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Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines

March 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Treasuring the moment as evening sets at Sogod Bay in the Philippines

Sogod Bay As The Evening Sets

Sogod Bay, as the evening sets, is so beautiful. When you look across the bay, the water is so blue that it blends into the sky. Can you picture watching the sunset across the bay? What majestic beauty! The perfect end, to a delightful day.

Watching the natural beauty of the bay is a fantastic experience, but it does not end there. As beautiful as the bay is, there is more! Sogod Bay is an underwater paradise teaming with soft and hard corals. These waters are home to an endless variety of beautiful marine life – all waiting to be explored. With extraordinary reefs, divers delight in beds of coral with amazing and steep drop-offs. For the more experience diver, there are shelves and walls to delight you. On the floor of the bay there is black sand teeming with life. This is the other side of Sogod Bay!

What might you see on the underwater side of the bay? First you will notice an awesome cover of soft coral with beds of hard coral. As you move through the coral beds you may see the shrimp fish, the pipe fish, the frog fish, and the bat fish. There are so many amazing creatures for us to see. You might see Sea turtles and lion fish. There is a Charismatic Signal gobie fish that lives on the sandy seabeds. They mimic the eye spots and claws of a crab. This is their built in way to fight off predators. It is amazing what you can see and this is just the beginning. If you have a trained eye, you may spot the frog fish and the scorpion fish waiting to ambush an unsuspecting predator. The blue-spotted Ribbon Tail Rays are extraordinary. Large families of snapper run through the reefs and are awesome to watch. If you watch you may see the odd looking Dogtooth Tuna or a Great Barracuda.

Not only is Sogod Bay a divers paradise, but it is a snorkelers dream. Because of the massive numbers of plankton in these waters, the Whale Shark also calls this their home between November and April as they drift through the bay on their migratory route. There are many snorkeling trips that seek out opportunities for snorkelers to swim with the Whale Shark. These huge sharks move with a smooth continuous motion, making very little noise. Those who have had the privaledge to swim with these magnificant creatures of the sea, know that it will take all your best swimming skills to keep up.

Not only is Sogod awesome for the tourist looking for peaceful sunsets and an awesome beach, it is a delight to the photographer. Underwater photographers often return multiple times to the same spot or shelf to get as many of the different shots available. Sogod is an underwater photographers dream, with an unlimited number of wide angle shots.

What are you waiting for? Make this the year you discover Sogod Bay Southern Leyte, Philippines. Grab your passport and pack your bags.

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Sogod Southern Leyte, Philippines

March 24, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Waterfalls of Sogod Southern Leyte

Sogod, a beautiful mountainous municipality of the province of Southern Leyte, is just 76 miles south of Tacloban City, Philippines. Sogod is a mountainous area with flat fertile plains in the center and to the South. There are many river systems that feed the area with a rich and fertile soil. This fantastic soil is able to sustain high productions of rice, corn, copra, tobacco, abaca, and many root crops. Sogod is also blessed with an endless supply of waterfalls. Some are small and others very large. They are extremely beautiful and several are just breathtaking. Come along as we discover some of the favorite waterfalls in the area.

Malnuto Falls is one of the most amazing of the smaller falls. The river system is rather shallow and the rain-forest is thick and green. The many rocks and boulders provide a perfect bed for this cascading falls. The pool at the bottom of the falls is about waist deep at it’s deepest point. This is amazing beauty. The colors are so deep and intense. Where can you find a deeper green ? This is Sogod at it’s best.

Luman Falls is another of the smaller falls in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines. Luman falls is a perfect day trip and is one of the lesser known falls in the area. It is a favorite spot for locals who like the cool cascading water in the midst of the tropical rain-forest. If you like natural beauty, then Luman Falls is waiting to be discovered.

Magsuhot National Park is home to four beautiful waterfalls that fall into a common basin. This is raw beauty. Malnuto Falls and Luman Falls are only two of the falls that fall into this basin. Mahayhay Falls is another of the falls in the park. If you like waterfalls, Magsuhot National Park has four of the best.

Mahayhay Falls is a beautiful waterfall also in Magsuhot Park, Sogod, Southern Leyte providence, Philippines. Mahayhay Falls is absolutely stunning. There is also a huge rock with stairs going up to the top. From there you can see forever! The views of the falls and the dense rain-forest are magnificent. What adventure is waiting in Sogod!

Gunhuban Falls is found deep in the rain-forest. This is a majestic two-tiered waterfall located in the town of Bato, Leyte. This is a well-developed area and is a major tourist destination in the Sogod Municipality. This is quickly being developed and there is an entrance fee to the park. Even though this is a developed site, it is one you will not want to miss. This is yet another amazing waterfall in the Sogod Municipality. Sogod seems to have an endless supply of waterfalls.

Located in beautiful St. Bernard, Hindag-an Falls is one of the most beautiful falls in the Philippines. This is beauty that you will not want to miss. Hindag-an Falls is about an hours drive out of Sogod. It is overwhelming beauty. For sure, it is definitely worth the effort to get there! This is another Falls that has been developed and there is an entrance fee. There is also a bus that runs several times a day from Sogod.

One of the newest adventures in Sogod is Canting Cave and Falls. This cave was recently discovered by visitors to the area. It has been completely undisturbed by humans since the beginning of the island. There is a beautiful cascading waterfall at the cave. Neither the cave or the area of the waterfall has been fully explored to date. It is also the meeting point of three rivers. There is a beautiful natural pool below the cascading water. Canting Cave is another of the fascinating sites in the lush Sogod Rainforest.

If you like natural beauty, then a trip to Sogod, Southern Leyte Providence, Philippines is a must on your next Philippine vacation. Adventure awaits in the Sogod Rainforest!

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Fishing in the Philippines

March 23, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Watch your step on the old bamboo boat docks in the southwestern Islands of Leyte Philippines

Fishing On The High Seas

Fishing, a constant game of cat and mouse, is a way of life in the Philippines. On any hot and muggy afternoon, fisherman prepare their boats for the night a head. Sleepy villages come alive as blocks of ice are hauled aboard these small wooden fishing boats. Sometimes it is made even more difficult, as the boats may be bobbing at the end of a very old rickety bamboo dock. These docks are still in use and these skilled fisherman maneuver them with care. Not much room for error! Fishing is a way of life here and the docks are just a minor inconvenience. By night fall these wooden boats will be out to sea…. heading toward one of the many coveted fishing grounds.

Bangka boats have bamboo outriggers to give them stabilization in the rough waters of the sea. Bangka fishing boats usually are no more than 30 feet long. These small fishing boats work the reefs during the sultry nights. These fisherman are bound for the rich reefs in the China Sea. Here they hope to encounter blue marlin, red grouper, yellow-fin tuna and lobster to name a few. Many are the species of fish that call these reefs home. Fishing the reefs is the life of a Philippine fisherman. These reefs are a haven for those who make their livelihood from the sea.

In a time where often there are International disputes and international poaching in the reefs, these fisherman are on the front lines. Many days they return to their ports with fewer and fewer fish. Fishing is a way of life and fish is the main source of protein eaten in The Philippines. So generation after generation of fisherman make their way out to sea each night. Their hopes……. to haul in as many fish as they can.

Fishing is the main source of income for many of these tiny villages. Rice farming is also a major resource and a close second. They have no other industries to fall back on. You are either a farmer or a fisherman. If you are the son of a fisherman……you fish. If your father was a farmer….you farm. So down at the sea shore a community waits each morning, to see the fishing boats return to port. They have fished all night and hopefully they will bring back many mackerel or octopus.

Down on the docks in the small fishing village are wives who have waited all night and now look for their men to come home. These may be sleepy villages, but they are wide awake when the call goes out ……the fishing boats are coming! The fishing families are a unit, as the women wait to mend the nets that were damaged in the night. The boats will once again dock at these small bamboo docks, the fish are hauled in and sold. Restaurants and markets are eager to get their share, of the catch of the day. Fish is eaten by most of the local population. Good fresh fish is a must, if you want to stay in business.

The sons clean the boats for the next night and the fisherman go home to sleep. All too soon it will be time to do it all over again. This is the life of a fishing village in The Philippines.

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Published on [email protected] March 25,2017 at:

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Jeepney Tour Adventure In The Philippines

March 18, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Philippines Jeepney Tour Adventure — All Aboard a Jeepney travel adventure in the Philippines

Jeepney Tours Are Fun In The Philippines

Jeepney tours are the only way to go when touring the city. What better way to see all there is to see? When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in the Philippines, join the locals and grab a Jeepney. Tour the city Philippine style. Hop on, hop off! This is Manila style. Discover the rich heritage of Manila! As you travel through the city, do you see something you want to take a picture of? No problem, hop off and catch the next Jeepney when it comes along. This is the only way to see what you want to see in this magnificent city. Jeepney is sure to become an icon in Manila. So join in the fun, explore the major attractions of Manila Jeepney style! Hop on, hop off!

So what do you think? Is this a low-class or frumpy tour bus? NOT ON YOUR LIFE! The Jeepney has it all! It is air conditioned for your comfort, as the tropics can be hot for tourists. It has TV to entertain your children when there is nothing they want to see. They even have the magic of a sing along on-board. What fun this trip is! This is adventure in the Philippines.

Go to London, Barcelona, New York, and India and you will see those awesome Double Decker buses to tour the area in style. Now Manila is adding its name to the famous tour buses in the cities of the world. The Jeepney has just emerged as the bright yellow tour bus of Manila. How awesome it is to see the Jeepney run between Makati and Manila bringing tourists to premier historical and cultural centers. It stops at major shopping centers and restaurants throughout Makati and Manila. Jeepney is a major link between hotels, hostels, restaurants, and tourist events. If you want to really see Manila and Makati, Jeepney is the way to go. Just hop on, and hop off!

Karaoke is a major love in The Philippines. On the Jeepney, you will sing to your heart’s content with the Wow Magic Sing. There are no dull moments on the Jeepney. The tour guides are dressed in Philipinina costumes. They offer tid bits of information as you reach different pit stops or places of interest. What fun it is to join in a grass-roots program that is all Filipino.

So what are some of the places you will see on the Jeepney? A few of the more famous stops are the Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Museum, Orchaderiam, and Ritzal Park. Other places of interest you will see are Port Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Ilustrado, and Silahis Arts. There are many restaurants on the route including the Barbara’s Restaurants. There are stops at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Diamond Motel, and Heritage Motel. For those who like to shop, hop off ….hop on at the SM Mall of Asia.

So what are you waiting for? Make this the year you travel The Philippines. Hop on, hop off…….see Makati and Manila in style, Jeepney style! Discover the Historic District of Intramuros in Manila, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rich district. Immerse yourself in Filipino culture! Be sure to savor the Pinoy treats of The Philippines, they are a culinary delight! So grab your passport and pack your bag. The time to visit The Philippines is now!

http://jeepneytours.com/

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Published on [email protected] on March 19, 2017.

Jungle Retreat In The Philippines

March 18, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The perfect view hidden away in the warm Philippine jungle

Hidden Safely Away In The Warm Philippine Jungle

Jungle life in The Philippines is about as mysterious and remote as you want it to be. Some are a mere speck on the map, several days to get home. What can possibly be so intriguing and satisfying that you will take four planes and a ferry and still not have reached home? Living in the remote jungle in the Southern Philippines is about quality of life and relationships. This is an existence that is not based on possessions, but rather, people. Here in the jungle, a persons true wealth is based on how they love each other. There is great pride on how they can care for their family. When your hidden away in the jungle, it is all about family and your neighbor. Welcome to the jungles of The Southern Philippines.

This is the real thing! There are no coroner stores to run to. Life takes planning in the jungle. There are many edible plants and of course you can have a small jungle garden. The Philippines is tropical, so many fruits and vegetables are easy to grow year around. Maybe your human neighbors are not close but there is plenty of life in the jungle. There are vines, where monkeys squawk and hang by their tails. There are beautiful squawking birds of every color. Some of the world’s favorite pet shop birds, actually live in the jungle. How awesome it is to watch them as they breed and care for their family. And not to be left out, are all the scurrying critters that live on the forest floor.

Life in the Rain-forests of The Philippines is rich and on the move. More than half of all the animals and plants in the world live in these tropical jungles. This also means that it is easy to have a plant based diet of wild greens, nuts, and seeds. Add a few tropical fruit trees and a garden and you are well provided for. So what is there to do in the jungle? There is time to invest in people! To know your neighbor and to genuinely care about him. That is a skill that the people of the rural Philippines have learned well. Many come back saying that they are some of the happiest people. That is because they may have little in possessions, but they have a mountain of love for each other.

If life in the city is getting to be a burden, maybe you should consider the jungle. Here you can have time for whatever you desire. If you are comfortable with yourself, then you can live anywhere. Many writers and painters seek out quiet sleepy places to live. There they have little interruptions unless they desire to take a walk and mingle with the village. It is easy to be inspired in the midst of great beauty. But for the rest, maybe just a quick vacation to discover the Philippine jungle is all you need. Take an eco tour or go on a back packing trip in the Southern jungles of The Philippines. There is no better time to discover rural Philippines than today. Grab your passport and pack your bag. The Philippines has adventure waiting!

http://explore1.wpengine.com/agas-agas-leyte-jungle-trekking/

Tours:

http://www.tourradar.com/d/philippines

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Malapascua Island In The Visayan Sea

March 17, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Malapascua Island’s Rich Coral Reefs Of The Philippines

Malapascua means ‘unfortunate Christmas’. There is nothing unfortunate about Malapascua Island in the Philippines. Like so much of the Philippines, the water is a deep aqua blue and the white powdery sand feels awesome between your toes. No need for flip flops as you walk the sandy beaches of Malapascua in the Philippines. Malapascua Island is blessed with some of the most amazing coral reefs off its coast. What a rich island paradise this is! It is a haven for the diver. Malapascua Island is only one of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippines. It is perhaps one of the smallest, but it is for sure, one of the richest. Welcome to diver heaven! Welcome to Malapascua Island In The Visayan Sea Of The Philippines!

Malapascua Island was not discovered until in the early 1990’s. How did they miss something that rich for that long? In the last 25 years it has become center stage for the international diving community. This Island boasts of some of the most fabulous coral gardens in the world. It is a major diving site for local divers and those of international dive experience. It is one of the most interesting and spectacular diving sites in the world. It ranks in the same class as Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal. What a discovery Malapascua Island turned out to be.

Malapascua Island has been blessed with a huge variety of dive sites for such a tiny island. There are dives for the more experienced diver and the beginner diver alike. Here you can see a vast variety of marine life. There are amazing wreck sites just off shore, areas for coral dives, muck dives and yes, the famous wall dives. Malapascua Island has been rated as one of the top world diving sites. The unique variance of the area is simply amazing. If you are a diver, this is the place to be. It is fascinating! It is a divers paradise!

Malapascua Island is most often acclaimed as perhaps the only place in the world where you will most often see the Thresher Shark. The Thresher Shark is mysterious and extremely elusive. Malapascua Island is off the Northern coast of Cebu in the Philippines. It is perhaps only 30 minutes from the famous Gato Island. Malapascua Island has a country charm. It is not especially developed. It only received reliable 24 hour electricity in mid 2010. Here you will find the delights of discovering something that is off the beaten track. There are no 5 Star resorts or luxury hotels. What you will find is a sleepy and unspoiled island with a wealth of natural resources. You will find friendly islanders anxious to help you enjoy their island. There are plenty of small family run guest houses. These guest houses are clean, charming and romantic. What more do you need? Malapasca Island welcomes you to come and discover all that makes her a world class diving site. Come walk her pristine beaches….leave your flip flops in your room! Feel the soft sand in your toes! Dine on the white sand, overlooking the beautiful aqua blue water! Relax from a wall dive under the shade of an umbrella. Whatever you desire, you will find it on Malapascua Island. Grab your passport, and pack your bag. Make this the year you discover Malapascua Island, Philippines!

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Published on [email protected] on March 18, 2017

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

March 16, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary wetlands in the Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary: Philippines

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Olango Island in The Philippines. How amazing this sanctuary is! What a fun place to visit! Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary has been of International importance since 1994. It was included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of international Importance on July 1, 1994. It is the first wetland to make International importance in the Philippines. This makes it a major destination for Birders. It truly is a haven for migratory birds. These birds are making their amazing journeys back from their nesting grounds. Migration begins from their breeding home in the far North. Many come from places like Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. When they begin to anticipate the lack of food and the onset of severe weather, they begin their yearly journey. It has become a major re-fueling stop for many on their way to Australia and New Zealand. The flight home is a long flight and they use Olango Island as a welcome stop, to renew strength for the miles yet remaining. It is Bird Heaven! It is a paradise for Migratory Birds.

Olango Island is also the winter home to species who live in colder regions of the world. Their greatest need is a place to call home during this time of severe weather and scarcity of food. Not all the birds continue their migration, as some prefer to winter in the beautiful and tropical Olango Island. It is their home, away from home.

There are two times during the year that you can see these beautiful migratory birds on Olango Island. The first being from July till November when they make the Southward Migration. Again, in late February until May, they can be seen as they make the Northward Migration. It is then, that these beautiful birds return home to their breeding grounds. This, is an awesome time to book a birding tour.

So which birds are you most likely to see? You can never tell what you will see, but among the most regular of guests are the Chinese Egrets, Asiatic Dowitcherrs, and Eurasian Curlews. Not to be forgotten are the Plovers, The Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwit, and the beautiful Red Knot. These are large and beautiful birds. What a delight to watch them in their home, away from home!

The Chinese Egret breeds on small islands off the coasts of far Eastern Russia, North Korea, South Korea and Mainland China. It is a tall species with long legs and beautiful white feathers. During the long severe winters of the North, The Chinese Egret winters in The Philippines and other Asian areas. It is believed that over 50% of these beautiful Migratory Birds winter on Olango Island. How amazing it is to watch them! They are also extremely friendly and usually not afraid of humans. What is there not to love about the Chinese Egret?

Among the regulars is the beautiful Sandpipers. Snipes, Eurasian Curlews and the Asiatic Dowitcherrs . These migratory birds are becoming threatened and make their winter home on Olango Island. These beautiful regulars on the island are certain to delight you. Most of this group are in the brown color range and have stripes with a little white. Feel free to check out this website for beautiful photo’s of many of the Migratory Birds that winter throughout Asia, especially in the Philippines. The photography is amazing!

http://www.manilaoldtimer.net/philippinebirds/IOC06Snipes.html

There are several companies that offer Birding Tours. Here are three major Tour Companies that I know of, who are well-known. For your convenience they are listed below. This is not a recommendation of services. They are simply listed in most major Birding Journals. If you love birds, then I recommend that this be the year that you visit the Philippines. Birding is fun! Birding is exciting. The Philippines is a birders paradise. What are you waiting for? Book your tour today! See you on Olango Island.

http://www.birdingphilippines.com/

http://www.birdguidingphilippines.com/

http://www.rockjumperbirding.com/tours/destinations/the-philippines?crumb=Asia

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Philippine Islands: An Amazing Journey

March 16, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

"Let The Journey Begin" — “Let The Journey Begin”

Philippine Islands: An Amazing Journey

Philippine Islands, there are 7,107 to be exact, and they are waiting for you to explore them all. Each is different, but each are ready to welcome you. The monsoon season ended in December and this is an awesome time to make that journey of a life time.

The island of Boracay, Aklan is a wonderful island. If you love the beach, you do not want to miss this island. The white soft sand is just like powder. No need for flip flops here, as the sand feels awesome between your toes. Island hopping and water sports are only some of the events that can fill your days. Discover the secrets of the island and make new friends. Adventure is waiting on Boracay, Aklan.

El Nido and Taytay, Palawan are another island waiting for you to discover it’s richness. This is perhaps one of the most intriguing islands and adventure is everywhere. It’s many limestone cliffs and lagoons are the perfect spot for the backpacker or the snorkeler. You can rent a villa on stilts right on the beach, or find your hide-a-way among the cliffs. El Nido is amazing!

Are you one who likes close encounters with nature? Then Oslob, Cebu Philippine Islands is your destination. There you can swim with the sharks each morning. Now that is a close encounter! What an experience to swim with these awesome giants of the sea. Can you imagine how amazing this encounter will be? What an experience! What memories await! When your done, you can journey on to Tumalog Waterfalls. There you can have a relaxing dip. For those who love to dive, Moalboal is an awesome diving location. Moalboal is a divers dream!

Panglao Island is the beach bums paradise. Dolphin watching is a major event here. The island is laid back and it is a snorkelers delight. Pamilacan Island is for the beach bum who wants to go first class. This is some of the best snorkeling in the world. Bohol is a beach bums paradise, so relax and enjoy another jewel in the Philippine Islands.

On the Island of Garden City, Samal, and Davao del Norte luxury is waiting at every turn. The Pearl Farm Luxury Resort is only one of the islands major draws. Take time to discover Hagimit Falls, one of natures breathtaking experiences. Experience all the many underwater shapes and colors of Talikud Island’s coral Garden Marine Park. Here you will see magnificent coral and endless species of fish. Truly this is one of the top Marine Parks in the world. In Monfort, you can visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the home to thousands of Fruit Bats. What an unique experience is waiting for you in Monfort.

Camiguin Island perhaps has one of the most fantastic beaches. This beach is here one moment and then gone the next. It is really a sandbar and it makes it appearance only during low tide. Camiguin is an island filled with mystery and delightful secrets. There are both hot and cold springs, gorgeous waterfalls, and even an underwater cemetery. Here you will find ruins of an earlier time and the secrets of it’s ancient volcanoes. Be sure to check out all the fabulous snacks as you loop around this fantastic island.

These are only 6 out of all the many islands that make up the Philippine Islands. You still have 7, 101 more to discover. Now is the ideal time for a beach getaway and The Philippine Islands are ready to welcome you. Grab your passport and pack your bag! Make this the year you start your journey around the Philippine Islands.

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Published at [email protected] March 15,2017 at:

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Stinky Tofu Treats: Just Gotta Have Them

March 13, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Stinky Tofu Treats In Taiwan

Stinky tofu Treats, processed by soaking fresh tofu in a brine. How amazing they are! This brine is made of fermented milk, meat or vegetables juices. Many times, the recipes are kept under the hat, as the best kept family secret. The recipes vary greatly, though the trick is to learn a basic recipe and then play with it until you come up with your own personal recipe. Stinky Tofu Treats are a national obsession in Taiwan! You can buy them on the street coroner, at the night market, and everywhere in-between. Stinky tofu is often known as the blue cheese of the tofu world. This amazing snack can be served barbecued, stewed, braised, steamed or even deep-fried. What is there not to like about Stinky Tofu Treats? Stinky Tofu, you just gotta have it!

Stinky tofu treats…..some find them malodorous, foul or evil-smelling, but all agree……You just gotta have it! Some consider it aromatic, fragrant, or perfumed. It is something to be sought after, like a craving seeking to be satisfied. Stinky Tofu is loved all over the Asian World, but feared by many tourists. Stinky Tofu is like a well-loved and worn-out shoe……you just gotta have it!

Many people are put off or scared by the strong smell of stinky tofu. They become fearful, panicky, and intimidated. Only the brave take the plunge. These pilgrims will not soon forget its distinctive flavors. This national dish is most commonly prepared by deep-frying. Fermented bean curd is placed in hot oil and cooked until its surface becomes crisp, Once this delicious treat is crisp, it is removed from the heat and cut into bite-sized quarters. Often, at the night market, a stick is inserted to make eating easier. When in small cafes, it is prepared crispy on the outside and tender on the inside . This National dish is usually served with pickled cabbage. What a delightful start to any good meal!

Where on earth did this fabulous dish originate? One legend tells the story of a scholar who lived during the Quin Dynasty of the years between 1644 and 1911. Wang Zhihe traveled from Anhui Province to the capital city to take the Imperial Scholars Examination. He completely failed his examination and choose to remain in the capital to open a tofu shop. One day he was left with a large amount of tofu that did not sell. It was then that he decided to preserve it. He cut it into squares and sprinkled salt on the out-side. Having it ready, he placed it in the sun to dry. A few days passed and the tofu unexpectedly fermented and turned a greenish color. That was the birth of Stinky Tofu Treats! It was a wonder of aromatic tofu, with a soft, creamy texture. This new tofu was presented as a special gift to the royal court of the Quin Dynasty. The Empress Cixi was so delighted by it, that she named it the “imperial green cube.” And this was the humble beginnings of Stinky Tofu Treats.

Whenever you visit Taiwan, take time to browse the night markets and don’t forget to sample Stinky Tofu…..if you so dare. No trip to Taiwan is complete without it. You just gotta have it!

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This was published on [email protected] traveler on March 13, 2017 at:

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Also published on Crowdify on March 15, 2017 at:

https://blog.crowdifyclub.com/638/show

Monkeys: Mischievous Rock Monkeys

March 11, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Monkeys: Those Mischievous Rock Monkeys

Monkeys! Monkeys! Monkeys! Everywhere you look are those mischievous Rock Monkeys! They are agile and a blast to watch. They run through the trees performing their antics as they go. What performers they are! Welcome to the world of the Formosan Rock Monkey. They are known by several names, Formosan Rock Macaque and Taiwanese macaque being two main local names. However the most famous is the Formosan Rock Monkey. These cute little fellows grow to be between 50-60 cm and usually weigh less than 12 kg. The females are usually the smallest and appear the most delicate. These monkeys are usually grey or brown and have long tails. The long tails help them swing through the trees. What fun they are!

The Formosan Rock Monkey is endemic to The Taiwan Islands and live in the mixed temperate rain-forests and the bamboo jungles. Can you imagine going for a walk and seeing these cute little fellows squawking in the trees? What a delight they are. They love to forge in the grasslands, looking for tender shoots of grass, both stems and leaves and the fresh new buds. Then there are the delicacies of a fruit tree or insects. The Formosan Rock Monkey especially likes to dine on snails and bird eggs. They can spot a nest of eggs from afar and are quick to enjoy before the mother bird returns.

The Formosan Rock Monkey often finds himself in trouble. This cute little monkey is the only primate besides humans who live in Taiwan and the human is his greatest enemy. His cute little pouches on the inside of his checks enable him to satisfy his longing for fruit and store it away for consumption once he is back in safe territory. He is hated and hunted by the farmers whose crops he likes to destroy. He does seem to have a knack at destroying the very source of food he most treasures.

Monkey meat is a delicacy in Asia and the Formosan Rock Monkey again finds himself as the only target to fulfill the desire for monkey meat. Since he is the only primate on the island, other than man, he is once again the object of the illegal hunter. This time his only crime is to be thought good to eat by the masses. Again his swiftness and his chubby little cheeks are his only defenses against the hunters and their desires for his meat.

What do you think? If he out runs the angry farmer and stays in the tallest trees away from the hunters wanting his meat, is he now safe? Not quite, now he faces even a greater foe. This one leaves traps and catches him alive. He is then shipped off to research labs the world over to be used in experimentation. Here he becomes the lab monkey, or a medical guinea pig. Since he is a primate, he is prized for research when a new drug comes out. His system is one of the closest to the human and often drugs are first used on medical monkeys before being released for human trials.

The Formosan Rock Monkey is protected in Taiwan, so if he can outrun all the illegal hunters that are everywhere he can live up to 20 years, making the world a happier place with his sense of humor and antics. So next time you are in Taiwan, take a walk in the bamboo jungles or the temperate rain forest and watch these little fellows play in the tops of the trees. They will bring joy to your heart.

http://www.taiwan.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=23982&ctNode=1718&mp=11

exploretraveler.com

Published on [email protected] on March 12, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/mischievous-rock-monkeys