12 Purest Places For Swimming And Diving Around The World

1/ Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain

At the south end of the Mediterranean island of Menorca, the beach at Cala Macarelleta can only be reached on foot or by boat -- probably one of the least-crowded beaches you'll find in Spain.

2/ Cayo Coco, Cuba

A resort island on Cuba's north coast, Cayo Coco is linked to the mainland by a 27km causeway. The adjacent reef and clear waters have earned international recognition as a dive destination.

3/ Dog Island, San Blas, Panama

Another from Scott Sporleder, here is a shot from one of Panama's San Blas Islands, the largest of the politically autonomous reservations of the Kuna Indians.

4/ Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

Made famous when its smaller neighbor, Koh Phi Phi Leh, was used as the filming location for The Beach, the main island sees a lot of traffic from both backpackers and luxury travelers these days. Water like this is a big part of the draw.

 
5/ Lake Tahoe, Nevada

The photo above was taken in the Bonsai Rock area, on the east shore of the lake, which apparently flies under the radar. Says the photographer: "30 years in Tahoe, and until this winter I'd never heard of it."

6/ Linapacan Island, Palawan, Philippines

MatadorU Photography faculty member Scott Sporleder shares this image from Palawan, the Philippines' most remote province and home to many beaches with super clear water.

7/ Belo Sur Mer, Madagascar

Ross Borden explains: "I started in Moronvada, on the west coast of Madagascar and hired a boat and driver to take me down the coast to Belo Sur Mer, a super-isolated section of coastline known for diving, fishing and the fact that almost no one makes the trip down there. Belo Sur Mer is amazing on its own, but when the owner of the eco-lodge there told me about a string of uninhabited islands 80km off the coast, we jumped back in the boat and pointed it west, towards Mozambique and mainland Africa. What we found was four uninhabited gorgeous islands and one that had a tribe of "sea gypsies" living on it. These fascinating and hospitable people live off the rich fishing stocks of the Mozambique channel. We camped and lived with them for two days and they even took me along on an all-night fishing expedition in one of their sailboats in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was one of the most amazing travel experiences of my life. During the day I would go snorkeling. Shoving off these tiny islands the water gets several hundreds of feet deep very quickly; I was out there with massive schools of deep ocean fish."

8/ The Maldives

The 26 atolls that make up the Maldives sit in the Indian Ocean about 400km southwest of the tip of the subcontinent. Abundant reef wildlife (including whale sharks) + incredibly clear waters bring in a lot of tourists. It's also one of Matador's 9 places to experience now before they literally vanish.

9/ Panari Island, Okinawa, Japan

Panari, also called Aragusuku, is one of the Yaeyama Islands, the most remote area of Japan. The photographer notes: "The islands are also known as one of the world's best diving destinations, having a number of coral species and marine lives as large as those in the Great Barrier Reef. (Over 400 types of corals, 5 types of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and all kinds of tropical fish species all live around Okinawa.)"

10/ Playa Blanca, Colombia

This is a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena and well worth the trip. In between swims in that crystal-clear blue water, be sure to snag some fresh ceviche from one of the vendors walking up and down the beach.

11/ Rio Azul, Argentina

Put in to the Confluence section of the Rio Azul near El Bolsón, Patagonia, Argentina. Matador Senior Editor David Miller notes, "This was the first river I've ever paddled, played, and swam in where the water was clean enough to drink. The entire Rio Azul watershed is born in the glaciers and snowfields of the Andes and the water is incredibly clear and pure."

12/ Sabah, Malaysia

Another one from the remote Malaysian state, which covers the northern portion of Borneo and is ringed by reef-rich islands. This photo was taken near Semporna, which is a hub for people who come to dive Malaysian Borneo.

12 Purest Places For Swimming And Diving Around The World.

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11 Most Famous And Beautiful Trees Of The Earth

The order of below 11 most famous and beautiful trees of the earth being set randomly, not on their famous or beautiful level. Let discover, love our earth, and save the trees!

1/ 750 year old sequoia: Sequoia National Park, California

Giant sequoias live at high elevations, enduring cold, heavy snows, lightning strikes—and growing bulky and strong, though not so tall as coast redwoods. This individual, the President, is the second most massive tree known on Earth.

 
2/ American Elm: Central Park, New York

Ulmus americana, generally known as the American elm or, less commonly, as the white elm or water elm, is a species native to eastern North America, occurring from Nova Scotia west to Alberta and Montana, and south to Florida and central Texas. The American elm is an extremely hardy tree that can withstand winter temperatures as low as −42 °C (−44 °F). Trees in areas unaffected by Dutch elm disease can live for several hundred years.

11 Most Famous And Beautiful Trees Of The Earth

3/ Angel Oak: Charleston, South Carolina

The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be in excess of 400-500 years old, stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). From tip to tip Its longest branch distance is 187 ft.

  

4/ Arbol del Tule, Mexico

Árbol del Tule, a Montezuma Cypress, is located in the town center of Santa María del Tule in the Mexican state of Oaxaca . It has the stoutest trunk of any tree in the world although the trunk is heavily buttressed, giving a higher diameter reading than q true cross-sectional of the trunk. It is so large that it was originally thought to be multiple trees, but DNA tests have proven that it is only one tree. The tree is estimated to be between 1,200 and 3,000 years old.

5/ Ashdown Forest, West Sussex, England

Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of tranquil open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is situated some 30 miles (48 km) south of London in the county of East Sussex, England.

6/ Baobab trees, Madagascar

Baobab trees are native to Madagascar (it’s the country’s national tree!), mainland Africa, and Australia. A cluster of “the grandest of all” baobab trees (Adansonia grandidieri) can be found in the Baobab Avenue, near Morondava, in Madagascar. The amazing baobab (Adansonia) or monkey bread tree can grow up to nearly 100 feet (30 m) tall and 35 feet (11 m) wide.

 11 Most Famous And Beautiful Trees Of The Earth

7/ Boab Prison Tree, Australia

The Boab Prison Tree is a large hollow tree just south of Derby in Western Australia. It is reputed to have been used in the 1890s as a lockup for Indigenous Australian prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing. In recent years a fence was erected around the tree to protect it from vandalism.

 
8/ General Sherman, National Park in California

General Sherman is a Giant Sequoia located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California. The famous trees of the Giant Forest are among the largest trees in the world. In fact, if measured by volume, five of the ten largest trees on the planet are located within this forest. At 11.1 meter (36.5 ft) along the base he General Sherman tree is the largest of them all. The tree is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.

9/ Cherry Blossom: Sakura, Tokyo

In Japan they don’t celebrate Easter but springtime in Japan is when everything goes Cherry Blossom (Sakura) crazy. The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. Around late March the whole nation excitedly waits for the first buds to appear on cherry trees.

10/ Lone Cypress in Monterey

The Lone Cypress Tree near Monterey is probably the most famous point along the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach.

11/ Wisteria Tree: Ashikaga Flower Park, Japan

In the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, Japan sits an incredibly gorgeous wisteria tree that’s often referred to as the most beautiful in the whole world. The largest and oldest in Japan, the tree is the main attraction at the flower park as visitors flock to see it in full bloom. Dating back to approximately 1870, the 143-year-old tree has branches that are supported by beams, which creates a a stunning flower umbrella.

11 Most Famous And Beautiful Trees Of The Earth.

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West Lake In Hangzhou With Ten Scenic Beauties

Visitors to Hangzhou must travel to West Lake. This fine lake is nestled to the west of ancient town of Hangzhou and north of the Qiantang River. The Lake is rectangular in shape and stretches 2.8 km from east to west and 3.3 km from north to south with a total area of 566 hectares.

 

West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou. Nearly 1,000 years ago, when the South Song dynasty settled in Hangzhou, the town became known as a sparkling diamond. Under the direction of nobles and scholars, West Lake evolved into a site of great sophistication, known far and wide for the "Ten Scenic Beauties of West Lake”.

These experiences were: 1. Spring dawn on the Su causeway; 2. Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in the summer, 3. Orioles singing in the willows, 4. Leifeng Tower at sunset, 5. Fish viewing at the Flower Pond, 6. Three ponds mirroring the moon, 7. Twilight bell a Nanping Hill, 8. Autumn moon over the Lake of Peace, 9. Winter snow on Bridge and 10. Two mountains piercing the clouds.

The "Ten scenic beauties of West Lake” have remained unchanged since the South Song dynasty. During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi was enraptured by West Lake’s view and erected a private place on the Isolated Isle. Emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong recreated the Ten Beauties of West Lake in thier Bright Garden and Summer Peace Garden in Beijing.

I woke early and took a stroll along the Su causeway, which runs for nearly 3 km. The causeway was built during the North Song dynasty when Su Dongpo was governor. This poet showed great foresight in building this long causeway, which divides the lake into two parts. Peach trees and willows line the causeway. Six graceful stone bridges connect the two halves. On the southern end of the causeway stands the Su Dongpo Memorial Hall, a major tourist attraction. On the northern end, slightly to the west of Su causeway lies the Curved Yard, a 23 hectares garden that boasts a bamboo forest, a rock garden and a lush redwood forest. However, the Curved Yard is best known for its lotuses. Ponds and rivers cover most of the grounds. Visitors can see up to 200 species of water lilies.

Looking west from the Curved Yard, visitors will see two blue mountains piercing the sky. These mountains add to the charm of this already enchanting lake. They are collectively called the Peach Garden Mountains. An easy way to enjoy the view is to climb Leifeng Tower to the southeast of Su causeway. Built around a thousand years ago, Leifeng Tower at sunset was a famous beauty spot during the South Song dynasty. The old Leifeng Tower, which was clad in brick on the outside and included wooden pillars and a high pedestal, collapsed in 1924. The new tower was erected at the same location using modern materials. Elevators carry visitors to the top floor. The foundations of the old tower were preserved and now house a museum. From the top of the new 70 m - tall Leifeng Tower, visitors can admire the sparkling lake and its three lushly forested islands.

In the western half, slightly south of the Su causeway, lies the Flower Pond. This 20 hectares park is a lovely place to stroll. To the south of Leifeng Tower, on Nanping Hill, stands the colossal Jingci Temple. This Buddhist pagoda was built to protect West Lake. Leifeng Tower was believed to be a guardian tower and a dungeon for the sacred White Snake, who repented from her evil past and became a good person thanks to her love for the disciple Xuxian from Jiangnan.

Walking east from Leifeng Tower about I km along the bank, visitors will reach a stunning garden known for its willow species. In the middle of this park lies a meandering lake with little canals, sophisticated bridges and diverse plants, many of which are native to Jiangnail.

  

From the Flower Pond, you should visit the Three Ponds, which mirror the moon on West Lake's largest island. The three islands are named Heaven, Scepter and Ouzhou. With pavilions, mansions and flower gardens, these islands have an otherworldly beauty. An old saying about the reflected moon states: "Gardens in the garden, lakes in the lake". At the heart of the island lies a big pond divided into four parts with causeways and bridges. Visitors must to cross a nine-arched bridge.

The other two scenic views of West Lake are the "Autumn Moon over the Lake of Peace and "Snow on the Bridge". These scenes are associated with the Isolated Isle northeast of Su causeway. The Lake of Peace lies before Wenxue Pavilion and was regarded by scholars as the best place to view West Lake in the autumn. It features a water pavilion and a stone stele that dates back to Kangxi's reign. In the autumn when the lotuses wilt, the lake grows calm. When the moon rises, the lake glints, casting the moonlight over the three looming islands. The Ending Bridge is at the end of the White Causeway, which connects the Isolated Isle to the eastern bank. It was built of stone and stands above the causeway. Song scholars considered this bridge the best place to view winter snow around West Lake. Visitors will find countless places of interest around Hangzhou.

West Lake In Hangzhou With Ten Scenic Beauties.

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market In Thailand

Thailand offers a wealth of tourist sites, including many colorful local markets. One of the most famous market is Thailand Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is also the oldest floating market in Thailand. Damnoen Saduak is located in Rachaburi province, around 100km from Bangkok. Apart from serving as a trading center, Damnoen Saduak attracts scores of tourists. The canal in which this floating market takes place was built in 1866 to facilitate waterborne travel. The floating market was established in 1967. The market is always crowded with vendors and tourists from all over the world. Small boats carry a variety of goods, locals and visitors.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market In Thailand opens at 6 AM. Local people come to buy food and household necessities. Crowds of tourists arrive around 8 AM. At this time the market gets even busier. "Traffic jams" are common. The rowers must be very skillful to maneuver their boats in this crowded area.

Visitors sit aboard small boats and watch the transactions, or stroll along the canal's banks, which feature sidewalks. Vendors pass wares to buyers via long poles. Goods for sale include food, fruits, household goods and souvenirs, which are displayed nearly inside the long and narrow boats. Some boats are laden with tropical fruits or flowers. The sight of simple boat overflowing with orchids or lotus flowers is beautiful. Tourists like the boats selling handicrafts and traditional souvenirs. Some crafts are made from coconut shells, such as beautiful tittle statues and key chains. Seagrass bags and sandals make nice gifts. More shops are located on the canal's bank. Here, visitors can find Thai spices and condiments, conveniently sold in small bags.

After viewing the market, visitors are rowed around the nearby floating village. Not just trade, but all daily activities take place on the water. Small homes are decorated with window boxes full of bright flowers. The scenery is romantic and peaceful. This floating market captures the unique spirit of Thailand, and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Asia.

 Tourist sites of Thailand - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market In Thailand.

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Oktoberfest Beer Festival In Germany

The Oktoberfest festival is held in September and October every year in Munich. This beer festival is the most famous festival in Germany. More people attend this festival lasts for 16 days and beer lovers from around the world gather to celebrate together. On this occasion about 6 million liters of beer are poured out, enough to fill a small lake or equivalent to a glass of beer for each person in Germany.

During the festival people ave a chance to listen to music and enjoy beer with grilled beef, chicken, wild animals, pork, sausage and white radish cut into strange shapes. History of this Oktoberfest Beer Festival dates back to October 12 1810, when the future King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of the Saxe-Hildburghausen region. The people who attended this party loved it so much they decided to hold a festival each year in commemoration of the wedding.

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