DARWIN ARAFURA SEA PEARL JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

 

DARWIN

ARAFURA SEA PEARL

JEWEL OF AUSTRALIA

Darwin, a remote, tropical paradise on the banks of Arafura Sea, often called Arafura Pearl. It is the capital of the Australian Northern Territory.

The Parliament House is a definite landmark. The Northern Territory Library hosts an exhibition, The Territory Story. It describes the beginnings of Darwin and its people.

1994 was the year of the beginning of Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, popular for its delicacies from Asia and trinkets. It is the best spot in Darwin to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Arafura Sea. 

Darwin is definitely a place to visit. It is friendly to visitors and especially the sailing boats.

In fact quite a number of visitors made Darwin their permanent residence.

CAIRNS a TROPICAL PARADISE of FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

 

CAIRNS

a

TROPICAL PARADISE

of

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Cairns, established in 1876 as a port for goldfields to its west, is now a cosmopolitan, second biggest city in Queensland. 

Cairns was built on a swamp that provided indigenous people with food and floral medicine. One of the main streets is called Lake Street. Although it is named after Captain Lake the Skipper of one of the first ships arriving in Cairns, the name seems appropriate since the city was built on the wetlands.

During the WWII Cairns was a base for operations in the Pacific. Now Cairns is a gateway to Great Barrier Reef, the National Heritage Reef and many nearby islands. Cairns hosts many international visitors. Its climate is tropical and the sunsets are impressive.

Cairns is visited by multitude of yachts, offers friendly welcome and superb yachting conditions.

Visiting Cairns is a delight.

MYANMAR The Land of Gold Yangon and its Golden Payas

 

MYANMAR

The Land of Gold

Yangon and its Golden Payas

Arriving in Myanmar at daytime one must wear sunglasses. Starting with Yangon, the city of gold, one gets blinded by Pagodas, Temples & Palaces glistening in the sun. The Golden Buddha is towering over the city.

The multitude of Golden Pagodas is overwhelming. The local people never stop smiling. Their genuine smiles can be as blinding as the gold of architecture. Myanmar is opening its door to tourism and the locals are most welcoming.

It is safe to say that gold is a national color of Myanmar. There are very few places in the world that can offer golden sights as dense as those spread around Yangon.

SINGARAJA BALI INDONESIA

 

SINGARAJA

BALI

INDONESIA

Singaraja, in Buleleng Regency of Northern Bali, is the ancient capital of Bali. No wonder it is full of history dating back to Royalty of the 1600s. In spite of the Dutch invasion between 1846 and 1849, killing of most of the Royal Family and almost total distraction of the palace, the restored Puri can now be visited.

Singaraja is also a port and a nearby Lovina, some 10 kilometers away, is a beach resort. Its black volcanic sand and crystal clear waters invite dolphins, absolute pleasure to watch.

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

 

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND

QUEENSLAND CENTRAL COAST

Keppel Islands, Great Keppel and North Keppel are easily accessible by ferry from Roslyn Bay.

Roslyn Bay is the prime spot for a marina, it is popular with many yachts. It is located between Emu Park, a rapidly growing settlement and Yeppoon a costal township just as much popular and growing.

The white beaches and crystal clear waters surrounding Great Keppel invite visitores and offer amazing beach walks and superb swimming and snorkeling.

Bush walks across the island are also popular.

Both Keppel Islands are often referred to as Paradise on Earth.

ELLIOTT HEADS BEACH FRASER COAST

 

ELLIOTT HEADS BEACH

FRASER COAST

Elliott Heads is a small community best known for its amazing beach. It is located on Elliott River. Beach walks are a popular past time, loved by residents, visitors and dogs. Yes, it is a dog friendly beach. Swimming is superb, clear water, gently getting deeper. It welcomes all, disregarding their swimming skills or lack of those.

Sandstone cliffs add to the picturesque vista. Swimming is superb. Kite flying on a windy day is popular. Fishing is not bad either. Elliott Heads Beach is a relaxing and scenic place.

LOMBOK GILI GEDE ISLANDS INDONESIA

 

GILI GEDE ISLANDS

LOMBOK

INDONESIA

Lombok is an unspoiled Indonesian island . The beaches are clean, the water is clear, the surf is challenging and appreciated by surfing enthusiats. Trekking is one of the inland attractions, the island is covered by natural rain forest and jungle offering spectacular waterfalls to nature lovers.

Even the earthquake tragedy back in mid 2018, that was distractive in the northern part of Lombok and Mataram, does not stop visitors from visiting Lombok.

The costal beauty of Lombok extends to Gili Gede Islands. Or maybe it is the best part of cruising Lombok. Gili Gede Islands are scenic, the hills are green, the water is azure, the beaches are of golden sand fringed with palms.

Gili Gede is one of the bigger islands and has a Fast Boat service operating from Bali. It also has a number of villages, friendly locals and local restaurants.