worldtoptop

[worldtoptop]

We’re back to this amazing country! Today we will continue the list of the Top Places to Visit in Taiwan (part one is here).

This time you will discover even more places in the Formosa island, like the Mount Jade, where the mysterious Formosan Black Bear hides. You will also see the beautiful geopark of Yeliu and many other amazing places you can spot only there. Are you ready? Enjoy it!

  Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園)

Taroko National Park – Baiyang Trail

Taroko National Park

Despite the Japanese sound the name Taroko has, its origin comes from the name of one of the Taiwanese tribes, Truku, which means “Human Being” in their language.

The park is gorgeous, well maintained, and has so many things to do that we definitely should make a post – or a series of posts – just for what this park has to offer. My advice here: When in Taiwan, do not miss it!

The Bell Tower above Eternal Spring Shrine, Water Curtain Cave, and the Chingshui Cliff are only some of the gorgeous attractions you will find there.

The park admittance is free. Yes, you got me right, you pay nothing, nada, zero cents to enjoy this place. When in there, your first stop should be the Visitor’s center. They are not only nice to visitors but also very useful, providing tourists information about the weather, trails under maintenance and other important tips for those who want to explore the place.

Useful Information

Nearby hotels: Hotels in Taroko

More information: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en

Yushan National Park (玉山國家公園)

Home of the Jade Mountain – or Yushan – the highest peak in Taiwan at 3,952 meters (12,966 ft) above sea level, and the adorable Formosan Black Bear, an endangered bear species, the Yushan National Park is a place that deserves respect for all the nature and incredible experiences it has to offer.

If you plan to do a hike to the top of its famous mountain (please do it!), then you should first get a permit, and become more knowledgeable about the trail you want to take.

The Wikitravel website is a good source of information: https://wikitravel.org/en/Yushan.

Tianliao Moon World (田寮月世界)

Named after its similarity to the landscape of the Moon surface, these badlands are so beautiful and so accessible that is a shame not to visit it.

Yeliu Geopark (野柳)

Yeliu Geopark is a place to use your imagination. There you can find many interesting rock formations, like the Beehive, the Fairy Shoe, and the iconic Queen’s Head.

Fugui Cape (富貴角)

It is Taiwan’s most northern point, where you can get nice views from and of the lighthouse, see the Shimen cave, and take a picture of the special sea carved rocks.

In the months of September and October, the Fugui Jiao Park become one of the hosts of the Shimen district’s kite festival.

Nanya Rock Formations (南雅奇石)

Also in the northernmost part of Taiwan, the beautiful rock formations, with beautiful striped patterns, and sea-eroded coral shore are reasons to spend some time there.

Pingxi (平溪) – Sky Lantern Festival

From the moment people are preparing themselves, putting their hopes and dreams into the lanterns, to the moment the sky is taken by so many of them, the Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi is certainly an event that needs to be experienced.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival celebration starts on the 15th day of the first lunar month, after Chinese New Year, typically in mid-February.

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (太平山國家森林遊樂區)

Taipingshan is one of Taiwan’s major national forest recreation areas and is shrouded in mist for much of the year, which makes this area a great place to have an amazing view of the sunshine.

If you like hot springs, then you should pay a visit to Jioujhihze Hot Spring. It is a spring with no odor and clear water.

Nearby hotels: Hotels in Taiping

Shei-Pa National Park (雪霸國家公園)

Home of 51 mountain peaks, including Daxueshan, the second highest mountain after Yushan, Shei-Pa is another great national park to visit in Taiwan.

Many people consider this mountain scenery to be Taiwan’s best.

Green Island (綠島)

Once a penal colony, Lu Dao (Green Island) today is one of the best places for snorkeling, scuba diving, walking and relaxing in Taiwan. When in there, visit the Nan Liao Village, for a walk (or a great sunset), take a look at the Lighthouse to have a nice view of the area, or go to Chai Kou, a great spot for snorkeling and diving.

Make yourself a favor and give the Green Island a try.

More information: The occasional Traveller

Bagua Mountain Scenic Area (八卦山脈)

The first thing to do there would be the walk to the top of the mountain – a 40 minutes walk – where a giant statue of Buddha waits for you (you can even go inside it!). From there you will have a panoramic view of the complex.

Sun Link Sea Forest Recreation Area (杉林溪森林生態渡假園區)

Taiwan has so many amazing places for hiking, but this one is special. It is not only beautiful but also peaceful. Its lakes, stones, bridges, and waterfalls will make yourself immersed and yearning for more.

Orchid Island (蘭嶼)

The Orchid Island is the perfect place to spend a day or two. There you will find strange rock formations, beautiful boats related to the aboriginal Yami culture, that remains strong in that place, and good beaches to admire.

Siraya National Scenic Area (西拉雅國家風景區)

This is a huge place with many things to do. Not only that, but Siraya is also a major farm produce area, where you can find fresh fruits and other products all year long.

Taiwan Glass Hall (台灣玻璃館)

The Taiwan Glass Gallery is an attraction worth a visit. The gallery is divided into categories, such as furniture glass, decorative glass and art, and more. When in there, be sure to experience the glass maze 🙂

Top Places 15 to Visit in Taiwan – Part 2 We’re back to this amazing country! Today we will continue the list of the Top Places to Visit in Taiwan (part one is…

#amazing places in taiwan #attractions in taiwan #famous landmarks taiwan #places in Taiwan #places to go in taiwan #places to see in Taiwan #sights taiwan #taiwan beautiful places #taiwan best places #taiwan best places to visit #taiwan tourism #tourist attractions in taiwan #travel taiwan

[worldtoptop]

Today we are revisiting a spooky topic, remember our post about the Haunted Forests in the USA? Now we are going to the misty woodlands of United Kingdom, where we picked 7 of the most creepy locations for your pleasure (or not).

1 – Dering (Screaming) Woods – England

Puckley holds the dubious title of the most haunted village in the UK in the Guinness Book of Records, but its adjacent forest, Dering Woods, also called Screaming Woods, grabs the attention of people (and tourists) with its reported cases of ear-splitting screams coming from the deeps of the forest. In 1948, a creepy case occurred there. Twenty dead bodies were found in the woods, eleven of them were children. Brave people can spend a night there by booking a tour with one of the many nearby ghost tour companies.

2 – Epping Forest – England

Credits: David Young

This ancient woodland was once a royal property and now is a great place for running, biking, and walk your dog. But, incredibly, this forest is also considered by many people as the most creepy of all haunted forests in England. One of the most notorious ghosts there is the spirit of Dick Turpin, a famous robber who used a cave in the woods as a hiding place. Many poltergeist hunters and fans of the paranormal go to the Epping National Park, where the forest is located, to study, and sometimes to get in touch with some of its known ghosts.

3 – Pembrey Woods – Wales

Here is another ancient woodland. Paranormal enthusiasts love this Welsh haunted forest due to its many allegations and stories of weird things that happen there. The claims go from sights of dark shadows to strange forces grabbing your ankles to make you fall on the ground. Unfortunately, the size of the forest has decreased over the years due to the expansion of the city, but you can still go make a visit and stay a night there.

4 – Frith Wood – England

Credits: Richard Gunn

This one is not internationally famous as a haunted forest, but who says that ghosts like publicity? Nicknamed by the locals as Fright Wood, this pleasant forest is supposedly frequented by the ghost of a woman looking for her lover. People claim that it’s possible to hear her crying and sobbing inside the woods.

5 – Ballyboley Forest – Northern Ireland

Credits: Lawrence Mc Cann

It is said that this place was an ancient Druid site, where rituals and sacrifices had taken place. It is even possible to see the stone formations and trenches made back then. Frightening occurrences of unearthly sounds coming from the woods, sights of shadowy figures, and trees with blood stains will make even the bravest adventurer wary of spending a night in there.

6 – Forest of Rothiemurchus, Scotland

Credits: One-Foot

This forest is home to the grave of Seath Mor, a formidable warrior who lived in the 14th century. Local legend says that if you wander too deep into the woodland, Seath’s spirit will appear to you for a challenge. If you keep calm and don’t run away, the ghost will leave you in peace to explore. If you run from it, you will never see its spirit again, even if you come back.

Credits: Kathleen Jamie

In the 19th century, a man was found dead in the River Spey after tossing a stone from the Mor’s grave to the same river. Today, an iron cage protects the grave, or better, foolish people, from getting too far from messing with Seath’s resting place.

7 – Wychwood Forest, England

Credits: Mike Knight

The last of our Haunted Forests have decreased its size over the years, but still, have many stories and legends related to dangerous fairies and hobgoblins. Signs of paranormal phenomena are diverse. People have reported cases involving sounds of unseen horses and the impression of someone touching them inside the forest.

As you noticed, there are two versions of the same photo for each place. We did a (terrible) transformation from the “normal” photos to a “spooky” version of them just for fun.

Some of the references were found on Archaic Wonder on The Shadow Lands

A creepy list of the Top 7 Haunted Forests in the United Kingdom Today we are revisiting a spooky topic, remember our post about the Haunted Forests in the USA?

#epping forest #fright wood #haunted forest #haunted forest england #haunted forest uk #haunted forests #haunted forests list #most haunted forest in uk #most haunted forests #most haunted forests in uk #screaming woods

[worldtoptop]

What a better way to give someone a glimpse of a beautiful city than showing its skyline?

All around the world, cities have been emerging, transforming everything around it; mountains, rivers, buildings, houses, monuments, everything visible in the city landscape helps to create a delightful view. Maybe you have one you like the most, maybe you have never thought about it. In both cases, I invite you to meet some of the most beautiful city skylines in the world, right below. Enjoy.

1 – Taipei

The tallest building in Taiwan, and one of the tallest in the world, the Taipei 101 decorates Taipei’s skyline, making this one of the most beautiful and elegant skylines in our list. If you want to know more about Taipei and Taiwan’s best places, check out our post Top Places to Visit in Taiwan – Part 1.

Useful information

The city silhouette is better seen from the Elephant Mountain, where you have a view of the entire city. Elephant Mountain – Map [mapa][/mapa]

2 – Dubai

Dubai does not require presentations or introductions; the city is one of the most beautiful places in Middle-East and in the world. It’s the proof you can raise an entire city out of nowhere, like a desert.

Excited? After checking out these skylines, go visit our special post on the Top 15 Wonders of Dubai to discover more about this city.

3 – Cape Town

The sea, the boats, the buildings… All of these elements would contribute to a terrific urban sight, isn’t it? But Cape Town has more… The splendid Table Mountain not only adds a lot to the city landscape, but it also makes any experience there unforgettable.

Did you like it? Check out our post of Cape Town’s landmark here.

Useful information

To see this mountain and the city outline you have to go to the sea or go to the Robben Island with a good range lens or binoculars.

4 – Toronto

Credits: Calvin James

The iconic CN Tower in the center, and the buildings reflecting lights on the sea, certainly creates a unique outline of the city.

Useful information

You can get a great view from the Polson Pier.

[mapa][/mapa]

5 – Florence

Credits: VideoBlocks

The city is considered by many people as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and it’s not hard to feel it. The culture there is so powerful that you can see, listen, eat, and touch. Such spirit can also be seen on the city’s horizon, from where you can see its beautiful skyline.

Useful information

One of the best points to see the city outline is definitely from the Piazzale Michelangelo, from where you can see the Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo, or the Florence Cathedral), this architectural masterpiece which makes the outline look incredible.

[mapa][/mapa]

6 – Shanghai

Located in the Yangtze River Delta, the most populous city in the world, Shanghai, is also a global financial center with endless buildings. The skyline is decorated with peculiar structures, like the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower.

Useful information

The best place to see Pudong and the city skyline is from the Bund Bund Location: 475, Zhongshan East 1st Rd

[mapa][/mapa]

7 – Tokyo

Credits: Japan Guide

The skyline silhouette of Tokyo could not be complete, and even not on this list, without the Tokyo tower. The structure resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris and it is one of the symbols of the city.

Useful information

The best place to see the skyline from this perspective is from the Tokyo World Trade Center Hours: 10:00 to 20:30 (entry until 20:00) Closed: No closing days Admission: 620 yen

More information on Japan Guide

8 – Istanbul

Credits: Manevi Sosyal Hizmetler

One of the most important cities in history, Istanbul, once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is a perfect city to travel to. There are so many locations, historical constructions, and good places to eat, that could easily make you forget to see its gorgeous horizon.

Useful information

The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are better seen from the top of the buildings, like the Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

9 – Tehran

The capital of Iran, Tehran, is an amazing city with lots to do and to see. And has one of the most dramatic views in our list, thanks (in part) to the Mount Tochal.

Useful information

The best view of the city skyline would definitely be the Northern Tehran and Alborz Mountains, seen from Tabiat Bridge. Tabiat Bridge – Map

[mapa][/mapa]

10 – Washington DC

Credits: Rozanne Hakala

Named after the first president of the United States, George Washington, Washington is the seat of the government and other international institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The city hasn’t as many tall constructions as NYC, but its elegant buildings, especially the Capitol, help this capital to have some of the most beautiful skylines in the world.

11 – Doha

Credits: Sam Agnew

One of the New 7 Wonders Cities, Doha is a world-class metropolis with beautiful buildings and planned infrastructure. It is also the capital and the most populous city in the state of Qatar.

Useful information

The best place to see the Doha West Bay skyline is, probably, the East Mound-Skyline at Doha Port. East Mound-Skyline View – Map

[mapa][/mapa]

12 – Rio de Janeiro

The most known city in Brazil has a great natural skyline, and there is a good reason for that, elements like the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ Redeemer, and the Atlantic Ocean, all contribute for this perfect landscape.

Useful information

The best view of the city skyline is from above. Our recommendation would be from the air, riding a helicopter, from the Sugarloaf Mountain, where you can take the “bondinho” to get a good picture, or from Parque da Cidade, in Niteroi, for a different perspective.

Tickets for the “bondinho”: http://www.bondinho.com.br/en/home/

13 – Saint Petersburg

Credits: Blog Red Fox

Built in 1703 by Peter the Great as a fortress, the romantic city of Saint Petersburg is considered by many as the Venice of the north and is an open art museum, with magnificent and unique buildings. The city is also home to the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world.

Buildings like the amazing Church of the Savior on Blood and the Admiralty Tower are only some of the elements making one of the most wonderful cities in the world to have one of the most beautiful skylines too.

Check out our post on the metro stations in Russia here!

Useful information

Generally, the rooftops of the religious buildings are the best way to see the city’s skyline. Like the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral or the Smolny Cathedral.

14 – New York

Credits: Ben Cooper

Once a small Dutch colony bought by $1,000, the city of New York is now the most populous city in the United States and one of the most (if not the most) known city skylines in the world.

Useful information

Some of the special places where you can get the iconic Manhattan outline are near the Lefrak Point Lighthouse in the Waterfront, New Jersey, and from the Governors Island. The Waterfront – Map

15 – Sydney

Credits: Diliff [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons

Sydney, with its Opera House, is also the house of one of the Most Beautiful New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the World, and offers a fascinating skyline, especially at night.

Top Beautiful City Skylines in the World – Part 1 What a better way to give someone a glimpse of a beautiful city than showing its skyline?

#beautiful city skylines #cape town skyline #city skyline #city skylines #doha skyline #dubai skyline #florence skyline #New York Skyline #Saint Petersburg Skyline #Shanghai Skyline #Sydney Skyline #tehran skyline #tokyo skyline #Toronto Skyline #washington skyline

[worldtoptop]

The Carnival period is coming. The world is getting ready for this great spectacle. And what a better place to enjoy it than Brazil, which in 2017 officially starts the Carnival festivities on February, 28th. Being the country with the largest Catholic community in the world, Brazil also hosts, probably, the largest and most famous Carnival parade on earth.

But, what makes the Brazilian Carnival so great? Maybe it’s because of the Carnival floats, the costumes, or those huge parades. For me, the best of the Carnival is the Bateria (drums), they are great and make all the difference in the parade. If you don’t know what I mean, here is a short video of a samba school practicing drums.

So, how do you feel? Want to see more? Please, feel free to check our list of the Top 10 Brazilian Carnival Destinations, starting right below.

10 – São Paulo

Not as famous as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo (the city, not the homonymous state of São Paulo) is still a great choice to spend the Carnival days, providing good infrastructure, transport and many options for parties. The most famous parade in the city happens on the Anhembi Sambadrome (Sambódromo do Anhembi), where the samba schools, each one using a different theme for their presentation, compete in a huge and multicolored procession.

Credits: Folha de Sao Paulo

Useful information

1 – Enjoy two big parades in a row – São Paulo’s Sambódromo do Anhembi party goes from Friday to Saturday night, ending one day before Rio’s sambódromo parade starts. It can be a good idea to consider visiting two of the most renowned pageants in a row. 2 – Visit the Samba Schools before the festivities – The samba schools in São Paulo have their own places where they practice. Those places are a plus and provide an extra worthy show, starting your engines for the upcoming parade. 3 – If watching the parade is not enough for you, you must know you can make part of it. You can enter in contact with the schools directly, or check with your local travel agency. The most known samba schools in São Paulo are:

Nenê de Vila Matilde – Facebook and e-mail Vai-Vai – E-mail

9 – Fortaleza

The Carnival Parade in Fortaleza provides an excellent option, with many different rhythms besides samba, being Forró the main rhythm.

Useful information

The event usually starts before the official date for the national event and count with many blocos, which are blocks of people marching and dancing different rhythms depending on the location. The best locations for Carnival in Fortaleza are:

Praia de Iracema – You can check hotels here.

Praça do Ferreira is part of a circuit you don’t want to miss. A good place to stay is the Marina Park Hotel, a good hotel not far from there, or check here for more options.

8 – Diamantina

Credits: Escravos da Folia

Located in the countryside of Minas Gerais state, Diamantina was once a place used for diamond extractions (hence the name, Diamantina), now it is a charming cultural and historical city, where people can enjoy watching the blocks of Carnival passing through the streets or join them in this wonderful party.

7 – Recife

Hosting the most democratic party in this list, Recife’s Carnival is driven by blocks of parades in which you don’t need to pay to take part in most of them. As well as Olinda, the rhythm is Frevo, a remarkable dance so unique that it was added on UNESCO list of intangible world heritage.

Credits: Andrea Rego Barros

Useful information

The Galo da Madrugada is one of the biggest Carnival parades in the world (disputing the first place with Rio’s Cordão da Bola Preta) and it happens there, in Recife. It’s not the same event promoted by the city and is free to participate too (buying the official T-shirt is completely optional).

6 – Ouro Preto

Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais, provides a traditional Carnival, with people partying while marching throughout stone streets and among colonial buildings. The local university also plays a big role in this event, so you can expect many young people and parties inside the campuses too.

5 – Florianopolis

Credits: Floripa Honesta

Famous among people in South America (especially from Argentina), Florianópolis is a beautiful island that also hosts an unforgettable Carnival experience.

Useful information

Florianopolis is also a worldwide known surfing spot, and has plenty of beach resorts for those who want to experience the “Magic Island”, as some people use to call it.

Some of the best places to stay in Florianópolis are: Costão do Santinho Resort, Il Campanario Villaggio Resort and Pousada Mares do Santinho.

4 – Sao Luíz do Paraitinga

Credits: Turma do Funil

An underdog in this list, the Carnival in São Luiz do Paraitinga is traditional, and it is getting more and more famous in Brazil, and famous enough to be on our list :) . A good place to stay there is the Pousada Araucária, well rated, and only 500 meters from the city.

3 – Salvador

Salvador’s Carnival is well-known in Brazil and in the world. The main rhythm is Axé, a contagious rhythm derived from African styles. A good example is Olodum, an African-Brazilian percussive group and one of the most famous Carnival blocks in Brazil.

The festivity is literally driven by “Trios Elétricos”, enormous moving stages with bands on top that lead and incite people to carry on with the party. Sometimes, the excitement is so big that people keep partying for days long. Barra/Ondina and Campo Grande/Centro are the city’s two main carnival circuits, where for more than 16 hours a day and for six consecutive days dozens of bands run through, being followed by eager crowds, immersing themselves in music and dance. To be part of the blocos it is necessary to purchase an “abada” (a colorful shirt), but you can also get a ticket and watch the “trios” passing by from exclusive areas called “camarotes”.

2 – Rio de Janeiro

The most famous Carnival in the world is in Rio de Janeiro. It counts with a myriad of options for every taste, from the traditional street blocks, as the Cordão da Bola Preta, the actual world’s largest parade, and the world’s famous Rio’s Sambadrome, where, as well as in São Paulo, the samba schools, each using a different theme for their presentation, compete in a huge and colorful procession. You can check more about Rio in our Top 25 Places in Rio de Janeiro list :)

Useful information

1 – Visit the Samba Schools before the festivities – This is a must, definitely. The samba schools in Rio de Janeiro have their own places where they practice.

Those are must-visit places, when you’ll start feeling how the parade is going to be.

2 – Reserve a place to stay as soon as possible – The prices for the Carnival are high and the hotels usually get fully booked in this season.

3 – Be part of it – As well as in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro’s samba schools are completely opened for people who wants to join them and be part of this spectacle. So, if watching the parade is not enough for you, enter in contact with the schools directly, or check with your local travel agency. There are many samba schools in Rio, and the most known are:

Mangueira

Beija-Flor

Mocidade Independente

Salgueiro

1 – Olinda

A unique event, with a traditional street Carnival where people march together with 2-meter tall figures (around 6.5 feet): the Olinda’s dolls. The rhythm is “Frevo”, so you can expect plenty of people branding their colorful umbrellas while dancing and marching on the streets of this beautiful city.

Useful information

Brazilian Carnival is amazing indeed, but you need to remember to:

Get prepared properly – The most convenient way to participate is to get a tourist package, but you can arrange with the hotel staff, or have a friend in Brazil that can help you.

Stay in groups of people – with more than two people preferentially, with one or two natives in it.

Reserve a place to stay as soon as possible – The prices for the Carnival are high and the hotels usually get fully booked in this season.

Go low profile – Do not go out with expensive stuff, smartphone, or money. Carry your passport in a way it will be hard to lose it.

Avoid using bags, backpacks or anything that can be left unattended – Remember, you will be in a crowded place, with all kinds of people, that’s not the best moment to take pictures or carry a laptop.

New Post!! Top 10 Carnival Destinations in Brazil The Carnival period is coming. The world is getting ready for this great spectacle. And what a better place to enjoy it than Brazil, which in 2017 officially starts the Carnival festivities on February, 28th.

#2017 brazil carnival #brazil carnival #brazilian carnival #carnaval #carnaval do brasil #carnival #carnival de rio #carnival destinations #carnival top destinations #rio brazil carnival

[worldtoptop]

Top 15 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Displays in the World

Is there a better way to start a post welcoming the New Year than listing the Top 15 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Displays in the World? Don’t be mad we did not include New York’s Times Square NYE Show in this list, we choose another special one in the USA which will make your whole new year magic. Curious to know the USA’s and the other countries’ best New Year’s Eve Fireworks Displays? Then keep…

View On WordPress

#amazing fireworks display #beautiful fireworks display #most beautiful fireworks #most beautiful new year&039;s eve fireworks #new year&039;s eve celebration #New Years Eve Fireworks #top fireworks display

[worldtoptop]

If you ask me for an example of how nature can let us breathless, I would certainly tell you two words: Blue Holes. A blue hole is an underwater vertical cave, named after its peculiar and impressive contrast between the dark blue from the deep waters and the light blue from its shallow part. They can be found on the sea and on the land, and there are many you can visit, swim, and dive, like the Blue Hole of Gozo on the Maltese Islands, starting our list of the most beautiful blue holes on the sea. Enjoy it!

5 – The Blue Hole of Gozo (Dwejra Blue Hole) – Maltese Islands

Credits: Malta Weather Website

Credits: MaltaiGozo.pl

Located in the Maltese Islands, Gozo is beautiful. It has beaches, stunning landscapes, good places to eat and a blue hole. Like a natural swimming pool, the Blue Hole of Gozo does not have the same dramatic contrast as the other blue holes in this list, but it is a great spot for diving, and swimming.

For booking options check here: Hotels in Gozo

4 – Dragon Hole (South of China Sea)

Credits: chuansong.me

Credits: chuansong.me

By the time of this post, the Dragon Hole (300.89m/987.2ft deep) is the deepest blue hole in the world. Tourism and fishing are still not permitted in this area, but you can check out the photographs of this gorgeous place taken by the local media.

Dragon Hole’s Location

[mapa][/mapa]

3 – Red Sea Blue Hole

Credits: S. Ellermann

It is a famous diving location, not only because of its beauty and calm waters, but also for being one of the (if not the) most dangerous diving sites on the planet. It is still not clear why the Red Sea Blue Hole, also called Dahab Blue Hole, is so deadly. Some people say it’s due to a ghost of a girl who died there, and now lures divers to her. Other people believe that, for being an easy dive, people get careless. Despite its death count, it is still one of the most well-rated and famous diving sites in the world.

Interested? Check out a place to stay here: Hotels in Dahab

2 – Dean’s Blue Hole – The Bahamas

Credits: El VIajero Feliz

Oh, the Bahamas, an archipelago of more than 700 islands and islets and many jewels, like the Dean’s Blue Hole, the second known deepest salt water blue hole in the world and one of the most beautiful too. Besides being one of the best spots in the world to dive and swim, the Dean’s Blue Hole is also a great place to spend a day relaxing and having fun. The beaches around the blue hole are clear and excellent spots to tan in the sun.

If you want to spend some days in Clarence Town, click here to book a hotel

1 – The Great Blue Hole – Belize

Credits: U.S. Geological Survey

Credits: Vladimir Shveda

It is the most famous and beautiful blue hole in the world, and also the largest of all. The Great Blue Hole of Belize is the perfect example of a salt water blue hole you can have. It has a perfect circular shape and shows a clear contrast between the waters. This blue hole is definitely one of the most impressive places you can visit on earth.

Booking options in Belize City can be found here.

The Great Blue Hole Location

[mapa][/mapa]

The following attractions are not blue holes, but are considered or named as, and are great recreational spots if you like diving (or like beautiful places).

Blue Holes – Palau

Credits: Malvado.Net

Credits: ET Today

If you have a diving certificate, this one is for you. One of the best locations for diving in the world, Palau also offers blue holes for those who seek for them. Despite its name, the attraction is not a true blue hole, in fact, the Blue Holes of Palau are small underwater holes and are perfect for subaquatic photos and selfies.

Rock Islands’ Blue Hole – Palau

Credits: Ippei & Janine Naoi

This incredible place is located in Rock Islands, shows a circular shaped hole, a dramatic contrast between the turquoise waters and the lush green vegetation surrounding it.

Ok, we still have no information about this blue hole in Palau, and we even don’t know (yet) if it is a real blue hole, but it is just way too cool not to mention it.

Rock Islands’ Blue Hole Location

[mapa][/mapa]

Guam’s Blue Hole

One of the most popular dive sites in Guam, this blue hole is an undersea cave that can be reached only by boat. It is also famous because you can see a hole with the shape of a heart depending on the position you are underwater.

If you like natural heart-shaped formations, check out our other posts of the Top Heart Shaped Islands and Top Heart Shaped Lakes too.

New Post! Discover the Top 5+ Beautiful Blue Holes on the Sea If you ask me for an example of how nature can let us breathless, I would certainly tell you two words: …

#amazing blue holes #amazing sinkholes #beautiful blue holes #beautiful sinkholes #blue holes #marine caverns #saltwater blue holes #sea blue holes #sinkholes

[worldtoptop]

When you think about forests, what comes to your mind? Maybe trees packed of birds chirping, the noise of cicadas, or even a place to rest, isolated from the rest of the world.

It is strange that some forests are more welcoming than others are, and some are not welcoming at all.

Some forests are so unwelcoming that you can’t even hear the sound of a bird. The only sounds you hear are the sounds you (maybe) create in your mind. Not to say about the unpleasant sights and things you (might) see.

Today’s post we are going to North America to list the Top Haunted Forests of United States. Some places are so creepy that people avoid passing even in the daylight.

  The Top Haunted Forests of United States

1 – Old House Woods, Virginia

Credits: Chesapeake Bay Woman – Life in Matheus

Considered as a resting place for pirates in the past, Old House Woods got its name from an old wooden house that once stood in the center of the forest. The most common reports for this haunted forest are sights of headless dogs, glowing green orbs and floating pirate ships.

2 – Freetown-Fall River State Forest, Southeastern Massachusetts

Credits: Mysterious Universe

Reports of satanic cults, UFOs sights, numerous murders, and even hazardous waste dumping, helped associate this forest to the Bridgewater Triangle, an area of about 200 square miles (520 km2) within southeastern Massachusetts in the United States, famous for a huge sort of paranormal events.

Despite all, this haunted forest is considered a good place to visit, because of its trails, playing fields and outdoor activities.

3 – Devil’s Tramping Ground, North Carolina

Credits: Jason Horne, CC BY-SA

People tell stories about shadow like figures among the trees, dogs yelping and avoiding going near there, as well as satanic rituals taking place inside this haunted forest.

4 – Pine Barrens, New Jersey (Lair of the Jersey Devil)

Credits: Brian W. Schaller

A beautiful place, with rich flora and fauna, and tall trees. The Pine Barrens is a great place for your outdoor activities, but be alert since it is also the home of the Jersey Devil, a beast with a face of a horse and wings like a bat, who lurks inside this heavily forested area.

5 – Appalachian Trail near the Bluff Mountain, Virginia

Credits: Virginia Trail Guide

Credits: Virginia Trail Guide

What could be scarier than a ghost haunting a hiking trail in a dense forest? A ghost of a four-year-old child haunting your hiking inside the forest. This ghost is supposed to be of a lost boy who died on the mountain trying to find his way home.

6 – Robinson Woods, Illinois

Credits: Haley Hughes

Let’s start saying it is an indigenous burial ground. Actually, it is the Robinson family burial ground. The park is closed for the evening, but this doesn’t prevent people seeing strange paranormal phenomena, like ghostly lights, scary sounds, and shadows lurking around this haunted forest.

7 – Randolph Forest, Maine

Credits: Aislinn Sarnacki | BDN

Despite being a pretty place, with lakes and green tunnels, the list of unsolved mysteries regarding this haunted forest includes people missing, glowing orbs, strange human-like shadows, and scary noises.

8 – Dark Entry Forest, Dudley Town – Cornwall, Connecticut

Credits: Schummi

Almost no sunlight come inside this forest. It lies in the shadow of three mountains, with tall trees, and was once a place families lived, or tried to. The stories around this place involve epidemics, children disappearing, adults dying with no cause or explanation. There are also paranormal reports of light orbs and ghostly apparitions inside the forest. Today, the access to this haunted forest is forbidden and you will need a permit from the Dark Entry Forest Association before you start your haunted hike and exploration.

9 – Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Indiana

Probably one of the most infamous haunted forest in the United States, the stories and eerie reports of this place are vast, from inexplicable deaths and satanic rituals to the sights of Yeti, the Big Foot.

If you are feeling brave enough, you can spend a night in the old Drake Cabin for $25, all year round. A good scary place to go is the Stepp Cemetery. Perhaps one of the most famous paranormal stories of this place is about the Baby Lester. Legend says that Lester’s mother’s ghost often appears, sitting on this tree stump crying over her lost child.

Discover the Top 9 Haunted Forests of United States When you think about forests, what comes to your mind? Maybe trees packed of birds chirping, the noise of cicadas, or even a place to rest, isolated from the rest of the world.

#creepy forest in us #creepy forests #creepy forests list #ghost forest #haunted forest #haunted forests list #most haunted forest in usa #most haunted forests #most haunted forests in us #top haunted forest usa #top haunted places usa

[worldtoptop]

Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, is a beautiful country, great for tourism and living. Besides its small size, it has an infinity of activities to do and places to visit.

With so many interesting places in Taiwan, we need to divide this post into two parts. For this part, we’ll list 15 places from the west side of the island, mostly. A tiny number of what Taiwan has to offer, though.

  The video above is only 5 minutes long, but is good enough to make you willing to plan your next trip to Taiwan.

  1 – Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (Taipei)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a national monument, erected in memory of Chiang Kai-Shek.

Right of the entrance, you will notice how wide the place is, with the National Concert Hall on your left, the National Theater on your right, and the Memorial Hall in the middle, at the end of the square. The entrance to the square is something impressive too.

Tip: The change of the guards is a plus you don’t want to miss.

Useful Information

Hours of operation: 9 AM – 6 PM

Admission: free

Nearby hotels: Hotels in Taipei City

More information: http://www.cksmh.gov.tw/eng/index.php

2 – Elephant Mountain (Taipei)

Credits: Dave Wilson

People traveling to the island should see the Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world and a top place in Taiwan. It is beautiful indeed, and you may want to visit its interior, but don’t miss the view from outside. It can be even prettier. That’s why we recommend going to the Elephant Mountain. Not only an amazing place to visit, the top of the Elephant Mountain is also perfect to get one of the best views of the city and its tallest building.

The hike takes around 15-20 minutes from the bottom to the top and can be tough sometimes, but the trail and the sights you get from there worth the effort.

Tip: The best time to get to the top is during the late afternoon as you can catch the sunset reflecting on the Taipei 101.

Elephant Mountain Entrance Location

[mapa][/mapa]

3 – National Palace Museum (Taipei)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

With 700,000 pieces of artifacts and artworks, the National Palace Museum, in Taipei, is one of the largest of its type in the world. The collection holds over 10,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic age to the late Qing Dynasty.

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Tip: It can be quite crowded sometimes, mostly because of the famous Jadeite Cabbage. There are waves of tourists who go in large groups to see this artifact. So the tip is to enjoy the other artifacts first (around 700,000 pieces, remember?) and try to visit the Cabbage between those waves.

Useful Information

Open daily from 08:30 to 18:30 all year round.

Admission: NTD $250

Nearby hotels: Hotels in Taipei City

More info: https://www.npm.gov.tw/en/

4 – Beitou Hot Springs (Taipei)

Credits: Charles Luk

Beitou, with its wooden houses and old stone bridges, is a charming city. It is only 30 minutes from Taipei and is a top place in Taiwan to visit. It is famous for its spas and hotsprings.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Beitou, click here: Beitou Metro Station

Tip: The city has an infinity of hot springs pools, ranging from cheap public hot springs to pricey exclusives. You should try the Millennium first, a well maintained public Hot Spring next to the Xinbeitou MRT Station.

5 – Sun Moon Lake (Nantou County)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

You will find yourself in a pleasant city surrounding this beautiful lake. It’s almost mandatory you rent a good bike (and a good one, please!) and give a ride around this huge lake. Don’t worry. If your concern is where to find a place to rent your bike, the city has plenty of options. You have to check the conditions of the bike before you rent it, though. There are good prices everywhere, but sometimes the savings do not pay for your comfort and safety. The bike path is well maintained, with tons of places to eat, to take pictures, to relax, and to enjoy.

If you feel like walking instead of riding a bike, fear not, you will have even more paths and options to choose.

You can look for accommodations here: Hotels in Nantou County

Tip: Start early, have a nice breakfast, carry some snacks and water with you and you are good to go. Oh, and if you see places selling mushroom sandwiches with tofu, you definitely should try, they are delicious.

6 – Alishan Sunrise (Chiayi County)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The best way to see this amazing sunrise is to get the train to the top of the mountain, in the early morning. The train is usually crowded, but it is a short trail to the top.

Accommodations nearby: Hotels in Alishan National Scenic Area

Tip: When you go back, I recommend taking a walk down to the city instead of getting the train back. It is a comfortable walk and you don’t need to leave at the right time. People who visit there, just go to take pictures of the sunrise and forget the surroundings are beautiful too.

7 – Taijiang National Park (Tainan)

Credits: Koika – Creative Commons

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

An ecological paradise in Taiwan, the Taijiang National Park is on the migration route for Asian birds. Every autumn and winter thousands of birds can be seen there.

Tip: When in there, try to visit the Sicao Green Tunnel. Do not forget to carry your earplugs to decrease the noise made by both the boat engine and the tourist guide.

8 – Chimei Museum (Tainan)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The Chimei Museum is a private property open to the public. Its art collection is divided into western art, musical instruments, natural history, military artifacts, and antiquities.

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

If you like musical instruments, don’t miss the Stradivarius violins collection. One of the largest collection in the world. More information here.

Tip: Try to get there in the early morning and go to the front fountain (the one with the horses) to see a special sunrise.

9 – Fo Guang Shan Temple – Kaohsiung Buddha Temple (Kaohsiung)

Credits: Matt Stone – Creative Commons

Among all the Buddhist temples in Taiwan, this one is the largest, and certainly one of the most impressive (if not the most). Located in Kaohsiung, this huge place is the HQ for the Fo Guang Shan, an order that calls itself as the International Buddhist Progress Society.

If a giant golden Buddha isn’t enough to make your mind, there are eight pagodas, pavilions, halls, gardens, museums and much more. Actually, I would need an entire post just to talk about this amazing place :)

Credits: Bernard Gagnon – Creative Commons

Tip: There are two main entrances leading to different places of the complex. Save some time to visit the monastery, in special the museum. Don’t spend all your time at the giant Buddha side.

10 – Kaohsiung Lotus Pond

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Also called Lotus Lake, it is a man-made pond and a popular destination in Kaohsiung. It is known for its lotus plants and also for the temples around the lake. Among those temples, we can highlight the Dragon and Tiger pagodas (you can enter inside them), and the Confucius Temple.

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Tip: Look for the Taoist God statue, located on the southeast side of the lake.

11 – Love River (Kaohsiung)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

You will find restaurants, a vibrant night market, places to rent a bike (even for free) and more alongside the river. The Love River is also a stage for the Kaohsiung Dragon Boat Festival and other sailboat competitions.

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Tip: If you are traveling in June, don’t miss the Kaohsiung Dragon Boat Festival

12 – Sizihwan (Kaohsiung)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Sizihwan is a community surrounded by mountains and beaches. It has good places to eat and an especial sunset to see. There, another great place to visit is the NSYSU, a beautiful university with its campus facing the open waters of the Taiwan Strait.

Tip: When in the mountains beware of the monkeys which can be aggressive and steal your food.

13 – Penghu Islands (Penghu County)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Also known as “Ilha dos Pescadores”, Portuguese for Fishermen Island, Penghu is an archipelago of 64 islands and islets in the Taiwan Strait.

Penghu is one of the top places in Taiwan. It has a great structure for tourism, with plenty of places and activities to do. Even being an archipelago, it’s easy to find transportation from one island to another, though. The island is also famous for the basalt formations spread all over the National Scenic Area.

Places to stay: Hotels in Penghu National Scenic Area

Tip: Do not miss the Wang’an Island, to the south of Magong. It’s not overcrowded; it has great places to visit, good food, and a delicious cactus ice cream. When in there, you can rent a scooter or a car to help you explore this beautiful place.

14 – Xiao Liu Qiu (Pingtung County)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

It’s a small island of Pingtung county, in the south of Taiwan. Like many places in Taiwan, Xiao Liu Qiu is tourist friendly. There you will find hundreds of B&Bs, hotels, and activities, including bicycling and scuba diving, which are easy to find.

Xiao Liuqiu stands out not only because of its Flower Vase Rock but also for the ghost stories and its haunted caves.

Interested? Find a place to stay here: Hotels in Liuqiu Township

Tip: If you are not afraid of ghosts and don’t mind dark places, give the Black Dwarf Cave a try.

15 – Kenting National Park (Pingtung County)

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Kenting is the oldest and southernmost national park of Taiwan. It offers beaches, scenic mountains, tropical climate, the sunshine, good nightlife and much more.

You may rent a car or a scooter to explore further, especially the Eluanbi Lighthouse area, located at the southernmost point of Taiwan.

Find accommodations in Kenting National Park

Tip: Don’t miss the National Museum of Biology and Aquarium, it’s cheap, good and easy to find.

Here comes a new post: Top 15 Places to Visit in Taiwan - Part 1 Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, is a beautiful country, great for tourism and living. Besides its small size, it has an infinity of activities to do and places to visit.

#amazing places in taiwan #attractions in taiwan #famous landmarks taiwan #places in Taiwan #places to go in taiwan #places to see in Taiwan #sights taiwan #taiwan beautiful places #taiwan best places #taiwan best places to visit #taiwan tourism #tourist attractions in taiwan #travel taiwan

[worldtoptop]

We have already seen the many amazing tourist attractions Singapore has to offer in Top Places in Singapore. And do you think that Singapore might seem, at first blush, like an odd place to take the kids on vacation? Famously urbanized and safe, the city is one of the most family friendly destinations in Asia and has all the amenities you may need with children in town. Singapore has plenty of fun attractions to keep the little ones entertained. No matter if you are on a tight budget or have a fortune to spare, if you want to stay indoors or prefer the great outdoors, if your kids are older or toddlers, your little ones will not be disappointed. So, to give you ideas, we’ve put together a list of 19+ places in Singapore for kids.

1 – Water Parks

Thanks to the year-round hot weather in Singapore, there are lots of fun water parks on offer around the Island to keep both kids and parents cool. Here are three suggestions of Water Theme Parks to go in Singapore: Adventure Cove Waterpark, Wild Wild Wet and Port of Lost Wonder. Click here to see more!

2 – Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is an ecological gem in northwest Singapore that provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Considered to be the best nature spot in the city, this 130-hectare ecological site is an excellent place to expose your kids to the wonders of Mother Nature. This nature reserve is surprisingly large and has a nice variety of walks. Along the trails, kids will be able to experience the life of diverse species of birds, reptiles and fish. Elsewhere, crabs, mud skippers, mud lobsters and even water monitor lizards can be found in their natural habitats and viewed from a distance at observation posts that dot the park. Recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds, the reserve has also few observation hides that allow bird watching without scaring them away.

Useful Information

Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays: 7.30am to 7pm | Weekends and Public Holidays: 7am to 7pm

Admission: Free

Official Website: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Map and Location

301 Neo Tiew Crescent, 71892 To access the new extension, enter via the new entrance at Kranji Way. [mapa]

[/mapa]

3 – G-Max Reverse Bungee

G-Max Reverse Bungee is a must-do attraction to the brave people who want to get an adrenaline high in Singapore. Instead of falling off high levels, you will sit in a capsule, drag down to stretch the rubber cords, and be catapulted to 60 meters in the air at a speed of 200km/hr. Just next to the Bungee, there is also the GX-5 Extreme Swing, which brings you up 50 meters high, release, and let you swing like a pendulum at over 120km/h! Be aware that G-Max Reverse Bungee is an attraction for older children over 12 years and at least 1.2-meter tall. And be unworried, because it boasts a 100% safety record with over 1,000,000 jumps to its name.

Useful Information

Age: 12+

Opening hours: 2pm until late, every day

Admission: G-MAX Reverse Bungy or GX-5 Extreme Swing: $45 SGD/person, Student Rate: $35 SGD/person – MAX-Combo (Both Rides): $69 SGD/person, Student Rate: $50 SGD/person

Official Website: G-Mac Reverse Bungee

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near G-MAX Reverse Bungy

G-Max Reverse Bungee Map and Location

3E River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024

[mapa]

[/mapa]

4 – Role-Play Playgrounds

The City and Kidzania are role-play playgrounds that offer kids the chance to explore what it’s like to live and work in a real functioning city as“mini adults”. Using uniforms and outfits, children can pretend to be a doctor, police, fireman, reporter, aircrew and many more in real-life scenarios. While learning through play, children can improve skills such as planning, working together, negotiation, problem solving, math, among others. Click here to see more!

5 – Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore has plenty of movie-themed attractions, rides and entertainment for a whole day of fun for adults and kids alike. The park consists of 7 themed zones – Madagascar, Far Far Away (Shrek theme), The Lost World, Ancient Egypt (including The Mummy), Sci-Fi City (including Transformers), New York (including Sesame Street) and Hollywood. Each themed zone has its own attractions, shopping, eating establishments, street performances, live shows and movie characters around the theme. So the little ones have the chance to meet some of their favorite cartoon movie characters. Do note that there are certain height restrictions for the rides. But there are many rides that children of all ages, including the babies, can go on, as long as an adult accompanies them.

Useful Information

Opening hours: Open daily at 10am. Closing time varies. Please visit the official website for more information.

Admission: Adult (ages 13 to 59) – S$74 – Child (ages 4 to 12) – S$54 – Senior (ages 60 and above) – S$36

Official Website: Universal Studios Singapore

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore Map and Location

8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island 098269

[mapa]

[/mapa]

6 – Indoor Attractions

If the weather is not good, but you don’t want the kids stuck at home or at the hotel all day, Singapore offers fantastic indoor venues for countless hours of fun. From museums to libraries and amazing mall playgrounds, there are always options to keep the children entertained. Check out these 12+ fun ideas!

7 – Skyline Luge Sentosa

  Skyline Luge is a fun, fast-paced outdoor attraction in Singapore for kids and adults alike. The Luge is a wheeled gravity thrill ride that provides riders full control over their descent on purpose-built Luge track, specially designed with hairpin corners, long straights and exciting slopes. Start the fun at the chairlift, located next to Beach Station, between Siloso and Palawan Beaches and choose to take a leisurely cruise or race down the 688-meters Dragon trail or 628-meter Jungle trail – 1.4 kilometers of fun day and night.

Useful Information

Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm daily

Admission: Luge & Skyride: S$17 / Three Luge & Skyrides: S$25 / Five Luge & Skyrides: S$38

Age: Children 6 years old and 110cm or taller can ride Luge alone (Children under the age of 6 years can ride tandem with an adult).

Official Website: Skyline Luge Sentosa

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near Skyline Luge Sentosa

Skyline Luge Sentosa Map and Location

45 Siloso Beach Walk Sentosa, Singapore 099003

[mapa]

[/mapa]

8 – Free Mall Water-Play Areas

With the hot weather in Singapore, water play areas with fountains, splash pads and wading pools are perfect places for kids to cool off. There are lots of free water playgrounds in the city conveniently located within shopping malls. Click here to see more!

9 – Forest Adventure

Forest Adventure is a fun outdoor adventure for children and adults in Singapore. The park has 3 different courses that allow both children and adults to join in the fun in the trees. The courses have 34 different obstacles, including bridges, trapezes, logs, and giant zip lines. The Kids Course is specially designed for children aged 5 to 10, while the Mini Course allows children not quite tall enough for the Kids Course to have their first adventure at height. Children are attached to a continuous safety line and detached only when they have completed the course. Parents are expected to guide and encourage their children from the ground. But if your child is a little nervous, you can accompany him/her on the Kids Course or stay close on the Mini Course.

Useful Information

Opening hours: Grand Course – every day from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (closed on Monday except public holidays). Kids Course – 9.30am to 6pm and Mini Course – 1pm to 6pm (only on weekends).

Admission: Check on the Official Website: Forest Adventure

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near Forest Adventure

Forest Adventure Map and Location

Bedok Reservoir Rd, Singapore 479244

[mapa]

[/mapa]

10 – Wavehouse Sentosa

Take the kids to surf at Wavehouse Sentosa, where they will refresh themselves while enjoying a fun flowboarding experience. The Double FlowRider is the most basic of the two waves available. Since this wave creates a safe, non-curling, endless sheet of water flowing at 20mph (32 km/h) over a vinyl surface, much like a trampoline, it is the perfect canvas for children learn to ride some waves. The little ones will love to ride the Double FlowRider on body board, since it is the easiest way to enjoy it.

Useful Information

Opening hours: Everyday 11.00am – 10.00pm (Sessions run every hour).

Admission: : The Double Flowrider – 1 hour: S$35 on weekdays and S$40 on weekends / 3 hour: S$90 on weekdays and S$105 on weekends

Age: Children must be over 107cm (42”) to bodyboard and over 133cm (52”) to ride standup on the Double FlowRider

Official Website: Wavehouse Sentosa

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels in Wave House Sentosa

Wavehouse Sentosa Map and Location

36 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099007

[mapa]

[/mapa]

11 – Wings of Time – Singapore

Wings of Time is an outdoor night show set in the open sea at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach. Kids will be mesmerized by the combination of music, light projection, water, laser, and fire effects, which makes the night show a truly immersive experience. The 25-minute show tells an epic tale of courage, mystery and magic of two teenagers, Felix and Rachel, and their adventures as they help a bird-like creature named Shahbaz find its way home.

Useful Information

Show times: 7.40pm & 8.40pm daily

Admission: : Premium seats S$23 / Standard seats S$15 for local residents and S$18 for other visitors.

Official Website: Wings of Time

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels in Siloso Beach

Wings of Time Map and Location

Beside Beach Carpark, Sentosa

[mapa]

[/mapa]

12 – Outdoor Playgrounds

Want your kids to go outside and have some fun? There are plenty of outdoor playgrounds that can be found throughout Singapore. They are great places to burn off all the excess energy of your children. Here are two free outdoor play areas that really stand out.

13 – Sentosa Cable Car

Riding a cable car can be a great way to capture any child’s attention. Singapore Cable Car Sky Network has two lines: the Mount Faber line, which links Mount Faber to Sentosa Island and the new Sentosa line, which will take you to dozens of attractions on the island. With 360° panoramic windows cabins, Singapore Cable Cars present a fantastic way to see Singapore’s city skyline and Sentosa Island from above. Kids will definitely going to enjoy it.

Useful Information

Show times: Every day from 8.45am to 10pm (last boarding: 9.30pm)

Admission: : Mount Faber Line: S$26 Adults and S$15 Child / Sentosa Line: S$13 Adults and S$8 Child / Mount Faber Line + Sentosa Line: S$29 Adults and S$18 Child

Official Website: Sentosa Cable Car

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels in Mount Faber

14 – MegaZip Adventure Park

MegaZip Adventure Park offers adrenaline, speed, and fun on its five different attractions. The MegaZip, which is the main one, is a zip-line that takes participants from the peak of Imbiah Hill, 75 meters (246 ft) above ground level, at a speed of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), over the jungle canopy for over 450 meters before arrive on Siloso Beach. It is also the first 3-wire zip-line built, so kids will love to test friendships racing their pals or parents in an exhilarating, breathtaking race. Other attractions to thrill children include: Climbmax, an aerial obstacle course of wobbly bridges, cargo nets and tightropes set high amongst the trees; ParaJump, a free-fall parachute simulator; and MegaBounce, a trampoline with a system of elastic “powercords” that allows participants to make higher-than-normal jumps safely.

Useful Information

Opening hours: 11.00am – 7.00pm Daily

Admission: : MegaZip Single Ticket S$39

Age: : MegaZip – kids must be over 90cm (3ft) (accompanied) or 120 (4ft)(unaccompanied), and must weight at least 30 kg (66lbs)

Official Website: MegaZip Adventure Park

MegaZip Adventure Park Map and Location

Imbiah Hill Road – Sentosa Island, Singapore

[mapa]

[/mapa]

15 – Free Outdoor Playgrounds in Malls

Singapore has many malls and shopping centers with free play areas for your children. These playgrounds are perfect to let the kids entertain themselves while parents take a break from shopping. Click here to see two of the best free outdoor playgrounds at shopping malls in Singapore.

16 – Marina Barrage

If you are looking for a quality time activity with your kids, try kite flying. The Marina Barrage open rooftop garden is a perfect spot to take your children to fly a kite, due to its location near the ocean where gusty winds come off the shoreline. In addition, from there you can enjoy a scenic view of Singapore’s city skyline as a backdrop. It is possible to buy kites on a shop on the ground floor that stocks a wide variety of them, from angelfish, ladybirds, squids, snakes and many more. Marina Barrage is also home for a large water playground with dancing fountains. Your little ones can get very excited running through the fountains and even having a cool splashing time on the shallow pools. Click here for more.

Useful Information

Opening hours: Rooftop: All day/Children Water Play Area: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 12.30 pm – 9.00 pm / Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm

Admission: : Free

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels in Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage Map and Location

8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951

[mapa]

[/mapa]

17 – Tiger SkyTower

If your children are sky-high attraction lovers, than the Tiger Sky Tower is the right place to take them. A rotating glass cabin gradually slides up to the top of the highest viewing platform in Singapore. And when it reaches the highest point, the car freezes in the air for several minutes, while continuing to rotate. This allows getting 360-degree views of Sentosa Island at the height of 131 meters above sea level. Click here to see more!

Useful Information

Opening hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm daily (last admission 8.45pm)

Admission: : S$18 adults / S$10 child (

Official Website: Tiger SkyTower

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels in Tiger Sky Tower

Tiger SkyTower Map and Location

Imbiah Lookout

[mapa]

[/mapa]

18 – Dragon Trail/Imbiah Trail

Dragon Trail is a 1.5-kilometer nature walk, easy even for small children. This is a place to take the kids if you want them to have contact with nature and fun at the same time. Just follow the path into the cool forest and look out for rare plants such as the “insect eating” to keep the kids interested. You may also catch sight of long-tailed macaques, squirrels, geckos, and over 20 species of birds. Also, to amuse the little ones, there are ‘rocks’ shaped like dragon’s heads and bones along the trail, namely Twin, Rock and Earth Dragon. Each dragon has its own interesting legendary tale attached. Dragon Trail is also a good way to get down to Siloso Beach from the Siloso Cable Car arrival plaza. On the way, it is possible to get magnificent views of the Southern Islands from Mount Imbiah, a peak of 60 meters above sea level.

Useful Information

Opening hours: All day

Admission: Free

Accommodations Nearby: Hotels near Imbiah Trail

Dragon Trail/Imbiah Map and Location

Imbiah Trail – Mount Imbiah Nature Reserve, Sentosa

[mapa]

[/mapa]

19 – Singapore Flyer

If your kids have no fear of heights, then take them up to a 30-minute ride on the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest observation wheel until 2014. This “Ferris wheel” has 28 glass-walled capsules and stands at 165m tall, the height of a 42-storey building. There is no doubt it offers fabulous views across Singapore. Entertain the little ones asking them to spot Singapore’s landmarks during the flight. Click here for more!

Useful Information

Opening hours: 8.30am – 10.30pm (last flight at 10.15pm)

Admission: : S$33 adult / S$21 child (3-12 years old) * Free for children below the age of 3

Official Website: Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer Map and Location

30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803

[mapa]

[/mapa]

Note

Although we haven’t listed, Singapore has 4 more famous attractions: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari Singapore, Jurong Bird Park and River Safari. But there is something we don’t agree with these institutions. Even though their holding company – Wildlife Reserves Singapore – claims to protect wildlife in their native habitats by funding conservation and research projects and to adopt an “open concept” in which the animals are housed in open enclosures landscaped to resemble their natural habitat, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park include animal shows as attractions to add variety and to attract visitors. And we believe that forcing wild animals to perform unnatural acts and stunts that do not reflect their natural behavior, just for human amusement, is unkind and have a detrimental effect on the animal’s welfare.

If you want to help and save endangered species, you can support organizations such as WWF, WildAid, IFAW, among others. They work to protect wild animals, preserving their habitats and fighting against hunting and smuggling of wildlife and its parts.

New Post! Top Fun Places in Singapore for Kids We have already seen the many amazing tourist attractions Singapore has to offer in Top Places in Singapore…

#children singapore #fun places singapore #kids in singapore #kids mall singapore #kids playground singapore #kids singapore #singapore for kids #singapore kids activities #singapore with kids

[worldtoptop]

Top 13 Must See-Temples in Bagan

Top 13 Must See-Temples in Bagan

Temples in Bagan | Credit: Drouyn Cambridge – Flickr

Bagan is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world. Over 10,000 Buddhist temples were constructed in the Bagan plains during the 11th and 13th centuries. Covering a verdant area of 16 square miles (41 km²), more than 2,000 monuments of different sizes and shapes still survive to…

View On WordPress

#bagan famous monastery #bagan famous temple #bagan haunted temple #bagan largest temple #bagan monastery #bagan sunrise #bagan tallest temple #temples of bagan

[worldtoptop]

[gquad]

Everyone says that dog is man’s best friend and sticks by you no matter what. But do you really know how far a dog’s loyalty will go? Some dogs became famous for displaying fidelity to their owners that goes above and beyond. You may have heard of Hachiko’s story, the dog who waited for his master’s return even after his human had passed away. But there are many other canines whose exploits were extraordinary in some way. They did the unexpected, doing things that will astound you. Some saved their owners’ lives or stayed by their loved ones’ sides even after death. In order to honor the memory of a particular canine, many dog statues around the world have been erected, representing the dogs devotion to man. The stories below will surely make you cry. And if you are a pet lover, you may find yourself wanting to hug these dogs today. In this list we have only the loyal dogs that have been honored with statues, although many other faithful dogs have existed in the world, and we really think each one of them also deserves one. So why not going to the already existing dog’s statue locations to pay tribute to them?

  The Top 10 Famous Loyal Dogs in the World

  1 – Constantine “Kostya” – Tolyatti, Russia

The only survivor of car crash, the dog Kostya, a German shepherd, left behind when his deceased owners were moved from the crash scene. People start to notice that dog, which was always on the same spot looking on the street and waiting. After some time, people built doghouses and tried to adopt him but with no success, Kostya didn’t want to leave his post hoping to see once more his dead master. In 2002, after 7 years waiting, he was found dead in the woods. The bad news and the story touched the citizens, which made and installed a billboard with the saying “Dog, teach us love and devotion”. In 2003, a bronze sculpture with Kostya’s head looking east was erected on the same spot the dog used to be.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

2 – Bobbie the Wonder Dog – Oregon, United States

This story has a happy conclusion. We are talking about Bobbie, lost in the state of Indiana in a family road trip, this 2 year old Scotch Collie have made unbelievable 4,500 kilometers(2,800 miles) solo trip to reunite with his lost human family in Silverton, after six months walking. Not only because of the dog have traveled 2/3 of United States, but also, because he traveled over unknown territory, through wintry peaks, plains and rivers and made it! The dog experienced a meteoric rise to fame, appearing on the news, magazines and even movies. Nowadays you can find in Silverton a replica of Bobbie’s house and a statue in his honor.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

3 – Ruswarp – Garsdale, England

The story takes place in Garsdale. Graham Nutall was an active member of Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line, a group that fought against the Garsdale railway station and others from closure. Ruswarp was Graham’s dog and companion who followed him wherever he goes. One day Graham went to his usual walk on the mountains and never went back. After one week missing, people start to search for them but could only find Graham’s dead body 11 weeks later and by its side was Ruswarp, still alive and guarding the cadaver. The 14-year-old Border Collie was very week and died in the same day people found them. Today, you can see Ruswarp’s sculpture at the Garsdale railway station as if the dog is still helping his owner prevent the station from closure.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

4 – Waghya – Maharashtra, India

“RaigadFort8” by Swapnaannjames at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.

The story begins with Shivaji, the powerful founder of the India’s Maratha Empire and one of the most loved kings. By his side, he had Waghya, his loyal dog. The tale says that in 1680 after Shivaji’s death, the dog mourned and jumped into his master’s funeral pyre and immolated himself. Today, even after a strong resistance the statue lies on a pedestal next to Shivaji’s tomb at Raigad Fort.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

5 – Dżok (Jock) – Krakow, Poland

Pomnik psa Dżoka autorstwa Kattenkruid z nl. Licencja CC BY-SA 3.0 na podstawie Wikimedia Commons.

Dżok (pronounced as Jock) was a black-haired mix breed dog and probably is the most famous loyal dog in Poland. His owner, driving on a street in Krakow, suffered a heart attack and died. Dżok was left behind and he waited for his owner’s return for one year on the same place he was left. Later, Dżok accepted help from an old woman who was giving him food, moved to her house, and started to live a life with love and caring again. Not long after the re-adoption the old woman died and Dżok was taken to a dog shed. After escaping from there, the dog was killed by a train. A local sculptor, supported by the people, created a beautiful monument for him and erected it in Krakow near Wawel Castle.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

6 – Gelert – Beddgelert, Wales

The city of Beddgelert has a tomb and a statue for Gelert, their most famous loyal dog. The story, as written on the tombstone reads the following: “In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, ‘The Faithful Hound’, who was unaccountably absent. On Llewelyn’s return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant’s cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood. The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound’s side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog’s dying yell was answered by a child’s cry. Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here”.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

7 – Greyfriars Bobby – Edinburgh, Scotland

Greyfriars Bobby” by Michael Reeveen:User:MykReeve

The most famous loyal dog in Scotland, Bobby, was a Skye Terrier that belonged to Jonh Gray, a night watchman who after death was burried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. The dog stood guard for 14 years over his master’s grave until his own death. Today, Bobby’s headstone is at the entrance to the Kirkyard.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

8 – Hachiko – Tokyo, Japan

Hachiko was a golden brown Akita that used to wait for his owner Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo, at the end of each day at Shibuya Station. For about 2 years, they kept this routine until one day Hidesaburo Ueno did not return from school, he had a cerebral hemorrhage and died. Hachiko kept the routine and wait his master for almost 10 years until his own death. Probably the most famous among the loyal dogs, Hachiko’s story of loyalty and devotion is remembered until today not only by his statue at Shibuya Station, but also by media references and movies like Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

Although the statue at Shibuya Station is the most known, there are other Hachiko’s monuments including one made in March this year, 2015, on the 80th anniversary of the death of Hachiko. This new representation shows the famous loyal dog happily reunited with his owner, in a bronze statue installed at the University of Tokyo where the master was professor (photo below).

Let us list the Hachiko’s atractions here:

Statue nearby Shibuya station – Location

Hachiko’s stuffed body and old photos at National Science Museum of Japan – Location

Hachiko’s and Hidesaburo’s grave at Aoyama Cemetery – Location

Hachiko finally meets his master on a new and beautiful monument erected at University of Tokyo – Location

9 – Canelo – Cádiz, Spain

There was an old man who Canelo was a companion. They were inseparable and Canelo accompanied this man wherever he went. One of the places the dog used to walk him to was the hospital as this man suffered from renal complications and Canelo always waited for his friend at the building’s exit to return home. One day at the hospital, his owner suffered complications during his dialysis and died. In that day, at the front of the hospital’s exit, Canelo waited, and the next day, and the day after. For almost 12 years, the dog kept the same routine waiting for his owner at the front of the hospital where he took him. Until one day, a car on a street nearby killed Canelo. Canelo became a symbol of loyalty in Spain, loved by the people who mourned after the dog’s death. Today in Cádiz you can see not only a monument but also a street named on his honor too.

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa]

10 – Fido – Florence, Italy

Fido | Photo found on A Path to Lunch

It was 1943 in the middle of World War II. While going back home, a man named Carlo Soriani saw a injured puppy on the street and decided to adopt him. The dog, grateful for his owner’s benevolence, started to accompany him to the bus stop where Carlo took the early morning bus to work and wait until evening when he usually returned. For the course of two years, they went on this routine. On December 30, 1943, the allies bombed the factory where Carlo Soriani worked and he died. In that afternoon, as usual, Fido waited to meet his master and every day after that, and for the next 14 years, the dog went to the bus station in the afternoon to meet him but Carlo never came back. What began as an act of benevolence of a man had turned to be one of the most notorious proof of loyalty in the world. Fido, which in Latin means “I trust” is the perfect example why dogs are and will ever be the man’s best friend. More info

Monument’s Location

[mapa]

[/mapa] New Post! Top Famous Loyal Dogs in the World Everyone says that dog is man’s best friend and sticks by you no matter what. But do you really know how far a dog’s loyalty will go?

#canelo #dog statue #dog statues #faithful dog #faithful dogs #fido #gelert #hachiko #loyal dog #loyal dogs #most loyal dogs #whagya

[worldtoptop]

Today we are very excited to talk about an amazing place. If when you think in luxury and superlatives Dubai comes up to your mind (and you can check the Top 15 Wonders of Dubai here), stop, take a deep breath and think again. Today, we are going to talk about Abu Dhabi, the Capital of United Arab Emirates.

  A Short Introduction

[gquad]

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Arabic: إمارة أبو ظبي‎) is one of the seven Emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the largest emirate by area, also has the largest population of the seven emirates.

It is believed that parts of Abu Dhabi were settled as far back as the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the nomadic herding and fishing pattern, typical of the broader region.

Nowadays the combination of international influences and a strong commitment to local heritage has created an intriguing mix of new and old. What makes Abu Dhabi a perfect place for tourism.

There is a lot to say about the rich culture, the many places, and things to do you can find now in Abu Dhabi, not to mention the great projects upcoming in the future. But this time we will make our list short, we will keep more to the next top list for Abu Dhabi.

  Top 13 Places and Attractions in the Capital of United Arab Emirates

  1 – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – The World’s Most Expensive Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world and the most expensive mosque made, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural work of art. With capacity for 40,000 worshipers, it features 82 domes, over a thousand columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knotted carpet. Read more.  

2 – The Corniche

Ideal for leisure activities, we can separate the Abu Dhabi Corniche in two main points:

The Waterfront Road

The Corniche Road spreads across eight kilometers (around 5 miles) and includes children play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach.

The Corniche Beach

The Corniche beach extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where you’ll find its main entrance. During the week you can usually find a beach umbrella, but during the weekend they may all go quickly. You can’t swim out very far; floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach, and there are plenty of lifeguards around.

Maybe, the best way to explore the Corniche is to hire a bicycle. There you will find a selection of cycles – from mountain bikes, to city bikes which can fit two or three passengers on the back, and even specially designed bikes for ladies wearing abayas.

3 – Aldar HQ

Completed in 2010, the Aldar HQ building certainly deserves a visit. Around it you won’t see many nearby buildings, and surrounded by the sea, this unique circular-shaped piece of engineering can be noted by a far distance, especially if you are driving to the airport or the Yas Island.

It is not necessarily a tourist-oriented attraction, but it adds a lot to Dubai’s landscape.

4 – Yas Marina Circuit

The stunning Yas Marina Circuit is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the second Formula One track in the Middle East. Believed to be the most expensive F1 track ever built, it boasts 21 twists and turns that pass around the Yas Marina and through the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, which sits atop the circuit.

If you are a racing enthusiast, booking a track experience is a unique opportunity. This circuit offers a variety of options all year-round for karting, track days, drag racing nights, passenger experiences and driving experiences in a range of racing cars. It is also possible to run or cycle around it every Tuesday for free. For more info, click here

For Yas Marina Viceroy booking click here

5 – Capital Gate

The world’s furthest leaning man-made tower definitely worths a visit. It’s easily noticeable not only by its height, but by its impressive lean of 18 degrees and by its funnel shape. The Capital Gate also boasts a 5-star hotel and every room is different from the other due to the building’s unique design. There is also an unusual swimming pool that deserves a mention, mostly because it delivers a great panoramic view from the 19th floor where it is located.

If you don’t like to see ongoing constructions from your window ask for a room facing the west and you will get the best view the building has to offer. You can check prices and book on this link: Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

6 – Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s first mega waterpark. Spreading across more than 11 hectares, the park offers 43 rides and slides with speeds found only at one of the wildest adventure parks in the world. Five of the park’s attractions have never been seen before in waterparks, such as the world’s longest, fastest tornado waterslide, the world’s first interactive water and laser roller coaster, also described as the longest suspended roller coaster in the Middle East, the world’s largest surfable sheet wave and the first rattling water slide in the world.

The little ones will also find plenty of fun at Yas Waterworld, splish slashing in the Marah Fortress or cruising down the slopes of Yas’ tiny Yehal. The park theme pays tribute to the Emirati peral-diving culture and visitors interact on a hunting game to find a legendary pearl.

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Ticket info here

For places to stay you can check here: Hotels in Yas Waterworld

7 – Observation Deck at 300

The Observation Deck at 300 is on the 74th floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and offers a stunning 360 degrees view of Abu Dhabi and, at 300 meters above the ground, you will have a great experience when drinking the delicious High Tea whilst have an unbeatable view of the Capital’s cityscape and the surrounding islands.

Address: Etihad Towers – Tower 2, Level 74

Opening hours: Open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Admittance fee: AED75 (USD20.50) per person with AED50 (USD13.60) redeemable voucher for food or beverage at the venue.

8 – Emirates Palace

Despite being a hotel, the magnificent Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most expensive hotels ever built. It also has the distinction of being one of the few 7-star hotels in the world. To get an idea of just how extravagant the Emirates Palace is, the hotel has even an unique ATM that dispenses solid gold bars and you can read more here

9 – Saadiyat Public Beach

The Saadiyat Public Beach is a long and very clean beach. Its blue waters and soft sands are very welcoming. But not only this, you will have good and well rated services offered by the company that maintains there, making this a must go place in Abu Dhabi and perfect for the family.

Opening hours: Open daily from 8am to 8pm.

10 – Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Considered a major tourist attraction in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, it is the world’s largest and advanced falcon hospital where around 9 thousand birds receive treatment every year. It provides guided tours that allow you to get up close and personal with these birds. The sport of falconry is so popular in Abu Dhabi that falcons are even issued passports and the prized animals can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In order to increase the wild falcon population, the Abu Dhabi Falcon hospital is also working to release certain types of falcons back into their natural wild habitat. So far more than 1,600 falcons have been released back into their original habitats in Pakistan, Iran and Kazakhstan.

All tours have to be booked in advance. More information here

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

11 – Women’s Handicraft Center

The Women’s Handicraft Center is an interesting attraction in Abu Dhabi. There you will see local women making various types of handicrafts, traditional food and henna. The money gathered from the products and services are normally used for charity.

Remember to remove your shoes before entering each hut, and ask for photography permission.

Address: Women’s Association Complex, Karama St, Al Mushrif (near the Immigration Office and the Royal Stables)

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 7am to 3pm. More info here

12 – Desert Safaris and Camping on the Desert

It is not exactly a place since it varies from company to company which provide this service, but must safaris will take you to the dunes of Al Khaznah or explore the desert outside the Liwa oasis in the Western Region. Among the activities offered are dune bashing, sand skiing and quad biking as well as the traditional meal under the stars for a romantic and special experience.

13 – Mushrif Central

The Mushrif Central is a great and well maintained park. It has very well rated attractions such as the Animal Barn, a very good place for children to have a healthy interaction with animals, and the Botanic Garden & Shade House with its beautiful natural pond and indigenous plants.

Address: 15th Street between Airport Road and Karamah Street

Opening hours: Open daily from 8am to 10pm.

Admittance fee: General admission is AED5 (USD1.40), children below 3 years old do not pay.

  You Also Need to Know

Abu Dhabi and UAE’s culture is firmly rooted in Arabia’s Islamic traditions and:

Foreigners are free to practise their own religion;

Dress code is liberal;

Women are able to drive and walk around unescorted.

Photography:

While normal tourist photography is acceptable, it is polite to ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly women;

Photographs of government buildings, military installations and ports and airports should not be taken;

Cameras may be banned in public areas designated for women and children only.

  New Post! Top Places in Abu Dhabi Today we are very excited to talk about an amazing place. If when you think in luxury and superlatives Dubai comes up to your mind (and you can check the…

#abu dhabi attractions #abu dhabi landmarks #abu dhabi tourism #abu dhabi tourist places #famous places abu dhabi #places abu dhabi #top places abu dhabi #wonders abu Dhabi

[worldtoptop]

Top 15 places to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh | Photo by Indrik Myneur

[gquad]

The elegant capital of Scotland is the second most populous city in the country and the seat of the Scottish Parliament. On the 18th century, as the major player of the Scottish Enlightenment, Edinburgh was nicknamed as the “Athens of the North” by its people and for a long time the city and Glasgow rivals on cultural superiority.

The city was home of many notable people like the writers Robert Louis Stevenson, creator of Treasure Island, Walter Scott, creator of Rob Roy and the economist Adam Smith. In 2004 Edinburgh was declared the first UNESCO City of Literature.

Not only literature, but the dramatic views from the Old and the New Town districts gave the city recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

So, now let’s jump to see the Top 15 Places to visit in Edinburgh, you will be marveled with some of the places, buildings and monuments the city has.

  15 – Scottish National Gallery

National Gallery of Scotland.

The National Gallery of Scotland is in the heart of Edinburgh and houses one of the best collection of fine art in the world, including Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaissance up to the start of the 20th century. There is a special 60 minutes trail of the gallery’s must see masterpieces which includes the Raffaello Santi’s “The Holy Family with a Palm Tree”, on the upper level and the Nicolas Poussin’s “The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist” on the ground level.

Address: The Scottish National Gallery is on The Mound, right in the heart of Edinburgh, on Princes Street. Price: The admission is free but a charge may be made for special exhibitions. Opening hours: Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm. More info on: National Galleries

14 – Scottish National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery | Photo on Scottish National Portrait Gallery website

This beautiful neo-gothic gallery opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery and holds the national collections of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, Scots. The Portrait Gallery’s collection is a resource of over 30 thousand images depicting the men and women whose lives and achievements helped shape Scotland and including many internationally outstanding works of art.

Address: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD. Price: The admission is free but a charge may be made for special exhibitions. Opening hours: Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm. More info on: National Galleries

13 – Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura (Latin for dark room) it’s the oldest purpose built attraction in the city and one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. It can be seen from outside by the view of an odd Victorian rooftop chamber. Inside, it offers a different perspective on subjects of real life on its six floors of hands on exhibitions. You will see live moving images of Edinburgh projected onto a viewing table, pick people up on your hands and even make the traffic climb over paper bridges.

Address: The Royal Mile, EH1 2ND Price: As in Nov 2015 the standard admission is £13.95($21,10) for an adult Opening hours: Open daily, 10am-6pm(Monday-Thursday) 10am-7pm(Friday-Sunday). More info on: Camera Obscura website

12 – Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk, which is a church in central Edinburgh. The graveyard is associated with Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who stood guard for 14 years over his master’s grave until his own death. Today, Bobby’s headstone is at the entrance to the Kirkyard, Considered as a must see place in Edinburgh, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is also considered as one of the most haunted places in the world and there are even nighttime excursions for the brave and curious souls.

11 – Gilmerton Cove

Gilmerton Cove is a network of underground passageways and chambers hand-carved from sandstone that runs beneath the streets of Gilmerton, a suburb of Edinburgh. This unique subterranean attraction has seven different rooms with rock hewn furniture tables and chairs. The origins of the Cove, even after extensive archaeological and historical research still remain a mystery. Was Gilmerton Cove once a secret drinking den? A hiding place for religious refugees? A smuggler’s lair? A secret meeting place for the Hellfire Club or the Knights Templar? Theories include that it was the unique work of an 18th century local blacksmith called George Paterson.

Gilmerton Cove is only open by appointment. To Book: Contact Rosslyn Tours to make a reservation. Meeting Point: Gilmerton Cove, 16 Drum Street, Gilmerton, Edinburgh, EH17 8QH Price: Adult: £7.50 – Concession: £6.50 – Child (5-16): £4 Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm – by appointment only

10- Royal Yacht Britannia

Also known as Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia is the former yacht of Elizabeth II and today is one of the most well rated attractions in Edinburgh with around 300,000 people visiting it every year. There are five decks that are open to the public which include the Queen’s Bedroom, the State Dining and Drawing Rooms, and the Royal Deck Tea Room. Also onboard you will find a former royal Rolls-Royce Phantom V, the same one that used to travel on the yacht.

Address: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ Price: As in Nov 2015 the standard admission is £14.00($21,17) for adults and £8.50($12.85) for children Opening hours: Open daily, and the admission time-table can be found on: Royal Yacht Britannia website

9- St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh and it’s the main place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Address: High St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 1RE Price: Admission to the Cathedral is free. Visitors are invited to make a suggested donation of £3.00 per person. Photography: Permits for photography for personal use are available from the Information Desk, at a cost of £2.00($3.00). Opening hours: Summer (May-September) Monday – Friday 09.00-19.00 Saturday 09.00-17.00 Sunday 13.00-17.00 Winter (October-April) Monday – Saturday 09.00-17.00 Sunday 13.00-17.00

8- Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas. Some of its attractions are the Scottish Monument and the Gingerbread House.

Address: Princes Street, EH2 2HG Opening hours: you can find on the time table here

7- Royal Botanic Garden

Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the second oldest botanic garden in Britain and is the main site in a total of four Regional Gardens and is among the world’s largest living collections of plants.

Address: 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Price: Garden entry free with a charge for the Glasshouses. Opening hours: Open daily (March to Sept) 10am – 6pm, (Feb & Oct) 10am – 5pm, (Nov to Jan) 10am -4pm. Closed 25 December and 1st January

6- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One and Two

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | Photo by Greg Steadman

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art includes two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two and both outdoor as indoors you can see beautiful works, specially on the building Modern One with its work of landform in the front of the building.

Address: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Price: Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions. Opening hours: Open daily, 10am-5pm.

5- Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a nice little street with lots of shops and a great view of the castle. You will notice there are an unique charm on this street that attracts people there and it’s not only because of the shops. It’s advised to not stay only on the main street, there are also side streets that worth to give look.

4- The Holy Rood Abbey

Holy Rood Abbey is a ruined abbey founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland for the Augustinian Canons. Its name, Holy Rood, means “Holy Cross”.

3- Edinburgh Castle

With a lot of places and chambers to see inside and outside. This historic fortress dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh and it’s believed the place where it lies has been occupied since 2nd century AD.

Price: Adult £16.50($25) Childr £9.90($15) Opening hours: You can check here.

2- Arthur’s Seat

Located just a few minutes walk from the heart of Edinburgh, Holyrood Park is a beautiful large open green area where you could quite easily forget your in a busy city. Some of the features of the park are the ruins of the 15th century St Anthony’s Chapel, the Salisbury Crags, a series of 150-foot cliff faces that rise in the middle of the park, as well as Duddingston Loch, a fresh water loch rich in birdlife. But the best-known attraction of the park is Arthur’s Seat, a hill shaped like a reclining lion that is visible from around the city. It is the highest point in Edinburgh at 251 meters (823 ft.) above sea level, offering fabulous views of the city. It can be climbed from almost any direction, but the easiest ascent is from the East.

Address: Queen’s Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG

[mapa]

1- Calton Hill

Calton Hill is famous as a fine viewpoint over the city. From there you will see major landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat, the length of Princes Street, the Edinburgh Castle and the numerous spires and towers of the city skyline. It also has numerous historic monuments and buildings as the National Monument that was inspired on the Parthenon in Athens, but differently from the one in Greece, it was never finished, leaving just the twelve columns you see today. Overlooking Edinburgh city center is another striking attraction: the Dugald Stewart Monument, one of the key structures on Calton Hill that helped the city earn the title “Athens of the North”.

Address: Edinburgh EH7 5AA

[mapa]

Useful Information

Edinburgh is a great vacation destination at almost anytime of year. However, the warm months of summer are the most popular, crowded and expensive time to visit, especially in August when festivals abound.

You may consider another season to go. Spring and fall can be ideal times to visit the city, as the weather is still pleasant, with fewer visitors, and affordable prices. Winter is the least popular time with cooler temperatures, but the prices will also be low and you won’t be lost among the crowds as in the summer.

If you plan to go in the summer you should book a place to stay before you go, otherwise you risk find nothing or overpriced places to stay.

The high season is from June to September

The low season is December to January

And the shoulder season is October to November and February to May

Are you thinking going there? Take a look on Hotels Combined to see the best places to stay in Edinburgh :)

Top 15 Places to visit in Edinburgh Top 15 places to visit in Edinburgh The elegant capital of Scotland is the second most populous city in the country and the seat of the Scottish Parliament.

#places edinburgh #places in edinburgh #top places edinburgh #top places scotland #visit edinburgh

[worldtoptop]

Today we are going to travel to countries like Georgia, Italy, Spain and more. We are going to see beautiful and some unusual cities. Have you thought to live on a cliff? If not, think again, because today’s post we are going to show you our list of the World’s Top Amazing Cliff Side Towns.

Living on the Edge

[gquad]

Living on the edge and having a great view. This is the best definition I can think about people who live in cliff side towns like Bonifacio in France (photo above). Not to mention Tropea and it’s beach on the front of the city in Italy. And what about the breathtaking views as those you get in  Constantine in Algeria? Oh they are gorgeous!

All around the world you will find places which were built on the top of huge rocks, mountains and cliffs and let me tell you, there is something very attractive and challenging about this that attracts people to live in.

If in the past some of those cities were constructed on dramatic terrains as a way of protection, nowadays they serve as great tourist destinations, offering an unique stay with great services in a picturesque location.

21 – The Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali

“Bandiagara escarpment” | Photo by Ferdinand Reus.

The Bandiagara Escarpment is an escarpment in the Dogon country of Mali. The sandstone cliff rises about 500 meters above the lower sandy flats to the south.

20 – Pitigliano, Italy

Pitigliano is a town in the province of Grosseto, located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) south-east of the city of Grosseto, in Italy.

19 – Castellfollit de la Roca, Spain

Castellfollit de la Roca is a municipality in the comarca of Garrotxa and is bordered by the confluence of the Fluvià and Toronell rivers, between which the town’s basalt cliff rises.

18 – Jezzine, Lebanon

Jezzine | Photo by Mzannar Mohamad

Jezzine is a town in Lebanon, 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Beirut. Is surrounded by mountain peaks, pine forests, and at an average altitude of 950 m (3,117 feet). It is the main summer resort and tourist destination of South Lebanon (more info on Wikipedia). The town is also famous in Lebanon for its production of handmade, traditional cutlery and daggers with decorative inlays.

The Jezzine waterfall (which is usually dry in the summer) brings an extra charm to the scenery.

Places like the Iris Flower Hotel can provide you a really good view of the city.

This place is more recommended if you want to escape the caos of a big city.

17 – Al Hajjarah, Yemen

Al Hajjarah | Photo by Jam Van Dorpe

Al Hajjarah is built upon a precipice and is famous for its towering houses which are built onto the cliff faces.

16 – Bonifacio, France

“Bonifacio” | Photo by: Myrabella

Bonifacio is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea, separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio and it’s a great place for vacations.

Recommended if you want to escape the chaos of a big city.

The Hotel Genovese Bonifacio is a well rated option for those who are on a budget.

15 – Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Italy

“Sant’Agata de’ Goti” | Photo by Kris De Curtis from Maddaloni, Italy – Taste of Ancient. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons.

Sant’Agata de’ Goti is a comune in the Province of Benevento in the region of Campania.

14 – Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgary

“Veliko Tarnovo” | Photo by Nikola Gruev Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.

Famously known as the historical capital of the seconte Bulgarian empire. Veliko Tarnovo is often referred to as the “City of the Tsars”.

With a unique architecture Veliko Tarnovo is a great place for tourism.

There is no recommendation on hotels but you can find well rated options on Hotels Combined.

13 – Fira, Greece

Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a cliff side town of white-washed houses built on the edge of the 400 metres (1,312 feet) high caldera on the western edge of the semi-circular island of Thera(more info on Wikipedia).

Dramatic cliffs are only part of the show in Fira. The city is packed with interesting places and attractions.

The city is full of shops carrying all sorts of Greek specialties, food and wine, jewelry, and clothing.

If you like museums, being there, do not miss the Santorini Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Thira, they are very well rated.

The Aigialos Hotel and the Tzekos Villas are some of the best rated hotels there offering stunning views of the volcano.

12 – Arcos de La Frontera, Spain

Arcos de la Frontera is a town in the province of Cádiz in southern Spain.

11 – Azenhas do Mar, Portugal

Azenhas do Mar | Credit Paulo W Jorge

Azenhas do Mar (translated as sea watermill) is a beautiful cliff side town in Sintra, Portugal

10 – Cinque Terre, Italy

Actually, Cinque Terre (Five Lands) comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and as you can imagine is an amazing place to travel to.

9 – Metekhi, Georgia

Metekhi is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river.

8 – Tropea, Italy

Tropea | Photo found on Hello Villag

Tropea is a cliff side town and a famous bathing place, situated on a reef, in the gulf of St. Euphemia.

7 – Cuenca, Spain

Cuenca is located across a steep spur, whose slopes descend into deep gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers.

There is another Cuenca in Equador, pay attention when planning for traveling there. Here, on this link Hotels in Cuenca you will find hotels in the city of Cuenca in Spain :)

6 – Positano, Italy

Positano | Photo found on Wlochy

Positano is a village on the Amalfi Coast, in Campaniay, mainly in an enclave in the hills leading down to the coast.

5 – Rocamadour, France

Not only for the culture or the Durandal sword. Rocamadour, in south-western France has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary.

4 – Polignano a Mare, Italy

Polignano a Mare | Photo by Tarantino Vincenzo

Polignano a Mare is a town and comune in the province of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy, located on the Adriatic Sea. The local economy mostly depends on tourism, agriculture and fishing

Museums, sightseeing, outdoor activities and more. Polignano a Mare offers a great experience but when in there try to not leave the Castellana Caves unseen. For places to stay check on this link: Hotels in Polignano a Mare.

3 – Ronda, Spain

Ronda is a cliff town in the Spanish province of Málaga with amazing views and, despite the bullfighting shows, it’s great for tourism.

If you like nature, the drive on the A374 Highway from Ronda to the town of Algodonales is one of the most beautiful, and scenic drives in Spain :) For staying, places like the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria and Suites Ronda are very well rated hotels with good prices.

2 – Wadi Dawan, Yemen

Wadi Dawan | Credit Ralph Roberts

Our second place, Wadi Dawan, is a town in central Yemen. Located in the Hadhramaut Governorate, it is noted for its mud brick buildings.

And finally, our most loved Cliff Side Town: 1 – Constantine, Algeria

Named in honor of emperor Constantine the Great, the city is very picturesque with a number of bridges over Rhumel river and a viaduct crossing the ravine.

Still not a huge tourist destination Constantine in Algeria offers a beautiful, spectacular and stunning sightseing. Tourists, still not much there, are usually received with warmth and a genuine curiosity.

World’s Top Amazing Cliff Towns Today we are going to travel to countries like Georgia, Italy, Spain and more. We are going to see beautiful and some unusual cities. 

[worldtoptop]

Snake Island - The Deadliest Island in the World

Snake Island – The Deadliest Island in the World

There are some places that are meant to left alone, untouched. If you want to protect a place, what would you do? Would you put a fence around it? Maybe some dogs to guard it? And if I tell you mother nature also has her ways to protect a place like an Island? Today’s post we are going to talk about one of the most dangerous places in the world: Ilha da Queirmada Grande, also known abroad as the…

View On WordPress

#brazil dangerous island #brazil snake island #deadliest island #golden lancehead viper #golden viper #ilha da queimada grande #ilha das cobras #jararaca ilhoa #most dangerous island #Snake Island

[worldtoptop]

Top 16 Beautiful Metro Stations in Russia

Top 16 Beautiful Metro Stations in Russia

Do you like art? I mean, do you like to go to museums, art expositions and related places? Or maybe a friend of yours? Ok, now, let’s think in a good place to go and take your friends with you… Hm, this could look unusual, but trust me, you will impress your friends with the top list shown in our today’s post. Today we are going to list Russia’s Top Beautiful Metro Stations.

 A Little Bit About…

View On WordPress

#beautiful metro in russia #beautiful metro station #beautiful metro station in russia #beautiful moscow metro #beautiful russian metro #beautiful st petersburg metro #metro in russia #Moscow Metro #russian metro #st petersburg metro #красивая станция метро #метро москва #метро москвы #Станция метро москва красивая

[worldtoptop]

Kazan metro, Tatarstan, Russia

At present, the Kazan Metro is a single-line system that stretches nearly ten kilometres and has seven stations. Opened on August 27, 2005, it is the newest system in Russia.

Like all Metros in Russia and the former USSR, each station has its own architectural theme. At present two stations are single-vault, and two are pillar-spans. In addition, one station exists on a combined glazed flyover. (x)