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Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya

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Managed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya takes the ‘East meet West’ concept value into the next level, with accommodations woven to the tropical landscape of Sanya City in impeccable Chinese Mandarin style. Covering the hefty thirty acres of lush beachfront area, Mandarin Oriental Sanya is a phenomenal resort built on an ideal site. Surrounded by a peaceful, natural environment with lush greenery, protected coral reefs and a secluded 1.2 km beach, it is an ideal getaway for anyone looking for a refreshing private escape. The city itself provides the visiting travellers with a dreamy tropical goodness; year-round sunshine, sandy coral beaches, clear waters, excellent golf facilities and amusing water sports activities. Located at the coastal city of Sanya—o...

Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Similan Islands

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When thinking of taking a trip to Phuket and the surrounding areas, destinations that usually came to mind are the internationally recognised Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Maya Bay where the movie “The Beach” was shot on location. As this was going to be our second visit to Phuket, we decided to move on from there to another Thai island destination. After some Internet research we agreed to spend some time in the Similan Islands. We arrived in Phuket in the late evening and stayed there overnight before continuing our trip to the Similan Islands the next morning. However, not wanting to miss the opportunity while in Phuket’s Pathong area we had dinner that night at the Number Six restaurant. Situated just 300 meters away from the famous Bangla Road, this restaurant looks very ordinary, bu...

Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Belitung Island

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Belitung Island has a unique shore landscape where huge granite boulders emerge majestically out of crystal clear water into blue skies. Situated on the east coast of Sumatra, this island is one of Indonesia’s gem destinations. Pristine white sand beaches overlooking a turquoise sea of great snorkelling sites and a fantastic display of offshore islands have gained Belitung its worldwide recognition as a much visited holiday destination, especially for those seeking an alternative from the mainstream vacation islands around Indonesia. Belitung maintains a laid-back tropical ambience without any of the ritzy neon fizz of nightclubs and party venues that come with the Western influence of so many Island resorts. Located off West Indonesia, Belitung has remained under the radar for a lon...

Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Raja Ampat

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There simply isn’t an adequate word in the English language that can do justice to the sublime majesty of Raja Ampat. This is an area that has drawn visitors and researchers from around the world to absorb the timeless natural wonder of rich marine life and island vistas that present there. Raja Ampat is an eye opening destination and in this modern world of ours, one of the truly great natural wonders of our time. It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by natural beauty of Raja Ampat. A trip to this incredible area of ocean in Eastern Indonesia transports one to a different world, far away from the skyscrapers and asphalt of modern civilization. It is a window to the world that nature intended and a holiday destination of priceless beauty. Raja Ampat translates into The Four Kin...

Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Puka Shell Beach, Boracay, Philippines

Five Best

The name here is derived from tiny puka shells that are found in the white sand. This quiet beach, located in the northern part of Boracay is a great place to have a lazy day trip while at the same time savouring the excellent seafood provided by small restaurants around the beach. The 800-meter-long stretch of shining white sand on this tiny island’s northern tip is a major draw for visitors. At certain times of the year the beach is not suitable for swimming as the water is deep and sometimes rough. However, Boracay is a lovely picture postcard island full of gentle attractions. It is a perfect place to soak up the sun and unwind in a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is also known for its astonishing sunsets.

Jun142015 by olafNo Comments

Tarutao National Marine Park, Thailand

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Ko Tarutao Marine National Park in the Adaman Coast of Southern Thailand consists of 51 islands covered with protected virgin rainforest that is home indigenous fauna. Most of the islands are surrounded by magnificent beaches and healthy coral reefs. Ko Tarutao is the largest of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park and second-most visited island in the group. In the early 1940’s Ko Tarutao was used as a prison because it was considered remote and hard to escape from. The island is 26.5km long and 11km wide and the highest point is 700 metres above sea level. Rainforest covers over 70% of this hilly and most unspoiled island in the Anderman Sea. Here there are long sandy stretches of unspoiled beach and some caves to be explored. Another island within the ...