BRUNEI THE SULTANAT OF BORNEO

 

BRUNEI

THE SULTANAT OF BORNEO

The Sultanat of Brunei is a small part of Borneo Island, compering, that is, to the territories of Malaysia and Indonesia sharing the space. It is located between Sarawak and Sabah, provinces of Malaysia.

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is a modest city not boasting with the riches of its oil empire. The Sultan's Palace, Royal Regalia Museum and numerous Mosques are the other story, they are boasting of their riches.

Brunei has oil! The prices for diesel are 25 cents a liter. This is not the only reason yachts like to stop there and refuel. There is a Royal Yacht Club in Bandar Seri Begawan that welcomes yachts. It is also the only place in Brunei that offers alcohol to foreigners by the pool.

COOK ISLANDS SOUTH PACIFIC

 

COOK ISLANDS

SOUTH PACIFIC

Cook Islands are a secret off the South Pacific. Raratonga, the main island, has many neighboring islands just as amazingly beautiful. They are surrounded by crystal clear waters and colorful reefs. 

The islands are true nature paradise, Aitutaki more than others. One can travel by ferry or fly between the islands. The aquamarine colors of the South Pacific are astonishing.

Raratonga has famous markets with locally handmade colorful textiles, fruits and flowers.

However, nature is the prime consideration of the islands. The sunsets are astonishing.

Discovering many of the Cook Islands islands is an amazing experience.

VANUATU SOUTH PACIFIC

 

VANUATU

SOUTH PACIFIC

Vanuatu, the name given to the islands after they have secured independence represents an archipelago of some 80 islands. The name New Hebrides, given to the islands by James Cook visiting on his ship Resolution in 1774, lasted till 1980s. He also named a number of islands in the group. Erromango is still known for its sandalwood.

 

New Hebrides were ruled by Anglo–French rule to avoid German influences since early 1900s.

Now, independent Vanuatu with its capital Port Vila on Efate, is known as an excellent tourist destination. Port Vila with its resort island Iririki, serviced by a ferry, is a traditional and yet modern city. The markets with fresh fruit and tropical flowers are inviting.

Aneytium is the most southern islands. No roads there. Divided French North and British South till 1980 still applies transportation between the two parts of the island to travel by boat.

Tanna and Ambrym are known for their volcanos. They offer spectacular performances especially at night. Yasur, on Tanna has a legend attached to its existence. A climb with Yasur spitting lava and ash can be scary.

Vanuatu is an undisputed treasure of the South Pacific.

PHILIPPINES ISLAND PARADISE

 

PHILIPPINES

ISLAND PARADISE

Philippines is a conglomerate of some 7000 islands scattered among crystal clear waters. Luzon is the main island with Manila, the capital of the Philippines its main feature. However, Palawan is an absolute nature's masterpiece.

The best known are El Nido and Coron, both amazing towns with palm-lined roads, turquoise lagoons, golden beaches. Snorkeling is breath taking, the marine life fabulous.

Sailors are welcome and treated as friends. Anchorages are comfortable, safe and plentiful.

Sunsets are stunning. The laid-back tropical climate and lifestyle are inviting.

Manila, the capital, on Luzon can be proud of superb sunsets on Manila Bay.

CAMBODIA

 

CAMBODIA

Cambodia has a rich history and the relics of it are located in a famous Angkor Wat where one can spent days admiring its ancient beauty.

There are many sights, best visited before tourists arrive and after they depart. Thus a pass that allows entry before sunrise is essential.

The lake trip offers fabulous nature views. The people are friendly and kind.

They experienced many tragedies. The museums are providing information that all want to forget and hope that nothing like that ever happens again.

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. Sadly, due to climate change Cairns has been flooded for the past two years. It started with cyclone Jasper, cyclone Alfred, some minor deluges and cyclone Narelle just recently. Cairns is not complaining about shortage of water.

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.

Its climate is tropical and the sunsets are impressive.

CHIANG MAI NORTHERN THAILAND

 

CHIANG MAI

NORTHERN THAILAND

Chiang Mai, the main city of the Northern Highlands in Thailand, is mainly history, it takes a visitor back to the early 13^th century although its name translates as a New City. It is a city of a thousand temples.

The main landmark of Chiang Mai are its monasteries and temples called Wats.

And the most important Wat is Doi Suthep overlooking the city from 1000

meters tall mountain.

There are Wats at every corner and along every street. They are old and new,

golden and wooden. It truly is a temple and Buddha statues galore.

 

The city is surrounded by temples.

Chiang Mai is a delightful city with waterfalls in the nearby mountains and

the highest, 2500 meters tall, mountain in Thailand.

 

There are tribes living in the hills, the ex-opium growing area is now growing

coffee and producing crafts.

Chiang Mai and its surrounds are one of the most popular destinations in Thailand

and both have a lot to offer to visitors. The Northern curry is one of the delicious

culinary delights, markets stock fabulous crafts of the region. The tranquility of

Chiang Mai temples is a perfect place for meditation.