths. About two hours, then you arrive at the site.

Lake Kaco has clear blue water, even the roots of the trees in it you can see from above with the naked eye. If you are there during the first moon, you will see the reflection of the beautiful light shining.

Lake Kaco only has an area of ​​about 90 square meters, although it is not too wide, but the beauty of the lake can amaze anyone. You can see the bottom of the pool because the water is so clear.

How to Get to Lake Kaco

Route to Kaco Lake: if you start moving from Jambi City, you will travel almost 10 hours by driving your vehicle towards Sungai Penuh. Then continue the journey to the village of Lempur.

The journey to Lake Kaco should use a motorbike because the road is not too wide, you will pass through the rice fields owned by residents.

To be able to enjoy the beauty of Lake Kaco, you must first do trekking. By walking along the path in the middle of the shade of the trees.

The road that is passed is quite rocky and a bit uphill, along the way all you can see is the green of the trees and some tall trees.

                                                            Image source: steemit.com

The trekking is quite heavy, the road conditions are uneven and muddy if it rains. To arrive at Lake Kaco, you will take a journey time of about 2 hours. However, it depends on the speed of walking and the rest period used.

The fatigue that you feel will be paid off with the beauty of Lake Kaco which spoils the eyes.

The operational hours of Lake Kaco are open 7 days a week and 24 hours non-stop. But considering that you have to go through the wilderness that doesn't have lighting yet, it's better if you come when the sun is still shining.

The entrance ticket for Lake Kaco is free, you can explore its beauty without having to pay a penny. You only need to pay for a parking ticket for the vehicle.

There are no public facilities at Lake Kaco yet, only a parking area is available. As for the other facilities, there are no other facilities, because this tourist location is in the middle of the wilderness.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of Lake Kaco for a longer time or even want to see the beautiful light that emanates when the full moon is full, you can do camping activities around Lake Kaco.

You can set up a tent in a location around Lake Kaco, and spend the night only accompanied by the sound of insects calling throughout the night.

The Legend of Lake Kaco

There is a story behind the beauty and luster of Kaco Lake. In ancient times there lived a king named King Crow, the king had a beautiful daughter.

The princess was named Princess Napal Melintang, her beauty captivated every prince who existed at that time, so the princes tried to marry the princess.

The princes who came to leave a tribute as a sign of promise, because of his greed, King Crow also accepted all the tributes given by the princes who came.

Until one time the King was confused about which prince to choose, until finally the King took his daughter running into the forest. Then all the tributes or deposits given by the princes were stored at the bottom of Kaco Lake.

However, there is also a story that states that the Princess was killed by her own father who was tempted by her daughter's beauty. Then the princess was drowned with tribute from the princes to the bottom of Lake Kaco.

It is said that that's what causes Lake Kaco to emit a bright light, especially at the time of the full moon.

I do not know which stories or legends actually happened. But what is certain, Lake Kaco does have a natural beauty that is truly fascinating.

Bagan, Land of a Thousand Temples in Myanmar

Bagan, Beautiful Tourist Attractions in Myanmar

      Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country that has many tourist attractions with exotic views. Ranging from temples, pagodas, lakes, mountains, to the beach. The country has also attracted a lot of tourists to spend time on vacation.

Bagan city in Myanmar is famous for its Buddhist temples. Bagan is an ancient city that has over 2,000 Buddhist monuments. This city is indeed the city with the most Buddhist followers in Myanmar.In Bagan, you can experience the serenity and beauty of Myanmar. Plus, there's a hot air balloon that you can take to enjoy the sunset.

                                                          Image Source: wikimedia.org

In the 9th to 13th centuries, Bagan was the capital city of the Pagan Kingdom. During this period some 10,000 temples were built around the capital city next to the Irrawaddy River. In the golden age of the Pagan Kingdom, thousands of religious buildings were built around the kingdom. Unfortunately, some are destroyed due to natural and human processes

It is now believed that about 2,000 temples and other structures survive, and could rival the archaeological sites of Angkor in Cambodia

This historical place is now a favorite for tourists visiting Myanmar.

Not only do you go around exploring thousands of temples, but there are many other exciting activities to do. Includes a hot air balloon ride to see Bagan views from above.

The Bagan temple has a Southeast Asian architectural style. The building is characterized by a central square structure built around a temple with passageways.

Brick and stucco was used to build the temple. The bricks came from outside of Bagan and were sent via the Irrawaddy River. There are stamps for each area on the brick.

The Ananda Temple is one of the biggest and most famous in Bagan. The shape is very symmetrical, the outer walls are painted white, and the spire is gold plated. Visitors can explore this area using bicycles. If you have more budget, you can rent an electric bicycle.

Watching the sun set over the Irrawaddy River is another precious moment. Stunning views are always to be expected.

The Archaeological Zone of Bagan is more beautiful when viewed from a height. Try to ride a hot air balloon that can reach 600 meters in the air. The best time to visit Bagan is the middle of October-April.

You can also see the Ananda Festival. Bagan's biggest festival is held every January.

You can also enjoy delicious Burmese specialties, and hunt for ceramic crafts, which are perfect for souvenirs.

The city of Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar, which can be reached in about 10-12 hours by road from the former capital of Myanmar, Yangon.

Usually tourists start balloon rides in Bagan in the early morning or before sunrise.

The panoramic sunrise in the morning becomes an attractive tourist attraction for tourists on a balloon. If the weather is sunny, the scattered temples seem to rise high among the trees and other buildings.

This view makes tourists seem to go through time to the past. It's like seeing those temples in their heyday long ago.

The balloon will float for about 45 minutes. The camera is an item that should not be missed, so you can capture the panorama presented from the top of the balloon.

The flying balloon season in Bagan usually lasts between October to April. That's because during that time period, the weather in Bagan is usually sunny so the balloons can fly into the sky.

Become a Beach Boy on Coron Island, Philippines

Favorite Tourist Spots and Activities in Coron Island Philippines

     Coron Island is located in the Province of Palawan, which is on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, and is flanked by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is a favorite tourist destination that is well-known as a marine paradise. Coron island is about an hour from the Philippine capital by plane, here you can enjoy a small island that is still very beautiful.

Even though it's not a big island, you can do many epic things in this exotic place. First, you can go to Kayangan Lake, which has clear blue water. Even so clear, you can see the underwater. A must for snorkeling here!

Here are some of the favorite tourist areas and activities on Coron Island, Philippines.

                                                        Image Source: wikimedia.org

Kayangan Lake

This lake is one of 13 lakes located on Coron Island (the island is opposite Busuanga Island, where Coron Town is located). 

Kayangan Lake is a lake with very clear water hidden behind the forest and karst hills. To get here, you need 15 minutes of trekking up and down. This place is a favorite for tourists to swim and relax.

There's a boardwalk around the lake. From the top of the wooden dock, travelers can sit and look at the view of the karst rocks that surround the lake, or peek at the clear bottom of the water. Kayangan Lake is about 40 meters deep. So even though it is feasible to play in the water, be careful. It is mandatory to wear a life jacket for those who swim. Entrance ticket: 300 pesos per person.

Mount Tapyas

Even though it is called a “mount”, this place is actually a 210m high hill in Coron Town. At the top of Mount Tapyas there is a giant cross and the words “Coron”. Under the cross there is a viewing deck to enjoy a 360 degree view of Coron Town and the surrounding islands. Usually this spot becomes a favorite place for visitors to enjoy the sunset. But to get to the highest point must complete 724 steep concrete stairs. Entrance ticket: free.

Atwayan Beach

This small beach is located in one of the recesses of Coron Island, which is bordered by karst walls towering like a giant fortress. The beach is not that wide, but it is always used as a stopover, because there are lots of huts on the shoreline. Usually the hut is used as a place to have lunch (bring food yourself). The waters here are also shallow so it is suitable for swimming and playing water. Entrance ticket: 100 pesos per person

Twin Lagoon

These two lagoons separated by karst cliffs are also located on Coron Island. The first lagoon is where ships dock to carry tourists. Meanwhile, the second lagoon is hidden behind a karst hill which can only be accessed through a gap under the rock formation, when the sea water is receding. Or if the sea is high tide, travelers can go through the available wooden stairs. In addition to swimming, visitors can also snorkel. Entrance ticket: 300 pesos per person.

The Charm of Pink Beach Lombok, Indonesia

Pink Beach Lombok Indonesia, Different Tourist Attractions

      You want to enjoy the beach with a different view? Lombok Pink Beach can be one of your choices.

Pink Beach Lombok is located in Temeak Hamlet, Serewe Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The uniqueness of this beach is the pink sand.

Pink Beach Lombok does not have big waves, so this place is suitable for seeking tranquility. Pink Beach Lombok is the main destination when tourists visit Lombok.

                                                     Image Source: duniakitanews.com

Currently, there are only seven beaches in the world that have pink sand, one of which is on the island of Komodo. The color of the sand comes from the white sand mixed with the red coral.

Because the sea water is very clear, you can comfortably dive and snorkel. The underwater scenery is very beautiful. But the location is quite remote, it takes 2 hours from downtown Mataram.

The pink color on the beach sand is formed from white grains mixed with fine flakes of red coral that have died. The refraction of sunlight and exposure to sea water adds to the vividness of the pink color on the beach.

The stretch of hills around the beach adds to the perfection of the scenery around the beach. There are hills and broad meadows to the left of the beach, if tourists climb the hill, there will be a wide view of the Pink Lombok Beach.

Pink Beach Lombok is located in an area which is quite difficult to reach. However, this actually makes the beach beautiful. This tourist spot is still empty of food and drink sellers, and there is no lodging yet.

Tourists who are going on vacation at this beach are advised to bring their own food. After relaxing on the beach, they can also go straight back to town without staying overnight.

                                                    Image Source:travelspromo.com

Things to do in Lombok's Pink Beach

There are several activities that travelers can do at Pink Beach Lombok.

Snorkeling

Pink Lombok Beach has clear water, so travelers can see the sea corals and colorful fish. Snorkeling is a favorite activity for tourists on this beach.

For this activity, tourists are asked to bring their own snorkel gear, because there is no snorkeling rental place.

Playing with sand

Sand play activities are very fun, because the beach has white sand mixed with fine coral that is already dead.

Swimming

One of the activities that tourists like at Pink Lombok Beach is swimming. The beach water is clear with not big waves. Swimming on a wide beach with wind and sunshine has its own sensation compared to swimming in a swimming pool.

Hooping Island

For tourists who are reluctant to snorkel, swim, or do water activities, Hoping Island is the choice to enjoy a vacation. You just have to sit on the boat and visit some beautiful spots around Pink Beach.

Photo Hunt

Pink Beach Lombok has beautiful beach views. Tourists can hunt photos in this place for Instagram.

Grilling fish

Pink Beach Lombok has a lot of marine cultivation around the beach. Some of the marine wealth found in this area are lobsters, groupers, and so on. The boatmen will provide a fish kiln that will make your holiday even more enjoyable.

                                                   Image Source: tripadvisor.com

How to Get to Lombok's Pink Beach

There are two accesses to Pink Lombok Beach, namely by land and by sea.

Road

Estimated travel from Mataram City to Pink Beach Lombok by land will take about 2 hours with a distance of about 85 kilometers. Travelers can rent a motorbike or a car to get to their destination. The price for motorbike rental ranges from IDR 75,000 to IDR 85000 per day.

The price of a car rental is around IDR 400,000 to IDR 1 million.

The route from the city of Mataram to Pink Beach is not too complicated, tourists just need to direct the vehicle to the east to Praya.

There are three alternative roads that can be used, namely Jalan Raya Sengkerang, Jalan Raya Mataram-Labuhan Lombok (Mataram-Sikur Highway), and Jalan Raya Bypass Lombok International Airport. Arriving at Praya, travelers can continue the journey by walking along Jalan Raya Keruak to Pink Beach Lombok.

The road that is passed is not very smooth, but it is quite good. From Jalan Raya Keruak, the next trip down Jalan TGH Moh Mutawalli. About 4-5 kilometers before reaching their destination, tourists will encounter an unpaved and potholed road. Until the gate of the beach, tourists are asked to pay a ticket for IDR 5,000.

Sea Route

The journey to the Pink Island of Lombok via sea access can be through the Tanjung Luar Port. The travel time from Mataram City to Tanjung Luar Harbor is about 1.5 hours, with a distance of 66 Km. This trip can be traveled by two-wheeled vehicle or car.

There are several boats that you can choose from, namely private boats and public boats. Private boats can be rented for round trip, with a rental price of about IDR 900,000.

Public boats only serve one way trips with ticket prices of around IDR 30,000 to IDR 40,000 per person. You can choose the transportation according to your need. Don't forget to bargain the price before making a payment, who knows you may get a discount.

Best Tourist Attractions in Da Lat-Vietnam

Dalat, City of a Thousand Flowers in Vietnam

      Halong Bay and Hoi An are the favorites of tourists in Vietnam. The Dalat Highlands are not well known. However, the beauty of this place has become a favorite of French tourists. The city which is known as the eternal spring city has a cool mountain temperature.

Da Lat is the capital city of Lam Dong province which is 1500 meters above sea level, and is one of the coolest cities in Vietnam.

During the Second World War, Da Lat became the capital of the Indochina Federation.

Da Lat City has many interesting tourist destinations. Although not very popular, this city is a special attraction for travelers from all over the world to have a vacation to Vietnam.

What are some highly recommended tourist spots to visit in Da Lat? Here is a list.

                                                          Image Source: wikimedia.org

Elephant Falls

Named Elephant Falls because of a giant rock that resembles the head of an elephant. Located in Ban Nam village, about 30 kilometers from downtown Da Lat, this waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions among other waterfalls in Vietnam.

To go to the waterfall, you have to pass through a steep and quite difficult rocky path. However, all of that will pay off when you get there.

Elephant Falls also has a mainstay photo spot that is perfect for nature lovers.

Crazy House

For those of you who like unique and quirky things, Crazy House is the right choice when visiting Da Lat, Vietnam. The inn, which was built since 1990, has successfully amazed everyone who visited it.

This is because the architecture is very complicated and resembles the world of the sea, making the atmosphere of this place similar to a fairy tale. The buildings were designed by Dang Viet Nga, who is also an owner and architect in Vietnam.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is a Buddhist temple that was completed in 1952. This pagoda is known as the Pagoda of shards of glass, this is because of the 49-meter-long dragon head at the entrance made of 12,000 glass bottles.

Besides seeing its unique and beautiful architecture, tourists can enter this Pagoda and write three wishes on a yellow paper. The paper is then affixed to the bell which is then rung three times so that their prayers are accomplished.

Valley of Love

As the name implies, this place is perfect for you to visit with loved ones while on vacation to Da Lat Vietnam. Valley of Love is a park built in 1903. Valley of Love is located about 6 kilometers north of downtown Da Lat.

You will be treated to green hills around the lake which is covered by a beautiful pine forest. In addition, there is a gold statue depicting a pair of hands exchanging rings, which of course will add to the romantic impression of the 242-hectare valley.

Lam Vien Square

Lam Vien Square is a well-known area in the center of Da Lat, Vietnam, which has many interesting buildings. Lam Vien Square is known as a place for thousands of flowers, this square is one of the main attractions for tourists to visit this city.

Several international festivals are also often held at Lam Vien Square. It's no wonder that Lam Vien Square is now one of the most important tourist icons in Da Lat.

Da Lat is indeed not as popular as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, which are always coveted by tourists. However, with a variety of cool destinations available, this city could be your next destination when you are on vacation in Vietnam.

If you are planning to go to Dalat, you can choose to use land or air. Flights using the airline Vietnamairlines from Ho Chi Min City to Dalat lasts for 2 times. 9:50 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

If you choose the bus as your transportation to Dalat from Ho Chi Min City, you can use the Phuong Trang Company. Bus ticket booking is done here.

The trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat takes around 7 hours. However, the long journey will pay off because you will be presented with a view of the green hills and pine forests.

Phu Quoc Vietnam - What You Need to Know

The Beauty of Phu Quoc, Secret Island Paradise

      Many traveler agree that the island of Pu Qhuoc will be a favorite tourist destination in Vietnam. But don't worry, the beautiful beaches on this island are still relatively quiet. On this island, you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving on virgin beaches.

Don't worry about transportation, on the island of Pu Qhuoc you will easily find a motorbike rental place.

The name Phuket Beach in Thailand is certainly not foreign to many travelers. However, Vietnam also has the Phu Quoc island which is similar to Phuket.

Phu Quoc is the name of the island that I heard for the first time from a couple of walkers at a restaurant in the Old Quarter area some time ago.

As a traveler, of course you are always intrigued when there is a destination that you have never been to. At that time there weren't many flights to Phu Quoc, or you would have to make several transits.

Phú Quốc is Vietnam's largest island. Phú Quốc and the nearby islands, together with the distant Thổ Chu Archipelago, are part of Kiên Giang Province as Phú Quốc City, the island has a total area of 574 km2. (wikipedia.org)

Phú Quốc's main industries are agriculture, fishing, and the rapidly growing tourism sector. Phú Quốc has achieved rapid economic growth due to the current boom in tourism. Many infrastructure projects have been undertaken, including several five star hotels and resorts. Phú Quốc International Airport is a means that connects Phú Quc with mainland Vietnam and other international destinations.

Phu Quoc Island is a large tropical island off the Cambodian coast. Although its geographical location is closer to Cambodia, the island is under the rule of Vietnam. Pu Quoc is a mountainous and densely forested island covering an area of 1,320 km.

Phu Quoc has a small population, compared to other cities in Vietnam. The population of Phu Quoc beri is in the range of over 100,000 people.

Phu Quoc is geographically located in the Gulf of Thailand, exactly 45 km west of Ha Tien (mainland Vietnam) and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia. This island has beautiful beaches and offers the best seafood in Vietnam.

Historically, the island of Phu Quoc was once the headquarters for the French missionary Pigneau de Behaine in the 1760-80s. There was little fighting here during the Vietnam war, and the island was used by the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces as a prison for captured Viet Cong.. Phu Quoc is not a part of the Mekong Delta.

Phu Quoc tends to be still unexplored, if Vietnam wants Phu Quoc like Phuket, then this island has been under construction a lot. The Vietnamese government also has extensive plans to develop the island of Phu Quoc by establishing residential areas. The city center of the island is in the Duong Dong District.

As soon as you land at Phu Quoc International Airport, you can go directly to the Duong Dong area by taking a bus from the airport. The fare is around 40,000 VND.

Arriving at Duong Dong, before looking for a hotel, you can also fill your stomach first with a bowl of noodle soup plus a lot of vegetables for 40,000 VND at all food stalls. You can also explore the island either by bicycle, on foot, by bus around the island, or by taking an inexpensive local tour.

The best time to visit Phu Quoc Island is between December and March, when the weather is at its calmest. The hottest month of the year is April, with an average daily maximum temperature of 33 C, and an average lowest temperature of 25 C. The coolest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum temperature of 30 C and an average low of 25 C.

Unique Attractions in Tana Toraja, Indonesia

Unusual Tourist Attractions in Tana Toraja Sulawesi, Indonesia

     Tana Toraja is a regency located in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This district has a variety of exotic natural attractions and unique cultural diversity.

Tana Toraja is very popular, magical, and also saves a hidden paradise. In addition to being a natural Indonesian tourist that can amaze you, this place has a unique culture.

Even today, the Toraja people still carry out various unique religious rituals that come from their ancestors, although many of them are already Christians. But local residents still believe that all the rituals they perform symbolize their gratitude for nature.

If you are really interested in natural and cultural tourism, then Tana Toraja must be on the list of tourist attractions that you will visit.

If you are from Jakarta, you can use a flight to Makassar, which is followed by a trip by land or air.

If you want to take the land route (bus or private car), it will take around 8 to 9 hours. Whereas if by air, it only takes 45 minutes.

Arriving at Tana Toraja, you will be greeted with a variety of hit tourist sites that are frequented by many travelers.

The following are some recommendations for hit tourist attractions in Tana Toraja that have been visited by many travelers, both local and foreign.

                                                        Image Source: liputan6.com

Pango-pango Makale

Pango-pango is a tourist attraction of Tana Toraja which is classified as agrotourism, this tourist spot presents beautiful natural beauty in view with cool air.

This tour is in the city of Makale, precisely at the top of a hill. In accordance with its location at the top of the hill, many people call this place the land above the clouds.

The location of Tana Toraja Regency is indeed in the highlands surrounded by high mountains, so it is only natural that many countries are above the clouds.

If you go there and arrive at Pango-pango, you will enjoy a lot of scattered trees and green shrubs.

Here, you can also enjoy the beautiful panorama of hills and mountains, besides that you can see Makale City from the top of the mountain.

                                       Image Source: goodnewsfromindonesia.id

Londa Tana Toraja

Londa is a tourist attraction located in Sandan Uai Village, Sangggalangi Tana Toraja District, 7 kilometers south of Rantepao City.

The trip to get there is quite easy. You can use two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles, or use the services of a motorcycle taxi.

Londa is one of the tourist objects in Tana Toraja. There is a tourist attraction where the tomb is located on a rock cliff, and inside is a cave for the tomb.

In the cave there are coffins, bones and skulls that are hundreds of years old. When you go there, you will be presented with the appearance of wooden statues lined up on the edge of the rock cliffs.

The statue is a statue of each corpse buried in the Londa location. The statue is called Tau Tau for local people.

                                                 Image Source: googleusercontent.com

The Land Above the Clouds of Totombi

Totombi is one of the newest tourist attractions in Toraja which is currently being hit this year.

This location is located in the hamlet of Lembang, Benteng Mullu Village, Kapalapitu Subdistrict, North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi.

In Totombi you can enjoy the view above the clouds like at Panggo Panggo Makale.

Your eyes will be hypnotized by the mound of clouds that cover the beautiful valley, so that Totombi is called the land above the clouds.

Since this location is at a height, you are required to bring a thick jacket, because the temperature here is quite cold.

To enjoy the sunset above the clouds, you must be in Totombi at least in the morning until morning.

For the entry fee, you only need to provide IDR 15,000. For those of you who want to keep the monument, the manager provides a special spot to take pictures.

The Beauty of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines

How did Mount Pinatubo Effect The Philippines?

      Mount Pinatubo is one of 22 active mountains in the Philippines. Mount Pinatubo once erupted in 1991, and is included in the most terrible volcanic eruption. Mount Pinatubo is in the Zambales Mountains located on the border of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga on the island of Luzon.

                                                           Image Source: wikimedia.org

The activeness of Mount Pinatubo was only known in 1991 when it erupted on June 15, 1991, and spewed out huge hot clouds and millions of tons of cold lava, mixed with volcanic ash and lava. This mountain destroyed a lot of cities. Many villages had to be evacuated and their inhabitants lost their homes.

After 20 years of the incident, the local people are starting to benefit from this disaster. The petrified lava is now being mined and used as building materials and crafts. The tourism industry is booming, and Mount Pinatubo is now a world-class hiking field with a lake in its caldera. 

How to reach Mount Pinatubo: From Manila, drive or take the bus bound for Baguio, Pangasinan, Tarlac to Capas Junction in Tarlac. You can find a tourist office in the area. The journey to the crater lake begins in Barangay Juliana town.

Things to Do in Mount Pinatubo

Trekking and 4WD Vehicles

Many trekking tour packages to Mount Pinatubo, which you can choose. To go to Mount Pinatubo, you really have to do trekking, after you use a 4WD vehicle.

You will pass through Crow Valley Canyon, which looks like the setting of a space movie. It is a spooky gray expanse of land, with valleys and ravines (hence the name Crow) and rivers. Then your track begins with lava rock and boulders.

You will meet the settlement of indigenous people, the Aeta. Of the 110 indigenous tribes in the Philippines, the Aeta are the oldest tribes that migrated to the Philippines 10,000 years ago.

From the top of Mount Pinatubo, you will see beautiful natural views. One of them is the caldera lake, which was formed naturally, due to the massive 1991 eruption.

Mud Spa

Upon reaching the first post of Mount Pinatubo, you must register at the local office. There are lots of mud spas in the vicinity that you can enjoy. If you've ever heard of a mud mask for cleaning your skin, you can do it in the Mount Pinatuboo area.

This is another attraction that makes climbers interested in coming to Mount Pinatubo. The mud that becomes the spa is derived from the volcanic ash of Mount Pinatubo, and has ingredients that nourish the skin. You can also lie down in the hot ashes and then wash yourself with mud. This area is called the Spa Town of Gunung Pinatubo.

How To Achieve It.

1. Air

Clark Airport is approximately 2 hours from Manila by land. If you want to fly, just take a flight to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. This airport serves international flights to major cities such as Incheon, Singapore and Hong Kong.

2. Road

You can buy a package tour to Mount Pinatubo. They usually pick you up at your hotel, and will take you to the Pinatubo mount post. Usually a private tour package will pick you up at the hotel or a place that has been promised in the Metro Manila area. However, the rates are premium.

If you want to use a vehicle from Manila, take the NLEX and exit at Dau. Then take MacArthur Highway to Mabalacat to Capas Tarlac. Take a left into Barangay Rosario and continue driving 16.5 km to Barangay Juliana, the post for Mount Pinatubo tours.

Beautiful and Amazing Phuket Tourist Attractions

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Phuket Thailand

      As the largest tourist island in Thailand, Phuket has become an attraction for foreign tourists. Phuket offers a memorable experience: beaches, mountains, shopping, and iconic places to pray with Buddha statues.

Phuket has a wonderful climate, with warm, sunny days all year round. The monsoon season is usually mid-May to October, but it may rain only once or twice a day during this period.

Here are some of the beautiful tourist attractions in Phuket that you must visit:

                                                         Image Source: wikimedia.org

Patong Beach

Phuket's longest beach which was once the most beautiful, until development and tourism turned it into a bustling hub of activity, rather than a respite from the bustling world.

You might not be able to find a quiet place in Patong to just read, but you will find plenty of shopping and holiday activities to keep you entertained.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach is less developed compared to the popular Patong Beach, about 15 minutes away, Karon Beach is a 3.5 kilometer long strand of golden sand that attracts many travelers.

When the weather is calm, this is a great tourist spot in Phuket for swimming, but when the wind is blowing big waves hit the wide open coastline here, so be careful if you swim during this time.

Many restaurants and resorts across the beach along the busy road, some four star resorts offer direct access to the beach.

Karon Viewpoint

The next tourist spot in Phuket is the Karon Viewpoint. Just south of Kata Noi Beach, this aptly named vantage point gives you great views of three of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket: Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon Beach.

This is one of the island's most photographed landscapes. You can reach the view point by following the branch road in front of Kata Noi Beach to the southwest towards the south end of the island.

Kata Beach

Bordered by cypresses and palms, this tourist spot in Phuket is a picturesque curving bay surrounded by lush hills at either end.

Even though there are many tourists, Kata Beach is more peaceful than Patong Beach, with fewer hawkers.

A small island lies off the coast, the beach is wide, with soft white sand and snorkeling spots at both ends.

If you're hungry, you can buy a papaya shake or a snack at one of the beachfront stalls, and larger restaurants are a short walk away.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town is located on the southeast coast of the island, in a picturesque bay. This island city is bustling with activity due to the many hotels, restaurants, massage parlors and other tourist attractions that have sprung up in the decades since Patong Beach opened for development in 1980.

The architecture reflects the influence of Chinese immigrants and Portuguese aesthetics, and provides an interesting contrast to the more traditional Thai styles seen elsewhere.

Make sure you stroll through Phuket Old Town, with its well-preserved shophouses, Sino-Portuguese mansions, temples and shrines.

Other things to do at this Phuket tourist spot include visiting the Trickeye Phuket Museum, an interactive 3D art gallery and paying homage to the Jui Tui Temple , a colorful Chinese temple.

Rawai Native Village

For a more authentic side of Phuket, visit a small village on the island's east coast for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Moken, the "sea gypsy" tribe. They have roots in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and remain steadfastly committed to their own beliefs and customs.

Some live by the sea, and some choose to live semi-nomadic on land. The village men mostly work as fishermen, and sometimes also as marine tour guides.

Rawai has a small fishing harbor and a beach overgrown with coconut trees, swamp oaks and fishing boats

You can rent boats here to sail to the offshore islands. The village is also known for its seafood market, where you can purchase the catch of the day, and one of the local restaurants will cook it to order.

Parai Tenggiri Beach, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia

Parai Tenggiri Beach Bangka Belitung, Indonesia, Natural Beauty Hidden Behind the Rocks 

     Bangka Belitung is a province in the form of an archipelago which is rich in natural tourism objects such as beaches. For example, Parai Tenggiri Beach, Matras, Tanjung Pesona, Pasir Padi, Tanjung Tinggi, Cape Kelayang, and so on.

We will review Parai Tenggiri Beach, a beach that used to be a center for Babel fishermen to collect mackerel.

                                                             Image Source: wikimedia.org

Parai Tenggiri Beach is located at Sungailiat, Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands. Parai Tenggiri beach offers its own charm. In addition to the blue gradations in the expanse of the sea, tourists who visit can also enjoy the softness of white sand and large rocks that exist. The sound of waves can be heard when you enter the Parai Beach Hotel and Resort area. This beach is located inside the resort area. Parai Tenggiri beach is private beach. But people can visit there by paying IDR 25,000 per person.

Unlike other beaches, Parai Tenggiri has a sloping beach structure, with turquoise green sea water and soft white sand. The waves on this beach are also calm, so it becomes one of the attractions for tourists who like to swim.

Not only swimming, you can also go fishing, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, etc.

The beauty of the beach can be enjoyed by tourists while walking along a small path decorated with shady coconut trees. A bridge extends across the land where the inn is located, and brings tourists to an island called Rock Island.

While in the middle of the wooden bridge, there are different views on the right and left sides of the bridge. On the right, Parai Tenggiri Beach looks deserted from the rocks. The white sand looks contrasting with the light blue sea water. While on the left side of the bridge, the white sand is dotted with hundreds of small and large stones, which make the deep blue sea water look amazing.

                                                      Rocks Island Parai Tenggiri Beach

Travelers tend to prefer the beach side of Parai Tenggiri which is filled with rocks. The tourists like to take pictures on the beach while playing with sea water, and sitting on rocks. Not far from there, a small island with a gate that reads “Rock Island” was seen. Rocks and shady trees like wilderness make the island look quite spooky. Just before entering, you will be curious about what kind of scenery will be shown behind the island.

The beauty of the beach offered from behind Rock Island was amazing! The rocks are bigger and more numerous compared to the left side of the wooden bridge that leads you to the island.

                                                     Parai Tenggiri Beach Bangka Indonesia

The water is clear so you can see some shells that adorn the beach. The sensation of fine sand that is equipped with warm water can make your heart calm.

Closing your eyes while enjoying the coastal breeze typical of Bangka Belitung Island makes you happy. If you want to see it for yourself, you can go straight to Parai Beach Hotel and Resort, Jalan Sinar Baru, Sungailiat. From downtown Sungailiat, the distance is 12 kilometers.

To visit Parai Tenggiri Beach, you can use private vehicles or online motorcycle taxis.

Majestic Mount Merapi Volcano, Java Indonesia

Tourist Attractions on Mt Merapi Volcano: Kaliadem to Alien Rock

      A number of tourist attractions on Mount Merapi are one of the natural tourist destinations that are often visited by tourists while in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. From nature tourism to adventure.

The following is a list of tourist attractions in the area of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia:

                                                        Image Source: wikimedia.org

Mount Merapi National Park

This tourist spot is a protected forest and natural resources conservation. Mount Merapi National Park is suitable for outbound activities and trekking for exploring nature.

Nature lovers come to this location to practice land navigation. The hiking trail in this place is safe. But for climbing routes, climbers are only limited to Bubrah Market, because exceeding this limit is considered risky. The climbing route that can be taken is through the village of Kinahrejo, which is approximately 4 km from the peak of Mount Merapi, and can be reached in about 3 hours.

In this national park there are various wildlife such as monkeys and Javanese eagles. There is also a unique flora, namely Vanda Tricolor which blooms once a year.

                                                                  Bunker of Kaliadem

Kaliadem

This tourist area has cool natural temperatures. The location is located in the village of Kepuharjo, Cangkringan Sleman, or about 35 km to the north from the center of the city of Jogja.

This tourist area was once a residential area, but after the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010, this area is no longer inhabited. Now Kaliadem is a popular tourist spot in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The view at Kaliadem in the morning looks beautiful. You can capture many beautiful photo spots here. There is also an exciting Jeep Merapi tour package. Travelers can get around to interesting tourist spots in the Kaliadem area.

While in Kaliadem, take the time to look at the Merapi bunker. This bunker is actually a shelter, in the event of an eruption of Mount Merapi. However, because of the loss of life during the 2010 eruption of Merapi, the bunker has now been used as a tourist attraction to commemorate the tragedy of the eruption victims. Travelers can enter and observe directly the shape of the bunker up close.

Cangkringan Alien Stone

The Cangkringan alien stone attraction is one of the tourist destinations that you can visit while in Sleman. This alien rock turned out to be a remnant of the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010.

This large rock was given the name alien because of its strange shape. This stone changes shape due to hot lava when the volcano erupts.

The location of this Cangkringan alien stone is in Jambu, Kepuharjo, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman. The distance is about 28 km from the center of the city of Yogyakarta, with a travel time of about 1 hour drive. You are advised to come in the morning and the weather is sunny. Many interesting photo spots around the location.

Tlogo Putri

Tlogo Putri water attractions are located in the village of Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman. Here tourists can enjoy water and nature tourism. Tlogo Putri is located on a hill called Plawangan, which is on the southern slope of Mount Merapi.

In the past, Tlogo Putri Kaliurang had become a popular public swimming pool in the 1980s. However, after the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006, slowly the golden age of this swimming pool faded, so the management turned it into a new tourist destination.

In Tlogo Putri, tourists can try out various flying fox games, ride a canoe or ride a duck around the lake. In addition, travelers can explore forest areas that are directly managed by Perhutani belonging to the Indonesian Government.