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Visiting A Mengkak Longhouse And Appreciating The Iban Culture In Sarawak, Malaysia

WorldBeach — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:30:27 +0000

Upon entering the Mengkak Longhouse, we were surprised that the atmosphere inside was so much cooler compared to outside. It was probably due to the wooden floor boards, tree-bark wall and rattan mat ceiling that kept the heat out.

It was apparent that the longhouse folks were used to having tourists around judging from the many intricate handicrafts being offered on sale such as ornamental jewellery and wooden sculptures. It’s hard to resist getting one as souvenir. I had my heart set on the unique weaving but somehow managed to refrain myself from getting it knowing very well that nothing else would fit into my small suitcase anymore.

Our tour guide, Bob Zakaria, led us to the middle of the longhouse and signalled us to sit on the floor. Before we sat, we were introduced to the house chief, Burau Anak Buba, whose affectionate smile instantly made us feel welcome.

While the longhouse folks were preparing the welcome drink, which was the infamous tuak or rice wine, and changing into their traditional costumes to perform the traditional Iban dance, Bob explained more about the Iban’s customs and values. He taught us the right way to graciously refuse the offering of tuak as some of our Muslims friends were likely to do so. We were also informed that there were over 20 families living there.

When the tuak was finally served, I thought I would reject it too as I’m not much of a drinker. But after one sip, I did not just finish mine but also those who had rejected theirs. It was a bit sweet; like a fruity alcoholic drink. Apparently, the taste of the tuak is slightly different in every longhouse. Some, according to friends, have a very strong smell that is quite oppressive.

The traditional dance followed right after. During the final dance, visitors were invited to join in. It was then that we realised that steps that looked simple can turn out to be quite a struggle for some of us.

The real fun for the longhouse folks started after all the dances finished. It was time to distribute the goodies that we had brought for them. Visitors to the Mengkak Longhouse or any longhouse for that matter are encouraged to buy some tidbits and goodies for the folks. We bought the stuffs at Serian during our lunch stop. It’s a simple gesture that not only makes the longhouse folks happy with our visits but also help to stimulate the economy of the small town.

“Do not buy sweets,” Bob had reminded us earlier in Serian. “God knows how far the nearest dentist is, if there’s ever one nearby.” he explained.

Instead, we bought them biscuits and dry food, especially the individually-wrapped ones so they could be distributed and distributed among the 20 families in the longhouse, as well as exercise books and stationery for the school-going children. These stuffs might be available just a stone’s throw away from our house but for the longhouse folks, it takes a few hours of travelling in order to get them.

While the gifts were being distributed, some ladies from our group had already slipped into the Iban traditional costumes, parading up and down the longhouse and snapping photos of one another in various poses. Others were busy obtaining the tuak to be brought back home for friends and relatives to try.

In a nutshell, everyone had an enjoyable time there. When the time came to say goodbye, some were reluctant to leave, and even suggested spending a night at the longhouse next time.

This article is distributed by www.Malaysia-Travel-Info.com. An up-to-date guide to tourism Malaysia. Providing current and relevant information about visa, airlines, hotels, resorts, sarawak longhouse, scuba diving, travel, health and wellness.

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Secret Of Finding The Best Accommodation Around Benidorm And The Costa Blanca

WorldBeach — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:32:13 +0000

Selection of accommodation options is one of the most important agenda that you must be considered when traveling to Costa Blanca and Benidorm. This city is built for tourism and there are many choices available in terms of a place to stay. Do some research on the internet for travel packages vegas to see where you want to stay during your visit. Compare hotel and property rentals to help you make a decision.

Book your reservations early, especially if you are planning for travel packages vegas during the busier times of the year. In this region, the summer months are the busiest. Hotels and apartments tend to fill up quickly during these months. If you are planning a summer vacation for honeymoon vacation packages, reserve your hotel room or property rental at least six months in advance.

There are over 170 hotels in Benidorm. With this many to choose from, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a hotel that will fit your needs. Hotel choices range from basic accommodations to five star luxury hotels. Consider the amenities you want when looking for a place to stay.

Read reviews of a variety of hotels to get an idea of what is available. Reviews can be found in spring break vacation packages or on the internet. Look for websites that offer reviews written by consumers. These are good because they are written by people who have stayed at each hotel. Many websites offer images of the hotel from the outside, as well as pictures of the rooms.

Compare amenities as well as prices. Larger hotels will have swimming pools, restaurants and may be closer to attractions than smaller, less expensive places. Consider what is critical for your vacation. If you are traveling with children in the summer, you may want a hotel with a pool and other activities for the kids to enjoy.

If you are planning to stay for a longer hotel vacation package, you may want to consider renting an apartment. Families sometimes prefer the privacy and home like atmosphere of an apartment, rather than a hotel. Property rentals can be found through Disneyland vacation packages, Benidorm based real estate agents and on the internet. An agent situated at the city will be able to give you the best information on the properties and areas in which rentals are available.

Compare prices for a hotel and an apartment rental. For longer stays, an apartment may actually be the better deal. This is especially real when prices are compared with higher priced hotels. The time of year is another consideration in terms of price. Prices will be higher in the peak season, than at other times of the year.

Look early for rentals, especially if you want to be near the beach. These tend to fill up fast, particularly in the summer. It’s best to start looking at least six months in advance if you are seeking to stay in a certain area. If you are more flexible in where you want to stay, you may be able to find something on shorter notice.

Bandos Island Resort-Maldives

WorldBeach — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:10:03 +0000

Bandos Island Resort is a beautiful coral island covered with numerous palm trees, surrounded by a pearl white beach and the crystal clear waters of an azure lagoon. One of the larger Maldivian islands, located about 7km from Male International Airport, this resort offers great facilities for all ages. The resort is equipment by the modern amenities, ensuring that your stay is comfortable. The Bandos’ rooms are spacious designed, offering a wide range of amenities. Facilities available on Bandos are numerous – everything from child-care to sports complex with gymnasium and swimming pool. Also the resort hosts world-class restaurants that will offer you great many varieties of culinary options from a la carte to Indian to local cuisine and continental delicacies.

The island owns one of the excellent house reefs, just meters away from the beach. There’s an excellent diving school providing a choice of dive excursions to explore this colorful marine life than to Scuba Dive or simply snorkel.

The Weird and Wonderful World of the Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi, Best Dive Spots in Indonesia

WorldBeach — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:43:45 +0000

North Sulawesi is located within the ‘Coral Triangle’, a territory which spreads from western Thailand all the way through eastern Indonesia. To the east of Borneo and below the Philippines, Sulawesi is an oddly shaped island in the Celebes Sea. North Sulawesi refers to the most northerly point. Just a few hundred meters offshore the continental shelf plunges towards the deep oceanic trenches which offers nutrient rich waters. The fact that evolution here has been uninterrupted for millions of year means that the marine life in this particular part of the Coral Triangle is extremely diverse.

Bunaken Island lies just a few kilometers offshore, a plateau extends from the island before reaching the drop off which descends to hundreds of meters. Coral life on the wall is extremely dense and different species both hard and soft compete for space.

These particular walls have gone some way into making diving in Indonesia what it is today and draw traveling divers from all over the world. Large pelagics like Black and White Tip Sharks, Trevally and Napoleon Wrasse work their way up the reef, whilst Green Sea Turtles lodge themselves into the wall to rest.

If you’ve got a skillful guide you might be able to see finger nail size Pygmy Seahorses latched onto Gorgonian Fans, not a common site even when you are diving in Indonesia.

The Lembeh Strait is a complete contrast in bottom topography in comparison to the walls Bunaken Island. Located off the eastern coast of North Sulawesi the Strait is a channel of water that lies between the landmass of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island.

The shallow black sand slopes have created a truly unique marine habitat for the dwellers that have adapted themselves supremely to this environment. Angler Fish dangle a lure just millimeters from their mouth in order to attract potential prey. Carrier Crabs camouflage and defend themselves by placing Sea Urchins on their shell whilst they make their way from one spot to another.

The contrast of Bunaken and Lembeh make diving in Indonesia even more attractive. For the traveling diver willing to go that extra mile for something special North Sulawesi will excite and intrigue for many visits

All Inclusive Family Jamaica Vacations, Perfect Caribbean Vacation

WorldBeach — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:49:34 +0000

All inclusive hotels in Jamaica for a family vacation are always a popular choice for families during there Jamaica tours. You will find that there are many all inclusive resort chains in Jamaica and all of are able to provide various fun filled activities, also they provide adventure sports as well, these sports families always seek on there vacations.

The two major hotel chains in Jamaica are Super Clubs and Sandals. Both these hotel chains are specifically designed for families. You can make your Jamaica tours more enjoyable with the various facilities of these all inclusive hotels.

Beaches Boscobel, a part of Sandals Resorts, is one of the most popular all inclusive hotels in Jamaica. The hotel location is on the north coast of Jamaica and is just two hours traveling time from Montego Bay airport. The resort is quite large and is spread over 22 acres and there are fine guest rooms and suites in this resort. The resort is also located near to the beach.

Though the resort is built just up from the beach, you do not need to take the stairs on your return to the hotel, as there is a lift that takes you from the beach to the rooms. You may use the stairs only if you feel you need the exercise.

Beaches Boscobel has rooms, suites, and the luxury family suites, all of which have half walls instead of complete partitions. The terrace suite of the resort is a vast room, which has sofa beds and king sized beds. This suite has beautiful decor and is very spacious, it also comes with a wide veranda outside it. All the rooms and suites come with well stocked refrigerators.

The Beaches Boscobel has a pool side restaurant, that is named The Bayside Restaurant. This restaurant has a airy location and it caters three types of meals, as well as light snacks. Lots of fruit and cheese are also served with these meals. The restaurant also provides a special kids zone. Tourists can watch the various night time entertainment and quizzes from the pool of the resort.

There are two more pools in the resort including wading pool and kiddy pool. The wading pool is ideal for small children and the kiddy pool is more for toddlers with its two water slides. The Boscobel also houses tennis courts, fitness centers, outdoor pool tables and many other sports facilities.

Rose Hall Resort & Country Club is one of the most renown all inclusive hotels in Jamaica family vacations. The resort is well spread over a vast 400 acres and this most charming of all inclusive resorts, provides something special for people of all age groups. At this resort can enjoy a vast array of activities including snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing and kayaking and best of all these sports can all be enjoyed with your family.

Tourists often spend sunny afternoons sunbathing . Some of the other sports that can be enjoyed during your stay in this resort are scuba diving, swimming, beach volleyball, boat tours, fishing and jet skiing, to name a few.

Holiday Inn Cancun Arenas is one of the finest all inclusive hotels for your Jamaica family vacation. It is a beachfront hotel, with a rich Mediterranean Style and is ideal for families and couples. The hotel always has a warm atmosphere and its location is encircled by beautiful gardens.

This hotel offers all inclusive facilities and the rooms of the hotel are very well appointed with modern amenities including bathtubs, tea/coffee makers, exercise gym and in room movies. All this can make your stay one you will never forget.

So as you can see all inclusive Jamaican family vacations are ideal for you and your family and they offer a wide range of facilities, that will make your stay a once in a life time experience.