In November of this year, National Geographic Adventure have named the Philippines as one among 25 Best New Trips for 2010.

Nat Geo Logo: Best New Trips for 2010

The article reads: Now more than ever, travelers want their dollars to do more—for others, for the planet, for themselves. At least that’s what we found while searching for the best trips of 2010. From wolf-tracking in Slovakia to rafting a forbidden river in Bhutan, here are 25 brand-new adventures, all of them just right for right now. [Source]

The other destinations include: Bhutan, Bolivia, Bostwana, Canada [British Columbia & Manitoba], Chile & Argentina, Costa Rica, France, Iceland, Ireland, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Montserrat, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania & Kenya, U.S.A [California, Colorado, Idaho & Montana.

Nat Geo Adventure further comments though: The Philippines has a PR problem. While it harbors as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet, the nation sees only a fraction of the visitors of nearby Thailand. Even travel companies, it seems, have bought the bad rap: Other than the occasional sea kayaking trip, U.S. guides have largely avoided the archipelago. But Wilderness Travel has finally gotten wise. This May the outfit will lead clients high into the 4,000-foot Cordillera Central, then deep into the world’s most biodiverse marine environment. The trip begins in Banaue, where travelers spend days hiking into terraced mountains and nights back at the town’s namesake hotel (pine cabins, private balconies, killer views).

Banaue Rice Terraces. Image from "Lopez"

Then it’s down to the island of Cabilao, trading butterflies for fish species of them. For the next five days, you’ll bob around reefs, scanning the area’s 350 varieties of coral (including table coral that’s a whopping nine feet wide). But don’t forget: The best snorkeling starts at dusk. “It’s like being in a train station during commuting hours,” says Barbara Banks, Wilderness Travel’s director of new trip development. “The day fish are moving out and the night creatures like octopuses and eels are moving in.” [Source]

Cabilao Island, Bohol. Image from manilenio.com

By reason thereof, Wilderness Travel, an international adventure travel agency have launched it’s adventure package to the Philippines in anticipation of its being named as one of the best adventure destinations for 2010.

Nov 28 to 29 Kerygma Conference : Dream Big, Win Big For more information please call FEAST office at 9268951 and 7263926 or 7259999 or 4167809 at Araneta Coliseum Cubao QC pls check out www.kerygmaconference.com

Taal Lake Cruise and Island Tour (Daily schedule) P 1,350/pax (base minimum of 5pax) Inclusive of Round trip Boat Ride, Life vest, Horse, Horse guide, Environment fee, Healthy Buffet Lunch, Permit to climb.

Nov 30 Mon Pawikan Festival at Bantay Pawikan Conservation Center P 2,499/pax Round trip Aircon Van, Buffet Lunch prepared by Authentic Aeta. Jungle environment Survival Training, Slide for Life, Butterfly Garden, Aviary, Insectarium, Spider World, Subic View Deck, Turtle, Conservtion T-Shirt and more. Deadline of Reservation on November 27 Thur 6pm

Mt Pinatubo Four Wheel Drive Adventure and Fun Climb (min. 4pax max 5pax in the car) P 1,900/pax if you don’t have your own car, and 4WD pick up at DAU Terminal and P 1,700/pax if your group is driving up to Capas Tarlac

Dec 5 Sat Corregidor Heritage n Island Tour P 1,999/pax round trip ferry, Island tour, shrine tour, buffet lunch, service of professional Corregidor guide and P 2,499/pax overnight accommodation and above inclusions Deadline of Reservation on Dec 3 Thur 6pm

Dec 6 Sun 8^th Annual Christmas Outreach and be a Foster Parent to one of the 500 Orphans and Street kids 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM with the lighting of the Christmas Tree. It will be held at KidzWorld  Theme Parks, Amusement and Recreational Club, Inc. in Dasmarinas, Cavite. call us at 7212167 or 721 3509 and look for Mike Almariego

Dec 12 Sat Mt. Makiling Forest Reserved w Hot Spring P 1,499/pax Round trip Aircon van, trek guide, entrance fee, healthy buffet lunch, hot spring entrance fee, and wholesome fun. Deadline of Reservation on Dec 10 Thur 6pm

Dec 19 Sat Pampanga Giant Christmas Lantern Festival of Lights P 999/pax with Aircon Vehicle and Authentic Pampanga Dinner. Trip is from 2pm to 10pm. FREE 1 person for every group of 7. Deadline of Reservation on December 17 Thur (if there are still seats available)

Dec 27 to 29 SAGADA w Banawe and Bontoc

Sagada w Tour P 3,999 (if paid w/in Nov); P4,500 ( if paid w/in Dec) Inc of RT AC Bus Fare, transfers, breakfast, 3Fulldays Sagada Tour, 3days/2nights Accommodation

Sagada with all the works and pampering P 5,888 (if paid w/in Nov); P 6,388 (if paid w/in Dec), Inc of RT AC Bus fare, AC Van transfer, Accommodation at St.Joseph Inn, 3day Full Sagada Tours

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133925479349

Puerto Princesa Beachy Escapades Package Rate : 4Qd P 5,685/pax; 3ple P 5,930/pax; Twin P 6,325/pax Inclusive of Welcome Drinks,  Round Trip Transfers (Airport/Hotel/Airport), 3 Nights 4 Days Hotel,  Daily Native Breakfast for each Pax, City Tour of Puerto Princesa (Half-day), Honda Bay Island Hopping Day Tour w/ Picnic Lunch, Underground River Day Tour w/ Picnic Lunch, Use of all Common Hotel Facilities, Boat with Life Vest
Assistance of a Tour Guide. NOT INC is the plane fare to and from Puerto Princesa

Dec 26 to 30 Scuba Diving Lesson (Open Water Course) Dive Course Fee : P 10K each(6 to 8pax), P11K/each (4to5pax), P12,500/each (2to3pax). Inclusive of dive gears, tanks, DM, etc. Resort Info and cost to follow. Not included Fare to and From the Resort. Fun divers are invited to join. (Cost of Follow)

2010

Jan 9-10 Mindoro Oriental Nature Adventure P 4,500/pax            Beach hop and snorkel the colorful marine life in Puerto Galera. Bum & relax at Bulabod. Enjoy the scenic journey as you zigzag your way from Puerto Galera to Calapan and savor the views of Batangas Strait (sometimes with dolphins), Isla Verde, Tamaraw Falls and rice fields of Baco/Calapan. Deadline of Reservation on January 4 Monday http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175912465840&index=1

Optional FREE ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS wholesome games & CONSERVATION PROJECT Workshop FOR GROUP of 20pax & up, during or after the exclusive group or company or family outing.  (We are non stock/non profit (but for fund raising to sustain the project and operations of NACCI)  blessed NGO/travel club)

Carpe Diem and GOD Bless

Violet

Nature Awareness & Conservation Club, Inc. (NonStock, NonProfit NGO) 5157964 (9am to 5pm Only)  / 09194839250 / 09155101600

EMAIL: mother_nature888@yahoo.com

WEBSITE: http://philecotourism.wordpress.com

PHOTOS : http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Greennature/photos

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8004451681

http://mothernatureasia.multiply.com

Vi har äntligen tagit oss i kragen och bokat resan till sommar och sol. December bär det iväg på liten semestertripp

En hel vecka i Egypten, Hurghada med sol, bad, snorkling, pyramider och mycket annat. Ska bli såååååååå skönt att komma bort från detta trista väder som varken är höst med vackra färger och mys eller vinter med gnistrande snö….

Vi var igår, Mannen och jag, och tog vaccinationsspruta mot Hepatit A. Det va tydligen den enda spruta man behövde och det va ju tur det. Sprutan kostade 420 kr/st!

//Sally som ska plocka fram sommarkläderna och tvätta/stryka så det är klart tills vi reser!

Para muitos o Borneo deve lembrar a infancia, naqueles jogos de tabuleiro WAR, que acompanharam tantos dias de chuva. O Borneo era a porta de entrada para conquistar a Oceania. Para outros, aquela imagem de uma selva tropical fechada, cheia de tribos (aqui os Head-Hunters nao eram caca talentos!) e animais. Na verdade nao e mais bem assim.

Assim como alguem que vai para a Amazonia brasileira, chegando em Manaus vai ter que se distanciar bastante para ver a selva, na Malasia, muito mais desenvolvida que a regiao norte do Brasil, e preciso percorrer um longo caminho.

Chegamos em Kota Kinabalu, capital de Borneo, ja tarde da noite. Os onibus nao estavam mais operando e teriamos que pegar um taxi. Logo conhecemos um casal que estava na mesma situacao que a gente, e dividimos o taxi. Ele e do Zimbabue e ela da India, mas os dois moram faz algum tempo na Inglaterra. Acabamos procurando hotel juntos e nos encontrando para jantar e tomar uma cerveja. Eles tiraram um tempo para dar a volta ao mundo, e chegamos a pensar em viajar com eles por aqui, portanto combinamos de tomar cafe da manha juntos para discutir sobre Borneo. Falando sobre os roteiros vimos que eles estavam com um pouco mais de tempo, e tinham interesses um pouco diferentes, apesar de alguns lugares em comum. Resolvemos nao viajar juntos, mas tinhamos a impressao que acabariamos nos encontrando em algum lugar.

Kota K e uma cidade moderna, super bem estruturada. Nao estavamos com vontado de ficar em cidade, portanto ja pegamos um barco para a ilha Mamutik, uma das 5 ilhas que ficam logo a frente de KK e fazem parte de um parque nacional. Areia branca, alguma estrutura e um local muito bom para fazer snorkling. Ficamos largados na praia ate o final do dia, quando pegamos o ultimo barco de volta para KK.  Em KK ja me informei sobre o onibus que iria ate Sandankan, nosso proximo destino. Eu queria pegar o onibus cedo, mas depois de um longo cafe da manha, e discutirmos sobre pontos da viagem, saimos so proximo do almoco. Caminhamos ate a rodoviaria, e as blusinhas coloridas da Bibi (que ela nao tinha levado para a Africa) fizeram um peso desgracado. Ou voces achavam que ela que carregaria a bagagem extra?

No trajeto passamos pelo monte Kinabalu, um paredao de rocha de mais de 4000 m. Queria escalar, mas demoraria alguns dias, e nao daria tempo desta vez. A Bibi tambem ficaria meio sem ter o que fazer. Passamos por muitas plantacoes de palmeiras, que sao utilizadas para extrair oleo, e esta incentivando muito o desmatamento por aqui…

Em Sandankan, chegamos na rodoviaria que fica longe da cidade, pratica muito comum por aqui. Fomos para o centro e pegamos um hotel sem pesquisar muito.  Caminhando pela cidade a noite, descobrimos outra opcao melhor e mais barata, alem do onibus que levaria ate Sepilok. Saimos cedo para Sepilok, onde fica um centro de reabilitacao para Orangotangos. La treinam Orangotangos orfans a se alimentar, se locomover, se readaptar a floresta. Vimos muitos macacos, somente dois Orangotangos, um deles bem rapido. O que ficou mais tempo, chegou a subir na passarela que estavamos. E um animal muito tranquilo e inteligente. Tinham muitos, mas muitos turistas. Nem a chuva que deu um clima ainda maior para a “floresta tropical”, incomodou o pessoal. Nao tivemos muita sorte. Falamos com outras pessoas depois que viram muito mais Orangotangos. Tem um clima meio de zoologico, mas como eu ja sabia, nao me decepcionei. Imprecionante como os Orangutans (pessoas de floresta) sao parecido com os Humanos, sendo muito mais inteligentes que muitas pessoas…

Lembram de piada do Morangotango?

Na volta conhecemos um casal australiano, ja na terceira idade, que estava viajando a quase 3 anos no seu pequeno veleiro. Fiquei com vontade de pedir carona ate as ilhas ao sul mas acabou nao dando certo. De volta a Sandakan, acertamos de ir para o rio Sungai Kinabatangan, onde finalmente teriamos a oportunidade de ver um pouco da floresta original de Borneo. No dia seguinte, kilometros de asfalto, depois um pouco de estrada de terra ate chegar nos simples chales de frente para o rio. Placas ja nos avisavam sobre o perigo de deixar as coisas a vista, devido a quandtidade de macacos na regiao. Os macacos tavam la, so de olho, e se desse mole, entravam ate no restaurante. Final de tarde saimos de barco pela regiao, e um casal de franceses nos acompanhou. Rio bonito, com mata fechada, e o primeiro bicho que vimos foi um Orangotango, no topo de uma arvore bem alta, espichando seus longos bracos para alcancar mais folhas. Alguns passaros, mas nada comparado com o pantanal, alias nem perto. Falaram que tem muitos crocodilos, mas nesse dia nao estavam a vista. Vimos tambem muitos macacos comuns, alem dos exoticos  Probocis Monkeys, macacos endemicos desta regiao, barrigudos e narigudos. Sempre estavam em bandos, e conseguimos ver varios grupos. Muito bacana, totalmente diferentes e com tracos e cores bem marcantes. O por de sol no rio tava muito bom tambem.

Macaco "narigudo"!

Linha do dia/noite

Devolta ao chale, um banho de balde para lembrar da Africa. Que delicia! Nao pelo banho, e claro, mas pelos lugares que estes banhos representam. Depois do jantar uma caminhada noturna, tipo engana turista. Tava incluso, mas acho que so vimos um sapo!haha De manha, antes do cafe saimos para o rio novamente. Nao existem estradas para entrar na floresta, portanto o rio e o melhor meio de locomocao. Nao tivemos tenta sorte como no dia anterior, mas vimos mais macacos probocis.

Rio

Tinhamos que ir ate o cruzamento da estrada principal para pegar o onibus la. Sorte que tinhamos arranjado tudo antes, pois chegamos atrasados, mas o onibus tava la nos esperando. Fomos ate Semporna, cidade meio sem graca, mas porta de partida para varias ilhas, dentre elas Sipadan. Sipadam e uma ilha vulcanica, com alguns paredoes consecutivos de mais de 600 mts de profundidade, chegando a 2000 metros. Um dos melhores lugares do mundo para se mergulhar. Infelizmente e preciso se inscrever com uma boa antecedencia, pois o numero de mergulhadores e controlado.

Tinhamos ficado bem amigos dos franceses, que tinham planos parecidos com os nossos. Em Semporna ficamos buscando a melhor opcao de hospedagem, que variavam desde hoteis simples com passeios diarios, ate super resorts em cima da agua. Como eu era o unico que ia mergulhar, todos acharam melhor ficar numa ilha, onde teriam mais liberdade, e nao em hoteis em cima de palafitas. Acertamos com um lugar na ilha Mabul, mas o transfer seria so no outro dia cedo. Como tinha tempo ainda, fomos ate uma opcao barata de resort sobre a agua, e acertamos de ir neste dia e voltar cedo para ir para a ilha.

No meio do mar!

Chegamos naqueles chales sobre agua transparente, vendo corais e peixas no fundo, e tinhamos certeza de que valeria a pena. Ainda deu tempo de fazer um snorkling numa piscina natural cheia de peixes, antes de curtir um por de sol, com agua por todos os lados. De noite estavamos prontos para comemorar o aniversario do frances, quando comecou mais uma tempestade tropical, com ventos, muita chuva e ondas. Tivemos que correr para o quarto e ficar la. Todo mundo mudou de opinicao sobre ficar so neste lugar, mas tudo ja estava agendado para a ilha de Mabul.

Bibi com os "peixinhos"

Final de tarde

A ilha de Mabul fica um pouco mais longe, e deu para curtir o visual do lugar. Incrivel como em qualquer pedaco de terra, ou coral mais raso, constroem casas ou resorts sobre palafitas. Nossa ilha nao era diferente. Muitos resorts, alguns muito sofisticados, contrastavam com casebres tipo “favelinha” logo ao lado, pertencentes aos pescadores. Acho que o dinheiro do turismo ta indo para outro lugar…

Ilha Mabul

Nosso hotel era totalmente orientado para mergulhadores. Chegamos, deixamos as coisas e ja saimos, sem nem nos afastarmos do barco. O mergulho foi show! O melhor que ja fiz, dez a zero do mar vermelho. Paredoes com corais e esponjas de tudo que e tipo, cores, tamanhos. Muitos peixes, todos eles diferentes. Aproveitei muito e a agua tava quente e com uns 15 m de vizibilidade. Pra Bibi e o pessoal que fez snorklling, talvez nao fosse o melhor lugar, devido a profundidade.  De volta ao hotel, tivemos que esperar o check in, pois teoricamente estaria fazendo o segundo mergulho. Eu pulei este e deixei para fazer outro so de tarde. Estrutura do lugar boa, mas cheio de piazada europeia fazendo estilo…

De tarde fiz outro mergulho, muito bom tambem. Este foi mais perto da ilha, e a visibilidade nao tava tao boa. Muitos corais, mas nada comparado com o primeiro mergulho. Desta vez foram mais peixes, alem de 7 tartarugas, peixe escorpiao, ate comecar o banquete: Muitas lulas, Lagosta, Camaroes… Hehe

Lugar bem legal, com redes, lugar para leitura, e ate um bar. No jantar conhecemos um casal de belgas bem gente fina, que passou a gastar um tempo com a gente e com os franceses. Como nao iamos mergulhar de manha, ficamos so nos conversando, com todo o salao vazio.

Tchurma

De manha fiz snorkling com a Bibi e franceses. Ali na frente do hotel era bem melhor que o lugar que levaram eles de barco. A Bibi parecia que mergulhava a tempo, e ficou mais de uma hora na agua. Voltando para o quarto, encontramos os igleses, que fizeram outro trajeto mas acabaram por aqui tambem. Dificil era escutar as historias do pessoal que mergulhou em Sipadam, junto com uns 20 tubaroes, alem de tudo o que e imaginavel num mergulho.

Voltamos para Semporna no final de tarde, onde passaria pouco tempo, aguardando o onibus noturno de volta para KK. Quando comprei a passagem so tinham 5 lugares, foi por pouco. Ate que dormimos bem no onibus, apesar do ar condicionado geladissimo. Eta costume de m…! Chegamos bem cedo e pegamos um hotel, onde acertariamos algumas coisas da viagem e passariamos o dia ate pegar o voo para a Indonesia.

I onsdags skulle jeg have min snorkling-debut. Jeg har aldrig prøvet det før, og jeg mente at Maui var et udemærket sted at starte. Derfor fandt vi et morgen-snorkling-cruise som varede 5 timer inkl. 2 snorklingsteder. Jeg elsker at prøve nye sport og da snorkling jo næsten er en sport, så var jeg selvfølgelig begejstret da jeg gled ad rutschebanen ned i vandet iført maske og svømmefødder.

Jeg blev ikke skuffet! For nøj hvor er der bare mange seje fisk. Lidt sejere end torsk og sild som jeg jo ellers syntes er verdens sejeste dyr qua min opvækst på Bornholm. Der var ikke bare fisk i alverdens farver som vi selvfølgelig kom rigtig tæt på, men også koraller og kæmpeskildpadder. Vi svømmede lige ved siden af en af skildpadderne, og det var altså ret cool. Udsynet var vist ret godt, vandet var i hvert fald turkis og meget lækkert.

Appetitet for mere snorkling blev bestemt vakt og derfor har vi nu forsynet os med et snorkle-/svømmefodssæt hver.

Vi ankom til Big Island i eftermiddags efter måske verdens korteste flyvetur. Big Island er dobbelt så stor som de andre hawaii-øer er til sammen. Egentlig hedder øen Hawaii, men for at kunne kende forskel på øen og staten, har man omdøbt den til Big Island.
Hertz har givet os en blå Ford Mustang, som kører ganske fortrineligt. Dog skal vi lige overveje om vi helst vil sidde indenfor i air-con eller om vi vil se seje ud med nedrullet tag men til gengæld have solen bagende på os…

Vores hotel ligger lige ned til vandet. Tror næsten vi kan hoppe direkte fra altanen og ud i Stillehavet. Her er ret flot – både over og under vandet. Vi har nemlig allerede afprøvet snorkle-udstyret og været en tur under vandet for at kigge på fisk. Fra altanen kan vi også se de store havskildpadder spise på det lave vand i lavahullerne.
I morgen har vi en 15 km løbetur (også mig!!) og derefter en mustang-tur over til en dal og kigge på noget natur.

PS vi vender tilbage med billeder af vores skildpadder og vores bil!

PUERTO PRINCESA 2009 Beachy Escapades

PUERTO PRINCESA – Where the richest marine resources in the Philippines, the cleanest & greenest city and most pristine white beaches, exotic islands & lush virgin forest is.
It where the coolest nightlife is. Adventure beaching here, like snorkeling, paraw sailing, scubadiving.

What to Do
Beach bumming, Swimming, Snorkling, People watching, Island hoping, Food triping, Socializing, get henna tattoo, Banana Boating, Bar Hopping, Chill, Relax, Scuba Diving, Partying, Dancing, Photography, anything wholesome you can think of.

Itinerary
Day 1 PPS check in n City Tour
Day 2 Honda Bay Tour w Buffet picnic lunch
Day 3Underground River Tour w Buffet Picnic Lunch at Sabang Bay
Day 4 Final Souvenir Shopping
Fly Back to Manila

Package Rate :
Quadruple sharing : P 5,685/pax
Triple sharing : P 5,930/pax
Twin sharing : P 6,325/pax

INCLUSIONS
Welcome Drinks
Round Trip Transfers (Airport/Hotel/Airport)
3 Nights 4 Days Hotel Accommodation
Daily Native Breakfast for each Pax
City Tour of Puerto Princesa (Half-day)
Honda Bay Island Hopping Day Tour w/ Picnic Lunch
Underground River Day Tour w/ Picnic Lunch
Use of all Common Hotel Facilities
Boat with Life Vest
Assistance of a Tour Guide

INQUIRIES & RESERVATION
• All Nature Schedule are on very limited seats for high quality control of service.
• Please Fill up the blanks below and email to earthspirit13us@yahoo.com
Company/Group: _______________________
Contact Person :___________________________
Land Line ___________________
Cellphone :_______________________
Email Address:______________________
Target EcoTour: ___________________
Target Date of Travel :________________
Number of Participants: _______________
Incomplete information will not be entertained
• Please call 5157964 or 8061720 to check if there are still slots

Tid for fleire bilder, kos dere!

Fant endelig ein SPAR butikk, men ein smule lavere standar enn Noreg

Bildet er fra campingturen, på vei opp på fjellet

Fra stranda der eg bor, rett etter siste surfetimen. Elsker dette bildet!

Rett før hoppet, hjertet banket fort her ja! Glad eg ikkje såg denne før eg hoppa.

Fra Great Barrier Reef

Kvaliteten på engangskamera er overaskende bra!

As we woke up before the sun had risen, we woke woke up on a dock that was disconnected from the island. The swaying and moving sensation would be in our systems for a long time. Everyone got ready for the new day, some changing back to their swimsuits. It was a while before the tourist came in a little boat, my friends and i had already been snorkling in the clear waters of Langkawi for a while now. Most of the students played on the deck but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to swim in the clear water that actually had fish.

This was the second day on the island, so around dinner time we all made our way back to the hotel that we were staying in. That night we roamed the streets looking for a cheap restaurant to eat at. We laughed till our lungs hurt at the littlest thing. We also bought stuff for no reason. We stayed up late, my friends and I, as we were circled around to double beds that were pushed together. We talked about funny, deep and everything in between.

We still laugh at things which became present those few days. We slept on the way back and talked quietly as we complained we could still feel the rocking of the dock. Once i got to Dalat i called my mom so she could come pick me up. As i sat in my chair telling her many details, i was basically at the retreat again.

Nettopp kom tilbake etter 5 herlige dager i Cairns! Turen starta forrige søndag, der eg møtte 52 andre utvekslingselever på flyplassen i Brisbane. Når eg sa kor eg kom fra hadde folk litt problemer med å oppfatte det, og svarte med “No way??”

Cairns city

Mandag var den beste dagen av heile turen! Vi dro til Fitzroy Island som er ein skikkelig fin øy utenfor Cairns og utforska øya, snorkla og padla.

Fitzroy Island

Er ikkje bare flyvertinner som må vise sikkerhetsinstrukser

Tempraturen på vannet var herlig.

Dagen etterpå, Tirsdag var det skyrail i Kuranda, sommefuglmuseum, aboriginal park og nattmarked som sto på planen.

Eg glir rett inn, skulle tro eg var en av de

Nattmarkeded i Cairns, 15$ (ca. 150NOK) for 40 minutt massage. Heeerlig.

Onsdag gjorde eg noe av det sprøaste noen sinne. Eg hoppa 50 meter i strikk, har aldri vert så redd før. Men var absolutt herlig når eg hadde fått overstått selve hoppet!

Fritt fall

Som en avslutning på dagen dro vi på nattsafari til Cairns Zoo

Torsdag var dagen vi dro ut til Outer Barrier Reef og snorklet. Såg mangen fisker kjent fra Oppdrag Nemo, hadde undervannskamera så bilder kommer når eg finner en plass der eg faktisk kan framkalle filmen. Det er ganske utdatert teknologi her tydeligvis! Mens vi var ute å snorkla var det en inder 60+ som svømte rundt og ropte for hjelp. Svømte bort så snill som eg var og hjalp han så han ikkje drukna til livvakta kom. Været var ikkje heilt på topp i dag siden det er støvstorm som herjer Australia akkurat no.

Siste kvelden avslutta vi med volleyball og bade i bassenget med klær. Noe som eg fant ut var veldig dumt da eg ikkje hadde klær til å reise heim i neste dagen.

Angra ikkje ett sekund på eg dro på turen, var utrolig gøy!

11.September:
After arriving Caye Calker, we checked into a little hut at Bella’s hostel – a nice low standard place to sleep, but the common areas literally smelled like shit and the tap water was dirty – no wonder as the backyard was a swamp/junkyard/sewer with crocodiles lurking in the muddy waters! As the last part was unbeknownst to us, we went canoing in the shallow waters in the the back of the island. We had a little swim around the split. The split is the place where the island was divided into two parts during a hurricane back in the day. Later that evening we got some great shots of the sunset from the back of our hostel and from a watchtower in the hostel.

the sunset at Caye Calker

Caye Calker (the island) was even smaller and more laid back than San Pedro! The people on this island even thought that San Pedro was like a busy metropolitan(!) A few golf carts could be seen running around on this island as well, but as the island was so small the the golf carts were more of a status symbol than vehicles for transportation. Most people were just walking around bar feeted and as it was slow season, there were barely any tourists there except us.

The island was so relaxed that they had signs next to the road saying: “Go slow”. Whnen going to eat the first night we were kinda rushing as we were hungry. We then heard a rastafarian shouting from a little shack on the side of the path (not road): “Yo mon, walk slowly – peace”. Gotta say I loved this place. The water was turquise. Everyting was next to the sea. It was steaming hot outside and palms all over the place.

Sho Yur Luv Fo Di Barefoot Dem

chilling out next to Tina's hostel - a highly recommedable place

12.September:
We started the day off by cruising around in a sailboat with Big Steve as our captain. Listened to reggae in the hot sunlight while just kicking back relaxing on the deck. Then we went snorkling with some sharks around the many reefs in the outskirts of Caye Calker. A bit later we got bery close to three huge manatees (sjøkuer). The trip was great and the water was crystal clear (and very salty) with a turquis twist.

Sharks

Later the same night we went to witness the big happening off the day – the miss Caye Calker contest, to check out the local beauties. However, this turned out to be a children talent show with only two contestants and for some unknown reason it involved a thirty minute karate demonstration(!) We got dissapointed and left. Then we went for some grilled lobster in a dirty shack with Jolly Roger (the fatest guy ever) as our chef. However, we had to wait for the food for about an hour! Got pissed. Roger was not jolly anymore. Roger said he was sorry and as there was no more juice or dessert left, in the end we got a 5 Belize dollar discount each – hurray!

13.September:
Got up insanely early and went on a diving trip to the Blue Hole. Kristian went for the biggest challenge and dived to 40m (it is considered dangerous for dive masters to reach this depth and it is adviced to stay here for a maximum of 7-9min). He saw some great sharks up close and went into a stalagtite- and stalagmite cave. Kristian described the whole experience as floating around in outer space as it was dark and almost no living creatures down there.

the Blue Hole

We both did a 18m dive and saw sharks as well as barracudas (and of course heaps of fish and colorful corals). We had a lunch buffet at Half Moon Caye – a small yet beautiful paradise-like island filled with coconut palms and surrounded by crystal clear water. The island itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Half Moon Caye

We then did another dive, this time to about 12m, but we didn’t see anything truly spectacular. It was a great sunny day and the boat ride was eneded off by lots of rum punch on the way back. We had an Italian dinner and talked to the guy running the place for quite some time. He was a nice bloke and told us about his adventures around the world and all the different places he had lived. Additionally, he told us that Caye Calker was surrounded by sharks, crocodiles, barracudas and sea turtles. He often used to go fishing with a spear gun and he had been attacked by both sharks and barracudas. He also told us that one day he had barely escaped both a bunch of sharks and some crocodiles – a pretty crazy ass day I’d say!

14.September:
We left Caye Calker in the morning with a water taxi and arrived Belize City – the most dirty and disgusting city I’ve ever been to. Smog. Poverty. Old shacks of scarp metal. The smell of sewer. Trash everywhere. The city reminded me of Harlem in the early 90’s! Here’s a good piece of advice: Don’t go there!

Pramuka Island's Port

Kepulauan Seribu adalah kabupaten! Tidak seperti wilayah DKI Jakarta lainnya yang berbentuk kotamadya. Pemerintah Kabupaten Kepulauan Seribu berpusat di Pulau Pramuka, lengkap dengan kantor Bupatinya dan Rumah Sakit. Sedikit oleh-oleh cerita kami di sana yang baru pertama kali pergi ke Pulau Pramuka, Kep. Seribu.

Menyebrang ke Pulau Pramuka
Pulau Pramuka, ditempuh menggunakan kapal motor tradisional selama 2½ jam dari Pelabuhan Muara Angke, Jakarta. Pelabuhan ini melayani 2 kali sehari untuk keberangkatan ke Pulau Pramuka dan sekitarnya, pada jam 7 pagi dan jam 1 siang. Ongkos per penumpang baik yang membeli tiket di bawah (darat), ataupun langsung di atas (kapal) sebesar 30ribu rupiah (sudah termasuk asuransi jasa raharja, ada di tiketnya).
Pemandangan di kapal biasanya selain orang, motor, sepeda, sembako, turis asing juga (emang bukan orang?). Hasil mengobrol dengan seorang bule Inggris, sebagian besar turis-turis ini mengikuti paket perjalanan, biasanya tujuannya bukan hanya 1 pulau, jadi dalam 2-3 hari loncat beberapa pulau gitu. Harga paketnya? Gak nanya. Untuk menghindari mabuk laut, sebisanya pilih bagian atas kapal, karena di dalam dek goyangan ombak sangat terasa dan menyebabkan mual + pusing… bisa-bisa niat liburan malah terganggu sakit saat sampai. Dalam kondisi tertentu, ABK akan meminta kita untuk mengisi dek, karena ketika berlayar kapal menjadi labil bila dek tidak terisi. Jadi, sebaiknya naik kapal sebelum bagian atas penuh. Pilih tempat yang teduh, dan atur tas supaya bisa rebahan, lumayan pegel kalo duduk aja.

Penginapan
Di kapal kami mendapatkan kenalan, yang biasa menjadi guide di Pulau Pramuka (juga calo’ penginapan & perahu). Terlahir sebagai ‘anak pulau’ Panggang, pulau terpadat penduduknya di Kep. Seribu letaknya di seberang Pramuka, kalo nyebrang naek ojek perahu cuma 3000 rupiah dari Pramuka. Beruntung, karena biasanya penginapan di pulau ini akan penuh jika tidak ada persiapan jauh-jauh hari, setidaknya begitu yang ia sampaikan, hehe. Satu kamar di cottage Vila Delima harganya 350rb/mlm std utk 4 org, fasilitas km.mandi dalam, AC, TV. Bentuknya rumah panggung, kamar atas dan kamar bawah, jadi kalo nyewa atas & bawah 700rb/mlm. Viewnya bagus langsung ke dermaga. Selain itu ada Wisma Dermaga 300rb/mlm utk 2org, kalo 4 org, kena ekstra bed total jadi 350rb. Fasilitas idem. Nah, kalo mo irit dan rame se-RT, mending pilih rumah penduduk aja, alias homestay. Standarnya nego-nego bisa 350rb/mlm satu rumah, gw dapet yg dua kamar, 2 km.mndi, tv, 4 kipas angin, 4 double bed, kulkas, galon, ya namanya rumah orang…plus lemari empunya dan kompor gas yg mendadak jadi milik, hehe. Kalo cuma 4 orang & MENDADAK, 200rb dapat 1 kamar, and not recommended! mending vila/wismanya, hehe. Ohiya, info dari penjaga wisma dan vila tadi, kalo mo booking sebisanya 3 bulan sebelumnya.

Wisata Laut
Sewa alat snorkle 35rb, yaitu kacamata-selang, rompi pelampung, kaki kodok. Lainnya 200-250rb, biaya sewa satu perahu ½hari-an untuk snorkling – diving – fishing, nyebrang dll. kaptennya sekaligus jadi pelatih, life guard, guide, tukang poto, objeknya poto, plus guru geografi & biota laut, hehe. Sebagai pengenalan biasanya akan diajak ke Pulau Semak Daun yang beniiing. Bukan hanya airnya, tapi… banyak turis yang aw..aw..aw bening, halah. Lanjut snorkling di dua tempat budidaya terumbu karang di tengah laut, kedalaman 15m-an. Siapin duit lebih buat makan di resto tengah laut. Bangunan di atas karang ini disebut gosong. Nusa Resto – Gosong P. Pramuka, menu makanan pastinya seafood, tersedia juga ikan mentah yang sudah dikemas untuk acara bakar-bakaran pas malam di pulau. Paket makan paling murah 20rb/org, harga ikan variatif kisaran 20-40rb. Ohiya, katanya di sini free wi-fi! Jadi bisa online…online tengah laut =p

Khas Pulau Pramuka
Pemandangan paling indah melihat matahari terbenam di dermaga, sayang kami tidak keburu. Kalo matahari terbit, bisa dinikmati di pantai belakang pulau ini, pantainya indah. Terlihat turis lokal dan non lokal siap dengan senjata D-SLRnya, hunting photo. Di pantai belakang ini ada tempat pemeliharaan penyu. Oleh-oleh khas biasanya dodol rumput laut, kerupuk ikan, rumput laut kering & siap olah, 5000 rupiah. Info dari penduduk, kalo mao beli rumput laut yang bagus dari P.Pari, jangan yang dari P.Panggang karena dipanennya terlalu cepat.

Penting Diketahui
Resto atau Warung Nasi cuma ada 3 yaitu warnas deket dermaga; rumah makan padang; sama pojok di sebelah utara (gak jauh dari rm padang) jual nasi goreng & kawan-kawannya. Menjelang jam 11 siang ke-atas kalo musim liburan lauk/nasinya cepat banget habis. Pengalaman di rm padang gak ada es batu, di nasgor orangnya gak ramah, haha… Warnas di dermaga ada esnya, tapi belum sempet lirik makanannya, cuma ngupi-ngupi aja pas malem^^ Kalo malam cari makan nasi lebih sulit lagi, rm padang gak buka. Listrik di pulau ini sering padam, maklum pake genset diesel. Jadi siap-siap gelap-gelapan atau hp mati karena lobat, hehe.
Pulang ke jakarta, dari dermaga Pramuka juga melayani keberangkatan 2 kali sehari, waktunya sama dengan Muara Angke. Ombak di siang hari ternyata lebih tinggi, dan itulah resikonya kalo pulang jam 1 siang. Beli tiketnya di bawah, kalo siang sama… *aduh lupa namanya, cewek penjual nasgor tadi yang kurang friendly, halah. =D

Memang Bupati Kep. Seribu tidak dikasih mobil dinas, tapi dikasih kapal dinas, begitu kata penduduk setempat, hoho. Gosipnya, Pak Bupati yang mau pensiun ini, akan membuat cottage juga, kita tunggu saja, apakah juga dengan warung makannya? Hehe.

PS: Japri aja yah kalo ada yang mau CP guide, kapten perahu, wisma-vila tadi.

1. Pemandangan bawah laut…

2. Aktifitas snorkling

3. Menelusuri Pulau

Bonus: Pulau Wangi-wangi / Wanci

PS: Hutang saya pada entry sebelumnya lunas….

We have yet to try this, but it looks like it would be right up our alley. 

“There is nothing quite like grabbing your mask and snorkel, plunging into the refreshing James River and coming face to face with a huge catfish.”  Read the whole article here. 

Check out the slide show here.  There are some humongous catfish in the James River, masha Allah.

The lovely Astrid Katrine is hosting a photo comp, a brilliant one that is because it made me look through my summer photos, yes the theme is as you might’ve guessed summer:P
It brought back all the good memories from this hectic yet amazing summer.
It was really difficult to choose one photo, because I like several, not because they’re brilliant but because of the times they remind me of.
This is the picture I decided to use:

First of all I hope you forgive me for using a photo of you Renate hehe. but I think it’s a cool photo. It is from mine and Renate’s trip to Egypt in June where we both tried snorkling for the first time.
No we didn’t get to see any dolphins, but we did get to see corals up close, breathe and see underwater, a feeling it took some time getting used too… and Renate even found the time to pose underwater.. This is not a bad photo for a cheap disposable underwater camera ey?

I’d like to remind you of MY COMP in the post below, the theme is love is.. and it’s closing on wednesday.

If you are willing to practice snorkling for the first time, there are some basic tips which you should learn in order to succeed at it. You can learn some of these tips through the next paragraphs as well as we recommend you to ask for the advice of an expert before practicing the sport.

The first thing you should do before snorkling is relax. You should not enter into the water nervous or stressed since this would make you loose power and control over your body and your movements. You need to be able to feel good and comfortable in the water in order to be in control of yourself and your body.

Before snorkling you should also practice wearing the equipment while floating in the water. This will allow you to become familiar with it and its weight. You can also practice by floating in a horizontal position, whether it is facing down or up. You should also remember that objects look closer in the water, and it is important that you learn how to recognize the real distance between you and an object while being in the water.

You should also be aware that a wave can bring water into your snorkel or mask and you would need to keep your calm while this happens and you fix it; if you loose control it would only make you loose more oxygen than you should. Therefore, it is also recommendable that you practice how to keep your breath and go up to the surface to clear your snorkel from the water which might enter.

It is also important to learn how to correctly use your fins which might be not as easy as it seems. You should also practice walking with them on the floor or on the boat in order to become familiarized with them. You should also try them into the water in order to learn how to control your movements while wearing them. It is highly recommendable that you practice wearing all your snorkeling equipment while being into the water before you actually practice snorkling.

Photo: Archive

Source: Diver Pillot

by Donnie MacGowan

Donnie MacGowan Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

Whether you visit the Big Island for a few days, a couple weeks or a few months, you want to make the most of your time in Paradise. With such a wide variety of natural and commercial attractions, it is natural for the visitor to get a little overwhelmed in the “Option Overload” and not be able to make a balanced and informed decision on what they want to do and how best to spend their time.

Bart Hunt Filming Fish at Kahalu'u Beach: Photo By Donnie MacGowan

Even choosing activities you want to participate in…do you want to snorkel, hike, go on a whale watching tour? We always recommend people do three basic things when they come to Hawaii: get in the air, go to a luau and get in the water. By getting in the air you get a glimpse of how magnificent our island home is, it is the best way to watch the volcano erupt and it allows you to sort of “scout” the island to see where you might want to spend more time. By going to a luau you get an introduction to Hawaiian culture and cuisine–you get a taste of what it means to live in Hawaii. And by getting in the water you experience the magic wonder of our reefs and colorful fish, the calm and renewal from floating in our warm, turquoise waters and the thrill of exploring something new, different and a little wild. We highly recommend you go snorkeling on your visit…but where do you go? Do you want a snorkel beach for beginners, or a place that’s challenging to experience? Are you going simply to get in the water and see the fish or do you want a beach that’s also alive with fun people? Are you looking for an experience that away from crowds, secluded and empty or one that’s exciting, but perhaps a little more tame? Do you want to snorkel near your resort or one that’s at the end of a day of delicious wandering?

Liz Maus Snorkeling at Hounaunau Bay, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

Ranked in order, with the best on top, are our picks of the best snorkeling spots on the Island of Hawaii. We’ve tried to strike a balance in ranking these places since each is a gem in its own right, we’ve had to leave off many that are equally fine for their own reasons and of course, recommending some means that their popularity will increase and hence, they will become more crowded. This list at least provides an excellent starting point for deciding where you want to spend you beach time. When you arrive we ask that you treat these special places, and the people who live near them, with care, respect and aloha.

Two-Step Beach at Hounaunau Bay Has Some of the Finest Snorkeling in the World: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

Two-Step Beach at Hounaunau Bay: Class Triple-A waters, stuffed with a wide variety of brilliant tropical fish, set in a calm and protected bay, and frequently visited by dolphins, this snorkeling area near the grounds of one of the most important Hawai’ian archeological sites is perhaps the most popular and one of the three top places to snorkel on the island. It earns the top spot because of it’s easy accessibility.

Kealakekua Bay and Captain Cook Monument from Napo'opo'o: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

Kealakekua Bay: Whether you hike or boat to Captain Cook Monument, or enter the bay to snorkel at the end of the road in Napo’opo’o, there is no place on earth that has better snorkeling or more fish than Kealakekua Bay. Frequented by both dolphin and whale, protected, Class Triple A waters and a setting unmatched in beauty anywhere, this the premiere place for kayak-to-snorkel adventures on the island. Arguably, this bay and the Hawaiian settlements that surround it, experienced the most momentous and important historical events yet to unfold in the human history of the state of Hawaii.

Kahalu'u Beach, Kona Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

Kahalu’u Beach: Referred to by many visitors as “Snorkel Beach” Kahalu’u is centrally located along Ali’i Drive in Kailua Kona. The welcoming waters are protected by a seawall and are amazingly warm, shallow and crystalline turquoise. The safety and ease of conditions here, many resident turtles and abundant colorful fish and the great facilities make this a perfect place to learn to snorkel, or for the tried and true veteran to “get wet and meet the fish”.

Hookena Beach in South Kona Is a Fabulous Beach Plunked Down in the Middle of Real Old Hawaii: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

Ho’okena Beach: Ho’okena Beach is a fabulously beautiful beach park well off the beaten path, plunked down in the honest-to-gosh old Hawaiian village of Ho’okena. This beach has an amazing array of underwater topography populated by perhaps the greatest variety of reef fish n the island; recently rebuilt, this park has fine facilities including a refreshment stand as well as snorkel and kayak rentals. Ho’okena is a true snorkeler’s mecca.

Long, Lonely and Wholly Wonderful Makalawena Beach in Kekahai State Park: Photo by Donald MacGowan

Makalawena Beach: Perhaps the loveliest wilderness beach in Polynesia, Makalawena is the perfect sand crescent, beach backed by palms and iron wood trees with morning-glory-draped sand dunes. A easy mile hike in from Kekaha Kai State Park keeps this beach uncrowded. Snorkeling here is better than perfect. Simply drive to Kekaha Kai State Park and walk the well-marked trail north to the beach.

Bradford MacGowan Photographs a school of Humuhumuele'ele at Kahalu'u Beach: Photo by Donald MacGowan

Before we leave the topic of Best Snorkeling Beaches on the Island of Hawaii, we’d like to impress upon you the need to be proactive in keeping these places special and how to make your experience the best it can be. The open ocean is not your resort pool and deserves immense respect from you–the ocean is the strongest natural force on earth. Never snorkel alone, never turn you back on the ocean. Drink lots and lots of water; no, drink even more. Never snorkel after having consumed alcohol. Ask the lifeguard about conditions, chat with people coming out of the water about what they liked best and what conditions are like.

Bradford MacGowan Snorkeling at Pu'u Honua O Hounaunau: Photo by Donald MacGowan

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Gary Burton and his daughter snorkel at Hounaunau Bay: Photo by Donald MacGowan

Please wear a hat and t-shirt to protect yourself from sunburn while in the water–never apply sunscreen just before entering the water,wait until you are done snorkeling and have rinsed off–sun-cream kills the coral and poisons the water. When in the water, do not stand directly upon the coral to rest, do not touch the coral or the fish; never feed the fish or other marine animals. Do not touch, approach, chase or harass the sea turtles, dolphins or whales–it’s not only dangerous, it’s illegal and will earn you a hefty fine. Always obey posted warnings and the lifeguard; do not swim in windy conditions (dangerous) or murky water (sharks); be aware of currents and rip tides. Jellies ride in with inshore breezes.

Amanda Maus Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Beach: Photo by Donald MacGowan

Get out before you feel tired, get out before you feel sunburned, get out before you get thirsty; get out before the wind comes up or the sun goes down; get out before you feel ready–you are more tired than you think. Rinse yourself and your gear off after snorkeling and remember to apply sun-cream liberally and often–you are getting more sun than you think. Always pack out everything you brought with you and dispose of your litter (and that stuff the ignorant slob over there left, as well) appropriately. These beaches get an enormous amount of pressure, try to leave Paradise a little nicer than you found it.

Laurie Maus Using a Boogie Board as a Floatie: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

And for heaven’s sake, plunk-down ten bucks for a disposable underwater camera; in fact, buy two. I promise you will kick yourself from now until you return to Hawaii if you don’t! You will want to show the folks back home your snorkel adventures, which seem to always be the most memorable of any trip to Paradise. Trust me, any money you spend on disposable underwater cameras will be the best return on investment of any part of your Hawaii vacation.

A video introducing the subject of snorkeling, gear, technique and safety can be found here.

Bart Hunt Snorkeling at Kahalu'u Bay: Photo by Donnie MacGowan

For more information of traveling to Hawaii in general or exploring the Big Island in particular, please also visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com . Information about the author can be found here.

Monk seal at Honl's Beach near Kailua Kona: Photo by Donald B. MacGowan

All media copyright 2009 by Donald B. MacGowan.

Blessed Day to all,

Nature Awareness and Conservation Club, Inc. ’s (NACCI)

VISION: A society where it’s citizen are aware of the value of its diverse natural heritage & working together for the benefit of the environment and the common future.

MISSION: To pursue effective environmental programs geared toward the conservation of the eco-system through outdoor environmental education.

NACCI had a great blessing and will surely have more in the future, and because of these and because it is already rainy season, we are offering FREE Ecotourism talk to tourism students and educators, to share our blessing with to others. Happy to serve and also share to LGU, NGO, and Tourism Industry. This offer will happen only during rainy season.

For inquiries on the FREE Philippine Ecotour Talk please email to or mother_nature888@yahoo.com

School/Org/LGU/NGO: _______________________

Contact Person :________________

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Land Line ___________________

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Email Address:______________________

School Address: ___________________

Target Date of the Talk :________________

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Incomplete information will not be entertained

So many blessing received, so many blessing to share

Thank you and GOD Bless

Violet Imperial

Nature Awareness & Conservation Club, Inc.

(NonStock, NonProfit NGO)

5157964 (9am to 5pm Only)  / 09194839250 / 09155101600

EMAIL: mother_nature888@yahoo.com

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