JOHOR BAHRU

JOHOR BAHRU
The Gem of Malaysia

Johor Bahru, the capital of Johor State, was known back in 1500 as the Gem or Jewel based on translation from Arabic. It was a major center on route of all trade. Today, it still is a commercial center. Its proximity to Singapore brings visitors eager to compare retail outlets, goods and their cost, as well as experience Malaysia. 

Johor Bahru has both, colonial and oriental architecture. The Fortress represents the colonial era.

The old fortress, used as command center during World War II, was also used as a State Secretariat. Only a couple of years ago a new Secretariat has been built, Kota Iskandar.

Kota Iskandar is fast becoming the administrative center of JB. The new Secretariat with its spacious and well-lit Debating Chamber is modern and built in an oriental style.

The ceiling of the Debating Chamber brings in natural light and makes the building echo friendly. The concept saves electricity and ads special charm to the Chamber. This is where the Sultan oversees the debate.

Johor Bahru has many historical buildings. Royal Abu Bakar Mosque built in 1866 is considered the best mosque in Malaysia. Grand Palace, Istana Besar, has a rich history of Royal and Heads of State visits. 

The architecture is impressive, royal, rich and unique to Malaysia. 

However, JB is not just for those interested in history and architecture. Many visitors to Singapore are attracted by a quick causeway trip to JB to check out the goods on offer and their prices. There are many IT and electronic shops in JB with the newest staff on the market. The goods sold at local currency – MYR (Malaysian ringgit) prices are almost identical in value to SGD (Singapore dollar) prices in Singapore. That makes the cost of goods about half price with SGD equaling 2.4 MYR at the moment. Similarly, hotel accommodation and restaurants are cheaper in JB.

JB has parks and gardens as well as some 20 kilometers of waterfront. A view of Singapore across Straight of Johor is available to those strolling along the JB waterfront. Danga Bay is a waterfront district offering leisure activities and entertainment. It is gaily and colorfully lit at night. There are bars, restaurants offering local and international cuisine and music.

It is easy to stumble upon dancing performances of groups wearing national costumes. The motto “1 Malaysia” depicting the conglomerate of nations living in harmony can be found in JB.

Many say JB is trendy and the place to be. Check it out for yourself.

MAURITIUS

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 toed to Port Louis for repairs once afloat on high tide.

The main reason for visiting Poudre d’Ore was not just mere sightseeing but a search for a statue of Paul and Virginie. I found the romantic legend fascinating although sad since Virgenie’s ship got stranded on the reef of Poudre d’Ore and she has never returned to her beloved Mauritius and Paul. Virgine decided to leave France for two reasons – her love for Paul and her love for Mauritius. I was determined to explore the later – her love for Mauritius and simple life in harmony with nature. I have not been disappointed so far; the beauty of the island is undisputed. Finding the statue of Paul and Virginie proved to be more difficult. I managed to find a monument in honor of Paul and Virginie on the shores of Poudre d’Ore, but no statue.

My search for the statue of Paul and Virginie took me to Pampelmousses Gardens. I found a Paul and Virginie Avenue that led to a pedestal dedicated to Paul and Virginie – but no statue. However, there was no disappointment. Pampelmousses Gardens are a tribute to flora and fauna of Mauritius. There are varieties of palms, water lilies and giant tortoises. 

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.

I have to admit I have eventually found the illusive statue of Paul and Virginie. Searching for it took me to places I probably would not have visited otherwise. Searching has been so much fun that I will not spoil your fun by revealing its location. Like recommending a movie you just have to see does not involve telling the story. Search Mauritius for its secrets – you will not be disillusioned. 

Virginie’s love for the island is fully justified. The beauty of nature is striking. Mauritius attracts the lovers of nature, harmony and beauty.

VANUATU

VANUATU
NATURAL PARADISE

Vanuatu, still known to many as New Hebrides, is a conglomerate of some 80 islands of volcanic origin stretching over 700 nautical miles of the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago has a number of islands with active volcanoes. Tana and Ambrym light up at night and the red mist from the eruptions is well visible. A black cloud of volcanic ash clearly indicates the volcano location during the day.  

Port Vila, the capital, located on Eafate is a good point to start a visit. There are many modern duty free shops sharply contrasting with local markets.

One is always close to nature in Port Vila. Irririki Island has a resort and many walking tracks on the island and can be reached by ferry operating on demand by lifting a flag, nearby Mele Waterfalls are easily accessible by local transport. Both Irririki Island and the waterfalls are only a short distance away. A trip around Efate shows a display of local flora. The sub-tropical climate allows the flora to grow lush. Buildings, restaurants, resorts, villages, airport and other amenities interrupt the beauty of nature. The islands of Vanuatu are close to each other so it is never far to move on to Epi, Ambrym, Pentecost, Maevo heading North or Erromango, Tana, Aneytium heading South.  

Unspoiled nature however, can be seen on outer islands. Rich rainforest and sandalwood trees cover Erromango. Aneytium has no roads. Traffic between villages is by boat as the walking track is rough and the distances great. 

Vanuatu is a unique destination. Every island offers closeness to nature. There are rivers on Erromango, waterfalls on Maevo. Aneytium has a wild, unexplored interior. Vanuatu is a place where one can be one on one with nature.

Treasures of North Sumatra

Samosir Island & Lake Toba

Samosir was a fisherman. One day he caught a goldfish. Once he kissed her, as most fishermen do, she turned into a beautiful girl. “ Samosir,” she said, “ I will marry you only if you promise not to ever tell our son that I used to be a fish.” However, Samosir had an angry moment and forgot his promise. So that is how the story of creation of Samosir Island goes, told by the Batak people. The beautiful girl turned back to being a fish and Samosir became an island on the lake, Lake Toba.

The eruption of Mt Toba some 75 000 years ago is a more scientific explanation of the creation of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. Both are the result of the eruption. But that story is nowhere near as romantic as Samosir’s fishing adventure.

The fact is, that Lake Toba, being the world’s largest and deepest crater lake and Samosir Island are considered to be the most scenic and unique natural wonder of Sumatra and maybe of all South East Asia. Both are hidden in the wilderness of North Sumatra, accessible from Medan, mere 190 km away, by four to five hour road trip to Parapat and then 40 minutes ferry trip to Tuktuk.

The not too comfortable road trip (roads and potholes are synonymous words in Sumatra) is a small price to pay to reach absolute paradise of natural beauty. The warm water of the lake invites for a swim after the ordeal. 

The best way to explore Samosir Island is by bike. It can be a painful experience though since long stretches of roads are rough. However, the magnificent views of the lake soothe all discomfort. A dip in the Hot Springs, Kolamerang Air Panas near Pangururan, is also a great way to smooth all travel on a bike inflicted discomfort.

Samosir Island has its characteristic Batak architecture, lots of history dating back to the 11th century, Stone Chairs at the King’s Meeting Place in Ambarita, Execution Stone, King’s grave in Tomok. 

However, it is not just history that captures visitor’s attention. The local people still live in Batak style houses. They are kind and friendly. Some speak English. “Horas“ is a universal Batak word that has many meanings and is used to this day. “ Horas “can mean good morning, hello, thank you, good bye. One will never go wrong using “horas” as a greeting. It certainly puts a smile on all the faces.

“Horas” from Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

FIJI ISLANDS OF SMILES

Fiji, some 500 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, is a true island paradise. There are two large islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Both offer amazing scenery, warm crystal clear waters and sandy beaches fringed by romantic palms. Vanua Levu is the lesser-visited island, with its mountainous interior covered with rain-forest, it presents undistorted wilderness. Viti Levu has major airports in Suva and Nandi. Many islands, Mamanutha and Yasawa groups, connected by ferry services surround it.

Captain Cook met Fijian people in his explorations of the Pacific. At the time they were a nation of warriors and cannibals. Now Fijians are the kindest and friendliest nation very generous with their smiles. Fijians are famous for their hospitality and excellent humor, laughter is heard around villages, markets, and shops. The laughter is contagious and puts everyone around into a happy frame of mind.

Fiji has excellent cruising grounds. Short ferry trips take you to secluded islands, unspoiled beaches and coral reefs full of fish, rays, turtles where snorkeling is amazing. The waters are turquoise and warm. The underwater world is easy to explore and enjoy.  In fact, the coral reefs are one of the best in the Pacific. The marine life is abundant.

Fiji is an amazing and unforgettable experience. The beauty of the islands, scenery on land and under the water is astonishing. The warm and sunny climate is inviting. Always smiling and friendly people are helpful.The exotic fruits are bountiful.

A visit to Fiji and its memories will leave a permanent smile on your face.

FRENCH POLYNESIA - BORA BORA

BORA BORA

The flight on Air Tahiti is not only means of transport. It is a scenic flight offering some amazing aerial views of islands like Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, Maupiti and Bora Bora. The colors of reefs, lagoons, ocean and mountainous islands are breathtaking.

 The arrival at Motu Mute - the airport of Bora Bora is not the end of the journey. There is a boat trip to Vaitape, the main town on the island, which becomes a part of spectacular sightseeing through the lagoon. 

Another centre is Matira  with a number of resorts and pensions and beautiful white sand beaches that are so rare in most of Polynesia. While the resorts offer car or scooter hire at an additional cost, the pensions have free bicycles. They are the same as the locals use, old fashioned, pedal back breaks but it is easy to get adjusted and enjoy a trip around the island on a bike stopping for a swim and enjoying the sights. Another way of circumnavigating the island is to do it by boat. The ever changing lagoon colors are incredible and the snorkel stops very enjoyable, although some a bit scary. Swimming with sharks has proven to be safe though, rays, turtles and colorful fish plentiful and the water warm and clear. 

FRENCH POLYNESIA

TAHITI

The first thing one will notice arriving in Tahiti is the overpowering smell of Tiare. There are many varieties of prettier flowers like hibiscus in all its colors of red and pink, shades of yellow to orange and white; graceful heliconias and bromeliads, Flamingo flowers and a colorful variety of orchids. They all are pleasing to the eye but it is Tiare and frangipani that are used for flower headdresses, necklaces  or a simple flower behind everybody’s ear.
Tahiti is really two connected islands looking a bit like a turtle on a map - Tahiti Nui being the body and Tahiti Iti the head of the turtle. Tahiti is much more then just Papeete. Tahiti Nui - the big island - has some historical sites that should not be missed. Some date back to the pre European time, some are the landmarks of first European arrivals followed by the missionaries. There is also a wild interior of waterfalls, volcano crater, lakes and rich vegetation. The road through the heart of Tahiti has to be explored in a 4x4 drive and it is the best to take a safari tour to see all the attractions.


Tahiti Iti - the small island - has only 15 kilometers of road on its East Side and 18 on its West Side so a round trip is possible only by boat. Tahiti Iti is a quiet location with magic scenery offering walks, hikes, surf beaches and very affordable pensions.
Both Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti offer relaxation and adventure, excellent hiking, swimming and surf. There are grottos, blow holes and waterfalls to explore. There is history and customs to learn about. But Tahiti is only a small part of French Polynesia. There are many islands to see and enjoy. Some are close like Moorea, some are distant and off the bitten tourist track. They all offer varied and unique landscapes, turquoise lagoons and friendly local people. Some archipelagos like Tuamotus, Marqueses, Australes or Gambier are far away and preserve their own languages and culture.