Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson, New Zealand

This website provides helpful information about one of New Zealand’s most popular tourism destinations and holiday parks, Kaiteriteri Beach. Famous for its golden sands, camping facilities, outdoor activities and high sunshine hours typical of Nelson weather it is the ideal spot for family holidays all throughout the year.

Check out the menu links above for more info, or look below for updates about the latest news and events at Kaiteriteri and the region’s renowned tourist attraction, the Abel Tasman National Park.

Kaiteriteri Beach is often known as the Gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, but with such a stunning beach right on the doorstep of the local beach campground offering 4 star accomodation right next to the Shoreline Cafe and Restaurant it is a New Zealand holiday destination in itself.

Also functioning as a start point for many of the kayak and boat cruise operators that tour the Abel Tasman coastline, Kaiteriteri is a common favourite as a base for backpackers and those camping in and exploring the park.
When you’re booking your next holiday or looking for places to visit in the Nelson region come and visit!

For a list of attractions and things to do at Kaiteriteri Beach, plus our local kayak, sailing, boat cruise sightseeing tours and shuttles that operate from the beach, see our page:  Things To Do

If you’re planning an event or activity at Kaiteriteri that people should know about, get in touch with us so we can help spread the news.

Source: http://experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz/

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Lake Baikal, Russia

Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. Known as the 'Galapagos of Russia', its age and isolation have produced one of the world's richest and most unusual freshwater faunas, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.

Justification for Inscription

The Committee inscribed Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem on the basis of natrual criteria (vii), (viii), (ix) and (x). It is the oldest and deepest of the world´s lakes containing nearly 20% of the world´s unfrozen freshwater reserve. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The Committee took note of the confirmation of the revised boundaries of the site, which correspond to the core areas defined in the Baikal Law (excluding the five urban developed areas). It also noted that the special Lake Baikal Law is now in its second reading in the Duma. Finally, it noted concern over a number of integrity issues including pollution, which should be brought to the attention of the Russian authorities.

Long Description

Lake Baikal in south-east Siberia, the deepest lake in the world at 1,700 m, contains 20% of all fresh running water on the planet, making it the single largest reservoir. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The basin supports a variety of plant and animal species, a number being endemic; the most notable of which is the Baikal seal, a uniquely freshwater species. The great variety of plants in the basin is determined by its climatic asymmetry: the western part is occupied by light coniferous forests and mountain steppes; in the eastern part pine forests predominate; and the north is covered by deciduous forests. The formation of the geological structures in the basin took place during the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras and there are a number of significant geological features. Various tectonic forces are still ongoing, as evidenced in recent thermal vents in the depths of the lake.

The lake itself is the centrepiece of the site and its largely unseen underwater features are the core of its value to both science and conservation. Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, with 1,340 species of animal (745 endemic) and 570 species of plant (150 endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake there are an additional 10 threatened species along with the full complement of typical boreal species. The evolution of aquatic life that has taken place over this long period has resulted in an exceptionally unique and endemic fauna and flora. As the 'Galápagos of Russia', the lake is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.

The landscape surrounding the lake basin, with its mountains, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes, is exceptionally picturesque. The Baikal region has some 1,200 historical, archaeological and cultural monuments of which 1,000 have state protection. A number of these are considered sacred. There is also a mix of distinctive cultures in the region and an interesting human history.

However, there are serious threats to the biotic communities at Lake Baikal and there is a danger that its unique ecosystem properties could be lost. Various steps are being taken to address these issues of integrity with strong support from all levels of government and the Russian public.

Source: hc.unesco.org/en/list/754

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Bottom Bay, Barbados

Bottom Bay

Tucked away on the south coast, past the Crane Beach and Sam Lord's Castle is Bottom Bay, a wide expansive beach with smooth rolling waves riding onto the shore.

The beach is semi enclosed by high coral cliffs, providing a panoramic view of the south shore. The scene is completed by the presence of tall palm trees that add to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the bay.

Always a popular picnic spot, it is also becoming a popular place to live and a number of homes are being built on the tops of the cliffs overlooking the beach and ocean. People who live there report spotting turtles and whales in the waters below the rocks.

Bathing here is not recommended, as the waves are very strong, and great care should be shown by those who choose to do so.

Source: http://barbados.org/botbay.htm#.VKI21l4BQ

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Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States

The Nā Pali Coast State Park encompasses 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) of land and is located in the center of the rugged 16 miles (26 km) along the northwest side of Kauaʻi, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Keʻe Beachextending all the way to Polihale State Park. The na pali (high cliffs) along the shoreline rise as much as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above thePacific Ocean. The state park was formed to protect the Kalalau Valley.

Although inaccessible to vehicles, this coast can be enjoyed over land by hiking or in a helicopter, and from the ocean by kayak andpaddleboard. Charter tours are available on rigid-hulled inflatable boat or catamaran, originating from Port Allen and Hanalei Bay. TheKalalau Trail from the end of Hawaii Route 56 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the only land access along the coast, traversing 11 miles (18 km) and crossing five major valleys (and many smaller ones) before reaching Kalalau Beach at the base of Kalalau Valley. Side trails along the way lead to waterfalls in the valleys above.

To the east of the state park is the Hono O Nā Pali state Natural Reserve. It was established in 1983, and then extended to over 3,578 acres (14.5 km²) in 2009. Hiking trails and hunters roads have access to the sharp ridges from Koke Road (route 550) in Waimea Canyon.

Location: Trailhead for Kalalau Trail at end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy. 56) in Ha'ena State Park; Kalalau and Miloli‘i Valleys also accessible by kayak from May 15 through September 7. Nu‘alolo Kai accessible for day use by commercial boat tours or by private boats.

Description: The Na Pali Coast is a very special place. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.

The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs (pali). The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Ha’ena State Park to Hanakapi’ai Beach, make a popular day hike.

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Wadden Sea, Germany and the Netherlands

The Wadden Sea is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. The site covers the Dutch Wadden Sea Conservation Area, the German Wadden Sea National Parks of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, and most of the Danish Wadden Sea maritime conservation area. It is a large, temperate, relatively flat coastal wetland environment, formed by the intricate interactions between physical and biological factors that have given rise to a multitude of transitional habitats with tidal channels, sandy shoals, sea-grass meadows, mussel beds, sandbars, mudflats, salt marshes, estuaries, beaches and dunes. The area is home to numerous plant and animal species, including marine mammals such as the harbour seal, grey seal and harbour porpoise. Wadden Sea is one of the last remaining large-scale, intertidal ecosystems where natural processes continue to function largely undisturbed.

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

The Wadden Sea is the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world, with natural processes undisturbed throughout most of the area. The 1,143,403 ha World Heritage property encompasses a multitude of transitional zones between land, the sea and freshwater environment, and is rich in species specially adapted to the demanding environmental conditions. It is considered one of the most important areas for migratory birds in the world, and is connected to a network of other key sites for migratory birds. Its importance is not only in the context of the East Atlantic Flyway but also in the critical role it plays in the conservation of African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds. In the Wadden Sea up to 6.1 million birds can be present at the same time, and an average of 10-12 million pass through it each year. 

Criterion (viii): The Wadden Sea is a depositional coastline of unparalleled scale and diversity. It is distinctive in being almost entirely a tidal flat and barrier system with only minor river influences, and an outstanding example of the large-scale development of an intricate and complex temperate-climate sandy barrier coast under conditions of rising sea-level. Highly dynamic natural processes are uninterrupted across the vast majority of the property, creating a variety of different barrier islands, channels, flats, gullies, saltmarshes and other coastal and sedimentary features. 

Criterion (ix): The Wadden Sea includes some of the last remaining natural large-scale intertidal ecosystems where natural processes continue to function largely undisturbed. Its geological and geomorphologic features are closely entwined with biophysical processes and provide an invaluable record of the ongoing dynamic adaptation of coastal environments to global change. There are a multitude of transitional zones between land, sea and freshwater that are the basis for the species richness of the property. The productivity of biomass in the Wadden Sea is one of the highest in the world, most significantly demonstrated in the numbers of fish, shellfish and birds supported by the property. The property is a key site for migratory birds and its ecosystems sustain wildlife populations well beyond its borders. 

Criterion (x): Coastal wetlands are not always the richest sites in relation to faunal diversity; however this is not the case for the Wadden Sea. The salt marshes host around 2,300 species of flora and fauna, and the marine and brackish areas a further 2,700 species, and 30 species of breeding birds. The clearest indicator of the importance of the property is the support it provides to migratory birds as a staging, moulting and wintering area. Up to 6.1 million birds can be present at the same time, and an average of 10-12 million each year pass through the property. The availability of food and a low level of disturbance are essential factors that contribute to the key role of the property in supporting the survival of migratory species. The property is the essential stopover that enables the functioning of the East Atlantic and African-Eurasian migratory flyways. Biodiversity on a worldwide scale is reliant on the Wadden Sea. 

Integrity

The boundaries of the extended property include all of the habitat types, features and processes that exemplify a natural and dynamic Wadden Sea, extending from the Netherlands to Germany to Denmark. This area includes all of the Wadden Sea ecosystems, and is of sufficient size to maintain critical ecological processes and to protect key features and values. 

The property is subject to a comprehensive protection, management and monitoring regime which is supported by adequate human and financial resources. Human use and influences are well regulated with clear and agreed targets. Activities that are incompatible with its conservation have either been banned, or are heavily regulated and monitored to ensure they do not impact adversely on the property. As the property is surrounded by a significant population and contains human uses, the continued priority for the protection and conservation of the Wadden Sea is an important feature of the planning and regulation of use, including within land/water-use plans, the provision and regulation of coastal defences, maritime traffic and drainage. Key threats requiring ongoing attention include fisheries activities, developing and maintaining harbours, industrial facilities surrounding the property including oil and gas rigs and wind farms, maritime traffic, residential and tourism development and impacts from climate change. 

Protection and management requirements

Maintaining the hydrological and ecological processes of the contiguous tidal flat system of the Wadden Sea is an overarching requirement for the protection and integrity of this property. Therefore conservation of marine, coastal and freshwater ecosystems through the effective management of protected areas, including marine no-take zones, is essential. The effective management of the property also needs to ensure an ecosystem approach that integrates the management of the existing protected areas with other key activities occurring in the property, including fisheries, shipping and tourism. 

The Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation provides the overall framework and structure for integrated conservation and management of the property as a whole and coordination between all three States Parties. Comprehensive protection measures are in place within each State. Specific expectations for the long-term conservation and management of this property include maintaining and enhancing the level of financial and human resources required for the effective management of the property. Research, monitoring and assessment of the protected areas that make up the property also require adequate resources to be provided. Maintenance of consultation and participatory approaches in planning and management of the property is needed to reinforce the support and commitment from local communities and NGOs to the conservation and management of the property. The State Parties should also maintain their commitment of not allowing oil and gas exploration and exploitation within the boundaries of the property. Any development projects, such as planned wind farms in the North Sea, should be subject of rigorous Environmental Impacts Assessments to avoid any impacts to the values and integrity of the property. 

Source: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1314

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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Seljalandsfoss was a conspicuous waterfall that we immediately noticed while driving along the Ring Road. It was for this reason that we weren't surprised to see it also very popular with tour buses as well as people who were self touring like us. While there were many waterfalls that were tall (this one was said to be 60m), I believe the claim to fame with this one was that we were able to go behind it on a well-developed loop trail. Thus, we were literally able to photograph it from every angle imaginable.

During our visit in early July 2007, there were many wildflowers in bloom all over the grass that seemed to thrive off the waterfall's mist. The cliff itself was said to be where the former coastline of Iceland was. In fact, the escarpment seemed to curve around and stretch throughout much of Southern Iceland, and it might include the cliff responsible for Skogafossfurther to the east.

Our visit to the falls was a leisurely stroll taking one hour. We made plenty of stops and really took our time so conceivably, you could make a visit here in as little as 15-30 minutes if you happened to be on a schedule or on a tour with a packed itinerary. During the leisurely stroll, there was still enough volume in the water to produce some mist that was blasting towards the loop trail going into the waterfall's overhanging backside. I'd have to believe that the mist was continuing the cutting action that would keep growing the depth of the alcove behind the falls and eventually cause the location of the falls to gradually "move backwards."

Now since this waterfall was quite popular (we could tell by how often tour buses would stop here), we were practically guaranteed to be sharing it with other people. However, if the weather was good (it wasn't cooperating during our three days in the Skogar area), we could've waited until late afternoon or even sunset to take some very moody photos from behind the falls or at least watch it glow against the cliffs it'd fall over.

Finally, nearby this waterfall were other smaller waterfalls includingGljúfurárfoss, which we could literally walk to from Seljalandsfoss. We have a separate writeup for that one since it was a bit eccentric.

In a bit of trivia, I looked up my Icelandic dictionary to see what the name of this waterfall meant, and it said that "seljalandi" meant "seller". So does that mean that this is the "Seller's Falls"?

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Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colourful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.

The very name ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (‘many fountains’) suggests the magnificence of this landscape. There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most famous being the Staubbach Falls. Plunging almost 300 metres from an overhanging rock face, they are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. In 1779, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the valley, and was inspired by the roaring waters to write his well-known poem ‘Spirit song over the waters’ 

Another deafening natural phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls in the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a total height of about 200 metres. This spectacle can only be reached in summer by tunnel lift.

Winter

The expansive ski regions of Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg and Mürren-Schilthorn are quickly reached by mountain railway. There are 45 transport facilities altogether in the Jungfrau region as well as 213 km of piste, fun parks, 100 km of winter hiking trails and 50 km of toboggan run. The Lauterbrunnen Valley also boasts plenty of cross-country ski trails.

Summer

The valley town of Lauterbrunnen (795 m) is the starting point for some of the best known excursion destinations in the Jungfrau region. A rack railway links Lauterbrunnen with the sunny terrace of Wengen on the eastern flank of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Kleinen Scheidegg, the station where you change trains for the onward journey to the Jungfraujoch. 

On the opposite side of the valley is the holiday resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cableway from Stechelberg continues to the peak of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, famous for being the setting where the 007 classic, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed. 

A few kilometres further up the valley from Lauterbrunnen, accessible along a narrow mountain road, is the peaceful little mountain village of Isenfluh, perched on a steep rock terrace at 1024 m, and starting point for walks in the romantic Saustal and further to Mürren and the Lobhorn mountains.

Source: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/lauterbrunnen.html

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Verdon Gorge, Provence, France

The Gorges du Verdon are a top tourist attraction in Provence and one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. This is the best way to visit the "Grand Canyon of France".

The gorges date back to the Triassic Period (250-200 million years ago), when this part of France was under water, causing limestone and coral deposits to form, traces of which can still be seen today.

As the waters subsided over the millennia, the deposits fractured, resulting in distinctive, striated rock formations. A major glacial period remodelled the landscape, opening up deep gorges.

The river Verdon - which, as the name hints, is a surprisingly verdant bright green - runs between the two départements of the Var and the Alpes de Haute Provence, mingling their Mediterranean and Alpine ecosystems.

The most stunning part is the canyon between Castellane and Moustiers Sainte Marie, where the valley can plunge 700 metres / 2,300 feet deep, offering dizzying views downwards and breathtaking vistas across the valley.

Two roads lead along the Gorges du Verdon, and you can go right the way around along both of them as part of a circuit. Click on the map to enlarge the image.

The route on the south (Var) side of the river is called locally the rive gauche (left bank) or the route de la Corniche Sublime. Marked in green on the map.

This road is clearly demarcated, and has two lanes and reassuringly sturdy-looking wooden barriers, though you are more likely to meet large tourist buses on it. The landscape here is green and lush (in fact, the trees sometimes block the view!)

The route on the north (Alpes de Haute Provence) side of the river is called locally therive droite (right bank) or the route des Gorges. It is dramatic and rugged with much less vegetation.

Instead, you pass through, across and, at times, under some towering rock formations. It has spectacular views at the beginning and end of the route, though in the middle the road loops away from the deepest part of the gorges. Marked in brown on the map.

The best way to see the Gorges du Verdon from the north side is to take a detour, the route des Crêtes, pictured. This loop is even steeper and narrower, with vertiginous drops (and often without barriers). Part of it is one-way only. Locals assure us that accidents are rare on this road, but it is not for the faint-hearted. Marked in red on the map.

Generally speaking, it's recommended to set out very early in the morning in summer in order to avoid excessive heat and traffic, and to take the anti-clockwise route if driving on hairpin bends and narrow roads is something that concerns you, as you will be hugging the cliff for much of the route.

The Gorges du Verdon are a magnet for motorcyclists, quad bikers, cyclists and camper van tourists. There are plenty of campsites. Click here for a list (note: the French-language area of this website throws up many more results than the English-language one).

If you are staying in a hotel or gîte, you are likely to be based either in Moustiers Sainte Marie, one of the most beautiful villages of France, with prices and crowds to match, the lakeside resort of Les Salles sur Verdon or the more modest and down-to-earth Castellane.

Our suggested route runs anti-clockwise round the Gorges du Verdon, starting in Castellane. You could cover it by car comfortably in a day, or even in half a day (especially if you are motorbiking), although this would be a terrible rush.

Or you could take it easy and make a weekend of it. We have listed some suggestions of interesting places to visit along the way.

ROADBOOK FOR THE ROUTE ROUND THE GORGES DU VERDON

The pleasant small town of Castellane is dominated by a 184 metre / 603 feet high rock on which a chapel, Notre Dame du Roc, perches. Castellane was once located up there before it moved down to its current, more accessible position. But you can still walk up to the chapel if you have the time and inclination.

There's a small old town and, on the main square, place Marcel Sauvaire, an information centre, the Maison Nature Patrimoines, with displays about the gorges and information as well as temporary exhibitions. Castellane itself also has a Tourist Officeon the rue Nationale.

Other than a good farmers' market with high-quality Italian and mountain produce on Wednesday mornings (look for honey, saucisson, nougat and cheeses) and a general market on Saturday mornings, there is not much more here to detain the visitor.

Castellane is very quiet outside the main tourist season and only a handful of its many restaurants remain open in winter. The best destination for gastronomic dining is the Auberge du Teillon in the neighbouring village of La Garde, five km / three miles away, though this too closes for four months in winter.

Out of Castellane, take the D952 to start the anti-clockwise circuit around the Gorges du Verdon along the north bank. The road, pictured, runs alongside the river, before climbing to Point Sublime, a celebrated viewing point on the route.

The car park here can get very busy in summer (there's also a small snack bar) But a short walk will reward you with majestic views over the river 700 metres / 2,300 feet below and the Couloir Samson(Samson's Corridor).

This signals the beginning of the gorges proper and owes its name to a segment of the rock formation which - supposedly - looks like an Atlas-like figure holding up the cliff.

Perched high above Point Sublime, the tiny, intimate village of Rougon (altitude 963 metres / 3,160 feet) is worth a quick visit if the traffic is not too heavy (the road to it is narrow with few places to pass and parking is inevitably limited at the top).

This little community has its own Town Hall, post office, village shop and tourist information point as well as a crêperie and restaurant. Also of interest: Le Cesaron, a group of five contemporary sculptors working in the area. Two of them are based in Rougon, two are near Trigance and the fifth is in Bargeme.

Rougon offers even more stunning views, and many of the best hikes through the Gorges of Verdon pass through, or start here. It is also a great vantage-point for birdwatching.

The Griffon Vulture, or wild vulture (Gyps fulvus) had disappeared from Provence for over a century when a programme was begun in 1999 to reintroduce the species. Twelve vultures were released then and now around 100 thrive in the rocks around Rougon.

There is a viewing point in the village and the best time to spot them is in the late morning, when the cliff where they nest warms up in the sun. In summer it's possible to take a two-hour tour with an ornithologist.

Back on the D952, you will find the D23, or route des Crêtes, winding off to the left around 800 metres / half a mile before you arrive at La Palud sur Verdon (by the way, "route des Crêtes" is a generic term meaning "road across the crests": there are other routes of the same name elsewhere in France, for example between Cassis and La Ciotat).

It leads up to a pass 1,285 metres / 4,200 feet above sea level and 715 metres / 2,346 feet above the level of the river bed with 14 belvederes along the way where you can pull over to admire one of the amazing vistas,pictured. Allow at least an hour to drive it.

The descent takes you through two tunnels and along hairpin bends with a deep drop to your left (and no barriers). The section from the top is one-way for around 15 km / 9 miles as far as the Chalet de la Maline and is closed, by law, in winter between 1 November and 15 April.

At this point is a building which was - when we visited in September 2013 - being converted into a Centre Regional de Montagne (Regional Mountain Centre).

Next to it is a small mountain refuge, theChalet de la Maline itself,pictured, which was renovated in 2013. It now offers 43 beds in shared dorms of 4-6 beds, dining and activities rooms and parking for cars, motorbikes and bicycles.

The route des Crêtes rejoins the main route des Gorges at La Palud sur Verdon 23 km / 14 miles later. Note that you cannot complete the route des Crêtes starting from La Palud, since the one-way strip is in the opposite direction.

The village of La Palud has been invaded by campsites and other tourist facilities, but retains vestiges of its agricultural past: watch out for the restanques, the dry stone walled terraces typical of Provence. It has a farmers' market on Sunday mornings.

Source: http://www.marvellous-provence.com/other-places/sights-and-attractions/gorges-du-verdon

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An Bang Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam

An Bang Beach is the local, public beach of Hoi An. It nestles about 4 kilometers from the town center at the end of a country road that passes through verdant farmland.

If you want an alternative to the coconut palm fringed Cua Dai beach, An Bang is a nice alternative - although restaurateurs can be a bit pushy.

There are a number of laid back grass roof beach hut restaurants with the most glorious views over to Da Nang and Cham Island. The most famous being "Soul Kitchen" featured as a Lonely Planet Top Choice or the more bohemian Le Plage to the right with it's simple French/Viet menu and more relaxed vibe. 

However don't overlook local restaurants catering to Vietnamese customers, the best Vietnamese chef on An Bang Beach is probably Mrs. Gia, who serves grilled clams with lemongrass oil ($3.25) and whole grilled fish in banana leaf ($5.75) at "Nam Gia" restaurant, second food stall on the right. 

The cheapest and most trustworthy place to park your bike is with "Huggy" on the left side of the parking lot nearest the beach. Do be warned it is illegal to take your bike on to the beach and it is likely to be impounded by the police if you do. Parking at the entrance to the beach should cost no more than 10,000VND for the day and your bike will be safe. Also do be sensitive to local's property, there are public pathways to the beach along the road between Cua Dai and An Bang beach and these are sign posted - if there is not a sign, you are trespassing on their property - this is not OK.

It's a 20 minute bicycle ride from hoi An or 5 minutes by motorbike or green taxi (80,000vnd)

Tip: Go there after 4pm to see the breathtaking sunset, but do respect the fact that this is one of the last public beaches left in Hoi An. Respect the locals.

Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g298082-c195078/Hoi-An:Vietnam:An.Bang.Beach.html

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Venice Beach, California, United States

Venice Beach California is located in the western part of Los Angeles. It has gained fame because of its colorful boardwalks, bohemian residential areas and stunning beaches and canals. Tobacco mogul Abbot Kinney founded it in the year 1905. His goal was to create a resort town that would resemble Venice Italy. He seems to have succeeded. Today, Venice Beach California is often referred to as The Venice of America. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the street named in his honor, is filled with an interesting selection of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.

Throughout the years, Venice Beach California has received notoriety for a variety of reasons. It was here that B.H. Delay, the famous movie aviator and airport owner created the first lighted airport in the United States. He also created the first aerial police station in the nation. Delay was also known to perform movie aerial stunts in Venice Beach California.

Venice was once home to an amusement area known as Pacific Ocean Park. However, due to competition from other parks such as Disney, the area was torn down, and residential property was built in its place. Today, the area is now known as Dog town. It is home to the skateboarding pioneers known as the Z-Boys, who were featured in the film Dog Town and Z-Boys.

In the year 1925, Venice Beach California became annexed to Los Angeles. Given the iconoclastic nature of the Venice Beach California culture, there have been many movements in favor of seceding from Los Angeles.

There are many highly unique aspects to Venice Beach California. The impressive Venice Beach Family Clinic is the largest free medical clinic in the country. Compared to much of the Southern California car culture, Venice Beach is extremely pedestrian-friendly. In fact, some houses have entrances from pedestrian-only streets.

Venice Beach California is well known as a celebrity hangout. The city's famous residents include actresses Julia Roberts and Angelica Huston and actor Nicholas Cage. During the actor Robert Downey Jr. kept an apartment on the boardwalk. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the majority owner of a restaurant in Venice called Schatzi's on Main.

If you are planning a visit to Venice Beach California, be sure to spend some time on the boardwalk. On weekends, enjoy the street performers as they perform their magic. On any given day, these may include instrumental musicians, singers, jugglers, acrobats, mimes, comics, magicians, prophets, fortunetellers, and other types of entertainers. In fact, the people themselves are a form of entertainment. Watch them stroll by with their multi-colored hairdos, painted faces, strange tattoos, and outlandish clothing. In some cases, it may be their lack of clothing that you may find interesting. For recreation, there are courts for basketball, handball, shuffleboard and paddle tennis.

Do to the counter culture atmosphere of the town, if you are looking for an expensive, luxury hotel in Venice Beach California, you should probably look for a room in near bySanta Monica or Marina Del Rey. However, if you want to totally immerse yourself in the Venice Beach experience, you should seek to find a hotel in Venice Beach California itself. You will have many to choose from. The city's popularity makes it easy to find a hotel in Venice Beach California.

Those of you who are on a tight budget will be pleased to discover that it's easy to find cheap accommodations Venice Beach California. Hotels within a block of the beach can run from $35 to $250 nightly. If you are on a really tight budget, cheap accommodations Venice Beach California can go for as little as $10 to $15 nightly at the Venice Beach Hostel. These cheap accommodations Venice Beach California can allow you to experience the true Venice Beach Bohemian lifestyle.

Source: http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/california/venice-beach

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Frozen Sea in Luleå, Sweden

The Luleå archipelago (Swedish: Luleå Skärgård or Lule Skärgård) is a group of Swedish islands in the north part of the Bay of Bothnia. They lie offshore from the city of Luleå and the mouth of the Lule River. A few of the islands have small permanent populations, but most are used only for recreation in the summer months. They are icebound during the winter.

Location

The north of the bay of Bothnia contains a large archipelago area. The islands in the Swedish sector make up the Norrbotten archipelago. They are divided into the Piteå, Luleå, Kalix and Haparanda archipelagos. The Luleå archipelago lies in the Luleå Municipality, part of the Norrbotten county. The port of Luleå is one of the largest in Sweden in terms of tonnage, shipping iron ore and steel.

There are more than 1,312 islands in the Luleå archipelago if small or very small rocky islets are included. Many of the islands are uninhabited, in a natural state, and are quite small with little or nothing in the way of facilities for visitors.Due to post-glacial rebound the land is rising at from 0.8 to 1 centimetre (0.31 to 0.39 in) annually, so the shoreline can retreat by as much as 100 metres (330 ft) in one person's lifetime. As a result, the islands are growing in size but the waters and harbors are becoming shallower. Because of this process in 1649 the entire city of Luleå was forced to move to its present location since the channel to its previous location had become too shallow.

Climate

The archipelago is only 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of the Arctic Circle, so there is daylight for 24 hours in the summer, and full moon all day in the winter. In the summer many of the islands can be reached by tour boat. In the winter they can be reached by ice road, snowmobile, skiing or skating.

The waters around the archipelago are brackish, with less the 10% of the salt content of the Atlantic. The sea freezes in January and remain frozen until March-April. Ice roadsare cleared to four inhabited islands. In total there are 60 kilometres (37 mi) of ice roads. The longest ice road in Sweden at 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) runs from Hindersöstallarna on the mainland to the islands of Hindersön, Stor-Brändön, and Långön. Normally the road is open from January to April. Vehicle weight restrictions apply.

Environment

The Luleå archipelago was described by the Swedish bishop Olaus Magnus in 1555. He praised the fair islands, with constant daylight in the summer, well-covered in trees, bushes and grass, with warm but refreshing air, set in a sea that was rich in fish. The islands are rich in wild berries including lingonberries, blueberries, raspberries, Arctic raspberries, cloudberries, wild strawberries and seabuckthorn. They have a large and varied bird population. The outer islands are considered more vulnerable, with more sensitive vegetation.

A number of islands are in whole or part included in the Natura 2000 ecological network of the European Union, including sixteen nature reserves that cover 16,340 hectares (40,400 acres) of which 1,392 hectares (3,440 acres) is land. There is one 5 hectares (12 acres)biotope protected area. There are eight bird sanctuaries covering 1,670 hectares (4,100 acres) of which 366 hectares (900 acres) is land. These are off-limits to visitors during the months of May, June and July, when the birds are breeding. Most of the protected nature reserves and bird sanctuaries are in the outer zone.

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Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo (Indonesian: Gunung Bromo), is an active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java, Indonesia. At 2,329 metres (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif, but is the most well known. The massif area is one of the most visited tourist attractions in East Java, Indonesia. The volcano belongs to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name of Bromo derived from Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god.

Mount Bromo sits in the middle of a vast plain called the "Sea of Sand" (Javanese: Segara Wedi or Indonesian: Lautan Pasir), a protected nature reserve since 1919. The typical way to visit Mount Bromo is from the nearby mountain village of Cemoro Lawang. From there it is possible to walk to the volcano in about 45 minutes, but it is also possible to take an organised jeep tour, which includes a stop at the viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan (2,770 m or 9,088 ft) (Indonesian: Gunung Penanjakan). The viewpoint on Mount Penanjakan can also be reached on foot in about two hours. From inside the caldera, sulfur is collected by workers.

Depending on the degree of volcanic activity, the Indonesian Centre for Vulcanology and Disaster Hazard Mitigation sometimes issues warnings against visiting Mount Bromo.

Culture

On the fourteenth day of the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada, the Tenggerese people of Probolinggo, East Java, travel up the mountain in order to make offerings of fruit, rice, vegetables, flowers and sacrifices of livestock to the mountain gods by throwing them into the caldera of the volcano. The origin of the ritual lies in the 15th century legend where a princess named Roro Anteng started the principality of Tengger with her husband, Joko Seger. The couple were childless and therefore beseeched the assistance of the mountain gods. The gods granted them 24 children but stipulated that the 25th child, named Kesuma, must be thrown into the volcano as a human sacrifice. The gods' request was implemented. The tradition of throwing sacrifices into the volcano to appease these ancient deities continues today and is called the Yadnya Kasada ceremony. Though fraught with danger, some locals risk climbing down into the crater in an attempt to recollect the sacrificed goods that they believe could bring them good luck.

On the Segara Wedi sand plain sits a Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Poten. The temple holds a significant importance to the Tenggerese scattered across the mountain villages, such as Ngadisari, Wonokitri, Ngadas, Argosari, Ranu Prani, Ledok Ombo and Wonokerso. The temple organises the annual Yadnya Kasada ceremony which lasts for about one month. On the 14th day, the Tenggerese congregate at Pura Luhur Poten to ask for blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa and the God of Mahameru (Mount Semeru). Then the crowd proceeds along the crater edges of Mt Bromo where offerings are thrown into the crater. The major difference between this temple and Balinese ones are the type of stones and building materials. Pura Luhur Poten uses natural black stones from volcanoes nearby, while Balinese temples are mostly made from red bricks. Inside this pura, there are several buildings and enclosures aligned in a mandala zone composition.

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The Shilin Stone Forest, China

The Stone Forest or Shilin (Chinese: 石林; pinyin: Shílín) is a notable set of limestone formations located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, near Shilin approximately 90 km (56 mi) from the provincial capital Kunming.

The tall rocks seem to pray to the ground in the manner of stalagmites, with many looking like petrified trees thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone. Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) and Suogeyi Village (所各邑村), have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the South China Karst. The site is classified as a AAAAA-classtourist site.

According to legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima (阿诗玛), a beautiful girl of the Yi people. After falling in love she was forbidden to marry her chosen suitor and instead turned into a stone in the forest that still bears her name. Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, many Yi people celebrate the Torch Festival (火把节 Huǒbă Jié), which features folk dances and wrestling competitions.

In China’s Yunnan Province is the famous stone topography of Shilin, meaning “stone forest.” Covering an area of three-hundred square kilometers (or 186 miles) the stone forest is a massive otherworldly landscape of karst formations over 270 million years old. Over the millennia seismic activity and water and wind erosion have carved the present-day limestone formations.

The giant stalagmite-like pillars create huge arrays of labyrinths that are easy to become lost in. Shillin is divided into many smaller stone forests and features caves, waterfalls, ponds, a lake with an island, and even an underground river. Two of the smaller individual stone forests, Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, are a part of the South China Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of Shillin’s most famous attractions is the Ashima Stone, which legend says was formed after the beautiful Sani girl, Ashima, ran into the forest and was turned to stone after being forbidden to marry the man she loved. Every year on June 24 the local Sani people hold the time-honored Torch Festival at Shilin, which features many “traditional performances such as wrestling, bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion-dancing, and the A-xi Moon Dance.”

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