The Chocolate Hills
Travel to Philipnes April 12th, 2010
Ecotourism Marvel in Bohol, Philippines
It’s an amazing sight – giant grass-covered dome-shaped Mounds, many as high as 150 feet high, as far as the eye can see. This majestic scenery – a giant grass-covered dome-shaped mounds, many as tall as 150 feet high, as far as the eye can see. “Grass-covered limestone” does not begin to explain the reality of these thousands of Mounds huge looming before you, in stark contrast to the flat rice Paddy lands around them. “The grass-covered limestone” does not begin to describe this reality looming large mound of thousands before you, in stark contrast to the flat rice field soil around them.
At last count, over 1.200 hills make up the “Chocolate Hills” of Bohol in the Philippines, distributed over 18 square miles in the Towns of Butuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, Sierra Bollones, Valencia, and Carmen. At last count, more than 1200 hills form the “Chocolate Hills” of Bohol in the Philippines, distributed more than 18 square miles in the cities of Butuan, Sagbayan, Bilar, Sierra Bollones, Valencia, and Carmen.
The grass that covers each hill turns chocolate-brown during the summer season, giving the Chocolate Hills their name. The grass covering every hill changed the chocolates during the summer, Chocolate Hills to give their names.
Geologists have not reached a conclusive agreement as to what caused the Chocolate Hills to form, but the most popular theory suggests that the hills were lifted up from the seafloor by geological processes and weathered over millions of years into their present form. Geologists have not reached conclusive agreement to what is causing Chocolate Hills to form, but the most popular theory suggests that the hills are raised from the seabed by a geological process and weathering over millions of years into its present form.
The Locals have their own “theory”: once upon a time, a giant fell in love with a village girl. The locals have a “theory”: once upon a time, a huge fall in love with a village girl. The giant Kidnapped the girl, but she died en route. Giant kidnapped girl, but he died on his way. The giant’s tears solidified into the Chocolate Hills. Compressed giant tears to Chocolate Hills. The end. End.
What to See, Where to Stay What to See, Where to Stay
A restaurant, resort, and view decks have been built on two of the area’s highest hills, all the better to serve the area’s tourists. A restaurant, resort, and saw the deck has been built in the two highest hills, all the better to serve the area’s tourists. This complex is located in Carmen town. The complex is located in the town of Carmen.
On the higher of the two hills, 214 steps up from ground level, the observation deck offers a great view that is particularly spectacular during sunset. At the higher of the two hills, 214 steps up from the ground, the observation deck offers a spectacular view at sunset. Admission to the deck costs P10, or about 20 U.S. cents; it’s open from 6AM-9pm daily. Revenue for the deck cost P10, or about 20 U.S. cents; is open from 6-9 daily.
The Chocolate Hills Resort, a government-run hostel on the other hill, is rather run-down (a result of its unfinished renovation), and definitely not recommended. The Chocolate Hills Resort, a government-run hostel in the other hill, somewhat run-down (the result of unfinished renovations), and certainly not recommended.
11 miles away, the Sagbayan Peak resort in neighboring Sagbayan town also offers a great view of the Hills from its viewing deck, not to mention a Glimpse of the sea between Bohol and Cebu. 11 miles away, Sagbayan Peak Sagbayan resort in a neighboring town also offers a splendid view of the Hills from the view deck, not to mention briefly the sea between Bohol and Cebu. The resort also has a restaurant, a tarsier sanctuary, a butterfly dome, and a children’s park. The resort also has a restaurant, tarsier sanctuary, butterfly dome, and the kids park.
Most visitors prefer to stay at Tagbilaran, making a day trip of their visit to the Chocolate Hills. Most visitors prefer to stay in Tagbilaran, making their visit a day trip to the Chocolate Hills. The official city government’s website lists a fair selection of backpacker and budget accommodations. The official city government website lists a fair choice and budget backpacker accommodation.
How to get there How to get there
When in the island capital of Tagbilaran, go to the bus terminal in Dao and ride a headed for Carmen. While in the capital island of Tagbilaran, go to the bus terminal in Dao and up to Carmen. The Chocolate Hills complex is 30 miles away from Tagbilaran. The Chocolate Hills complex is 30 miles away from Tagbilaran. Tell the driver to stop at the Chocolate Hills complex, then walk ten minutes down the road to the viewing deck. Tell the driver to stop at Chocolate Hills complex, then walk ten minutes down the road to the deck to see.
To get back to Tagbilaran, go back the way you came and ride a bus to Tagbilaran, If you miss the last bus at 4 am, you might want to risk hiring the “habal-habal” (motorcycle Taxis) going back to the city . To go back to Tagbilaran, back the way you came and take a bus to Tagbilaran, If you miss the last bus at 4 am, you might want to hire a risk of “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxi) will return to the city.
If you prefer to see the Chocolate Hills from Sagbayan Peak, hire a Sagbayan-bound taxi, bus or “v-hire” (van for rent) at Tagbilaran City and ask to be dropped off at Sagbayan Peak. If you prefer to see the Chocolate Hills of Sagbayan Peak, Sagbayan bound hire taxis, buses or “v-hire” (van for rent) in Tagbilaran City and asked lowered in Sagbayan Peak.
Seeing the Rest of the Island View the Rest of the Island
Bohol has been Relatively untouched by modern civilization, but recent developments may change all that. Bohol relatively untouched by modern civilization, but recent developments may change all that. With the Chocolate Hills as its Centerpiece, Bohol is gearing up to be Southeast Asia’s next big ecotourism destination. With Chocolate Hills as the center, Bohol is getting ready to Southeast Asia next big ecotourism destination.
Once you’re done with your daytrip Chocolate Hills, the rest of Bohol and its nearby islands offer so much more: white sand beaches, nature tripping, and other adventures. When you finish with daytrip Chocolate Hills, Bohol and the rest of the islands nearest offer more: a white sand beach, nature tripping, and other adventures. Start with these resorts on Bohol, and see where you can go from there. Start with this resort in Bohol, and see where you can go from there.
* Alona Palm Beach-great snorkelling and diving facilities, and ideal for tourists seeking an experience up close with dolphins. Alona Palm Beach-great snorkeling and diving facilities, and is ideal for travelers looking for experiences close to the dolphins. The resort also has a offers a 9-hole mini golf course, apart from the usual restaurants and bars. The resort also has offers 9-hole miniature golf course, apart from the usual restaurant and bar.
* Ananyana Resort – a quiet resort in Panglao with diving facilities, great food, and only 20 minutes from Tagbilaran. Ananyana Resort – Panglao resort calm at the diving facilities, great food, and only 20 minutes from Tagbilaran.
* Flushing Meadows Resort – world-class resort facilities along the clean set of white beach of Panglao Island off Bohol. Flushing Meadows Resort – world-class resort facilities set along the white beaches clean from Panglao Bohol Island.
Phuket: Thailand's Best Beaches on One Island
Travel to Thailand April 12th, 2010
Phuket is famous for its beaches. Phuket is famous for its beaches. This Thai island province sits at the rim of the Andaman Sea, which offers a perfect setting for swimmers, divers, and Watersports enthusiasts. This Thai island province of sitting on the edge of the Andaman Sea, which offers the perfect for swimmers, divers, and water sports enthusiasts.
With so many beaches to choose from, most of the best are crowded with tourists. With so many beaches to choose from, the best most crowded with tourists. The most popular beaches also have a very well-established tourism industry: Roam the beaches vendors selling sunblock, sunshades, drinks, and ice cream, beachfront massage stands sell their services within sight of the sea, and restaurants serve patrons just off the beach. The most popular beach has a very well established tourism industry: vendors roaming the beach selling sunscreen, sunglasses, drinks, and ice cream, beach massage stands sell their services in a sea view, and restaurants serving offshore customers.
Secluded beaches are not unknown, though, and the most determined loners can find a deserted beach to commune with if they know where to look. Secluded beaches are not known, though, and the most determined loners can find deserted beaches to communicate with if they know where to look.
Shopping center in Chinatown, Singapore
Travel to Singapore April 12th, 2010
Singapore’s Chinatown is the original Singapore, cleaned up for the tourists. Singapore’s Chinatown is a native of Singapore, which cleaned up for tourists. Gone are the street vendors and the petty crime of yesteryear, with gleaming renovated shophouses and malls standing in their stead. Gone was the street vendors and petty crime from the past, with a sparkling renovated shophouses and shopping malls standing in their locker.
The look of Old – streets and narrow alleys, two-storey shophouses, and red lanterns and banners overhead – still predominate in Chinatown, buffed to a gleaming Sheen. Long view – the streets and alleys, two-storey shophouses, and the red lanterns and banners at the top – still dominate in Chinatown, buffed to a gleaming shine. Shoppers come to Chinatown today to buy antiques, Chinese cultural gewgaws, clothes, and (best of all) really affordable Chinese food. Buyers come to Chinatown today to buy antiques, Chinese culture jewelry, clothing, and (best of all) affordable real Chinese food.
Chinatown was home to the Chinese migrants who drove Singapore’s economy in the British colonial period. Chinatown is home to the Chinese migrants who drove the Singapore economy in the British colonial period. In the old days, Chinatown merchants sold cloth, gold, medicine, and traditional Chinese food. In the past, Chinatown traders sold cloth, gold, drugs, and traditional Chinese food.
Today, the shophouses are still Occupied by entrepreneurs, albeit of a different sort: advertising agencies, jewelry stores, and T-shirts manufacturers crafts sit alongside traditional Chinese medicine stores and halls. Currently, the shop is still occupied by the employer, although from a different type: advertising agencies, jewelry stores, and T-shirt producers sit down with craft shops and traditional Chinese medicine hall.
Chinatown is most easily reached via the MRT, through The Outram Park (EW16) Chinatown or (Ne4) stations. Chinatown’s most easily accessible via MRT, through Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (Ne4) station. The Chinatown area is bound within the New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, the Upper Pickering Street, and Cantonment Road. Bound in the Chinatown area of New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road. Within these boundaries, you’ll find the following shopping interesting stops: Within these boundaries, you’ll find the following attractive shopping stops:
People’s Park Complex (1 Park Road) presents an interesting mix of Chinese traditional stores selling cheap goods and modern items – clocks, electronics, jewelry, and textiles alongside religious icons jostle, Chinese herbs, and traditional Chinese food. People’s Park Complex (1 Park Road) presents an interesting mix of shops selling Chinese goods cheaper traditional and modern items – clock, electronics, jewelry, and textile mill next to a religious icon, Chinese herbs and traditional Chinese food. For many Locals, People’s Park is a repository for old Singapore stores selling nostalgia through old photos and memorabilia Chinatown. For many residents, the People’s Park is an old warehouse singapore nostalgia through a store that sells old photographs and memories Chinatown. Travel agents and massage parlors also call People’s Park Complex home. Travel agencies and massage parlors also call People’s Park Complex home.
Chinatown Point (133 New Bridge Road, telephone: +65352846). Chinatown Point (133 New Bridge Road, phone: 65,352,846.) You will not miss this vibrant yellow structure on New Bridge Road – of particular interest is Podium B within the store, a series of shops known collectively as the Singapore Handicraft Center selling a wide range of handicrafts, including (but not limited to) porcelain , bronze artifacts, wood carvings, paintings, antique furniture, Chinese musical instruments, and traditional embroidery. You will not miss this bright yellow structure in New Bridge Road – a particular interest Podium B in the shop, a series of shops called the Singapore Handicraft Center sell various crafts, including (but not limited to) porcelain, bronze artifacts, wood carvings, paintings , antique furniture, musical instruments of China, and traditional embroidery.
Other Bargains within the building include watches, cosmetics, shoes, and cosmetics. Other bargaining in the building, including watches, cosmetics, shoes, and cosmetics. Speaking of cosmetics, Point Chinatown also houses a number of good-value beauty Salons. Speaking of cosmetics, Chinatown Point is also home of good value beauty salon.
OG People’s Park (100 Upper Cross Street, telephone: +65358888) sells itself as a “one-stop family store, for the young and forever young” – a more modern stubbornly traditional outlets in Chinatown that sells familiar brands like Adidas and Billabong. OG People’s Park (100 Upper Cross Street, phone: 65358888) sells itself as “one-stop family store, for the young and young” – the more modern stubbornly traditional outlets in Chinatown that sell foreign brands such as Adidas and Billabong. Korean goods are sold in the fifth floor food area. Korean goods are sold on the fifth floor food area.
The Majestic (Outram) used to be a Cantonese opera house known as the Tin Yin Dance Stage, but was renovated into a shopping mall and rechristened “The Majestic”. Majestic (Outram) used to be a Cantonese opera house, known as Tin Yin Dance Stage, but renovated into shopping center and renamed “The Majestic”. The building’s history is retained in the façade, decorated with scenes from Cantonese opera. History of the building is still preserved in the façade, decorated with scenes from Cantonese opera.
Yue Hwa (70 Eu Tong Sen St.) Is a Chinese-themed department store housed in a hundred-year-old structure that used to be a hotel. Yue Hwa (70 Eu Tong Sen St) is a Chinese-themed stores located in a hundred years the structure used to be a hotel. The award-winning renovation added screen walls, stained glass, and other architectural elements that enhanced the building’s aesthetic value without demeaning its history. Award-winning renovation added screen walls, stained glass, and architectural elements that enhance the value of other buildings aesthetics without degrading its history. All six floors now Cater to the traditional Chinese shopper – traditional Chinese medicine selling, Silks, porcelain, furniture, and an incredible assortment of Teas and tea-making accessories. All six floors now serve traditional Chinese shoppers – sell traditional Chinese medicines, silk, porcelain, furniture, and the extraordinary variety of tea and tea-making accessories.
Pearl’s Center (100 Eu Tong Sen Street) is an interesting labyrinth of shops that a dedicated shopper can get lost in, edging along narrow passageways to haggle over sexy men’s underwear or Buddhist religious icons. Pearl Center (100th Eu Tong Sen Street) is an interesting maze of shops specialized shoppers can get lost in, a suburb along the narrow alleys for bargain clothes sexy male or Buddhist icons. The Yangtze Cineplex on the fourth floor Flicks art shows. Yangtze Cineplex on the fourth floor to show art films.
Chinatown’s street markets, centered around Trengganu Street and Smith provide Bargains serious. Chinatown street market centered around Trengganu and Smith Streets serious offer. The narrow streets of Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street offer Singapore’s best shopping street experience, on what used to be the island’s opium district. Narrow streets of Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street Singapore offers the best shopping experience, in what used to be the opiate of the island district. Great Hawker food can be sampled on Smith Street. Great snack food can be tasted at Smith Street.
The Tanjong Pagar district of Chinatown is a great place to find kite makers, painted masks, lacquerware, and all sorts of Asian handicrafts. The Tanjong Pagar district of Chinatown is a good place to find a kite makers, painted masks, lacquerware, and all kinds of Asian handicrafts.
Walking Through the Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi, Vietnam
Travel to Vietnam April 12th, 2010
Hoan Kiem Lake lies at the very heart of Hanoi in Vietnam, within the city’s storied Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of Hanoi in Vietnam, in the city’s storied Old Quarter. So much of Hanoi’s past and present is tied up in this scenic body of water. Hanoi so many past and present are bound in this beautiful body of water.
Hoan Kiem Lake’s name points to the legend that is said to lie beneath its Depths: Ho Hoan Kiem means “Lake of the Returned Sword”, alluding to the legend that the future Vietnamese emperor Le Loi received a sword from a magic turtle at the lake’s edge. Hoan Kiem Lake’s name refers to the legend that says lies below depths: Ho Hoan Kiem means “Lake of the Returned Sword”, referring to the legend that the future of Vietnamese emperor Le Loi received the sword from a magic turtle at the lake edge. Le Loi drove the Chinese out of Vietnam with the sword, which was then reclaimed by the turtle after the invaders had left. Le Loi drove Chinese out of Vietnam with a sword, which was claimed by the turtle after the attackers left.
Hoan Kiem Lake’s Location Hoan Kiem Lake’s Location
The lake is bordered by The Streets of Pho Dinh Tien Hoang to the north and east, Pho Hang Khay at its south end, and Pho Le Thai To on the west. The lake is bordered by the streets Pho Dinh Tien Hoang in the north and east, Pho Hang Khay at the southern tip, and Pho Le Thai To in the west. The sidewalks around the lake are shaded by trees, so the short walk (less than ten minutes) it may take you to walk from one end of the elongated lake to the other is bound to be pleasant even in sunny weather. The sidewalks around the lake is shaded by trees, so a short walk (less than ten minutes) may take you to walk from one end of the lake that extends into the rest will be fun even in good weather.
Once you cross to the Lakeside, you’ll find Hanoi at its most charming: old men playing Chinese chess on benches facing the lake, getting affianced couples glamor shots done in full wedding regalia, and (depending on the time of day) joggers and speed-Walkers getting their morning constitutionals, Placid all against the backdrop of the lake’s waters. Once you cross into the lake, you’ll find in Hanoi’s most interesting: the old men play Chinese chess on the benches overlooking the lake, affianced couples getting injections glamorous marriages performed in full glory, and (depending on time of day ) ran and walkers get their morning constitutionals, all quiet against the backdrop of the lake waters.
Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s key landmarks, a useful point of reference for getting your bearings around the city. Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is one of the key landmark, a useful reference point to get your bearings around the city. Immediately to the lake’s west lie a bustling fashion district clustered around Pho and Pho Nha Tho Na Chung. Immediately to the west of the lake lies the bustling fashion district clustered around Pho and Pho Nha Tho Na Chung. North of the lake, the Old Quarter’s narrow streets are just waiting to be explored. North Lake, Old Quarter of narrow streets that are just waiting to be explored. South of the lake lies the French Quarter and the great eats of Hai Ba Trung. Located south of the lake and eat French Quarter of Hai Ba Trung.
If you’ve been hotfooting it around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake’s Shores are a perfect place to stop for a breather. If you have hotfooting it around Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake beach is the perfect place to stop for breath. You might want to order a coffee at the Coffee Kiosk on Hapro Pho Le Thai To, or grab something more substantial at Restaurant Bobby Chinn 1 Ba Trieu at. You may want to order coffee at the Coffee Kiosk at Hapro Pho Le Thai To, or reaching for something more substantial at Restaurant Bobby Chinn 1 Ba Trieu on. (The green tea smoked duck should never, ever be missed.) (Green tea smoked duck should never be missed.)
Tourists may check in at a wide range of hotels around the Hoan Kiem Lake’s Mt, or in the Old Quarter nearby. Travelers can check in at various hotels around the Hoan Kiem Lake vicinity, or in the Old Quarter nearby. Click the following link to check out a shortlist. Click the link below to check out the shortlist.
* Hotels in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam Hotel in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake’s Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake’s Ngoc Son Temple,
Hoan Kiem Lake’s “Reflecting waters are punctuated by the Tortoise Pagoda (Thap Rua) at the south end and Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake’s north end. Hoan Kiem Lake waters reflect interrupted by the Tortoise Pagoda (Thap Rua) in the southern end and Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake’s north end.
Ngoc Son Temple may be reached by crossing the Huc (Morning Sunlight) Bridge, a graceful, red-painted wooden bridge. Ngoc Son Temple can be reached by crossing The Huc (Morning Sunlight) Bridge, an elegant, red-painted wooden bridge. Ngoc Son is not just a museum, it’s an active place of worship, where Monks and devotees perform their religious duties. Ngoc Son is not only a museum, was an active place of worship, where the monks and the faithful perform religious duties. The smell of burning Joss Sticks pervades the air, which as a result feels thick and heavy. The smell of burning incense include air, the result was thick and heavy.
The temple complex contains a number of interesting structures. Temple complex contains a number of interesting structures. The Pen Tower on the island’s hill is a Relatively recent addition; the Moonlight Tower (Dac Nguyet Lau) serves as a gateway into the temple from the bridge; and two walls display the names of students who passed the National Examinations hundreds of years ago. Pen Tower on the hill on the island is a relatively new addition; the Moonlight Tower (Dac Nguyet Lau) serves as the gateway to the temple of the bridge and two wall displays the names of students who passed the national examination of hundreds of years ago.
Ngoc Son Temple has stood on this island since the 14th century at least. Ngoc Son Temple has stood on this island since the 14th century at least. The temple honors the war hero Tran Hung Dao, who Thrice repelled invading Mongol hordes from China in the 12th century. Temple honor war hero Tran Hung Dao, who three times rejected the Mongol attack from China in the 12th century. The scholars Van Xuong and Nguyen Van Sieu also have altars dedicated to their memory. The scholars and Van Xuong Nguyen Van Sieu also had an altar dedicated to their memory.
The temple’s main building altars houses, shops, and a large stuffed tortoise. The temple’s main building houses the altar, stores, and large stuffed turtle. Hoan Kiem Lake’s turtles have largely passed into legend, due to pollution and the paving-over of the turtles’ egg-Laying grounds on the Lakeshore. Hoan Kiem Lake turtles has been largely passed into legend, because of pollution and the paving over the tortoise ‘reasons for laying eggs in the lake. The turtles do crop up every once in a while – the turtle in Ngoc Son Temple was discovered in 1967, a specimen that weighed more than 400 pounds and spanned six feet in length. Plants that tortoises do every once in a while – the tortoise in the Ngoc Son Temple, discovered in 1967, a specimen which weighed over 400 pounds and runs six feet long. Another turtle was sighted in 1998. Other turtles seen in the year 1998. Today, the number of surviving turtles in Hoan Kiem Lake remains unknown. Currently, the number of turtles living in Hoan Kiem Lake is still unknown.
The pavilion in front of the temple overlooks the lake. Pavilion in front of the temple overlooking the lake. A bronze brazier stands in front of the temple façade, a holding Joss sticks left by devotees. A bronze brazier standing in front of the temple façade, holding incense left by fans. The pavilion is usually swarming with worshipers and tourists enjoying the view. Pavilion is usually full of worshipers and tourists enjoying the scenery.
To enter Ngoc Son Temple, the entrance fee must be paid just before crossing the bridge – 3.000 Dong VND ($ 0.15), available at a booth to the left of the bridge entrance. To enter the Ngoc Son Temple, entrance fee must be paid just before crossing the bridge – 3000 Dong VND ($ 0.15), available at a booth at the entrance to the left of the bridge. The temple is open daily, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This temple is open every day, 8:00-5:00.
Halong Bay Journey
Travel to Vietnam April 7th, 2010
Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1.600 islands and islets, forming a jewel in Seascape of limestone Pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site’s outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.
