Thursday, November 5, 2009

Travelers Tips to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an international city and it has vast number of tourists come from all over the world in all year round. According to the Hong Kong Government statistics, the number of international tourists visited Hong Kong in 2005 reaches 10.8 million which represents a 13.1% increase when compared to 2004. Countries such as Australia, Canada, French, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korean, Thailand, British and United States all contributes significant tourist growth for Hong Kong. This article presents some critical traveler tips for tourists so that you could enjoy more and have a wonderful trip to Hong Kong.

1. Personal Identity and Safety
Tourists must carry valid personal identity documentation such as passport during their stay in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very safe city according to the low crime rate. However, due to the densely population, it is not suggested to take a large amount of cash when going out since most of the shops in Hong Kong accepts credit cards. Expensive belongs should be locked in the safe in hotel. You could easily find policemen on the streets whenever you have encountered any problems.

2. Service Charges
Most of the restaurants except fast food shops will add 10% service charges to the bill. Therefore, you may choose to give out the odd dollars from the changes as the service tips. For taxi driver or bellboy in the hotel, there is no pre set norm for the service tips, you may choose to give out whenever you think the service is deserved for.

3. Telephone Service
All local telephone call is free except for the public telephone which charges HK$1 for every 5 minutes. Emergency call is 999 and it is free to call even in public telephone. You could either use IDD telephone call card or credit card for long distance call, or simply through operator for collect call in all public telephone counter.

4. Drinking Water
The drinking water in Hong Kong reaches World Health Organization standard. However, you may also choose to buy the bottle water in the supermarkets if you think it is necessary.

5. Taxi
All taxi only accept cash and they have invoice print out whenever you request. It is easier to catch the taxi in the taxi stop or outside the hotel. Many of the taxi drivers could understand simple English. It is suggest writing down your destination (in English) on paper to minimize misunderstandings. The taxi charges is based on the meter which is HK$15 for the first 2 Km and HK$1.4 for the subsequent 0.2 Km. Besides, there are tunnel charges ranging from HK$3-45 depends on which tunnel you have to take. The charging table is clearly shown on the inner side of the doors so you could check it before you pay. In case of any complaints or lost case, you may record down the name of the taxi driver and his license plate number which is clearly shown on the front seat stand, and reports to the police hotline: 2527 7177 whenever necessary.

6. Mass Transit Railway (MTR)
Hong Kong has 6 MTR routes, which covers most parts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories.
Tsuen Wan Route: Tsuen Wan to Central
Kwun Tong Route: Yau Mat Tei to Tiu Keng Leng
Tseung Kwan O Route: North Point to Po Lam
Main Route: Sheung Wan to Chai Wan
Tung Chung Route: Tung Chung to Hong Kong
Airport Route: Airport to Hong Kong
Due to the convenience of MTR and the compact area of Hong Kong, most tourists find it is not necessary to rent car during their stay. Besides, due to the very heavy traffic and the complexity of the city roads, it is not recommended for tourists to drive. In case you really need car rental, you may consult your hotel, and be ready with your passport and driving license.

7. Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR)
The KCR is the major railway which links up the New Territories and the city of Kowloon. It runs through Tsim Sha Tsui East to Lo Wu which takes about 40 minutes for the whole route. Lo Wo is the final station which you could pass through to enter China with valid visa. The train will depart for every 3 to 10 minutes, and the earliest one will be started at 5:35 a.m. while the last one will be departed at 12:20 p.m. The ordinary fair and the first class fair are HK$18 and HK$36 respectively from Hung Hom to Sheung Shui.


8. Tram
The tram service has been started in 1904 and it is the oldest transportation system in Hong Kong. It only services the Hong Kong Island running from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan plus another route to Happy Valley. The earliest tram starts at 6: 00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. and the fair is HK$ 2 for adult and HK$ 1 for children under age12. It is the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong, and you are highly recommended to take a ride at the upper stairs so that you could enjoy all the street scenery of Hong Kong.

9. Star Ferry
The scenery of Hong Kong harbor is famous in the world, especially the night scenery. Besides, there is spectacular light show by the commercial buildings in the Hong Kong island at 8:00 p.m. every night which you must not miss. The Star Ferry has been serving on the harbor for more than 100 years, and the fair is less than HK$3 per rides. You could take the Star Ferry from Cental to Tsim Sha Tsui at around 8:00 p.m. You could enjoy the harbor scenery on the ferry and continue with the light show at the Starlight Road of Tsim Sha Tsui.

10. Hong Kong International Airport
The most convenient route to the Hong Kong International Airport is through the MTR which takes about 23 minutes from Central. It passes through stations of Kowloon, Olympic, Tsing Yi, and the train will be departed for every ten minutes. With the MTR, you would never miss the airplane due to the traditional traffic jam. Other than the MTR, you could take the Airport Bus which starts from 6:00 a.m. at the morning until 11:00 p.m. at night. It covers most part of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with major hotels.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Toba Lake


Toba Lake was formed by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion. The eruption was 75.000 years ago and leaving a spectacular caldera with wonderful landscapes. Toba Lake is the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia and the highest lake in the world, with gigantic size of 1.265 sq km and a depth of over 450m. Lying at 906 above sea level, the climate in the Toba area is refreshingly cool. The volcanic soils are remarkably fertile and the Toba highlands have been inhabited for centuries.
General Information

Things to Do



Getting there



Interesting Places

Swimming, Fishing, Rafting, Water skiing, Speed boat trips, power boating, shopping traditional craft, etc

Rental Car, Private Car, Bus
(4 hours driving or less than 100 KM from Medan City)

Parapat, Samosir Island, Tuk-Tuk, Tomok, Tongging

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Rinjani mountain


After we surfing From the blue Ocean now we go to the green mountain, is great adventure to climb this mountain.clear air no polutan so quite and full of mysterious think i think ,from my experience clim this mountain last years

Mt. Rinjani forms the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia, part of celebrated “Ring of Fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over millions of year of cone - building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as water - collectors for the hole of Lombok.

Mount Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-largest volcano in Indonesia. The first historical eruption occurred in September of 1847. The volcano, and its sacred, and spectacular Segara anak crater lake, are protected by a national park established in 1997. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake.
The highlands are forest clad and mostly underdeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island.
For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, the volcano is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. Segara Anak crater lake is the destination of thousand of pilgrims who place offerings in the water and bathe away disease in the hot springs.
The endemic duck Belibis is found here and several species of fish are recorded. Mt. Rinjani, one of the over 40 National Parks throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997.
Over 20 villages surround Rinjani and there are many routes up the mountain , but the main access is from Senaru in the north and Sembalun Lawang to the east.
The challenging 3 days or 4 days Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to the stunning crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered as one of the best treks in south East Asia . Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.
A model for ecotourism in Indonesia, the community based activities are focused on the Rinjani trek Center in Senaru, the most popular starting point for the tough trek. Developed with New Zealand government assistance since 1999, the Rinjani trek Center embodies under one roof (Satu atap) the unique partnership of the National park, tourism industry and Local communities that has been forged to manage and protect the Rinjani mountain environment.

Mt. Rinjani

Elevation

3,726 metres (12,224 feet)

Location

Lombok Indonesia

Prominent

3 ,726 m

Coordinates

8° 25′ 0″ S 116° 28′ 0″ E

Type

Stratovolcano (active)

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Bali surfing



Bali has given a magical gift to the global surfing community. That gift is surf! Like a magnet, Bali's surf has attracted the world's best surfers to ride and discover Indonesia's best-kept secret.
Robert Koke, an American who ran a small hotel somewhere near the present Hard Rock Hotel at Kuta in the 1930's, was the first person to surf in Bali. In the late 1960s Australian surfers started arriving to surf the Kuta area before discovering the world class waves of the Bukit Peninsula.
Surf movie producer Albie Falzon documented the discovery of Uluwatu in his 1972 movie, "Morning of the Earth". Other movies and other surfers followed and by the mid 1970's, a surf trip to Bali was an annual event for many Australian surfers.
Today, Bali is the front door for hardcore surfers setting to explore the many excellent quality waves throughout the rest of Indonesia. Before they head off to discover the surf of Java, Sumbawa, Lombok or the Mentawai Islands, they should never overlook the quality and perfection of Bali's surf.
In Bali, the experienced surfer should start on the Bukit Peninsula. During the dry season, May to October, the western side of the peninsula creates some of the world's best waves. Starting at the southern end is Uluwatu, a peeling lefthander which can hold a heavy swell.
Ulu's, as it is affectionately known, has a number of sections: Temples, The Peak, Race Track and Outside Corner. The next wave north, Padang-Padang, is one of the best and heaviest lefthanders in the world and needs a solid swell to start working. Padang is for experienced surfers only!
Just across the channel from Padang is a series of long winding lefthanders appropriately called Impossibles, which can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. The next break is Bingin, another lefthander, which provides some of the most intense small wave tubes you may ever experience - watch out for the end section as it gets very shallow.
Next is a rare wave on this side if the Bukit, Dreamland, a right and left peak. Around the corner from Dreamland is Balangan a fun lefthander, which used to peel along a beautiful lagoon in a beautiful tropical setting - sadly the area is no longer as beautiful as it is now a large hotel development.
The southern shore of the Bukit has two waves. Nyang-Nyang, a bowly right-hander and Green Ball a longer right are both located at the bottom of large cliffs and require a lot of effort to be reached.
During the wet season, November to April, the eastern coast of the Bukit turns it on with some outstanding (right-handers). Nusa Dua is a big wave break known to hold well over 5 meter waves: There are three main sections: Top, Middle and End all producing long bowling rights. North of Nusa Dua is Sri Lanka, a bowly right, which breaks into a deep water channel. Across the Benoa Boat Harbor is the resort area of Sanur, this area has four main reef breaks.
Hyatt Reef, Tandjung Rights, Tandjung Lefts and Sanur Reef. Of these four waves the best and most popular is Sanur Reef, a world class right-hander.
Back on the west side of the island, around the Airport and Kuta areas are a series of reef and beach breaks. Waves break off either side of the airport runaway: Airport Rights break on the southern side into Jimbaran Bay, Airport Lefts breaks on the Kuta side. Both are excellent waves and worth a surf. North of the runaway is Kuta Reef a long lefthander and the first reef surfed in Bali.
The Kuta Beach Breaks tend to have their own character and can get very good; the best sports are Halfway, Padma and Double Six. This is the area of beach and surf where tourists, inexperienced with surfing and the ocean, have their first contact with the surf. Be warned, as this area can be dangerous when the swells get big.
Swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the instructions from the lifeguards. Experienced surfers should also exercise care and show respect to the local Balinese surfers.
Good surf is not restricted to the Bukit and Kuta areas. Following the coastline around the west and eastern sides of the island can be worthwhile, there are still secret sports to be found.
Along the west coast check out Canggu, about half an hour's drive north of Kuta, a good right and left rock reef setup. Further north, Balian River Mouth is a fun left and right break and Medewi, a long winding left-hand point wave.
Access to all the breaks via car is easy, even Uluwatu now has it's own car park right above the break. When surfing the Nusa Dua and Kuta Reef areas, you can still hire one of the local boats to take you out to the reef and return you at an appointed time.
There are two other areas accessible from Bali worth surfing during the dry season. The first is Nusa Lembongan Island just east of Bali, here you can surf Lacerations and Shipwrecks, two fast bowling (righthanders) as well as the less demanding Playgrounds a left and right.
The second area may well be the best wave in the world; G-Land or Grajagan located on the southern tip of East Java. This spiraling, dazzling lefthander has three main sections: Kongs, Money Trees and the crown jewel of the trilogy, Speedies. Since 1995 G-Land has hosted the annual Quicksilver Pro, the richest and most highly respected surf contest in the world. The 1997 Quicksilver Pro will long be remembered as one of the greatest contests ever when Speedies turned on in all its glory for the entire contest.
You can get to Nusa Lembongan by taking a boat from either Sanur or Benoa Harbour and finding accommodation when you arrive. G-Land is a bit more difficult and you must book, as the two camps are located inside a National Park. There are two camps to choose from, the Tiger Camp and the Jungle Camp. Ask at most surf shops in Kuta and they will tell you how to contact the camps.
Now that you know where to surf, how do you know what it will be like? Firstly you need to know the tides; Tubes Bar and most surf shops can provide you with a tide chart for free, knowing the tides is important when surfing the coral reefs. Accurate five-day swell forecasts can be picked up from outside the Quicksilver Board riders Club at Bemo Corner, Kuta and other - surf shops. Working out the right mixture of conditions is up to you. Good luck!
The Kuta area has the highest concentration of surf shops anywhere in the world. The newer, larger shops compare more than favorably with the best surf shops in the USA, Europe, Japan or Australia. All the major surf brands are represented, Quicksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Spyderbilt, Volcom, Stussy, Rusty and many more.
If purchased from surf shops they are all genuine products but be careful in the warungs where they are usually copies, which put nothing back into the Balinese surfing.
The genuine product is still a bargain compared to the Japanese, USA or Australian prices so enjoy your shopping for a new pair of board shorts or a tee shirt.
To get the best surfing equipment and other needs at reasonable prices, go to Dream Land Surf Shop in Kuta Square. Surfer Girl, as its name implies, caters to the needs of women and girls. It is sited at Jalan Legian, and offers excellent buys at very competitive prices.
If you want to party while in Kuta there are several great bar-cum-restaurants that cater to surfers. Check out Tubes Bar in Poppies II and All Stars Surf Cafe at Kuta Centre in Jalan Katika Plaza.
The Bali Surfing Association runs local contests as well as the Bali International Grommet Contest and the Billabong Asia Challenge. The local highlight is the annual Bali Open, which crowns the Island Champion each December.
Balinese surfing legends such as Made Kasim, Wayan Suwenda, Ketut Menda, Wayan Ganti and Made Switra still surf regularly.
The new generation of surfers spearheaded by Bali's unofficial International Ambassador, Rizal Tandjung and ably supported by Ismael Dooley and Made Adi Putra all have international potential: Tandjung cemented his surfing reputation at the 1996 and 1997 Quicksilver Pro when he scored perfect 10 point waves in each event against the best surfers in the world.
As surfing has evolved from an alternative lifestyle into the huge commercial proposition it now is, Bali has gone along for the ride. It is now possible to arrive on the island and fully deck yourself out in quality surf gear from a range of well-known surf-wear companies.
One can easily buy or hire boards of all shapes and sizes, or even take surfing lessons at the "Cheyne Horan" school of surfing. You may simply like to hang out in surf restaurants and warungs, which offer menu items such as "surf-and-turf", Californian hamburgers, and jaffles with good old Aussie vegemite.
Continuous surfing videos, an array of surfing memorabilia, and life sized fiberglass boards on larger than life moulded waves (providing the opportunity to capture that "perfect tube" on camera) are now common features of surfers' establishments. But be careful if you are renting a board on the beach or taking surf lessons from the guy you just met at the beach. Surfboards are not toys and they can hurt you and other people when not used correctly.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Bali island of god

BAli is one of the prime tourist destinations of the world, the extraordinarily unique island of Bali virtually ensures a great holiday for backpackers and VIPs alike! From hostels to award-winning world-class resorts, Bali has it all !. Come and experience Bali's one-of-a-kind culture and the natural hospitality of her people