Thailand - Maya Bay closed for at least another two years

Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley, closed last June to allow coral restoration and beach recovery, will now remain closed to visitors for at least another two years.

Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, assistant dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University and a renowned marine specialist says, “The meeting yesterday concluded that Maya Bay is to be closed for two more years as the natural environment needs more time to recover.”

Maya Bay’s extended closure will keep the wraps on one of southern Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions. The closure is a blow to Koh Phi Phi tourism but despite protests from tour operators the National Park chiefs have been resolute to plan a more controlled tourist interface in the future. There are already plans in place to limit tour boats visiting the beach whenever it reopens.

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At its peak there were 5,000+ tourists visiting the secluded bay, made famous in the 2000 Hollywood film ‘The Beach’, every day.

Read more about recent extensions to the closure HERE.

#Cambodia - Royal Turtles return to the wild

The Royal Turtle, Cambodia’s National Reptile – per Royal Decree, is a critically endangered species.  A turn of twenty of them was released into Sre Ambel River in Preah Sihanouk Province on Friday, April 26 by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Fisheries Administration.

The turtles’ release was made possible by the new EU-funded Counter Wildlife Trafficking Project, which is discharged by the WCS in partnership with the Wildlife Alliance, the Cambodian Rural Development Team and the Fisheries Administration.

The WCS commented, “This is the third Royal Turtle release since 2015, making a total of 66 turtles. Each turtle released today is 12 years old and weighs between 10 and 15 kilograms. They were cared for at the Koh Kong Reptile Conservation Centre after they hatched on the [banks of] Sre Ambel River.”

Eng Cheasan, Director General of the Fisheries Administration, led the action, which was attended by delegates from the EU, including George Edgar, the EU’s ambassador to Cambodia, and representatives from various government departments, local authorities, monks, villagers, teachers and students.

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Source - Khmer Times

#Cambodia - An explorer's guide for a one-day tour of Phnom Penh.

For Westerners, Cambodia is included by default on their must-visit list for touring Southeast Asia. This might not be the case among Asian travelers, who tend to visit more renowned and modern countries such as Japan and South Korea, or even Hong Kong – at least at the time of writing.

Over the past few years I've been traveling widely, I never thought about setting foot in Cambodia – let alone exploring it on my own. Now that I have visited the country, I can say with confidence that it is an experience I will always cherish.

Cambodia is truly one of a kind. The country seems to scream uniqueness in its every aspect, from its unusual currency system that combines US dollars and Cambodian riel, to prehistoric temples standing in the middle of the French-influenced metropolis of Phnom Penh, and to the amusing sound of its language. Experiencing this was a little overwhelming at first, even for an Asian guy like me.

The top cities to visit in Cambodia are Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. For starters, I recommend visiting Phnom Penh first, before making your way through the rest of the country, since it is a perfect gateway for adjusting to Cambodia's ambiance.

However, Phnom Penh is said to have fewer tourist destinations compared to other Southeast Asian capitals like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh. This is why I decided to take a one-day tour around Phnom Penh in an attempt to visit some of its most famous sites.

If you're interested in a day trip exploring the Cambodian capital, here are some things you might need to know before setting out, based on the experiences I had during my visit to the city.

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Best transportation modes

I researched the cheapest way to get around Phnom Penh and came across some great recommendations for taking the city bus. In reality, though, I had a hard time finding the right buses and bus stations.

Taking the tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) might also be somewhat difficult for foreigners, since the fare is habitually determined by relationship and tuk-tuk drivers tend to set a higher baseline fare for foreigners – not to mention the greater risk of snatching on public transportation.

In the end, I decided to order through Grab instead. Grab is a widely popular ride-hailing app in Cambodia, and my experience showed it's relatively easy to make a booking and get a driver in Phnom Penh. Even better, you can still experience the joy of riding a tuk-tuk by ordering Grab Tuk-Tuk, which I tried once with excitement during my one day in Phnom Penh.

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Places worth visiting

Despite the limited options, taking a one-day tour in Phnom Penh can be hectic if you don't sort out the places you want to visit beforehand. Most destinations are temples and landmarks, and most are very pretty so choosing between them could be harder than you might think. I suggest taking into account the travel time between destinations and plan a relatively linear route to avoid going back and forth to save valuable time.

Wat Phnom is a beautiful temple in the center of the city and a perfect choice. Getting there isn't hard, since it is practically the focal point of Phnom Penh.

The first pagoda in Wat Phnom was built in 1372. Enter the temple to experience the mesmerizing golden statue – something you won't find anywhere else.

Another place worth visiting is Royal Palace Park. Here, you will see the rare temple-shaped palace that stands in a modern, Western-like area. Lay down on the lawn and have a moment of relaxation while enjoying the chirping birds and the stunning view.

Stay safe

Phnom Penh in particular is known for being occasionally unsafe for foreigners, which is unfortunate. The most common street crimes are snatching bags  and stealing bicycles. It is always advisable to take only one small bag and keep it on your body at all times.

When taking public transportation like tuk-tuk, sit in the middle of the vehicle. Another thing I found useful was to look alert and like you know where you're going. Walk straight and fast, even when you're not entirely sure of your direction, and avoid looking at Google Maps for too long. That way, you'll avoid looking like a lost tourist and avoid becoming a target.

If you are Caucasian, take extra safety measures and avoid talking to suspicious people that might try and scam you.

What to wear

Planning your journey is good, but be sure to go the extra mile and plan ahead on what you'll wear during your trip.

As it sits near the equator, Cambodia has its own share of direct sunlight, and sunburn can spoil your entire day. So, wear lightweight and sweat-absorbing clothes that will keep you cool while protecting your skin.

Also, do note that most Asian cultures prefer more proper attire, which means it's best to stay away from tank tops and shorts. Heading out in a pair of loose jeans and a light-colored T-shirt is advisable, as this will help you to blend in well yet is still practical to keep your body from retaining excessive heat.

What to eat

Finally, treat yourself to some great dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The streets of Phnom Penh has a lot to offer, both day and night. Treat your taste buds to the myriad street food you will find easily in the city, and be sure to give traditional dishes a try.

I personally loved Fish Amok, one of Cambodia's national dishes. The full-bodied dish's creamy coconut texture stole my heart. I remember coming across a recommendations online to try red tree ants, which literally has red ants in it. Lots of ants. If you enjoy the Fear Factor, go ahead and try it. Don’t forget to let us know how it tastes.

All in all, Phnom Penh is a must-visit when exploring Cambodia. While the country is famous for its many temples and ancient structures, including the glorious Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh is more than the usual fare. Coming here will give you a sense of what it feels like to live in a country rich in history and tradition, yet also contemporary in its own way. 

Source - TheJakartaPost

Harya Danniswara is an avid traveler and writer for Life For Experts, a website for travelers to share their experiences, insights and tips on travel, food and life values. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

#Vietnam - Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City

Notre-Dame Cathedral, aka Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, stands in the heart of HCMC, Vietnam's largest city. Construction of the cathedral was completed in 1880 under the supervision of architect J. Bourard. It originally provided religious services for French colonists in the 19th and 20th centuries. All the construction materials were imported from France. The cathedral has two bell towers that are 58 meters high. 

The cathedral, in District 1, has become one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. The outer walls are built of red bricks from Toulouse, France. The cathedral sanctum, 93 meters long, 21 meters high and 35 meters wide, can accommodate 1,200 people. The cathedral, HCMC's biggest, has been closed for restoration since July 2017. The restoration work is expected to last two years. 

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St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi

Inaugurated in 1887, the St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, which stands on Nha Chung Street, is a site of significant religious importance in the capital city. It is also a familiar destination for tourists, drawn by its beauty and peaceful ambience. The church is also the hub of an area filled with tea and coffee shops that attract thousands of locals and foreigners everyday. 

St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi

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#Thailand - Maya Bay to be closed for up to five years

Maya Bay’s beach, closed last year to allow coral restoration and beach recovery, could remain closed to visitors for many years. Maya Bay is located in the Phi Phi islands between Krabi and Phuket.

The famous Koh Phi Phi Ley beach needs time for its ecology to fully recover years of tourist abuse, this according to the Phi Phi national park chief Vorapot Lomlim as reported in Khaosod English.

“Maya Bay must continue to be closed until nature has fully recovered. We expect it will take four to five years.”

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“Since Maya was closed off nearly a year ago, sea creatures like reef sharks and ghost crabs have returned to the island.”

He also reported that 23,000 corals have been planted by marine officials since the closure last year.

Maya Bay was closed to tourist on June 1 last year. The Bay first became famous as part of the setting for the 2000 film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio. That fame would lead to a surge in tourists and a rapacious local tourist industry that ramped up the numbers of tours to cater for the international popularity.

At its peak Maya Bay, the south’s most popular attraction, was receiving up to 5-6,000 tourists a day. Unwittingly, the tourists were trampling the beach and surrounding areas whilst the boats delivering them to the famous beach were throwing anchors over the side, destroying the natural coral.

Initially the national park chiefs closed off Maya Bay access for a period of three months  but it soon became apparent that the fragile bay was going to need a lot longer to recover. Officials reported that up to 50 percent of the Bay’s coral was dead.

SOURCE: The Thaiger /  Khaosod English

#Indonesia - 8 reasons to visit Lombok and the Gili Islands

If you’re looking for a laid-back escape with an adventure or two, it would be hard to beat Lombok and the Gili Islands. You can choose to relax on endless white sand beaches, dive remote coral reefs or hike to see panoramic views.

Devastated by the series of earthquakes in 2018, these destinations are bouncing back and hungry for tourists. So pack your bags this coming dry season and go explore paradise.

1. Hike Mount Rinjani National Park

Lombok's Mount Rinjani National Park is unbeatable for spectacular views and challenging trails. While most of the hiking trails on Mt. Rinjani were damaged in the 2018 earthquakes, one trail has reopened.

Located in Aik Berik village, the trail is lesser known among the mountain's more popular trails, but offers a similar experience for adventurous travelers in search of epic views.

2. Hop around Gili Islands

For a relaxing break from daily life, consider going island-hopping around the stunning Gili Islands. These islands are known for scuba diving cruises and offers a chance to truly get away from it all.

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the white sand beaches and turquoise ocean vistas, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with life under the waters.

The Shark Point dive site offers a chance to dive with sharks and manta rays, while Deep Turbo offers overhangs and underwater caves for experienced divers to explore. You might even see a whale shark or two.

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3. Experience Bangkang bat cave

A trip to Goa Bangkang will take your breath away with stalactites and bursts of sunlight through the cave's ceiling. Tucked underground on Lombok, it is a cave like no other.

Descending the stairs into Bangkang, your senses will be struck by the sound and smell of thousands of bats. If you stay in the area until sunset, you can watch the bats exit the cave, covering the sky as they begin their nightly hunt for food.

4. Swim with sea turtles

If you’re a fan of sea turtles (who isn’t?), be sure to check out the sea turtle conservation initiatives at the Gili Islands.

Green sea turtles, which are classified as endangered, are well cared for at Gili Meno, thanks to Bolong, the local man who set up the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary. The sanctuary saves turtle eggs from predators to help release the precious hatchlings into the sea.

The sanctuary is fascinating, and your visit will support turtle conservation, as it depends entirely on donations from visitors.

You can swim with sea turtles at various spots around the Gili Islands. Gili Air is especially known for green sea turtles at Han Rock.

5. Slow down, enjoy the silence

No motorized vehicles are allowed on Gili Trawangan, meaning you can escape the noise of the neighboring destinations and rejuvenate in peace and quiet.

The best way to explore the charms of Gili Trawangan is by foot or on a bicycle. Stop off at beach bars, do some yoga, or just walk the endless sands to reconnect with yourself, one day at a time.

6. Enjoy epic views from Gili Trawangan

There’s only one lookout point on the Gili Islands, at the top of Gili Trawangan. Head off on a hike at sunrise, and you’ll start your day off right.

At the peak is a shrine and Muslim burial site, plus the remains of a World War II Japanese bunker to investigate, though the view is the real highlight.

Resting at the top, you can look across the ocean to Mt. Rinjani and capture panoramic views of the other Gili Islands, plus Lombok and Bali.

7. Learn to dive at Sekotong

If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving but were too nervous to take the plunge, Sekotong in Lombok is a great place to start. The beautiful reefs there offer easy, sheltered dives, perfect for beginners.

It will be well worth the effort, as you’re likely to spot sea turtles. You can even try spotting the tiny pygmy seahorses.

8. Watch the sunset at Semeti Beach

Another Lombok highlight are the rock formations on Semeti Beach, which are not to be missed. These striking pyramid-shaped rocks jut impressively out of the ocean, providing the perfect backdrop to a sunset.

Semeti Beach is an ideal place to end a day of island-hopping, to see the best view of the sun setting that you’re ever likely to see.

The author is a diver and writer for LiveAboard.com

Source - TheJakartaPost

#Cambodia - Authorities pump water into Angkor Wat complex

A current hot spell has led to the Angkor waterways drying up.

The Apsara Authority is pumping water into the moat and ponds at Angkor Wat during the current dry spell.

Apsara spokesman Long Kosal yesterday said that Cambodia is being affected by the El Nino phenomenon which is causing extremely hot weather leading to severe water loss due to evaporation. He said this has seriously impacted water management in the Angkor area.

“Groundwater and surface water is very important to maintain the beauty and environment in the Angkor area, especially Angkor Wat temple,” he said. “So to maintain the right level of water in the moat and ponds around Angkor Wat temple requires proper water management.

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Mr Kosal said the authority is pumping water into the southern pond at Angkor Wat to maintain its water level and will do so for the northern pond after current archaeological work in it are complete.

“We are pumping water from Siem Reap river which is the only major source of supply for the Angkor area,” he added.

Phoeun Sokhim, deputy director of the Department of Water Management at the Apsara Authority, yesterday said that the moat surrounding Angkor Wat is losing more than 10,000 cubic meters per day due to evaporation and into the ground.

“Although the water evaporation is high, it does not affect the level of water in the Angkor Wat moat, because the moat contains more than one million cubic meters of water which is maintained through regular pumping,” he said.

Mr Sokhim noted that the Apsara Authority has also restored an ancient waterway system to help water flow from the Angkor Thom moat to maintain the water level in Angkor Wat moat.

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He added that Apsara Authority is also regularly cooperating with the Siem Reap Water Supply Authority to manage the amount of underground water being pumped to address shortage in the area.

Mr Sokhim said any excessive pumping of underground water can impact the soil which poses a risk to conservation of temples in the Angkor area.

Kol Putra, a tourist guide at the Angkor area, yesterday said he supports the Apsara Authority’s actions to maintain the water balance in the Angkor Wat moat.

Mr Sokhim noted that the Apsara Authority has also restored an ancient waterway system to help water flow from the Angkor Thom moat to maintain the water level in Angkor Wat moat.

Source - Khmer Times