Traveler's Edition » Australia

Bora Bora

admin — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:13:34 +0000

Time to spare is the absolute prerequisite when visiting an island, such as Bora Bora. With an idyllic ambience, beautiful traveler amenities, and lush surrounds, one is bound to want to stay longer. There is so much to do while in Bora Bora – and, there is so much not to do. Bora Bora is probably the ultimate marine vacation paradise.

Those bungalows over water and the pretty houses set on stilts are standard in the island. The difference is in the amenities that go with the many houses on stilts. Some are affordable, while others are luxurious and expensive. Nevertheless, these are the best ways to hie off on a vacation. From here, the traveler can swim and snorkel.

There are several snorkeling sites near the resort areas. As alternative, one can join the popular Shark and Ray Snorkel Safaris. These trips take snorklers to waters within the lagoon where sharks and rays are known to converge (partly because tour operators bait them with food).

Matira Beach is the most popular beach in Bora Bora. The beach is beautifully landscaped amidst its marine and mountain surroundings, and is peppered with resorts in convenient distance from each other. There is no problem of overcrowding, as in other popular beaches. It also boasts of several amazing snorkeling sites nearby.

Scuba diving is also a must-activity while in Bora Bora. The island has several breathtaking dive sites and is abundant in lemon sharks, black tip sharks, Manta rays, sea turtles, and Napoleon fish.

For a bit of land adventure, horseback riding and biking are possible in some areas. Likewise, there are jeep tours to American World War II ruins.

Travelers to Bora Bora need a valid passport and visa. The island is generally safe. Of course, basic precaution is advised. It is ideal to visit the islands all year round.

Queenstown

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:12:24 +0000

Lake Wakatipu snakes through the lush green landscape leading to The Remarkables, Queenstown’s series of jagged edged mountains. Hikers make their way to the range’s many summits for an incomparable view of the tourist town and its surrounds. There are mountain resorts here and there, offering skiing and trekking adventures. The quieter places are a distance from town. Drawing closer, the party touristy atmosphere overtakes. All this is amidst an awe-inspiring townscape, with a great lake and remarkable mountain ranges in the backdrop.

Queenstown is one of the more popular resort destinations in New Zealand. It used to be a gold mining and farming town. Its early residents counted migrant Europeans and Chinese people. As the other industries died out, it became more known as a summer vacation place. In time, with the opening of the Coronet Peak, the country’s first commercial ski field, Queenstown also became a winter getaway.

Today, the town enjoys a yearlong stream of travelers who come for the view, a summer mountain trek or two, or ski tours. Bob’s Peak is one of the best ways to see the marvel of Queenstown and the mountains and lakes that surround it. The Skyline Gondola runs from the town to the peak. The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak, and Bob’s Peak are great venues for skiing, snowboarding, luge rides, and mountaineering. Lake Wakatipu, on the other hand, offers opportunities for parasailing, flyfishing, whitewater rafting, and lake cruises. Queenstown also has a thriving wine industry. A time in town is opportune to sample some of the local wines.

Travelers to Queenstown generally need a valid passport and visa when planning to stay for more than three months. The town is relatively safe, marred only by occurrences of car break-ins every now and then. Basic safety precautions are advised. Queenstown is a great place to visit all-year round.

Houtman Abrolhos

admin — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:09:46 +0000

The marine sanctuary lies in three groups. The Wallabi Group is up north, and has about four main islands. The Batavia wreck lies on its side, along Morning Reef. The Easter Group is in between, separated from the Wallabi Group by the Middle Channel. Southward is the Pelsaert Group. Many ships have found their end in the islands of Pelsaert. The wrecks that surround it are testament to this. Together, these islands form the Houtman Abrolhos group of islands. Houtman Abrolhos is a chain of islands off Australia’s west coast. It is famous for its diverse flora and fauna – islands of apparent abundance, brimming with possibilities.

Houtman Abrolhos is rich in vegetation, both terrestrial and the marine kind. So far, 239 species of terrestrial flora within the islands have been noted. Its marine flora consists largely of seagrass and algae. There are ten species of seagrass in Houtman Abrolhos, while there are more than five hundred species of algae.

Land animals are also abundant. So far, scientists have logged two endemic mammals in Houtman Abrolhos: the Tammar Wallaby and the Bush Rat. Reptile species add to 23. The islands are home to more than 100 bird species. Houtman Abrolhos is actually one of Australia’s most important breeding sites for tropical birds.

In the ocean, the group of islands has about 400 species of fish. Sea lions use it as a breeding spot while humpback whales, Pygmy Bryde’s whales, striped dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins pass by seasonally.

Houtman Abrolhos’s richness has made commercial fishing one of its major activities. Likewise, Western rock lobsters, saucer scallops and aquaculture products like black-lip pearl oysters are cultivated in the area. Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted; however, guests cannot stay overnight.

Travelers to Houtman Abrolhos need to reach Geraldton, Western Australia first. A valid passport and visa are required when traveling to Australia.