Sunday, 5 January 2025

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.

 



Sunday, 1 December 2024

ANEITYUM VANUATU THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

 

ANEITYUM

VANUATU

THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC


The crossroads of latitude 20.14 and longitude 169.46 is an anchorage secure from all winds – south to north via east. Even in strong SE one can anchor comfortably in 9 meters, close to the reef along the shoreline. It is Analgouhat Bay. Inyeug Islet and surrounding reef add to the protection from swell and roll and ensure the comfort of the anchorage. Inyeug is a name hard to pronounce so the Island is called Mystery Island and although it is small, one could walk around it in just over an hour, it has a special importance for the community of Aneityum. It is an airport for Van Air flights arriving from Port Vila. It is a grass air strip and every landing offers a scenic view of reefs and islands.



The villagers are the friendliest ever and helpful people. Their smiles, kindness and generosity will warm your heart.




The hand carved canoes are the main transport in the Bay, fast and reliable. In fact they are the only transport. There is no traffic on Aneityum, there are only walking tracks.

Mystery Island is a very special place. The bungalows allow for a true and absolute Robinson Crusoe experience, bond with nature on this unique island and exploration and enjoyment of surrounding coral reef and tropical fish.



























































Sunday, 10 November 2024

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.


Friday, 25 October 2024

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.



Monday, 30 September 2024

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.



Sunday, 1 September 2024

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.

Monday, 5 August 2024

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.