A Tropical paradise in Indonesia

Dive Manado and Bunaken


Living Colours Dive Resort on Bunaken Island, Manado, North Sulawesi, is a small idyllic resort with a professional dive centre. We are based on Bunaken Island, in the heart of the world famous Bunaken National Marine Park. Our beach front dive centre with high quality dive equipment is run by European PADI Instructors and experienced local Divemasters. The nine wooden bungalows are situated on a small hill, only 50 steps from the beach, and have great sea views.

Diving - Our full service dive centre and professional, friendly crew offer boat diving in the magnificent walls of Bunaken National Marine Park and critter filled slopes in Manado Bay. Our environmentally conscious dive team will show you the best of Bunaken on long relaxed dives. All dives are boat dives in small groups guided by experienced local Divemasters
Diving Our full service dive centre and professional, friendly crew offer boat diving in the magnificent walls of Bunaken National Marine Park and critter filled slopes in Manado Bay. Our environmentally conscious dive team will show you the best of Bunaken on long relaxed dives. All dives are boat dives in small groups guided by experienced local Divemasters.
The PADI dive courses from beginner to divemaster level are done in small groups with experienced PADI Instructors. All course dives take place in natural coral reef environment in the marine park. You can enjoy the tropical marine life starting from your very first shallow water diving experience. Our instructors teach in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Indonesian and Finnish.

Dive Sites - The coral reefs and the open ocean are bursting with life. Bunaken lies in the epicentre of the world’s marine biodiversity, and thus supports an amazing variety of marine animals. Here you can find over 1000 reef fish species and 70 genera of corals in more than 40 world famous dive sites. Bunaken and Manado Bay is a favourite place among underwater photographers from all over the world because of the superb opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography. The reefs are unspoiled with pristine soft and hard corals, rich fish life and interesting little critters that expertly camouflage themselves to blend with the surroundings.

At the ocean surface dolphins and pilot whales are frequently seen, and you might occasionally be surprised with sights of migrating humpbacked, killer, sperm or minke whales. Dugongs, or sea cows, are regularly spotted grazing in the reef shallows just in front of Living Colours Dive Resort.
Our comfortable private bungalows with sea views are equipped with double or twin beds, mosquito nets, fan, hammocks and attached western bathroom with running water. We have 24 hours electricity, and wireless internet connection is available for all guests. The open air restaurant with its well-appointed kitchen and excellent cooks serves Indonesian and western dishes. The beach bar with its good sound system and musical bartenders offers a variety of cold drinks and good tunes. The perfect place to hang out in the evening!

Last but not least the fun-loving crew and friendly atmosphere at the resort is something that will make your stay on Bunaken even more special.

Bali Indonesia

Bali

With beaches galore, Bali Indonesia is a sunbather’s paradise. Boasting a picture post card landscape, Bali Holidays are set amongst a backdrop of rice paddies, soaring volcanoes, lush tropical forests and warm Indian Ocean waters.
Bali tourism has long been popular among backpackers, young and trendy for its laid back vibe. Bali Indonesia has a lively art scene, with dance and writers festivals. Predominantly Hindu, a spiritual culture runs throughout the island with many of its temples and shrines the centre of daily ceremonies. The annual Galungan Festival presents the biggest religious festivity on the island.
Bali is just one of many Indonesia Islands and sits close to both Java and Lombok. Connections to Bali from Malaysia and Indonesia are well established. The western Bali port of Gilimanuk has regular ferries to Java. From Padang Bai ferry services run to Lombok every few hours. Rental bicycles, rental cars or motorbikes offer a particularly good way to break out from the regular Bali tourism traps and explore the island independently. Although most arrive in the transport hub of Denpasar, everyone heads straight out to Bali’s famous south coastal region.
The biggest of Bali attractions and certainly what Bali tourism is famed for the fantastic beach culture. Bali Indonesia has been blessed with some super beaches. Although Bali’s black volcanic beaches of the northern coast boasts a quieter atmosphere, it is the popular white sandy beaches of Bali’s southern coast that draws most visitors on Bali vacations.
Bali holidays are also famous among surfing enthusiasts. At Kuta, world renowned breaks come crashing into the beach providing excellent surfing. The good breaks here have led to a real hippy surf sub culture developing all over the coast. Beach parties by night are the norm, while by day Bali’s beaches are just as lively with about every beach activity you can imagine on offer. A further surfing hot spot at Padang provides fierce off shore breaks and perfect conditions for more challenging surfing. The beach here isn’t bad either!
Away from the Bali tourism centre of Kuta beach, are the up-market 5 star resorts that line beautiful Legian beach. The beaches here are much less crowded and have sweeping views of the coast. Popular for Bali vacations are the top resort hotels located in Nusa Dua right on the southern tip of Bali.
At Sunar beach, day tripping Indonesian’s and keen tourists enjoy the great views of the Indonesia islands mighty Gunung Batur volcano. For equally spectacular views, a trek up to the cliff top Hindu temple at Uluwatu rewards you with an absolutely magnificent site. Below the precarious drop stands Uluwatu beach, which is perhaps the islands greatest spot of sand. It is certainly one of many Bali attractions not to be missed.
For food and nightlife, superb restaurants in Seminyak provide Indonesian and Malayan cuisine. Both Seminyak and Kuta have a buzzing bar scene. Seminyak also provides good shopping. For local crafts and artwork, a series of craft villages between Sanur and Ubud in the central foothills is worth browsing. Located here is also a small forest full of monkeys within which are housed 3 sacred temples. The forest is also close to the spectacular rice terraces of Sayan.
Bali vacations are usually both a relaxing and adventurous experience. Those seeking active Bali holidays will be pleased to find white water rafting on the Ayung River and a series of trekking trails through the jungle canopy. Active Bali attractions also include some great scuba diving at Pulau Menjangan. Bali out of most of the Indonesia islands boasts some quite diverse dive sites with the most popular proving the shipwreck of the USAT Liberty, which was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942.

INDONESIA

Borobudur

Located in central Java, the famous Buddhist temple of Borobudur is deservedly a tourist attraction in Indonesia not to be missed.
The remarkable Borobudur temple complex is a monument to the Lord Buddha. Constructed in the 9th century, Borobudur Indonesia has long since been a place for religious pilgrimage.
Comprising of 6 square platforms decorated with 504 Buddha statues stacking up like a pyramid, it is topped by 3 circular platforms on which a further 72 stupas are seated. Each stupa is bell shaped with intricate decorative displays. Located at the centre of the Borobudur monument is a large dome which is further topped by a larger lone standing stupa.
Having been abandoned following the decline of the Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms on Java sometime around the 14th Century, the monument was rediscovered by a British explorer Sir Thomas Raffles in 1814. Following a painstaking project to reclaim it from the jungle, it has since been restored and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its re-discovery, Borobudur has continued to serve as a place of worship and pilgrimage among the Buddhist religion. The monument has also developed into a major tourist attraction in Indonesia.
Annually, the Borobudur Indonesia temple becomes the centre of the Vesak festival. In commemoration of the birth, death and attainment of wisdom of Siddhartha Gautama, founder of the Buddhist religion, Borobudur becomes the epicenter of ceremony. The Vesak festival is marked by a procession of devotees walking between the Buddhist temples of Mendut and Pawon, ending finally at the Borobudur temple.
Guided tours of the Borobudur temple complex take you through a system of staircases and corridors that ascend up to the top platform. In reference to Buddhist cosmology, each ascent up to the next platform represents one stage further in the search for enlightenment.
Throughout Borobudur stand various Buddha statues. Some are cross legged in the lotus position, interspersed between the various square platforms while other smaller statues are contained within the bell shaped stupas. While most of the Buddha statues appear similar at first glance, closer inspection reveals subtle differences. The hand position of the Buddha varies between mundras, which correspond to the 5 cardinal points on the compass (North, East, South, West and Zenith). This subtle symbolism makes reference to Buddhist cosmology theory. Various panels adorning the tiered structure illustrate Buddhist teachings, cementing the belief that the site was intended as a place of worship.
For a real majestic view of this revered tourist attraction in Indonesia, be there for sunrise or sunset for a spectacular experience. You’d be assured of capturing some mesmerizing photographs to rival even the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Local guides can be hired to escort you around the site and impart their wisdom. Alternatively, local tourist agencies offer group tours with transport to and from Borobudur Indonesia from the nearby town of Yogya

St Croix Beaches

Davis Bay Beach | Sandy Point | Turtle Beach

Most visitors to St croix in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have it in mind to visit at least one of the St Croix beaches during their trip. There is very good reason for this, as they are easily some of the top beaches in the island chain, if not in all the world. With an ample variety

to choose from, the beaches of St Croix are able to meet a range of tastes and preferences, so finding the right one for your vacation shouldn’t be an issue. It’s possible to find a Saint Croix beach with a hotel on it if you are interested in going that route, and that can be a good idea as it can be expensive getting back and forth from other St Croix hotels. Regardless of where you stay, or how you get to your Saint Croix beach of choice, you will enjoy a tropical setting that would likely be the envy of all your friends back home, especially should you be coming from the north during winter.

If you had to pick the best Saint Croix beach, you would do well to nominate turtle beach, which is actually not found on Saint Croix, but on nearby Buck Island instead. Buck Island’s Turtle Beach is just a mile from the northeast shore of St Croix, and it’s famous for its underwater snorkeling trail. There are no hotels on Buck Island, so visitors will have to arrange a boat trip over. Scuba diving expeditions can also be arranged if you want to not only see the reefs here, but also the labyrinths and grottoes. Sandy Point is another interesting and unique Saint Croix Beach, and it’s part of the pristine Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge. Here, sea turtles lay their eggs, so the beach is only open to visitors on the weekends of certain months. If you want a spectacular Saint Croix beach that is devoid of concessions and never crowded, then Sandy Point is definitely worth putting on the list of considerations.

For those who can’t make it to Buck Island’s Turtle Beach to go snorkeling, Davis Bay Beach and Cane Bay Beach make for a good trade. You can enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the islands at Cane Bay, and the swimming is excellent at both. Bodysurfing tends to be more popular than snorkeling at Davis Bay Beach, but you can try both if you please. The recently renovated Carambola Resort is located at Davis Bay Beach, so if you are looking for St Croix beaches with accommodations on them, you might book a stay here. Perhaps you are staying in either Christiansted or Frederiksted and are interested in beaches that are closer to these respective cities. Both Rainbow Beach and La Grange Beach can be found near Frederiksted, the former offering great snorkeling, the latter a bar close by. In Christiansted, the Hotel on the Cay has what is arguably the best beach in the immediate area, and you’ll find white sand and palms here. You can get to this beach by way of ferry, and the very short trip is free to guests at the hotel.

The list of recommendations for the beaches of St Croix could go on for quite some time, and you might have to visit a couple different ones to find your favorite. The kinds of beach amenities and concessions available will depend on the beach you choose, so if nothing else, you might research that aspect before you go. For those who like it quiet, Jack’s Bay is a perfect spot to get away from it all. It’s not the easiest to access, but given the fact that it is usually deserted, you can enjoy a nice level of privacy here. If you like a little more action, then Cramers Park will be a better fit. This choice for St Croix beaches gets pretty hectic on the weekends, and people watching is certainly part of the experience. You can camp at Cramers Park, and it offers picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms, not to mention some pretty good snorkeling.

If camping isn’t your thing, maybe a Sugar Beach St Croix getaway will prove a perfect choice. A condominium resort complex that prides itself on delivering a good time, Sugar Beach is bound to please. You can choose from studio condos on up to 4-bedroom units here, and each unit offers a healthy amount of amenities, including a full kitchen, cable TV, air-conditioning, and a freeform pool, to name a few. Yes, the sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to the beaches of St Croix, so take heart in knowing that your perfect beach awaits you on a St Croix, United States Virgin Islands vacation

Bahamas Beaches

While there are certainly a number of historical attractions and fun things to do in the Bahamas, the main reason so many tourists make their way to the islands each year is for those famous white sand Bahamas beaches. Beaches in the Bahamas are numerous, and while they are all excellent, we’ve included information about some of the most popular Bahamas beaches below.

Paradise Beach

While this is perhaps the nicest Bahamas beach on Paradise Island, it can be difficult to access if you don’t live on the island year round. Guests of the Atlantis Hotel have unlimited access to the beach, and portions are of course always open to locals. Little huts can be found all over the beach, which provide a place to change, eat, and get out of the sun here and there. If you are traveling to Paradise Island for the day, you may try one of the other beaches after attempting Paradise Beach.

Cabbage Beach

Among Bahamas beaches on Paradise Island, Cabbage beach sees the most traffic throughout the year. Travelers will find it to be one of the most crowded beaches in the Bahamas, but still a very nice beach. Unfortunately, the beach does not have any public restrooms or changing facilities, but a customer of one of the restaurants or businesses located on the beach can use the bathroom. If you will be traveling to this Bahamas beach with children, you will likely want to plan to have lunch in one of the cafes rather than bringing a picnic, so you can take advantage of the chance to freshen up in the restaurant bathroom.

Western Esplanade

This is one of the best beaches in Bahamas located near Nassau. You can walk to Western Esplanade from downtown Nassau in about 10 minutes, so if you are staying at a Nassau hotel this is a great choice. This Bahamas beach is also sometimes referred to as Junkanoo Beach by the locals, and tourists will be happy to find public restrooms, changing areas, and restaurants serving snack-type food and drinks.

Caves Beach

Caves Beach is also located near Nassau, and is one of the best beaches in Bahamas for escaping the huge crowds. As a lesser known beach located a little further from town (about 7 miles from Nassau), fewer tourists frequent it. There are no public facilities, so be sure to plan ahead.

Cable Beach

Located on New Providence Island, this is one of the best beaches in Bahamas for travelers who want to stay near the shops, bars, and gambling outlets found on the island. Cable Beach is also a popular choice for families with children, due to its handy access to restrooms, hotels, and restaurants. The beach is about 4 miles long.

Xanadu Beach

Xanadu Beach is one of the better beaches in the Bahamas located on Grand Bahamas Island. This is a great place for families, as the water is more calm then some of the other areas and has convenient access to restaurants and facilities in nearby Freeport. Note that this is also one of the more crowded beaches on the island.

Tahiti Beach

You’ll find this to be one of the quietest beaches in Abacos. This is one of the more popular beaches for couples and those who love to sail. Abacos is a popular sailing port and the beach is quite nice. To get there, you’ll either have to sail in from the sea or walk or bike along a gravel road. Cars can’t drive on the road, which is one of the reasons the beach remains quiet. Be sure to bring your own food and water, as there are limited facilities on the beach.

Although the previous list of Bahamas beaches is not a comprehensive list, travelers should find that some of the most popular beaches are mentioned. For travelers really looking to get lost on the beaches of Bahamas, walk north or south from any of the more populated areas to locate your own little spot.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The tallest peak in all of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro rises 19,340 feet above sea level. As one of the planet’s “Seven Summits”, it is a huge draw for mountain climbers. Ice-capped and majestic, Mount Kilimanjaro is a legendary mountain, receiving mention in many an African-related story or document. It has been revered for centuries by locals, and upon first glance of it, you will likely be mesmerized. Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, and it appears to rise up out of nowhere from the flatter surrounding scrubland. Because Mount Kilimanjaro rises so high and so near the equator, visitors who climb Kilimanjaro or organize Kilimanjaro safaris will be treated to a range of climate types. Should you make it to the top of Kilimanjaro, which is known as Uhuru Peak, you will be sitting on top of the world, at least in Africa anyways. Signs at the top let you know that you are somewhere special, with “World’s Highest Free-Standing Mountain” and “One of World’s Largest Volcanoes” among the written reminders.

Mount Kilimanjaro is found in northeast Tanzania, not far from the Kenya border, so it’s often included in Kenya vacation package itineraries. It makes for a nice compliment to Mount Kenya, which presents its own stunning landscape. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, and as such, current researchers tend to focus more on the glacial activity at the summit, rather than the volcanic goings-ons inside. The meaning of the mountain’s name is not known, but it is possible that Kilimanjaro means “Mountain of Greatness”, which seems a most just label. The Wachagga people of Tanzania offer up no significant name for the Mount Kilimanjaro massif, and one might assume that it’s less about the name to them, and more about the overall aura. For those who want to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll be happy to hear that it is one of the world’s most easily-accessible high-mountain summits. More times than not, just donning the proper clothing and grabbing a walking stick is all you’ll need to summit, though you will want to make sure to acclimatize yourself as you go. Most people climb slowly to avoid altitude sickness, spending at least 5 nights here during the process.

As the saying goes, it’s not all about the end (summit) when you climb Kilimajaro, it’s also about the journey. The climatic changes are utterly stunning, and there aren’t many other places in the world where the tropics give way to an Arctic atmosphere. The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is great for Kilimanjaro safaris. Should you book one of the Kilimanjaro safaris, you can expect to spot leopards, elephants, and buffalo, as well as other intriguing animals. There are also nature trails found on the lower slopes and reaches of Mount Kilimanjaro, and you might try to visit the Chala crater lake during your trip. There are trekking routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro that are certainly easy enough for most, but you will need cold-weather clothes. The Kilimanjaro accommodation choices are limited to campsites and huts inside the park boundaries, with hotels and more campsites found in Moshi Town and the village of Marangu.

December through February is generally considered the best time to climb Kilimanjaro or book one of the Kilimanjaro safaris, as this is the warmest and clearest time of year here. July through September also promises less rain, though it is colder during these months, so you may make a note of that. It is a good idea to bring altitude sickness medicine if you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, especially if you plan to climb relatively quickly. Many summit attempts at Mount Kilimanjaro are undertaken at night, which makes for an easier climb due to the frozen scree (broken rock terrain). If you have time, you can climb Kilimanjaro during your Kenya vacation, then perhaps be off to the Masai Mara or the Kenya beaches. The Kilimanjaro safaris give visitors who are short on time the chance to effectively kill two birds with one stone during their Mount Kilimanjaro climbing (trekking) adventure

Siung Beach

Having 250 Routes for Cliff Climbing

Siung Beach is located in a remote area in Gunung Kidul Regency, to the south of Tepus Sub-Regency to be exact. The distance is around 70 kilometer from the center of Yogyakarta city or it will take you around 2 hours drive. Since it is difficult to get public transportation to go the beach, it would be easier if you make your travel with your own vehicle. Public bus or mini van from Wonosari city will stop at Tepus area only and you have to wait long to get one.

When you plan to make your travel by your car or motorcycle, make sure that they are in a very good condition. The reason is that you are going to go through challenging road with climbs, sharp bending and sometimes slopes under the hot sun in between limestone hills and vegetable fields. You will have to overcome all the hindrances since you come to Pathuk area (the first Sub-Regency that you will pass by in Gunung Kidul Regency) until you get to the beach.

You cannot escape from the hindrances. The easiest route with smooth asphalted road you best take is Yogyakarta - Wonosari continued with Wonosari - Baron - Tepus route. Another route, namely Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Gunung Kidul, has harder challenges with road full of holes, while Wonogiri - Gunung Kidul route is to far to take from Yogyakarta city.

Suffering before getting the happiness seems to represent your journey to Siung Beach. You will fee happy, released and peaceful after you get to the beach. The blue ocean and white, clean sands will cure tiredness. Some wooden houses are available for visitors to take shelter or to have a chat with friends while enjoying the beauty of the beach panorama.

One of the prominent enchantments of Siung Beach is its coral reef. The huge coral reefs at the west and east parts of the beach have important function to add the beauty of the scenery and to border with other beach.

The coral reef of which form resembles the fang of a monkey protrudes little bit to the ocean. The name of the beach was - according to Wastoyo, the local senior leader - taken from the form of the coral reef that resembles the shape of a monkey's fang. The coral reef remains beautiful to enjoy with the waves sometimes hit it and the seawater permeates through its cavities (look at the photograph).

The monkey's fang coral reef that still stands firmly despite eroding waves becomes the witness of the triumph of Siung area in the past. Wastoyo tells that Siung area was one of the trading centers during the time of Islamic leaders in Gunung Kidul area. Close to the beach, in Winangun area, there is a traditional market. Here, Mrs Kami and Mrs Podi, the widows of the servants of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Kingdoms lived.

Most of the people in Siung area make their living by producing salt. They rely their lives on the seawater that is rich in rich content. The salt produced by the local people becomes the main commodity in Winangun market. Even though the sea is rich in various kinds of fish, not many local people dare to go sea by that time. Most of them just catch fish at the shallow waters.

The trading in Winangun market was decreasing when the market was "moved" to Yogyakarta. The new market in Yogyakarta that used to be the Winangun market in Siung area was named Jowinangun that stands for Jobo Winangun, meaning outside the Winangun area. Local people lost their livelihood and not many people come to this area. There is no history telling what local people did to keep alive.

It was during the vacuum time that the beauty of the coral reefs in Siung Beach regained its popularity. In around 1989, a group of nature lovers from Japan utilized the coral cliffs to the west of the beach as an arena for cliff climbing. Then, in 1990s, there was a competition of Asian Climbing Gathering utilizing the coral cliff at Siung Beach. Since then, the popularity of Siung Beach began to come back.

As many as 250 climbing routes are now available at Siung Beach to facilitate the lovers of cliff climbing sport. Referring to the rule that the existing route can be added with the consent from the maker of the previous path, the routes can possibly be added. Many groups have made use of the climbing routes in this beach, such as a group of students from the State University of Yogyakarta that was about to climb when YogYES came to visit this beach.

The other facility supporting the cliff climbing activity is the camping ground in the eastern part of the beach. Tents are erected in the camping ground and fire can be set to spend the night. The only requirement to go camping there is destroying the environment and disturbing the turtle habitat as the sign board there says.

Close to the camping ground, a wooden stage-house can be functioned as the base camp as another choice than erecting the tent. It contains 10 - 15 people. The stage-house enables visitors to get wider view of the exotic beach. You only have to get permission from local people and pay some amount of money to use the stage-house.

When night comes or when there are not many visitors, the long-tailed monkeys will get down from the cliff to the shore. The existence of these rare long-tailed monkeys can be one of the reasons why the naming of the coral reef was analogized with the fang of the monkey, not other kinds of animals.

Wastoyo explains, based on what wise men explained, the prosperity and triumph of Siung Beach will come soon. The visit of more people and the increasing popularity as an arena of cliff climbing signal the movement of this beach to its triumph. The visit of tourists, including you, will surely speed up the attainment of the triumph

The Black Forest

The name of what is arguably the greatest forests of Germany--the Black Forest--often conjures up images of a dark, sinister place. Don't let the name fool you. The Black Forest in Germany is one of the best places you can go to explore some of the natural beauty the country has to offer.

Sitting in the south west corner of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest borders France, Switzerland, and the Neckar River. The forest itself straddles the continental divide, with the Atlantic watershed which is drained by the Rhine to one side and the Black Sea watershed which is drained by the Danube to the other.

This forest acquired its name due to a large concentration of pine trees which causes it to look quite dark from a distance. Additionally, the nearby mountains can cast their shadows over the valleys and further serve to darken it. However, the town at the center of the Black Forest in Germany, Freudenstadt, has made a claim that it actually receives the more hours of sunshine than any other town in nation.

The forests of Germany are highly valued and woodcutting is only allowed under the strict supervision by forest rangers. The timber is valuable, but environmental preservation, and thus tourism of the Black Forest in Germany is even more important. As a result, the trees that are cut down are replanted.

The forest itself is an area of heavily wooded mountains and verdant valleys. If you love nature, you will absolutely adore the Black Forest in Germany. The land and villages look relatively unchanged, as if you've stepped back in time, and when you walk through the forest, you can get an insight into what ancient Germany might have been like. Some of the houses you'll find in the villages are over three hundred years old. The Germany Black Forest even hosts some of the world's finest craftsmen of Cuckoo Clocks. Other places of interest to see include vineyards and castles. In addition, the Germany Black Forest possesses a rich mythological tradition, where werewolves and witches haunt the darkness, so watch out. Fortunately, there are dwarves that live within the woods who like to help people.

Located near the Germany Black Forest is Baden-Baden, a place renowned for its resorts and spas and a perfect place to stop before or after exploring one of the most impressive forests of Germany

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, an icon of Paris, is a wonder of design and structure, and an impressive sight worth getting close to. Lie in the grass at the Champs de mars and gaze up. Ascend the tower for spectacular views of Paris. Return at night with a bottle of Merlot to watch the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower tops out at over 1,000 feet, containing 2 restaurants, a souvenir shop, a post office (for that one of a kind postmark), snack bar, and a viewing area.

The world famous Paris tower is a mass of iron designed by Gustave Eiffel for the Universal Exposition of 1889 and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, when New York’s Chrysler building surpassed it. The Paris tower faced criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a “truly tragic street lamp.” Allegedly, Guy de Maupassant ate lunch on the lower level of the Paris tower everyday because it was the only view of the city in which he couldn’t see it. The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889. Today, the Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, and is embraced by the city.

Fifty tons of paint are used every 5 years to repaint the structure. A permanent light display goes off every hour in the evenings. Skate 187 feet above the Earth, during the winter, as the Eiffel Tower Paris turns the first floor into a rink. The tower has two restaurants, Altitude 95, located on the first floor 95 meters above sea level, and “reminiscent of an airship moored above Paris” according to the Eiffel Tower website. Also on the first deck are a souvenir shop, exhibit on the Paris tower, snack bar, and the post office. On the second floor, a specialty food shop, the restaurant Le Jules Verne, some historical panels, and another snack bar (in case you’re using the stairs instead of the elevator). At the top level, along with panoramic views, is a replica of Gustave Eiffel’s office, complete with wax figures of the man himself.

No Paris travel guide would be complete without mentioning famous Paris attractions including, the Panthéon, a monument dedicated to historical personages of France, housing a crypt containing over 70 people, including Votaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas. Notre Dame cathedral, with its ornate interior is an awe inspiring and popular destination. Pay homage to French author Victor Hugo, and ascend the bell tower for a look at the gargoyles from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Worth mentioning in any Paris travel guide is the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famed avenue Champs Élysées and centered in the world largest traffic roundabout. It is a simple, yet daunting monument commissioned by Napoleon. The gothic Saint Chapelle, built in the 13th century, has 15 stained glass windows depicting an entire biblical history.

Also important to mention in a Paris travel guide are some of the world famous museums Paris is home to including the gigantic Louve, which houses the Mona Lisa; the Musee d’Orsay, with artists such as Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh; and the National d’Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, home to a modern art collection.

The Eiffel Tower Paris, still a marvel of structure and design, is a must see stop on any Paris itinerary. Constructed for the World’s Exhibition of 1889, the Eiffel Tower Paris was slow to be embraced, but is now a beloved symbol of Paris, and one of Europe, if not the world’s most recognizable