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Typhoon Hagupit Moves Toward Philippines

December 5, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Philippines prepare for Typoon Hagupit — Philippines Devastated by Typhoon Haiyon 2013

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit, just one year after Super Typhoon Haiyon completely destroyed the region of Tacloban with it’s surrounding communities. Super Typhoon Haiyon had a death toll of over 6,000 and left millions of people homeless. Super Typhoon Haiyon, was the most devastating Typhoon in Philippine history. Typhoon Hagupit currently is sustaining winds of over 145 miles an hour. Typhoon Hagupit is approaching to the north of devastated Tacloban. Typhoon Hagupit is estimated to make landfall Saturday evening local time. While Hagupit has lost its super-typhoon status, it is still a formidable storm with the potential to cause serious damage. Preparations are underway for a potentially life-threatening event.

Current computer models show Typhoon Hagupit making landfall Saturday evening local time just to the north of metropolitan Tacloban. Tacloban was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyon in November 2013. Tacloban City and its surrounding communities are still in recovery mode from last years super typhoon. There are still thousands of vulnerable people living in tent communities in the greater Tacloban area. The Philippines are preparing for a major life-threatening event.

The typhoon is expected to approach the eastern shores of the Central Philippines on Saturday local time. It is projected to be a Category 3 equivalent tropical cyclone, but good easily still be a category 4 storm. In the area where Typhoon Hagupit comes onshore, dangerous storm surges are predicted. High winds and flooding is still a major concern. The islands of Samar and Leyte are at risk of storm surge of up to 12 feet. This is the average height of a one-story building. Cebu is also an area of concern.

Philippines Prepare For Typhoon Hagupit to crawl west-northwest across the country. As the storm progresses on land the danger transitions from one of wind and storm surge to one of heavy rain fall. The current computer models show it moving in the general direction of Metropolitan Manila. This process could take 48-72 hours to move from the Tacloban area to Metro Manila. For continued up dates check our website:

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Hsinchu City Taiwan

December 4, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

HSINCHU CITY TAIWAN

Welcome to Hsinchu City Taiwan, “the city of New Bamboo”. Cooling breezes coming off the Strait of Taiwan keep the windy city cool and pleasant most of the year. Hsinchu Taiwan is off the main tourist map making it a delightful discovery for the deserning traveler. Hsinchu City Taiwan is over 400 years old and is the oldest city in Northern Taiwan. Chuchang, as it was originally called, was named and inhabited by the Aboriginal Tribe of Taokas. Today, only a small group identify as ethnic Taokas. Most of those who identify as Taokas live around the city of Puli in central Taiwan. The name of the city was changed to Hsinchu during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Because of it’s rich history, Hsinchu City Taiwan is the perfect home base when visiting northern Taiwan. Those who desire to know and understand the dynasties that ruled the island will find many museums and national historical sites throughout the City of Hsinchu.

Public transportation in the city of Hsinchu is efficient and regular. Buses and scooters are the primary means of getting around Hsinchu. Bright and colorful buses have regular routes throughout the city and the surrounding area. Most of the major tourist sites can be reached by the How-Tai Bus Company . The buses run frequently and are the easiest and most economical way to enjoy the city.

Eighteen Peaks Mountain is a delightful park and dates back to the Japanese Colonial Times. The park is a thick forest that has 18 mountain peaks. Wide paved paths make walking easy and the park is a favorite recreational spot. Take a deep breath and smell the fragrance of the many flowers and shrubs. The east entrance is best reached by buses 1, 1A, 2, 5 or 31. Route 20 will take you to the western entrance of the park.

Hsinchu Botanical Garden has over 300 species of plants. Enjoy discovering the many plants of Taiwan and the secrets that surround them. Learn about the Acacia, the eucalyptus, and the Ceylon olive and their many uses. As a bonus, the Hsinchu Zoo is a 5 minute walk from the garden entrance. This area can be accessed by most of the buses of the city. A short walk takes you to the City God Temple, one of the famous temples in the city. The East Gate Historical Site is also in this area. Constructed from granite with a magnificent arch entrance, this historical wall dates back to the time of the later Qing Dynasty.

These are just a few of the fantastic sites in Hsinchu City Taiwan. Check out the links at the bottom of the page for areas of interest and local accommodations. Discover the many eateries and restaurants that call Hsinchu City Taiwan home. While there check out the fantastic buffet at the Ambassador Hotel. The variety is unbelievable and the food is some of the best on the island. Let this be the year that you discover the hidden gems of northern Taiwan.Hsinchu City Taiwan is fun, historical, and unique. Come explore with us, this year in Taiwan.

http://www.agoda.com/hotels-near-hsinchu-botanical-garden/attractions/hsinchu-tw.html?asq=uHkBExc2FvTAAUZ3peH5qmL2GX1HlTqCEANUQm04KcBDeK%2bpP2bz1ynJbNpPcWJxdpxUvo1CdF1A09TFUSRJTybZ3V%2bbhAqvavfgp1WNQc6S7bD%2b8TQLviRrQwFI22rG

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297906-Hsinchu-Vacations.html

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The Philippines-Pearl of the Orient Seas

December 1, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Philippines, with its more than 7,000 islands and thousands of miles of pristine coastline, is often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient Seas. The many islands of this archipelago feature warm sunny weather, crystal clear waters, and some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. While the larger islands are better known, some of it’s greatest pearls can be found in several of the smaller islands of the archipelago.

Boracay Island is a tropical sanctuary in the center of the Philippine archipelago. Boracay Island has beautiful crystal clear water, with the most awesome shades of blue. The beaches are powdery-fine white sand and are home to many world class hotels and resorts. The accommodations are excellent and the prices are reasonable. Boracay Island is small enough to be easily accessed by bicycle, which can be rented by the day. Three of the most famous beaches are Yapak Beach , White Beach, and Balinghai Beach. The island is also famous for it’s night time parties on the beach. All this makes the island one of the busiest in the Philippines.

Mactan Island is one of the smallest gems in the archipelago. It is only a few miles from Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines, and is connected by a bridge. This allows it to be reached by bicycle, as well as motor vehicles. Mactan Island is the cultural and historical hub for the region and is known for the some of the finest beaches in the Philippines. Mactan Island offers world class diving, snorkeling, boating, and other water sports. The beautiful coral reefs make it one of the best diving spots in The Philippines.

Camiguin Island is fondly called the “Garden of Eden” in the Philippines by the locals. It is pear shaped and located in the southern part of the archipelago. Camiguin Island has some of the lushes vegetation, fantastic scenery, warm sunny days, and pristine white sandy beaches. Camiguin Island is world famous for it’s Lanzones, a very sweet tropical fruit. Your time on Camiguin Island is sure to be a culinary experience.

The Philippines-Pearl of the Orient Seas is an experience waiting for you, the traveler. Here you will discover a new culture, friendly locals, accomplish the unforgettable, and explore all the natural beauty of The Philippines.

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Green Island, Taiwan

November 28, 2014 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Nestled in the channel of the Japanese current off of the Southeastern shores of Taiwan is the hidden gem of Green Island. Less than 21 miles from the main island of Taiwan, this small island in the Pacific, is a paradise for both snorkelers and scuba divers alike. It’s rugged shores and coral reefs are filled with schools of tropical fish and flora. It’s rugged shores have steep cliffs which drop to the coral reefs below. These colorful coral reefs are home to over 300 species of tropical fish. There is also many coves around the island, and an abundance of white sand beaches.

The warm, clear, water surrounding the island makes the perfect environment for all the awesome underwater cityscapes of coral that thrive along the shoreline. There are many different species of coral, each with its own variety of color. All of these coral cityscapes are home to hundreds of different colorful tropical fish. What an adventure is waiting on Green Island!

There are several fascinating underwater adventures available, some not even requiring that you get wet. Several different glass-bottom boat tours are available, as well as semi-submersible and fully submersible tourist submarines. Many causal hiking opportunities are available and cyclists will enjoy the paths and roads surrounding the island.And for the divers who are qualified, just put on your tanks and enter the fascinating underwater world of Green Island, Taiwan.

No matter if you enjoy hiking, cycling, casual walking, boating, diving,or just want to relax, there is something for everyone. Those who enjoy history will enjoy a visit to the prisons. Green Island,Taiwan was used for different types of prisons over the decades, each with their own stories to tell. For those who want to just sit and enjoy the warm water of the hot springs, there are several salt water pools available. So no matter what you want to do, there is something for you on Green Island.