The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, located in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, is a famous Buddhist temple known for its stunning setting and the thousands of Buddha statues found throughout the complex. The monastery is a popular attraction and a significant Buddhist religious site in Hong Kong.
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Hong Kong was founded in 1957 by Yuet Kai, a Buddhist monk from China. The monastery is home to over 10,000 Buddha statues, which are arranged in rows and columns on the hillside.
Architectural Features – The monastery is known for its unique architectural features, including the “Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall,” which houses the 10,000 Buddha statues. The hall is decorated with colorful murals and intricate carvings.
Cultural Significance – The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a popular destination and a significant religious site for Buddhists. It is also a major center for Buddhist education and meditation.
How To Get There – The fastest and least expensive way to reach the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is by the HK Metro. Get off at Sha Tin Station and upon exiting take the sidewalk up the hill past the Pei Tau Playground. Cross the street and take the first street on the right (Sheuung Wo Che Road). At the end of the road in about one block the entrance to the trail will be up and to your left. The path is paved and climbs up 430 steps to the monastery.
number of bucket lists compiled by visiting over two dozen sources and selecting those destinations that have been mentioned most often.
The Intentional Travelers 25 Must Do Additions To Your Travel Bucket-list
This is The Intentional Travelers top destinations compiled from our decades of exploring the world. You might find it incomplete and you’d be right, since hopefully we haven’t done all of our own bucket list items yet.
After this list you’ll find more compiled lists featuring cruise itineraries, historic sights, nature travel and more…
Budapest: While it’s hard to single out one city from all the world’s great cities, Budapest is our favorite all-around city. It’s incredibly beautiful with castles, cathedrals and the Parliament building along the Danube River, a fantastic mass transit system and amazing restaurants and cafes.
Iguazu Falls: Now recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls is an experience that belongs on every bucket list. Be sure and note the best park for visiting the falls is in Argentina and the time is December to May.
Prague: This historic city features a vibrant culture, world class public transportation and fantastic food and cafe opportunities. The parks and trails along the Vltava River invite you to spend hours strolling and relaxing.
Kilauea Volcano At Night: When the volcano is active don’t miss the unparalleled opportunity to observe molten lava flowing into the ocean, lighting up the coast while clouds of steam billow skyward. Be sure and check ahead with tour operators about the current conditions.
Paris: There is only one Paris and should be near the top of everyone’s bucket list. Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the list goes on and on and don’t miss the food and nightlife.
Venice: The expression says “see Venice and die”, suggesting there is no place in the world that can top the experience of visiting Venice. With its magnificent canals, palaces, cathedrals and public squares you’ll understand why. Don’t miss the gondolas as it is a unique experience.
Rome: Not only is Rome the ancient capital of the worlds greatest empire with those amazing ancient building, it is also a city that was home to Popes, great architects and Renaissance artists. Throw in great restaurants, wine bars and fabulous shopping and this city belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Resurrection Bay, Alaska: We’ve taken numerous nature tours over the years from Denali to Amazonia to Australia and none of them come close to our day out on Resurrection Bay. From whales to eagles, sea lions and puffins, wildlife was everywhere. One consideration is you’ll need good weather for the best experience.
Florence: The home and center of the Renaissance, this amazing city is a treasure trove of art, architecture and culture. Its museums hold extensive collections of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artists such as Michelangelo, Di Vinci, Raphael, and Titian.
Jerusalem: This remarkable city is sacred to three of the world’s great religions; Judism, Christianity and Islam. Walking its ancient streets can be a very emotional experience and something everyone should try and do once in their life.
Bangkok: The capital of Thailand and the heart of the kingdom of Siam, this remarkable city is dotted with Buddhist temples, palaces and cultural sites. If the opportunity presents itself don’t pass up visiting Bangkok.
Penguins In The Falklands: It’s incredible how popular expeditions to see penguins have become and one of the easiest to get to locations for viewing large colonies is the Falkland Islands.
Zion National Park: America has dozens of incredible National Parks and probably the best for hiking is Zion. From paved walkways to steep cliff tops and narrow passes through sandstone canyons, Zion has something for everyone.
Haleakala Volcano: On the island of Maui, Haleakala National Park boasts some of the most diverse hiking trails anywhere. From leisurely strolls through lush rainforests to challenging treks to the summit of Haleakala, this park offers an experience that some have described as like exploring on the Moon.
The Beagle Channel: Cutting across South America at Tierra del Fuego the channel provides some of the most concentrated wildlife to be found anywhere on Earth. From whales to sea lions to tens of thousands of sea birds it is an amazing experience.
The Acropolis Athens: The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city. It is one of the most important and iconic landmarks of civilization and is universally recognized as the birth place of the worlds first democracy. It was a city state of the ancient Athenians who included some of the worlds most famous philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and writers.
Hubbard Glacier: Of all the worlds glaciers one of the most spectacular is Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier. About a mile wide, this massive ice sheet is constantly calving large walls of ice into the bay. Visited by cruise ships and excursion boats it is the highlight of any Alaska trip.
Yosemite National Park: This California National Park is one of the most visited in America and the scenery concentrated in Yosemite Valley is breathtaking. Its famous highlights include Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls.
Yellowstone: America’s first national park, Yellowstone is huge covering almost 3,500 square miles of natural wonders. Its iconic sights include the Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Monmouth Springs and much more.
Singapore: If you want to get a glimpse of the future visit Singapore. This modern multi-cultural city has one of the world’s best public transportation systems and more sights and attractions than you can fit into several weeks of visiting.
Giants Causeway: Composed of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by an ancient volcanic eruption it is not the only formation but it is the largest. Located on the coast of Northern Ireland, the columns are mostly hexagonal in shape and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site is also surrounded by a landscape of cliffs and headlands, with stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Machu Picchu: An ancient city in Peru, located in the Andes. It was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in all the world. The city is made up of stone structures, including temples, palaces, and houses, and is surrounded by lush vegetation and amazing mountain scenery.
Pompeii, Italy: This ancient Roman city located near modern Naples was one of the most important and prosperous cities of the Roman Empire, with a population of over 20,000 people. Pompeii is best known for its destruction in 79 AD, when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and completely buried the city. Today it is one of the most popular and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world.
Panama Canal: An engineering marvel the canal was built between 1904 and 1914 by the United States, and it has been in operation ever since. The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world lifting ships from sea level in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean across the mountains of Panama using a series of locks. Cruising through the canal is an experience not to be missed.
Normandy France: A special place commemorating a day where heroism was the norm. Spend time at the beaches where the allied armies stormed ashore to begin the liberation of Europe in World War II. Be sure to save time and pay your respects at the cemeteries where thousands of those brave men rest.
ADDITIONAL BUCKET LISTS
Following is a series of bucket lists, each with a particular focus and compiled by visiting over two dozen highly regarded travel authorities and selecting those places that have been mentioned most often.
10 Best Archeological and Historical Landmark Locations
Rome, Italy: The Eternal City is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks of the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon as well as major architectural highlights from the Renaissance through today.
Cairo, Egypt: Gateway to the wonders of the ancient Egyptian empires. Located on the Nile River and near the great pyramids of Giza it is home to the Egyptian Museum and is the starting point for visits to Luxor and The Valley of the Kings.
Athens, Greece: In the center of this city rises the Acropolis, holding spectacular ancient temples and recognized as the birthplace of the worlds first democracy. It was home to the ancient Athenians that included some of the worlds most famous philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and writers.
Paris, France: “There will always be Paris!” The City of Light is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Kyoto, Japan: This city is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, including temples, shrines, and tea houses. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Jerusalem: A city sacred to three of the world’s great religions, this international city was first the capital of the kingdom of the Israelites and housed their Temples. It is where Jesus preached and was crucified and is sacred to the Christian faith and is also the location of the Dome of the Rock, sacred to Muslims. Walking its streets will carry back in time almost 3,000 years.
Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient city, located in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and an archeological wonder. It is known for its impressive stone ruins, which were constructed by the Incas on a high mountain peak in the 15th century.
Florence, Italy: This Italian city represented the very heart of the European Renaissance. Its famous residents included Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, the Medici family, Machiavelli, Galileo and Dante Alighieri and is the location of a number of world’s most famous art collections.
Petra, Jordan: This isolated ancient city was carved right out of the rose-red rock, and is on most bucket lists for archeological destinations. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Treasury, the Amphitheater, and the Royal Tombs.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia: This amazing temple complex, located in the jungle, is the largest religious monument in the world. It was built by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century and is known for its intricate carvings and impressive architecture.
Luxor and The Valley of the Kings, Egypt: A place in Egypt where, for a period from the 16th to 11th century BC, the worlds greatest civilization constructed temples and tombs for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes and Luxor, within the heart of the Theban Necropolis.
Ten Cruise Itineraries For Your Bucket List
Arranged in descending order of most often selected chosen.
Every year more and more people discover cruising and what better way to tick off those bucket list destinations than on a luxury cruise ship. Here’s a list composed from several cruising bucket list articles showing the most popular cruise itineraries:
Alaska: Year after year Alaska cruises top every survey as the best cruise itinerary worldwide. Pick your favorite cruise line and go see Alaska.
The Caribbean: With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and proximity to the U.S. market these cruises are really popular in the Winter and are often good values.
The Mediterranean: Most Med cruises come in two choices, Eastern and Western and deciding which one is very difficult. Choosing between Spain, the Riviera, Italy or Athens, the Greek Islands, and the Adriatic is a matter of individual interest. If you’re flying over perhaps consider doing both?
Panama Canal: The canal is another of those “once in a lifetime” experiences. Most cruises sail from the U.S. west coast to the east coast or the other way round. Some Caribbean itineraries also offer a canal short trip going part way in and back out into the Caribbean.
New England and the Canadian Maritimes: These are popular Autumn itineraries for see the leaves changing colors and the scenery is amazing. Most include a number of ports from Bar Harbor to Old Quebec.
Australia and New Zealand: For long distance travel, Down Under is the number one itinerary and for good reason. For English speaking destinations you can’t get any more exotic and amazing than Australia and New Zealand.
The South China Sea: With Singapore being a popular departure port Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong and dozens of other exotic destinations in the South China Sea are waiting to be explored.
Antarctica: As hard as it is to believe there are dozens of options for cruising to the frozen continent. From luxury cruise ships to smaller expedition ships Antarctic cruises are now available for anyone to experience.
Scandinavia and the North Atlantic: Popular destinations in the Netherlands, Norway, the Shetland Islands, Iceland and even Greenland are on a number of cruise itineraries from several cruise companies.
The Hawaiian Islands: These Pacific islands are truly America’s paradise with each island having a unique character, cruising is probably the best way to experience them. While U.S. law makes cruising them a challenge there are a number of itinerary options available to see these amazing islands.
10 best Cities known for their unique and impressive architecture, famous buildings, bridges, and monuments.
Cape Town, South Africa: Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to numerous famous buildings that includes the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Castle of Good Hope is a well-preserved 17th-century fortress and St. George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The most famous structures in Rio is the Christ the Redeemer statue, an awe-inspiring symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture. The city is also noted for the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian a striking example of modern architecture. Its unique cone-shaped design and stained glass windows make it a must along with the National Library of Brazil.
Paris, France: World-renowned for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance the highlights include the over 1,000 foot tall Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Famous for its picturesque waterfront area lined with colorful 17th and 18th-century townhouses, Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. The official residence of the Danish royal family is Amalienborg Palace a magnificent complex of four identical palaces surrounding an octagonal square and famous for the changing of the royal guards, a traditional ceremony that takes place every day at noon. Copenhagen is also noted for Christiania a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its unique and alternative lifestyle.
London, England: One of the worlds great cities famous for the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, home to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive museum collections, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.
Sydney, Australia: Sydney, Australia is a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that cater to a multitude of interests. Famous for the Sydney Opera House one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is known for its unique sail-like design and hosts various performances and events throughout the year. The Sydney Harbour Bridge: Another iconic symbol of Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach offering a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. The Royal Botanic Gardens located in the heart of the city and Taronga Zoo situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour.
Stockholm, Sweden: Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture its major highlights include Gamla Stan (Old Town) the oldest part of Stockholm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish royal family and one of the largest palaces in the world. The Vasa Museum that houses the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship, the Vasa. The Skansen Open-Air Museum that features traditional Swedish buildings, farms, and workshops along with the Stockholm Archipelago, a group of islands located just outside of Stockholm. The archipelago is known for its beautiful scenery, including rocky shores, lush forests, and sparkling waters.
Wellington, New Zealand: highlights include Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand), the Wellington Cable Car, Weta Cave, Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Mount Victoria Lookou Wellington Botanic Garden, Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the famous Wellington Waterfront, Beehive and Parliament Buildings.
Bergen, Norway: A vibrant and popular city that is home to Bryggen, a series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbor. The Fløibanen Funicular, Bergen Aqaurium and the famous Fish Market.
10 Best Cities For Stunning Natural Environments
Cape Town, South Africa: Nestled under mountains to the north and the peninsula stretching to the southern tip of Africa to the south, Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty. It is no exaggeration to call it a nature lovers paradise.
Vancouver, Canada: Surrounded by a large natural harbor with impressive mountains at its back, Vancouver is Western Canada’s natural jewel. The city is famous for its skiing and hiking trails along with its popular boating opportunities.
Sydney, Australia: Sydney owes its success to being located on one of the worlds largest natural harbors. Add in proximity to a number of the world’s great beaches, nearness to the Blue Mountains and its remarkable weather, and it’s hard to find a more inviting location.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Surrounded by water, with waterways that play a vital role in the city’s identity and natural beauty. The city is intersected by canals, harbors, and lakes, offering ample opportunities for water-based activities. In addition nature is celebrated with numerous parks like King’s Garden, Denmark’s oldest royal gardens. This Botanical Garden contains ten hectares of gardens with a butterfly house and a tropical palm house dating back to 1874.
Stockholm, Sweden: Noted for Hellasgården located only 20 minutes from Stockholm, this outdoor activity centre offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and cycling activities.The Sörmland Trail, 1,000 kilometres long and one of the longest hiking trails in Scandinavia, with many starting points easily accessible by public transport from Stockholm. The city is built upon 14 islands, and in the archipelago just outside the city, you’ll find nearly 30,000 more, a paradise for boaters and kayakers.
Wellington, New Zealand: Forested hills and the sea embrace Wellington offering nature so near there are many opportunities to experience native wildlife. New Zealand is famous for rare flightless birds including the national icon, the kiwi, along with common flighted species such as the tūi and kererū. Everywhere you travel in Wellington there’s wildlife from marine mammals to birds and lizards.
Honolulu, Hawaii: From snorkeling right off the beaches to hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, gardens, and scenic lookouts, to kayaking through caves and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful reefs anywhere around, there are so many ways to get into nature on this amazing city.
Bergen, Norway: Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway in the heart of the fjords. As a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture along with an exciting urban life all year around.
10 Best Cities For Great Public Transportation
The one thing that really makes a city stand out is a well developed, efficient and inexpensive public transportation network. To really enjoy visiting a city you need to be able to get around without spending a lot of money or waisting too much time and it’s really important for public transportation to be easy to understand. Good maps, easy to identify stops that are well marked and a simple fare system. Below is a consensus of the best cities for public transportation.
Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo has one of the most efficient and extensive public transportation systems in the world, with a vast network of subways, trains, and buses that operate 24/7. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Singapore: Singapore is another city with an excellent public transportation system, including a modern MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system, buses, and taxis. The city is also known for its efficient traffic management, which helps to keep the roads congestion-free.
London, UK: London has a long history of public transportation, with its iconic red double-decker buses and the world’s oldest underground railway system, the London Underground. The city also has a well-developed network of trains and trams.
Paris, France: Paris is known for its efficient and extensive public transportation system, including the Paris Métro, buses, and trams. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world, with a vast network of subways, trains, and buses that operate 24/7. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Seoul, South Korea: Seoul has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including a well-developed subway system, buses, and taxis. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Budapest, Hungary: This city has a well-developed public transportation system that integrates trams, buses, a subway and a funicular. Tourist passes are inexpensive and system maps are readily available and easy to understand.
Berlin, Germany: Berlin has a well-developed public transportation system, including an extensive subway system, buses, and trams. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is known for its excellent cycling infrastructure, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen is another bike-friendly city with an excellent cycling infrastructure. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including a metro, buses, and trains.
Cruise Port of Yokohama to Central TokyoAnd Narita Airport
Getting to and from your cruise in Yokohama can be a challenge. Taxis and transfers can be expensive and navigating public transportation requires a bit of research and dealing with a difficult language issue. In years of traveling the world, Japan was probably the most difficulty we’ve experienced.
Getting from the cruise pier in Yokohama into central Tokyo can be a fast and inexpensive trip using the Nihon-Odori Metro train. Located only a few blocks from the cruise piers the station is well marked and easy to access. To purchase tickets for the Nihon-Odori subway line into Tokyo you can use the following methods:
Avoid Tokyo Rush Hours – If you are traveling with suitcases you will need to avoid city metro rush hours that peak on week days between 7am and 9:30 am in the morning and shortly after 5pm in the evening; however, morning rush hours tend to be heavier than evening rush hours. Rush hours are most extreme in the metro Tokyo systems.
Ticket Vending Machines: These machines are located at all stations and accept cash, most credit cards, Suica cards, and PASMO cards. You can select your destination and the number of tickets you need, and the machine will calculate the fare.
Station Staff: You can also purchase tickets from station staff at ticket booths. They can assist you with purchasing tickets and provide information about fares and routes (English is not often understood).
Mobile Apps: Some mobile apps, such as the Tokyo Metro app, allow you to purchase tickets and store them on your smartphone.
Fare Information: The fare for the Nihon-Odori subway line varies depending on the distance traveled. You can find the fare information on the Tokyo Metro website or at the station ticket vending machines.
Operating Hours The Nihon-Odori subway line typically operates from around 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM. However, the hours may vary slightly depending on the day of the week and the time of year. You can find the latest operating hours on the Tokyo Metro website.
Ticket prices at this printing:
Single Subway Use Ticket – Priced by destination (about US$4)
Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket – Adult: 800 yen (US$5.25), Child: 400 yen
Tokyo Subway 48-hour Ticket – Adult: 1,200 yen, Child: 600 yen
Tokyo Subway 72-hour Ticket – Adult: 1,500 yen, Child: 750 yen
Nihon-Odori Station Port of Yokohama, Japan
51 minutes by regular train to central Tokyo with trains running every 5 minutes
Station stops from Yokohama to Central Tokyo in order – On at Nihon-Odori Station, Bashamichi, Minatomirai, Shin-Takashima, Yokohama, Tammachi, Higashi-Hakuraku, Hakuraku, Myorenji, Kikuna, Okurayama(Kanagawa), Tsunashima, Hiyoshi(Kanagawa), Motosumiyoshi, Musashi-Kosugi, Shin-Maruko, Tamagawa(Tokyo), Den-En, Chofu, Jiyugaoka(Tokyo), Toritsu-Daigaku, Gakugei-Daigaku, Yutenji, Naka-Meguro, Daikan-Yama, Shibuya Tokyo.
Once at Shibuya you are in central Tokyo and can transfer to lines that will get you to your final destination (hotels can direct you to the nearest station) or you can take a taxi.
Additional Options
Taxi – about 30min US$125 – has the advantage of door-to-door service.
Bus – about 1h 35min, 3 transfers US$14 – not a very good option as you will need to research routes and stops before starting out.
Shuttle Van Transfer – from Yokohama to Tokyo US$150 – a good option if you are traveling with a group with lots of luggage.
The best option is to take the Narita Airport Shuttle Bus for about $20 per person. There are a number of pick-up options in Tokyo with popular pick-up locations being major hotels and a designated terminal. Each neighborhood in Tokyo will have its own shuttle and stops. Shibuya is the Tokyo where most visitors will stay with its iconic bright lights and big city feel. It’s a major entertainment, dining and shopping district. Shibuya is best known for Shibuya Crossing — the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. The shuttle trip to Narita takes about an hour and a half. Check with your hotel for the nearest pick up. Purchase tickets online HERE.
Getting From The Yokohama Cruise Terminal To Narita Airport
While there are often airport transfers available through the cruise ships that can also include some sightseeing they can cost $100 per person and up. A better option is to take the Narita Airport Bus for about $20 per person. There are a number of pick-up options in Yokohama from several hotels to a port station and the trip takes about an hour and twenty minutes.
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Recognized as One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
The experience is immersive as torrents of water cascade around you at every turn and the thundering sound is almost overwhelming. With miles of well paved hiking trails Iguazu National Park in Argentina requires several days to really experience.
Iguazu Falls is a system of waterfalls on the Iguazu River, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. It is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, with a width of 1.7 miles and a height of 269 feet.
In 1984, Iguazu Falls was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and its importance for biodiversity conservation.
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with From Cartagena, Columbia to Ushuaia, Argentina the South American continent is an amazing land of natural wonders and human accomplishments. Explore the islands of the Galapagos or hike around Iguazu Falls, climb up to Machu Picchu or cruise through the Panama Canal. You can even cast off for a trip to Antarctica or walkContinue reading “Exploring South America”
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The Capital of Sri Lanka, Columbo is an interesting mix of a modern metropolis and traditional Asian city. Winding streets packed with small shops and stalls mixed in with skyscrapers, temples, city markets and parks. Sri Lanka is officially a Buddhist country, while Sri Lankans practice a variety of religions. About 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, 12% are Hindus, 10% are Muslims, 7% are Christians.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships will dock in Columbo’s industrial port requiring a shuttle bus to get to the port entrance. There is no cruise terminal but you can expect to find vendors and money changers at the pier. At the port exit you are only a few blocks from downtown markets and tuk-tuks and taxis will be plentiful at the port entrance.
Wheelchair Users
Disembarking – This is a working industrial port without a cruise ship pier. Disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway design and a steep ramp or even stairs can be encountered. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a difficult time disembarking.
Port City Characteristics – This port has an uneven wheelchair infrastructure typical of many Asian ports. The port area has few inclines but sidewalks are rare and ground can be broken. Outside the port intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
The Red Mosque downtown Columbo
Transportation
Buses: Colombo’s public transportation system is dominated by buses, with over 6,000 buses operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and some private companies. Buses, while a cost-effective way to get around the city, understanding routes and fares is a major challenge. They can also be crowded and slow during peak hours.
Tuk-Tuk
Taxis and Ride-sharing Apps: Taxis are readily available in Colombo, but they can be expensive. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and PickMe are also popular options, offering competitive fares and convenience.
Tuk-Tuks: Three-wheelers, known as tuk-tuks, are a popular mode of transportation for short distances. They are relatively inexpensive and can navigate narrow streets, but they can be noisy and uncomfortable. They usually line up outside the port entrance and fares are negotiable.
Local Currency
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency of Sri Lanka. It is subdivided into 100 cents. Exchange Rates run approximately US$1 is equivalent to approximately 364 LKR. Most credit cards are accepted at most places but avoid have the transaction in US$. ATMs in Sri Lanka charge between LKR200 and LKR400. Some international cards are not charged an ATM fee at Bank of Ceylon ATMs, so they’re worth looking for. You will often get charged a fee by your own bank.
The Catholic Church
Shopping
Like much of Asia, Sri Lanka’s economy is based on small merchants selling from street stalls or city market places. While visiting take the opportunity to shop like a local. You’ll find everything from clothes to shoes, crafts, spices and produce for sale in those shops.
If you are looking for local gift items, tea should be at the top of the list. Tea is what made Ceylon (the name before Sri Lanka) famous and the country was one of the worlds biggest growers and exporters. After that look for spices, craft items, jewelry and clothes.
Attractions
The Lotus Tower
Columbo has a range of attractions worthy of a visit, such as the National Museum, Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the Lotus Tower and the Old Parliament Building.
Of special interest is the Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple. It’s a prominent temple with a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture, and it’s known for its vibrant religious activities and beautiful decorations. The temple also houses a museum and a library. If you’re interested in visiting Buddhist temples in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is definitely the one to visit.
Outside of Columbo Sri Lanka boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous ancient temples, ruins, and colonial buildings. Some must-see attractions include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, and the Dutch Fort in Galle. Taking a train is an excellent way to visit these locations and seeing the Sri Lankan countryside by train is a fantastic experience.
Getting from Columbo Cruise Port to the Train Station
The Columbo Cruise Port is located approximately 2 miles from the Colombo Fort Railway Station, the main train station in Colombo, Sri Lanka. There are several ways to get from the cruise port to the train station, including taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus and it is near enough to walk.
Fort Railway Station
Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient way to get from the cruise port to the train station. The fare is approximately 1,000-1,500 Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) (about $5-7 USD). The journey takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are a cheaper alternative to taxis. The fare is approximately 500-700 LKR (about $2-3 USD). The journey takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Read About Getting To Your Vancouver Cruise Port HERE…
Exploring The Cruise Ports Of Alaska
Already booked an Alaska cruise or maybe you’re only thinking about one, we’ve got some great information to help you get the most from that Alaska trip. First, chances are you’ll be sailing from Vancouver, Canada and you can save money and time getting from Vancouver’s International Airport to Canada Place (the cruise terminal) HERE.
One of the highlights of cruising Alaska is seeing glaciers and there are plenty to see. Click the image below to access our article on visiting Alaska’s glaciers including the best glacier itineraries.
This cruise port was developed by the Tlingit Indians as an adventure park. You’ll find a lot to do in Icy Straight Point from cable cars, zip lines and nature hiking. Take time to visit the Tlingit village of Hoonah only a short bus ride away.
Like most coastal Alaska towns, Ketchikan has an interesting history from its canneries, fishing fleets to its infamous brothels.
Skagway was the jumping off point for the Yukon Gold Rush and there’s a lot of history to take in. Also there are some great hiking trails to explore.
Its the Capital of Alaska and only one of two Capitals you can’t drive to in America. A beer at The Red Dog Saloon is a must…
Seward is famous as the start of the Alaska Railway trip to Denali but the the town offers a number of attractions in its own right. Look into a boat trip out on Resurection Bay.
Famous for being a Russian outpost in Alaska, Sitka is also famous for its totem poles and hiking trails.
The Intentional Travelers 