Zihuatanejo is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico approximately 240km northwest of Acapulco. Its name means “place of women” because it was a matriarchal society. The main attraction of Zihuatanejo is the sheltered Bahía Zihuatanejo with safe swimming for families. Several beaches surround the bay which have made this an attractive tourist destination. Zihuatanejo has a very informal, relaxed atmosphere which drawns back-packers to the area, however its sister town ‘Ixtapa’ and only only 5km away, is a modern tourist resort.
Zihuatanejo gained a lot of exposure in the movie ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ during 1994. When the character Andy Dufresne dreams about one day being able to own a small hotel on the beach in Zihuatanejo. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a must – now we’re doing movie reviews!
Goa is a small state located on the west coast of India, in fact it is the smallest state in terms of area. Panaji is the capital. Goa was a Portuguese colony from the time the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century until 1961, when the liberation of Goa took place.
Goa has been attracting national and international visitors for a long time. It is easily accessible and is often referred to as “India lite”, an easy-to-encounter version of India, than many of the larger Indian states and cities.
Goa offers lovely, relaxing beaches, historic architecture, sixteenth century churches, convents, monuments, temples and simply an array of exotic (but peaceful) sounds, smells and experiences.
St Michael’s Mount became a National Trust site during 1954 and is located at Marazion, near Penzance in the most southern County of Cornwall in England. It’s perceived to be one of England’s most dramatic and well known coastal attractions. The medieval castle and church are perched high upon the mountain outcrop of an island. This is then separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway. You can visit on foot by the causeway at low tide or take a boat during high tide.
St Michael’s Mount is rich in myths, legends and history dating back to 350 B.C. A full Timeline of the Mount has been provided.
The island currently has a population of approximately 30 inhabitants and whose jobs range from the local boatman, gardener, guide and handyman. They all pool together to ensure the island is maintained for the 200,000 plus visitors that arrive each year.
One great reason to visit St Michael’s Mount is to marvel at the location of the craggy island, that lies beyond the tidal causeway, with a castle and church perched upon it.
The Perhentian Islands are scattered beyond the northeastern coast of Malaysia. They infact, lie not that far from the Thai border. The term Perhentian means “a place to stop” in Malay. This came about by the early traders using it as a stopping point enroute from Malaysia to Bangkok. There are two main islands, Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) and Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian).
A water ferry is available to the mainland but the only way of getting around the islands, other than walking, are by the water taxis. Many of the smaller uninhabited islands belong to a protected marine park and fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited.
Activities on the Perhentian Islands are limited to scuba diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking, sunbathing and general relaxation. Those with more sense of adventure and energy may attempt the jungle walking trails on both of the two main islands.
One great reason to visit the Perhentian Islands is for the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, surrounded by jungle covered hills that make the views from the beach utterly spectacular.
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