Thursday, August 7, 2008

Indonesia's Kelimutu National Park


asia travel spots, Kelimutu National ParkFamous for it's coloured crater lakes, Kelimutu National Park also gain it's cool climate and panoramic view. It is still a puzzle for both scientists and locals how the lakes gained it's color and eventually change from time-to-time. The color of the three lakes are red, blue and white which eventually turns into black-brown, light green and black. The former red and blue lakes where separated by 200 centimeters wall of earth and located side-by-side while the former white lake is located to the west.


Declared as a national park on Feb. 26, 1992, this 1,051,000 square meter area not only consists of lakes but also mountains. It has Mount Kelibara as the highest peak and the whole area is located at East Nusa Tenggara, in the island of Flores, Indonesia. Rich in nature's diversity, the park became the haven of various species of birds, plants and endangered animals. This park is not only rich in natural resources but also in their cultural heritage as evidently showed in the local's traditional houses, weaving and dances.


Local folklore tells that the three lakes are gateways to different kinds of spirits. The first, having the name Tiwu Ata Mbupu is for the old people's spirit. The second, named as Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is intended for the spirits of young people. The third, intended for evil sprits and fortune tellers is called Tiwu Ata Polo. The best time to visit the lakes is between the months of July to September or in spring time. Pack your bags now and head way to Indonesia to see another nature's wonder and asian destination.


(special thanks to IndonesiaLogue and Departemen Kehutanan Republik Indonesia for the information I used to make this article possible.)

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Maldives' Filhalhohi Islands


image from Capital Travel
Tagged as the "Island of Dreams", Filhalhohi is the one of Maldives' secret island getaway. A 35 kilometer drive from Male, this islet measures about450 meters in length and 250 meters in width so small that you can tour the whole island in the span of 15 minutes. You can be barefoot the whole time since this island got the finest house reefs and coral white sand. With it's crystal clear water and untouched marine ecosystem, this is also a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.

The island's summer ambiance is captivating and so are the activities that you can enjoy aside from snorkelling and diving. There are watersports such as windsurfing, canoing, water-skiing, parasailing and banana riding. Eventhough the house reef is bad in condition, you will be amazed by the marine life you will find there such as fishes, rays and sharks of different types and colors. There is also a small lagoon where children can swim apart from enormous palm trees that gives shade to the vicinity.

In general, it is a painting came to life and the best part is with all it's royal look and treatment from the locals, it is budget-friendly. Reviews of this island always banner the cost of your stay here is absolutely wonderful. Any plans of summer fun in December, get in here at Filhalhohi and experience what it's like.