Monkey Business or Go Ape!

Despite being primates, there are several differences between the main species of apes: gorillas, chimpanzees, orang-utans and gibbons; and monkeys, of which there are hundreds of varieties. The best way to find these differences for yourself is to see them in the wild, either on a luxury safari or a guided trek. This blog takes a look at several of the main species and gives some suggestions on where to go to experience them in the wild.
Gorillas



The best way to see the differences between gorillas and other types of apes is to go trekking on a Uganda safari, or visit Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. These fascinating apes live in families of up to 30 gorillas with a silverback (the head male), several females and a number of juvenile and infant gorillas. To be able to trek in the forests on a Uganda safari, you need to purchase a gorilla permit which entitles you to spend one hour watching a specific gorilla family. At US$500, this experience is not cheap, but it is something you will remain a lifetime memory.



Gibbons



There are about 15 species of this smaller tree-dwelling ape. Gibbons are well-known for their leaping, they are great acrobats reaching speeds of up to 35mph as they travel 20-40 feet between branches. But you will have to look up to see them in the wild. Their home in the trees can be up to 200 feet off the ground. To see them, head to the tropical and sub-tropical forests of Asia in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Bangladesh, India or Myanmar.



Chimpanzees



There are two species of chimpanzee – the common and the pygmy - the two species being the closest living relatives to humans. Living in large community groups, to see them in the wild and find out how they differ from other apes, it is best to travel to the tropical forests of western and central Africa on a Gambia or Uganda safari.



Orang-utans



The rain forests of the Malaysian islands of Borneo or Sumatra are the place to go to see the great orang-utans. With their long arms and reddish-brown hair, there are only an estimated 30,000 orang-utans left in the wild. Tours typically arrange visits to see and or help in conservation efforts for these amazing but threatened animals.



Monkeys



Not to be confused with apes, there are hundreds of species of monkeys found around the world. Unlike apes, most monkeys have tails and are much easier to see running along the tops of branches rather than hiding in forests or swinging from the tops of trees. Due to the numerous species of monkey, it is likely you will see them in any of the countries that you visit to see one of the four ape species, whether that is on a luxury safari in Africa, a holiday in Asia, or venturing further a field to the forests in Central and Latin America. Watch out, in some places they are likely to steal your lunch!

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Bridge Over the River Kwai (Kanchanaburi, Thailand)

Around 100 humid kilometers north of Bangkok is the bridge made famous by the film The Bridge Over the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi is the site of the Burma-Siam Railway Bridge built by prisoners of the Japanese in World War 2 under forced labour conditions. Today’s idyllic tropical setting (and even the movie) belies the appalling privations, random punishments, disease, meagre food and atrocities along with the withering humidity and searing heat suffered by the bridge builders. The toll was so large – over 12,000 prisoners of war and around 90,000 Burmese, Thai, Malay and Indonesian forced labourers lost their lives in construction of the railroad – that it became known as the Death Railway.

An excellent and busy tourist train (on weekends only) takes a scenic three hours aimed more at Thais than foreign visitors stopping near the famous bridge. The train nervously slows a couple of times on its journey to a snail’s pace to traverse old and rickety wooden bridges held up more by divine intervention than any expertise in engineering.

The train stops near the famed bridge where the passengers stroll the steel and wooden structure kept immaculate for all the visitors (only the outer spans are original as most was destroyed by bombing raids). Trains chuff across the bridge at regular intervals while the tourist train continues over the bridge to its terminus at Nam Tok with its scenic waterfall.

The gently running placid river and quiet setting give little feeling of the toil and hardship that went into building this key railway link and the plain dark steel arches lack character. Unsurprisingly, it is not the bridge used in the movie, which was fully shot on location in Sri Lanka!!

Nearby is the slightly disappointing JEATH Museum, its unusual name being an acronym of the various nations involved with the bridge (Japan, England, Australia / America, Thailand and Holland). Run by the local monks, there are some moving pictures, sketches and newspaper clippings shown in a cramped humid dingy bamboo hut to resemble the accommodation of the prisoners. Many of the exhibits are masked in plastic to prevent damage from the moisture and so are difficult to read or view properly in the poor light.

The bridge only became famous with the success of the movie. Ironically, for its grand title, the bridge doesn’t actually cross the Kwai but rather the Mae Klong (klong is canal in Thai). The Mae Klong runs into the confluence of the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers (literally the big and little Khwae).

Under the mesmerising spell of popular cinema and sensing a tourism opportunity , the local authorities quietly renamed the relevant short section of Mae Klong to the Khwae Yai River, ensuring that there is a Bridge Over the River Kwai for all to visit and enjoy.

Despite its checkered history, the rail journey from Bangkok, the bridge and surrounding area are worthy of a visit, though the undoubted highlight is a short walk up the road to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

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Climbing and Diving in Sabah (Malaysia)

Climbing and diving are two of the main attractions of Sabah – the Malaysian state located on the northern point of the island of Borneo. The famous Mount Kinabulu is a magnet for adventurers and climbing enthusiasts while the stunning underwater ecosystem of the Sipadan reef lures avid divers.

For those who have walked the well trodden tourist path of South East Asia, Sabah presents a refreshing alternative and a chance to get off the proverbial ‘beaten track’. Borneo’s north eastern area is rich in treasures, so if you have a bit of time up your sleeve you won’t want to limit yourself to Mount Kinabalu or Sabah’s diving Mecca. But for first time visitors or those with a limited time budget, Mount Kinabalu and the Sipadan reef should be top of the list.

There are a number of cheap flights available to Malaysia and nearby areas that will put you in easy reach of both Mount Kinabalu and the tropical island of Sipadan – two of Sabah’s main attractions.

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is the tallest climbable mountain in South East Asia, rising 4,095 m above sea level. Many tourists flock to Sabah’s capital city Kota Kinabalu before heading into Kinabalu National Park to attempt the eight kilometre climb to the peak. Generally the climb takes two days, and no climbing experience is necessary. On the mountain’s tourist trail, climbers spend one night at the huts in the vicinity of Laban Rata before reaching the summit at sunrise for spectacular and breathtaking views over the Crocker Mountain Range. On the walk, climbers will make their way through five different vegetation zones.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a rewarding experience. Not only will you meet great people along the way and enjoy majestic and magical views, but you’ll experience a very special place to the local people in Sabah, Malaysia, who believe that the souls of their ancestors have gone up the mountain.

Scuba Diving

Diving is the other premier attraction of Sabah with its waters home to fantastic marine diversity. There are a range of scuba diving landscapes to explore, from coral reefs to wreck driving to stunning drop offs. The most popular and coveted dive spots are around the islands of Sipadan, where the reef drops down spectacularly and huge schools of barracudas and mackerels are seen on nearly every dive, as well as turtles and large sharks.

There are various dive sites around the island – all of them different, but offering an amazing array of underwater attractions. The Sipadan reef is a world class dive spot – not to mention a beautiful one!

Once you get to Sabah, you’ll want more time to explore all that this rich and diverse region has to offer.

Have you ever been to Sabah? What are your tips for climbing and diving in this area?

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Tears at Don Rak War Cemetery (Kanchanaburi, Thailand)

Just a short stroll from the Bridge over the River Kwai is the most moving sight of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The Don Rak War Cemetery is the final resting place of around 5000 Commonwealth and 2,000 Dutch prisoners of war (the Americans repatriated their war dead), literally worked to death with their military colleagues under a brutal work regime. Their plaques sit on a beautifully manicured and lovingly tendered lawn, each small bronze plaque representing the loss of a father, son, husband and/or grandson. Tiny gardens and colourful blooms interlace the cemetery lovingly tendered by the Thai people.

A few people wander the cemetery in silence reading each plaque and soaking in the ultimate sacrifice made by so many brave men.

The ages of most are so young, men barely out of boyhood living their last months in such awful conditions – it is hardly imaginable. Many feature a short inscription from parents or family which adds an individual touch and character to the valiant soldier who gave his life so we can have a better and freer life today. Each phrase stirs the heart strings. Each epitaph tells a story.

A voice we love is still.
A place vacant that we can never fill.

For your tomorrow we gave our today.

He died that we might live. Ever remembered.

Some day “Tom” I will understand.

Greater Love hath no man than this. That he lay down his life.

It is estimated that one person died for each railway sleeper laid on the Death Railway.

The entrance contains a small altar with a variety of plaques and memorials. At the rear of the cemetery is a plot that carries the ashes of 300 cholera victims from an outbreak in 1943 in the Nieke camp. A large memorial cross stands like a beacon of hope in the centre of the cemetery.

Unlike the famed bridge, Don Rak captures the emotion and feeling of this area. My tears fell as I sat quietly under the tree trying to truly understand what this place means. I cried for the thousands of young men who gave up their lives so my life can be better and that our lives can be lived in freedom.

Every ANZAC Day (25 April) a small ceremony is conducted at Don Rak as it is in many cemeteries and memorials around the world and in towns, big and small, all over Australia and New Zealand. The Ode of Remembrance is read as we recall the brave people at places like Don Rak in their harrowing experiences in building this railway.

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Goldfish Frenzy (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong is famous for its remarkable array of shops, alive with the enthusiastic hurly-burly of shoppers (both locals and tourists). The area of Mong Kok is one of the busiest where vendors selling the same goods compete as neighbours on price and ability to bargain. Areas include vendors of men's goods, women's clothing and bags, flowers, birds and goldfish.

In Goldfish Street (on Tung Choi Street) over 40 aquarium shops jostle for the attention of folks who adore fish and reptiles as pets in just a couple of city blocks. Walls of plastic bags containing the treasured goldfish line the walls of each tiny store maximising the stock on display. Other shoppers marvel at the fish tanks packed tight with fish that glisten fluorescent colours or the snakes, turtles, corals or jellyfish that may take people's fancy.

The shopping is frenzied (especially in the early evening) with people carefully choosing their favourite individuals as harried staff attempt to scoop out the relevant specimens (keen fingers tracking the chosen fish in a strange marine form of Where's Wally? (or Where's Waldo?) . New shipments arrive every week to match the insatiable desire for marine pets - hardly a surprise given my unusual goldfish experience.

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Tea and Trekking (Cameron Highlands, Malaysia)

The Cameron Highlands are Malaysia’s relief valve from the oppressive equatorial heat and humidity of the capital and the beaches. Gloriously cool and refreshing, the Cameron Highlands are gently rolling, misty hills, dramatic peaks and fertile soils filled with tea plantations, lush jungle trails, fruit and vegetable farms and weekend retreats.

Being the finest in natural air-conditioning, the Cameron Highlands are ridiculously busy and touristy on the weekends so two strong suggestions are to come during the week and to avoid the glitzy and clichéd tours.

Apart from the restful escape from the heat, the highlight of the area is the tea plantations (I’d recommend Boh Tea Estate). With sweeping torrents of emerald green tea plants smothering the hills all the way to the horizon, the plantations are a hive of activity. Strange aerial lawnmowers clip the leaves from the tops of the plants, gathering the valuable crop into a trailing sack. Others (mainly Indian and Nepalese immigrants) beaver away like manic barbers clipping the sides of the tea plants for further leaves. This process is repeated on each plant every couple of weeks giving a hedge-like appearance to the plantation.

The leaves are wilted (brings out the flavour), tumbled in trays, left for a time to oxidise, rolled and dried to produce the familiar leaves that make for the fine cups that many of us enjoy each day. Indeed, nothing is more relaxing than sinking into a comfortable chair, gazing over the highlands and sipping on a freshly brewed cup of tea.

Avoid the tours that ship visitors to an indigenous village (for a demonstration of blow-pipe hunting), a temple or two and a variety of honey, strawberry, butterfly, cactus and flower farms (but completely and utterly fail to capture the spirit and nature of the Malaysian highlands).

Instead, grab a map (the trail markings aren’t so good) from the main town of Tanah Rata and a rain jacket and follow one of the numerous trails. One good path wanders through lush and refreshing forests for around an hour to one of the areas tumbling waterfalls, Robinson Falls (where the trail continues onto the Boh Tea Estate).

Finish the day with a dinner of delicious satays and Chinese steamboat where you cook a mixture of vegetables, meat and seafood into a thin steaming broth at your table.

The Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s best sights with a quaintly English feel to it. Enjoy the refreshing cool temperatures, lush greenery, the country cottages and discover the mysteries of tea making before sipping a delightful brew overlooking the sweeping hills and lush jungle vistas.

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Cyprus: Clubs, Countryside or Castles?

guest post by Ricky Durrance

There are many so called gateways in the world. Countries where influences from different cultural and social worlds mix together to create a unique experience for visitors. For instance, Turkey is often referred to as the gateway to the East – and perhaps the gateway to the West if you approach it from the opposite direction. However, for a true experience of extremes, Cyprus has few equals. One night you could be anywhere in Western Europe, dancing to the best music in the best clubs. The next you could be on the north coast, exploring a truly beautiful and idyllic scene, full of green fields and ancient castles. Whatever takes your fancy, just book into a Cyprus hotel and fill your boots!

Cyprus Clubs

Ask any twenty something in the UK where the best place to go to for fun, clubs and partying is and the majority will say Cyprus, or, more likely, Ayia Napa. Tens of thousands of people head to the party capital of the world every year for one thing and one thing only –world famous Cyprus clubs. Located on the south east of the island, Ayia Napa is home to well-known and famous party venues – Castle Club, Napa Dreams, Insomnia – the list goes on. When arriving in town expect to see Cyprus hotels booked up to the rafters with carefree youngsters and superstar DJ’s, all preparing for raucous night time activities in the best Cyprus clubs.

Cyprus Countryside

Do not just judge Cyprus by Ayia Napa. To do so would be a travesty as there is so much more to this beautiful island. Cyprus boasts a number of outstanding areas of natural beauty that make it a perfect destination for a walking holiday. Cyprus is known as the island of Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love and beauty – perhaps a clue as to what to expect when visiting. Booking into Cyprus hotels in the less touristy areas of the island is fairly simple in most months of the year. Once settled in, get exploring. The month of September is generally considered to be the best time to visit, as the hot summer sun will not be as harsh and makes for perfect walking weather. The Troodos Mountain Park (photo) and the Akamas Peninsula are two popular areas for walkers thanks to the vast array of wildlife and plants on show.

Cyprus Castles

Like your history? Are you a keen culture vulture who is looking for a holiday whilst also having the opportunity to take in life outside of Cyprus hotels? Cyprus has over 9000 years worth of history which means that visitors are never left disappointed on the cultural front. Kyrenia Castle (photo, top), Kantara Castle, St. Hilarion Castle (photo, right) and Buffanvento Castle are all well visited castles in Kyrenia alone. If Cyprus clubs are not your scene, just spend your days pottering around the ancient ruins which have been influenced by the various island conquers, such as the Romans, Persians and Egyptians to name but a few.

There is so much more to Cyprus than clubbing. True, Cyprus clubs still do and will continue to pull in the crowds. But it is also welcoming to all other visitors – just make sure you book into the right accommodation via Mydestination.com/Cyprus.

Ricky Durrance is a freelance copywriter and enthusiastic traveller who is always looking to write for and meet interesting people who share his passion for travel. Ricky names Cambodia and Laos on his list of favourite travel destinations.

Photo Credits: club, mountains

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The Mesmerising Skills of a Sushi Chef (Japan)

Some years ago I was taken to a tiny sushi restaurant (maybe only places for 12) in Tokyo by a good friend, fluent in Japanese and the culture of the country. It remains one of my finest dining experiences.

Most memorable was watching the mesmeric skills of the chef. Over numerous courses while happily chatting, the chef wielded his short knife with the skills of a conductor skilfully sliced paper thin gleaming slices of fish, prepared a stellar tasting sample from the fat of the fish, carefully shaped pieces of eel and whipped up wasabi (horseradish) using the roughened skin of a shark.

The variety of seafood, the delicate flavours balanced across the courses, the ritual and the experience will stay with me forever. Eating at a sushi/sashimi restaurant in Japan is an experience worth chasing and savouring.

This article is written for Blog Action Day and the theme for 2011 is food.

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The Wind Towers of Al Bastikiya (Dubai, UAE)

The mention of Dubai conjures up images of oil-driven towering buildings, iconic hotels, and snow skiing and water parks in the desert. Dubai Creek is the beating heart of the city with a chaotic frenzy of workers, abra (wooden water taxi) catchers, shoppers and travellers all bustling with activity.

In sharp contrast is the neighbouring historic district of Al Bastikiya. Built by wealthy Iranian traders in the late 1800s, a gentle stroll around the peaceful but tangled streets of Al Bastikiya highlights the wonderful adobe wind tower (or windcatcher) houses. With the houses built closely together to maximise shade, this ingenious design uses natural ventilation to target the extremes of weather of scorching hot dry days and chilly nights.

The cooling effect is due to the air movement (the air isn’t actually cooled) with the air forced downwards into the main living areas of the house. Similar ideas are used in the Middle East with some extending the idea by steering the air over running water to provide a natural form of air-conditioning (a similar technique was practised in Amer Fort in Rajastan).

Take some time out from the souqs and shopping of Dubai for a peaceful stroll through the historic Al Bastikiya area and see the inventive resourcefulness of the past traders in making living in the heat of Dubai as refreshing and pleasant as possible.

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The Taste of Oman

The people of Oman are known for their exceptional hospitality. In fact, when visiting don’t find it surprising if you are invited into a strangers home as it is customary for Omani people to welcome others for refreshments and if you are lucky, a little nibble on something tasty.

Be warned: Omani cuisine varies a great deal across the different regions and is entirely different from the traditional dishes of the other Gulf States. For example, dishes from Muscat (in the North) and Salalah (in the South) are so incredibly different that it is hard to draw any comparison at all. This makes it difficult to make an informed decision on your meal and that’s why we’ve stepped in. Here is a handy rundown of some of the essential dishes that you absolutely must sample on your trip to this charming country.

As Oman is an Islamic country, alcohol is illegal and therefore when invited into someone’s home, it will be for kahwa (coffee). This strong, bitter drink is flavoured with cardamom and will often be served with something sweet to counteract the drinks bitterness.

Halwa is a sticky, sweet spread made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and various spices. It can be served at any time of the day and is often flavoured with ingredients such as rose water, nuts and chocolate and is a nice little accompaniment to kahwa.

You will be hard pressed to find any establishment that doesn’t offer you Rukhal bread with every meal. This thin, round bread is traditionally baked over a fire made from palm leaves and can be served with honey or halwa for breakfast or alongside your evening meal.

Lokhemat is another dish served to compliment your coffee and is particularly delicious. Here, balls of flour and yeast which have been flavoured with Cardamom, are deep fried and then served up with syrup and sweet lime juice.

There are two main festivals in the Islamic World; Eid Al Fitr, which is celebrated following the month of Ramadan, and; Eid al Adha, which is celebrated on completion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. These festive periods are when visitors can sample Omani food and drink at its best.

The most famous of these festive dishes is named shuwa and whole villages unite to collectively prepare this delicacy. Shuwa consists of a whole goat or cow roasted incredibly slowly, for up to two days, in a specially prepared clay oven underground. The meat is marinated in a plethora of herbs and spices which permeate the meat as it cooks giving it its distinct flavour.

Other dishes that you should expect to find during festival time are aursia which is mashed rice flavoured with herbs and spices and mashuai, a meal of whole spit-roast kingfish served up with zesty lemon rice.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, the treat of all treats when it comes to Omani food and drink is sakhana. This delectable and, frankly, very naughty dish is a thick, sweet soup made of date molasses and milk. Omani people love to drink yoghurt drinks and laban which is a salty buttermilk drink.

There you have it, when it comes to Oman there are so many different choices when it comes to their food and drink that you will be spoilt for choice. And one last top tip, although the food may be made with all the same ingredients as Asian food, Omani cuisine is not spicy at all meaning that you haven’t got to worry about missing that beer when it comes to putting out the fire in your mouth caused by hot food!

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Three Gorges Cruise (China)

The Three Gorges area is one of the most impressive sites to visit in China. Formed by the Yangtze River it is, as the name suggests, split into three connecting gorges.

Qutang Gorge

From east to west, Qutang Gorge measures five miles in total, running from Baidicheng all the way too the town of Daixi. The gorge is flanked by huge vertical cliffs, some thrusting thousands of meters into the air, the Yangtze River in between only a few dozens of meters wide forming a narrow gate way. With swash and rumble, the surging Yangtze River pours swiftly into the gateway. Looking up towards the tops of towering mountains along the gorge edge, only a narrow strip of clouds and sky can be seen by those on travelling on a luxury cruise down the river. Qutang Gorge is outstanding for its sheer scale and magnificence.

Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge (Witches Gorge) extends 28 miles from the mouth of Daning River in the west to Guandukou of Badong in the east. The Wu Gorge is scattered with impressive peaks and lush surrounding mountains ranges. Its deep calm waters twist and turn their way down its length, allowing for those on China cruises to relax and soak in the surroundings. The twelve peaks of Wushan Mountain all rise up to meet the blue sky above. The mountains are formed of various fascinating shapes and among them is the breath taking Peak of Goddess. It raises high into the heavens, and towers over the Yangtze River. A protruding rock of the Peak has the shape of slim girl clad in a fine dress and often shrouded in clouds and mist.

Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge measures 41 miles from Xiangxikou to Nanjinguan. Before the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, it was known for being the most dangerous of the three gorges to travel through. The whole Gorge area is covered with high mountains, gullies, shoals and reefs of various sizes. The best known shoal, Qing Shoal is formed by a collapsed craggy cliff. The gorge also comprises of many smaller gorges and never fail to provide fantastic and inspiring views for onlookers. Favourites include Kongling Gorge and Shadow Play Gorge.

Cruising down these gorges is an experience to treasure, as the natural sites afforded are surely one of the most unique on the planet.

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