REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Reason to visit

The highest point of Maldives is just 2.4 meters from the sea-level while the average is 1.5 meters. Reports says that 80% of the Maldives will be disappeared in the water grave if the sea-level rise just 1.5 meters. Currently there are 386,000 inhabitants in Maldives and all of them shall be relocated in India, Srilanka and Australia.

In 2009, the Maldives cabinet held a meeting underwater with the president Mohamed Nasheed to highlight the threat of global warming and rise in sea-level to Maldives. While underwater, they communicated through white boards and hand signals. 

Location

The Maldives archipelago is located on top of the Chagos-Maldives-Laccadive Ridge, a vast submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean. Maldives also form a terrestrial ecoregion together with the Chagos and the Lakshadweep.The Maldives atolls encompass a territory spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi), making the country one of the world's most geographically dispersed. Its population of 328,536 (2012) inhabits 192 of its 1,192 islands. In 2006, Maldives' capital and largest city Malé, located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, had a population of 103,693. Malé is one of the Maldives' administrative divisions and, traditionally, it was the "King's Island" where the ancient Maldives royal dynasties were enthroned.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both population and land area. With an average ground level elevation of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, it is the planet's lowest country. It is also the country with the lowest natural highest point in the world, at 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in).Forecasts of Maldives' inundation is a great concern for the Maldivian people.

Ways to get there

By air: The international airport is located on the island of Hulhule. There are more than 2 dozens of international schedule flights flying into Maldives from major cities in asia, middle east and Europe. These include SriLankan Airways, Qatar airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Indian Airlines, Balkan, Bulgarian Airlines, LTU, Condor, AOM French, Austrian Airlines and Malaysian Airlines, with some of these airlines flying daily, weekly or twice a week.

Another 14 companies offers regular charters, among them include Britannia Airways, Balair, Monarch Airlines, Lauda Air, Air Europe of Italy, Sterling Airways, Air Holland, South African Airways, Air Tours International connecting the Maldives to many centers of the world.

Things to do

Ten things you must do in the Maldives:

1. Swim with whale sharks or manta rays. The Maldives is one of the few places where you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants. 

2. Visit a traditional Maldivian village to meet the locals.

3. Explore the country’s capital, Malé.

4. Join local fishermen on a deep-sea fishing trip. 

5. Take to the sea on board a dhoni, a traditional wooden sailboat.

6. For the ultimate romantic treat, enjoy a sunset champagne cruise while spotting dolphins and flying fish.

7. Adopt your own coral reef at the Beach House Iruveli.

8. Be a castaway. Most resorts offer the option of time on a deserted island. 

9. Try an invigorating Maldivian massage at the Beach House Iruveli’s De’ Spa complex.

10. Get married. The Maldives is one of the world’s most popular spots to renew vows or have a wedding blessing.

REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR

Reason to visit

The main historical problem with international trade has been the correlated destruction of the environment. This is especially true when it comes to the issue of deforestation. In Madagascar, people have been cutting down the forests for decades. Throughout the past century, much of the rainforests of Madagascar have disappeared. People have begun moving out of the cities, industries have started to expand, and the use of land for farming (particularly coffee) has dramatically increased. All of these phenomenon have led to the destruction of the forest of Madagascar. This has become a major issue, not only because of the value that the forest have on the living environment on earth, but also because of Madagascar's unusual and rare species. Biologically, Madagascar is one of the richest areas on earth. Approximately five percent of the world's species reside in Madagascar, and the island has 8,0000 endemic species of flowering plants alone (New Scientist, 1990). However, this rare jewel of earth is in grave danger. Rapid deforestation, caused predominantly by the large population boom of the developing country, economic downturn, and mass migration to cities, is destroying much of the natural habitat of Madagascar.

Location

Madagascar is an island located in the western Indian Ocean. Madagascar lies about 425 km (266 miles) off the east coast of Southern Africa. Specifically, Madagascar is located east of Mozambique, across the Mozambique Channel. The geographic coordinates of Madagascar are 20 00 S, 47 00 E. 

Madagascar's land area is about 581,540 sq km (224,533 square miles) or slightly less than twice the size of Arizona. Madagascar has 4,828 km of coastline. Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island. Its most prominent feature would have to be the steep mountain range paralleling the entire eastern coast.

Ways to get there

Air: Cortez Travel can handle all of your travel arrangements - flights to Madagascar are available and prices are comparable for any of the following routings, and specials are offered year-round:

• Via Paris: most direct routing from all U.S. and Canadian departure cities; no charge for stopover in Paris in either direction.
   
• Via Johannesburg: may require an overnight in Johannesburg and generally recommended only when making arrangements for additional travel within South Africa.
   
• Via Bangkok or Singapore: recommended only for those traveling from the West Coast (and going through Singapore would require at least two changes of plane en route).
   
• Additional routings to include Mauritius or Reunion are possible and will be quoted upon request.

As a courtesy for trip planning purposes, we provide airline flight schedules for international flights to and from Madagascar, and for regional flight sand domestic flights in and around Madagascar.

Things to do

The things to do in Madagascar can be found nowhere else in the world.  There are animals and plants that are endemic that can’t be found anywhere else in the world including the Lemur Monkeys and even see through chameleons to name a few.  There are still parts of Madagascar that haven’t been discovered yet which is very rare for any country in the world.  It is one of the poorest countries in the world but also one of the safest countries in Africa thanks to the unique Malagasy culture.

Explore the Beaches

In Madagascar, you will find beaches that are on the tourist trails and others that haven’t even been explored yet.  There is something for everyone whether you are looking for luxury or something more authentic.  The most popular beaches are in Diego,  Anakao, the areas surrounding Morondava, and the islands of Nosy Be, Sainte Marie, & Nosy Ve.

Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar

Avenue of the Baobabs

The unique Baobab trees can be found all around the country.  Just an hour away from Morondava there are a unique set trees lined along the road where you can get exceptional pictures at sunset.

The Big Tsingy Stone Forest in Madagascar

The main tourist attraction in Madagascar that I came to see is beyond impressive.  It’s not easy getting there as it takes 1 complete day via 4×4 on very rough terrain.  There are two parks, Big Tsingy (large park) and the Small Tsingy (small park).  You won’t regret it!

Explore the Wildlife

There aren’t many other places in the planet that can say they have countless flora & fauna not found anywhere in the world.  Throughout the entire island you can find the 70 different species of Lemurs and see through chameleons as mentioned above.

Madagascar & the islands surrounding the country have eight plant families, five bird families, and five primate families that live nowhere else on Earth.  The parks you want to see are Berenty, Andasibe-Mantadia, Ankarana Montagne d’Ambre, Kirindy, Ranomafana, and Masoala.

Rice Terraces in Madagascar countryside

The Capital of Antananarivo (Tana)

While the capital of Madagascar doesn’t boast the architectural prowess of capitals in Europe, the city is unique in its own right.  The market that winds up and down the staircases will astound you.  Don’t forget to see the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, Marché Artisanale de La Digue, and the Lemurs Park that is found just outside the city.

Diving in Madagascar

With so much coastline and unique plants and animals, its no wonder that Madagascar has great diving opportunities.  I was able to get my advanced diving certificate on the south western coast of the island.  The diving hotspots are mainly in the Northern coast in the cities of Nosy Be & Diego.  You can also find good diving in Ifaty, Anakao, Morondava, and around the islands of Sainte Marie.

Interact With The Locals

I have to say that while most cultures from around the world are unique, the Malagasy people take it to a whole new level.  You can see the diversity on their faces and they are some of the nicest and welcoming people you will meet.  Always extremely curious and willing to talk to you (if you speak Malagasy or French).  Make sure to buy pens, candys, or even notebooks for the kids, they will love it.

Whale Watching in Madagascar

You are able to see humpback whales throughout the entire year near the waters of Saint Marie on the eastern coast.  The best time to see the whales is between June to September but you are still able to see them year round.

KOMODO ISLAND, INDONESIA

Reason to visit

The home of the world’s most famous reptile could end under the water surface in few decades if the Global Warming continues to progress. The sea surrounding the island is growing and could cause extinction of the Komodo dragon, but the increased acidification could also cause big damage, as it make the surface temperature higher, which may eventually kill the corals around the island and destroy the amazing diving sites.

Location

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that compose the Republic of Indonesia. The island is particularly notable as the habitat of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth, which is named for the island. Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human population of over two thousand. The people of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed with Bugis fromSulawesi. The people are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu congregations.

Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part of the Komodo National Park. In addition, the island is a popular destination fordiving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province.

Komodo lies between the substantially larger neighboring islands Sumbawa to the west and Flores to the east.

Ways to get there

Before setting out on your visit, and learning how to get to komodo,  it is important that you understand where you are heading and the easiest ways to get there. Komodo is in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, and is between Sumbawa and Flores islands. The fact that Komodo is a UNESCO reserve for both a marine diversity and of course the Komodo Dragon makes this a growing tourist destination. The snorkeling and diving in the National Park is almost unsurpassed, and it is completely understandable as to why one would want to go. Now that you know where you are going let us discuss the best ways for you to get there. 

Any tour to Komodo will start and finish in Labuan Bajo. This is the main transportation hub for the whole province. There is the airport, ferries, buses, local boat service and multiple private car hire services.  With 5-7 flights a day to Denpasar and then onto international flights, it is readily accessible. There are daily ferries to Sape on Sumbawa and weekly ferry service to Sulawesi aboard Pelni. Due to time and accessibility, nearly all visitors fly in and out via Labuan Bajo Airport – it’s even called Komodo airport!

The personal way to visit Komodo is to charter a boat for at least 2 days with one 1 night on the boat. Certainly longer charters are available, and needed to see much more of the park. But to see the dragons, sleep in the park, visit a few beaches and snorkeling. Most of the charter boats are fairly small, with limited facilities, so any trip longer than 2 nights would require re-supply at LBJ. There are larger charter boats can go for about a week without re-supply, The small boats usually come with a crew of 2, captain and mate.

The boat choice is basically with or without a cabin. Boats with a cabin are usually a little bigger and include an upper deck sitting area. The upper deck sitting area is nice to have for photo taking or just escape from the boat’s noisy engine. Prices can vary wildly – but with good haggling you should pay about $300 USD for all food and beverage on the boat, including a full load of beer, sodas, and water. Komodo National Park Fees are not included and have to be paid directly to the park’s contract operator.

Things to do

1. Loh Liang. The activities you can do: observing the Komodo, deers, hogs, birds; canoeing, etc.
2. Pink Beach. The beautiful beach with the pink-coloured sand and alluring corals. The activities you can do: snorkeling and sunbathing.
3. Loh Sebita. Loh Sebita is a mangrove area, thus observing the fauna and trekking are the interesting activities you can do here.
4. Loh Buaya. The activities you can do: observing the Komodo, deer, buffaloes, birds, long-tailed monkeys and wild horses; canoeing.
5. Kalong Island. The activities you can do: observing numerous bats in a colony. The best time to do this is at sunset when all the bats start to fly off to haunt food. It’s just amazing!
6. Golo Kode. From the top of the hill known as Golo Kode, tourists may witness the enchanting panorama and fantastic landscape.
7. Molo Strait.  The strait that has a swift current like the river flow at its hight tide.
8. Cannibal Rock. Famous for its varied and colorful invertebrate life. Night dives are excellent, especially on the sandy slope of the northern side of the island starting at about 25 m depth.