Going to another country for the holidays is a great way to learn about a new culture. In some instances the travel is to visit family that is located there instead of just for a vacation. Regardless of the reason why you are traveling to another country during the holidays, you need to make sure you are prepared for the trip.
For most countries you are going to need a passport with a photo ID. This will allow you to remain in the country for a specified amount of time. Generally, this time frame is from 30 days to 90 days. You can take your passport photo at any post office, but it is going to take several weeks to get it back. There is an expedited option and it is very expensive. If you wait until the holiday time to obtain your passport it is going to take much longer, even for the expedited option.
Make sure you keep your passport and other pertinent travel documents in a safe place. You don’t want them to get lost or stolen as this can delay your travel plans. Make sure you arrive early for your flight so that you can get through all of the necessary inspections and verifications in plenty of time.
There may be vaccinations that you are required to get and others that you are encouraged to get before you can travel to certain countries for the holidays. Plan ahead and find out what these vaccinations are and then schedule appointments with your doctor. Some of the required vaccinations have to be given in a series with a specific amount of time between each shot in the series to be administered. Therefore you don’t want to wait until close to your time of travel to take care of this matter.
Depending on where you are traveling, you may have to deal with a different type of currency. You can get your money exchanged at your local bank before you leave. This will save you time trying to take care of it when you arrive in the other country for the holidays. There may be language differences as well that you need to take into consideration.
Be careful what you pack when you travel for the holidays. Most modes of transportation have strict guidelines on the size of your luggage, how many bags each person can have, and the weight guidelines. They will be enforcing these restrictions during the holidays because of the volume of people traveling. You don’t want to have to get rid of some of your items or purchase more bags at the gift shop.
Make sure you are aware of how much luggage you have for your return trip as well. While it can be fun to purchase items while you are there, think about how you will get them back. It may be a good idea to pack an extra bag in your luggage when you go so you can fill it up for the trip back. Another idea is to have items shipped but that can be quite expensive.
While traveling to another country for the holidays can be exciting, you need to remember that their customs may be significantly different than your own. Be respectful of such differences to avoid any conflicts while you are in that country. It is a good idea to read about the various customs that will be in place so you won’t reach them by accident.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Zurich Attractions
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It is also the capital of the canton of Zurich. One of the leading global cities of the world, it holds great importance in Switzerland, in terms of culture and commerce. According to the surveys conducted in the year 2006-2007, Zurich was one of the cities having world’s best living standards. The city is divided into 12 districts and is a transportation hub. It has a strong rail, road and air network, along with excellent public transport facilities. A number of cultural events are held in the city, giving it vibrancy throughout the year. The pleasant weather is yet another crowd puller, attracting tourists from across the globe. Zurich also houses some worth visiting tourist attractions. To know more about the things to do in the city, read on.
Sightseeing!
Zurich is a delight for all the visitors, as it houses some exotic places to see. The Fraumünster Church is the most impressive building in the city. Founded in 853, it has unique architectural features and its five glass stained windows are remarkably beautiful. Another church, the Grossmünster (the Great Church) was built in the 12th century. It dons a Romanesque style and is also known for its architecture as well as history. The church, supposedly, played a key role during the Protestant Reformation.
You can also visit St. Peter Church, located in the vicinity of Fraumünster. It has the largest clock face in entire Europe. Next is Lake Zurich, which is a pleasant and tranquil place, best suited for leisure walks. Another not to be missed attraction in the city is Lindenhof. It is the Roman castle in the city, which is situated on a cliff. The castle provides some breath-taking views of the cityscape. You can even go to the Zurich Zoological Garden to see some unique wildlife species preserved there.
Museums Galore!
Zurich houses a number of museums, which are known for their distinct collection. Some of the must visit museums in the city include Kunsthaus, which exhibits works of major Swiss artists like Fuesli and Giacometti. Landesmuseum is the biggest museum in Zurich and dates back to 1898. It has soaring towers and sprawling park to add to its glory. Jacobs Coffee Museum is a must visit place for all the coffee lovers, as it throws light on the history of coffee. Situated in the proximity of Lake Zurich, Circus Museum is one of a kind and provides some exclusive information. The Swiss National Museum is another worth visiting place, which provides an insight into the Swiss life over centuries.
Entertainment
Zurich provides some enthralling entertainment options for the visitors. The rocking nightlife is a must try. The most famous area for nightlife is Niederdorf, in the old town, containing many bars, restaurants, lounges, hotels, clubs, etc. The sporty souls have a great deal to look forward to, as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) resides in the city. Other sports events taking place here are Swiss Ice Hockey Championship, Weltklasse Zürich, an annual athletic meeting and the Zurich Open, part of the WTA tour. Apart from this, you can also enjoy cultural activities, like Opera, Ballet & Theaters, which are plentiful in the city. A number of festivals are also organized here, throughout the year.
Sightseeing!
Zurich is a delight for all the visitors, as it houses some exotic places to see. The Fraumünster Church is the most impressive building in the city. Founded in 853, it has unique architectural features and its five glass stained windows are remarkably beautiful. Another church, the Grossmünster (the Great Church) was built in the 12th century. It dons a Romanesque style and is also known for its architecture as well as history. The church, supposedly, played a key role during the Protestant Reformation.
You can also visit St. Peter Church, located in the vicinity of Fraumünster. It has the largest clock face in entire Europe. Next is Lake Zurich, which is a pleasant and tranquil place, best suited for leisure walks. Another not to be missed attraction in the city is Lindenhof. It is the Roman castle in the city, which is situated on a cliff. The castle provides some breath-taking views of the cityscape. You can even go to the Zurich Zoological Garden to see some unique wildlife species preserved there.
Museums Galore!
Zurich houses a number of museums, which are known for their distinct collection. Some of the must visit museums in the city include Kunsthaus, which exhibits works of major Swiss artists like Fuesli and Giacometti. Landesmuseum is the biggest museum in Zurich and dates back to 1898. It has soaring towers and sprawling park to add to its glory. Jacobs Coffee Museum is a must visit place for all the coffee lovers, as it throws light on the history of coffee. Situated in the proximity of Lake Zurich, Circus Museum is one of a kind and provides some exclusive information. The Swiss National Museum is another worth visiting place, which provides an insight into the Swiss life over centuries.
Entertainment
Zurich provides some enthralling entertainment options for the visitors. The rocking nightlife is a must try. The most famous area for nightlife is Niederdorf, in the old town, containing many bars, restaurants, lounges, hotels, clubs, etc. The sporty souls have a great deal to look forward to, as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) resides in the city. Other sports events taking place here are Swiss Ice Hockey Championship, Weltklasse Zürich, an annual athletic meeting and the Zurich Open, part of the WTA tour. Apart from this, you can also enjoy cultural activities, like Opera, Ballet & Theaters, which are plentiful in the city. A number of festivals are also organized here, throughout the year.
Things To Do In Rome
As we hear the word ‘Rome’, the first thought that comes in mind is that of magnificent basilicas. Being home to ‘The Vatican’, the seat of Roman Catholicism, the city has been associated with Christianity since ages. It is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, at the confluence of Aniene River and Tiber River. Apart from being the largest city of Italy, Rome is also its most populous one. Being one of the few unscathed-survivors of the World War II, it still retains its Renaissance and Baroque character. In fact, the Historic Center of Rome has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and forms one of its most popular tourist attractions. If want to know more about the things to do in Rome, read further.
Places to See in Rome
Colosseum
One of the most popular attractions of Rome, Colosseum was earlier known as ‘Flavian Amphitheater’ and was the largest building of its time. The construction work on the monument started somewhere around 72 AD and was complete din 80 AD. It formed a part of Nero's huge park, situated in the center of the city. During those days, the amphitheater had more than 80 entrances and could house around 55,000 spectators. The massive earthquake of 847 led to the destruction of the monuments and today, it stands mostly amidst ruins.
Basilicas
You cannot go to Rome and come without visiting its magnificent basilicas. Amongst the most prominent ones is ‘St. Peter’s Basilica’, whose foundations were laid as early as 64 AD. It was later completely renovated in the early 16th century. The Sistine Chapel is known for being adorned with painting of Michelangelo and other prominent artists. Basilica di San Giovanni dates back to 4th century, becoming the first church to be built in Rome. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Basilica di San Clemente are also worth a visit.
Museums
Rome is famous for having museums galore, serving as a reservoir of its rich legacy. National Museum of Rome comprises of a number of museums, spread throughout the city. They house antiquities dating from 5th century BC to 3rd century AD. ‘The Vatican’ is also home to numerous museums, most of which merit a visit from you. Make sure to visit National Gallery of Ancient Art and National Gallery of Modern Art also. Almost all the museums in Rome will bring you face to face with most amazing forms of art.
Villas
Seeking to provide you a glimpse of Rome’s past are the city’s various villas. Villa Borghese came into existence in the 16th century, when it was opened as a vineyard, and was turned into a park in 1605. It also comprises of a number of museums and a zoo. Then, there is Villa Farnesina, which once served as the venue of Rome’s grandest feasts and parties. Visit the villa and feast your eyes on some of the most magnificent paintings. The other not-to-be missed villas are Villa Gregoriana, Villa Lante and Villa d'Este.
City Center and Pantheon
A trip to Rome must include a visit to the City Center as well as the Pantheon. Dominated by the traditional ‘Seven hills of Rome’, the City Center still retains large parts of the ancient city walls. Though pretty small, it houses over 200 palaces, 900 churches, eight of Rome's major parks, etc. Pantheon boasts of exquisite architectural beauty. Built by Hadrian in 120 AD, as a temple for the pagan Gods, it was converted into a church in 609. The building houses the Carafa Chapel and the tomb of Fra Angelico.
Shopping
Right from antiques, silver and jewelry to liquor, perfumes, leather goods and fashion items, you will find anything and everything in Rome. Fausto Santini is the perfect place to shop for designer shoes, while Fratelli Bassetti is known for housing Italian silks and other couture fashion fabrics. Profumeria Materozzoli is one of the best cosmetic shops in Rome and is a must-visit for ladies. If you want to buy a variety of different items, like clothes, accessories and perfumes, Tad is the one-stop shop for you.
Entertainment
Rome won’t let you feel disappointed in terms of entertainment, other than sightseeing places. There are a host of coffee bars, clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants in the city, including gay and lesbian bars. When in the city, make sure to visit its wine bars, serving some of the most exotic liquors. If you are game for performing arts, Parco della Musica, Teatro Olimpico and Teatro dell'Opera are the places to be. One thing is for sure, whatever be your tastes, you will surely come from Rome ‘thoroughly entertained’.
Places to See in Rome
Colosseum
One of the most popular attractions of Rome, Colosseum was earlier known as ‘Flavian Amphitheater’ and was the largest building of its time. The construction work on the monument started somewhere around 72 AD and was complete din 80 AD. It formed a part of Nero's huge park, situated in the center of the city. During those days, the amphitheater had more than 80 entrances and could house around 55,000 spectators. The massive earthquake of 847 led to the destruction of the monuments and today, it stands mostly amidst ruins.
Basilicas
You cannot go to Rome and come without visiting its magnificent basilicas. Amongst the most prominent ones is ‘St. Peter’s Basilica’, whose foundations were laid as early as 64 AD. It was later completely renovated in the early 16th century. The Sistine Chapel is known for being adorned with painting of Michelangelo and other prominent artists. Basilica di San Giovanni dates back to 4th century, becoming the first church to be built in Rome. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Basilica di San Clemente are also worth a visit.
Museums
Rome is famous for having museums galore, serving as a reservoir of its rich legacy. National Museum of Rome comprises of a number of museums, spread throughout the city. They house antiquities dating from 5th century BC to 3rd century AD. ‘The Vatican’ is also home to numerous museums, most of which merit a visit from you. Make sure to visit National Gallery of Ancient Art and National Gallery of Modern Art also. Almost all the museums in Rome will bring you face to face with most amazing forms of art.
Villas
Seeking to provide you a glimpse of Rome’s past are the city’s various villas. Villa Borghese came into existence in the 16th century, when it was opened as a vineyard, and was turned into a park in 1605. It also comprises of a number of museums and a zoo. Then, there is Villa Farnesina, which once served as the venue of Rome’s grandest feasts and parties. Visit the villa and feast your eyes on some of the most magnificent paintings. The other not-to-be missed villas are Villa Gregoriana, Villa Lante and Villa d'Este.
City Center and Pantheon
A trip to Rome must include a visit to the City Center as well as the Pantheon. Dominated by the traditional ‘Seven hills of Rome’, the City Center still retains large parts of the ancient city walls. Though pretty small, it houses over 200 palaces, 900 churches, eight of Rome's major parks, etc. Pantheon boasts of exquisite architectural beauty. Built by Hadrian in 120 AD, as a temple for the pagan Gods, it was converted into a church in 609. The building houses the Carafa Chapel and the tomb of Fra Angelico.
Shopping
Right from antiques, silver and jewelry to liquor, perfumes, leather goods and fashion items, you will find anything and everything in Rome. Fausto Santini is the perfect place to shop for designer shoes, while Fratelli Bassetti is known for housing Italian silks and other couture fashion fabrics. Profumeria Materozzoli is one of the best cosmetic shops in Rome and is a must-visit for ladies. If you want to buy a variety of different items, like clothes, accessories and perfumes, Tad is the one-stop shop for you.
Entertainment
Rome won’t let you feel disappointed in terms of entertainment, other than sightseeing places. There are a host of coffee bars, clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants in the city, including gay and lesbian bars. When in the city, make sure to visit its wine bars, serving some of the most exotic liquors. If you are game for performing arts, Parco della Musica, Teatro Olimpico and Teatro dell'Opera are the places to be. One thing is for sure, whatever be your tastes, you will surely come from Rome ‘thoroughly entertained’.
Antwerp Attractions
Known as the ‘Diamond City’, Antwerp is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. Located in Belgium, the capital of Antwerp is Flanders. You can expect to see some of the most fascinating and beautiful architectural wonders in Antwerp. This place is also the main centre of international diamond trade. Housed within the city are a variety of tourist attractions like old museums, castles, forts, churches, galleries, upscale restaurants, bars, etc that offer many fun activities and things to do. The best part is that all the major places to see here are located close to each other, within a close range. So tourists don’t really have to travel long distances over the road to cover all tourist attractions.
Places to See in Antwerp
Antwerp Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the world, the Antwerp zoo is more than just an enclosed area for housing wild animals. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Antwerp and attracts around 1 million visitors annually. It houses around 950 different species of animals and around 5000 animals in total. There is also a separate bird house in the premises that houses many different species of birds as well. Some rare animals that are housed here include the Okapi, Giraffe, Orangutan, Polar Bear, Siberian Tiger, Indian Lions, etc. It is the ideal place to visit with family and friends when roaming around in Okapi.
Grote Markt
The most popular center of Antwerp is the Grote Markt. The place has a magnificent 16th century city hall that dominates the landscape. The narrow meandering lanes that go out as offshoots to surrounding places will take you to numerous shops & restaurants where you can indulge in some really good shopping and dining. In the middle of the City Square, is a large fountain that pays homage to the mythical hero of Antwerp, Brabo. Legends say that a giant named Antigoon used to extort a high toll from ships that entered the city. Those who didn’t pay, were made to sacrifice their hands. However, Brabo fought courageously and instead cut off the giant’s hand and threw it away. The fountain statue is a symbol of the river becoming free off the giant’s torture.
Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady
Known as Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kathedraal in Antwerp, the Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most impressive monuments in Antwerp. It boasts of being one of the tallest buildings in Antwerp and is one of the finest examples of lace architecture done in stone. It is styled in the Gothic architecture and is a must visit in Antwerp. It was built between 1352 and 1521 and took a long time to finish the different parts of the church. The church was renovated a number of times due to damages. The cathedral also houses famous paintings, the most notable ones being Descent from the Cross (1612), Elevation of the Cross (1610) and the Resurrection Triptych (1612), by Rubens. The church also has 34 large stained glass windows that look marvelous.
Steen Castle and Fortress
The oldest building in Antwerp, the Steen Castle and the fortress is a popular place to see. The name comes from the fact that Steen is Dutch for stone. It was one of the first buildings that were constructed in stone in Antwerp. The fortress was altered and renovated several times in history and it also served a prison from 1549 - 1823. It now houses the National Maritime Museum and also exhibits several vessels out in the open within the premises.
Places to See in Antwerp
Antwerp Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the world, the Antwerp zoo is more than just an enclosed area for housing wild animals. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Antwerp and attracts around 1 million visitors annually. It houses around 950 different species of animals and around 5000 animals in total. There is also a separate bird house in the premises that houses many different species of birds as well. Some rare animals that are housed here include the Okapi, Giraffe, Orangutan, Polar Bear, Siberian Tiger, Indian Lions, etc. It is the ideal place to visit with family and friends when roaming around in Okapi.
Grote Markt
The most popular center of Antwerp is the Grote Markt. The place has a magnificent 16th century city hall that dominates the landscape. The narrow meandering lanes that go out as offshoots to surrounding places will take you to numerous shops & restaurants where you can indulge in some really good shopping and dining. In the middle of the City Square, is a large fountain that pays homage to the mythical hero of Antwerp, Brabo. Legends say that a giant named Antigoon used to extort a high toll from ships that entered the city. Those who didn’t pay, were made to sacrifice their hands. However, Brabo fought courageously and instead cut off the giant’s hand and threw it away. The fountain statue is a symbol of the river becoming free off the giant’s torture.
Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady
Known as Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kathedraal in Antwerp, the Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most impressive monuments in Antwerp. It boasts of being one of the tallest buildings in Antwerp and is one of the finest examples of lace architecture done in stone. It is styled in the Gothic architecture and is a must visit in Antwerp. It was built between 1352 and 1521 and took a long time to finish the different parts of the church. The church was renovated a number of times due to damages. The cathedral also houses famous paintings, the most notable ones being Descent from the Cross (1612), Elevation of the Cross (1610) and the Resurrection Triptych (1612), by Rubens. The church also has 34 large stained glass windows that look marvelous.
Steen Castle and Fortress
The oldest building in Antwerp, the Steen Castle and the fortress is a popular place to see. The name comes from the fact that Steen is Dutch for stone. It was one of the first buildings that were constructed in stone in Antwerp. The fortress was altered and renovated several times in history and it also served a prison from 1549 - 1823. It now houses the National Maritime Museum and also exhibits several vessels out in the open within the premises.
Facts About Turkey
Turkey is a Eurasian country and has Ankara as its capital. The country stretches from the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia to Thrace (Rumelia) in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is because of this strategic location of Turkey that it has become blessed with a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions The country stands surrounded by eight countries, namely Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia; Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus fall to the south of Turkey, while the Aegean Sea and Archipelago are in its west and Black Sea in the north. To get some more interesting information on Turkey, read on.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Turkey
* Turkey is officially known as the ‘Republic of Turkey’.
* Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary and constitutional republic.
* The Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
* Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe (1949), NATO (1952), OECD (1961), OSCE (1973) and the G20 industrial nations (1999).
* Turkey became an associate member of European Union 1963 and reached a customs union agreement in 1995.
* The capital of Turkey is Ankara, while its largest city is Istanbul.
* The major religion of Turkey is Islam, while its official language is Turkish. Kurdish, Dimli and Azeri are also spoken in the country.
* The monetary unit of Turkey is New Turkish lira.
* The part of Turkey in Europe is called ‘Thrace’, while the part in Asia is called ‘Anatolia’.
* The highest peak in Turkey is Mount Agri (5,166 m). It is also said to be the place where Noah's Ark came to rest.
* The largest lake in Turkey is Lake Van.
* Anatolia, the part of Turkey that is in Asia, was settled by Ionians (Greeks from Attica). It houses the Classical Greek Ionic column.
* The Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was in Ephesus.
* The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, in southwestern Turkey, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
* St Paul (Saul) was born in Tarsus, situated to the east of Mersin.
* Istanbul, initially Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
* St. Peter’s Church, situated in Antioch (Antakya) - Turkey, is the first church built by man.
* St. Nicholas was born in Demre, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
* It were the Turks who introduced coffee to Europe.
* Istanbul is the only city in the world that is spread over two continents.
* Cherry was first introduced to Europe from Giresun (Northern Turkey).
* All the ‘Seven Churches’ of Apocalypse are situated in the Aegean region of Anatolia, namely Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamum, Thyatira (Nazilli), Sardis, Philadelphia (Alasehir) and Laodicea.
* The oldest known human settlement is in Catalhoyuk, Turkey (dating back to 7th millennium BC).
* It was in ancient Anatolia that writing was first used by people.
* The oldest tin mine in the world has been found in Göltepe, 60 miles to the south of Tarsus.
* Turkey is the only secular Muslim country amongst all the Muslim countries in the world.
* Turkey is one of the few countries in the world that is agriculturally self-sufficient.
* There are approximately 9,000 species of flowers in Turkey, out of which 3,000 are native.
Fun & Interesting Facts about Turkey
* Turkey is officially known as the ‘Republic of Turkey’.
* Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary and constitutional republic.
* The Republic of Turkey was founded on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
* Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe (1949), NATO (1952), OECD (1961), OSCE (1973) and the G20 industrial nations (1999).
* Turkey became an associate member of European Union 1963 and reached a customs union agreement in 1995.
* The capital of Turkey is Ankara, while its largest city is Istanbul.
* The major religion of Turkey is Islam, while its official language is Turkish. Kurdish, Dimli and Azeri are also spoken in the country.
* The monetary unit of Turkey is New Turkish lira.
* The part of Turkey in Europe is called ‘Thrace’, while the part in Asia is called ‘Anatolia’.
* The highest peak in Turkey is Mount Agri (5,166 m). It is also said to be the place where Noah's Ark came to rest.
* The largest lake in Turkey is Lake Van.
* Anatolia, the part of Turkey that is in Asia, was settled by Ionians (Greeks from Attica). It houses the Classical Greek Ionic column.
* The Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was in Ephesus.
* The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, in southwestern Turkey, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
* St Paul (Saul) was born in Tarsus, situated to the east of Mersin.
* Istanbul, initially Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
* St. Peter’s Church, situated in Antioch (Antakya) - Turkey, is the first church built by man.
* St. Nicholas was born in Demre, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
* It were the Turks who introduced coffee to Europe.
* Istanbul is the only city in the world that is spread over two continents.
* Cherry was first introduced to Europe from Giresun (Northern Turkey).
* All the ‘Seven Churches’ of Apocalypse are situated in the Aegean region of Anatolia, namely Ephesus, Smyrna (Izmir), Pergamum, Thyatira (Nazilli), Sardis, Philadelphia (Alasehir) and Laodicea.
* The oldest known human settlement is in Catalhoyuk, Turkey (dating back to 7th millennium BC).
* It was in ancient Anatolia that writing was first used by people.
* The oldest tin mine in the world has been found in Göltepe, 60 miles to the south of Tarsus.
* Turkey is the only secular Muslim country amongst all the Muslim countries in the world.
* Turkey is one of the few countries in the world that is agriculturally self-sufficient.
* There are approximately 9,000 species of flowers in Turkey, out of which 3,000 are native.
Friday, May 2, 2008
PHILLIP ISLAND ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL
Phillip Island is best known for its beautiful sunset penguin parade, although it also offers sheltered beaches to the north and some great surfing beaches to the south. The main town on the island is Cowes, and you can get to the island over a bridge from San Remo. Phillip Island is also well known for the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
There are several swimming beaches around Cowes. If you’d prefer to hit the surf then head to one of the many great surfing spots, including Berrys Beach, Cat Bay, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Woolamai.
Wildlife is a large attraction of the island, with a large mutton bird colony at Cape Woolamai. There are also some beautiful walking tracks around here. You can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island Wildlife Park and Wildlife Wonderland. On top of this you should definitely go to the Penguin Parade. There are several tours to see the penguins.
The Penguin Parade is when the fairy penguins return from a days fishing to their nesting spots near Summerland Beach. It is very popular, so it is best to book and arrive early as the best viewing spot is from the wooden boardwalk on the beach.
For information and current times call the Phillip Island Nature Park Ph: 5956 8300. Summerland Beach also leads onto Point Grant and the remarkable Nobbies and Seal Rocks, home to a seal colony.
Other places you can visit include the Old Motor Racing Circuit, the Museum and the wonderful homestead on Churchill Island.
The main selection of accommodation on the island is at Cowes, along with most of the restaurants and eating places. Accommodation includes hostels, hotels as well as a number of camping grounds around the park. (It is prohibited to camp and sleep in your car in any other public place). There is no public transport around the island, so once you are there you will either need to join a tour group or hire a bike.
There are several swimming beaches around Cowes. If you’d prefer to hit the surf then head to one of the many great surfing spots, including Berrys Beach, Cat Bay, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Woolamai.
Wildlife is a large attraction of the island, with a large mutton bird colony at Cape Woolamai. There are also some beautiful walking tracks around here. You can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre, Phillip Island Wildlife Park and Wildlife Wonderland. On top of this you should definitely go to the Penguin Parade. There are several tours to see the penguins.
The Penguin Parade is when the fairy penguins return from a days fishing to their nesting spots near Summerland Beach. It is very popular, so it is best to book and arrive early as the best viewing spot is from the wooden boardwalk on the beach.
For information and current times call the Phillip Island Nature Park Ph: 5956 8300. Summerland Beach also leads onto Point Grant and the remarkable Nobbies and Seal Rocks, home to a seal colony.
Other places you can visit include the Old Motor Racing Circuit, the Museum and the wonderful homestead on Churchill Island.
The main selection of accommodation on the island is at Cowes, along with most of the restaurants and eating places. Accommodation includes hostels, hotels as well as a number of camping grounds around the park. (It is prohibited to camp and sleep in your car in any other public place). There is no public transport around the island, so once you are there you will either need to join a tour group or hire a bike.
Masjid Putra or Putra Mosque
Putra Mosque: The Putra Mosque, or Masjid Putra in Malay language, is the principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 and was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra which houses the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office and man-made Putrajaya Lake. In front of the mosque is a large square with flagpoles flying Malaysian states’ flags… Putra Mosque steals the limelight as one of the must sees when in Putrajaya. Three quarter of the beautiful dusky pink mosque floats on Putrajaya Lake, at a choice location that can be easily accessed by congregants and other visitors. The architecture of the mosque is commendable. It reflects the evolution of mosque designs in Malaysia, with its Islamic-inspired architecture taking into account traditional design elements and craftsmanship, local materials and weather conditions. The mosque is modelled after Persian Islamic architecture of the Safavid period with several elements derived from other Muslim cultures. The main entrance to the mosque is patterned after gates to public buildings in Muslim Persia. The building was constructed mainly with rose-tinted granite, which is offset by brown-stained cengal woodwork to enhance the decorative features on the doors, windows and panels. In addition, the mosque boasts three main functional areas such as the Prayer Hall, the Sahn or courtyard, with the minaret and learning facilities and function rooms.
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