Friday, August 22, 2008
Tasek Merimbun is the largest black water lake in Brunei Darussalam. These Park, which was declared an ASEAN National Heritage site in 1984, covers a total land area 7,800 hectares. The park has a rich flora and fauna and this unique biodiversity has attracted both local and foreign researchers.
Selirong Island Mangrove Park is Brunei’s largest mangrove island covering up to 2,566 hectare in total land size. It is known to be the best tropical mangrove forest in Southeast Asia. The island is home to many amazing flora fauna species. The existing of Bakau Minyak, Bakau Kurap, Nyireh Bunga, Nipah Palm and the Linggadai provides enough food and shelter for the wild animals. Observe carefully through the mangrove leaves and branches for the great climbing Lottorinid snail and the giant mud skipper usually found among the roots within the mangrove.
Ulu Temburong is Brunei’s first National park. It has been protected since 1991 and preserved for scientific research and low impact Eco-tourism. Due to its remote location, there are few visitors and the journey itself is an adventure.
Venice of the East’ is what the early Europeans call Brunei’s Kampong Ayer or the Water Village, has been one of the precious residence from generation to generation and is still continuously becoming a milestone to the country. With Its histories and heritages, it is home to over 30,000 people, completed with modern facilities such as schools, clinics, police stations, mini shops, restaurants, mosques, fire brigades, and search rescue.
If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is “unique”. A dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. Brimming with unbridled energy, this little dynamo in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of both East and West.Singapore is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base.Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.
Like an emergent butterfly, the delicate beauty of the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom promises to be breath-taking.Be dazzled by the riot of colours and thousands of tiny fluttering wings flutter as you stroll through the natural environment of these fragile specimens. Come up close and personal with the kings of the Insect World Rhino Beetles, Giant Spiders and scorpions in a 70m-long cave which is the first in the world. As you venture further into the dark, be guided only by glowing fireflies | |
If you are looking for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the Singapore urban lifestyle, visit the Jurong BirdPark where 9,000 colourful birds of 600 species will amaze you with their variety, shapes and sizes.The newly revamped BirdPark offers a range of new and exciting exhibits and facilities which are truly breathtaking and worth your while. The African Wetlands which is the African-themed exhibit with African huts and a body of water, houses endangered birds like the Shoebill, the African Crowned Crane, the Saddle-Billed Stork and more. From the Penguin Parade in a re-created Antarctic setting to the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary featuring a walk-in aviary with simulated tropical thunderstorms, the birds enjoy an environment designed to be as natural to their original habitat as possible. The Waterfall Aviary is a firm favorite, home to 1,500 free-flying African birds. So is the Riverine, a new simulated natural freshwater river habitat featuring over 20 species of ducks, fish and turtles.
Start your day at the Singapore Zoo by feasting an orang utan, the Oriental small-clawed otter, or even the reticulated python. These are just some of the many unusual escapades that await you at the acclaimed Singapore Zoo. Come up close and personal with the over 3,200 mammals, birds and reptiles and fishes at this 28-hectare “open” zoo. Take a walk in the Fragile Forest and experience first-hand the rich lushness of a tropical rainforest with its thriving wildlife. You can also trek down the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to meet over 50 hamadryas baboons, the black-backed jackal and the banded mongoose.Here at the Singapore Zoo, you will come face to face with many special “babies” - threatened species successfully orn and bred in the zoo, such as the douc langur, white rhinoceros, proboscis monkey, manatee and of course, orang utan.
Situated on Sentosa, Underwater World Singapore is a dream haven that showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of a whole different world beneath the seas. Visitors can expect a fun-filled experience through interactive activities and interesting exhibits, before they arrive at the highlight: A spectacular 83 metre-long tunnel that houses majestic rays, fearsome sharks and great shoals of other fishes.
1. Ray of Fun is a stunning ray pool, where stingrays fly through the water and right up to one’s hand
2. Jewels of the Reef showcases unique and small inhabitants of the reef ecosystem. Intriguing and beautiful creatures exhibited are simply captivating
3. The Mystical Anti Gravity Interactive Concept Tank or MAGIC-T. Visitors will now be able to feed the fishes enclosed in the MAGIC-T, through openings in the side and not have any water splashing out of the tank.
4.Fish Reflexology
5.Swim with the Dolphins (at Dolphin Lagoon)
Miri is the birthplace of Sarawak's and Malaysia's petroleum industry, which remains the major industry of the city. The first oil well was drilled by shell in 1910, and is now a state monument and one of Miri's tourist attractions. Shell also built Malaysia's first oil refinery in Lutong, a suburb of Miri in 1914. Recently, vast oil reserves were discovered just offshore northeast of the city. Miri has grown phenomenally since oil was first discovered in the early 1900s, burgeoning into the modern and dynamic business, commercial and educational centre it is today.
The city's other major industries include processed timber, oil palm production, and tourism. The world famous Gunung Mulu National Park with the Sarawak Chamber a half an hour flight from the city, is one of the favourite Eco-Tourism destinations. Miri is also the main tourist gateway for the Loangan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park and the Niah Caves at the Niah Caves National Park. Miri is lately known for its exotic coral reefs as well.
Forty thousand years ago, the Niah Great Cave sheltered human life. Here lies the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia, along with many other relics of prehistoric man. Today the Cave is home only to bats, swiftlets and other specially adapted forms of life. However, a few locals still venture into the dark interior to collect guano (bird and bat droppings used as fertilizer) and bird's nest.
The famous Painted Cave is another highlight of the visit to Niah Cave. Here, little human-like figures drawn in red haematite watch over a gravesite where the bodies of the dead were each laid in its own boat-shaped coffin. The Great Cave and Painted Cave have been declared as National Historical Monuments.
The Caves are accessible via a raised plankwalk that winds through lowland forest vibrant with birds and butterflies. Apart from the Caves, visitors can explore several kilometres of forest trails to feel the richness of tropical rainforests, climb a 400m tall limestone ridge or visit an Iban longhouse located near the Park boundary. Visitors can also rent a boat or walk along the river from Park headquarters to Batu Niah town.