Frequently Asked Alaska Travel and Moving Questions
Moving to Alaska
Over the years we have been asked many times about Alaska Travel and Moving FAQ article and thought we would share some of our updated knowledge since things can change.
Driving through Canada is still popular and if you can manage your gas consumption and cut costs by camping or sleeping in your car costs will drop allot. The time of year is greatly important because if you are too cold you will need a hotel room. Everything costs more along the road so buy food, water, or other caning goods at lower costs in the lower 48 first.
Upack shipping containers are currently one of the cheapest ways to get household goods from the lower 48 states into Alaska.
Shipping automobiles via Lyndon Transport out of the Seattle port will run you around $2300 in 2021.
The Alaska Ferry or marine highway is still useful but can be expensive. Make sure if your taking an Automobile to consider the length of the vehicle due to cost, and stuff it full of things that are expensive or hard to find in Alaska. $5000 for a small CRV/SUV is not unusual if going to Wittier Alaska. Here is the link for the Alaska Marine Highway.
Driving a truck and trailer can be more cost-effective if going to the interior or Anchorage area. We have done this before using trailers and U-Hal when we need to bring in large items or bulk items that are hard to find in Alaska. South East Alaska you would need the Alaska Ferry system but might be able to cut some costs if driving into Canada and the Yukon Territory and then down to Skagway. You can then take a short ferry ride to Juneau. If closer to Washington state is your destination then consider going out of Bellingham Washington and take the Alaska Marine Highway but be sure to save up for the extra costs.
If you’re taking the Marine Highway to Wittier you can then drive off the ferry to Anchorage or take the train from Wittier to Anchorage, Denali, or Fairbanks.
Mount Denali
Traveling Alaska
Alaska Travel and Moving FAQ
Traveling to Alaska right now in 2021 is very simple, and does not slow me or others down much. When you arrive you currently do need to show proof of a negative covid test or get tested at the airport when you arrive. The test needs to be within three days currently. I have personally done the test several times and it is a short nasal swab without any discomfort at all. Once you in Alaska there shouldn’t be any testing between airports as you go along. If your driving along the highways inside interior Alaska you should be good for the 2021 summer session. Please keep in mind that the State of Alaska has no mask mandate but on federal land or buildings, you are required to wear one. So keep this in mind if you’re travel or moving to Alaska.
In my own observation outside of Juneau people don’t seem to be wearing masks much and outside it’s very limited. Flights have continued internationally for the state and there does not seem to be any illness issues of any kind and that includes the seasonal flu. People do spend time outdoors in Alaska and I’m sure that has also helped.
Click links for Alaska Guides or Articles
This article and a combination of photographs, videos, and articles about Alaska, covering everything from travel adventures to moving and using the Alaska marine highway.
Juneau Alaska Downtown.
Juneau Alaska – This is a common destination for people who take the larger cruise ships out of the lower 48 United States and Canada. The town has a historic downtown district and a tramway from the dock to the top of Juneau’s mountains for a spectacular view. Below is a walking tour of downtown Juneau, and along the docks. Make to like, and subscribe to our youtube channel so you can keep up with our latest Alaskan content.
Welcome to Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve In Alaska – Denali State Park Alaska is a small piece of Alaskan paradise. Its tallest peak is Denali or in the past called Mt.McKinley. Mt. McKinley is revered by the Tanaina Indians. “Kesugi” is an Indian word in the Tanaina dialect which means “The Ancient One.” It is interesting that Denali in the Tanana dialect means “The High One.” Denali is the original name for Mt. McKinley. Mt. McKinley is 20,320 feet high and is the highest mountain peak in North America.
Whittier Alaska Port
Whittier Alaska – Whittier Alaska is the Gateway to the Prince William Sound, an area that services cruise ships of those wanting to go into Anchorage. Anchorage is about 65 miles north of Whitter, and the last 65 miles can be done by motorcoach, train, or rental car. Those wishing to drive to Anchorage are able to complete the trip in daylight, as the summer days are 22 hours long. These 65 miles go through a mountain serviced by a tunnel that provides basic service at best.
Alaska Hiking
My Alaska Hiking Blog of the Far North – Today we thought we should add to our Alaska Hiking Blog feature here at ExploreTraveler. These days we are in the interior of Alaska and spring breakup is now upon us. As you can see some of the smaller lakes are starting to un-freeze but others are still very much frozen. So far this spring we have decided to hit out on the trails that start on the land owned by the University of Alaska. We like t get started early in the morning and begin hiking deep into the easy trails first and this keeps going until we run out of time. I have added German translations to help our visitors from Europe to find this article and ease of information sharing.
Ketchikan, Southeastern Alaska USA
Alaska Marine Highway Adventure – The Alaska Marine Highway has to be one of our favorite adventures and one we have done several times. It connects into the Alaska State highway system, and railways giving you plenty of adventure all along the way. The distance, territories, and place one can see will boggle the mind. This article is meant to be a guide, and a motivational piece to get you the reader out of your house or apartment and on an adventure that does not have to be high cost unless you want it to be.
Winter Adventures In Alaska USA – Who doesn’t know about the North Pole and all the stories about Santa Claus? But what most do not realize is that there is a town in Alaska, where this Santa is believed to be at work. Here he is said to live year-round. He is always busy in his workshop making people happy. Here, joy fills the air no matter what time of year, but especially during the winter. Regardless, of you believe in the man with the jolly red suit or not, you can not escape the joy that is in the air as winter approaches. North Pole, Alaska is the home of wintertime delight, astonishing creativity, and county charm.
Skagway Alaska
Skagway Alaska Gateway To The North – Welcome to Skagway Alaska, the gateway to the Klondike and beyond. Skagway is yesterday alive and well! In Skagway, you will hear the old honky-tonk pianos and the cries of the prospectors. Gold has been found! Nothing much has changed in Skagway, Alaska;
Petersburg Alaska
Exploring Petersburg Alaska – Petersburg may be a small, quaint, fishing village, but this small village settled by Norwegians, is a bundle of a big adventure. Here in this isolated village, you will see the built-in work ethic of the Scandinavian people. Norwegians built it to resemble Norway, to bring a piece of home to their new Alaskan life. It is a thriving fishing village that is still successful. Not much has changed over the years. In Petersburg, we see what was, what is, and what will be.
Here is our Alaska Video Playlist
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Juneau Alaska Downtown Walking Tour | Juneau Alaska Excursions
Denali National Park and Preserve Alaska | Denali National Park Photo Tour
South East Alaska travel via Alaska Marine Highway and enjoy the photographic opportunities.
Black Bear Gnaws on Delta 15s Seakayak in Berg Bay, Alaska
Hidden Alaska | National Geographic
SEE THE WORLD 2: ALASKA
Alaska Highway Motorhome Tour August 2016
A Trip To Our Remote Alaska Cabin - Spring Time
Alaskan Killer Shark - Nature Documentary (HD)
Surviving Alone in Alaska
Self Guided Alaskan Moose Hunting / Kent Kaiser Alaska
Combat fishing on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
Dick Proenneke in Alone in the Wilderness
Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train - Anchorage to Fairbanks
Talkeetna, Alaska!
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It’s important to plan and this Alaska Travel and Moving FAQ will help you get a head start. We welcome comments of other information that should be added and we plan on building this up and adding additional articles linked to assist people wanting information, photos, and videos of a certain area.
If you’re new in the camping world, or you haven’t really tried backpacking and camping in the wild, you might find yourself, well, not that prepared. And when you’re in the wild, the last thing you want to be is unprepared. You’ll need answers to a lot of questions. Do you need a permit? Where should you go? What kind of gear to bring?
Well, we’re here to help, by answering those questions, and then some. Backpacking in the wild should be an activity you enjoy, not one you’re afraid of, so let’s take a look at a few tips that will make that adventure easier, and more fun.
Bring the Right Gear
One of the worst mistakes you can make when you’re going out on a backpacking trip is to bring the wrong gear. Should you take a sleeping bag for hammock, or one that’s supposed to be laid down on the ground? What type of tent will make your trip enjoyable instead of a nightmare? It’s not easy to choose and pack the right gear but it is essential for a great trip so let’s take a look at some advice on preparing.
A packing list is essential here, and you should start with the obvious – a properly fitting backpack. This means that weight distribution will be even, you’ll have no issues with comfort, and you will get plenty of pockets and compartments for all your things. Then, you should consider the right tent. It does depend on what kind of environment you’re going to camp in, but whichever one you go for, make sure it’s lightweight, durable, weather-resistant, and easy to put up and pack. Last but not least, the right sleeping pad and bag are usually chosen according to the weather you’re camping in, but if you can afford it, don’t skimp here.
While we’re talking gear, another essential is a headlamp. Put it in an accessible place of your backpack, and try to find one with variable dimming and an adjustable band. A backpacking stove and fuel for it is an easy way to prepare food, so consider this, too.
A thing to keep in mind with packing is that it’s always smart to begin doing it early. This will give you enough time to buy the things you don’t have, or find a person to borrow them from. If you’ve got plenty of time for planning, you can even wait for a sale and get the things you need at a more affordable price!
Be Physically Prepared
There is no way around it, backpacking is a physically intense activity. Similar to hiking, you need to cover a certain distance and still be able to set things up when you get to your destination. And for this reason, the first thing to note is that you shouldn’t pick a trail that’s too challenging for you. Of course, nobody knows how well-prepared you are except for you, but it’s better to underestimate yourself than overestimate yourself, and your body.
If you already have a workout routine, try to implement some gentle stretches and simple mobility exercises into it. This will allow your body to not feel like you’re out of shape the moment you set foot on the trails. One thing to keep in mind here is that you should listen to your body carefully, and keep track of any pain. This will be an indicator that you’re pushing too hard, or that you should actually call it a day. In any case, it’s good to stay mobile – anything that gets you moving is a good start.
Another common thing that might happen is you feeling out of breath rather early, This has to do with your lung capacity, or how much air your lungs can hold. Over time, that will decrease as you age, and it might surprise you when you’re backpacking. If you want to deal with this, it’s a good idea to do breathing exercises that will help you improve your lung capacity.
Plan Your Backpacking Trip
The last thing you want to do before you actually head out on your trip is to plan it out properly. You should do this early on, and take your time with it. The reason is simple – having enough time will allow you to choose the right destination, pick suitable dates, and still have enough time to get the right gear and prepare yourself physically.
Pick your dates, first. Choosing a date will “limit you”, but in a good way, because it’s going to narrow down the options of where you can go, due to the weather. When you’re starting out, you shouldn’t go for more than one or two nights. This will allow you to get a bit of experience before you do anything serious. When you’ve chosen a date that works for you, see whether or not the places you want to visit are actually good during those dates. Something to keep in mind is that backpacking during cold months is something best done if you’re experienced. And also, early summer might mean that the trails aren’t cleared completely from the winter storms, so make sure you check the trail conditions. While we’re at it …
Pick the trail you want to go for example like colorado backpacking. As we mentioned, it’s better to underestimate yourself, than pick a trail that’s too difficult. A good rule of thumb would be to go for a shorter trail, so no more than five to six miles of hiking per day, and one that’s close to home. Things you should avoid include a lot of elevation gain, technical obstacles you need to cross, and trails that aren’t well marked. When picking the trail, you definitely want to play things safe. Go for one that’s well marked, that has fairly flat surfaces, and of course, good places to set up camp.
When you’re choosing the trail, you should keep in mind that some areas, such as national parks or popular trails, might require you to get a permit. It’s something that many backpackers seem to overlook, experienced or not, but you should definitely get one. Note that some trails might require you to reserve a permit, months in advance, which means that you should have a backup location in mind, just in case you don’t get a chance to get a permit.
The last part of planning is, of course, your transportation. There are a few factors that impact this, for example, the type of trail you’ll be doing, whether you’re going solo or with a group, and where the trailhead is. If you’re a beginner, for example, and you’re going on a loop trail, or an out-and-back backpacking trip, you won’t need an extra person. But if you’re going to hike from one point to another, you should either leave a car at the end of your trail or have someone pick you up when you’re done. Or, if that’s a possibility, you could consider a shuttle, too.
Wrapping Things Up- Is it a Good Idea?
Well, to be honest, even if you haven’t done it before, backpacking in the wild is definitely a good idea for people who feel adventurous and want to explore the wilderness. Sure, at first, it might seem a bit scary. You might even feel like you’re biting off more than you can chew. But that’s why we’ve got all these tips for you.
As we mentioned, having a good idea of what kind of gear to bring, being physically prepared for the trip, and planning things out well are the main things you should cover. And if you do a good job with them, trust us, your backpacking adventure will be a lot easier and smoother than you think, even if it’s your first time. All you have to do is take things slow, prepare well, and don’t take on challenges you aren’t sure about.
Cebu Top 8 na Atraksyon – Sa nakaraang taon, ang COVID-19 na pandemya ay tumama sa buong mundo pati narin sa Pilipinas at ang paglalakbay ay isa sa mga masyadong naapektuhan at linimitahan. Para sa isang mahilig maglakbay, ang pandemyang ito ay marahil nakapag bigay ng pagkayamot dahil sa hindi natuloy na mga planong paglalakbay. Pero yun ay sa nakaraang taon, ngayon ang mundo ay unti-unti nang bumabangon at umangkop sa bagong paraan na tinawag na “New Normal” o bagong normal.
Anu ba ang ibig sabihin ng New Normal? Ang terminolohiyang ito ay naging pamilyar at malawakang ginagamit sa mga social media, sa internet, telebisyon, mga establisiyemento, at halos lahat sa buong mundo noong nagsimula ang lahat na bumangon sa epekto ng COVID-19 na pandemya. Ang terminong ito ay nangangahulugan lamang sa bagong pamumuhay, bagong paraan ng pagtatrabaho o pagpasok sa eskwela, bagong paraan sa paggawa ng ating pang araw-araw na gawain, at bagong paraan ng paglalakbay kung saan kinukonsidera ang mga pag-iingat upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19.
Sa Pilipinas, ang gobyerno ay muling binuksan ang turismo sa mga lokal at banyagang manlalakbay, pero importante na tiyakin muna na ang paglalakbay ay pinahihintulutan sa inyong destinasyon dahil mayroon paring mga lugar sa Pilipinas na posibleng hindi pa pinahihintulutan ang mga turista. Dahil ang mga kailangang dokumento o requirements sa paglalakbay ay posibleng mag iba, alamin ang mga opisyal na pinakabagong patakaran o alituntunin sa mga restriksyon at mga kinakailangan na posibleng makaapekto sa inyong paglalakbay.
Pangkalahatang Alituntunin sa Paglalakbay sa Panahon ng New Normal
1. Alamin ang pinakabagong restriksyon sa mga manlalakbay sa lugar na inyong pupuntahan
Bumisita sa mga opisyal na web page at website katulad na lamang ng sa Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, o ang mga local na website ng probinsya o munisipyong inyong pupuntahan para makakuha ng tama at opisyal na impormasyon. Hindi mo gugustuhing mag book ng inyong ticket at sa bandang huli ay inyong kanselahin.
2. Kompletuhin ang lahat ng kinakailangang dokumento
Para sa mga turista, dokumento katulad ng travel o tourist pass, medical certificate o clearance, itinerary ng paglalakbay, round trip ticket, at kompirmasyon ng hotel na tutuluyan ay posibleng kailanganin. Tiyaking dala at kompleto ang mga kailangang dokumento para sa inyong paglalakbay upang maiwasan ang komplikasyon sa paglalakbay.
3. Huwag kalimutang magdala ng sanitizer sa inyong backpack
Sa halos lahat ng pampublikong lugar ngayong may pandemya, ay may mga hand sanitizers na makikita dahil ito ay mandato ng gobyerno bilang pag-iwas sa pagkalat ng mga mikrobyo, pero tiyakin lamang na magdala upang magamit mo kung kinakailangan. Ugaliing maghugas ng inyong kamay kapag ikaw ay nakakahawak ng bagay na posibleng hawakan din ng ibang tao gaya ng door knob at barandilya.
4. Parating magsuot ng prokteksyon laban sa COVID-19 at panatilihing dumistansya lalo na maraming tao
Ang pasusuot ng face shield at face mask sa mga pambublikong lugar ay kautusang batas sa Pilipinas, ang dalawang ito ay kinakailangan din sa pagpunta sa Cebu. Posibleng hindi ka papasukin sa mga establisiyemento kung wala kang suot na face shield at mask. Medical grade o cotton o telang mask ang pweding suotin maliban sa mask na may valve.
5. Huwag mag lakbay kung hindi maganda ang pakiramdam
Kung ikaw ay nakakaranas ng mga sintomas na parang trangkaso, huwag munang mag lakbay, kahit na book na ang inyong ticket.
Mactan Philippines
Mga Destinasyon sa Cebu sa Panahon ng New Normal
Ang Cebu ay grupo ng mga isla na matatagpuan sa gitnang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Ito ay binubuo ng pangunahing isla at napapaligiran ng 167 na magaganda at natural na mga isla at maliliit na isla. Ang Cebu City ay pangalawang metropolitan na lungsod sa Pilipinas, ang pinakamatanda at ang unang kabisera ng Pilipinas.
Dahil sa heolohikal nitong lokasyon, ang Cebu ay isa sa mga lugar kung saan nagaganap ang mga pangangalakal bago pa dumating ang mga Espanyol. Ito rin ang nagsisilbing gateway sa napakaraming tourist destination sa Pilipinas katulad ng Bohol kung saan makikita ang pamosong Chocolate Hills, Boracay Island, Puerto Princesa at marami pang iba.
Mayamang kultura, nakakaenganyong kasaysayan, maganda at kamangha-manghang dagat at scuba diving sites, mayamang kabundukan, natatanging mga luto, at mababait na mga tao ay ang “Cebu’s Best” para sa mga manlalakbay.
Must-Visit na mga Makasaysayang Destinasyon
Kung ikaw ay mahilig sa mga makasaysayan, kultural, o relihiyosong pamamasyal, and Cebu ay mayaman sa mga atraksiyong nag bibigay buhay sa kasaysayan nito, at nagpapakita sa malawak at makulay nitong kultura at relihiyon.
1. Mactan Shrine
Ang Mactan Shrine ay makikita sa Lapu-lapu City kung saan nandito rin ang Mactan Airport. Ang shrine ay ang pinaniniwalaang lokasyon kung saan ang “Battle of Mactan” o “Kadaugan sa Mactan” ay naganap. Sa makasaysayang digmaang ito, si Lapu-Lapu, kung saan ang lugar ipinangalan, isa sa mga lider sa lugar at tinatayang 1,500 na taga doon sa lugar ay nakipag digmaan laban sa mga sundalo na pinangungunahan ng isang Portuguese na manlalakbay na si Ferdinand Magellan, na pumunta sa Cebu at isla ng Mactan noong Abril 1521 para ipakilala at dalhin ang Katolisismo sa lugar. Si Lapu-Lapu at ang kanyang mga kasama na hindi sumang-ayon dito ay nagwagi sa labananng ito at ang kolonisasyon ay napigilan sa loob ng 44 na taon. Ang shrine ay may dalawang monumento, ang monumento ni Lapu-Lapu upang gunitain at bigyang parangal si Datu Lapu-Lapu sa kanyang katapangan na ipaglaban ang kanyang sinasakupan, at monumento ni Ferdinand Magellan sa pagdadala at pagpapakilala sa Katolisismo sa Pilipinas at ang Santo Nino (Batang Hesus) sa Cebu.
2. Simala Shrine
Matatagpuan sa mataas na bahagi sa Lindongon, Simala, Sibonga,Cebu, ang Simala Shrine ay isa talagang simbahan at pamoso sa mga lokal at mga turista. Ang simbahang ito ay binibisita ng maraming tao lalong lalo na sa Holy Week at mga aktibidad para ipagdiwang ang Birheng si Maria. Katulad ng ibang simbahan at monasteryo sa Pilipinas, ang shrine ay isinara pansamantala sa publiko noong kasagsagan ng pandemya pero binuksan din noong Disyembre 2020. Dahil sa karingalan at mala-kastilyong awra nito, kahit ang mga taong hindi masyadong relihiyoso ay hindi mapipigilang ito ay bisitahin. Ang pambihira nitong istruktura, payapang atmospera, at nakakalulang tanawin ay ilan lamang sa mga rason kung bakit dapat itong ma-experience at mabisita ng mga manglalakbay. Kung ikaw ay pupunta sa shrine, bukod sa pagsusuot ng face shield at face mask at pagoobserba ng distansiya sa mga tao, ang mga bumibisita ay pinaaalalahanang panatilihin ang katahimikan sa sagradong lugar.
3. Taoist Temple
Ang Cebu Taoist Temple ay makikita sa subdibisyon ng Beverly Hills sa Lahug, Cebu City, at itinatyo noong 1972. Ang lokasyon nito ay nasa mataas na bahagi ng siyudad na tinatayang na 360 talampakan at maaari lamang mapuntahan gamit ang mga pribadong sasakyan. Ang lugar ay binuksan para sa mga mananampalataya at hindi mananampalataya. Ang bukana papunta sa templo ay replika ng “Great Wall of china” at ito ay kamangha-mangha. Kinakailangan umakyat sa tinatayang 120 na baiting upang maabot ang pangunahing templo kung saan makikita mula sa itaas ang lungsod at ang mayabong na kabundukan ng Cebu. Nakakarelaks at “worth it” ang pakiramdam habang nararanasan ang preskong hangin at pinagmamasdan ang kaayang-ayang arkitektural na desenyo ng lugar.
4. Sinulog Festival
Dinaraos tuwing ikatlong lingo sa buwan ng Enero upang ipagdiwang at sambahin ang Santo Nino (Baby Jesus), ang relehiyosong tradisyong ito ay isa sa mga kakaiba, makulay, buhay na buhay, at pinaka malaking piyesta sa Cebu. Ang gawaing ito ay linalahukan ng mga tao mula sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Sa piyestang ito makikita ang makukulay na sayaw sa kalye gamit ang tambol at trumpeta ng mga kalahok na nagmula pa sa iba’t-ibang rehiyon ng Pilipinas. Daang maliliit na tindahan para sa face tattoo at mga pasalubong at memorabilia ang makikita sa daan.
Ngunit nitong 2021 naantala ang Sinulog Festival dahil sa COVID-19 pandemic. Tayo ay umaasa at nananalangin na masaksihang muli ang pagdiriwang na ito sa susunod na taon.
Mga Dapat Bisitahin na Scuba Diving Sites
Ang Pilipinas ay naparangalan bilang Best Overseas Diving Area (overseas category) sa Marine Diving Awards 2020 na naganap sa Tokyo. Nakatanggap din ng nominasyon ang Pilipinas bilang Asia’s Leading Dive Destination at World’s Leading Dive Destination sa 27th World Travel Awards. Ang Cebu ay isa sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas na kilala dahil sa kamangha-mangha at yamang natural sa karagatan. Ang scuba diving sa Cebu ay magbibigay ng napakagandang karanasan sa mga ocean explorers at scuba diving fanatics.
Bagaman ang scuba diving ay isa sa mga aktibidad na pinaghigpitan sa kasagsagan ng COVID-19 pandemic, noong Oktobre 2020, kinilala itong non-contact sport o aktibidad at kalauna’y pinayagan ang scuba diving alinsunod sa mga bagong patakaran:
Ang scuba diving sa mga lugar na naka GCQ (General Community Quarantine) at MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) ay pinapayagang magbukas. Ngunit dahil maari itong magbago depende sa lugar, ugaliing suriin ang mga pinagbabawal ng lokal na pamahalaan kung nasaan ang diving site.
Magdala ng sariling diving gears at mga kagamitan. Bawal ang panghihiram ng gamit.
Magdala at gumamit ng mga hand sanitizers o disinfectants kung kinakailangan.
Bawal ang pag dura para ma defog ang inyong gears. Gumamit ng sabon at shampoo bilang defogger.
Magsuot ng face shield at mask kung nakikipag-usap sa ibang tao.
Cebu Diving
1. Pescador Island
Ang “Pescador Experience” ay isa sa pinaguusapan ng maraming divers na naka pasyal sa Pescador. Ito ay nakapupukaw at nakakaakit na karanasan na karapat-dapat subukan sa Cebu. Ang isla na isang marine park ay makikita sa lalawigan ng Moalboal sa Cebu at kinikilala bilang hiyas ng Moalboal. Tanyag ang islang ito dahil sa sardine run kung saan libo-libong sardinas na parang buhawi ang nakakamanghang pagmasdan. Makikita din dito ang iba’t-ibang uri ng marine life tulad ng scorpionfish, stonefish, snappers, barracuda, frogfish, at iba pa. Pangkaraniwang makikita ang mga pagong sa islang ito. Sa kanlurang bahagi ng isla makikita ang “Pescador Cathedral”, isang yungib na nagsisimula sa 18 metro hangang 40+ metro. Nakakalito lang minsan ang agos ng dagat pero siguradong magkakaroon ka ng hindi makakalimutang karanasan sa inyong buhay.
2. Mactan Island
Ang islang ito ay isa sa mga pamosong diving spots hindi lamang sa Cebu kundi sa buong Pilipinas. Maraming diving centers dito ang pinahintulutan nang magbukas sa kasagsagan ng pandemya, pero mas magandang mag book muna bago pumunta dito. Ang islang ito ay madaling puntahan dahil nandito rin ang internasyunal na airport ng Cebu, kaya naman kung mayroon ka lamang limitadong oras sa inyong pag bisita sa cebu pero gusto mong maranasan at makita ang yamang dagat dito, ang islang ito ay hindi ka bibiguin.
Ang isla ng Mactan at ang mga nakapalibot ditong maliliit na isla ay mayroong iba’t iba, makukulay, at mayamang likas ng dagat. Makakakita dito ng sea snakes, frogfish, barracuda, leaf fish, mandarin fish, groupers, scorpion fish, blue-ribbon eels, nudibranchs, rainbow runners, pufferfish, clownfish, sweet lips, moray eels, drummers, harlequin fish, butterfly fish, pipefish at marami pang iba. Sa mas malaking sanktuaryo, marami ang mackerel at jacks, turtles, stingrays, at minsan big eye trevallies. Ang ibang dive spots ay tahanan ng mga thresher sharks at hammerhead sharks.
Ang mga diving sites gaya ng sa Tambuli, Agus, Marigondon Cave, Talima Marine Sanctuary ay mapupunahan din mula sa Mactan Island.
Island
Ang Malapascua ay maliit na isla na may habang 2.5 kilometro at lawak na isang kilometro. Meron itong white sand at tahanan ng maliit na komunidad. Matatagpuan sa pinakadulo ng hilagang bahagi ng Cebu, kelangang bumiyahe ng apat na oras papuntang Daanbantayan at sumakay ng bangka ng mahigit kumulang limang minuto papunta sa isla.
Ang islang ito ay napaka popular na diving spot sa Cebu at maganda para sa mga baguhang divers. Magbibigay ito ng malawak at nakakapukaw na karansan para sa mga baguhan dahil ang dive dito ay madaling gawin pero magbibigay inspirasyon para muling sumusid. Ang Malapascua ay pamoso sa mga thresher shark dives sa Monad Shoal, dito ay pweding lumangoy kasama ang mga thresher sharks hanggang kelan mo gusto at marami pang diving experience kung saan makikita ang hindi pa nagagalaw na mga coral gardens, mga bahura, pagdidive sa gabi, wall dives at maraming pang iba.
Ang Cebu ay tunay ngang mayaman ang karagatan at maraming dving spots. Pwede ring bisitahin ang Olango group of islands na malapit lang sa Mactan Island, Nalusuan Island at ang Hilutungan Islang na hindi dapat palampasin sa island hopping at pag iisnorkel. Ang Catancillo Island kung saan makikita ang kakaibang spot na tinatawag na Rendez-Vous, ay isang napakagandang pader papuntang ilalim na may 180 feet patungo sa ibat-ibang uri ng likas na yaman sa ilalim ng dagat.
3. Lumangoy kasama ang mga Whale Shark sa Oslob
Ang whale watching sa oslob ay sinuspende ng apat na buwan sa kasagsagan ng pandemya pero ito’y muling binuksan noong Agosto 2020.
Itong nakakamangha at exciting na paglangoy kasama ang mga whale shark ay mararanasan sa Oslob. Dito, meron kang oportunidad na pumili kung ikaw ay magiisnorkel at makita ng malapitan ang mga whale shark o sila’y panourin mula sa bangka habang sila ay lumalangoy at pinapakain ng mga bangkero.
Talaga namang nakakaexcite na lumangoy kasama ang mga dambuhalang hayop na ito pero importante na sumunod sa mga alituntunin upang siguraduhin na ligtas ka at ang mga whale sharks.
4. Kawasan Falls
Ang talon ng Kawasan ay matatagpuan sa Badian at malapit lamang sa Moalboal. Ang natural na talong ito ay may tatlong bahagi ng klaro at kulay turkesang tubig mula sa bukal sa kabundukan ng Mantalongon. Ang unang bahagi ng talon ang pinakamalaki at ang bahagi na mas marami ang bumibisita, kelangang umakyat ng humigit kumulang 15 minuto upang mapuntahan ang pangalawang bahagi at umakyat pa upang mapuntahan naman ang ikatlong bahagi. Ang pagcacanyoneering ay ang pinakapopular sa lugar na ito. Nagsisimula ito sa ilog ng Canlaob papuntang ibaba sa talon ng Kawasan.
Mga atraksyon sa Cebu Transcentral Highway (Mountain Tour)
Ang Trancentral Highway ng Cebu ay isa sa pinaka magandang ginawa o binago sa isla na may relasyon sa transportasyon. Ang 33 kilometrong highway na ito ay parang ahas sa gitna ng mayabong, maberding kabundukan na nagsisimula sa silangang bahagi ng lalawigan ng Cebu patungo sa kanluran sa Balamban. Ang daang ito ay pamoso sa mga nagbibike o motorcycle riders dahil sa parang walang katapusang paliko-likong daan, malamig na temperature, at ang natural na berding kapaligiran. Ang lugar na ito ay maikokompara sa famosong Kennon Road sa Baguio.
Camping sites, strawberry garden, flower gardens gaya ng Sirao Flower Garden, malawak na taniman ng gulay, any makikita dito at bukas sa publiko. Mountain adventures gaya ng pag zizipline, sky biking, trekking o paghihike, at pagsakay ng kabayo ay mararanasan din dito.
1. Temple of Leah
Isa sa mga bagong atraksyon sa may Cebu Trancentral Highway na unti-unting nagiging pamoso sa mga local at dayuhang bisita ay ang Temple of Leah an tinaguriang “Taj Mahal” ng Cebu. Ang estrukturang ito wa ginawa noong 2021 sa mataas na bahagi ng Busay bilang ekresyon ng pagmamahal ng isang mayamang businessman sa Cebu sa kanyang yumaong asawa na nagngangalang Leah. Makikita ang buong lalawigan ng Cebu mula sa Greco-Roman style na estrakturang ito.
Konklusyon
Ang turismo kahit ito ay biglang hindi pinahintulutan sa Cebu dahil sa Covid-19 na pandemya, ang magagandang tanawin at nakakamanghang tourist spots dito ay muling binuksan para sa mga manlalakbay upang makita at maranasan. Siguraduhin lamang na icheck ang mga pinakabagong alituntunin at mga kinakailangan sa paglalakbay ng inyong pupuntahang lugar bago kayo maglakbay.
Ang Cebu ay tunay ngang isa sa mga lugar sa Pilipinas na hindi dapat palampasin ng isang manlalakbay dahil siguradong ito ay inyong pagsisihan . Ang Cebu ay mayaman, buhay na buhay at kakaibang isla. Mula sa nakakainteres at pamosong historical sites, sikat sa buong mundong karagatan, scuba diving experience, hanggang sa nakaka excite na adventure sa natural nitong kabundukan at marami pang iba.
Romance in the tropical paradise of Canigao Island in the Philippines
Cebu Top na Atraksyon
Additional Information on traveling to Cebu, Philippines Wikipedia Cebu
Whittier Alaska is the Gateway to the Prince William Sound, an area that services cruise ships of those wanting to go into Anchorage. Anchorage is about 65 miles north of Whitter, and the last 65 miles can be done by motorcoach, train, or rental car. Those wishing to drive to Anchorage are able to complete the trip in daylight, as the summer days are 22 hours long. These 65 miles go through a mountain serviced by a tunnel that provides basic service at best. It is closed at night and can become a one-way road at any time due to natural or human events. This is a drive that is so filled with beauty, once you depart the tunnel, that you will almost forget the inconveniences. Whittier, with its wilderness and glaciers, is an area that is overly blessed with spectacular natural beauty.
The Port Of Whittier, Alaska
Princess Cruises, Golden Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, and Star Princess, to name a few, are all part of the Princess Cruise family that comes into Whittier, Alaska. In addition to the Princess Cruise Ships, are the Crystal Cruises and Crystal Serenity Cruises. For those that want to go on into Anchorage, they can take the motorcoach, train, or rent a car. If you want to experience some of the magic and uniqueness of Whitter, there are condos, Bed, and Breakfasts, and several small restaurants to enjoy. Then there are those who come from Anchorage to enjoy Prince William Sound at Whittier, before taking a cruise south. Coming or going from Anchorage necessitates driving through the 2.5-mile tunnel which goes through the mountain. It is the longest tunnel in North America.
In addition to the Cruise Ships that use the port, there are pleasure boats and fishing boats that each offer a different view of this amazing town. There are also a few limited small fishing boats for charter if it is your desire to spend your time out on sound fishing.
As Night Falls, The Fog Covers Whittier Alaska, Port Like A Blanket
Like most port communities, as the night approaches, the fog begins to roll on in. This thick layer of fog creates a veil over this small fishing community. The summer nights are chilly and laden with fog, while the days are sunny with a chill in the air. This is to be expected this far North on the sound.
The Fog Moves Into The Valley
As night comes upon the valley, the fog descends, moving over the valley and the beautiful mountains. At times the air is so still, that you can cut this thick fog with a knife. It’s times like these when the area of Whittier Alaska comes alive in a new and unusual way. We often see whales, seals, and other sea animals enjoying the area.
Whittier Alaska Is A Community Under One Roof
Welcome to the real Whittier. In Whittier Alaska, you will not see a quaint town filled with cabins, but rather there are tall WWII Barracks that houses the city and most of its 200 residents. The building is 14 stories and made from concrete. It has an obvious military feel to it, with a clear industrial touch. The families who don’t live in this building, live in a second building for the most part. There are few stand-alone buildings of any kind. Everything you need in a city is inside these buildings. There is a grocery store, laundromat, post office, health clinic, city hall, barbershop, etc. The whole city is in these two buildings. You will also find a church in the basement. Life is amazing inside the Begich Towers, where everything you need is under the same roof.
Even the children are protected from severe weather and heavy snowfall. There is a tunnel that leads directly to their school rooms from the main building. How is that for walking to school? With average snow on the ground of 33 inches from December to April, this is a very real blessing to the children. The tunnel keeps them warm and safe during the worst of the winter weather. These harsh winter days often include brutal winds of 60 miles an hour or more. Yes, the tunnel is a blessing to the children of Whittier, Alaska.
One big question that comes to mind, is where do the visitors stay? There are no worries here, as the top two stories of Begich Towers, have an amazing bed and breakfast. These must be the prettiest condos in this unique and tiny village. There are also some small restaurants to meet all your needs. These are so inviting that you may forget that they are not in Anchorage. Life is an adventure and it all begins in Whittier, Alaska.
The Romance Of The Mountains In Summer
If you’re looking for more reasons to visit the Whittier Alaska area, then let us suggest the awesome mountainous wilderness that makes up the Chugach National Forest. In the Chugach National Forest, you will find amazing camping opportunities within a misty wilderness that is just waiting to be experienced.
Two major campgrounds that are filled with awesome views and trails are Black Bear and Williwaw. The term “Williwaw” means “big wind.” Black Bear Campground is undeveloped but is an awesome stop for climbers and hikers who are hiking the trails. It is small and great for car camping or tents. Williwaw is a little larger and can accommodate RV’s and trailers, as well as tents. While Black bear Campground has all the beautiful tall trees, Williwaw has the shorter but bushier trees that lead to more private campsites. Because there are fewer of the tall trees blocking the view in Williwaw, you will find there are many views of the beautiful Middle Glacier. There is a paved and wheelchair-friendly trail called Blue Ice, that links both campgrounds with the visitors Center. Both Black Bear Campground and Williwaw Campground are excellent base camps for exploring the Chugach National Forest, with its many trails throughout a vast wilderness. If you are looking for breathtaking vistas of the glaciers, well-groomed, and even wheelchair-friendly trails, then these remote wilderness campgrounds are loaded with adventure especially for you. So let’s get out and discover the thrills of the Chugach National Forest!
One of the newest major attractions in the Chugach National Forest is the “Glacier Discovery Train’s Whistle Stop Service.” You can begin your adventure in Anchorage and travel to Grandview. You will be making stops in the towns of Girdwood, Portage, Whittier, and Spencer and Portage Glaciers. What a great adventure to add to any cruise up the Inside Passage of Alaska. On the Glacier Discovery Train’s Whistle Stop Service, you will experience parts of the Chugach National Forest that few have ever discovered.
View Of The Portage Glacier From The Blue Ice Trail
A perfect view of this magnificent glacier while hiking the Blue Ice Trail in the Chugach National Forest near Whittier, Alaska. This view alone makes the hike well worth the effort. This is only one of the spectacular views you will experience while on this amazing trail.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The Whittier entrance to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the beginning of a monumental drive through a complete mountain. Built-in 1943 as part of the war effort, it was originally a railroad tunnel built under Maynard Mountain, and currently services both vehicles and rail cars. When in Whittier, this is the only way to come and go by land. There is only one lane built for vehicles and it is monitored closely during the day and closed at night. Only one-way traffic can go through at a time. This is the longest highway tunnel in North America, and will both start and end your Whittier adventure if Anchorage is your point of entry and departure.
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel Exit At Whittier
Coming out of the tunnel at Whittier, a sign directs vehicles to keep to the left and enter the highway, whereas trains go straight ahead on the track. Notice the light for the train to enter the tunnel, as there is only one lane for all to share. Without this unique tunnel, Whittier would be cut off completely for land travel.
The Forest Is Full Of Spruce, Black Spruce, Hemlocks, Cotton Woods, And Tall Pine
The Chugach National Forest is a lovely forest of a variety of trees and shrubs. As you walk through the forest the aroma is magnificent. Many of the pines and the Black Spruce produce medicinal oils that are always in great demand. A forest of this caliper is the perfect piece of paradise to make your base camp. Just think of the natural and healing oils that will be a part of your days and nights. This is the perfect formula for a truly restful and healing adventure. During the day you can explore the many trails and gaze at the beautiful and fascinating glaciers.
Be sure to visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center when near Black Bear Campground and Williwaw Campground. At the visitors center, you will be able to discover all the amazing benefits this forest has to offer. Gather the history and culture behind how these trees, shrubs, bushes, and berries were used by the native peoples for hundreds of years. Learn about the wildlife that calls the forest home, and enjoy unlocking the amazing secrets of America’s second-largest national forest.
During the summer months, there is a fireside program presented by an interpreter of the forest service. These are held on Fridays and Saturday nights at the Williwaw Campground. Come learn about the cultural heritage of the area, and explore the fascinating lives of the salmon that live in the waters of the park. Delve into the habits of the different bears that coexist in the national park. These presentations are free of charge and family-friendly.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sundays there are guided hikes down the Bryon Glacier Trail. The trail is easy walking, well kept up, and suitable for all ages. This hike leaves from the Bryon Glacier Trail-head at 2 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the glacier and its history, as well as the park that surrounds the many glaciers.
Pretty Can Be Dangerous
The Chugach National Forest is a haven for forgers of berries, mushrooms, and leaves that are used for medicinal teas. If you know what you are doing in the forest, it is a forgers haven, but for those who are clueless and are new to forging, it can also spell danger. This beautiful mushroom is just gorgeous on the forest floor, but it is very dangerous and causes one to have hallucinations. This is a perfect example of something pretty to look at, but best left on the forest floor. There are many groups that teach forging skills and take new forgers out for their first experiences forging in the forest. If this is something you are interested in doing, ask around at the different visitor centers. You will find more information about the different mushrooms, leaves, barks, and berries at the visitor’s centers, also. So as you hike through the forest, enjoy the different species and remember, that pretty can be dangerous.
The Official State Tree Of Alaska Is The Sitka Spruce
The official State Tree of Alaska honor was given to the Sitka Spruce in 1962. The Sitka Spruce receives its name from the Sitka Sound, where this amazingly tall tree grows abundantly. The Sitka Spruce is the tallest of the conifers throughout the world. The misty ocean air and the thick fog all help this amazing tree to thrive and grow so large and beautiful.
Alaska is home to an amazing population of Bald Eagles. These tall trees provide the perfect spot for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons to roost. Its tasty green foliage is food for the elk, bears, hares, deer, and rabbits. This beautiful tree can be found on the coast from California all the way to Alaska. The Sitka Spruce is just another piece of our special American heritage.
The Sitka Spruce is also another piece in the economy of Alaska, as many things are made from her wood. Some of the world’s best-sounding boards are made from this beautiful tree and can be found in the piano, guitar, and other musical instruments. Perhaps the next time you go to a concert you will be listening to an instrument with a sounding board made from her beautiful wood. So relax and enjoy yet another piece of the history of the beautiful Chugach National Forest in Alaska.
If you are looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska, then Whittier, Alaska is a perfect starting place. A Whittier adventure will include some of the most spectacular glaciers and the Chugach National Forest is full of surprises. Accommodations are available and you will find them unique and high quality. So why not make this the year that you take a cruise up the Inside Passage, with a side trip to Whittier, Alaska?
A year ago, COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and the Philippines and travel has been one of the activities which have been placed with most restrictions. For someone who is fond of traveling, this pandemic must have given you the frustrations due to postponed or canceled travel plans. But that was a year ago, now the world had started to move on and adapt to the new way called New Normal.
What does “New Normal” mean? This term had been very familiar and widely used over social media, the internet, television, establishments, and everywhere else around the world when we started to recover from the effects of COVID-19. This term basically means a new lifestyle, a new way at work or school, a new way to do our everyday activities, and a new way to travel with consideration of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In the Philippines, the government has reopened tourist visits for both local and foreign travelers, but then it is important to make sure that travel is allowed to your specific destination since some areas in the Philippines may still be under some tourist restrictions. Because the requirements to travel may change from time to time, always check the official local guidelines for the latest updates on restrictions and necessary requirements that may affect your travel plans.
General Rule in Travelling in the New Normal
1. Check for the latest travel restrictions in your place of destination:
Visit official web pages and other websites such as the Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or the local website of the province that you would like to travel to for you to get accurate and official information. You don’t want to book your ticket and end up canceling or rebooking it just because you did not check first.
2. Complete all needed documents:
For tourists, documents such as travel or tourist pass, medical certificate or clearance, travel itinerary, round trip ticket, and hotel accommodation may be needed. Just make sure to bring and complete all needed documents for your travel to avoid travel hassles. Again check out the latest requirements as this may change from time to time.
3. Don’t forget to include sanitizers in your backpack:
In most public areas nowadays during the pandemic, hand sanitizers are everywhere as this is mandated by law in establishments, but just make sure to bring some for you to use whenever needed. Always sanitize your hand whenever it touches something that other people also touches such as doorknobs and rails.
4. Always wear protective gear and maintain social distancing:
Wearing a face shield and face mask in public areas is mandatory in the Philippines, these two are essential when you travel as well to Cebu. You may not be allowed to enter an establishment without the shield and the mask. Medical grade or cloth masks can be used, masks with valves are not allowed. The social distancing of 1-2 meters has also been mandated, although most forget to abide by this, this is important as some locals may not be wearing masks and face shields.
5. Do not travel when you are feeling off:
If you have flu-like symptoms, don’t travel, no matter if you have booked your tickets already or not.
Travel Destinations in Cebu in the New Normal
Cebu is a group of islands that are located in the central part of the Philippines. It consists of the main island and 167 surrounding beautiful and natural islands and islets. Cebu City which is the second metropolitan area in the Philippines is the oldest city and the first capital of the country.
Because of its geographic location, Cebu has been one of the major places for trading even before the historic arrival of the Spaniards. It also serves as a gateway to a lot of tourist destinations in the Philippines including Bohol, where the famous Chocolate Hills can be found, Boracay island, Puerto Princesa, and a lot more.
Rich cultural heritage, exotic history, beautiful and mesmerizing beaches, scuba diving sites, rich mountain areas, unique cuisine, and warm people are Cebu’s best for travelers.
Must-Visit Historical Tourist Destinations
If you are a lover of historical and cultural and religious adventures, Cebu is rich with attractions depicting the interesting history of its past and broad and colorful cultural heritage and religious attractions.
1. Mactan Shrine:
Mactan Shrine is located in Lapu-Lapu City where the Mactan Airport is also located. The shrine is believed to be the approximate location of the Battle of Mactan. In this historical battle, Lapu Lapu, whom the city has been named, one of the chieftains, and an estimated 1500 natives fought against soldiers led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who came to Mactan Island in April 1521 to bring catholicism. Lapu Lapu and his men who were resistant to accept Ferdinand Magellan and his cause won against this battle and colonization were delayed for about 44 years. The shrine hosts two monuments, the monument of Lapu-Lapu as he was honored for his bravery to protect his village and for Ferdinand Magellan for bringing Catholicism to the Philippines and the Santo Nino (Baby Jesus) to Cebu.
2. Simala Shrine:
Situated in an uphill of Lindongon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, Simala Shrine is actually a church and is famous among the locals and tourists alike. This place is most visited and is packed with people especially during Holy Week and other Catholic activities celebrating the Virgin Mary. Just like other churches and monasteries in the Philippines, the Shrine was closed to the public during the height of the pandemic but was reopened in December 2020. Because of its magnificent and “castle-like” aura, people who are not even religious could not resist exploring the place. Its unique structure, serene atmosphere, and the majestic view is a must experience for tourists. When you get here, aside from wearing a face mask and face shield, and observing social distancing, visitors are reminded to keep silent and avoid making unnecessary noise.
3. Taoist Temple:
By JuanPiso – Own work
“The Cebu Taoist Temple is located in the Beverly Hills subdivision in Lahug, Cebu City, and was built in 1972. Its location is elevated about 360 ft above sea level and could be reached through private vehicles only. The place has been opened to worshippers and non-worshippers alike. The entrance to the temple is a replica of the great wall of China and is a breathtaking view. Not only that, you will have to walk up to an estimated 120 steps of stairs to reach the main of the temple which will give you a dual view of the city and the green lush mountain area of Cebu. One can get a relaxing and “worth it” feeling as one feel the fresh breeze of air and the mesmerizing architectural design of the temple.”
4. Sinulog Festival:
Celebrated every 3rd Sunday in January in honor of Santo Nino (Baby Jesus), this religious tradition is one of the unique, colorful, vibrant, and biggest festivals in Cebu. This activity is being participated not just by the locals of Cebu but all over the Philippines. People from different areas in the country book their flights and reserve ahead for this wondrous day. The festivity showcases colorful street dancing with drums and bugles from different groups of all ages all over the Philippines sponsored by their respective region. Religious and non-religious visitors wouldn’t want to miss witnessing this fantabulous sight. Hundreds of small stalls for face tattoos and souvenirs lined up on the street as well so you can shop and get memorabilia of the festival.
However, the 2021 Sinulog Festival physical and virtual celebrations were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One can only hope and pray to see the vibrant and fun-filled celebration again next year as this festival is being held annually.
Cebu Philippines Scuba
Must-Visit Scuba Diving Sites
The Philippines was awarded as the Best Overseas Diving Area (overseas category) at the Marine Diving Awards 2020 in Tokyo, and the Philippines also received nominations as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination at the 27th World Travel Awards. Cebu is among those places in the Philippines known for its spectacular, rich, and natural under the ocean flora and fauna. Scuba diving in the Cebu oceans is an experience ocean explorers and scuba diving fanatics shouldn’t miss when you visit Cebu.
Although scuba diving is one of the activities that was restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, in October 2020, diving was tagged as a non-contact sport or activity and was again allowed during the pandemic in the Philippines. But before going on a dive, one needs to be reminded of the new normal rules in scuba diving:
Scuba Diving in areas placed on GCQ (General Community Quarantine) and MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) are allowed to operate. Since this may change from time to time, check the latest update on restrictions of the scuba dive site you want to visit.
Bring your own diving gear and equipment box. Strictly no borrowing.
Bring and apply liberally hand disinfectants throughout the day whenever necessary.
Spitting to defog your gear is prohibited. Soap and shampoo are advised to be used as a defogger and is mandatory to be available in diving centers.
Wear face shield and mask when not on actual dive and when interacting with other people.
1. Pescador Island:
A lot of divers who have visited Pescador talk about the “Pescador Experience.” This is an exciting and mesmerizing experience you shouldn’t miss when you visit Cebu. The Island which has been turned into a marine park is located in the municipality of Moalboal in Cebu and is considered Moalboal’s Jewel. The island is known for the sardine run which seems like thousands of them forming like a tornado is breathtaking to witness. You can find a variety of ocean life here like scorpionfish, stonefish, snappers, school of barracuda, frogfish, and a lot more. Turtles are common on this island too. On the west side of the island, you will find the “Pescador Cathedral”, a cavern or funnel starting at 18 meters dropping to 40+ meters, with pockets, bridges, and swim-throughs. Currents can be a bit tricky sometimes but you will surely have one of the most unforgettable diving experiences in your life.
2. Mactan Island:
This island is one of the famous diving spots not only in Cebu but in the Philippines. Many diving centers are open here since diving was allowed during the pandemic, but it is best to book This island is very accessible since this is also where the international airport is located, so if you have limited time in Cebu but you want to experience and witness its rich marine life, then the island will not disappoint you.
Mactan island and its surrounding island has diverse, colorful, and rich marine life. You will see snakes, frogfish, barracudas, leaf fish, mandarin fish, groupers, scorpionfish, blue-ribbon eels, nudibranchs, rainbow runners, pufferfish, clownfish, sweet lips, moray eels, drummers, harlequin fish, butterflyfish, pipefish, and many others. In the bigger marine sanctuaries, there are schooling mackerel and jacks, turtles, stingrays, and occasionally bigeye trevallies. Some dive spots are home to thresher sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Dive sites such as Tambuli, Agus, Marigondon Cave, Talima Marine Sanctuary can be accessed through Mactan Island.
3. Malapascua Island:
Malapascua is a small island of 2.5 kilometers in length and 1-kilometer width. It has a long stretch of white sand beach and is home to a small community. Located at the tip in the north part of Cebu, one will have to travel about four hours to Daanbantayan and take a 5 minutes boat ride to the island.
The island is a very popular diving spot in Cebu and is ideal for diving beginners. It offers a great and exciting experience for newbie divers as the dives here are easy to do but would inspire and thrill newbie divers to do more dives. Malapascua is famous for the thresher shark dives in Monad Shoal, here you can swim with the thresher sharks as much as you want and a lot of dive experience from unspoiled coral gardens, reefs and wrecks, night dives, wall dives, and a lot more.
Cebu indeed has rich marine life and a lot of diving spots, you can also visit the Olango group of islands which are adjacent to Mactan Island, Nalusuan Island, and Hilutungan Island which can’t be missed out during island hopping and notable for great snorkeling experience, and Capitancillo Island wherein a unique spot called the Rendez-Vous is located, is a deep gorgeous wall down to 180 feet to the different sloped walls a unique underwater fauna and flora.
4. Swimming with Whale Shark in Oslob:
The whale watching was suspended for about 4 months during the height of the pandemic but it has already resumed starting August 2020.
This thrilling and breathtaking swim with the whale shark can be experienced in Oslob. You will have the opportunity to decide to see them from the boat or you can snorkel or dive to see the whale shark closely. About 5-10 whale sharks are noted to visit the site every day as fishermen feed them.
It is truly exciting to swim with these majestic animals but it is important to follow instructions and make sure you and whale sharks are safe.
5. Kawasan Falls:
Kawasan Falls is located in Badian and is near Moalboal. This natural waterfall is a three-stage cascade of clear turquoise water from the mountain springs of the Mantalongon mountain range. The waterfall in the first stage is the largest and is the one which tourists mostly visit, you must climb to about 15 minutes to reach the second one, and must climb higher to reach the 3rd one. Canyoneering adventure is a popular activity in this area. It starts at Canlaob river downstream going to Kawasan falls.
Attractions at Cebu Transcentral Highway (Mountain Tour)
The trans central highway of Cebu is considered as one of the best innovations on the island in terms of transportation. The 33-kilometer highway is snake-like resting in the lush green mountains as it stretches from the east coast of Cebu City to the west coast in Balamban. This road is famous for bikers because of its notable winding road and relaxing cold temperature and natural green environment. This area here can be compared to the famous Kennon Road in Baguio.
Camping sites, strawberry garden, flower gardens such as Sirao Flower Garden, wide vegetable gardens, can be found here and is open to the public. Mountain adventures such as Ziplining, Sky biking, trekking, horseback riding can be experienced as well.
1. Temple of Leah:
One of the recent attractions along the Cebu Transcentral Highway which is gaining local and foreign interest is the Temple of Leah which is dubbed as the “Taj Mahal” of Cebu. This structure was built in 2012 on a mountain top in Busay as an expression of the love of a wealthy businessman in Cebu to his late wife named Leah. This Greco-Roman like big structure overlooks the city of Cebu.
Conclusion:
Although tourism was suddenly halted in Cebu due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the beautiful, scenic and breathtaking tourist spots here have been reopened for travelers to see and experience. Just make sure to check updates on travel requirements to your specific destination before you plan your travel.
Cebu is indeed one of the places in the Philippines a traveler must not miss or you will surely miss a travel experience you might regret in your life. Cebu is a very rich, vibrant, and diverse island. From interesting and world noted historical sites, world-famous beaches, and scuba diving experience, to exciting nature and mountain eco-adventures and a lot more.
Some of our other travel videos from our many trips to the Philippines.
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The Singing Cooks & Waiters By ExploreTraveler.com
Philippines Volcano
Volcano Trip - The ride up
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
The Singing Cooks & Waiters
Tacloban Philippines Lantern Memorial
Part 1 Alejandro Hotel Tacloban City Philippines
The Philippines Sailfin Dragon Lizards | Explore Traveler
The Mystery Behind The Famed Chocolate Hills In Bohol, Philippines
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Copyright @2021 Cebu Top Tourist Attractions: In the New Normal
Tuklasin ang Misteryo ng Chocolate Hills sa Bohol, Philippines
Chocolate Hills Bohol Philippines
Halos lahat tayo nangangarap na makapag bakasyon o bumisita sa iba’t ibang parte ng mundo kahit sa isang pagkakataon lang sa ating buhay, pero ilan lang sa atin ang naabot ang pangarap na ito, sa nakararami, ito ay hanggang pangarap lang.
Ang Pilipinas ay hindi kasama sa mga tinatawag na “top tourist destinations” sa buong mundo, pero ito ay dahil lamang sa ito’y nadiskubre pagkatapos madiskubre ang ibang tourist destinations.Puno sa mga natural na kagandahan at likas na yaman, ang Pilipinas ay isang lugar na dapat niyong puntahan sa maraming kadahilanan.
Ang Pilipinas Bilang Isang Holiday Spot
Kilala sa magagandang dagat at malinamnam na mga prutas, ang Pilipinas ay pinangalanan batay sa pangalan ni Haring Philip II ng Espanya. Ang pulo ng Pilipinas ay matatagpuan sa Timog-Silangang Asya, ito aytahanan ng iba’t ibang uri ng halaman at hayop na sa pilipinas lang makikita, kaya naman ang pag lalakbay sa Pilipinas ay isa sa pinakamagandang karanasan sa isang manlalakbay. Ang preskong kapaligiran, natatanging kultura, at magalang na mga tao, ang inyong kelangan kung gusto niyong magpahinga at magliwaliw saglit sa nakakapagod niyong buhay.
Hindi mabibilang ang mga magagandang lugar na pwedeng bisitahin sa Pilipinas, kagaya na lamang sa pamosong isla ng Boracay, na isa sa mga kabisera sa Pilipinas. Ang isla ng Boracay ay merong higit labin dalawang dalampasigan na perpekto para sa mga taong gustong magpahinga at mag enjoy ng mga water activities. At dahil ang Pilipinas ay mayroong 7,000 na pulo o isla, ang magiging pinaka mahirap na desisyon para sa isang manlalakbay ay kung saan ang unang lugar na pupuntahan.
Ang Banaue, isa rin sa mga lugar na magandang puntahan, ay may nakakaakit na Rice Terraces na hindi mo mapapalagpas na bisitahin kung ikaw ay pupunta dun. Kung ikaw naman ay mahilig sa kasaysayan o pumunta sa mga makasaysayang lugar, ang Vigan na kung saan buhay na buhay ang mga makasaysayang tanawin, ay dapat kasama sa listahan ng mga dapat mong puntahan. Meron ding mga nakakamangha na mga lungsod at isla gaya ng Maynila at Davao na parehong kakaiba at nakakaaliw na bisitahin. Ang Maynila o Manila, na parating buhay na buhay, ay puno ng mga aktibidad. Maaari kang sumakay ng jeep, na siyang pangunahing sasakyan sa paglilibot sa lungsod. Ang Davao naman, na isang pangulong lungsod, ay may halong urbano at natural na elemento. Sa madaling salita,hindi lamang mga gusali at maraming tao ang iyong makikita sa Davao, makikita mo rin dito ang mga natural na likas na gaya ng Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center at ang Davao Baywalk sa lungsod na ito.
Ang Chocolate Hills sa Bohol Bilang Isang Destinasyon
Subalit, sa lahat ng ito, ang isla ng Bohol sa Pilipinas, ay marahil ang ang pinaka magandang destinasyon para mag bakasyon kahit naman lang isang beses sa iyong buhay. Ang lugar na ito ay tahanan sa pinaka pamosong Chocolate Hills na nasa Carmen, Bohol, kung saan daang mala-tsokolateng burol ang nagbibigay ng maganda at kahangagangang tanawin, ito ay maihahalintulad sa maraming maliliit na bundok ng tsokolate, na nagkalat sa 50 kilometro kwadradong lupain. Ang likas na yamang ito ay dapat talagang pasyalan dahil ito’y kakatwa at ang tanawin ay talagang kahangahanga. Ito ay kilalang dinarayo ng mga turista sa Bohol na may layong 1-2 oras na biyahe mula Alona Beach.
Tungkol sa Chocolate Hills
Ang Chocolate Mountains ng Pilipinas ay isang pagbubuong heolohikal sa probinsya ng Bohol sa Pilipinas, at kahit sa ngayon, sa mga nagbabasa nito, ay marami ang nagtataka kung bakit ito ay popular at kung bakit ito’y pinangalanang “Chocolate Hills”. Ang hindi pangkaraniwan at kakaiba sa mahiwagang maliliit na mga burol na ito ay kadalasang nababalot ng berdeng damo at nagiging mala tsokolate kapag tag-tuyo. Itong mala tsokolate at napakaraming burol ay mahigit isang libo ang bilang at nagkalat sa may lawak na 50 kilometro kwadrado sa lungsod ng Carmen, Batuan, at Sagbayan. Ang kakaibang burol na ito, kahit iba iba ang laki ay pare-pareho parin ang itsura.
Chocolate Hills Bilang Perpektong Shooting Site
Ang Chocolate Hills ay kilala bilang pinaka magandang lugar para sa hindi mabilang na mga dayuhan at mga lokal na pelikula at tele-serye. Dahil sa kilala at nakaka intrigang kasaysayan nito, magandang tanawin, at mala fairy-tale na senaryo, ang Chocolate Hills tour sa Bohol, ay ilang beses nang naipalabas sa telebisyon. Ang mga mahilig sa sine lalo na yung mga gawa ng mga dayuhan gaya sa mga South-East Asians, ay matutuwa na malaman na ang pelikulang Aguila, Puri, Loveboat, Esteban, Muro-Ami, at ang internasyunal na pelikulang Tigershark ay ginawa dito. Ang kagandahan ng lugar ang umaakit sa mga tao sa buong mundo maging sa eksplorasyon man o pag tampok sa yaman ng kalikasan sa kanilang documentaryo o pelikula.
Ang mga Lutuing Popular sa Chocolate Hills
Noong ika-20 siglo, ang mga lutong Pilipino o lutong pinoy ay nagsimulang makilala sa buong mundo. Puno ng mga natural na pampalasa, maipagmamayabang ang lasa ng lutong pinoy. Ngayon, ang pinaka uso at mabilis ang pag usbong ay ang pagkain naluluto sa bangketa o street food, ay matatagpuan din sa bansang ito kung saan ang mga putahe ay parehong masarap at masustansya. Ang mahilig sa pagkaing ganito ay dapat puntahan ang lugar na ito para masaksihan at maranasan ang kakaibang luto ng Adobo, Sinigang, Kare-kare at Letson.
Mga Alamat na Bumabalot sa Chocolate Hills
Ang Bohol Chocolate Hills ng Pilipinas ay minsa’y napabilang sa “8 Wonders of the World” dahil sa hindi matukoy na pinagmulan o pagkabuo ng mga burol. Maraming alamat ang nauugnay sa Chocolate Hills, na kinukwento ng mga Pilipino tungkol sa pagkabuo ng burol. Ayon sa alamat, nabuo ang burol dahil sa pagtatalo ng dalawang higante na nagbatuhan ng malalaking bato at buhangin. Ang natira sa pagtatalo nila ay sa ngayong tinawag na Chocolate Hills. Isa pang alamat ang tungkol sa malungkot na higante na ang luha ang dahilan ng pagkabuo ng sikat na burol. Isa ring alamat ang nagsasabing ang burol ay galing sa mga tuyong dumi ng kalabaw.
Batay sa Siyentipikong Pagsasaliksik
Mahalaga parin ang aktwal na siyentipikong paliwanag sa pagkakabuo ng burol. Ang heolohikal na teorya sa pagkakabuo ng mahiwagang Chocolate hills ay resulta ng pagbabago ng panahon at pagkasira ng dagat apog o marine limestone. Ayon sa plaka na makikita sa viewing deck sa bayan ng Carmen, ang Chocolate Hills ay resulta ng pagkaagnas ng limestones o apog na umangat sa ibabaw ng lebel ng dagat at nabuo sa pamamagitan ng tectonic na mga proseso at napaibabaw sa tumigas na putik. Isa pang teorya ang nagsasabing ang burol ay coral reefs na nabuo mula sa pagsabog pagkatapos ng heolohical na pagkilos sa ilalim ng dagat. Kahit ano pa man ang dahilan ng pagkakabuo ng burol, ang kagandahan ng mga ito ay kaakit-akit at hindi dapat palampasin habang nagbabakasyon sa Pilipinas.
Pinakamagandang panahon para bumisita sa Chocolate Hills
Karamihan sa atin ay kinikilala ang Chocolate Hills na magandang pasyalang lugar. Ang pinaka mainam na panahon para bisitahin ito ay tuwing tagtuyot. Ito ang panahon ng pagkatuyo ng mga damo at ang mga burol ay nagiging mala-tsokolate ang kulay. Ang panahong ito ay nagsisimula sa katapusan ng Nobyembre hanggang Mayo. Isa sa nagbibigay ganda sa bansang Pilipinas ay ang hindi mahulaang takbo ng panahon, mas mainam parin ang sumangguni sa payo ng ekperto tungkol sa ulat panahon bago maglakbay. Kapag nakarating na, merong dalawang lugar na pweding pagpilian para makita ang tunay na kagandahan ng Chocolate Hills.
Viewing Deck ng Chocolate Hills Complex
Ang Chocolate Hills komplex ay isa sa mga pangunahing destinasyon para makita ang tunay na kagandahan ng Chocolate Hills. Ito ay matatagpuan sa Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol. Ang Chocolate Hills komplex ay binubuo ng dalawang chocolate hills na isinaayos ilang taon na ang nakalilipas. Binago ito at ginawang complex na mayroong sementong daanan papunta sa taas na may activity area, na kung saan makikita ang swimming pools at mga restawran na mayroong nakasisilaw at matataas na pine trees para magbigay lilim sa daanan. Mayroon din itong mga paupahang kwarto na abot kaya ang presyo sa mga gustong mag overnight sa sentro ng burol. Dahil sa mataas na altitude, maeenjoy ninyo ang kagandahan ng paglubog ng araw at mga burol sa observation decks.
Sagbayan Peak
Ang Sagbayan Peak ay isa sa mga lugar kung saan makikita ang kagandahan ng mga burol. Ito ay isang mountain resort at recreational center na matatagpuan sa bayan ng Sagbayan na hindi lang makikita ang kamangha-manghang 360-degree na tanawin ng mga burol kundi maging ang kakaibang bughaw na dagat na nag hihiwalay sa isla ng Bohol at Cebu.
Mga Dapat Gawin sa may Chocolate Hills
Galugarin ang Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
Kung gusto mong dalhin sa mas nakakaaliw na lebel ang pagbisita sa Chocolate Hills, bisitahin ang Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Ito ay isang eco-tourism park, na matatagpuan sa Barangay ng Buenos Aires sa Carmen. Pag ika’y pumunta dito, huwag mong palalagpasin ang maka pag bike at surf sa zipline. Itong Chocolate Hills adventure na ito ay tiyak na makapgbibigay sayo ng bugso ng adrenaline. Mayroon namang iba pang mga pasilidad at mga pweding gawin dito gaya ng mga rope courses o pakikipagsapalaran gamit ang lubid, wave runner, na kung saan makakapaglakad ka sa umaagyog na nakabiting kahoy o lubid, at makakakita din kayo dito ng iba’t ibang klase ng paru-paru at mayamang uri ng halaman at hayop na matatagpuan sa “Ang Paru Paro” na isang hardin.
Sumakay sa maaksiyong Chocolate Hills ATV
Ang mga nature lovers ay tiyak na mageenjoy sa Chocolate Hills dahil maaring mag libot at pumasyal habang nakasakay sa isang ATV. Habang patungo sa Chocolate Hills sa Carmen, madadaanan ng mga manlalakbay ang kaakit-akit na Bilar manmade forest o gawang-taong gubat, na mas nakapadagdag sa kakaiba at nakakamanghang paglalakbay na ito. Ito ay popular na hinihintuan ng manlalakbay para mag photoshoot dahil makikita dito ang matataas, puti at pulang mga puno ng mahogany. Ang gubat na ito ay matatagpuan sa hangganan na napapagitnaan ng Loboc at Bilar.
Ang mga manlalakbay na dumaraan sa gubat na ito ay mararanasan ang pag bugso ng masarap na temperatura at malamig na simoy ng hangin, ito ay dahil ang matataas na puno ay humaharang sa sikat ng araw.
Maliban sa Chocolate Hills, ang Bohol ay kilala dahil sa kanilang hayop na may malalaking mata, ang mga Tarsiers. Ang mga tarsiers ay mga hayop na aktibo sa gabi, ito ay kasinlaki ng kamay ng tao at napaka sensitibo sa tunog. Hindi magiging kompleto ang bakasyon o paglalakbay mo sa Bohol kung hindi mo makikita ang maliit na hayop na ito. Kaya habang nasa Chocolate Hills ka, bisitahin ang sanktuaryo ng mga tarsier at gawing sulit ang iyong pamamasyal.
Ang Chocolate Hills ay Isang “must-visit” ng mga-
Mahilig mamasyal
Para sa mga mahilig sa paglalakbay, kung saan nasa dugo at kaluluwa na nila ang kagustuhang maranasan at masaksihan ang ganda ng mga natural na likas sa yaman sa mundo, ay dapat talagang bisitahin ang Chocolate Hills. Ang nakakamanghang lugar na ito ay tiyak na uukit sa iyong puso magpakailan man.
Manunulat
Para sa mga mahilig sumulat at kumuha ng inspirasyon sa kalikasan, ang lugar na ito ay hindi lamang magbibigay sayo ng sandaling makakapagsabi ka ng “Aha!”, ngunit dahil din sa mga misteryosong alamat, nakakamanghang kwento, at komplikadong heolohikal na pagkakabuo, ay maka pagbibigay ng nakakaenganyong kwento, o maari ding maka pagbigay ng mga ideya at pundasyon para sa iyong mga sulatin.
Para sa mahilig sa mga adventurous trekking
Ang Chocolate Hills ay isa sa mga pinakamagandang lokasyon sa pag tetreking at iba pang mga adventures sa Pilipinas. Ang lugar na ito ay puno ng mga likas na halaman at mga hayop pati na rin mga talon, na talaga namang kaakit-akit. Ngunit walang grupo ng mga nagtitrekk ang regular dito kaya siguraduhing munang magpalista kasama sila.
Ang Chocolate Hills – Isang Natatanging Lugar para sa Honeymoon
Sa mga magsing-irog na gusto ng kakaibang honeymoon, ito ang perpektong lugar para dito. Ang Chocolate Hills, maliban sa pagiging kamangha-mangha ay mayroon ding mga kweba at batis sa patag nito na mahohook ka sa kagandahan nito. Ang parteng ito ng burol, ay ang pinaka magandang lokasyon kung saan mabubuo ang mga magagandang alaala at kahanga-hangang karanasan
Mga Kailangang dalhin bago bumisita sa Chocolate Hills:
Komportable at cotton na damit
Magaang bag o luggage
Insect-repellent
Magaan na sidlanan
Kamera na maganda ang kondisyon para makakuha ng litrato ng kaaya-ayang tanawin
Kaya naman, ang Chocolate Hills na isa sa pinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas, ay hindi lamang nakapagbibigay ng adventure, kundi ito rin ay magandang lugar para sa mahilig sa natural na likas na yaman at mga mag sing-irog.
Konklusyon
Kahit marami ang agam-agam, mga alamat at hindi maipaliwanag na pagkakabuo o pinagmulan ng mahiwagang Chocolate hills, hindi maikukubli ang katotohanan na hindi lang ito mala-himalang kababalaghan kundi isang magandang tanawin at napaka sulit na bisitahin kahit isang beses lang sa ating buhay. Ang karanasan dito ay hindi mapapantayan. Bukod sa tanawin, marami pang mga aktibidad ang pwede mong gawin. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-bisita sa mga lugar tulad ng Chocolate Hills ay matutuklasan mo ang kagandahan at kababalaghan sa natural nitong anyo.
Traveling post Covid19 will have its challenges but these can be overcome with planning and creativity. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we are looking forward to everything going back to some kind of normality. I don’t expect the west to recover quickly and some countries including the USA still have travel bans, and new requirements coming related to the vaccine. But can we still travel today, and the answer is an astounding yes. For example, Mexico is enjoying an inflow of Americans, Canadians, and their money. Why you might ask and the answer is they have not restricted the movement of people to the degree other countries have, and this has to lead to Americans, in particular, moving temporarily or permanently to the country. With the border being so close many have just driven south and have begun working remotely while taking breaks on the beach. Visa’s for Americans and Canadians are generous and can also be extended. If you’re traveling to Mexico from the United States as a tourist, you do not need a visa to enter the country. Upon arrival, you will be allowed 180 days, or six months, with what’s called a “visitor’s permit” or FMM. If your Canadian you can also stay 180 days and this is more than generous. To re-cap Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most EU countries do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists for less than 180 days. Other Europeans can stay for ninety days.
Traveling Post Covid19 Europe
Another example is Switzerland where many Europeans have gone to avoid the full lockdown life. This does not mean things won’t change but for now, it is better than most western European countries. I have read many stories of people going there to work remotely while enjoying the new and safe environment. Also, consider Eastern Europe where the virus has not been as destructive as in the west. For Americans, a 30-90 day visa is common in Europe, and with very a very good road system and a nose for deals you can keep costs down. Most distant workers like to hang out in Portugal these days since it has become a haven for computer-based workers, and has a solid program on longer-term visas. Some Switzerland Infection Information
Traveling Post Covid19 Asia
Another place to go is Taiwan but you must be willing to quarantine inside your hotel room for 10 – 14 days in order to be allowed full Taiwan travel. So not for a short trip but if you have a few months it’s a great place to consider. Taiwan is also a low-cost area but you need to understand your geography. The most expensive real estate in the north around Taipei, but if your willing to learn their tremendous rail system and understand the value of the local currency you can get some great bargains. The south of Taiwan in the city of Kaohsiung can be a very good way to keep your costs low and to live in a more tropical environment. There are large national parks, scuba diving, and much more to enjoy when not at work. One side of the island has a standard train system that moves slow and stops are every minor step, and on the other side you have a high-speed rail system with very low-cost tickets, and first-class is very affordable. Taiwan CDC Information Here
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas on Lotus Pond Kaohsiung Taiwan
Traveling Post Covid19 United States
The United States has many regions and some are very open. Florida is open and you can almost act as normal and they have not had any surge in cases recently. Also, there is Texas where things are open with some minor restrictions than my restricted eating arrangements. View United States CDC Information Here
Now, what the USA state to avoid? California, New York, Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico. These states have very harsh restrictions and are not worth visiting at this time. By next spring or summer, this should improve. As of 1/19/2021 most states are now in a re-opening phase and New Mexico and California are still the worse. However, if you like National Parks you can still travel around the country visiting and camping in most of them along the way. Please keep in mind that searching only on the internet is no guarantee of the latest information so please give the park a phone call to be sure. California Virus Information
Traveling Post Covid19 Soth and Central America
There are also areas within South American where we have heard from American expatriates who say there are few restrictions other than common-sense measures like wearing a mask in crowds and the consideration of a vaccine. Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica have shown up on our radar, and we have heard of Ex-Patriates doing well in these places. Keep in mind what facilities you might need and the speed of your internet. This becomes an issue in the more rural areas but Panama seemed to do well within most of the country. In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90-180 days without a visa, depending on the country of origin. Please see the country lists below for details. If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will conclude your visit to Panama within the allotted 90-180 days, you will not require a visa under normal circumstances. There are also areas within South American where we have heard from American expatriates who say there are few restrictions other than common-sense measures like wearing a mask in crowds and the consideration of a vaccine. Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica have shown up on our radar, and we have heard of Ex-Patriates doing well in these places. Keep in mind what facilities you might need and the speed of your internet. This becomes an issue in the more rural areas but Panama seemed to do well within most of the country. In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90-180 days without a visa, depending on the country of origin. Please see the country lists below for details. If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will conclude your visit to Panama within the allotted 90-180 days, you will not require a visa under normal circumstances.
Traveling Post Covid19 Vaccine FAQ
I do think that in the short term a vaccine will be required and for those concerned about the new mRNA vaccine please don’t fret because there are several others coming soon. Even the US military is not going with mRNA and will instead begin testing a protein-based vaccine from the SARS virus. Novovax is going to be a game-changer in my opinion longer term, and this may help people fighting all coronaviruses with the same protein. We do plan on getting a vaccine but have concerns that all will not be treated equally when traveling internationally. For example, the first two vaccines are using newer technology, and the data on their effectiveness is still unknown. The others with live and dead viruses have a more standard technology used and are more likely to be effective for a period of time. However, these take around two years to become available and we still have about a year to go. So please begin starting your travel plans and look for new and interesting places to visit for 2021.
Tingnan Ang Iyong Bawat Hakbang Sa Daungang Gawa Sa Lumang Kawayan
Pangingisda Sa Taas ng Dagat
Ang pangingisda sa Pilipinas, ay katulad sa walang katapusang paghahabulan ng pusa at daga, ay isa sa paraan ng pamumuhay sa Pilipinas. Sa mainit at maalinsangan hapon, ang mga mangingisda ay naghahanda sa kanilang mga bangka para sa gabing pangingisda. Ang tahimik na nayon ay nabubuhay na ka kagaya ng mga bloke ng yelo isinasakay sa kahoy na bangka. Minsan ay mas lalong nahihirapan ang mga mangingisda , na maaring tumaob ang Bangka sa dulo ng pinaka lumang daungan ng bangkang gawa sa kawayan. Ang mga daungang ito ay ginagamit pa rin ng mga bhasang mangingisda na ginagamit ito n g may pag-aalaga. Walang lugar dito ang pag-kakamali! Ang pangingisda ay ang pangunahing ikinabubuhay dito kaya ang ganitong daungan ay simpleng problema lamang sa kanila. Sa pag dating ng gabi ang mga bangkang gawa sa kahoy ay ilalagay na sa karagatan….patungo sa gawi na kung nasaan ang maraming mga isda.
Ang bangka ay may kawayan na batangan upang mabigyan sila ng matatag na sasakyan sa magaspang na tubig ng dagat. Ang bangka na ginagamit sa pangingisda ay karaniwang hindi hihigit sa 30 talampakan ang haba. Ang mga maliliit na bangkang pangisda ay gumana sa bahurang panahon ng mainit na gabi. Ang mga mangingisdang ito ay pa tungo sa mayamang bahura sa China Sea. Dito ay umaasa silang makahuli ng blue marlin, red grouper, yello-fin na tuna,at mga ulang ilan lamang itong uri ng pagkaing dagat ang maari nilang mahuli sa lugar. Maraming uri ng isda ang naninirahan sa bahurang ito. Ang pangingisda sa bahurang ito ay ang ikinabubuhay ng mga mangingusda sa Pilipinas. Ang ganitng bahura ay isang mala langit na lugar para sa mga tao na ang pinagkakakitaan ay ang dagat.
Sa panahon kung saan madalas na may mga Internasyunal na alitan at internasyonal na pagaagawan sa bahura, ang mga mangingisda ay laging nasa harap ng linya. Maraming mga araw na ang kanilang nadadalang isda sa kanilang daongan ay pa unti ng pa unti. Ang pangingisda ay isang paraan ng kanilang pinamumuhay at ang isda ay ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng protinang kinakain sa Pilipinas. Kaya henerasyon pagkatapos ng henerasyon ng mangingisda ang gumawa ng kanilang mga paraan ng pangingisda sa dagat sa bawat gabi. Ang kanilang pag-asa ……. ang maka hatak ng maraming isda hangga’t kaya nila.
Pangingisda ay ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kita para sa marami sa mga maliliit na nayon. Pagsasaka ng palay din ay isa sa mga pangunahing napagkukunan kada segundo. Wala silang iba pang mga industriya upang asahan. Ikaw ay kung hindi man magbubukid tiyak na isang mangingsida. Kung ikaw ay anak ng isang mangingisda …… tiyak na ikaw ay mangingisda. Kung ang iyong ama naman ay isang magsasaka … .ikaw ay isang magsasaka. Kaya sa baba ng baybayin ng dagat may komunidad na naghihintay sa bawat umaga, upang makita ang bangkang pangisda na bumalik sa daungan. Sila ay nangisda buong magdamag kaya umaasang meron silang huling maraming mackerel o di kaya ay pugita.
Pababa sa daungan sa maliit na nayon ng mga mangingisda ay mga asawa ng mga mangingisda na naghintay buong magdamag at ngayon ay naghahanap kung nasaan na ang kanilang mga asawa at umuwi na sa kanilang mga tahanan. Ito marahil ay tahimik na nayon, ngunit ang mga ito ay mga gising kapag sila ay tinatawag na…… ang bangkang pangisda ay dumadating na! Ang mga pamilya ng mangingisda ay isang kaponan, na kung saan ang mga kababaihang asawa ng ga angingisda ay tinatahi ang kanilang mga lambat na nasira ng nagdaang pangingisda sa gabi. Ang mga bangka ay isang beses muling dadaong sa mga maliit na daungang kawayan, ang mga isda ay inilalagak at binibenta. Ang restawrant at palengke ang higit na nananabik na makuha ang kanilang parte, sa huli kada araw. Ang isda ay kinakain ng karamihan ng mga lokal na populasyon. Magandang at sariwang isda ay nararapat, kung nais mong upang manatili sa negosyo.
Ang mga anak na lalaki ang naglilinis ng bangka para sa susunod na gabi at ang mangingisda ay umuuwi na sa kanilang tahanan upang matulog. Di lang magtatagal ay mangingisda uli ang mga mangingisda. Ito ang buhay ng isang nayon ng mga mangingisda sa Pilipinas.
Ang ExploreTraveler ay naglilikha ng mga artikulo sa paglalakbay, mga libro, mga video, at mga podcast para sa ilang taon na ngayon. Ito ay ang aming layunin upang dalhin ang aming mas lumang mga materyales para sa iba upang tamasahin ditto, at upang lumikha ng mga bagong materyal dito pati na rin. Inaanyayahan ka naming i-click ang aming mga link sa mga orihinal na nilalaman, at upang sundan din kami doon.
Ang post na ito ay orihinal nai-publish sa Marso 23, 2015 sa:
“Ang pagtulong na dalhin sa mundo ng sama-sama ang isang kaibigan sa isang pagkakataon. Kaya maglakbay at tuklasin na ang mundo ay puno ng mga kahanga-hangang mga tao.” – ExploreTraveler
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel, know only one page”- Saint Augustine
Travel can be an exhilarating experience and no matter how taxing it gets, one can just never get enough of it. After a while, it becomes a habit and finally an addiction. But this is the kind of addiction that one needs to have in their life because the health benefits of traveling are many. What needs to be understood is that the human lifespan is too short to be spent on unnecessary worries and stress as beyond all the trouble and distress lies a world that only knows adventure, a world where there are people but no judgments, curiosity but no greed, and one needs to get out of his/her comfort zone to make it all happen and experience the magical positive effects of traveling.
Travel is not just about making memories and meeting new people; there are benefits that go beyond all of this. We are not talking about physical fitness here, it is the mental health, that traveling has an impact upon. We often brush aside the significance of mental health and the result is horrible. Traveling can not only have a healing impact on one’s psyche, but it can lead to certain cognitive developments as well.
So here in this article, we shall delve into such exceptional impacts of travel on the psyche or mental health.
Breaking the status quo
Whether you travel abroad, to a different district or state, or even the nearest town, it affects your mental health, as it breaks the negative and monotonous cycle that seriously can mess your life up. It is this cycle that we need to break in order to keep ourselves away from the distress that a routine-based life can bring along. Besides once you are back to your same old routine after traveling, you start anew and can work harder than before.
Going somewhere you have never been before, can have a completely different and invigorating impact on your life and your psyche. Another way to break the monotony is to connect with nature. Connecting with nature is as good as connecting with yourself, as this again, is a revivifying experience altogether. Further, traveling to a place with scenic beauty can help treat depression and distress. Therefore, going on weekly nature trails and exploring nature and thus yourself can be a rejuvenating experience. So this is one of the major reasons why travel is good for your mental health.
Traveling helps you break the negative cycle and improve your mental health.
Gaining a new perspective
Traveling is about learning. Learning about new places, about new cultures and traditions, meeting new people, learning their languages and dialects, is about survival and realizing the eternal concept of life. Travel is about learning different ways to live life. Traveling to new places and getting acquainted with the culture of that place helps you gain a different perspective. We start seeing the world in a different light. The kind of knowledge and perspective you gain from traveling can make you think against the customs and the norms of the world.
The Sri Lankan culture, for instance, and their way of living, is completely different from those of Mexicans. The cultures of Canada and Hawaii differ largely. But every place has its own lifestyle and when you travel to such different places, you imbibe their culture and implement it in your own life and this is what multiculturalism is all about.
So when you keep yourself preoccupied with traveling, learning, and gaining new experiences and perspectives, you leave no place for distress, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses to kick in. And, this is actually the real meaning of staying healthy while traveling.
Lowering stress levels
Years of hard work, sleepless days and nights, an unhealthy diet, and an awful load of stress. All this, just for a few thousand dollars! Is this really the way you want to spend your precious life. You need a break from such a lifestyle because it increases the chances of a mental breakdown, depression, and even a heart attack. This is when one needs to understand why traveling is of great importance. A tedious lifestyle is the major cause of high-stress levels. When you set out on a trip, with your friends, family, or even by yourself, you prioritize yourself over your work schedules, otherworldly worries, and commitments. Studies have shown that just having a trip planned is enough for our minds to feel content. In other words, the anticipation of a getaway makes us feel the happiest and there are no better health benefits of traveling than this.
So when you travel, you are away from all the taxing activities and thus your body releases the hormone, serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. Mental health is thus largely affected positively when you travel because stress is the major cause of any mental illness and stress is exactly what traveling acts against. Lowering the stress levels and refreshing the mind and the body is what traveling does.
It’s about the confidence
Travel is undoubtedly about releasing stress, connecting with yourself, and making memories with your loved ones. But what most of us miss to notice is that travel is also about meeting new people and spending enough time with them to know their culture and tradition. Traveling is not just hanging out with your friends having a couple of beers or visiting the spas around. It can also involve roaming around on scorching days, getting lost, and sometimes getting broke as well. All this, is a part of travel, as is stress, a part of life. But what it teaches you is to find your way through and get back on track.
Traveling infuses a unique kind of attitude in you. While traveling, when you meet new people, you let go of your fears and your anxiety and when you overcome those fears, you discover a new part of yourself, you never knew even existed. That is exactly what traveling is about. It makes you courageous and increases your self-esteem too.
Travel is about self-care
Your mind and your mental health will remain intact as long as you take care of them. The moment your stress level increases, the mental health will start deteriorating. A weekly or even monthly trip to an unknown place can make all the difference. After all the frustration, deadlines, and heavy workload, it becomes utterly significant for the brain to get some rest. Now, nine hours of sleep wouldn’t just be the answer to this, as one would wake up to the same tedious routine once again. What the mind needs is a refreshing holiday. Traveling is the easiest way to refresh the brain as you need to break the monotony.
Besides, travel planning can be really exciting and can give you the satisfaction of doing things your way, which your work wouldn’t. So, when you travel, you are doing yourself a favor and treating yourself and your body, which is an act of self-care, leading ultimately to a healthy psyche.
Traveling enhances creativity
Traveling not only helps you get rid of extreme distress, but it helps in cognitive developments as well. So it’s not just about packing your bags and setting out on an unexplored journey, but about the impact this whole process can have on your cognitive skills. Further, it is a proven fact, that traveling increases cognitive flexibility, which in turn enhances creativity. People who travel often can be more creative than the ones who do not.
Further, extended traveling may also improve your problem-solving skills and increase your productivity as well. It is also important to note that traveling can only stimulate creativity when you travel to a new place and get acquainted with the culture over there. Therefore, multiculturalism can pave the way for creativity.
Traveling makes the mind strong
The work environment is usually taxing and bland and it takes out most of your energy. It is a place where job uncertainties prevail and the workload is humongous. So at the end of the day a person is drained and exhausted, not to mention, what working for months in the same condition feels like. Traveling to a place quiet and ambient with your loved ones can be a true treat for one. Besides, when you happen to travel to new places and meet new people, you try to adapt to their environment, which is an enriching experience for the mind.
This is when your psyche learns to blend in with the new environment and you are out of your comfort zone, which makes you emotionally stronger and flexible. This perhaps is the easiest way to strengthen your mind and prepare yourself for any difficulty that may befall you. It is therefore your mind that benefits the most out of this treat, making it very clear why travel is good for your mental health.
Travel makes you empathetic
Most of us, due to our personal experience and someone else’s opinion, set our own views and perspectives about certain sections of the society or people. These views are based on personal and someone else’s experience. When you travel, you come across all kinds of people and there is a great chance that your opinion of those people is just an unconscious bias towards them. When you spend time with them, you realize how prejudiced the mind can become, making way for some positive effects of traveling.
Traveling is the best way to avoid prejudices as you learn to be empathetic towards people and when you travel to several places, you learn a lot about different personalities of different people across the world.
Travel makes you emotionally stable
Not only is travel a stress buster, but it also makes you emotionally stable. This is one aspect of travel that we do not pay much attention to, but it is one of the most significant aspects of all. The common result of daily hassles has an extremely negative impact on our psyche, but when we set out on small trails and trips, we tend to open up to people around us as well as the people we meet. So, travel can, in fact, strengthen the openness aspect of our personalities.
Travelers have to adapt to new environments, new people, and their cultures and the more one engages with this newness, the more will he/she be broad-minded. Therefore, regular travelers are more emotionally stable than non-travelers.
Travel can strengthen relationships
We often find people around us, who are completely work driven or career-oriented and are extremely successful. What matters here is whether they are really happy or do they spend time with their families because it is usually the family we work for and in pursuance of our dearly dreams and goals, we work so hard that what matters to us the most is left aside and we hardly have time for our loved ones and this puts a strain on those relationships, and these rifts usually lead to divorces and regrets. This is why traveling with your loved ones, won’t only act as a stress buster for you, but it will also help, revive your bonds with them. It is the healthiest way to improve your relationship.
Travel helps you to be physically fit
You can hit the gym and workout every day and still be unfit. This is because mental health is much more important than physical health and one cannot be psychologically ill and physically fit. When you travel, your mind is active and is in a continuous state of excitement and happiness. So when you are mentally fit and blooming, you are physically as well as psychologically fit.
There have been cases where chronic illnesses have been treated with a change in the environment because it is the mind that is in control of the body and as the psyche is enriched, your body recovers automatically.
Conclusion
We often forget the true purpose of humanity and instead of discovering our true potential; we get entangled with all kinds of unnecessary worldly affairs. To travel is to let go of all those worries and expectations, to rebuild ourselves, and to treat our mind the way it deserves to be treated. It’s high time to reap the health benefits of traveling and make the most of your time.After all,
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all…”- Hellen Keller
“The Promised Land” as Seen by Moses on the top of Mount Nebo in Jordan is breathtaking. Mount Nebo is over 3,000 feet high and is just NW of Madaba across from the Northernmost part of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, it was from Mount Nebo that Moses looked out over “The Promised Land” before he died. We have the account of this experience recorded for us in the 34th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.
“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land… Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”
“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.” Deuteronomy 34:1-6
Mount Nebo is an important site for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. Many visitors and pilgrims come to Jordan to visit this famous mountain in the land of Moab. Many Christians include this area in their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The site is owned and cared for by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. They have discovered many treasures from an earlier church on the site. They have found, not only significant remains of the early Byzantine Church itself but many magnificent Byzantine mosaics. At the current time, a small simple structure has been built over these remains to protect them. The site is dedicated to Moses.
As Far As The Eye Can See
As for as, the eye can see is the Holy Land as seen from Mount Nebo. It is amazing! Think about looking out over the side of Mount Nebo and seeing across the Holy Land and beyond. You literally see all of the Holy Land and even beyond its borders. Looking toward the north is the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank and the city of Jericho can usually be seen from the summit. Also on a clear day, you can see the City of Jerusalem. What a magnificent view! What is the History of this astonishing view? Why is Mount Nebo so special? Come along with us as we explore the history of Jordan’s Mount Nebo.
In exploring the writings of the Fourth Century, we meet a Pilgrim Nun named Egeria. In her writings, she shares about a Sanctuary built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. It is thought that this church was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. This church was completed in the year 394. This large church had three apses or semicircles on the Eastside. The altar was located in the apses with arches and a domed roof. Two funeral chapels completed the building. One was on the Northside and the other on the South side. What a magnificent building it must have been!
During the Sixth Century, we see even more change and excitement for this small church. The church was enlarged and then made into a Basilica. The Basilica was completed with a sacristy and new baptistery. There are many surviving floor mosaics that date from c.530 AD. The mosaics are beautiful! Soon after, a large monastery was built and a pilgrimage center. This was a thriving Basilica and Monastery for over six centuries. The Pilgrimage Center was constantly in use. Many Muslims visit the Memorial Church of Moses each year. Moses is considered a prophet to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Many pilgrimages continue to this day.
This outstanding site was mostly abandoned by 1564. It remained highly neglected for many centuries. It was purchased by the Franciscan Order in 1993. The site was then excavated and restored. The modern additions to the excavated church have been very simple. They are little more than a basic shelter that protects the excavations and ancient mosaic floors.
On March 19, 2000, Pope John Paul II was its first distinguished visitor. He came to the chapel during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While he was there he planted an Olive Tree next to the Benzidine Chapel For Peace.
Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Archaeological Institute also has its headquarters within the Monastery. This is a special stop for both visitors and pilgrims. Many come every year to walk in the steps of Moses.
The Great Rock On Mount Nebo
The Great Stone on Mount Nebo is believed to be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today as a memorial to Moses. During recent years, the rock has been measured and found to fit the tomb exactly. The tomb also has the original stop for the rock when moved into place. Today it stands on the very spot that it is thought that Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” What a spectacular view!
Brazen Serpent Monument
A serpentine cross sculpture stands at the top of the Mountain. This was the creation of Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. This monument is symbolic of the bronze serpent that was created by Moses in the wilderness. The words of Jesus in John 3:14 appear on the Monument.
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”
The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 21:4-9. The cross symbolizes the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The words are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures in John 3:14.
The Ancient Baptistery
As you enter the Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo, keep to the left for a magnificent surprise. You will see the excavated Baptistery complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics can be skillfully dated to August 531, thanks to an inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop at the time it was built. The Bishop listed was Bishop Elias.
These amazing pristine mosaics were preserved in part, due to a second Baptistery that was laid over the top of the ancient Baptistery in 597. These spectacular mosaics remained undiscovered for over 1400 years. It was not until the excavation in 1976 that the first mosaic was found. It was restored and hangs on a wall.
These mosaics were very large squares that were divided into 4 real-life strips. These strips contained scenes of men and animals depicting a way of life. Each had a nice border. The top two sections depict extreme hunting scenes. The first scene shows a humble shepherd fighting a lion and the second a soldier in a fierce fight with a lioness. The other scene shows two horseback hunters engaged in a fight with a bear and a wild boar. All four of these mosaics show the precise detail of the artist.
The bottom scenes are very pastoral and calming. The first shows a shepherd watching after his sheep and goats while under the cover of a tree. The second depicts a darker-skinned man leading an Ostrich on a leash. Another scene shows a young boy with a Zebra on a leash. The final scene shows a large spotted animal that looks much like a camel, though it could also be a zebra.
There are many more mosaics hanging in the central section of the church and on the side aisles. There are many pieces of the almost 600 tiles that made up the magnificent mosaic pavement. One of the most outstanding and oldest mosaics is a braided cross that is displayed on the south wall. There are also many mosaics taken from the Church of George in Mukhiya. These mosaics have a very old Arabic script, though it is not yet clear which one or how old.
To one side of the Baptistry hangs an extraordinary mosaic cross. The cross was excavated from the original Fourth Century Church and now hangs on the new modern altar. Next to the altar is a photograph of the Pope praying at this modern altar. The cross is shown in the background.
Theotokos Chapel
As you prepare to exit the Memorial Church of Moses there is a simple chapel over three of the rooms of the old Monastery. In the semi-circles on the East side of the church is a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel used for the Eucharist or maybe an altar canopy. The mosaic also features many bulls and gazelles. The floor of the chapel is laid with many original mosaics of plants and animals of the time period. All these shed light on what life was like during the fourth to the seventh centuries.
The Ancient Monastery
On the highest section of Mount Nebo, Syagha were found the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside.
Today the work of excavation continues as visitors and monks work and pray hand in hand. Morning and evening there is prayer in the monastery and all workers who desire are welcome to join. There are simple accommodations for a few workers at a time. During the day the many workers continue to locate the new treasure and categorize the previous treasure found. The work is exacting but many hands make the labor easier. There is an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as they work. Today’s life on Mount Nebo is guided by a principle of simplicity and hard work.
Caves on Mount Nebo
The Mount Nebo Mountain Range is home to many caves. Some of these caves are shallow and open and others are deep and closed off. One of the deepest mysteries of Mount Nebo is the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the ancient Hebrew writings of the Maccabees, it was hidden in a cave on Mount Pisgah, the highest peak in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. According to Second Maccabees, Jeremiah carried the tent, the ark, and the incense altar into a cave on Mount Pisgah and then sealed the opening. The account in Second Maccabees reads as follows:
2 Maccabees 2:4-8
4″ These same records also tell us that Jeremiah, acting under divine guidance, commanded the Tent of the Lord’s Presence and the Covenant Box to follow him to the mountain where Moses had looked down on the land which God had promised our people.5 When Jeremiah got to the mountain, he found a huge cave, and there he hid the Tent of the Lord’s Presence, the Covenant Box, and the altar of incense. Then he sealed up the entrance.
6 Some of Jeremiah’s friends tried to follow him and mark the way, but they could not find the cave.7 When Jeremiah learned what they had done, he reprimanded them, saying,
No one must know about this place until God gathers his people together again and shows them mercy.8 At that time he will reveal where these things are hidden, and the dazzling light of his presence will be seen in the cloud, as it was in the time of Moses and on the occasion when Solomon prayed that the Temple might be dedicated in holy splendor.”
Whatever your belief about the Ark of the Covenant, one thing is for certain, it is one of the possible mysteries of the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. Archaeologist Crotser, in the fall of 1981, is said to have found the ark and took pictures. No one has dared to touch it. They all remember what happened in the days of old when someone dared to touch this unique golden box. So for now, it still remains one of the mysteries of Mount Nebo in Jordan.
If you are looking for adventure, then consider Mount Nebo. Go beyond the Memorial Church of Moses and climb the beautiful mountain range. Explore all the ruins and treasures. Find the answer to many questions by spending time exploring the wonderful mosaics of the original baptistry. Grab your passport and pack your backpack. Get the necessary permissions if you want to hike the mountain range. A Jordan adventure is waiting in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range.
