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Photo Tour Of Jerusalem In Israel

February 21, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Holy City Of Jerusalem In Israel

There is no other city more Holy than Jerusalem. It is considered Holy to the world’s three largest religions, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Ancient City is side by side the modern city of Jerusalem. What a privilege to walk her ancient cobblestone streets.

Israel Is A Land Of Ancient Ruins And Ancient Secrets

No matter where you go, the ancient ruins are everywhere. As the digs increase throughout the region, ancient history comes to life.

Olives, Grape Leaves And Peppers In A Traditional Open Air Marketplace Or Shuk In Jerusalem

The open markets are filled with delightful fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and juices. The traditional market places, and cobblestone alleys, have been there for centuries. The deserts are green and blooming, filled with dates, figs, and other fruit trees. All these make their way into the ancient markets of the Old City.

Herbs, Rose, Mint, And Hibiscus, A Few Of The Choices For A Warm Cup Of Tea In Israel

Frankincense, Myrrh And Other Treasures In Old City Of Jerusalem

Fresh-Squeezed Pomegranate And Orange Juice In The Old City Of Jerusalem

Western wall plaza in Old City Jerusalem Israel

The partial remains of the ancient walls of the walled city are everywhere, as are the gates going out from the city. The Eastern Gate remains sealed until the day that the Messiah returns to Jerusalem through this gate. On the other side of the gate is a Muslim Cemetery.

The Eastern Gate Facing The Mount Of Olives In The Old Walled City Of Jerusalem

The Wailing Wall Is A Place Of Prayer In The Old City Of Jerusalem

Heartfelt Prayers At The Kotel Also Called The “Wailing Wall” In Old City Jerusalem

Mount Zion ~ The City Of David

The Dome Of The Rock On The Temple Mount In The Old City Of Jerusalem

These are a few of the marvelous scenes from the city of Jerusalem. An ancient city where you can walk in the footsteps of the prophets of old. This is a land where the ancient is cherished and remembered, while the modern is also important. Many scientific and medical discoveries come out of Israel.

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Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico Beckons To Beach Lovers Everywhere

February 20, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Horses, Warm Weather, And A Perfect Surf At Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico

Rosarito is a quaint town with many luxury resorts, elegant hotels, and many first class recreational vehicle parks. This has been a mecca for short tourist get-a-ways from San Diego, California USA, being less than 30 miles away. There is also the towm of Medio Camino just south of Rosarito Beach and Baja Malibu to the north of Rosarito. This area has amazing beaches, with sandy beaches just perfect for horseback riding and a strong surf perfect for catching that next wave.

Surfing The Internet In Style At Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico

Almost anything can be seen south of the border. Horseback riding is a major sight in Baja California, so much so, it seems some people have real skills. This young man was trotting down the sandy beach surfing the internet. Now that takes skill!

Endless excitement at Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico

The town of Rosarito is a quaint tourist town that Americans flock to by the thousands. With it’s outstanding beaches, and first class resorts at reasonable rates, it is a magnate for the retired. People on medicare, can hop back into the US for medical care and return home to paradise. All this helps in making tourists from north of the border content and comfortable.

Romantic Shores Of Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico

Rosarito beaches are beautiful any time of the day. The sunsets over the ocean are spectacular. Couples walk hand in hand down the beach. Romance is in the air.

Another fun place to visit is the Rosarito Underwater Park which is located just offshore. The park features an artificial reef with the remains of a former Navy ship near by. The wreck is a magnet for divers of all levels.

Hidden Gems That Make You Fall In Love With The City In Baja California Mexico

The food in the area is extremely good and the only issue is the large portions. There are many restaurants at the resorts and then there are food trucks painted brightly so as to be easily seen. Mexicans love color and this is just one of the examples of the many colors. Food at the food trucks is extremely delicious, and of course the prices are reasonable.

Shopping For Bargains Is Always Fun In Baja California Mexico

An example of two Mexican women visiting in the sun in front of a market. The Mexicans are very friendly, though you may expect that as the culture as a whole really likes visiting and showing friendship. Notice the beautiful use of color

Sweet Music Of A Man And His Violin In Baja California Mexico

The Mexicans love music, and it is not uncommon for skilled players to be playing for those who enjoy listening.

Tomatillos On The Vine In Baja California Mexico

Tomatillos make up a positive appearance in most gardens. Tomatillas are often called the Mexican Tomato. They are a bright green when ripe and are covered by a husk. They are usually used in making salsa.

Unique And Beautiful Architecture In Baja California Mexico

This Spanish styling is everywhere in Baja, with it’s arches, courtyards, and red tiled roofs. This is the local style for all levels of housing. High rises and modern architecture are now seen, but there are plenty of small homes to larger ones done in the Spanish styling. Especially in Baja, with it’s magical appearance, these homes make up the norm.

If you are looking for a quick vacation to a tourist wonderland, that is near the border, then Baja California is your perfect answer. The shopping is spectacular and there are bargains galore, the food is amazing, and there is a strong dollar to peso relationship, which is good for Americans.

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Beautiful Birds From Around The World

February 19, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Do you have any fish? Hungry Pelicans in Oceanside, California USA

Found in many warmer areas, the Pelican has very few predators. Due to their massive size, there are few animals or birds that are willing to mess with them. Their fishing skills are exquisite. These elegant fisherman are amazing to watch in action. If there is fish to be found, they will find them. This fellow was tightening up his belt, due to a fish shortage in California.

Brandt’s Cormorants nesting on the steep ocean cliffs of Florence, Oregon USA

Each summer many seabirds come to the Central Oregon Coast to nest. The beautiful Brandt’s Cormorant are one of the visitors that comes to breed in the massive cliffs and on the many off shore islands. The presence of so many Sea Lions signals that there is plenty of fish in the sea.

The Majestic Great Blue Heron Of North and Central America

The Great Blue Heron lives In the wetlands throughout North and Central America. You will see them cruising the ocean shores with majestic wing movements. Their style of flight is slow, deliberate, and majestic. When looking around for dinner, this heron stands completely still, absolutely motionless.

The brightly colored world of The Australian Lorikeets Is Fascinating

These spectacular are small to medium size parrots with a tongue that feels like a scrub brush. They feed entirely on the nectar of beautiful flowers found in the coastal and wooded rainforests of Australia. Like all parrots, they have a beautiful voice as they call out to each other.

Yuen Po Bird Garden keeps with the traditional culture of songbird keeping in Hong Kong

These beautiful small to medium song birds are not wild, like the others shown here. However they are found in the tropical forests of Hong Kong. Keeping song birds is a big part of Chinese culture, especially among the older generation. This bird garden is beautiful and the birds are taken in their cages out daily for a walk, much like we would take a dog for a daily walk.

Beautiful Peacock Found In The Balboa Park In San Diego, California USA

Only the the males are really called peacocks. They are striking with deep colors and a long tail. The females are referred to as hens and lack the amazing color tones.

“It’s A Gull’s Life For Me!” Relaxing Herring Gull In Eastern Maine

Throughout the coastal areas of much of the world, the sea side is full of gulls. This fella has made himself king of the Sea.

Throughout your travels you are almost certain to see beautiful and unique birds to where you are. Just another way to enjoy nature wherever you are.

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Animal Photo Tour From Around The World

February 14, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Komodo Dragon On Remote Tiomon Island Malaysia

Some of the most exciting things that the Exploretraveler Team does as we travel the world allows us to connect with nature. We take jungle treks, mountain hikes, river tours, climb trails, and scale ruins. In the midst of everything, we often see unique shots of the animal kingdom.

Did you ever think about real dragons living on earth? This Malaysian dragon can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are carnivores and are also considered cannibals. As much as a tenth of their diet can be the eating of other Komodo Dragon’s eggs. They eat wild pigs, deer, and other wild animals of the jungle. They are even able to take down an adult Water Buffalo.

Hungry Monkeys In Singapore

This big guy looks like he is so very hungry in Singapore. Hang on to your lunch or you may make an unwilling donation.

Formosan Rock Monkey Also Known As The Taiwanese Macaque

Meet the Taiwanese Formosan Rock Monkey, who are also known as the Formosan Rock Macaque and Taiwanese Macaque. These cute fellas live in the jungles in the western mountain regions of Taiwan. They are the only living monkey native to Taiwan and are usually found between 300 and 12,000 feet. They prefer the jungle forest with it’s mixed hardwoods, mixed grasslands, and bamboo. This enables them to eat to their heart content.

Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Macaque Are The Only Monkey Native To Taiwan

Hang In There Baby! Formosan Rock Monkey Macaque In Taiwan

These guys were so fun to watch, but hang on to your camera. The bigger the camera, the bigger the fascination, so if you want to keep it, hang on to it tight.

This big guy is enjoy his banana!

The Philippine Sailfin Crested Lizard living Only In The Philippines

Another one of the interesting animals of the jungle. This one is found only in the Philippines. The Sailfin Crested Lizard is an excellent swimmer. He is so cute when he uses his flat toes to run across the water. Just another amazing wonder in the jungles of Asia.

Alaskan Red Fox Wants To Play In Cantwell Alaska “Do I Get Out Of The Car?”

This is the most common fox in Alaska and the largest of the fox family. They like to eat small animals, but also eat fruits and other vegetation. They like to live in family groups, where only one mated pair breeds at a time, with the rest of the clan helping with the babysitting.

Watch Your Step, The Philippine Sail-fin Dragon Lizard Could Be Above Your Head!

The Splendor Of Wild Elk Grazing In The Backroads Of Washington USA

The Moose Struggling To Find Food During Winter In Alaska

The moose plow through the snow and ice looking for twigs and small tender branches. By the last half of winter this can be hard to find and by spring they are quite hungry and waiting for those first tender shoots.

Petite Kirk’s dik-dik Antelope in Eastern South Africa

The Dik-Dik is the common name for four different species of Antelope and six sub-species in Eastern South Africa. They only weigh from 6 to 13 pounds and are 12 to 15 inches tall. They have a life span in the wild of about 10 years. You can not miss those eyes, as they stare straight at you. So adorable, but yet they are so wild.

Where are you going next? Everywhere has their own adorable animals that live in the mountains, the jungle, the Savannah, the plains, and they are just waiting for you to take their picture.

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San Diego California And Her Treasures Of The Sea

February 13, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Beautiful Sea Urchins From Grey Tones To Pink

San Diego is the southern most city before crossing the border into Mexico. She and the most northern towns on the Mexican side of the border, are blessed with one of the greatest “Treasures of the Sea,” the Sea Urchin. This small window of the Pacific, is one of the few places in the world, where you can see the Pink or the Purple Sea Urchin.

The Pink Sea Urchin Is One Of The Most Majestic In The World

The showy pink Sea Urchin is totally magnificent. From the world over, adventurers come just to see the longest living creature on planet Earth. The Pink Sea Urchin can live to be over 200 years old. Then there are those who come to taste it’s spectacular row.

Getting Ready To Take That First Taste

While in many countries this is a delicacy that is well loved, there are many who come to get that first taste. Every year adventures come to San Diego just to taste and see. Will you too, be one who comes? This young man waited in line just to get his first taste of this amazing creature of the deep.

A Vendor Displaying This Beautiful Treasure Of The Sea.

The vendor is scrapping the inside, which is custard like, so that you can see the actual inside of this magnificent creature.

Creamy On The Inside And Tasty Like Custard

This is a creature so fine, with a taste like nothing else. The closet description would be like custard. Yet, there no words for this amazing opportunity to taste and see.

Will You Come To See This Magnificent Creature Of The Deep?

Home Of The Freshest Fish And The Spectacular Pink Sea Urchin

The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is the best fish market in San Diego. Here you will see the freshest fish, and many unique treasures of the deep. It is open every Saturday morning at 8:30 am, however, the line begins to form by 7:30 am. For up to date information consult their website at:http://thdocksidemarket.com/new/

If you are an adventurer in seek of an adventure, consider a visit to see the longest living creature on earth, and while you are at the market, taste and see how delicious it is.

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Tuna Harbor Dockside Market In San Diego California USA

February 12, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

This Early Morning Fish Market Setting Up On The Dock

It is very early on Saturday Morning and it is time to head to Fish Harbor Pier located near Seaport Village. There is still some low fog hanging over the harbor. The scene is quite picturesque. The merchants at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market are still buying fish from the local fisherman. The different sellers are setting up for business. Though it is early, we join those in line waiting for the market to open. This is an open air market where the fish are right off the boat. Truly we will leave with the freshest fish in town.

One Of The Fishing Boats Unloading The Catch Of The Night At The Pier

Some of the boats are still unloading fish to the waiting merchants, while others are leaving the area to get their boats cleaned and their nets checked. Most of the fisherman have families that will help with the cleaning and mending of the nets, while the fisherman get a few hours sleep.

The Last Of The Boats Leaving The Doc Area

The Last Of The Merchants Setting Up And Putting Their Fish On Ice

The merchant is holding a rather large Pacific Crevalle Jack (Caranx Caninus). This fish is found in the warm waters from California to Peru.

With the fish now rinsed and laid out on the table for sale, the market is now open for business. We begin to go from fishing table to fishing table. The Saturday morning regulars come early, so as to get first pick of the nights catch.

The Bright Colorful California Sheephead Fish

Because of the deep color of most of the fish on the table, we can only assume that most are at least five or six years old. All California Sheephead are born female and change to males about two-thirds through their nine year life span.

The easiest way to cook sheephead is to fillet the fish. Make an herb butter with herbs, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon. Spread on the fish. Cook on a lightly greased pan at 400 degrees until the fish flakes from the testing fork. Should be between ten and twelve minutes.

While many do not know this fish, or how to cook it, it is a very good fish when cooked in this way.

A Table Of Pacific Crevalle Jack (Caranx Caninus) On Ice And Ready To Sell

This fish can be easily boned and then cubed. Make a marinate of Ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, garlic, fresh lemon juice, scallions, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 1-3 hours in the refrigerator. Put on a pan and grill it until flakes from the testing fork. Good served with a salad.

Fresh Caught Tuna Are A Market Favorite And Go Fast

Table Of Fresh Pacific Red Rock Fish

The Pacific Red Rock Fish is different than the one found on the East Coast of America. The Pacific Red Rock Fish is usually marketed as Pacific Red Snapper, however it is not a true Red Snapper. True Red Snapper is found only in the Atlantic Ocean near Mexico. Both fish are cooked in a similar way.

California Two-Spot Octopus

Octopus is not one of the most widely cooked fish among Europeans and Americans. It is considered a delicacy among the countries of Asia. Asian Americans are usually first inline at the fish market to bring this fish home and prepare it extremely well. Several local restaurants that specialize in fish also have Octopus on the menu. While in San Diego, you will find that there are many places that serve Octopus in extremely delicious ways. Almost every Japanese Restaurant has an Octopus dish on the menu.

Fresh Caught King Crab

Crabs are caught and are sold alive. Crab cakes are a favorite in California. You will find many fish shacks along the beach with delicious crab cakes.

California Spot Prawn/Shrimp Is A Market Favorite

If you enjoy shrimp, what could be better than fresh shrimp? Visit the Restaurant at the end of the Pier for for a large selection of shrimp entrees. All around the park and village are fish and specialty restaurants.

Fresh Farmed Oysters From San Diego Bay

Sea Urchins Are The Treasure Of The Sea In San Diego California

People come from all over the world to taste these tiny tasty sea creatures. While at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, be sure to stop by the small fish shop that serves Sea Urchins in the half shell. Eating fresh out of the shell is like nothing else! It is almost like a custard, not too fishy, and a great experience.

Sweet Creamy Sea Urchin ~ A Mysterious Delicacy Of The Sea!

Close Up View Of The Inner Custard Of This Outstanding Treasure

San Diego Pier Cafe

The San Diego Pier Cafe is a San Diego landmark and has served lunch and dinner since 1980. It is a full service restaurant has a different featured local fish selection daily. The view is excellent, the atmosphere is amazing, and liquor, beer, and wine are also served.

Small Fish Shack Located At The Market

Loaf & Fish sells some of the best fish sandwiches in San Diego. The fish can be different weekly, as they use the fresh catch from the fishing boats.

Just One Of Several Delicious Fish Sandwiches At Loaf & Fish

California Sea Lion Can Smell The Fun

A morning at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is a fun and interesting adventure. Ours was made perfect as we spent time looking at the bay. As we were watching, this little fellow came swimming by. He didn’t want to miss out on anything.

If you are in San Diego on a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the fish market on Harbor drive. The market opens around 8:30 am, but the earlier you get there , the more you will see. The line starts forming around 7:30 am. While you are there, take time to explore the park and village market place. Lunch at the Dockside Market and dinner at one of the Harbor restaurants would be the perfect end to a perfect day. Eat at one that has nice big windows looking out over the bay. San Diego is known for it’s amazing sunsets.

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Looking Forward To Chinese New Year And The Year Of The Dog

February 9, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

“Chinese New Year” New Decorations, New Clothes And Snacks.

Asian shops are gearing up for the largest holiday of the year. Asian families are beginning to decorate throughout the world. Now less than 6 weeks away, there is many things to do and plans to make. Those that are traveling need to secure their travel plans. All Asian families try to come home for New Years if possible. Those that plan to visit any of the Asian countries during this time, get your reservations made. Hotels will be filling fast, airlines will book fast, and costs will soar.

This holiday ranks with Christmas in the West. People are out looking for new clothes for the celebration, and the children have visions of their favorite treats. During this time you will see Dragon Boat Races in some places, and parades filled with lanterns during the great Lantern Festival. China Towns all over the world will stop what they are doing and celebrate during this time. If there are no funds for Asia this year, check out your closest China Town for their dates and times.

Chinese New Year’s Eve Feast Is A “Must Do” Dinner

Chinese New Year’s Eve Feast is attended by the whole family. For most families, now is time to plan this years “Reunion Dinner.” Relatives that you haven’t seen since last year are coming. Every cook is busy planning, as this is the most important dinner of the year. Special dishes with lucky meanings will be on the menu. At the top of the list are spring rolls, dumplings, and fish. Stores are well stocked early on so that every family can get what they need. Fish will, in most Asian countries, be a last minute buy. Only the freshest fish is good enough for this dinner.

Plenty Of Candy For The Children Is A Necessity

Every child is dreaming about all the candies and red envelopes they may get. Excitement starts early, as the adults begin to prepare for this grand event.

Small Towns And Large Cities Will be Decorated In The Color Red

Red, the color of fire, is the symbol of good luck, joy, and prosperity. Red is found throughout all holidays, but especially the New Year. A Red envelope is given to family and friends with money inside during this time. Throughout the up coming season every business and home is decked out in red, wishing all their customers, friends, family, and neighbors “Happy New Year.”

Hotels And Restaurants Shout Out “Happy New Year” With Their Lobbies Decked In Red

Are you ready to celebrate Chinese New Year? If you are the host, then the world knows how busy you will be these next few weeks. As for those of you that are traveling, be sure to make all your reservations and travel plans fast. It is already getting late. Things fill up fast on Chinese New Year! For those who need to rent a room or hall in a restaurant, if you haven’t done it yet, you need to get your reservation in. Many people book things a year a head of time. This is a busy but happy time of year, as the Asian world prepares for Chinese New Year.

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Animals At Work And Play Around The World

February 8, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

When The Camels And Their Owners Are Not Busy…..It Is Time To Laugh

Camels are used as Transportation throughout the Middle East. Here are camels that are used to transport adventurers to the top of Petra, in Jordan. When these camels are not busy, both they and their handlers take time to play. This handler had talent and brought many smiles to those watching.

ExploreTraveler Team On An Aventure In Petra, Jordan

The Exploretravler Team, like other adventurers, often us the local means of travel when climbing ruins or trekking long distances. Camels are considered the ships of the desert.

Resting From Their Labors In The Wadi Rum Desert Of Jordan

Working camels work hard and the handlers know that they need frequent breaks in the hot desert climate. These camels are taking advantage of a much deserved break.

Nomadic Bedouin Cowboys Of The Jordan Desert

In the hot deserts, they do use old pick-up trucks to patrol the desert, but there are many places that only the animals can safely get too. This is a patrol of Bedouin Cowboys riding the desert, keeping law, and keeping it safe. They are a major part of the local law-enforcement in the desert.

Horse Trekking To The Top Of The Active Taal Volcano In The Philippines

Many people choose to trek to the top of the volcano, but others are not able to make the climb. These horses are provided for adventurers that are not wanting, or simply can not, make the climb to the Taal Volcano in The Philippines.

Brothers Work And Play With Their Carabao Water Buffalo In The Philippines

These brothers were given a young Carabao Water Buffalo. The children and the buffalo are raised together and become best friends. Then as they both grow, they learn to work, travel, and play together.

The Good Luck Of A Mahout And His Elephant In Kanchanaburi Thailand.

Much like the Water Buffalo in the Philippines, when a young boy is small he is given his elephant. He cares for it, often sleeps in the stable at night and the two grow close. As they grow, they will learn to work as a team in Thailand. The child becomes a Mahout and the Elephant grows up with him. Long before the child is a man, they will begin to work. This same Elephant will be his best friend throughout life. They will become a bonded adult working team for the rest of their lives.

This team Is Racing In The Iditarod Race In Alaska USA

The teams are shown racing here, but at other times in Northern Alaska they provide transportation of goods to those who live in the back country and also provide humanitarian services as needed. Though the snowmobile has taken over a lot of what they used to do, there are some places that only the dogs can get too. In emergencies that happen during white out blizzard conditions, the handler can safely trust his trained dogs to stay on the path to safety.

Working Animals Around The World

Many of us may not think of animals as workers, but they are used for many things. Seeing Eye dogs are maybe the most common, though that is changing as they are being used as companion dogs for the elderly, hearing dogs, diabetic dogs, seizure dogs, balance dogs for those with difficulty walking, and some are using small horses and other animals for some of the above. On ranches, dogs and llamas guard flocks and dogs herd the sheep and goats.

All over the world people have used animals as companions and co-laborers in many challenging places. These are just a few of our photos of animals, and their handlers, at work, rest, and play.

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Tropical Paradise Of Malaysia

February 6, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Sea And The Sky As The Sun Sets

Malaysia is simply gorgeous with skies and seas so blue they almost come together as one. It makes it seem that this magnificent tropical world is endless and vast. This amazing country is made up of two main islands and several smaller ones just off shore. Not really that large of a country and yet it has an amazingly diverse animal population. This small tropical country has over 200 species of animals and 600 unique species of birds that call it’s jungles home. If that was not all, there are over 250 different reptiles and 150 snakes.

Eastern Malaysia is mainly country and there are signs of more poverty on the eastern part of the country. It also has some of the best diving sites in the world. There are over 600 different species of coral in the Sulu Sea, as well as some of the most amazing caves in the world. These caves are so well known that divers come from all over the world just to dive in this rich and astonishing sea.

Magnificent Malacca State In Tropical Malaysia

Malacca is sometimes referred to as the historic state. There are many museums related to historic times. It’s awesome climate also make it perfect for one of the nicest zoo’s in Malaysia. Next to the zoo is a Butterfly and Reptile sanctuary.

Houses Of Times Past

Today this is a small breakfast hut at one of the resorts. In times past, this would have been a typical tropical hut used by families who called the jungle home.

The Amazing Curly Rattan

This astonishing rattan is found in almost endless supply on the Malaysian Island of Borneo. It begins as a small plant on the jungle floor, but soon it begins to cling to a larger established tree. Eventually it will have wound it’s way around it’s host. These thick woody vines can grow up to two thousand feet long. The host tree eventually is lost in the middle of this spectacular tropical vine. Rattan is used commercially the world over and provides income for the local people.

A Marvelous Place To Work Or Just Relax

The Strait of Malacca is the perfect setting for this resort with it’s tiny huts jetting out into the strait.

No matter where you go in Malaysia, you are in the tropics. The warm temperatures and gentle tropical rains make it a perfect get-a-way when things start cooling down elsewhere in the world. Need a little warmth, where adventure is everywhere, and the people are friendly? Then it is time for a beautiful tropical Malaysian adventure.

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Wonderful Adventures In The Philippines

February 5, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Traditional Banca Boat Of The Philippines

The Philippines is a sovereign nation made up of 7,641 different islands. The island nation is a part of Southeast Asia and sits between the vast China Sea and the Philippine Sea. Is it any wonder that the best way to see this unique nation is by Banca Boat? Who could be better at making the perfect boat, than a nation of islands?

What is a Banca Boat? It is a traditional double outrigger canoe. It’s astonishing design opens the door to the perfect Philippine adventure. The double outrigger design makes for a stable ride, even in the sometimes wild sea. Without this rather oddly designed boat, much of the Philippines would be a hidden treasure. The Banca travels where other boats are unable or nervous about going. Because they are a canoe, they also do not require the water depth that other boats need. You can see a whole lot more and get a whole lot closer by Banca.

Let The Banca Journey Begin

Our banca has arrived and it is time to climb aboard and head on out to see a nation that is blessed with over 7,000 unique islands. Let our adventure begin!

Crossing The Chrystal Clear Waters Of Leyte

The Waters of Leyte are refreshing and so clear. Just imagine what you can see in water this clear. It is like you can see to the bottom of the sea. As you are cruising through this amazing sea, keep watch for marine life just passing by.

Timeless Moments On The Island Of Cebu

Can you even comprehend the peaceful moments you will experience as you stroll the beaches of Cebu? The beauty is breathtaking in this magical land of tropical paradise. The tranquility of the island is almost unbelievable. What happened to the hustle and bustle of everyday life? There is no noise and no one is in a hurry. Welcome to life in The Islands of the Philippines.

The Philippine Sailfin Crested Lizard

When you are off taking jungle treks, look for the animals and birds that are unique to the area. One such lizard is the Philippine Sailfin Crested Lizard that only lives in the Philippines.

Journey To Pandanon Island

Here we are journeying to the Island of Pandanon. The ocean water is so Chrystal clear, but yet it is also the most gorgeous shade of blue. There are areas where the Banca Boats come into shore easily and then there are miles of fantastic coral beds. There are areas with excellent snorkeling and then further out there are places where the divers come from all over the world. This is a divers paradise and a snorkelers delight.

Treasures Of The Sea

Among the treasures Of the reefs can be almost anything, including a bed of marine mussels and other shells that have attached themselves to a long piece of driftwood. In most cases the shell is narrower than it is long. The outside of the mussel shell can be black, dark blue, and different shades of brown. On the inside it is silvery with touches of other colors.

The Spectacular Coral Reefs Of The Philippines

The Philippine Islands are surrounded by over 10,000 miles of Coral Reefs. The reefs are made up of tiny marine creatures, some of them very unique to this area. These reefs provide food for all the larger marine animals and the large variety of fish that call the area around the reefs home. There are over 2,000 species of fish that live in the reefs of the Philippines.

The people of the Philippines also directly benefit from these reefs in many ways. One area, of course, is fishing. Fish is a major stable in the Philippine diet. Fish are also sold commercially. It also provides a break for the waves and prevents major erosion of the coastline areas. The reefs help protect the coastal communities from powerful waves, by acting as a buffer zone. This is of major importance during typhoons and other storms. The reefs also bring in a lot of tourism, especially in the snorkeling and diving communities. This helps to create jobs in all the related service industries.

Coming Home To Pandanon Island

This man is using a Banca Boat built for one or maybe two people. Banca Boats come in all sizes.

Notice the thick dark green jungle that is home not only to animals and reptiles, but you will also hear the parrots calling out to each other as you quietly walk by.

The Magic Of The Island Jungle In The Philippines

Part of the magic surrounding the nation of The Philippines is that it’s treasures are spread out over 7,641 different islands. Every island is unique. Some are inhabited and others are uninhabited. No matter if they are inhabited or not, each provides a unique and different experience. The experience of walking through the tropical jungle is an adventure in itself. Who knows what you will see or hear!

The Joy Of Rain In The Tropical Rainforest

The pure joy of a tropical rain shower in while in Hinnunangan, Philippines. The warm rains of the jungle provide the perfect opportunity for a casual walk in the rain.

Mt. Binintiang Malaki Volcanic Crater on Luzon Island

This Banca Boat has set off with a group of adventures, ready to discover new places. The Philippines is one place you can return to time and time again. There is so much to see and experience. Each island has it’s own uniqueness, it’s own story, it’s own adventure.

If you are looking for a place to experience many different remarkable and unusual adventures, then the Philippines is waiting. Pack your pack and grab your passport, it is time for the adventure of a lifetime in the Philippine Islands.

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