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Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.
The Island of Hawaii
Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the The Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) is also the youngest of the island chain. At some 800,000 years of age, it's also still growing. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains one of the world's most active volcanoes which continues to pour into the sea adding to the shoreline. From its snow capped peaks to its black, white and green sand beaches the island is really a study in contrasts. Rocky deserts and lush rainforests. Peaceful bays and rolling pasture land. Luxurious orchids and waterfalls on the windward side, and areas on the western slopes where the world famous Kona coffee is grown. The Island of Hawaii is the place for adventure. Horseback riding in Waimea. Golf everywhere. Snow skiing (really!) at Mauna Kea. The ocean is gorgeous at any time of year. Kona is the marlin fishing capital of the Pacific. Or maybe the quaint shops and restaurants of Hilo, will be enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. The Big Island is also the place for history. All over the island you'll see petroglyphs, and heiau, ancient places of worship. The royal summer palace and the first Christian church in Hawaii will take you back in time. From the rainbows and waterfalls of the windward side to the sun drenched beaches of the Kona/Kohala Coast, the Big Island is vibrant and alive. And wherever you go, you'll find the spirit of Aloha. Of course, you'll find all of the amenities, attractions, activities, and accommodations that will fit any pocketbook and life style. You'll also find a physical beauty, a depth of cultural heritage, and a spiritual warmth that is without equal. Whatever you're looking for in a Hawaiian vacation, the Island of Hawaii offers some great moments that could last a lifetime. Because Hawaiian weather varies very little throughout the year, the weather you'll experience on the Big Island depends more on location than time of year. The wide variety of climates and the resulting range of temperatures and rainfall across the island are due primarily to differences in elevation and exposure to the moist northeasterly trade winds. The average day-time temperature in the coastal resort areas ranges from the mid 80's (29.4 C)in the summer months of May to October to the mid to low 70's (23.9-26.1 C) during the winter months of November to April.
Manaus (Amazon River)
The capital of the State of Amazonas, the belle époque splendor of Manaus is still evident in the graceful mansions and the Teatro Amazonas opera house. This city, resting on the Rio Negro, was created by the rubber boom of the mid-19th-century, when steam navigation opened up the Amazon to entrepreneurs and the social elite. Today, stroll down the Parisian-styled boulevards and Italian piazzas, or watch the fisherman at Municipal Market unload their catch of the day on the river’s edge.
Mauritius
Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique at a bargain price. Though nestled up alongside Africa, it's actually more influenced by British and French ties and massive Indian workforce. Enjoy a dish of curried chickpeas or a nice Yorkshire pudding on the terrace of a French café, sipping imported wine or a thick malty ale while listening to Créole music and the conversation of locals in any number of lingoes. Its range of visitors facilities ranges from pamper-happy beach resorts and organised excursions to locals who'll put visitors up in their homes and rent their cars for daytrips. Visitors looking for a lazy beach vacation shouldn't forget the rambling interior and multicultural capital Port Louis.
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador is a dynamic collage of diverse religious and cultural groups, colorful open-air markets, tropical flowers, majestic colonial buildings, golden-sand beaches and the bubbling sensuality of the Bahian people. Visit the Sao Francisco Chapel, whose interior is paved with gold. Sample Salvador's Afro-Brazilian cuisine, including such mouth-watering specialties as "ensopada" (seafood poached in fresh coconut milk) and "vatapa" (spicy fresh shrimp).
Tasmania
Tasmania is an island located 150 miles off the southeast mainland Australia. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmania breathes the world’s cleanest air and enjoys pure water and fertile soils – part of what brings its wine and food world-wide acclaim. It is an island of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third is reserved in the National Parks Network and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals. The island’s European heritage dates back to the early 1800s. Tasmania also has a vibrant cultural life, boasting one of the best small orchestras in the world and literary authors such as Richard Flanagan, winner of the 2002 Commonwealth Writer's Prize. Wilderness, heritage, art & culture, wine & food – they’re waiting for you in Tasmania.
Nadi
Nadi is gateway to Fiji. With a proximity to the international airport, it caters to tourists. There are various accommodations, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises. The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is near Viseisei village, foundation village of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens. From Nadi, visit Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion by the Japanese or take a trip to Mount Victoria, Fiji's highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the fresh air found only above sea level. There are day cruises to islands and jungle locations and cruise boats take you down the Nadi River on to the Mamanuca Islands. For scuba diving, join a schooner which departs from the beach near the Denarau Marina. Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18-hole golf courses in Fiji and is within easy reach of hotels.
Amazon River
Scenic Cruising
Sri Lanka
For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colorful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors. Head for the rolling hills to escape the heat of the plains in the cool of tea plantations. The entire island is teeming with bird life, and exotics like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. To top it all off, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low. Marco Polo considered Sri Lanka the finest island of its size in all the world, and after exploring the country's fabled delights visitors will agree. The coastal stretch south of Colombo offers palm-lined sandy expanses as far as the eye can see. Try the Kandyan dances, a procession of elephants or the masked devil dances. Find enough ancient and inspiring architecture in the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to satisfy the inner archaeologist.
Zambezi
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