The Palm Jumeirah Islands - United Arab Emirates

The Palm Jumeirah Islands - United Arab Emirates | THE AMAZING ISLAND | The Palm Islands are an artificial archipelago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on which major commercial and residential infrastructures will be constructed. They are being constructed by Nakheel Properties, a property developer in the United Arab Emirates, who hired Belgian and Dutch dredging and marine contractor Jan De Nul and Van Oord, some of the world's specialists in land reclamation. The islands are the Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira. Each settlement will be in the shape of a palm tree, topped with a crescent, and will have a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment centers. The Palm Islands are located off the coast of The United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf and will add 520 kilometers of beaches to the city of Dubai.

The Palm Jumeirah Island

The first two islands will comprise approximately 100 million cubic meters of rock and sand. Palm Deira will be composed of approximately 1 billion cubic meters of rock and sand. All materials will be quarried in the UAE. Among the three islands there will be over 100 luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas. The creation of the Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001. Shortly after, the Palm Jebel Ali was announced and reclamation work began. The Palm Deira, which is planned to have a surface area of 46.35 square kilometres, was announced for development in October 2004. Construction was originally planned to take 10–15 years, but that was before the impact of the global credit crunch hit Dubai.

The Palm Jumeirah Island

The Palm Jumeirah ( Coordinates: 25°06′28″N 55°08′15″E ) consists of a tree trunk, a crown with 16 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island that forms an 11 kilometer-long breakwater. The island itself is 5 kilometers by 5 kilometers. It will add 78 kilometers to the Dubai coastline. The first phase of development on the Palm Jumeirah will create 4,000 residences with a combination of villas and apartments over the next 3 to 4 years. Residents began moving into their Palm Jumeirah properties at the end of 2006, five years after land reclamation began, according to project developer Nakheel Properties. This signaled the end of phase one of construction, which includes approximately 1,400 villas on 11 of the fronds of the island and roughly 2,500 shoreline apartments in 20 buildings on the east side of the trunk. Nakheel Properties will mark the arrival of the first residents by bringing one of the world's largest airships to Dubai. It has agreed to a deal with Airship Management Services Inc. for a 197 feet (60 m) long, 250,000-cubic-foot (7,100 m3) Skyship 600 dirigible.

The Palm Jumeirah Island

According to Nakheel Properties officials, the process of adding 78 kilometers of beach is under way, while eight of the 32 hotels on The Palm Jumeirah have begun construction, including the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, which was planned for completion in late 2008 or early 2009, is delayed and now expected to open in early 2010. The first phase Atlantis, The Palm Resort, is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. Atlantis, The Palm opened on 24 September, 2008. The "Golden Mile", the strip of land located along the center of the trunk overlooking the canal, is set for completion in the first quarter of 2008. The tenants started moving in 30 April 2009. Construction has also begun on the Palm Jumeirah Monorail, which will take three years to complete and will serve as a transit system between the Gateway Station at the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah and the Atlantis Station on the crescent. (Emirates News Agency, WAM).The Monorail opened May 6 2009 only using Atlantis Hotel and Gateway Towers Stations.

Dubai World Island - United Arab Emirates

Dubai World Island -  United Arab Emirates | THE AMAZING ISLAND |  Dubai World  is an investment company that manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai government across a wide range of industry segments and projects that promote Dubai as a hub for commerce and trading. It is the emirate's flag bearer in global investments and has a central role in the direction of Dubai's economy. Assets include DP World, which caused considerable controversy when trying to take over six US ports, and Nakheel, its property arm, which built The Palm Islands and The World developments, and Istithmar World, its investment company. It is chaired by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Dubai World was established under a decree ratified on 2 March 2006 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. He also holds the majority stake in Dubai World.

Dubai World

On 2 July 2006, it was launched as a holding company with more than 50,000 employees in over 100 cities around the globe. The group now has extensive real estate investments in the United States, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Dubai World made headlines in March 2008 after its chairman, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, threatened to take the fund's money out of Europe. Dubai World's threats came shortly after the European Union attempted to lay out "a set of principles for transparency, predictability and accountability" for sovereign wealth funds. On November 26, 2009, Dubai World proposed to delay repayment of its debt, which raised the risk of the largest government default since the Argentine debt restructuring in 2001. Dubai World, the investment vehicle for the emirate, asked to delay for six months payment on $26 billion of debt.

Dubai World

The extent of the debt rattled many markets causing many indices to drop; including oil prices. U.S. stocks fell sharply but rebounded from their lows as investors concluded that the damage might be contained. The Dow Jones industrial average lost about 155 points, or roughly 1.5 percent, in a shortened trading day, and other stock averages also sank. Oil prices plunged as much as 7 percent before recovering some ground later in the day. On December 12, 2010, Dubai named Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, head of Emirates airline and uncle of the state’s ruler, as chairman of Dubai World in a board revamp a year after the company said it would halt loan repayments, roiling markets. The 51-year-old replaced Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Anibare Bay - Republic of Nauru

Anibare Bay - Republic of Nauru | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Anibare Bay is located in Anibare which is one of the districts of Nauru. Anibare Bay is the best beach of Nauru. You can enjoy the best panoramas of Nauru while visiting the beautiful Anibare Bay. The activities which you can enjoy most in Anibare Bay are surfing or swimming but you should be very careful while surfing or swimming as strong surf and underwater current often take surfers by surprise in the Anibare bay of Nauru. 

Anibare Bay

Anibare Bay is situated adjacent to Buada Lagoon which is another greatest attraction of Nauru. Visitors enjoy the beauty of Anibare both during day and night. At night the beauty of the Bay bathed in the rays of the moon is simply mesmerizing. Daytime activities are also various and plenty. Sitting in a full moon night at Anibare Bay gives a very romantic feeling. Anibare Bay is situated adjacent to Buada Lagoon which is another greatest attraction of Nauru. In the Anibare Bay, Nauru you can get to see the variety of submerged flora. 

Anibare Bay

The white coral sand of Anibare Bay makes the beach much more attractive. There is a copiousness of sunlight, sand and shadow in the Anibare Bay at Nauru. Anibare harbor is another attraction of Anibare Bay. You can put up in the Meneng hotel during your visit to Anibare Bay in Nauru. Meneng hotel is situated very close to Anibare Bay. Sitting in your hotel room you can enjoy the excellent view of Anibare Bay. The accommodation and service of this hotel are extremely satisfactory. 

Bouvet Island - Norwegia

Bouvet Island - Norwegia | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Bouvet Island is located at 54°26S 3°24E / 54.433°S 3.4°E / -54.433; 3.4. It is 49 km2 (19 sq mi) in area, 93% of which is covered by glaciers, which block the south and east coasts.[4] A number of rocks and very small satellite islands lie offshore, including Lars Island to the southwest. The nearest land is Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, which is over 1,750 kilometres (1,090 mi) away to the south, and which does not have a permanent population but is the site of a Norwegian all-year research station. To the northeast, it is about 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi) to Cape Town. Bouvet Island has no ports or harbours, only offshore anchorages, and is therefore difficult to approach. Wave action has created a very steep coast. The easiest way to access the island is with a helicopter from a ship. The glaciers form a thick ice layer falling in high cliffs into the sea or onto the black beaches of volcanic sand. The 29.6 km (18.4 miles) of coastline are often surrounded by pack ice. The highest point on the island is called Olavtoppen, and has a peak 780 m (2,559 ft) above sea level. A lava shelf on the island's west coast formed between 1955 and 1958 and provides a nesting site for birds.

Bouvet Island

Because of the harsh climate and ice-bound terrain, vegetation is limited to lichens and mosses. Seals, seabirds and penguins are the only vertebrate fauna. As such the island is part of the Scotia Sea Islands tundra ecoregion, along with South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the South Shetland Islands and the South Orkney Islands. Despite being uninhabited, Bouvet Island has the unused Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .bv. It also has an amateur radio prefix, 3Y, and a few amateur radio expeditions have travelled to the island to use it. There is no telephone country code or area code, no telephone connection (except through satellite) and no postal code nor postal distribution. Bouvet Island is according to Norwegian law in the UTC+01 time zone. The first extended stay on the island was in 1927, when the Norwegian crew of the ship Norvegia stayed for about a month. The island was claimed for Norway by expedition leader Lars Christensen on 1 December 1927 By a Royal Norwegian Decree of January 23, 1928, Bouvet Island (Bouvetøya in Norwegian) became a Norwegian Territory. The United Kingdom waived its claim in favour of Norway the following year. In 1930 a Norwegian act was passed that made the island a dependent area subject to the sovereignty of the Kingdom (but not a part of the Kingdom).

Bouvet Island

In 1964, an abandoned lifeboat was discovered on the island although its origin has never been determined. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. During the 1950s and 1960s, there was some interest from South Africa to establish a weather station, but conditions were deemed to be too hostile. An automated weather station was, however, set up in 1977 by the Norwegians. On September 22, 1979, a satellite recorded a flash of light (which was later interpreted as having been caused by a nuclear bomb explosion or natural event such as a meteor) in a stretch of the southern Atlantic Ocean between Bouvet Island and Prince Edward Islands. This flash, since dubbed the Vela Incident, is still not completely resolved. In 1994, the Norwegians constructed a field station – a container building of 36 square metres (388 square feet). On October 19, 2007, the Norwegian Polar Institute announced that the station was no longer visible on satellite photographs. Later investigations indicated that a landslide or ice avalanche swept the building off its foundations. A replacement station is being planned (2009). An unmanned weather station on the island is reportedly still intact.

Bouvet Island

Bouvet is the setting of the 2004 movie Alien vs. Predator, in which it is referred to using its Norwegian name "Bouvetøya" even though in the unrated edition of the film, a satellite focuses in on the island which is geographically situated in the approximate location of Peter I Island. In 1990, a multi-nation expedition of five Amateur Radio Operators landed on Bouvet to set up communications with the world. They were assisted by their ship, the Norwegian Vessel, the Aurora, carrying a helicopter to off load men and equipment to the island. The operators were Jon Petter Åsen, Yvonne Edvartsen, Lena Aronsen, Håkon Bogen, Nikolai Røed Kristiansen. In 16 days on the island, they contacted 50,000 Amateur Radio Operators around the world on SSB, CW, and RTTY. Scientists were on the ship and mapped the population of Seals and Penguins during their stay. There was also a film crew along to document the expedition for Movies and TV.

Gunkajima Island - Japan

Gunkajima Island - Japan | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Gunkanjima (the Ghost and forbidden Island) is one among 505 uninhabited islands in the Nagasaki Prefecture about 15 kilometers from Nagasaki itself. The island was populated from 1887 to 1974 as a coal mining facility. The island's most notable features are the abandoned concrete buildings and the sea wall surrounding it. It is known for its coal mines and their operation during the industrialization of Japan. Mitsubishi bought the island in 1890 and began the project, the aim of which was retrieving coal from the bottom of the sea. They built Japan's first large concrete building, a block of apartments in 1916 to accommodate their burgeoning ranks of workers, and to protect against typhoon destruction.

Gunkajima Island

Gunkanjima is one among 505 uninhabited islands in the Nagasaki Prefecture about 15 kilometers from Nagasaki itself. The island was populated from 1887 to 1974 as a coal mining facility. The island's most notable features are the abandoned concrete buildings and the sea wall surrounding it. It is known for its coal mines and their operation during the industrialization of Japan. Mitsubishi bought the island in 1890 and began the project, the aim of which was retrieving coal from the bottom of the sea. They built Japan's first large concrete building, a block of apartments in 1916 to accommodate their burgeoning ranks of workers, and to protect against typhoon destruction. 

Gunkajima Island

In 1959, its population density was 835 people per hectare for the whole island, or 1,391 per hectare for the residential district, one of the highest population density ever recorded worldwide. As petroleum replaced coal in Japan in the 1960s, coal mines began shutting down all over the country, and Hashima's mines were no exception. Mitsubishi officially announced the closing of the mine in 1974, and today it is empty and bare, which is why it's called the Ghost Island. Travel to Hashima is currently prohibited.

Felicite Island - Republic of Seychelles

Felicite Island - Republic of Seychelles | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Felicite Island is situated 4 km away from the La Digue. This Island is also positioned with a close proximity to some other La Digue satellites like Marianne, Sister Islands, and Ile Cocos. It has many wonderful sites that you can go for sightseeing. There are many lavishly framed structures that are really outstanding and eye-catching. Felicite has gorgeous beaches at La Digue, and can offer you swimming and snorkeling facilities also. Felicite Island is only for snorkeling enthusiasts, hikers, and the very rich. It’s covered with the mountainous terrain, which is surrounded by the excellent snorkeling places and also owned by the luxury resort named La Digue Island Lodge. The guests who stay at the lodge that is situated on the La Digue Island can get a good chance to walk over beautiful trails while enjoying snorkeling, and taking full advantage of enjoying the private island where they are for a short time.

Felicite Island

At the time you book for the Felicite Private Island you will be very lucky enough to encounter some of the unique services and awesome nature’s gift. The Felicite is a French word that denotes bliss. Therefore staying here is completely blissful, with comfortable accommodation and staff set to cater your need. At less than 3 square kilometers, this charming island, which is just like heaven, sits proud in the center of most toured islands of Seychelles. It can offer you an overall panoramic sight of La Digue, Praslin, Sisters and finally Coco Island. Coco island is comprised of some of the beautiful aquatic world. This natural aquatic world is a very famous snorkeling place in the area of Seychelles. However, the Felicite Island has lots more to give than only its gorgeous seas, your Robinson Crusoe Island.

Felicite Island

Many beaches have amazing swimming and snorkeling facilities you can enjoy. You can feel on top of this world with just 10 minutes of walk from your accommodations. This island is filled with richness given by the fertile land and you will grow to love the many seasonal local fruits and vegetables practically right at your door step; and then feel it, see it, and eat it from your Garden of Eden. Four Palm thatched A-frame style chalets with attic and patio is nicely included amongst the natural boulders and plants, overlooking Coco Islands and its Marine Park. Chalets are perfect for couples and families of four or five. Serving to your taste, the chef and his entire crew are at your beck and call in a very informal and familiar manner. But, they are well aware of preserving your privacy and keeping a touch of fine wining and dining. Felicité is densely forested, and it is perfect for exploration. Also there are lots of lovely beaches and interesting nooks and crannies to find, few of which are not readily accessible. They are also therefore extremely private. Maybe the best-looking beach, the La Penice, is located just hundred meters from bungalow accommodation and with mere two bungalows giving accommodation for eight people ensuring quiet a good holiday.

Tayrona Park Island - Colombia

Tayrona Park Island - Colombia | THE AMAZING ISLAND | The popular Tayrona Park lies at the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta in Colombia. It has some of South America's loveliest coastline. This little, delightful spot is located about 30 minutes from the city of Rodadero, with beautiful beaches, hammocks to rent for the night, food, water and surf (be careful, though; there is a strong riptide - experienced surfers only!). Additionally, you can get a guide to take you to a native village in the nearby mountains The variety of fauna and flora due to the 15 000 hectares declared as a national park in 1964 (12 billion land and sea girdle 3 000) extend from sea level to 900 meters, allowing the existence of different land and sea ecosystems.

Tayona Island

The park is represented by two drainage systems. The maritime system, consisting of sets of small streams, creeks and streams that glide slopes, rocky gorges and flow into the sea. In the west, the existing river channel are reduced and remain dry for much of the year, because of the ruling regime at (bonitogordo broken, shell and Gayraca). In times marked by drought, the creek water infiltrating shell in deep sandy sediments of the seabed and are invisible to the sea and reappear in small ponds near the beach. To the east of Gayraca, flow rates gradually increase and become perennial. History this park is the concession of the Tayrona National Park was created in 1964 and it is located on the Caribbean Coast in the north of Colombia, only 34 km from the city of Santa Marta. it has not only an immense natural importance in this region, but it is also a cultural treasure. A long time ago, small groups of hunters and gatherers inhabited the park, and towards the VI and the VII century, both the coast and the mountain of the park were habited by the famous Tayrona tribe. You can admire their culture nowadays, because the Koguis, their direct descendants, as well as three other indigenous groups, still live in these areas and they maintain many of their traditions.

Tayona Island

The continental drainage system consists of the streams that will lead to the river stones, and to serve eastern boundary. At the western end of River Park average annual precipitation is about 500 mm. She is gradually increasing to the east to levels approximately 2000 mm in the field of river stones and highest mountain landscapes of central and eastern portions of the area. In two rainy periods are May 1 to June and the other from September to November, with maximum intensities in October, and two dry periods, the first of December to April, more intense, and the other called Indian summer, quite variable and may even be limited to just two weeks in July or early August. The average annual temperature at sea level is 27 ° C, and is estimated at about 22 ° C for the high peaks of the park.

Fernando de Noronha - Brazil

Fernando de Noronha - Brazil | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Two hundred some miles off Natal on Brazil's northeastern coast, in waters untainted by sediment from Brazil's major rivers, lies Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago looking today much like it did when it was discovered five hundred years ago. Its distance from shore and the limited tourist facilities aren't a drawback to visitors who rave enthusiastically about these spectacular islands. The archipelago is called Fernando de Noronha (see map.) The islands are the remains of volcanic mountains jutting up from the Atlantic. There are twenty small islands, one larger one, and scores of beautiful beaches where clean sand, pure water and fabulous marine life abound.

Fernando de Noronha

Claimed by Américo Vespúcio for the Portuguese in 1503, early settlers built a fortress, now in ruins, at Vila dos Remedios, the largest populated town. (See map.) The islands were a prison, then a convenient stopover point for early flights to Europe, and the facilities used by one European airline gave the name AirFrance to a local community. There was also a WW II air base. Today, the Brazilian Air Force maintains a base there. Although the islands support a large variety of wildlife species, they are relatively unpopulated and tourism is restricted to 420 visitors at a time. In fact, the longer you stay, the higher your permit fee will go. There is one paved road, Brazil's shortest national highway, one hotel and many pousadas which fill to capacity in the summer season.

Fernando de Noronha

In the 1970's almost three-quarters of the archipelgo was created into the National Marine Sanctuary of Fernando de Noronha, the PN Fernando de Noronha, to preserve both the land and marine environment. Of particular interest is the nature conservancy effort saving the sea turtles (shown above. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image and description.) While Fernando de Noronha is now a model environmental protection area, it is also one of Brazil's almost hidden treasure. The clarity and warmth of the water, on the equatorial stream, and the abundant underwater life makes these islands a mecca for divers and snorkelers. There are over two hundred species of fish, plus dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks to view and photograph.

Freedom Island - Thailand

Freedom Island - Thailand | THE AMAZING ISLAND | Longtail boat from Patong Beach cost 1,300-2,000 baht, it all depends how many you are and your negotiations skills. The 6 km boat trip should take around 15 minutes around the headland at the southern tip of Patong Bay. A shorter and cheaper alternative is to take a longtail boat from Tri Trang Beach only 1,3 km away.  There is a road going to Freedom Beach, but a locked gate prevents tourists from driving to the beach.  Freedom is the most beautiful beach in Phuket with white soft sand, crystal clear water and the beach is kept in perfect order, no garbage here. It can't get any cleaner and the people that is running the beach make sure it stay so.

Freedom Island

Freedom Beach is located in a cove south of Patong, at the foot of a lush green hill where sunbeds are placed under the palm trees and not directly on the beach itself, leaving the beach mostly empty with the exception of sun lovers like myself.  The beach has facilities like a restaurant, modern toilets and showers at the end of the beach. There are no water sports at Freedom Beach and jet skies from Patong are not welcome here. As soon as jet skies come close to the beach the staff run down and chase them away. Freedom is a quiet beach where the whole family can relax in the sun without being disturbed by beach vendors trying to sell overpriced wares. 

Freedom Island

Lots of corals in shallow water was destroyed under the tsunami. Now the corals are back, but they are still very small. There are some corals in deeper water but I think there are better places elsewhere even if a friend was impressed by the snorkeling here. Freedom has very clear water where lots of colorful fish swim close to the beach. But in the shallow water where everyone feed the fish the sand gets stirred up and the water loses its clarity. Instead you should swim out a few meters where the visibility is much better or swim where there are less people.  Freedom is one of the most expensive beaches in Phuket to spend a day on. Sunbed 120 baht, food in the restaurant is very expensive, longtailboat cost alot. This is not a beach one can visit often so long the road is closed for tourists. There is only one thing I would point my finger on and that is the very expencive and tasteless food. One example: French fries, the only food I eat on a beach in Thailand cost more than in a fast food outlet back home in Norway!