Domestic and foreign tourists are seen at Pink Beach in Komodo National Park in West Manggarai

Tips for a beginner’s solo trip to Flores

Traveling solo to an unknown destination might sound like a terrifying idea. But there are advantages to taking a trip on your own.

First of all, as pointed out by lifehack.org, it is a great way to discover your true self, as being alone out there on the road will require you to make decisions, overcome fears and rely on yourself. There will be experiences that test your ability to overcome obstacles, challenge you and help you grow as an individual. Don’t forget, all these challenges and chances to grow come with the beauty of a new place you have never been to. Feel like packing your bag now?

Choosing a destination for your solo adventure is at once exciting and thrilling. Especially if it’s a place you’ve never been to. And if you’re looking for a beautiful destination with a healthy dose of challenge in one place, Flores is the answer. You will meet the natives with their distinctive culture, and some of them will probably offer to take you to the hidden gems in the area. Not to mention you will also meet fellow travelers who may end up becoming your new friends.

Here are a few tips to get you ready for the adventure as compiled by tempo.co:

.

.

Take a flight to Ende from Denpasar if you are planning an overland journey. Bear in mind that upon landing, the locals will be rather pushy about offering their transportation services .

Typically, the next destination after Ende airport is Moni village, from where you can depart to the iconic Kelimutu lake for a spectacular sunrise. Another must-visit area is the town of Bajawa, famous for its cultural festivals, picturesque nature and natural hot springs. Consider also visiting Bena traditional village, spiderweb rice field, and trekking to Wae Rebo to see the authentic traditional houses where you can spend a night or two.

Meanwhile, if you are into island hopping around Komodo, choose a flight to Labuan Bajo from Denpasar. Living on board is a great option that will enable you to hop on and hop off the islands and beaches. Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Manta Point, Gili Laba, Kanawa Island and Padar Island make excellent places to include in your itinerary.

Source - TheJakartaPost 

#Indonesia - Best destination Labuan Bajo Port in Komodo district

#Indonesia - Best destination – This picture shows a number of tourist ships parked at Labuan Bajo Port in Komodo district, West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Labuan Bajo is the entrance for tourists attracted to enjoy the beauty of nature in the Komodo National Park, including the Komodo dragon, a species of giant lizard predominately found in the national park. 

.

#Thailand - Once-pristine Thai bay from ‘The Beach’ to close to boats

The once-pristine Thai bay which became a tourist magnet after the 2000 movie “The Beach” will be closed to boats for several months to prevent further damage to its coral, an official said Wednesday.

Hordes of tourists flock daily to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley for selfies in front of the famed limestone cliffs and blue waters, leading to complaints of environmental damage to the water and sand.

But the picture-postcard beach of the Leonardo DiCaprio film will be closed to boats from June to September this year, Worapoj Lomlim of the Phi Phi islands National Parks told AFP.

“For around 20 years the bay has welcomed boats to moor in front of the beach… but their engines have damaged coral reefs and caused problems with the sand,” he said.

.

.

“Overcrowded tourist boats have also blocked the view,” he added, saying tourists will still be able to reach the beach by foot from an adjacent bay where boats can park.

The closure is the latest effort to mitigate damage caused by tourism, a crucial pillar of Thailand’s economy with more than 35 million travelers visiting last year.

But environmental experts and officials are worried the mass tourism is causing irreversible damage to idyllic beaches, with litter and unchecked development disrupting local ecosystems.

Smoking has already been banned on 20 of the country’s most famous beaches this high season, with a hefty fine or even jail for those who flout the new rule.

VIDEO

Source - Coconuts.co

#Thailand - TAT official denies boat ban at Phi Phi’s Maya Bay as parks grapple with environmental toll

                             A PROPOSAL to close Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley to boats to limit damage to the beach was just an idea that was still being considered, the head of Krabi’s tourism office said yesterday.

Apichai Aranyig, director of the Krabi office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), denied reports in international media that said the once-pristine Thai bay, which became a tourist magnet after the 2000 movie “The Beach”, would be closed to boats for several months this year to prevent further damage to coral.

Hordes of tourists flock daily to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley to take selfies and relax in front of the famed limestone cliffs and blue waters, leading to complaints of environmental damage.

Apichai said there were several proposals to protect the beach being discussed by an advisory committee of Hat Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi Islands National Park. The measures include closing the beach to boats, allowing boats to drop tourists off at the beach and pick them up later, and requiring boats to moor at a designated area, from which a trail would be constructed to the beach.

“We won’t close the island or the beach. We just try to find a solution to allow the beach to regain its natural beauty,” he said. 

“Currently, boats occupy 70 per cent of the beach area, leaving only a small area for recreation. So it is necessary to prevent the ruin of the tourism area,” said Apichai, who declined to disclose the number of tourists and boats that visited the beach each day. 

The committee had not yet made a decision, he said. 

.

.

 His response came after AFP reported on Wednesday that Worapoj Lomlim, an official with the Phi Phi islands National Parks, had told the agency that the picture-postcard beach would be closed to boats from June to September this year.

“For around 20 years the bay has welcomed boats to moor in front of the beach ... but their engines have damaged coral reefs and caused problems with the sand,” said Worapoj. 

“Overcrowded tourist boats have also blocked the view,” he added, saying tourists would still be able to reach the beach by foot from an adjacent bay where boats could park.

Apichai will today meet Worapoj, who is responsible for the measures, to discuss the matter.

The plan is the latest effort to mitigate damage caused by tourism, a major revenue-earner for the Thai economy with more than 35 million visitors coming to the country last year.

Environmental experts and officials are worried that mass tourism is causing irreversible damage to idyllic beaches, with litter and unchecked development disrupting local ecosystems.

Smoking has been banned on 20 of the country’s most famous beaches since the start of high season, with hefty fines or even jail for smokers who violate the law.

Source - TheNation