| Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever.
| |
Kovalam beach :This internationally renowned beach resort of Kerela has been a favorite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost , known as the Lighthouse beach, is the most popular, Kovalam offers accommodation options to suit all the budgets.
Poovar Beach : Poovar is an unspoilt and unexplored island, envoloped by the most serene backwaters, and opening out to the sea and a dream golden sand beach.
Shanghumugham Beach :This is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The beach is adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) airport and Veli Tourist Village.
|
|
|
| |
|
| The Varkala Beach :Vakala is a seaside resort and spa, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions there
This is one of the most popular picnic spots in alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is about 140 years old. Cherai Beach - This lovely beach bordering Vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occassionally seen here. Fort Kochi Beach - The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British.. |
|
Kappad - This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawing rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. | |
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Beaches in Kerala
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Beaches in AFRICA
African Beaches(goafrica.about.com)
Europeans have been enjoying beach vacations in Africa for decades and Americans are starting to discover the joys of combining a beach holiday with a safari and a dash of African culture.
Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco have plenty of beach resorts and there are tourist packages available for all budgets.
South Africa boasts some of the best beaches for sunbathing and surfing and you can easily add on a safari to your itinerary.
Kenya has some good beaches on the Indian Ocean and is very popular with Europeans who flock to Malindi, Mombasa, Diani and Lamu. Zanzibar in Tanzania offers white sands as well as an interesting history and culture. The Seychelles Islands off the East African coast are simply idyllic for divers and beach lovers.
Africa's many lakes also offer good beaches and swimming, Lake Malawi is particularly popular with backpackers, but you have to be careful with Bilharzia, a parasite that lives in lakes and rivers throughout the continent.
For diving, Egypt's Red Sea coast ranks among the world's best. If diving with sharks is what you're after, South Africa has some wonderful opportunities to get close to the Great White.
One of the best beaches off the beaten track is Kokrobite in Ghana where you can combine sunbathing with some traditional drumming lessons.
Europeans have been enjoying beach vacations in Africa for decades and Americans are starting to discover the joys of combining a beach holiday with a safari and a dash of African culture.
Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco have plenty of beach resorts and there are tourist packages available for all budgets.South Africa boasts some of the best beaches for sunbathing and surfing and you can easily add on a safari to your itinerary.
Kenya has some good beaches on the Indian Ocean and is very popular with Europeans who flock to Malindi, Mombasa, Diani and Lamu. Zanzibar in Tanzania offers white sands as well as an interesting history and culture. The Seychelles Islands off the East African coast are simply idyllic for divers and beach lovers.
Africa's many lakes also offer good beaches and swimming, Lake Malawi is particularly popular with backpackers, but you have to be careful with Bilharzia, a parasite that lives in lakes and rivers throughout the continent.
For diving, Egypt's Red Sea coast ranks among the world's best. If diving with sharks is what you're after, South Africa has some wonderful opportunities to get close to the Great White.
One of the best beaches off the beaten track is Kokrobite in Ghana where you can combine sunbathing with some traditional drumming lessons.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Best of the Mediterranean
Mediterranean Beaches- the Best in Europe(according to bugbog.com)
Mediterranean Beaches are not truly comparable with those of the Caribbean or Pacific. The water is cooler and the sand generally coarser or even pebbles. Pretty shady, palm tree fringes are also rare, though hot sunshine, good food nearby, friendly locals and low prices are common. The beaches are best May-Oct, though the water is still a little chilly up to June and, of course, crowded July-Aug.
France: CannesUnlike their bigger rival Nice, Cannes has sandy beaches, a less busy and more attractive promenade and locals are less snooty about offering services to visitors. Beaches are small but offer a reasonable amount of rent-free space and nearby cafés serve excellent food at reasonable prices. Parking nearby is difficult and town traffic can be heavy. See Cannes Beach Pictures.
France: Corsica islandThis French island is sophisticated, flashy and one of the best places for water sports in the Mediterranean. Corsica's 600 miles of coastline has numerous deserted shores and secluded coves.St Restitude, near Calvi [North West]: St Restitude is the place for a peaceful hideaway. A secluded small beach backed by pine woods, with soft sand and clean water.Palombaggia Beach, Santa-Giulia Beach, Golfe di Sogno Beach, near Porto-Vecchio [South East]:Port Vecchio is an upmarket resort town spread over a rocky hill with its own beach, a yacht marina, lively streets, and good range of accommodation, cafes, and restaurants. The best beach is Palombaggia Beach, southeast of the town, a perfect crescent of white sand sandwiched between an azure sea and a cluster of dunes, with an excellent beach restaurant; other pristine beaches are Santa Giulia Beach [good for watersports] a few miles to south, and around Golfe di Sogno to the north.For more isolation take a boat or have a very long walk from St Florent across to either Saleccia Beach or Loto Beach. Neither have facilities or many visitors, just lots of soft yellow sand - including a mini-desert - and clear water. Saleccia has a camp site beside the desert. See France Travel Corsica. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded like the rest of Europe.
Italy:Terracina, 1.5 hours SW of Rome, on the way to Naples.One of the best beaches on Italy's mainland, Terracina's is very long, wide and offers plenty of comfortable sand that is pay-parasol free, yet is within easy reach of cold drinks or simple meals from beach cafés. The town itself is quiet and pleasant but not immediately adjacent to the sea so wheels or at least 20 minute's walk will be necessary to get wet. See Terracina Beach Picture
Italy: Lampedusa islandThis small island is more African than European. It has clear sea and superb shores, and it offers some of the best swimming and skin-diving in the Mediterranean. Most of hotels are within a short walk of the beaches ; there are campsites as well. It's essential to book ahead in July-Aug.Getting there: by ferry from Port Empedocle, or by air from Palermo. In summer time you can fly directly from Milan. Best May-Sept, but avoid July-Aug if possible.
Italy: La Costa Verde, Sardinia island [Tyrrhenian Sea]Sardinia is quite wild and less developed than many islands, and has a lovely coastline. One of the prettiest stretches in the Meditterranean is the Costa Smeralda, the island's best-known resort area with 5 star development.If you want to get away from the crowds, La Costa Verde is a superb beach area. Also Santa Teresa di Gallura [ a daily ferry service goes there from Palau] has stunning coves and beaches.Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.
Italy: Abruzzo [Adriatic Sea]Fine sand, clear water and classic Italian hospitality in Silvi Marina, with lots of after-beach sightseeing in Abruzzo's mountains and medieval villages.
Spain: Costa Brava [far north-east coast]Cap de Begur is a charming area about 40 mins from Girona offering plenty of Spanish culture old and new [Dali's weirdness lurks nearby at Figueres or Cadaques], but also a collection of superb little beaches, ranging from Aiguablava to nudist L'Illa Roja or family-oriented Llanfranc and Platja de Raco.
Spain: Murcia [south-east coast]Calblanque is an isolated 1.5km long, unspoiled, uncrowded nudist beach with calm, clear water and firm yellow sand backed by hills. Facilities are very limited.
Spain: Costa de la Luz [south-west coast]800 metres of fine, white sand and low key developement make Agua Amarga village - embedded in the Cabo de Gata National Park - a classic, relaxing beach resort, with excellent wild walks in the Park tooTarifa is another popular, attractive, low-key beach area with few hotels but lots of activities. Due to it's location on the most southerly tip of Europe winds are usually pretty strong which is great for wind/kite surfers but can be irritating for swimmers or tanners.Bolonia beach, near Tarifa, is a 3 km long nudist beach, unspoilt and unsophisticated but a little breezy and coarse sand, with all major services are provided. If it's too busy for you try towards Cadiz, there are even less visited beaches along the road...
Spain: Ibiza islandBenirras, NW Ibiza, is a small, gorgeous, sandy beach in a bay surrounded by rocks and pine trees. There are a couple of good, low cost restaurants on the beach, but no hotels in the area, just a few villas. Access Benirras via Sant Joan by car or bike. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Es Cavallet, in south Ibiza, 10km from Ibiza town or 6km from Playa d'en Bossa, is 1km long, 30 metres wide, with soft sand backed by dunes. The beach has character and is well provided with services including music bars. Nudity is permitted and the dunes provide a gay hunting ground in the summer. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Salinas beach, next to Es Cavallet, also offers good size, soft sand, clear water and full services, but in addition a pine border and adjacent Wildlife Conservation Area for those who can't handle 8 hour tanning/drinking. Salinas caters for a wealthier, more fashion-conscious clientele. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.
Spain: Majorca islandRelatively quiet, 15m from Palma, Portals Vells is a pretty little cove with soft sand and clear, shallow water.There are no hotels nearby, but there is an excellent beach café. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Es Trenc, a 3km long nudist beach offers white sand, dunes, trees and clear, calm water, but can get very crowded. facilities are limited.
Egypt: Sidi Abdel Rahman or Mersa MatrouhLong stretches of brilliant white sand beaches along the Mediterranean coast from Alexandria and around Mersa Matrouh are still undeveloped and uncrowded. The atmosphere is relaxed and people are fun and friendly. Good selection of small hotels.Best May-Oct. Avoid winter time and Ramadan [Muslim fasting month, Sept 24 - Oct 22 '06; Sept 13 - Oct 11 '07; Sept 1 - Sept 29 '08] and beware the Khamseen [desert wind] around April.
Croatia: Kolocep Island [Adriatic Sea]Kolocep is one of the Elafiti islands which lie along the Adriatic coastline, opposite Dubrovnik at the southern end of the country. It has some of the loveliest, secluded beaches in Europe.The most famous beach in Croatia is Zlatni Rat [Golden Horn] beach on the Dalmatian island of Brac.The down side: the standard of facilities are not as high as western resorts, and despite the area's rich fishing industry [shellfish of the Adriatic are said to be some of the best in the world], the cuisine does not have a high reputation.Best May-Sept, though July-August can be crowded and swimming in the sea is only comfortable from mid-June to late September.
Mediterranean Beaches are not truly comparable with those of the Caribbean or Pacific. The water is cooler and the sand generally coarser or even pebbles. Pretty shady, palm tree fringes are also rare, though hot sunshine, good food nearby, friendly locals and low prices are common. The beaches are best May-Oct, though the water is still a little chilly up to June and, of course, crowded July-Aug.
France: CannesUnlike their bigger rival Nice, Cannes has sandy beaches, a less busy and more attractive promenade and locals are less snooty about offering services to visitors. Beaches are small but offer a reasonable amount of rent-free space and nearby cafés serve excellent food at reasonable prices. Parking nearby is difficult and town traffic can be heavy. See Cannes Beach Pictures.
France: Corsica islandThis French island is sophisticated, flashy and one of the best places for water sports in the Mediterranean. Corsica's 600 miles of coastline has numerous deserted shores and secluded coves.St Restitude, near Calvi [North West]: St Restitude is the place for a peaceful hideaway. A secluded small beach backed by pine woods, with soft sand and clean water.Palombaggia Beach, Santa-Giulia Beach, Golfe di Sogno Beach, near Porto-Vecchio [South East]:Port Vecchio is an upmarket resort town spread over a rocky hill with its own beach, a yacht marina, lively streets, and good range of accommodation, cafes, and restaurants. The best beach is Palombaggia Beach, southeast of the town, a perfect crescent of white sand sandwiched between an azure sea and a cluster of dunes, with an excellent beach restaurant; other pristine beaches are Santa Giulia Beach [good for watersports] a few miles to south, and around Golfe di Sogno to the north.For more isolation take a boat or have a very long walk from St Florent across to either Saleccia Beach or Loto Beach. Neither have facilities or many visitors, just lots of soft yellow sand - including a mini-desert - and clear water. Saleccia has a camp site beside the desert. See France Travel Corsica. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded like the rest of Europe.
Italy:Terracina, 1.5 hours SW of Rome, on the way to Naples.One of the best beaches on Italy's mainland, Terracina's is very long, wide and offers plenty of comfortable sand that is pay-parasol free, yet is within easy reach of cold drinks or simple meals from beach cafés. The town itself is quiet and pleasant but not immediately adjacent to the sea so wheels or at least 20 minute's walk will be necessary to get wet. See Terracina Beach Picture
Italy: Lampedusa islandThis small island is more African than European. It has clear sea and superb shores, and it offers some of the best swimming and skin-diving in the Mediterranean. Most of hotels are within a short walk of the beaches ; there are campsites as well. It's essential to book ahead in July-Aug.Getting there: by ferry from Port Empedocle, or by air from Palermo. In summer time you can fly directly from Milan. Best May-Sept, but avoid July-Aug if possible.
Italy: La Costa Verde, Sardinia island [Tyrrhenian Sea]Sardinia is quite wild and less developed than many islands, and has a lovely coastline. One of the prettiest stretches in the Meditterranean is the Costa Smeralda, the island's best-known resort area with 5 star development.If you want to get away from the crowds, La Costa Verde is a superb beach area. Also Santa Teresa di Gallura [ a daily ferry service goes there from Palau] has stunning coves and beaches.Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.
Italy: Abruzzo [Adriatic Sea]Fine sand, clear water and classic Italian hospitality in Silvi Marina, with lots of after-beach sightseeing in Abruzzo's mountains and medieval villages.
Spain: Costa Brava [far north-east coast]Cap de Begur is a charming area about 40 mins from Girona offering plenty of Spanish culture old and new [Dali's weirdness lurks nearby at Figueres or Cadaques], but also a collection of superb little beaches, ranging from Aiguablava to nudist L'Illa Roja or family-oriented Llanfranc and Platja de Raco.
Spain: Murcia [south-east coast]Calblanque is an isolated 1.5km long, unspoiled, uncrowded nudist beach with calm, clear water and firm yellow sand backed by hills. Facilities are very limited.
Spain: Costa de la Luz [south-west coast]800 metres of fine, white sand and low key developement make Agua Amarga village - embedded in the Cabo de Gata National Park - a classic, relaxing beach resort, with excellent wild walks in the Park tooTarifa is another popular, attractive, low-key beach area with few hotels but lots of activities. Due to it's location on the most southerly tip of Europe winds are usually pretty strong which is great for wind/kite surfers but can be irritating for swimmers or tanners.Bolonia beach, near Tarifa, is a 3 km long nudist beach, unspoilt and unsophisticated but a little breezy and coarse sand, with all major services are provided. If it's too busy for you try towards Cadiz, there are even less visited beaches along the road...
Spain: Ibiza islandBenirras, NW Ibiza, is a small, gorgeous, sandy beach in a bay surrounded by rocks and pine trees. There are a couple of good, low cost restaurants on the beach, but no hotels in the area, just a few villas. Access Benirras via Sant Joan by car or bike. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Es Cavallet, in south Ibiza, 10km from Ibiza town or 6km from Playa d'en Bossa, is 1km long, 30 metres wide, with soft sand backed by dunes. The beach has character and is well provided with services including music bars. Nudity is permitted and the dunes provide a gay hunting ground in the summer. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Salinas beach, next to Es Cavallet, also offers good size, soft sand, clear water and full services, but in addition a pine border and adjacent Wildlife Conservation Area for those who can't handle 8 hour tanning/drinking. Salinas caters for a wealthier, more fashion-conscious clientele. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.
Spain: Majorca islandRelatively quiet, 15m from Palma, Portals Vells is a pretty little cove with soft sand and clear, shallow water.There are no hotels nearby, but there is an excellent beach café. Best May-June, & Sept. OK July-Aug , though hot and crowded.Es Trenc, a 3km long nudist beach offers white sand, dunes, trees and clear, calm water, but can get very crowded. facilities are limited.
Egypt: Sidi Abdel Rahman or Mersa MatrouhLong stretches of brilliant white sand beaches along the Mediterranean coast from Alexandria and around Mersa Matrouh are still undeveloped and uncrowded. The atmosphere is relaxed and people are fun and friendly. Good selection of small hotels.Best May-Oct. Avoid winter time and Ramadan [Muslim fasting month, Sept 24 - Oct 22 '06; Sept 13 - Oct 11 '07; Sept 1 - Sept 29 '08] and beware the Khamseen [desert wind] around April.
Croatia: Kolocep Island [Adriatic Sea]Kolocep is one of the Elafiti islands which lie along the Adriatic coastline, opposite Dubrovnik at the southern end of the country. It has some of the loveliest, secluded beaches in Europe.The most famous beach in Croatia is Zlatni Rat [Golden Horn] beach on the Dalmatian island of Brac.The down side: the standard of facilities are not as high as western resorts, and despite the area's rich fishing industry [shellfish of the Adriatic are said to be some of the best in the world], the cuisine does not have a high reputation.Best May-Sept, though July-August can be crowded and swimming in the sea is only comfortable from mid-June to late September.
Best Beaches in ASIA
ASIA'S BEST BEACHES - Asia-Hotels.com's Poll
1.BORACAY, Philippines - The best beach in Asia. It has also been voted in 1990 as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook. The British Publication TV Quick in its issue of December 21, 1996 gave the latest accolade for Boracay as the number one tropical beach in the world.
2.Malaysia - Redang Island, Redang Beach - Only 45 minutes by air from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, 40 minutes transfer from airport to Merang Jetty and 50 minutes by boat to the Island. Paradise for divers, thanks to the unending portrait of living watercolour and marine life. Picturesque beaches, turquoise blue water, green cliffs overlooking the South China Sea.
3.Maldives - The luxurious escapes you'll find in the Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) are not merely an accident of geography, but a matter of deliberate design. Overwhelmed by an influx of tourists during the 1970s, government leaders created a master plan for the tourist industry, with the aim of emphasizing quality over quantity and minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural -- and human -- environment. The result was the development of a series of high-quality island resorts that have been cited as models for sustainable tourism development.
4.Malaysia - Langkawi, Datai Beach - Langkawi is a mystical island of wild scenic beauty and aquamarine seas. The Datai is situated on it's north-western tip, providing an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a centuries-old virgin rainforest. Set above a secluded cove, the resort has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. Free-standing villas crafted from local materials are scattered throughout the forest and are connected to the resort’s central areas by a series of pathways.. The Datai is just 30 minutes from Langkawi International Airport.
5.Australia - Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise - If you like sun, surf and sand, unpolluted air and a relaxed lifestyle, with great accommodation and heaps of tourist attractions thrown in, then you'll love the Gold Coast of Australia. The Gold Coast can boast an average of 245 days of fine weather each year and daytime temperatures above 22 degrees for 279 days a year. Yes! This is truly the Sunshine State and we're very proud of it. The Gold Coast is located on the Eastern seaboard of Australia just 80km south of the City of Brisbane.
6.Malaysia - Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Beach - On the island of Langkawi (lang-kah-wee), the rhythm of life remains much as it has in days gone by. A coastline dotted with fishing boats, rustic villages, and a horizon that twinkles with the brilliance of a thousand stars at dusk. Nowhere is this more apparent than in a cape in the northernmost tip of the island, Tanjung Rhu (tan-joong-roo) - a scenic and untouched enclave nestled in the shade of luxuriant casuarina trees. Here lies the Tanjung Rhu Resort - a deluxe resort fringing the long, magnificent bay that leads to the clear, cool waters of the Andaman Sea.
7.Malaysia - Pangkor Laut, Emerald Bay - Pangkor Laut Island is located in the Straits of Malacca, 3 miles off the west coast of Malaysia's peninsula. The resort occupies the neighboring Royal Bay and Coral Bay. Twenty minutes walk across the island brings you to Emerald Bay, an internationally acclaimed beach. The island is reached either by boat from Lumut jetty or directly by air from Kuala Lumpur. Lumut is approximately 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road.
8.Thailand - Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach - Koh Samui is a tropical gem located in the warm blue waters off the country's south-eastern seaboard. It is the Kingdom's second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lover's paradise has now attained international standards of service and accommodation. Fortunately, it has also earned a reputation for retaining its friendly image as well as natural environment.
9.Malaysia - Tioman Island, Tioman Beach - Tioman Island is shaped like a drum stick with the fleshier part to the south. The most developed town on the island is Kampung Tekek. Nearby is the airport and the main jetty for ferries from the mainland. There is only a stretch of paved road that covers part of the west coast. It connects Kampung Tekek with Kampung Bunut, Kampung Paya and Kampung Genting. Kampungs are rural Malay villages characterized by wooden houses on stilts. The western part of Tioman Island is dominated by kampungs while the eastern part is mostly uninhabited, with Kampung Juara and Kampung Dungun as the only villages on that side.
10.Thailand - Phi Phi, Bagao Beach - Travelling around Koh Phi Phi on a budget could not be easier. The place is -- besides more pricier Koh Phi Phi hotels and resorts - full of budget accommodation that are very affordable and perhaps, surprisingly comfortable. Often they are located in the very heart of the cities and towns that enables travellers to be close to the activities available nearby.
1.BORACAY, Philippines - The best beach in Asia. It has also been voted in 1990 as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook. The British Publication TV Quick in its issue of December 21, 1996 gave the latest accolade for Boracay as the number one tropical beach in the world.
2.Malaysia - Redang Island, Redang Beach - Only 45 minutes by air from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, 40 minutes transfer from airport to Merang Jetty and 50 minutes by boat to the Island. Paradise for divers, thanks to the unending portrait of living watercolour and marine life. Picturesque beaches, turquoise blue water, green cliffs overlooking the South China Sea.
3.Maldives - The luxurious escapes you'll find in the Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) are not merely an accident of geography, but a matter of deliberate design. Overwhelmed by an influx of tourists during the 1970s, government leaders created a master plan for the tourist industry, with the aim of emphasizing quality over quantity and minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural -- and human -- environment. The result was the development of a series of high-quality island resorts that have been cited as models for sustainable tourism development.
4.Malaysia - Langkawi, Datai Beach - Langkawi is a mystical island of wild scenic beauty and aquamarine seas. The Datai is situated on it's north-western tip, providing an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a centuries-old virgin rainforest. Set above a secluded cove, the resort has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. Free-standing villas crafted from local materials are scattered throughout the forest and are connected to the resort’s central areas by a series of pathways.. The Datai is just 30 minutes from Langkawi International Airport.
5.Australia - Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise - If you like sun, surf and sand, unpolluted air and a relaxed lifestyle, with great accommodation and heaps of tourist attractions thrown in, then you'll love the Gold Coast of Australia. The Gold Coast can boast an average of 245 days of fine weather each year and daytime temperatures above 22 degrees for 279 days a year. Yes! This is truly the Sunshine State and we're very proud of it. The Gold Coast is located on the Eastern seaboard of Australia just 80km south of the City of Brisbane.
6.Malaysia - Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Beach - On the island of Langkawi (lang-kah-wee), the rhythm of life remains much as it has in days gone by. A coastline dotted with fishing boats, rustic villages, and a horizon that twinkles with the brilliance of a thousand stars at dusk. Nowhere is this more apparent than in a cape in the northernmost tip of the island, Tanjung Rhu (tan-joong-roo) - a scenic and untouched enclave nestled in the shade of luxuriant casuarina trees. Here lies the Tanjung Rhu Resort - a deluxe resort fringing the long, magnificent bay that leads to the clear, cool waters of the Andaman Sea.
7.Malaysia - Pangkor Laut, Emerald Bay - Pangkor Laut Island is located in the Straits of Malacca, 3 miles off the west coast of Malaysia's peninsula. The resort occupies the neighboring Royal Bay and Coral Bay. Twenty minutes walk across the island brings you to Emerald Bay, an internationally acclaimed beach. The island is reached either by boat from Lumut jetty or directly by air from Kuala Lumpur. Lumut is approximately 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road.
8.Thailand - Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach - Koh Samui is a tropical gem located in the warm blue waters off the country's south-eastern seaboard. It is the Kingdom's second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lover's paradise has now attained international standards of service and accommodation. Fortunately, it has also earned a reputation for retaining its friendly image as well as natural environment.
9.Malaysia - Tioman Island, Tioman Beach - Tioman Island is shaped like a drum stick with the fleshier part to the south. The most developed town on the island is Kampung Tekek. Nearby is the airport and the main jetty for ferries from the mainland. There is only a stretch of paved road that covers part of the west coast. It connects Kampung Tekek with Kampung Bunut, Kampung Paya and Kampung Genting. Kampungs are rural Malay villages characterized by wooden houses on stilts. The western part of Tioman Island is dominated by kampungs while the eastern part is mostly uninhabited, with Kampung Juara and Kampung Dungun as the only villages on that side.
10.Thailand - Phi Phi, Bagao Beach - Travelling around Koh Phi Phi on a budget could not be easier. The place is -- besides more pricier Koh Phi Phi hotels and resorts - full of budget accommodation that are very affordable and perhaps, surprisingly comfortable. Often they are located in the very heart of the cities and towns that enables travellers to be close to the activities available nearby.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
World's Best Beaches(According to travel.discovery.com)
World's Best Beaches 2006
Folegandros, GreeceImagine a Greek island, and it's likely you'll invoke images of whitewashed buildings clustered into villages, tumbling down sheer cliff drops to the azure waters below. Such is Folegandros ... Read more.
Newquay, United KingdomIt's not often beachgoers associate a trip to England with a sunny summer holiday spent relaxing on luxurious sands. Unknown to many outside the United Kingdom, the isle is home to Newquay, a seaside haven ... Read more.
Seignosse, FranceTo experience the town and beaches of Seignosse in southwestern France is like encountering the incongruous blending of a Brother's Grimm fairy tale ... Read more.
Manele Bay, HawaiiHulopo'e Beach on the island of Lana'i, long considered one of the world's most perfect stretches of sand, lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay ... Read more.
El Matador, CaliforniaFar from the wheeling and dealing of the Hollywood hills and the hustle and bustle of its boulevards, beachgoers in the know seek solidarity by heading up the winding Pacific Coast Highway ... Read more.
Pernambuco, BrazilA-Listers and adventure travelers are always looking for the next hot vacation destination, complete with pristine beaches, extraordinary activities and a vibrant night life. Brazil's beaches score high on all criteria, making them a popular destination. ... Read more.
Koh Phangan, ThailandAlex Garland's novel The Beach sent many curious 20-somethings to Thailand’s islands looking for a good time. Today, the hottest island for the young set is the island of Ko Phangan, a small island near the larger Koh Samui ... Read more.
Bottom Bay, BarbadosBarbados is a distinctive island, both in its natural beauty and fun-loving culture. This West Indies gem is actually a coral island. The sandy beaches are made up of pulverized coral, which makes for fine, soft sands ... Read more.
Vieques, Puerto RicoFor more than 60 years, the U.S. Navy owned three-quarters of this island. After years of civilian protests, the Navy moved out in 2003 opening up that land to the island's residents ... Read more.
The Baths, British Virgin IslandsThe British Virgin Islands are made up of a collection of smaller islands, each with its own unique topography and island vibe. Virgin Gorda, one of the largest islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing ... Read more.
Folegandros, GreeceImagine a Greek island, and it's likely you'll invoke images of whitewashed buildings clustered into villages, tumbling down sheer cliff drops to the azure waters below. Such is Folegandros ... Read more.
Newquay, United KingdomIt's not often beachgoers associate a trip to England with a sunny summer holiday spent relaxing on luxurious sands. Unknown to many outside the United Kingdom, the isle is home to Newquay, a seaside haven ... Read more.
Seignosse, FranceTo experience the town and beaches of Seignosse in southwestern France is like encountering the incongruous blending of a Brother's Grimm fairy tale ... Read more.
Manele Bay, HawaiiHulopo'e Beach on the island of Lana'i, long considered one of the world's most perfect stretches of sand, lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay ... Read more.
El Matador, CaliforniaFar from the wheeling and dealing of the Hollywood hills and the hustle and bustle of its boulevards, beachgoers in the know seek solidarity by heading up the winding Pacific Coast Highway ... Read more.
Pernambuco, BrazilA-Listers and adventure travelers are always looking for the next hot vacation destination, complete with pristine beaches, extraordinary activities and a vibrant night life. Brazil's beaches score high on all criteria, making them a popular destination. ... Read more.
Koh Phangan, ThailandAlex Garland's novel The Beach sent many curious 20-somethings to Thailand’s islands looking for a good time. Today, the hottest island for the young set is the island of Ko Phangan, a small island near the larger Koh Samui ... Read more.
Bottom Bay, BarbadosBarbados is a distinctive island, both in its natural beauty and fun-loving culture. This West Indies gem is actually a coral island. The sandy beaches are made up of pulverized coral, which makes for fine, soft sands ... Read more.
Vieques, Puerto RicoFor more than 60 years, the U.S. Navy owned three-quarters of this island. After years of civilian protests, the Navy moved out in 2003 opening up that land to the island's residents ... Read more.
The Baths, British Virgin IslandsThe British Virgin Islands are made up of a collection of smaller islands, each with its own unique topography and island vibe. Virgin Gorda, one of the largest islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing ... Read more.
Best beaches in USA
YEAR 2006 BEST BEACHES RANKING
1. Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
3. Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
10. Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida
1. Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
3. Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
10. Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida
Best beaches in North America and the Rest of the World.
Best Beaches in USA (According to petrix.com)
1. Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
3. Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
10. Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida
Best Beaches in the World(According to Yahoo! Travels.)
1.Kaanapali, Hawaii
2.Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
3.Cancun, Mexico
4.Miami, Florida
5.Panama City, Florida
6.Montego Bay, Jamaica
7.Phuket, Thailand
8.Santa Barbara, California
9.Mikonos, Greece
10.Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Best Beaches in the Carribean(According to frommers.com)
Good beaches with soul-warming sun, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant sea air can be found on virtually every island of the Caribbean, with the possible exceptions of Saba (which has rocky shores) and Dominica (where the few beaches have dramatically black sands that absorb the hot sun).
Shoal Bay (Anguilla): This luscious stretch of silvery sand helped put Anguilla on the world-tourism map. Snorkelers are drawn to the schools of iridescent fish that dart among the coral gardens offshore. You can take the trail walk from Old Ta to little-known Katouche Beach, which offers perfect snorkeling and is also a prime site for a beach picnic under shade trees.
The Beaches of Antigua: Legend has it that there is a beach here for every day of the year, though we haven't bothered to confirm that by counting. Antiguans claim, with justifiable pride, that their two best beaches are Dickenson Bay, in the northwest corner of the island, and Half Moon Bay, which stretches for a white-sandy mile along the eastern coast. Most major hotels open directly onto a good beach, so chances are good yours will be built on or near a strip of white sand.
Palm Beach (Aruba): This superb white-sand beach put Aruba on the tourist map. Several publications, including Condé Nast Traveler, have hailed it as 1 of the 12 best beaches in the world. It's likely to be crowded in winter, but for swimming, sailing, or fishing, it's idyllic.
The Gold Coast (Barbados): Some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the so-called Gold Coast of Barbados, site of some of the swankiest deluxe hotels in the Northern Hemisphere. Our favorites include Paynes Bay, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach, and Brighton Beach, all open to the public.
Cane Garden Bay (Tortola, British Virgin Islands): One of the Caribbean's most spectacular stretches, Cane Garden Bay has 2km (1 1/4 miles) of white sand and is a jogger's favorite. It's a much better choice than more obvious (and more crowded) Magens Bay beach on neighboring St. Thomas.
Seven Mile Beach (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands): It's really about 9km (5 1/2 miles) long, but who's counting? Lined with condos and plush resorts, this beach is known for its array of watersports and its translucent aquamarine waters. Australian pines dot the background, and the average winter temperature of the water is a perfect 80°F (27°C).
The Beaches of the Dominican Republic: There are two great options here: the beaches of resort-riddled Punta Cana at the easternmost tip of the island, or those at Playa Dorada along the northern coast, which fronts the Atlantic. Punta Cana is a 32km (20-mile) strip of oyster-white sands set against a backdrop of palm trees, and Playa Dorada is filled with beaches of white or beige sands.
Grand Anse Beach (Grenada): This 3km (2-mile) beach is reason enough to go to Grenada. Although the island has some 45 beaches, most with white sand, this is the fabled one, and rightly so. There's enough space and so few visitors that you'll probably find a spot just for yourself. The sugary sands of Grand Anse extend into deep waters far offshore. Most of the island's best hotels are within walking distance of this beach strip.
Seven Mile Beach (Negril, Jamaica): In the northwestern section of the island, this beach stretches for 11km (6 3/4 miles) along the sea, and is backed by some of the most hedonistic resorts in the Caribbean. Not for the conservative, the beach also contains some nudist sections along with bare-all Booby Cay offshore.
Diamond Beach (Martinique): This bright, white-sandy beach stretches for about 10km (6 1/4 miles), much of it developed. It faces a rocky offshore island, Diamond Rock, which has uninhabited shores.
Luquillo Beach (Puerto Rico): This crescent-shaped public beach, 30 miles east of San Juan, is the local favorite. Much photographed because of its white sands and coconut palms, it also has tent sites and picnic facilities. The often-fierce waters of the Atlantic are subdued by the coral reefs protecting the crystal-clear lagoon.
St-Jean Beach (St. Barthélemy): A somewhat narrow, golden sandy beach, St-Jean is the gem of the island, reminiscent of the French Riviera (though you're supposed to keep your top on). Reefs protect the beach, making it ideal for swimming.
The Beaches of St. Maarten/St. Martin: Take your pick. This island, divided about equally between France and the Netherlands, has 39 white-sandy beaches. Our favorites include Dawn Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Great Bay Beach on the Dutch side. Orient Beach is another standout -- not because of its sands but because of the nudists.
Canouan (The Grenadines): Most of the other beaches recommended in this section have been discovered and may be crowded in winter. But if you're looking for an idyllic, secluded stretch of perfect white sand, head for the remote and tiny island of Canouan, one of the pearls of The Grenadines, a string of islands lying south of its parent, St. Vincent. You'll have the beaches and the crystal-clear waters to yourself, even in winter.
The Beaches of Tobago: For your Robinson Crusoe holiday in the southern Caribbean, head to the little island of Tobago. Even Trinidadians fly over here on weekends to enjoy the beach life. It doesn't get any better than a long coral beach called Pigeon Point on the northwestern coast. Other good beaches on Tobago include Back Bay (site of an old coconut plantation) and Man-O-War Bay, known for its beautiful natural harbor and long stretch of sand.
Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands): These 19km (12 miles) of pale sands are the pride of Provo; Condé Nast Traveler has called this one of the world's best beaches. It's such a spectacular setting that increasing numbers of resorts, including Club Med, have sprung up along the shore. A couple of miles out from the northern shore, the beach is fringed by a reef with fabulous snorkeling. Back on land, there are plenty of places where you can rent watersports equipment.
Trunk Bay (St. John): Protected by the U.S. National Park Service, this beach is one of the Caribbean's most popular. A favorite with cruise-ship passengers, it's known for its underwater snorkeling trail, where markers guide you along the reef just off the white sands; you're sure to see a gorgeous rainbow of tropical fish.
1. Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii
2. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
3. Ocracoke Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
7. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
9. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
10. Barefoot Beach Park, Bonita Springs, Florida
Best Beaches in the World(According to Yahoo! Travels.)
1.Kaanapali, Hawaii
2.Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
3.Cancun, Mexico
4.Miami, Florida
5.Panama City, Florida
6.Montego Bay, Jamaica
7.Phuket, Thailand
8.Santa Barbara, California
9.Mikonos, Greece
10.Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Best Beaches in the Carribean(According to frommers.com)
Good beaches with soul-warming sun, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant sea air can be found on virtually every island of the Caribbean, with the possible exceptions of Saba (which has rocky shores) and Dominica (where the few beaches have dramatically black sands that absorb the hot sun).
Shoal Bay (Anguilla): This luscious stretch of silvery sand helped put Anguilla on the world-tourism map. Snorkelers are drawn to the schools of iridescent fish that dart among the coral gardens offshore. You can take the trail walk from Old Ta to little-known Katouche Beach, which offers perfect snorkeling and is also a prime site for a beach picnic under shade trees.
The Beaches of Antigua: Legend has it that there is a beach here for every day of the year, though we haven't bothered to confirm that by counting. Antiguans claim, with justifiable pride, that their two best beaches are Dickenson Bay, in the northwest corner of the island, and Half Moon Bay, which stretches for a white-sandy mile along the eastern coast. Most major hotels open directly onto a good beach, so chances are good yours will be built on or near a strip of white sand.
Palm Beach (Aruba): This superb white-sand beach put Aruba on the tourist map. Several publications, including Condé Nast Traveler, have hailed it as 1 of the 12 best beaches in the world. It's likely to be crowded in winter, but for swimming, sailing, or fishing, it's idyllic.
The Gold Coast (Barbados): Some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the so-called Gold Coast of Barbados, site of some of the swankiest deluxe hotels in the Northern Hemisphere. Our favorites include Paynes Bay, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach, and Brighton Beach, all open to the public.
Cane Garden Bay (Tortola, British Virgin Islands): One of the Caribbean's most spectacular stretches, Cane Garden Bay has 2km (1 1/4 miles) of white sand and is a jogger's favorite. It's a much better choice than more obvious (and more crowded) Magens Bay beach on neighboring St. Thomas.
Seven Mile Beach (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands): It's really about 9km (5 1/2 miles) long, but who's counting? Lined with condos and plush resorts, this beach is known for its array of watersports and its translucent aquamarine waters. Australian pines dot the background, and the average winter temperature of the water is a perfect 80°F (27°C).
The Beaches of the Dominican Republic: There are two great options here: the beaches of resort-riddled Punta Cana at the easternmost tip of the island, or those at Playa Dorada along the northern coast, which fronts the Atlantic. Punta Cana is a 32km (20-mile) strip of oyster-white sands set against a backdrop of palm trees, and Playa Dorada is filled with beaches of white or beige sands.
Grand Anse Beach (Grenada): This 3km (2-mile) beach is reason enough to go to Grenada. Although the island has some 45 beaches, most with white sand, this is the fabled one, and rightly so. There's enough space and so few visitors that you'll probably find a spot just for yourself. The sugary sands of Grand Anse extend into deep waters far offshore. Most of the island's best hotels are within walking distance of this beach strip.
Seven Mile Beach (Negril, Jamaica): In the northwestern section of the island, this beach stretches for 11km (6 3/4 miles) along the sea, and is backed by some of the most hedonistic resorts in the Caribbean. Not for the conservative, the beach also contains some nudist sections along with bare-all Booby Cay offshore.
Diamond Beach (Martinique): This bright, white-sandy beach stretches for about 10km (6 1/4 miles), much of it developed. It faces a rocky offshore island, Diamond Rock, which has uninhabited shores.
Luquillo Beach (Puerto Rico): This crescent-shaped public beach, 30 miles east of San Juan, is the local favorite. Much photographed because of its white sands and coconut palms, it also has tent sites and picnic facilities. The often-fierce waters of the Atlantic are subdued by the coral reefs protecting the crystal-clear lagoon.
St-Jean Beach (St. Barthélemy): A somewhat narrow, golden sandy beach, St-Jean is the gem of the island, reminiscent of the French Riviera (though you're supposed to keep your top on). Reefs protect the beach, making it ideal for swimming.
The Beaches of St. Maarten/St. Martin: Take your pick. This island, divided about equally between France and the Netherlands, has 39 white-sandy beaches. Our favorites include Dawn Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Maho Bay Beach, and Great Bay Beach on the Dutch side. Orient Beach is another standout -- not because of its sands but because of the nudists.
Canouan (The Grenadines): Most of the other beaches recommended in this section have been discovered and may be crowded in winter. But if you're looking for an idyllic, secluded stretch of perfect white sand, head for the remote and tiny island of Canouan, one of the pearls of The Grenadines, a string of islands lying south of its parent, St. Vincent. You'll have the beaches and the crystal-clear waters to yourself, even in winter.
The Beaches of Tobago: For your Robinson Crusoe holiday in the southern Caribbean, head to the little island of Tobago. Even Trinidadians fly over here on weekends to enjoy the beach life. It doesn't get any better than a long coral beach called Pigeon Point on the northwestern coast. Other good beaches on Tobago include Back Bay (site of an old coconut plantation) and Man-O-War Bay, known for its beautiful natural harbor and long stretch of sand.
Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands): These 19km (12 miles) of pale sands are the pride of Provo; Condé Nast Traveler has called this one of the world's best beaches. It's such a spectacular setting that increasing numbers of resorts, including Club Med, have sprung up along the shore. A couple of miles out from the northern shore, the beach is fringed by a reef with fabulous snorkeling. Back on land, there are plenty of places where you can rent watersports equipment.
Trunk Bay (St. John): Protected by the U.S. National Park Service, this beach is one of the Caribbean's most popular. A favorite with cruise-ship passengers, it's known for its underwater snorkeling trail, where markers guide you along the reef just off the white sands; you're sure to see a gorgeous rainbow of tropical fish.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)