Komodo Island : An Unique Volcanic Islands

Have you been visit to Indonesia? In this country, there is one of uniques volcanic island. Its name is Komodo Island. It was declared as World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve (World Biosphere Reserve) by UNESCO. For more information you can read this article. 

Komodo National Park is located between Sumbawa island and Flores in eastern Indonesia archipelago. Administratively include in Komodo district regional, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. In 1915 the Dutch government set Komodo Island as a nature conservation area for Komodo. In 1986, Komodo National Park declared as World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve (World Biosphere Reserve) by UNESCO.

The Komodo National Park is located in Indonesia Wallacea. Wallacea region formed by the confluence of two continents that make up the unique row of volcanic islands, and consists of birds mix and other animals from both continents Autralia and Asia. The island itself has 1,817 square kilometers total area. In this conservation area, 2500 komodo dragons live scattered in several major areas of Komodo island, such as; Rinca island, Padar island and Gili Mota. Komodo dragon habitat is outdoors with savanna grasslands, rain forest, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear water beach. In this area, we can found other animals such as horses, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar male, snakes, monkeys, and various types of birds.

Komodo National Park also has amazing underwater life. The divers states that Komodo island is one of the best dive sites in the world. With stunning views of sea bottom where there are 385 species of beautiful corals, mangroves and sea grass, as well as home to thousands fishes, 70 sponges species, 10 species of dolphins, 6 kinds of whales, green turtles, and various types of sharks and stingrays. The combination of a variety of vegetation in the park provide a good environment for different types of animals in this region.

There are four villages in Komodo National Park. Komodo Island has one village that is Komodo village; Rinca island has two villages namely Rinca and Kerora, and Papagarang island has one village, Papagaran village. This location can be reached from Kupang, boarded a plane to Ende then forwarded by minibus to Labuan Bajo town for 10 hours journey, then we will go to Komodo Island by speed boat for 2 hours.

Most tourists who visiting the park are foreign tourists, which they call the national park is the "world unto itself". As far as the eye can see, there are nature scenery with some palm trees reaching to the sky which has background vertical chain of mountains, barren impression on the savanna but boisterous by some of birds, wild horses, and giant reptiles sounds. Swimming and bathing under the sun and Flores blue water; is a world unto itself and unforgettable experience for the tourists.

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Top Ten Abu Dhabi Architecture

Abu Dhabi is an exciting place for architecture, with some of the biggest and most creative designs in the region right here on our doorstep. Here is our offering of which buildings we think are the capital’s best. Find out what is at number one below.

Masjid Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayhan

The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society - and one of the most beautiful in the world, once you visit it, you will fall in love with the amazing design and the small details. It is not questionable that will be our number one choice for best architecture work in Abu Dhabi and even UAE.

Capital Gate Building (ADNEC)

The Capital Gate is a spectacularly cantilevered building which adds its unique architectural form to the Abu Dhabi skyline. A dramatic steel and glass façade shrouds the 35-storey building which sits on 490 piles which have been drilled 30m underground to accommodate the gravitational, wind and seismic forces caused by the distinctive lean of the building. In June 2010, the Guinness World Records certified Capital Gate as the “World's furthest leaning man-made tower.” The new record shows that the Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards; more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Investigation and evaluation, which was made by a Guinness appointed awards committee, started in January 2010, when the exterior of the 160-metre (524.9 ft), 35 storey tower was completed.

Emirates Palace Hotel

Built in the style of a majestic palace rising from the sand, an elaborate and luxurious design combines a conference centre, guest palace and two luxury Kempinksi hotel wings. Modern techniques of etching and casting allowed traditional patterns to become an integral component of the facade design. Traditional materials and motifs were blended with the latest technology. The building's exterior of marble, granite and stone includes self-cleaning coated glass spandrels and balcony fronts. 84 hectares (200 acres) 394 guestrooms including 92 suites 22 residential suites for Heads of State Total area: 243,000 square meters (2,615,630 square feet)

Al Dar HQ

Voted "Best Futuristic Design 2008" by the Building Exchange Conference, HQ represents the most striking new addition to the Abu Dhabi skyline, whilst providing flexible office accommodation to the most astute of corporate occupiers. In addition to the distinctive design of its structure, HQ's floor plates retain a high level of efficiency and provide functional, open plan office space with expansive column free areas which are capable of accommodating a multitude of fit out options. Built to international Grade A specification including floor to ceiling glazing to each elevation, HQ boasts impeccable common area finishes and an impressive double height dual entrance lobby incorporating unique modern Islamic design features. Set upon an elevated peninsula affording spectacular views of the city, canal and sea, HQ's excellent location provides an unparalleled working environment through the integration of exceptional services and facilities as well as proximity to leisure and retail outlets located in Al Dana and throughout Al Raha Beach.

Viceroy Hotel (The Yas Hotel)

The Yas hotel, a 500-room, 85,000-square-meter structure made up of two twelve story hotel towers linked together by a monocoque steel and glass bridge A Grid Shell structure that both cross above and over the Yas Marina Circuit F1 race track. It is the first new hotel in the world to be built over an F1 race circuit. The hotel’s exterior surface is designed as an environmentally responsive skin that by day reflects the sky and surroundings and by night is lit by a full color changing LED lighting system that incorporate video feeds that are transmitted over the entire surface of the building.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

At the centre of the landmark, Yas Island mega-scheme in Abu Dhabi, sits the world’s first Ferrari Theme Park a thrilling brand experience like no other, a multi-sensory celebration of a design icon. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s location, scale and purpose combined to present enormous architectural challenges. In response Benoy has delivered a revolutionary design solution. Opened in December 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park. The end result is an iconic landmark leisure destination that reflects both the integrity of the Ferrari brand and the ambitions of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Zayad Bridge

The bridge design features cantilevered road decks suspended from symmetrical steel arches, which form a sinusoidal waveform – giving this huge structure its fluid silhouette. Height: 64m. Length: 842m. Width: 61m

Etihad Towers

Etihad towers setting a new benchmark in luxury living, a path-breaking luxury development by Sheikh Suroor Projects Department (SSPD). A reflection of Abu Dhabi's modern, sophisticated and luxurious ambitions, Etihad Towers is a spectacular five-tower development and a sparkling addition to the city's skyline. It also accomplishes the promise of a new lifestyle destination, which is much-sought after in the capital city of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority 

Taking inspiration from regional elements such as billowing sails and shifting sand dunes, the dramatic form of the corporate headquarters for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) transforms the city’s waterfront skyline. The design of the facility, which symbolizes the bank’s mission and values, emphasizes transparency and openness by folding the structure’s vertical plane three times to create two outstretched “arms” in an inviting gesture. Designed to represent contemporary commerce and culture in Abu Dhabi, the ADIA Headquarters building also subtly echoes themes found in age-old Islamic architecture. Its slim stair tower creates a dialogue with the slender minarets of the adjacent mosque: an intriguing juxtaposition of modernity and tradition.

Sun and Sky towers, Reem Island

Sun and Sky Towers were designed to concept stage by the US architectural practice Architectonica, The project offers panoramic views of the sea mangroves and city views within a portfolio of one- to four-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Sky Tower has 474 residential units and Sun Tower will accommodate 680 residential units.

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Welcome to Ferrari World !

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first theme park dedicated to the Maranello marque and offers visitors an amazing experience for all the senses. Aimed at people of all ages, it presents a tribute to the Legend and its unique characteristics of passion, excellence, style and performance.

Situated on the Yas island, FWAD has a surface area of 200,000 square meters, all under cover, which makes it the biggest indoor park in the world. There are over 20 attractions for visitors to enjoy, from the must futuristic such as Formula Rossa, the worlds fastest rollercoaster, which can accelerate its cars from 0 to 240 km/h in the same time as a Formula 1 car, to the four dimensional Speed of Magic, or the chance to enjoy a virtual trip through Italy, as well as offering a taste of Maranello cuisine, even though it is thousand of kilometres away. Located in a part of the world that is developing rapidly, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has joined the ranks of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Getting to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Travelling to and from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi couldn’t be easier. Conveniently located on Yas Island, we’re just a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city centre and a 50-minute drive from Dubai Marina.

International travellers can choose from three international airports located within the United Arab Emirates. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is just a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 90-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, and 120-minute drive from Sharjah International Airport.

Directions from Abu Dhabi

Route One Via E10 Highway (Al Raha Beach Highway)

Leave Abu Dhabi Island towards Dubai via Maqta Bridge

Pass the Al Raha Beach Hotel and Raha Mall on your left

Take the slip road, signed Yas Island West or East

Follow the blue signs that say ‘Yas Leisure Drive’

Follow the brown tourist signs that say ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’

Route Two Via E12 Highway (Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway)

Take the Corniche Road towards Mina Zayed Port and follow signs for Yas Island

Take the E12 Sheikh Khalifa Highway

Follow the blue signs that say ‘Yas Leisure Drive’

Follow the brown tourist signs that say ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’

Directions from Dubai

From Dubai on the E11 Highway (Sheikh Zayed Road) take Sheikh Zayed Road south, heading towards Abu Dhabi

Take the Yas Island East Exit (Yas Leisure Drive)

Follow the blue signs that say ‘Yas Leisure Drive’ until you reach brown tourist signs that read ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’

Directions from Sharjah

Take the E11 highway following signs for Dubai and Abu Dhabi, joining the E10 highway

Take the Yas Island East Exit (Yas Leisure Drive)

Follow the blue signs that say ‘Yas Leisure Drive’ until you reach brown tourist signs that read  ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’

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Where is Top 10 Destinations to Visit in 2015?

Are you not sure to where to go on vacation this year? Don't worry. To get you motivated, here is top ten destinations to visit in this year. Some will will celebrate anniversaries, while others host major global events, unveil new attractions or stand in Mother Nature's spotlight.

Abu Dhabi

Dubai may have exploded into a theme park of superlatives, but its oil-rich neighbor Abu Dhabi has steered a different course in a multibillion-dollar bid to become the cultural capital of the Middle East. At the heart of Abu Dhabi's reinvention is the 24,000-square-meter Saadiyat Island Cultural District. This intellectual playground is set to house the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017, the Zayed National Museum in 2016 and, if all goes according to plan, the first Louvre Museum outside Paris by the end of next year. Add to the mix a performing arts center designed by Zaha Hadid, and it's clear that both the skyline and city below are about to get a lot more inspiring.

Milan

The World's Fair has left the planet with many icons -- the Eiffel Tower, the Space Needle, the first Ferris wheel -- but the legacy of Expo Milano 2015 will likely be in the ideas it generates, rather than any architectural marvels. Travelers from around the world are expected to converge on Italy's second-largest city between May and October to ruminate on the future of food within a 1.1 million-square-meter fairgrounds plotted out like a classical Roman metropolis. The event promises to put participants from more than 140 counties in touch with an estimated 20 million visitors across 60 pavilions, a record number exceeding even the 2010 World's Fair in Shanghai. Expect exotic food tastings, educational lectures and rich, multi-sensory experiences.

Salta, Argentina

What if you could visit the Grand Canyon and Napa Valley within the course of one afternoon? That, in essence, is what's on offer in Salta Province, a dusty patch of Andean Argentina where the country bumps up against Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay. Salta is home to colorful colonial towns, gnarled mountainscapes and the highest altitude wineries in the world. With a $160 million plan underway to turn this largely domestic destination into the eco-tourism capital of Latin America, this is a cat that's about to be let out of the bag. If you like your wine with a side of adventure -- and want to take advantage of Argentina's exceedingly favorable "blue dollar" exchange rate -- Salta will be ready and waiting in 2015.

Mons, Belgium

Mons, Belgium, has a population of just 93,072 people, but the small city expects 2 million visitors to ply its medieval streets when it hosts more than 1,000 cultural and artistic events in 2015 as the offical European Capital of Culture. Highlights of the yearlong celebration include an illuminating new Van Gogh exhibit, three multidisciplinary arts festivals, numerous public installations and art-infused parties.

The Bahamian Riviera

With four hotels, 200,000 square feet of convention space, a 2,000-seat performing arts center, 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, 30 restaurants and bars, 14 distinct pools and a 100,000-square-foot casino large enough to rival any in Las Vegas or Macau, the $3.5 billion development known as Baha Mar is kind of a big deal. In fact, the so-called "Bahamian Riviera" is the largest single-phase luxury resort project in the history of the Caribbean and the most substantial currently in development in the Western Hemisphere. Located along Nassau's famed Cable Beach, Baha Mar is expected to send ripples across the Caribbean when it opens to the public in late spring 2015 with a grand gala produced by music and entertainment legends Jamie King and Emilio Estefan. The event is meant to herald the arrival of a new Riviera -- one full of 21st-century entertainment located right in Florida's backyard.

Downtown Los Angeles

A decade ago, you'd have struggled to find life on the streets of downtown Los Angeles after the office lights went dim for the night. But what was once the city's dark center has rapidly transformed into one of its most exciting neighborhoods, with more than 500 shops, restaurants, bars and clubs opening their doors in the past five years alone. Exciting new hotels like the Ace, stores like Acne Studios and food venues like the revamped Grand Central Market -- in addition to the recently completed $3 billion sports and entertainment complex known as L.A. Live -- have injected downtown with a jolt of energy that's helped lure visitors and residents away from LA's sunny perimeter and into its urban core. The downtown scene is expected to heat up in 2015 when billionaire art collector Eli Broad's $140 million vanity project, the Broad Museum, opens to the public in the fall. The honeycomb-encased gallery has been heralded as the crowning jewel of downtown LA's revival, and will house works by some of the most prominent artists of recent decades, including Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein and Cindy Sherman.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have never really had their moment in the spotlight, but a dance with darkness in 2015 may finally put the remote archipelago between Norway and Iceland on travelers' radars. This self-governing country within the Danish Realm is one of just two places in the world that will witness a total solar eclipse on March 20, 2015, when the moon passes between the earth and sun, plunging daylight into darkness. Several travel agencies are already filling up tours and cruises to the storybook isles for this once in a lifetime astronomical event. Though it'll last just 2 minutes and 47 seconds, Europeans won't see anything like it again until 2026.

Singapore

Singapore has a reputation for being pretty and dull in equal measure. However, the undeniably attractive isle of Singapore will be anything but boring in 2015 as it celebrates 50 years of independence with fireworks, parades, shows, youth rallies and a new walkway from the Civic District to Marina Bay. Yet, Singapore's Golden Jubilee isn't the only reason to visit in 2015. The long-awaited National Gallery will finally open to the public in November and join recently unveiled attractions like River Safari and the massive Singapore Sports Hub in diversifying the city's offerings.

Coober Pedy, Australia

Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayer's Rock) have long served as the two pinnacles of Outback Australia's tourism duopoly, but an increasing number of visitors are venturing further south along the Stuart Highway to explore the "underground town" of Coober Pedy, where 80% of the world's opal comes from. Coober Pedy will celebrate its Centenary in 2015 with a year's worth of events, including an opal festival, gem show, marathon, dances and street parties. Tourists heading into town for the celebrations will have the opportunity to sleep as the locals do in subterranean dugouts that promise a consistent temperature of 25 C (77 F). There will, perhaps, be nowhere else on earth in 2015 where you can shop for bargain-basement gems, march in a street parade and retire to your underground hotel room ... all in one day.

Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers

Small cruise vessels have long been a staple of European rivers, but with river cruising ballooning into the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry (according to industry reports), many boats will find new homes in 2015 along two of Southeast Asia's most important waterways: the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers.

More than a dozen new ships from a half-dozen companies (including Viking, Haimark and Avalon Waterways) will set sail in 2015 on journeys through Myanmar or across the Vietnam-Cambodia border from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. For those who always wanted to see Southeast Asia, but didn't want to deal with the hassle of tuk-tuks and touts, there's never been an easier (or more comfortable) way.

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What is Top 10 Famous City Icons?

A city certainly have the characteristic of each. Both in terms of food, drink or even a building. Typical of this is what will distinguish between the town and the one with the other cities. There is famous for his food, his drink as well as the building. By the way, what are some of the building's most famous in this world who was an icon of the city? Here we show the top ten famous building city icon.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Located on Champ de Mars (mars field) close to the Seine River. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair). On 15 May 1889, the Eiffel Tower opened its door to the public. The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world.

Statue of Liberty, New York

The Statue of Liberty was a gift of international friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States, in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. The French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence.

Big Ben, London

Actually Big Ben is the nickname of the main bell housed within the tower. The English architect Augustus Pugin designed the clock tower in Gothic Revival style at the end of the 19th century. The tower is housing the world's second largest four-faced chiming clock, the clock faces have a diameter of 7 meters (23 ft). The tower was completed in 1858. Height of the Clock Tower: 96.3m 316 ft. British curiosity: It is one of the world's most famous landmark, but the interior of the tower is not open to overseas visitors, only United Kingdom residents are able to arrange tours (well in advance) through their Member of Parliament.

Empire State Building, New York

The Empire State Building, the 84 year old iconic building is still dominating the cityscape and it is is both a New York City and a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The world famous Art Deco skyscraper was designed by Gregory Johnson and the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates and built in just 16 months on the previous site of the renowned Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The Empire State Building opened 1st May 1931, and it remained the tallest skyscraper in the world until 1972 when the World Trade Center opened. On the 86th-floor of the Empire State Building there is one of the most popular open outdoor observation decks in the world, it offers a stunning 360-degree view of New York City and it's been visited by over 3.5 million people each year.

Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheater, was built and modified in the time of the Flavian dynasty ( Vespasian and his two sons Titus and Domitian) which ruled the Roman Empire between AD 69 and AD 96. The amphitheater is located a few steps from the former center of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum, which was for centuries the core of Roman public life. The construction of the amphitheater began under the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, it was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir Titus. The Colosseum had an estimated capacity for between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. it was used for the bloody display of gladiatorial contests, animal hunts (venatio), which involved the hunting and slaying of wild animals, - most of the animals were imported from Africa -, and other public spectacles, it could even be flooded to re-create naval battles. 

Acropolis of Athens

An acropolis is a citadel or fortified part of an ancient Greek city, typically built on a hill. The satellite view is showing the Acropolis (literally: summit city) located in the center of the city of Athens, capital of Greece. The Acropolis of Athens is a flat-topped rock with a complex of remains of monuments of the Greek cult, the great sanctuary of ancient Athens dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena. The temple of Athena Parthenos, the Parthenon was built on the Acropolis in 447–432 BC by Pericles to honor Athens' patron goddess and to commemorate the recent Greek victory over the Persians. It was designed by Ictinus and Callicrates with sculptures by Phidias. Most of the now existing remains of temples were rebuilt, after the Persian Wars under the leadership of Pericles during the Golden Age of Athens (460–430 BC), the most important and powerful city during the Classical period. The Acropolis and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization. They have influenced art and culture for many centuries, it is the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. Today the temple complex is a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site.

Forbidden City, Beijing

The Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Beijing were the very center of Chinese imperial power, the center of the world - in an imperial point of view. The complex of buildings was the Imperial City, within lies the 'Forbidden City' (Chin.: 紫禁城; zǐ jìn chéng, or the „Purple Forbidden City“ or Chin.: 故宫, gù gōng „Emperor Palace, heavenly palace“). Today the complex is formally called Palace Museum. For almost five centuries, the Emperor Palace served as the home of the Emperor and his household. No commoner or foreigner was allowed to enter it without special permission. The complex consists of almost 1000 buildings on an area of 720,000 square meters, it is surrounded by a 8 m high city wall and a six-meter deep, 52-meter wide moat. It is the largest cluster of well preserved ancient buildings in the world. Construction began in 1406 and took about 14 years. 

Sydney Opera House

The Opera House is a world-class performing arts center and became a cultural icon of both Sydney and the Australian nation. The venue was created by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, he was responsible for the iconic white silhouette, while the interiors were finished off by a team of local architects, after Utzon's resignation in 1966. In June 2007 the Sydney Opera House was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its innovation in both architectural form and structural design.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower (campanile) of Pisa's Cathedral made of white marble. Its construction began at the end of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years. The reason why the bell tower is leaning is a result of a poorly laid foundation and loose substrate that has allowed the foundation to shift direction, by now about 17 feet (5.2 m) out of the perpendicular. 

Kremlin, Moscow

The Moscow Kremlin (Russian: Московский Кремль Moskovskiy Kreml) usually referred to as simply The Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow. The existing Kremlin walls and towers were built at the Moskva River between 1485 to 1495. To the east there is the iconic Saint Basil's Cathedral and the Red Square, the most famous city square in Moscow, Alexander Garden, one of the first public parks in Moscow lies to the west. The kremlin includes four palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The former residence of Tsars serves since the beginning of the 20th century as the official residence of the President of Russia.

Do you have some opinions about that? Write down here. Thanks.

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