Coastal Charm of Boracay Island

Boracay Beach

I was captivated by several respected travel magazines claiming that Boracay island resort in the Philippines has one of the best beaches in the world, I wasted no time in traveling to this island resort to experience what many claimed is a tropical island paradise.

Boracay is a lush tropical tourist resort island about 200 miles south of Philippine s capital Manila and is about slightly more than a mile off the northwest of Panay in the West Visayas province. Because of its acclaimed publicity of being home to some of the best beaches in the world, Boracay island resort is naturally one of the Philippine s most popular tourist attraction.

The island is made up by the barangays of Manoc Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak and is under the administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. A barangay is also known by its former name, the barrio and is the smallest local government unit in Philippines. The word is a Tagalog term for a village or constituency.

Boracay island was originally the home of the Ati tribe before it became a major tourist attraction. Not surprisingly, the word Boracay is derived from words Bora which means bubble and Bukay means white sand . However, the sand on the main island is not as white as I have expected due to too many tourists and pollutions. Then again, if you visit some of the nearby islands and you will be fascinated by how white the sands on the beaches can be.

Boracay is part of Aklan Province and it was only in the 1970s that tourism industry started to develop. The main tourism beaches on the island are the White Beach and the Bulabog Beach both of which are located on diametrically opposite sides of the island s central area with the White Beach facing towards the west and Bulab og Beach facing east. Of course, Boracay also have several other beaches as well.

White Beach is well known for its white powdery sand and hence its name. The beach is slightly over 4 km long (2 miles) and is populated with numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops catering to the needs of tourists staying in the area.

Incidentally, Borocay has more than 300 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging from stylish five star hotels and resorts to budget a

ccommodations for backpackers. Golfers will be delighted to know that Boracay is home to a world class 18 hole par 72 golf course.

Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach is a secondary tourism beach. This beach is a favorite location for windsurfing and kiteboarding because of its seasonal strong winds for these activities.

When is the best time to visit Boracay? Well, you can visit Boracay anytime, however some visitors may wish to visit the island resort for different purposes.

Catch the spectacular world famous Kalibo Ati Atihan Festival in January. This festival is Philippine s version of the Mardi Gras which is celebrated on the third week of every January.

If you just want to enjoy the beaches and the sea , then visit Boracay during the Amihan season. This is during northeast monsoon season in the months of March to May when trade wind is at its strongest which is very suitable for activities like sailing, big game fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing and kite boarding.

The months of June to September are considered off peak season, however budget conscious tourists and backpackers consider this as the best time to visit Boracay as prices for everything are at its lowest and there are few competition for that precious white sand beach turf to plonk yourself on to enjoy the sun.

October marks the beginning of another peak season. As from October to December, the weather is cool and major sports events are usually held at this time of the year.


If you are thinking of taking a vacation holiday in the Philippines, do head for the tropical paradise island of Boracay.

Favorite Beach Holiday Destination in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Beach

Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India is hemmed by both Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Both the seas provides a vast coastline and some exotic beaches. These beaches quite famous among the globetrotters for beach holidays. Apart from visiting the ancient temples and hill stations, vacationers also loves to spend some memorable moments on these vast expanses of golden sands.
Some of the ideal beach holiday destination in Tamil Nadu are

Marina Beach, Chennai:-Marina Beach is the pride possession of Chennai, the state capital. Heralded as the second longest beach in the world, Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Everyday the 12 km long stretch of Marina beach attracts large number of tourists as well as local people for some fun moments. Watching sun rise and sun set from the beach is quite famous. In the evening, people engage themselves in various kinds of joy rides and loves to gorge on several snacks available on the beach.

It is an ideal site for water sports lover as it provides good surfing opportunities to them. This beach also has some fantastic sightseeing spots such as Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House, a new lighthouse, sculpture of Victory of Labour and the Mahatma Gandhi etc.

Mahabalipauram Beach: Located just 60 km south of Chennai, Mahabalipuram beach is nestled on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram beach was once a port of Pallavas. They have created many marvelous monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples at the vicinity of beach.
Rameshwaram Beach: It is an island situated off the mainland. This beach of Rameshwaram town is surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. Rameeshwaram is also famous as one of the oious pilgrimage destination of south India. Apart from its religious significance, the serene ambiance of Rameshwaram beach with shallow water makes it an ideal destination for swimming and sun bathing.
Kanyakumari Beach: Kanyakumari, famous as the end point of India. The beautiful beach of this tranquil town is hemmed by azure water of three vast seas namely Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian sea. Thanks to the confluence of this three seas, it is also called as 'Triveni Sangamam'. From here on can enjoy breath taking view of sunrise and sunset. Kanyakumari beach is also popular for its marvelous assortment of multi-hued sand. While enjoying your beach holiday, you can also visit the Gandhi Mandapam, Kanyakumari Amman Temple, and the memorial of Swami Vivekananda.
Covelong Beach: Last but not the least, Covelong beach is another best destination for beach holiday in the state. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai city, Covelong beach is a salubrious beach which is famous for a calm and relaxing beach holiday. It also offers numerous with fishing activities. Visit Tamil Nadu and explore the state as a beach holiday destination.

The Most Popular Toronto Travel Attractions

Toronto is one of the most exciting cities of the world, and millions of tourists visit this amazing city every year. The city is beautifully managed with many modern as well as historical travel destinations. Toronto travel destinations have something for everybody - from cultural marvels to modern commercial wonders. The best part is that all tourist attractions can be easily accessed through public transport systems. You can use Toronto mapquest to find more about Toronto news and local attractions and activities.

Popular Toronto Tourist Attractions

* CN Tower Toronto - CN Tower, located in downtown Toronto, is one of the tallest buildings in the world, with a height of 1,815 feet. It has a restaurant on the top floor. To get a bird's eye view of the magnificent city, you can travel into the glass elevator up to the special observation deck. * Eaton Centre - This is a bright shopping mall in downtown Toronto, with over 250 stores. Nobody comes out empty-handed from this mall, as there are various types of shops to suit all kinds of budgets. This is one of the most popular Toronto travel attractions along with CN tower. Apart from shopping bonanza for people, this architectural marvel has a glass dome and features a gigantic Canadian goose mobile, a Flight Stop designed by Michael Snow.

* ROM or Royal Ontario Museum - This museum is a fun place to be in, with more than 40 galleries of art, natural science, and archeology. It has one of the best collections of China's artifacts.

*Casa Loma - This is for history buffs or architecture lovers. This is one man's dream of creating an architectural wonder. Casa Loma is a great Toronto travel attraction that was built by a businessman Sir Henry Pellatt in the beginning of the 1900s. It gives panoramic views of the city. Though built quite early, this 'House on the Hill' has many modern utilities, including an elevator and central vacuum systems.

* Centre Island - This is one of a group of small islands that consists of the largest urban car-free population in North America - only several service vehicles are allowed here. Centre Island is also known as Toronto Island, and it is a fun place among the Toronto travel attractions for an entire family. It has an amusement park, beaches, great restaurants, and all kinds of relaxation as well as recreational features.

* Hockey Hall Of Fame - A great place to visit for a hockey lover. This place has all interactive exhibits that let the visitor feel like he is a part of the NHL action. It also features a replica of NHL dressing room and a trophy room.

Madagh Best Beach Travel

Madagh Best Beach Travel

Not far from Les Andalouses in the Bousfer suburb, they visited the six beaches and were alarmed at the report.Despite regulations limiting the use of the beach to 30%, these 'rogue traders' occupied the whole beach.On the bright side of things, a warm congratualtions goes to Madagh Beach.

Carlisle Bay Antigua Best of Vacation Spots

Carlisle Bay is quite a large Antigua Luxury resort and very stylish indeed. It has eighty superb suites, a full service spa, a large pool, and two restaurants.

There is a Children’s Club, and nine tennis courts plus a host of other facilities you would expect from a luxury hotel. It is a great place for a family vacation, and yet appeals to the top end of the market as well, and definitely suits wealthy travellers who like to stay at fashionable hotels. Carlisle Bay Hotel Antigua is definitely a place where you can relax in a magnificent tropical setting, once described as contemporary luxury on the beach.

Carlisle Bay Antigua Best of Vacation Spots

The Carlisle Bay Hotel is on the southern coastline of Antigua, and is located in a broad bay with steep sides with a mangrove lagoon to one side and the turquoise blue sea on the other. When you arrive at the gates you notice that everything from the gravel to the windows and balconies is grey which contrasts quite beautifully wit the lush vegetation, grass, and the sea. It also contrasts with the staff who are dressed in lilac. There are two distinct locations for the bedrooms, and this helps make this Carlisle Bay Antigua Luxury resort such a good place for a family vacation, and yet still an excellent place to stay without children.

The Beach suites which are two bedroomed, and the Carlisle Suites which have three bedrooms line the beach on either side of the dining room and they are for families, whilst the one bedroomed Ocean Suites are set back somewhat by comparison. You’ll particularly enjoy the hugeness of the rooms, the bathroom and all the luxury extras a hotel of the quality of the Carlisle Bay should have but don’t have. There are two restaurants, and they are excellent.

The East has an Asian theme, and is Carlisle Bay’s more formal restaurant, next to, but hidden from the Piano bar and the pool and Indigo on the Beach is particularly good just a few feet from the sea. There is a Friday evening BBQ on the beach which is very much a ‘must do’. It is also possible to dine in your suite, and there is 24 hour room service. The Carlisle Bay must be almost unique for a hotel, in having its own cinema, which is a great thing to be able to take in a movie, but beware the air conditioning is pretty fierce.

Another sign of a Luxury hotel is the availability of sun loungers, and one of the great things here at Carlisle Bay is the fact that even when the hotel is full, you won’t have a problem either by the pool or on the beach. If you want to go snorkelling off the beach then go along to the rocks on the left of the bay. The probable reason for this is firstly the families have their own bedroom suites as previously indicated. There is an extremely well run children’s program as well, and perhaps it is the fact that many of the children are from well off British families which is why they are so well behaved!! Carlisle Bay has made a point of helping you to relax and do nothing, and it does this very well. There are however a good few complimentary facilities including water sports as well as nine tennis courts and a spa. To summarise Carlisle Bay is an ideal destination for a family vacation in the Caribbean, being not a typical Caribbean Hotel. It is a class act well deserving its claim to be the top Antigua Luxury Resort

Five Great European Travel Destinations

All over the world, people everywhere celebrate their Irish heritage on March 17th. Regardless of your heritage, you can't deny that spring is in full swing. The days are now officially longer, and while it takes a few days to get used to, it marks the arrival of spring. It doesn't hurt that the weather is acting accordingly either!

Travel during the spring season is something that everyone should try. Throughout Europe, there are many locations that offer warm sunny climates this time of year. On top of that, spring is also considered an "off" season by many people. I never really understood that. In my opinion, there are some locations that are actually better in the spring. For those of you who like spring time travel, here's a list of the top five European spring travel destinations.

1. Crete, Greece - This Greek island is surrounded by the Mediterranean waters, and is one location that will keep you hot all year round with its vibrant nightlife and culture.
2. Ibiza, Spain - This well known Spanish island is much more than crazy youngsters looking for a party. The island is actually quite beautiful, and will keep you entertained with things like scuba diving, fishing, and other outdoor adventures.
3. Naples, Italy - The entire Italian coast line could be a great spring destination. The cool ocean breezes are waiting to chill you out after a day exploring in the national parks located south of the city.
4. Palermo, Italy - Explore more of Sicily with a rental car in Palermo. The entire island is filled with small coastal villages that will keep you full on olives and local cheese. Sounds like fun!
5. Faro, Portugal - This Portuguese city located near the Spanish border is a very popular destination for many Europeans. You should check it out to see what you are missing before it's too busy. The good news is, April and May are full of all kinds of great deals for travelers, and the weather is perfect!

Holiday in Kerala - Top Destinations

Located alongside the Arabian Sea in South India, Kerala is perhaps the most popular destination for tourism and holiday in India. It has been emerged as a globally famous holiday destinations with its unique cultural and geographical features. It draws a large number of travelers and vacationers from all over the world and provide them a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the charm of lush greenery and superb nature beauty all soaked into a vibrant and rich culture. Also known as the "God's Own Country, Kerala is a dream destination and paradise for vacationers. Conspicuous nature beauty, lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, scenic spots, amiable ambiance, lovely lakes, diverse flora & fauna, verdant hill stations, beautiful beaches, serene & scenic backwaters, historical monuments, religious monuments, etc team up together make Kerala one of the most sought after tourism & holiday destinations in the world.

There are many picturesque destinations in this charming and captivating land of India. Some of important destination for fun-filled and mesmeric holiday in Kerala is following.

Trivandrum - It is the state capital and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Anantha Vishnu Temple, Napier Museum, Kowdiar Palace, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, etc are worth visit tourist attractions.

Kovalam - It is an internationally famous beach destination in God's Own Country. Located at the very short distance from Trivandrum, Kovalam Beach is one of the best beached in India and world as well. It is one of the most sought after destinations for holidays with great tourism opportunity, fun-filled activities and excellent tourist facilities.

Fort Kochi - It is the commercial capital of the state and an important tourist destination. Fort Kochi, Portuguese Buildings, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Willington Islands, etc are featured attractions of Fort Kochi.

Kumarakom - It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in God's Own Country with enticing attractions like Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Ayurvedic Resorts, and beaches & backwaters.

Alleppey - Also popularly known as the "Venice of the East", Alleppey is a very popular backwater destination in the state. It is very popular among vacationers and honeymooners with its enticing attractions, superb nature beauty, houseboats and scenic backwaters. It is also famous for boat races, coir products and lovely lakes. Houseboat cruise over Alleppey backwaters is a unique experience of holiday in Kerala, God's Own Country.

Munnar - Fondly described as the "Kashmir of South", Munnar is one of the most popular and beautiful hill stations in Kerala and India as well. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, zigzag lanes, refreshing air, soothing climate, etc make Munnar a unique holiday experience on your Kerala tours in India.

Wayanad - Endowed with extraordinary nature beauty, Wayanad attracts vacationers from all over the world. It is perhaps the most visited and popular destinations for Kerala vacations in India. It is the home to diverse and rich flora and fauna.

Wonderful Baltic Beach Holidays

That could be a difficult question to answer as we think the Baltic beaches are one of the best kept secrets in Europe. Expect to be surprised, delighted and want to return time and time again; as you will experience some of the best beaches and one of the most beautiful coastlines on the Continent.

Family Beach Holidays in Malta

I decided to visit the republic of Malta out of season in March to see what this archipelago of seven islands has to offer in the way of Hotels, beaches and what the scuba diving would be like on the island.

Cheap Flights to Malta

Because I was traveling out of season I found an excellent deal on my flight and hotel accommodation in Malta. At this time of year there are plenty of cheap flights to Malta and the hotels offer some pretty good deals as well. I booked my flight and 8 nights stay with bed and breakfast at the 4 star Paradise Bay hotel in Marfa, with an ocean view through lastminute.com in February and the total came to just £340! I think that is an excellent deal in anyone's book. I flew with Air Malta, but Air Alitalia, Ryan Air, Lufthansa, British Airways and a few no frills airlines also fly to Malta so plenty of options to choose from, helping to keep the prices nice and competitive.

Winter Sun Holidays in Malta

One of the main reasons for choosing Malta was it's location, it is 37 miles south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, if you carry on further south you will reach North Africa giving the country a warm climate for most of the year, perfect as a winter sun holiday destination!

Diving in Malta

Although I have my PADI open water diving licence, I had not been scuba diving in quite a few years and though a little research found a few places on Malta that offer the chance for you to go diving and so thought that this trip would offer the perfect opportunity to brush up on my skills. Paradise Diving School is located within the premises of the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel in Marfa on the northern tip of the island.The school caters for all levels of diving and is a P.A.D.I registered school offering a whole range of courses including an introduction to diving and:

Open Water Diver
Advanced Open Water Diver
Rescue Diver
Dive Master

Malta has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts to suite most peoples tastes and budgets. Most people who visit Malta probably go on a package deal where the hotel and flights are included.

Malta Weather

The climate and weather in Malta are largely influenced by the sea and is very similar to that of southern Italy or southern Greece. It has the characteristic Mediterranean flavour. Generally the winters in Malta are pretty mild, and only very rarely having cold weather carried by winds from northern and central Europe.

The summers in Malta are sunny, warm and dry and you can expect daytime temperatures in summer to be hot, but the cooling effect from sea breezes really help! In the spring and autumn there is a very hot wind that comes from Africa which can occasionally bring with it unpleasantly high temperatures.

Winters in Malta are mild with only rare occurrences of cold weather brought by north and northeast winds from central Europe. In fact, daytime winter temperatures almost never fall below 10ºC (50ºF) During winter, it sometimes it gets rather windy for a few days with strong gale force winds blowing either from the northwest (Malta's most common wind) or from the northeast bringing days of miserable stormy weather. Most of Malta's annual rainfall falls during autumn and winter, mostly from thunderstorms which make up most of the rainfall.

The weather usually shows signs of warming up in late March, early April, heralding in a long spell of hot, dry weather and the aproaching summer.

Malta - Top Attractions

Other than the beach and seemingly never ending summer, there are many other reasons to visit Malta. Malta has a rich history and culture and with this comes some impressive ancient ruins, museums, works of art and architecture. These include St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the St John's Co-Cathedral Museum which is right next to the church, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples near the village Qrendi and the impressive National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

The Best Laguna Beach Destination, California USA

Laguna Beach It’s located in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego offers a golden sandy area and fresh water became an excellent vacation area. Laguna Beach consists of 30 beaches. Laguna Beach holds the distinction of having one of the greatest number of localized beaches of any city on the California coast. The list includes the northern beaches of Irvine Cove, Crescent Bay, Shaw’s Cove, Boat Canyon, Diver’s Cove, Picnic Beach and Rockpile.

Central Beaches include Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow, St. Ann’s Street, Thalia Street, Oak Street, Brook’s Street and Mountain Road Beach. Southern Laguna Beach (South Laguna Beach) beaches include Bluebird Canyon, Pearl Street, Wood’s Cove, Moss Point, Rockledge, Victoria Beach and Treasure Island. Guarded by a premier force of lifeguards, Laguna Beaches are operated under the City of Laguna Beach Lifeguard Services. You can prefer many activities here.

Scuba diving, sailing, bird watching, surfing, and beach volleyball are the most preferred.If you prefer outdoor activities, you have an access to hiking, cycling, golf, tours, and picnics. Laguna Beach is a popular weekend vacation in Southern California. It’s known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in southern California. The city has good hotels, unique shops and restaurants, world famous art galleries and art festivals. Many movies and TV shows have been filmed here.

Laguna Beach presents a variety shopping vacations. You can find clothes, hand-made jewelleries, and antique shops. Besides, there are art galleries in which the works of artists are exhibited. Festivals are also held in Laguna Beach, which is well known by people all around the world.

In Laguna Beach, you can find many places to spend your time. It especially offers a pleasing vacation for the families. While your children enjoy the beauties and activities of the sand, you can sunbathe and enjoy its wonderful nature.

Mentawai and Merapi Disaster Assistance

Mentawai and Merapi Disaster Assistance

Manado Today - Tsunami Disaster that struck the Mentawai Islands regency of West Sumatra, and the catastrophic eruption of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta Special Region, October 26, 2010, cause, concern internationally, not least with the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi.

It was seen from the commencement of movement throughout SKPD dilingkup mapalus North Sulawesi province, by starting to raise funds for people who experience relief in disaster areas in Indonesia.
Deputy Governor of North Sulawesi Kansil Djouhari MPd, said this mapalus movement, is one form of government and public awareness in order to ease the burden of North Sulawesi suffering people there. If aid funds have been collected, the North Sulawesi provincial government may soon send the aid in these two provinces.
"Later, when it collected a lot, the provincial government will hand direct this assistance to each local government to give it to those who become victims of natural disasters," said Kansil (01/11/2010).
Hoped also, this mapalus movement, will be followed by all governments in the districts and municipalities in North Sulawesi, and communities that exist in this area, to help ease the burden of the victims of these natural disasters.
"Let's help to our brothers who experienced a natural disaster," said Kansil. (Tonnes)

Historians Say Mbah Marijan Heroes

 

 

Historians Say Mbah Marijan Heroes

Historian Anhar howl say, Mbah Marijan is the hero for the community because he does not flee from its responsibility as caretaker of Mount Merapi volcano as it erupted. "Mbah Marijan small example of a hero, he got the job and not run away from responsibility. Mbah Marijan this attitude that should be a role model,"

Mentawai Islands on Monday

 After a tsunami hit the Mentawai Islands , one villager struggled through 30 kilometers of forest to reach Sikakap, abandoning dozens of bodies that lay strewn in his flattened hamlet.

Brenti’s home in Muntei Baru-Waru in Batumonga village on North Pagai Island — one of Mentawai’s three main islands, was devastated by an earthquake-triggered tsunami on Monday night.

More than 300 people were killed by the tsunami and about 100 more missing, according to authorities. They said earlier  that 113 had died.

Brenti said the first wave was eight meters high and engulfed half of the hamlet. But the second wave struck like a giant wall and was higher than a coconut tree. It struck harder and deeper, eventually reaching the slopes of a hill more than 800 meters inland.

“Only 40 people survived. All 73 houses were gone. The night after the disaster, we — the injured and babies — slept under the rain on a hill in the back of our hamlet,” the 40-year-old said, as quoted by Josh Kamatis, a disaster post coordinator for North and South Pagai Islands in Sikakap, who shared Brenti’s story with The Jakarta Post.

“Those who survived were those who ran to higher ground after the first wave struck, while the dead were mostly those who could not escape the second wave.”

Brenti’s wife and two children were swept away in the tsunami.

When Brenti left his ruined hamlet, dozens of bodies lay scattered on the ground and over 100 people were still missing.

He said that most residents had not felt the 7.2-magnitude quake as they were inside their homes due to rain. Residents were shocked after hearing a thundering sound that resembled loud wave breaks about 15 minutes after the earthquake.

Soon afterwards, the tsunami swept the hamlet.

“The hamlet is just a name now. No more buildings. On Wednesday, 80 dead victims were found and 102 still missing. There were only 40 survivors,” said Kamatis, adding the dead had been buried the same day.

Two days after the disaster struck, the death toll continues to rise, with the disaster post listing 282 dead and 411 missing.

The tsunami badly damaged 25,426 houses, flattened six hamlets and forced 4,500 residents to evacuate to makeshift shelters.

Rescue workers and relief supplies intended for more than a dozen villages on the islands arrived by plane and helicopter on Wednesday.

West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency Operational Control Center head Ade Edward defended the agency’s decision to lift a tsunami warning that had been issued immediately after the temblor struck.

He said his office had not established a tsunami early warning system for Mentawai Islands, adding that even the most advanced equipment could not have processed warning signs fast enough to avoid disaster in the regency after the earthquake.

“The [epicenter] was very close and the tsunami arrived in just 15 minutes, so it was unnecessary,” Ade told the Post on Wednesday.

“The most sophisticated system currently available needs five minutes to process information from an earthquake before issuing a tsunami warning — and a issuing a command to respond to the field would take more than 15 minutes. It would have been too late for Mentawai.”

An early warning system would have been effective for the provincial capital, Padang, and for other areas along West Sumatra’s western coast that were more than 200 kilometers from the epicenter, he said.

When the earthquake hit on Oct. 25, Ade said his office had processed information from weather stations but did not issue an evacuation order since the sea level had not decreased. “In 15 minutes, we decided that a tsunami would not hit the west coast of Sumatra and informed the public by radio that there was no need to evacuate,” he said.

Mentawai Islands regency lawmaker Jan Winnen Sipayung said that some victims might have been asleep when the earthquake struck.

“Nearly all of the villages that were devastated by the tsunami were unconnected to the power network, so most residents went to sleep early. Some of the people likely failed to flee to safety after the quake,” he said Wednesday.

Latvia – Known For Its Excellent Beauty And Charm

Latvia is a country situated in Northern Europe near the Baltic region. It has derived its name from the river known as the Latuva. The Latvian folk songs are really popular and famous for their melodies. There are more than 30000 folk songs that are known. Also their culture and traditions are likely to be explored when you visit Latvia.

Best Places To Visit

There are many places to explore in Latvia but only a few are described here:

1. Pedvale Open Air Art Museum
It is a historical monument which was opened in the year 1991 and spread in a large area of 100 hectares. It covers the rivers and the forest. Many of the artists love to come here and want to spend their days here in this beautiful environment. Lots of artists have captured this wonderful beauty of nature in their canvas.

2. The Dome Cathedral

The Dome Cathedral built in the year 1212 is a masterpiece and its design is based on the renaissance style. Because it is visited by lots of visitors therefore sometimes music concerts are also organized here.

3. Jurmala Beach

The beach is located on the coast of Riga and it is surrounded by dense forest all around the beach. Because of its exotic location it is very popular among the tourist.

4. Aglona Basilica

It is a shrine that is a pilgrimage site for the Christians with history dating back to the year 1699. This is also a famous destination known for its beauty and exclusive architecture.

5. Tervete Nature Park
The park consists of amazing views and playground for children. The visitors can enjoy a lot as there are swings for kids. It is mostly seen as a picnic spot and so during the holidays it is full of people and kids.

Beauty Lummus Park on South Beach in Miami

Lummus Park on South Beach is a very nice and beautiful in Miami and state of Florida in United States. Lummus Park is the Mecca of outdoor activities, strap on your Rollerblade, tune on to your favorite play list and go "balding"……this is unbeatable fun and one of the sexiest beaches in the world, where else can you work up a sweat and then enjoy a good book afterward on the shores of the Caribbean sea. I went there and enjoyed a lot. There I stayed in cheap hotels. There they provided the facilities which pampered me. This beach is good facilities in tourist include lots of restaurants line the road by the beach so that is a great way to spend an afternoon sunning, swimming, eating, drinking, cheap hotels in miami, successful parking garage and just generally tourist watching.

vacation spot in Kuta (Bali) Indonesia

kuta bali surfing

Tourists congregate in hoards at Bali’s fun capital Kuta and for good reason. The beach is long, golden and soft, surfing is a popular sport and the night life is lively to say the least. But if you are tired of beach-bum watching head to the exquisite temples of internal Bali or wander and browse the many art galleries and warungs – hawker stalls.

Getting to Kuta

Frequent flights connect Bali’s Denpasar airport from many Asian cities, Air Asia has perhaps the most comprehensive schedule but full service airlines like THAI also fly regularly to Bali. Qantas and other Australian airlines offer a regular service and European holiday companies also fly into the island.

Every Asian country has many attractions from ruined and picturesque temples, pristine jungles and excellent national parks, a rich colonial history and friendly people who are willing to help a stranger. But for many visitors the jewels in Asia’s crown are most definitely its unsurpassed beaches.

Top Five Family Holiday Destinations in Spain

When it comes to choosing the ideal holiday destination, Spain has cemented itself as one of the top locations. Its brilliant combination of glorious weather, tourist attractions, culture and vibrant nightlife makes it the perfect destination to spend our holiday period and with all this to offer, it comes as no surprise why many choose to visit time and time again.

However, when it comes to choosing an appropriate family holiday, many of us can become unsure as to where the best destinations are. When it comes to Spain however, there is plenty to satisfy all families, no matter what type of holidays you may be used to.

Barcelona

Barcelona has been a favourite location for many who enjoy nothing more than soaking up some brilliant culture and scenery. Although this is primarily a more sight-seeing location, it also provides a fantastic backdrop for a family holiday-especially for those families who have slightly older children. With a wide range of galleries and museums, there is plenty to keep your family entertained here, and also provides a great way in which to escape some of the scorching hot weather you can hope to experience during its hotter months.
You will also find many street performers and entertainers throughout the city as you explore which are sure to put a spring in your step and leave you astounded with their talent. For those who are keen on sport, a must see location is the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys which was home to the 1992 Olympics and the Nou Camp Football Stadium, home to world-famous Barcelona FC. With fantastic transport facilities in the city, you will have the chance to experience everything the city has to offer-perfect for families who love to learn and explore at the same time.
To top it all, Barcelona also boasts wonderful sandy Mediterranean beaches just minutes walk from the city centre.

Benidorm

For those families who love a bit of fun and frolics, Benidorm has to be the ideal location. Located just outside of Alicante, Benidorm houses glorious, sandy beaches, masses of entertainment and fantastic eating facilities-perfect for both families with both young and older children. Many parents may worry about their children becoming bored, but with various attractions within Benidorm, that is something you need not worry about.
One of the biggest attractions is the Terra Mitica Park which is a theme park guaranteed to leave all involved exhilarated and wanting to stay all day! However, for those who are looking to escape from the heat there is also the Aqualandia Water Park which is a fantastic day out for those who love water rides, or who simply wish to lie back and soak up the rays.
You will also find the Terra Natura Park and Mundormar Marine Animal Park for those looking for animal and nature lovers. With a great variety of night entertainment from live music, family friendly pubs and a wide range of cuisine in the restaurants, everyone is sure to be happy here.

Galicia

Galicia is not an area within Spain many have heard much about, but is known as being one of Spain's provinces. This is the perfect destination for sun worshipping families who love to mix relaxing in the sun with exploring their surroundings. It is known for providing its tourists with a 'real' sense of Spain with its fantastic display of culture and heritage, but also has some breathtaking landscapes in the form of mountainous countryside, bays and coves.
What's more, this is the perfect place to experience all the Spanish cuisine has to offer with many of the restaurants providing some of the most delicious tapas you will ever experience. Again, this is more situated for an older family, but is a great place to explore and experience.

Granada

When it comes to Spain, many of us will automatically think of its beautiful weather and sandy beaches. However, for those families who wish to have a bit of adventure mixed with culture, Granada is the ideal holiday destination. Granada is situated by the Sierra Nevada ski resort, providing its tourists with the chance to mix lying in the sun with skiing through the snowy slopes-a brilliant combination for both novice and experienced skiers.
However, if skiing is not really your thing, there are many gorgeous areas oozing with culture and beauty for you to explore such as the Alhambra Palace and Generalife, which houses beautiful fountains and gardens-the perfect way to spend a glorious day out with your family. You will also find some magnificent museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Science Museum-guaranteed to keep your children quiet and amused! However for those children who may get slightly bored by this, a quick whizz down the ski slopes or fun at the beach with the many water sports which are available, are sure to keep them happy and entertained.

Madrid

Finally there is the fantastic city of Madrid. Originally popular due to its vast amount of culture and sights, its popularity has led to some fantastic developments which has now made it a popular family holiday location. As with many of the areas within Spain, Madrid houses masses of attractions such as the Faunia Theme Park, Zoo-Aquarium and Warner Bros-Madrid Theme Park-perfect for children of all ages, and adults!
As you would expect from a city, you will also find a wide range of shops here from traditional trinket stores to designer's stores which will allow you to bring some souvenirs back or merely take advantage of any possible discounts typical of European shopping. For night time entertainment, you will be spoilt for choice in Madrid with cinemas, theatres, the ballet, and opera and for those old enough-some of the best night clubs in the whole of Europe. With masses of restaurants serving food from all over the world and many family friendly pubs providing some great live music, there is something for every family here.
When it comes to a great family holiday in Spain you will be spoilt for choice. So take the plunge and see what a great holiday experience you and your family can have on the holiday of a lifetime!

Holidays in Paradise Cozumel Beach Mexico

Cozumel Beach

Cozumel island located at the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, opposite the Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatan Channel. Cozumel is a popular tourist destination renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling. Cozumel has ranked for years among the top five dive destinations in the world. Tall reefs line the southwest coast, creating towering walls that offer divers a fairy-tale landscape to explore. For nondivers, it has the beautiful water of the Caribbean with all the accompanying watersports and seaside activities. The island gets a lot more visitors from North America than Europe for reasons that probably have to do with the limited flights.

Cozumel popular with the cruise ships, the waterfront section of town holds wall-to-wall jewelry stores and duty-free and souvenir shops.

When Hurricane Wilma hit the island in October 2005, this section, including the attractive shoreline boulevard Avenida Rafael Melgar, was severely damaged. But so extreme was the effort of the town’s merchants and the local and federal government that by early 2006 all signs of the destruction were gone, and a casual visitor would never have guessed how serious the devastation from the hurricane was. This and the area around the town’s main square are about as far as most cruise-ship passengers venture into town.

Romantic Beach Family Destinations - Perfect Locations For an Exotic Vacation

Everyone wants to spend their vacations in a destination that is surrounded by pristine beaches, exotic locations, turquoise water, mesmerizing lagoons and the calm sea. There are numerous beaches in this world which are famous of their dazzling environment, balmy nights, marvelous sunsets and amazing night life.

Whether you are planning your destination wedding, a honeymoon or a family vacation, a beach destination would be the perfect option for you. Beaches provide excitement and thrill to vacationers as they provide you fun filled water sports and a great ambiance. For your benefit, let me now tell you about the top beaches that are ideal for your vacation trip.

1. Anse Source d'Argent
This is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is an archipelago in Seychelles that is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is well known for its weathered granite boulders, secluded beaches, arching palm trees, pink sand and idyllic lagoons. Here you can enjoy numerous water sports like scuba diving, kayaking, swimming, surfing and snorkeling. Various luxurious resorts are located all around the place which provides you world class services.

2. Miami Beach, United States
Miami Beach is located in Florida, United States of America. It is one of the most exotic beaches that is usually crowded all the year round. People who come here enjoy jet-skiing and surfing in the clear crystal warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are lucky you can also spot a famous movie star here.

3. Ipanema
The spectacular stretch of sand in Rio de Janeiro can really take your breath away. Ipanema is famous for its twin mountain peaks, groovy mosaic boardwalk, Capoeira dancers, stylish spread of bars and eateries, exciting clubs and dazzling night life.

4. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Visiting this place can really be a memorable experience for you because this beach is not only famous for its immaculate beauty but is also known for its incredibly diverse locations. The beach is located on the Pacific Ocean from where you can watch the high waves. Near Sea of Cortez, the water is clam and the beaches are covered with white sand.

5. Paradise Beach
This place is located on the Greek isle of Mykonos and it is a perfect destination for you. This place has something for everyone and here you can enjoy the deep-blue Aegean Sea, discos, bars, restaurants, abundant aquatic life, glittering sandy coves, vivid coral and fauna, great hedonistic scene and the beautiful sunrise.