Travel Treasures

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EUROPE, the planet's 6th largest continent includes 47 countries and assorted dependencies and territories. In exacting geographic definitions, Europe is really not a continent, but part of the peninsula of Euroasia which includes all of Europe and Asia. However, it's still widely referred to as a continent.
The European continent is separated from Asia by Russia's Ural Mountains, and the Caspian and Black Seas. Europe's highest point is Mt. Elbrus in European Russia at 18,481 ft (5,633m), just north of the Georgia/Russian border. Europe's lowest point is on the surface of the Caspian Sea, at 92 ft (28m) below sea level

HONG KONG, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, and a true economic powerhouse, was once just a small fishing village on the edge of the South China Sea.

That all changed in the mid-19th Century when the British arrived, turning this quiet, out-of-the-way village into a modern, vibrant and sparkling jewel of a city that still flourishes today.

In July of 1997, the British (via a long-standing agreement) officially returned control of Hong Kong to China, and it became a Special Administrative Region (or SAR) of China.

In the exchange, China agreed that until 2047, Hong Kong (as is), will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters, except foreign and defense.

Time and Weather

Time Zone (UTC +8) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info here

Time and Date in Hong Kong
Climate Hong Kong weather in spring and summer (May through September) brings hot and very sticky days, with many of those days rainy.
Fall conditions are warm, sunny and pleasant, and popular with tourists.
Winters are milder, but cooler and cloudy; drizzly days are commonplace, with frost possible in the higher elevations.

Attractions Hong Kong, one of the world's most sophisticated cities, offers a cultural diversity and natural beauty second to none.

Major tourism magnets include Victoria Peak, "the back of the dragon", the most famous attraction in the City - at Peak tower, the terraces offer spectacular views of the skyline and Victoria Harbor; Ocean Park's marine life, bird aviary and butterfly house; numerous hiking and walking paths; Stanley, and the stunning Tin Hau Temple; the beach at Repulse Bay, and of course the shopping (it's all about the shopping) in Kowloon's "Golden Mile."

From Hong Kong, short journeys with guided tours into mainland China are easy to arrange.


SINGAPOREThis strategic island called Singapore was first inhabited by regional fishermen and pirates, to later become part of the Sumatran Empire of Srivijaya.

European control of the Malaysian area began in the 16th century, and in 1819, Singapore was founded as a British trading colony, and was once the site of one of Britain's most important naval bases.

Malaysia itself was formed in 1963 when Singapore and the states of Sabah and Sarawak joined the Peninsular Malaysia Federation, however, Singapore left in 1965 to become a separate nation.

This modern economic powerhouse's seaport is one of the busiest in the world, and Singapore has become a major worldwide banking, ship building and petroleum center.

In the last few decades, this melting pot of cultures has moved on to the "A List" of international travelers, and is today one of the most sophisticated tourist destination on the planet.

A bridge and causeway connect Singapore to the Malaysia mainland, and speaking of land, because of the aggressive current patterns of the Strait of Singapore, there are much-needed and on-going land reclamation projects.

Climate Positioned just north of the Equator, Singapore's location and maritime exposure produces a climate characterized by uniform temperatures, high humidity and numerous sunshiny days.

The Monsoon (rainy) seasons are (April - May) and (December - March). Windy conditions prevail, January through February.

Its average daily maximum temperature is just over 88° F, with a relative humidity near 75%.

Traveler Info

Attractions Major points-of-interest include Arab Street, the Muslim center of Singapore; exotic Chinatown; the flavors of Little India; shopping on Orchard Road; the trendy shops and restaurants in Holland Village; the parks and gardens in Jurong Town, the aquariums, museums and beaches on Sentosa Island - to name but a few.

Annual events of note must include the New Year celebration in Chinatown; the Chingay Parade and the Singapore River Hongbao - all big budget affairs that attract thousands of revelers.

INDONESIA with over 18,000 counted islands, is by far the largest and most varied archipelago on Earth. It spans almost 2 million square kilometres between Asia and Australia.

Positioned on the Equator, across a region of immense volcanic activity, Indonesia has some 400 volcanoes within its borders, with at least 90 still active in some way.

Many of the islands here are still uninhabited, with the larger islands of Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Irian Jaya (Papua), Sumatra and Sulawesi home to most of the population base.

Dominated by the military in recent years, the citizens in the outer-reaches of the country have demanded more freedom, and that struggle continues. Note that the East Timor cry for independence was one of the by-products.

This tropical country and its many islands are one of the most stunning, and yet, now dangerous destinations on the planet. Recent terrorism attacks in Bali and other areas of the country have stifled much of the country's tourism.

Climate With its location on, or just below the Equator, Indonesia is generally hot and humid throughout the year, with moderate cooling in the higher elevations.

Average temperatures (highs and lows) throughout the year vary little based on its geographic position. Daily (brief) rainstorms are the norm, and the rainy season runs from mid-December through March.

Attractions Indonesia and its thousands of islands offer a diverse variety of ecologies, and in recent years eco-travel to the country has increased dramatically.

The capital city of Jakarta remains the major attraction, with its colonial-style buildings and monuments reminiscent of its Dutch and British periods. Additionally within the city, points-of-interest include the Central Museum; historic Portuguese Church; Istiqlal Mosque, and the many antique markets, shopping bazaars and ethnic restaurants that cover the streets.

Outside of Jakarta, other destinations include the islands of Sulawesi (Orchid Island), Sumatra, with its volcanic mountains and hot springs, and of course, Bali.

Unfortunately, due to continuing concerns about the possibility of additional terrorist attacks directed against western citizens and interests, the U.S. Department of State and other governments continue to warn their citizens to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, and especially to Bali.