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.

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.

MAURITIUS The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

                                                                  MAURITIUS

                                                The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

The mysterious and intriguing island of Mauritius is a treasure of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by protective reefs, which create a turquoise lagoon. The same reefs can become treacherous traps for shipping in bad weather. There have been a number of ships stranded on the reefs during destructive cyclones of 1931 when Port Louis was demolished and 1972 when many ships were shipwrecked. In fact, the first thing I noticed while visiting Poudre d’ Ore was a ship high up on the reef on the horizon. MV Angel I, registered in Panama, has been on the reef since August having its cargo unloaded to be towed to Port Louis for repairs once afloat on high tide.

The Gardens are a mine of botanic wealth, conglomerate of plant species, some unique only to Mauritius. The freshens of nature and its colors are overwhelming. A visit to the Gardens satisfies all senses and the relaxation is complete listening to the bird song and breathing the sent of flowers.

Mauritius is an intriging destination.

GYMPIE QUEENSLAND

 

GYMPIE

QUEENSLAND

Gympie is a historical city in the Wide Bay area. It has been busy in 1860s when gold was here discovered and still celebrates the event with Gold Rush Festival. The gold discovery saved slow Queensland economy and Gympie became the richest town in Queensland. Its name derives from from Indigenouis Gubbi Gubbi for a stinging tree. It has many historical buildings, heritage architecture.

The main attraction of Gympie is the Mary River Rattler, a steam train some 100 years old. The scenic train tours are very popular.

Scenic rular hinterland drive visiting local villages of Dagun, Amamoor and Kandanga offer a look at Growers Markets and Mary Valley views is also popular.

LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND QUEENSLAND

 

LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND

QUEENSLAND

Lady Musgrave Island is a Marine Park paradise. The waters are crystal clear, swimming and snorkeling most enjoyable. The is plenty of reefs in the lagoon and they are stunning, full of colorful coral, fish and turtles.

The island itself is small although beach walk can be a pleasant experience. Just careful since turtles lay eggs on the island between November and March, also it can be full of little hatchlings heading for the sea.

It is a great pleasure to swim with the turtles. However, for those that do not want to swim, there is a glass bottomboat service that allowes to experience marine life.

 

There are regular ferry services to take you to the prestine waters of Lady Musgrave Island.

Lady Musgrave Island experience is unforgetable.

BRISBANE QUEENSLAND

 

BRISBANE

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, a city built up on the banks of Brisbane River and spreading. In fact many suberbs are facing Moreton Bay, that part of Brisbaneis called Bayside.

There are several bridges across the Brisbane river. The most scenic is The Story Bridge, often displaying fireworks. South Bank is a parkland with restaurants, bars and markets.

Botanical Gardens with many fountains are a place to relax in the middle of a busy city.

SURAMADU BRIDGE SURABAYA JAVA & PULAU MADURA I N D ON E S I A

 

SURAMADU BRIDGE

SURABAYA

JAVA & PULAU MADURA CONNECTION

I N D ON E S I A

Surabaya, secound after Jakarta, biggest city in Indonesia, is industrial and a busy port. But there are remnants of Dutch history and architecture, especially in the old town which blends in with a modern city. The new addition is a bridge connecting Surabaya and East Java to the island of Madura, Suramadu Bridge.

Sailing under any bridge always makes one wonder, till the last minute, will we

clear and fit under. Well, we did fit, with a few meter clearnce but rough seas left us with nowhere to go before nightfall, so we have returned to an anchorage and sailed under the bridge yet again, just on sunset.

 

Sailing under the bridge is a pioneer achievement, leaving Surabaya with its many monuments and specific charm, sad but arriving at a new destination joy.

The views were spectacular and the experience memorable.