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.

YEPPOON THE CAPRICORN COAST

 

YEPPOON

THE CAPRICORN COAST

Yeppoon is a township of extraordinary beauty by itself and facing Great Keppel Island that is scenic above and under the water. Great Keppel is a destination of its own with long, golden beaches and warm waters to swim and snorkel on colorful reefs. However Yeppoon has it own charm with waterfront restaurants facing the sea and both Keppel Islands, North and Great in view.

The island is accessible from Roslyn Bay, part of Yeppoon, by a short trip by ferry.

Emu Park, also short distance from Yeppoon with its majestic monument of a Singing Ship, commemorates the historical explorations of the coast by Captain James Cook.

A walk through the main street of Yeppoon allows for shopping or window shopping and a rest in many cafes or restaurants. A walk through the esplanade offers great ocean and beach views. Yeppoon main beach is a great place to have a swim.

KIA ORANA from COOK ISLANDS The SOUTH PACIFIC

 

KIA ORANA

from

COOK ISLANDS

The SOUTH PACIFIC

Cook Islands are scenic islands of palm fringed beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Aitutaki can be reached from Raratonga, the main island, by boat or flight. A flight offers amazing areal views of turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs.

Cook Islands, some 15 of scenic treasures, are Polynesian islands and the local people a friendly nation. The islands have a close connection to New Zealand. New Zealand Maoris commenced their canoe journey in Cook Islands.

Raratonga is the main island and is connected to other islands by air and sea travel with local flights on Air Raratonga and ferries between islands. Aitutaki is another popular island often visited.

Their cuisine of Cook Islands based on fresh produce and seafood is delicious.

Cook Islands with the warm and clear waters and palm fringed beaches are a dream for many visitors.

LIVING WITH NATURE

 

LIVING WITH NATURE

Nature is a gift, always amazing and charming. Nature is a healthy environment, it makes us breathe fresh air, allows for activities that are pleasurable. Its beauty never stops to astound us.

A moon rise gives us a picture of beauty. One never can tire of watching it. Just like a moonset.

Nature can be a green of trees and shrubs. It can be many colors of flowers, blue of seas and oceans, white or yellow or golden of sandy beaches.

Nature has awesome influence on our wellbeing. It refreshes us, keeps us healthy and happy. It is also a source of healthy foods. 

Life without nature around us simply cannot be interesting.

VANUATU SOUTH PACIFIC

 

VANUATU

SOUTH PACIFIC

Vanuatu, known as New Hebridies some years ago, is an archipelago of many islands. Aneytium, Tana, Eromango and the main island of Efate stretch from the south and carry on to the north with Espiritu Santo and the Banks.

The islands vary in landscape but almost all have volcanos which are spectacular especially at night. Efate, with Port Vila as capital has amazing markets of fresh produce, fruit and flowers.

Vanuatu is a spectacular cruising ground with many anchorages.

Port Vila has a great anchorage between its center and Iririki Island. 

Iririki is a resort a short ferry trip from Port Vila center.

HAWAII US STATE

 

HAWAII

US STATE

Hawaii archipelago became the only island state of the United States back in 1890. It is located in the Pacific Ocean some 2000 miles southwest of the US mainland.

The main island, although not the biggest, is Oahu with Honolulu being the capital. It is a home of the main international airport, famous Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbour, site of the WWII bombing attack by Japanese in 1941.

Maui is the Garden Island and Kauai is the Captain Cook landing site.

Hawaii is the biggest in size island with spectacular volcanoes. Hawaii is an amazing and unique destination. The visitors are welcome with flower lei necklaces and dance.

Mai Tai is a delicious cocktail served to visitors.

Hawaii is an amazing and unique destination.

PALAU MICRONESIA

 

PALAU

MICRONESIA

Palau, an archipelago in Western Pacific known as Caroline Islands consists of some 26 islands and another 300 smaller islets. It was part of Federated States of Micronesia but became independent in 1981 and entered into free association with the United States. Koror is most known island with an airport receiving international flights.

Other islands are less populated and concentrate on boat services for snorkeling and diving. The waters around Palau islands are pristine and crystal clear, the underwater world is amazing with thousands of species of fish, sharks, turtles and rays.  

The main attraction “on land” is a visit to bai, a decorated wooden meeting house used by traditional chiefs of a village. The jungle is full of birdlife. It is also full of WWII rusty remnants. 

Palau ruled centuries ago by Spain, Germany, Japan and most recently US gained full independence in 1994.

Palau is known as Pristine Paradise, a well deserved name.