SONGKHLA THAILAND

SONGKHLA

THAILAND

Songkhla is one of less visited by tourists, which makes it so much more attractive, places in Thailand. One is more inclined to meet local people rather than fellow visitors from all over the world.

Still, as far as scenic beauty of the surrounds, history and tradition are concerned, Songkhla has so much to offer. Back in the 8^th century Songkhla, then Singora, was visited by traders and in the 17^th century was still an important commercial hub. Songkhla is a port of great importance and the entry to this port is guarded by 2 islands, Ko Noo – Rat Island and Ko Maew – Cat Island. There are sculptures of both on shore. 

Water in this part of the Gulf of Siam is crystal clear and a sandy beach protected from the heat of the day by palms and trees is an excellent location for picnics and meeting locals. Other sculptures along the waterfront, some modern some historical and the most popular one, the mermaid decorate the beach. There are a number of Buddhist Temples spread through Songkhla. 

There are also a few Chinese Temples. Songkhla architecture shows Chinese influence. 

Songkhla has a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Malay population. Their culture and cuisine are reflected in everyday life. It is an interesting place to visit, out of a tourist track. 

PULAU GUBANG DARAT LANGKAWI MALAYSIA

PULAU GUBANG DARAT

LANGKAWI

MALAYSIA

Pulau Gubang Darat is one of 99 islands surrounding Langkawi. It is uninhabited, except for wildlife. It also is a perfect anchorage in any weather.

Thus it is popular and often fills up with visiting yachts.

Pulau Gabang Darat offers dramatic scenery of colorful cliffs and rocks among rain forest greenery and peaceful seas. Emerald color prevails in water and land.

There are many small islands scattered nearby. All of them are a natural habitat of birds, sea eagles, horn-bills, kingfishers and many more, all colorful and joining in a bird song. There is also a variety of monkeys, some not at all shy and inquisitive monitor lizards.

Pulau Gubang Darat is a definitive paradise to a botanist and wildlife lover.

Mere mortals simply enjoy a kaleidoscope of colors during the day and at sunset.

LAEM PHROM THEP & AO NAI HARN PHUKET THAILAND

LAEM PHROM THEP & AO NAI HARN

PHUKET

THAILAND

Laem Phrom Thep is famous for its Lighthouse and museum with information on the beginnings of The Royal Thai Navy. Scenic during the day, the turquoise waters doted with islands, it is also a view point for watching spectacular sunsets.

The statue of Admiral his Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Klartivanges, located by the Lighthouse, is impressive. He established and advanced Royal Thai Navy.

Nai Harn Beach is just one of many beaches surrounding the island of Phuket. The bay, Ao Nai Harn is also a comfortable anchorage for many yachts visiting Thailand. It is a starting point for cruising Surin and Similian islands as well as Andaman Islands and passages across the Indian Ocean.

Both, Laem Phra Themp and Nai Harn Beach are relaxing locations to enjoy the beauty of nature and its impressive performance of painting the sky at sunset.

KO TARUTAO the KINGDOM of THAILAND

KO TARUTAO

the

KINGDOM of THAILAND

Ko Tarutao, just four nautical miles from Langkawi, Malaysia, is the most southern island of Thailand's west coast. Its scenic coastline and dense jungle with tall peaks add to the mystery of the island.

Ko Tarutao has a sad history of being a penal colony for political prisoners back in the late 1930s, its isolation and wild terrain preventing escapes. In mid 1940s it ceased being a prison but not until 1970s it became a National Park and its wilderness a treasure. Now, a tourist eco destination it is considered one of the environment friendly islands.

Over the years a perception of many islands that served as no escape prisons change to places must-visit to experience the beauty of nature. Ko Tarutao offers walking trails to lookouts, waterfalls and caves. It also offers secure anchorages for sailing yachts, its western side in North Eastern monsoon and its eastern side in South Western monsoon.

Many anchorages offer sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to swim in. The crocodile stories are old, guess all crocodiles were eaten by the prisoners many years ago. 

Deserted beaches can easily be found although Ko Tarutao invites quite a number of visitors. Even on a cloudy day the island has its special charm, warm waters to swim in and nature at its best.

DARWIN the TOP END of AUSTRALIA

DARWIN

the TOP END

of AUSTRALIA

Darwin, the remote, most northern city of Australia is rightly called the capital of the Top End. The biggest city in the Northern Territory it has tropical hot climate and abundant wildlife. Kakadu National Park is located on Darwin's doorstep. Well, Kakadu existed long before Darwin was built and is an impressive nature heritage.

Fannie Bay is one of the must see places with miles of golden sand beach, just beware of crocodiles and restrain from swimming in warm waters of Arafura Sea. Visit Mindil Beach Markets and enjoy spectacular sunset. Sunsets in Fannie Bay last for hours, sky changing color from golden to deep purple in quite slow motion. Mindil Beach Market is a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset, delicious finger foods from Asia as well as Darwin itself and shop for usual market knick-knacks, exotic clothing and pieces of art. There is also Mindil Beach Casino for those that want to try their luck.

The Esplanade, Darwin Waterfront, is a border between the Centre of Darwin and the Arafura Sea. Just the place to stroll along in the cool of night, the city offering many bars, restaurants and entertainment.

Darwin has hot, tropical climate and many choose to escape the heat of the day at the air conditioned Casuarina Shopping Centre. Whatever your fancy, enjoying nature and wilderness or a thriving modern city, Darwin offers a fulfilling holiday.

GALANG ISLAND INDONESIA

GALANG ISLAND

INDONESIA

Galang Island belongs to the Riau Group of Islands of Indonesia and is connected by a bridge to Batam Island. Getting from Batam island to Galang requires crossing of six bridges, starting with Barelang Bridge. It is its history what makes Galang Island famous. 

For a number of years, from 1976 to late 1980s Galang Island was home to Vietnamese refuges. They arrived in boats, just like today refugees arrive in Australia or Europe.

Now Galang Island is full on memories and it has a Museum preserving the history of life in Galang while the refugees waited to be taken to a new country. Many migrated to the Philippines, Australia and other parts of Indonesia.

They tried to live a normal life during the years of waiting while Galang was their home. They built temples and churches that now still stand as monuments to humanity.

Although this is history for the refugees from Vietnam going back to 1970's, the refugee problem still exists. 

If anything, it is more pronounced now everywhere in the world and involves more countries which refugees come from and where they are heading. One can only hope that their lives in waiting are as memorable as Galang Island history.

PULAU BATAM INDONESIA

PULAU BATAM

INDONESIA

Pulau Batam is just one of many islands of Kepulauan Riau, Riau Archipelago of

Indonesia. Due to its proximity to Malaysia it can be reached by ferry from Stulang Laut Johor Bahru as well as from Singapore. 

Pulau Batam is proud of several Mosques, Buddhist Temples and Churches with Tua Pek Kong Temple, Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple Batam Grand Mosque being main attractions.

Yet another attraction are the six bridges connecting Pulau Batam with other nearby islands of Riau Archipelago.

Jembatan Barelang, Barelang Bridge, is two kilometers long and connects Batam with other islands, Rempang, Galang, Tonton, Nipah, Setotok. It is the prelude to six bridges crossing.

A nearby Bintan Island is larger than Batam and has rich trading history going back to the 3^rd century, being on route between China and India. Now it is a holiday destination and can be reached by ferry from Sekupang Terminal.

There are a number of ferry terminals in Batam, the island is big, just over 700 square kilometers, almost as big as Singapore. One can choose between Batam Centre and Harbour Bay terminals to limit traveling time to their destination.

Duty free shopping is available in both areas with Nagoya Hill great shopping area in between.

There is also a terminal at Nongsa Point with resorts and beaches, restaurants and cafes, away from traffic.  

Batam Island is only one of some 13 000 islands of Indonesia and is a good example of the beauty of Indonesian islands, its culture, history and taste.