Log Cabin Cottages : peace and luxury in one package.

May 27, 2011 | Author: admin

There’s nothing better than a log cabin hideaway. When you are looking for a holiday, where you are seeking nothing more than a time to relax and unwind, where you do not want to chase schedules and tight itineraries, then head towards log cabins located all over the country. The name itself seems to suggest a rural ambience and rustic amenities, but this is not the scenario nowadays.

Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or for a holiday with your family at a home away from home, then log cabins should be your first choice. They are generally located in secluded spots, either close to a stream or river, or within a wood, and come in all shapes and sizes. There is sure to be a log cabin which will suit your requirements.

Most of these places are self-catering, and have fully equipped kitchens. The cottages can be enjoyed all through the year. During the season, they are great places to sit outside on the deck and enjoy nature’s bounty all around you. During off-season they turn into cozy and comfortable retreats, where you can snuggle in the warmth of the cabin. You have the adaptability of choosing the length of your stay – ranging from a weekend stay to a longer break.

There is now an added luxury which has become one of the most popular features of these log cabins. Lodges with hot tubs, generally located outside the cabin, on the deck or within the lawns, are now being offered as an added attraction. They are equivalent to having your own private spa or Jacuzzi .

As in every other place where they are located, these hot tubs are great places to just soak in and relax and forget all the cares of the outside world. They are also therapeutic and good for your health.

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Mt Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

May 11, 2011 | Author: admin

A million and a half year ago began the formation of a granitic rock that has solidified and cooled under the surface suddenly rose through the softer layers of the earth. Heavy rains eroded the soil and with the help of some ice and glaciers, a new mountain was created. The stripy pattern, the polish and sculptured finish of the mountain and its peaks give evidence to the contribution of these glaciations to its formation. About a million tons worth of rock debris were crashed into the lower sections of the mountain.

You can find the Mt Kinabalu park nestled on a collection of mud, clay and some rocks that have been washed off from the heights that were eroded from 34,000 years ago. Borneo‘s Mt Kinabalu was able to attain its current appearance today with thanks to warmer climates return as well as the glacier’s melting. Sabah‘s Mount Kinabalu, at 4,101 meters (13,455 feet) continues to rise by 5mm each year. You can tell by visible landslides on its body and certain rock debris by its feet that it is in continuous movement with Mother Nature. This evolutionary process has also produced rare types of flora and fauna found only on this mountain.

On the slopes of the mountain you will find the Desuns or Kadazans. These are hill tribes who carry the belief that the ground is sacred and carries the spirits of their ancestors. You can find their villages called Kampung throughout the area and they make a living by planting rice and crops on a shifting schedule. They know the mountain well and can easily navigate the slopes even with heavy loads on their backs. They will also serve as your guides on the summit.

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Take Care of your Backpack

May 3, 2011 | Author: admin

Since you carry your entire worldly belongings – at least those needed for your journey in your backpack – it is essential that you follow certain guidelines in order to keep your backpack secure and safe. Backpacks are easy to steal – and this is true not only for the developing countries but also for all other countries. Backpacking destinations can be found at Backpackers World

Try not to carry an expensive backpack – it is an easy indication of the fact that you have a lot of money and makes you a clear target for the thieves.

Do not place any valuables in the outer pockets – they can be slit open and all the goods removed without you even realizing what has happened.

Do not carry valuables with you – laptops, Ipads and tablets are really not needed – you can communicate with the rest of the world through phones etc.

Carry your camera and wallet in your pockets and in front of you. Easy to take pictures with and also easy to watch over.
Buy a simple bicycle chain with a combination lock and chain your backpack to your seat on a train or in a bus – so that you can be assured of safety while you are sleeping.

If you do have to load it on top of a bus try to keep a watch when people get down at various bus-stops. It is not easy to do that – but many buses will not have space below your seats to keep your things.

Take travel insurance – this will at least help you recover some money – if and when your personal belongings get stolen.
These are guidelines which are valid for journeys of all types but backpackers tend to travel to less traversed destinations and off the beaten path. Hence they have to be extra vigilant and take extra precautions with regard to their belongings.

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