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Kodiak

Kodiak Island is in southwestern Alaska, in the Gulf of Alaska, 250 miles south of Anchorage. It is Alaska's largest island and second largest in the US, after the Big Island in Hawaii. The City of Kodiak is situated on the east shore of Kodiak Island.

Understand
The Kodiak Island Borough, with a population of 13,000 (2019), includes the City of Kodiak, seven villages, the U.S. Coast Guard Base, plus several remote camps and lodges. Due to its magnificent green summers, Kodiak is called Alaska's Emerald Isle.

Commercial fishing accounts for about a third of the local economy. Kodiak is home port to Alaska's largest and most diversified fishing fleet, over 700 commercial fishing vessels. Next comes government and military services (the Coast Guard's largest facility in the U.S. is on Kodiak). Third is tourism, with only about 35,000 tourists in 2010. Tourism in Kodiak is an afterthought, which is not a bad thing if you're a tourist and want to see Alaska in the raw. The City of Kodiak and the Coast Guard's Integrated Support Command Kodiak, 8 miles southwest of the city, are where the people are. The rest of the emerald green island remains in its beautiful natural state (most is part of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge), with some tourist lodges and native people's encampments scattered on or near the coastline.

Climate
Kodiak is cloudy an average of 306 days per year; expect just 3 or 4 clear days during the summer months of June through September. Measurable amounts of rain takes place on at least 15 days out of every month. The weather in Kodiak can change abruptly, so a good raincoat or windbreaker is a necessity on every day's outing, even if there isn't a cloud in the sky.

Get in
Because it is situated on an island, Kodiak is accessible only by air and sea.

By ship
If flying isn't your thing, Alaska Marine Highway System offers ferry service to Kodiak (at Pier 1 downtown) via the M/V Tustemena, or what the Kodiak locals fondly call the "Rusty Tusty". Expect an 8 to 14 hour boat ride, most of which is on open ocean. Leaving from the Port of Whittier? You're looking at a 23 hour ride! Book a room on board.

Kodiak is a boutique port on the Alaskan cruise ship summer circuit. Premium or luxury cruise ships call at Kodiak's Pier 2 (City Dock), about 1 mile southwest of the downtown area. Some cruise lines offer shuttle service from City Dock to downtown and back. If not, the most direct pedestrian access from City Dock to downtown is along Shelikof Street, walking with the water to your right, past Kodiak's fish processing facilities and small boat harbor. In 2017, Kodiak was slated to host 16,600 passengers sailing on 15 ships.

On foot
The first place to visit is the downtown visitor center, 100 Marine Way, Ste 200, at the foot of Center St next to the ferry terminal at Pier 1. The visitor center is open Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM year round. From early May through late September, it is open also on Saturday and hours are extended to accommodate the ferry or cruise ship schedules. The historic points of interest in downtown Kodiak are clustered together just northeast of the small boat harbor and can be easily covered by foot. A walking map of downtown Kodiak may be obtained from the visitor center.

Bicycles can also be rented daily for riding around the city of Kodiak and local parks.

By car
Kodiak has less than 100 miles of public roads and about half of that is asphalt. Best way to get around Kodiak's short road system is to rent a car.

For the more adventurous you can charter a float plane to take you to a remote destination or charter a boat to take you along the long coastline of the second largest island in the USA.

See

 * Kodiak Military History Museum. Inside the Ready Ammunition's Bunker at Miller Point, Fort Abercrombie. Open typically Noon to 4pm Sunday's or by appointment. Current hours maybe different due to covid restrictions. This is a "touch-exhibit" museum. Try on period uniforms and hats, handle ammunition shells, view what bunker life was like in World War II. Listen to real recordings of time period radio, play around with WWII era communications equipment, the kids love this. Outside you can view the scenery, maybe you'll spot a whale. Take a walk on the many trails, keep your eyes open, WWII artifacts are still hidden in the woods!
 * Kodiak Military History Museum. Inside the Ready Ammunition's Bunker at Miller Point, Fort Abercrombie. Open typically Noon to 4pm Sunday's or by appointment. Current hours maybe different due to covid restrictions. This is a "touch-exhibit" museum. Try on period uniforms and hats, handle ammunition shells, view what bunker life was like in World War II. Listen to real recordings of time period radio, play around with WWII era communications equipment, the kids love this. Outside you can view the scenery, maybe you'll spot a whale. Take a walk on the many trails, keep your eyes open, WWII artifacts are still hidden in the woods!

Buy
Check out the shops around the small boat harbor along W. Marine Way and Shelikof. Visit the museum (Alutiiq and Baranov) gift shops for Native or Russian made arts and crafts.

Cope
Kodiak Public Library, 612 Egan Way, provides connection to the outside world. Free, public-use Internet computers are near the circulation desk.

Quality DryCleaners and Laundromat, 116 Ole Johnson Ave, across from the small boat harbor, also provides internet access; they charge $2 for 15 minutes. .

McDonalds, 209 Thorsheim Street in downtown Kodiak, of course, provides wi-fi with your fries.

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Kodikunnu

Kodikunnu is in Central Kerala, India.

Get in
From Palakkad you have to take buses towards Pattambi. From you can take Pallipuram bus or hire a taxi. from Pattambi near by 15 km you can reach Kodikunnu, it's on the way to Pallipuram railway station. By train Palakkad to Calicut route

By train, you can get down at Pallippuram railway station and hire an auto. temple is 1.5 km away from railway station.(All passenger trains towards Calicut and coimbathore has stop at Pallippuram)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Kodikunnu


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Kodungallur

Kodungallur (anglicised name: Cranganore) is a city in Central Kerala. It is one of the oldest ports in the world.

Understand
Kodungallor was known in Greek as Muziris, which was described by Roman Emperor Caesar as Land where silk forms road and milk & honey flowing on it. It was the capital of Chera Emperors, until its partition in 7th century AD.

It was known in ancient times as Mahodayapuram, Shinkli, Muchiri (anglicised to Muziris) and Muyirikkodu. Muchiripattinam was a famous and prosperous seaport at the mouth of the Periyar (also known as Choorni Nadi) river in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The name Muchiri (Malayalam for cleft lip) denotes the three branches of the Periyar river which open into the Arabian Sea at the town.

Get in
Kodungallur is connected with all major cities of India through road.The coastal highway NH17 connecting Ernakulam and Mumbai is passing through Kodungallur. Kochi and Thrissur are 35 km away from Kodungallur. The Kollam - Kottapuram National Waterway III ends at Kodungallur.

Nearest Main Railway station - Thrissur - 35 km

Nearest Airport - Nedumbassery Airport, Kochi - 30 km

Eat
EAT Biriyani From Durbar

Go next

 * Guruvayur - about 55 km from Kodungallur. Bus services (both originating from Kodungallur and coming from Ernakulam) are available from around 5:30AM to about 8PM at about 15-minute interval. The road is narrow and curvy till Triprayar but is wide and straighter from then on.

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Koforidua

Koforidua is a city and capital of Eastern Region in south of Ghana. Koforidua is regarded as one of the calmest and coolest cities in the country of Ghana. The city is home to many businesses, including heavy duty industries. This article also covers New Akim Tafo, a town in the Abuakwa North Municipality.

Understand
Koforidua is a commercial center for the Eastern region and New-Juaben Municipal district. Koforidua had a settlement population of 127,000 people in 2012.

A two-going-two-coming highway road linking Adeiso, Koforidua, to Oyoko serves as an alternative route to reach Kumasi.

Get in
You can find your way into Koforidua via a couple of road routes, with the best of all being through Aburi if from Accra. Aside that, you can enter Koforidua from Accra via Suhum and Nkawkaw if from Kumasi or Accra and Nkruakan if from Akosombo. There is no airport or harbor in Koforidua.

Getting to Koforidua is about a 2-hour drive from the capital city, Accra. Koforidua is found in the New Juabeng Traditional Area with a paramount chief and many sub-chiefs. The main festival celebrated by the people of Koforidua is the Akwantukese festival which comes in place during the last quarter of the year.

Get around
Getting around in Koforidua is easier by way of vehicular transport, even though riding a bicycle or by foot is possible. Most car transport stations are near the Total 2 and 3 petrol-filling stations in the Central Business District.

See

 * A predominant natural feature in Koforidua is the Obuo Tabri Mountain, which is considered sacred but its scenery serves as tourist attraction
 * There are waterfalls in the area such as Akaa Falls and Boti Falls.
 * Umbrella Rock
 * Fork-like palm tree
 * Boti falls have 200 steps underground.
 * Boti falls has a palmnut tree with three branches in one tree.

Do
Hiking

Buy
Art works and other design artifacts such as dresses are available locally.

The biggest supermarket in Koforidua is Melcom. Even though fresh foods such as tomatoes and vegetables are not sold there, many electrical appliances and processed foods are available.

Right in the heart of Koforidua is the central market. One of the market days in Koforidua is Thursday. In the market, all food stuffs, cloth (materials), cosmetics and many other products are available for purchase. Aside the many street hawkers displaying their items in pans on their head or on tables, most traders are found under sheds in the market place selling all sorts of items worth selling.

Not many computer shops are available in Koforidua and most latest electronic gadgets might not be available as and when they arrive in Accra. The well-known computer shop in Koforidua is called I.C.L. (Ike Computer Limited) shop and the biggest phones shop is Ultimate Phones, near the Post Office.

There is one big manufacturing company called Intravenous Infusions Limited. They manufacture infusion drugs to supply Ghana and the West African sub-region.

Eat

 * Leesco (SIC building)
 * Sophisticat (GNAT hall)
 * Havilla (Oteng house)
 * Chris Cafe (SSNIT Building)
 * Bar 205 (Adweso)
 * The Boamah's (Adweso Estate)

There are local foods such as fufu with light  soup or palmnut soup with 'kokonte' and other bush meat.

Drink
African drinks such as palm wine and drinks such as minerals examples Fanta, malt, cocacola, with other fruit juice such coconut juice, mango juice.

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Kofu

 * This page describes a city in Yamanashi. For the township in Tottori, see Kofu (Tottori) (江府).

Kōfu (甲府市 Kōfu-shi) is the capital of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Understand
Kofu lies at the center of the bowl-shaped prefecture, with some of Japan's most famous mountains rising along the horizon. On a clear day, a visitor can see Mt. Fuji to the south, Japan's second highest peak Kitadake and the majestic Minami Alps to the west, and the eight fractured peaks of Yatsugatake to the north.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a bilingual guide site.

By train
Coming from Tokyo on the Chuo Line, there are few express trains from Shinjuku to Kofu that continue on to Matsumoto. It is possible to take the journey by local trains at half the price and an extra hour of traveling. To do so, transfer at JR Takao. The Chuo Line takes Suica cards.

The Minobu Line runs from Kofu, through Minobu, to Fuji in Shizuoka. This is a quaint railway line, and it is single tracked in most places. Take a ticket from the machine when you board the train, and pay the driver when you get off. The Minobu Line acts as a local line in Kofu and has many stations within the city.

By bus
There are highway buses between Kofu and Shinjuku which on paper take two hours; this is shorter than the local train and challenges the express. In practice, however, traffic delays can lengthen this journey to over three hours. The advantage of the bus is that it is very cheap, costing only ¥2000 one-way which is around half of the price of the express train.

Get around
Kofu is very much a car driven city. The entire city is designed around the idea that everyone has a car with most shops being out of the city centre, by the side of dual carriageways.

It is possible to rent electric bikes at various hotels near Kofu station if you are only travelling short distances. It is only ¥500 for a full-day rental.

See

The mountains in the north side of the city contain some beautiful scenery and some wonderful views of the Kofu basin and Mt Fuji. In town, there are several tourist sites.

Do

 * Bike the Arakawa or Fuefukigawa riverside cycling road.
 * Pick fruit. Grapes or peaches depending on the season. Fields are scattered in the whole suburban area; ask a local tourist office for the nearest available ones.
 * Make houtou noodles.

Buy
Kofu is famous for grapes and wine.

Eat
Houtou soup (made with thick udon) and raw horse meat are the famous foods of Kofu. Soba and Torimotsuni (chicken livers/hearts/gizzards in thick sauce) are also famous.

Drink
Kofu has some pubs, many izakayas, and no clubs.

Go next

 * Yamanashi
 * Otsuki
 * Koshu
 * Kai
 * Nirasaki
 * Hokuto
 * Fuefuki
 * Chuo
 * Nirasaki

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Koganei

Koganei (小金井市 Koganei-shi) is a city in western Tokyo.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Get in
By train, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku west for thirty minutes.

Go next

 * Musashino
 * Mitaka
 * Kokubunji
 * Fuchu
 * Kodaira
 * Nishitokyo
 * Kunitachi
 * Tachikawa
 * Akishima

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Ko Hae

Ko Hae (เกาะเฮ), sometimes spelled Ko He or Ko Hey and also known as Coral Island, is an island southeast of Phuket, about 5 km off-shore. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west of the island. Ko Hae is part of a marine preserve, but accommodation, restaurants, various watersports and diving are all available.

Get in
Boats leave from Rawai and Chalong. Package tours are also available.

See

 * Banana Beach. 15 minutes from Chalong Bay. The very beautiful, quiet with all facilities featuring horn bill rainforest birds and fish life.

Snorkelling
Although the mass of tourists who arrive every day at Long Beach have taken their toll on the corals, there are still some nice corals to be found in the deeper waters further from shore.

Banana Beach is more exclusive, nice and quiet, and the marine life for snorkelling or diving is exceptional. Shady trees hang over the sand. About 100 m from shore on Long Beach and about 50 m at Banana Beach there are vast staghorn coral reefs.

Visibility is excellent most days. The afternoons are particularly good. There are buoyed areas to keep the boats from the swimmers so it is very safe, no injuries in over 25 years of visitors. Caution is advised for those swimming and snorkelling in the waters further from shore. There is heavy boat traffic all day.

Coral Island Club provides daily trips to Banana Beach and overnight camping. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, power snorkelling, diving, parasailing, banana boats, kayaking, fish feeding, hornbill feeding, BBQs, and camping.

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Kohala

Kohala is a region on the north coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

See

 * King Kamehameha I's birthplace in Kapaau. The king's actual birthplace is further afield and less accessible at the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument near Upolu but Kapaau holds the original bronze statue, situated in the town's Kamehameha Park, right on the main road. Each June 11, Kamehameha Day, the statue is festooned with beautiful leis.
 * Pua Mau Place an early-stage, nonprofit arboretum and botanical garden in Kawaihae, on the dry slopes of the Kohala Mountain Range.
 * Pololù Valley Lookout and Trail. The trailhead is at the very end of Highway 270, descending to the beach in a series of hairpin twists along the cliffs before heading up the lush valley along the Pololù Stream. The area was once cultivated with taro and rice but with the decline in farming, nature has reclaimed the land with thick vegetation.
 * Pololù Valley Lookout and Trail. The trailhead is at the very end of Highway 270, descending to the beach in a series of hairpin twists along the cliffs before heading up the lush valley along the Pololù Stream. The area was once cultivated with taro and rice but with the decline in farming, nature has reclaimed the land with thick vegetation.

Sleep
This portion of the Big Island is home to many large resorts that lie outside of city limits, with two large neighboring resort areas, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach, which feature hotels and condo/townhome rentals. There are also great bed and breakfasts, vacation rental homes and small hotels in the area.

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Kohima

Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland in North-Eastern India. Nagaland, also known as the "Switzerland of Asia", is a breath-takingly beautiful place.

Understand
The people are very friendly and warm hearted. It had a population of 115,000 in 2011.

The name Kohima was chosen by the British as they could not pronounce the Angami name of Kewhi–ra (Tenyidie for "the land where the flower ‘Kewhi’ grows"). It is named after the wild flowering plant ‘Kewhi’, found in the mountains. Most local people prefer to use ‘Kewhi–ra’.

Under Meitei rule
King Raja Gambhir Singh (alias Chinglen Nongdrenkhomba) of Manipur kingdom recaptured Nagaland in 1832 AD after some gap of declining Manipuri influences over the Nagas due to the Burmese war of 1819–25. He engraved a historic stone inscription in the Naga capital of Kohima (Meitei: Thibommei) in 1833. The inscription mark the Meitei conquest and supremacy over the Naga Hills in 1832. It is known as the Kohima Stone Inscription or the Gambhir Singh's Stone.

WWII
Kohima was the site of one of the most important battles of World War II. It was the turning point in the Burma Campaign because for the first time in South-East Asia the Japanese lost the initiative to the Allies. The battle is often referred to as the ‘Stalingrad of the East’. In 2013, the British National Army Museum voted the Battle of Kohima and the Battle of Imphal together to be ‘Britain's Greatest Battle’.

Religion
Over 90% of the population are Christians. There are different denominations like Roman Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Assembly of God and Seventh-Day Adventists.

Climate
Kohima has pleasant winters with little rainfall and very warm, very rainy summers. The coolest months are from December to February, when frost may occur and in the highest altitudes occasional snowfall is possible. During the height of summers, from June to August, temperatures range on average from 18–27 °C (65–80 °F), with heavy and frequent rainfall.

Get in
Most visitors to Kohima arrive by land from Dimapur. Expect the weather to get much cooler along the way, since Dimapur is on the tropical plain, and Kohima is higher in the mountains.

By plane
Dimapur Airport is 74 km from Kohima and a 2-hour drive.

By train
Kohima is not connected by train. Dimapur, on the Guwahati-Dibrugarh line, is the closest railway station, with direct rail connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Chennai.

By car

 * National Highway 39 connects Kohima to Dimapur. The drive from Dimapur takes about 2 hours (74 km).

By bus
By bus Kohima is connected to Imphal, Dimapur, Guwahati, Tinsukia and other major cities of North-Eastern India.

The bus journey from Kohima to Dimapur is 2½ to 4 hours (depending on the bus). Non-AC Nagaland State Transport buses leave from a state near Dimapur train station and charge ₹100 as of May 2023. They run frequently during weekdays, waiting to depart until tickets have been sold for all the seats. If you have a large backpack or luggage, consider taking a share taxi or nicer bus instead, since there's no place to stow luggage on these buses except in the overhead racks, and the seats are always full.

By shared taxi
This is preferred way to get from Dimapur to Kohima for many locals. Expect to be packed tightly into the car with other travelers, but at least your luggage will be stowed in back or up top. Tata Sumos and other cars leave frequently on weekdays from near Dimapur Railway Station, across the parking lot from the main entrance. In May 2023 the price was reportedly ₹350 per person, but this might vary depending on the type of car you take.

Get around
Walking is the best way to feel the pulse of the capital.

Do
While you are visiting Kohima, you can go for a picnic/trekking in the forest. There are rivers where you can picnic and the forest are really beautiful. You can find different varieties of orchids which you will never find anywhere else in the world. Whether it is during winter or spring, the sight of the forest is breathtaking.

 * Trek to the beautiful Dzüko Valley. You will never forget it your entire life. It's a valley at the top of the mountains that you can only reach by walking trail, including a portion of steep climbing through the forest. What is amazing is that you will find rivers and waterfalls in this valley which is situated at the top of the mountains. Make sure you carry very warm clothing for your stay there as this place is really very cold. There are three different routes, with one that can be done round-trip in a day if you're a stronger hiker, though most visitors opt to spend a night at the valley rim, either by camping with a tent or by staying in a very basic guesthouse there. Do your research in advance. The most popular entrance is from Viswema village.
 * Trek to the top of Japfü peak, the 2nd highest in Nagaland, and also Pulie Badze Peak overlooking the suburb of Jotsoma. The views from atop these peaks are out of the world.
 * Motorcycle ride - Kickstart Adventures, an adventure tourism firm, has pioneered motorcycle tours in Nagaland. This adventure motorbike tour covers not only popular places but also rural parts of Nagaland to experience first-hand of tribal cultures and traditions. Tours are conducted all round the year (season/off-season)
 * There are several small billiards halls where men drink whiskey and hang out upstairs near the intersection north of the main bus station.

Learn

 * Handknitting the famous Naga shawls from Naga women. One can find many women knitting these shawls in their verandahs. Just ask them to teach you and they would be most helpful in doing so. Nagas are among the most helpful people towards visitors.

Work
The main occupation is agriculture and there are no big companies like call centre/BPO IT companies. However, there are the usual government jobs, banking sector, factories, etc. In any case, if you're not from Nagaland, you'll need a special permit to live and work here legally.

Buy
handicrafts, ethnic shawls, vests, artefacts from emporiums.

Second hand clothes are widely available if you need an extra jumper or waterproof jacket.

Eat
Pork, beef, mutton, chicken, dog meat and also lots of jungle animals are eaten. People are 100 percent non-vegetarian.

If you love pork you should definitely try pork cooked with fermented bamboo shoots in Naga style and if you love spicy food you should try the Naga chutney made with spicy green chillies and not to forget the spicy beef pickle made with Rajha Mircha (the world's hottest chilli).

Drink
Nagaland is officially a dry state, but if you ask the waiters you will get everything from Jack Daniels to local zutho (rice beer).

Mid-range

 * Dream Cafe, located close to the War Memorial. It has some of the best coffee in Nagaland, which unfortunately isn't saying much.

Budget

 * There is one backpacker oriented hostel behind the main bus station but dorms are ₹300/night so you will find better value in local hotels near the main bus station.
 * Nearby and downmarket at the 'BOC' bus stand and market, are the budget "Holiday Inn" (from ₹700) and the "Grandeur" next door (from ₹1000), basic, scruffy but survivable in the Indian manner.

Mid-range

 * Aradura Inn - is 3 or 4 km outside the city, close to the RC cathedral on Aradura Hill. Pine woods, great view, very cozy and quiet. Only practical if you have a car. A few tiny shops nearby, but no restaurants. Call ahead or no one may be there.
 * Hotel Japfü Ashok at P.R. Hills. It is a dull three-star hotel, the facilities are good and the staff friendly. From ₹1500 (Feb 2012)
 * Razhü Pru - on Mission road, across front the Baptist College, a few hundred meters uphill from central Kohima. Lovely old "heritage hotel" with cozy rooms, some brighter or roomier than others. Garden. Power goes off a lot, but that is the case all over Kohima. From ₹1800 incl. breakfast.

Get around
City buses (₹20) run to the centre during daylight hours.

The centre, war cemetery, and bazaar area are all within walking distance.

Cope
If you are visiting Kohima during winter make sure you carry warm clothing with you. The air is very cold in the morning and after 2pm.

Go next

 * Go south to Imphal, the capital of Manipur. Buses and private taxis are available.
 * Head off the beaten track to Tuensang, a small town deep inside Nagaland
 * Drive down to Dimapur and fly out or catch a train from there.

Note that Mon District (see Nagaland article for more information), at the north end of the state, is not easily accessible via Kohima. As of May 2023, the roads through the middle of Nagaland are so bad that it's faster for buses and shared taxis to travel back down to Dimapur and through Assam, re-entering Nagaland from the north side.

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Koh Ker

Koh Ker is a remote temple site about 120 km northeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia, that has been left to the jungle for a millennium and mostly unrestored. Since 2023 this great archaeological site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand
Koh Ker, called Lingapura (city of the Lingas) in ancient inscriptions, was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a very brief period from 928 to 944 CE. In this short time, as well as before and after, many sanctuaries were built and a spectacular seven-tiered pyramid was erected. More than 180 sanctuaries have been found in an area of 81 km2. Immense and beautiful sculptures were chiselled there, but all of them are now in museums or were looted.

This remote jungle area has no towns and only a small village in the cleared forest nearby. The village of Sra Yong is about 10 kilometres away.

History
Jayavarman IV ruled Koh Ker from 928–941. It is believed he was a local king at this remote site (his homeland?) before he became king of the Khmer Empire. That would explain why he preferred to reside at Koh Ker and not in Roluos (Hariharalaya) or Yashodharapura (Angkor) like the kings before him. It is not certain if he was a usurper or if his ascension to the throne was because he married a half-sister of king Yasovarman I (889-900). It appears that the two sons of Yasovarman I (Harshavarman I, who ruled from 900-922 and Isanavarman II, who ruled from c922-925) had no children. The follower of Jayavarman IV, Harsahavarman II, ruled for three years in Koh Ker (941-944), but no temples at the site can be ascribed to him. After 944 the kings of the Khmer Empire again resided on the plains north of Tonle Sap Lake.

In the short time Jayavarman I reigned in Koh Ker, an ambitious building program was realised. It was made possible because of an aggressive taxation system was imposed, as related in extant inscriptions. Many linga-shrines, temples, the unique seven-tired pyramid and a huge baray (reservoir) were built. Under Jayavarman IV the Koh Ker-style was developed and the art of sculpture reached a climax. None of the immense, expressive and beautiful sculptures remain at the site. Some were looted and others are in museums.

Get in
Koh Ker is about 120 km northeast of Siem Reap in a sparsely populated region. The road from Siem Reap to Koh Ker village is entirely paved. The short road from the village to the temple complex is unpaved, but well maintained.

Coming from Siem Reap, you have two options to reach the temple site:

 * Koh Ker and Beng Mealea: During a one day-trip you can visit Koh Ker and on the way back also Beng Mealea if you get up early. It takes about 2½ hours to reach the temple site of Koh Ker. You leave Siem Reap in the east and follow Hwy 6 till Dam Deik. There you find the market and after it, turn left.
 * Preah Vihear Temple and Koh Ker: Because of the excellent new roads it is possible to go to the temple of Preah Vihear via Anlong Veng at the border to Thailand and on the same day, on the way back via Kulen, to stop at Koh Ker to see the main temple complex, although with not enough time to visit the smaller sanctuaries.

There is no public transport to Koh Ker, but taxis and cars can be arranged at hotels and guesthouses. During the rainy season, the access to Koh Ker often is only possible by 4WD vehicle.

Get around
There is no public transport around the area so you will have to use your own transport to visit the temples. The small and poor Koh Ker village with a few stilted houses and a school are one kilometre away from the main sanctuary. There are no other places of interest in the region you can visit without a motorbike and a guide who knows the site. Information for Visitors: Not many taxi drivers from Siem Reap have been to Koh Ker. Tell the driver that you want to visit the main monuments (Prasat Thom/Prang) and make a tour along the ring road (take a map with you). The most important monuments you can find without help. There are blue signs at the border of the road or small boards along the ring-road with the name of the sanctuaries. You need about one or two hours to visit the main temple-complex and to have a break in one of the restaurants. Toilets are beside the parking area. You need one or two hours more to visit the monuments along the ring-road and along the road coming from Siem Reap. For a taxi you pay about US$100.

To follow the ring-road, start north of the parking area. Follow the street to Koh Ker village and take the first branch right. From the ring-road most of the ruins are visible. Sometimes you have to follow a small path (100–200 meters) leading to the temple.

If you want to view the best inscriptions and reliefs in Koh Ker, you must hire a car and guide. For this service you pay about US$140. Contact a travel agency.

A good plan of the site can be found in bookshops in Siem Reap.

See

The ancient Khmer city is in a remote jungle location with more than 180 ruined temples. About two dozens of the ruins can be visited by tourists.

 * The main temple complex has a linear plan, beginning with to buildings, the so-called palaces. You can find them in the east of the parking area. Both of them consist of four rectangular buildings with several rooms. To the west of the parking area, behind the restaurants, the remains of a huge cruciform entrance-pavilion (gopuram) with annex buildings are visible. Behind this structures is the east side of the rectangular outer wall of the main temple complex which encloses two courts. The building complex of the eastern court is called Prasat Thom. A tower built of red brick, the Prasat Krahom, gives access to the eastern court. The temple area in the middle of the eastern court is surrounded by a moat. On the east side and on the west side, a dam with Naga-balustrades crosses the moat. The complex inside the moat consists of the ruins of two inner walls, many rectangular structures, 21 brick towers, two libraries, and a central sanctuary, all in a bad condition. In the western court stands a huge seven-tiered pyramid, 36 m high, called Prang. This unique pyramid, resembling some Mayan temples, is the largest building at this site. As inscriptions say, that a colossal linga (phallus-symbol, symbol of the Hindu-god Shiva), more than four m high, stood on the platform on the top, probably in a huge shrine. In ancient times the pyramid including the shrine could have measured about 60 m in height. A good quality wooden staircase at the rear right of the pyramid has been built (Jan 2014). All can now safely climb to the top of the temple and enjoy the great view over a lonely landscape of forest with the distant Dangrek Mountains on the Thai Border to the north and the Koulen Mountain Range 70 km to the south.
 * The Rahal is a reservoir (baray), about 1,200 m long and 550 m wide. The Rahal is nearly dry and hidden in the forest. The best chance to get a view of the reservoir is to stop along the road coming from Siem Reap.
 * Monuments at the east and the south side of the baray: Four square shrines stand at the beginning of the ring road on the left side. In some of them is a huge linga (phallus symbol), about 2 m high. Other sanctuaries are of different architecture. Some have one, others two enclosures. Some consist of one prasat (tower), some of three prasats, some have annex buildings. In the south of the baray stands the Prasat Damrei (the elephant temple, damrei = elephant). This sanctuary has an enclosure and one tower. It was flanked by four beautiful elephant sculptures. Just two of them are left at the site, the others are in museums.
 * Monuments along the road to Siem Reap: Prasat Pram has an enclosure, three brick towers, and two shrines. The tower at the right is overgrown with hundreds of small roots. One of the shrines has a huge tree on the top and was possibly a fire-sanctuary. Prasat Chen has a wall and consists of three half collapsed black laterite towers.

The temples at Koh Ker are built of different materials: brick, sandstone, or laterite. Many of the brick temples at this site are in a much better state than the stone sanctuaries and stone shrines. That's because the bricks are of small size and very good quality.

One temple (east of the baray) shows the style of Banteay Srei. This indicates that some temples were built after the capital was moved away from Koh Ker. Some of the most impressive sculptures of the Khmer Empire were found in Koh Ker. They were either stolen or are in museums (National Museum in Phnom Penh and Musée Guimet in Paris).

The entry fee is US$15 payable at the ticket office 3 km south of the parking area.

Do

If you stay in Siem Reap and have time for a one day-tour, then go to Koh Ker. The rural area is lovely and the temples are very different from those of Angkor. There are several possibilities:

Dry season, one day:

Take a taxi or ask your hotel or an agency for a car. Fix the price in advance (US$100). US$5 for a short part of private street (near Beng Mealea) should be included. Take a map of Koh Ker with you because not many taxi drivers have been there. The driver should take you to the main sanctuary beside the parking lot and afterwards drive along the ring-road. Different combinations:

 * Go to Koh Ker and spend the whole time at the temple site. Sit in the restaurant in front of the huge entrance-pavilion. Enjoy the silence, the atmosphere and the absence of tourists. Take a walk (about 15 minutes) to the small village of Koh Ker.
 * See the temples of Koh Ker and on the way back visit the temple of Beng Mealea. This sanctuary is much more overgrown, but is much less crowded. You need about 90 minutes to visit the temple (entrance fee US$10). Some restaurants are in front of the entrance.
 * Visit the temples in Koh Ker, then go back to Dam Deik and then to the border of the Tonle Sap Lake. Visit one of the stilted villages nearby. Not many tourists will be there. For this additional tour you have to pay about US$40.
 * If you are deeply interested in archaeology, ask a travel agency for a driver who knows the site or for a driver and a guide. A guide can show you the inscriptions and some reliefs and can explain the monuments.

Dry season, two or more days:

Book a 4WD-tour or a motorbike-tour (dirt bike-tour). There are different possibilities (contact one of the agencies in Siem Reap), for instance:

 * Siem Reap - Anlong Veng - Prasat Preah Vihear - Koh Ker - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap
 * Siem Reap - Kampong Thom - Sambor Prei Kuk - Preah Khan of Kampong Svay - Tbeng Meanchey - Koh Ker - Beng Mealea - Siem Reap
 * Siem Reap - Stung - Preah Khan of Kampong Svay - Koh Ker - Prasat Preah Vihear - Anlong Veng - Siem Reap

Wet season: You have to ask in Siem Reap if the access to Koh Ker is possible by normal car (taxi) or if you need a 4WD vehicle. You will need more time than during the dry season, but the excursion from Siem Reap to Koh Ker and back is always possible in one day.

Oxcart-rides: There are plans to support the poor local community by offering oxcart-rides. If there are oxcarts you should use them to visit the temples along the ring-road. For this tour you need about two hours and pay US$10. With this money a whole family can survive two days.

Buy

Some small shops in front of the main temple offer hand made things, especially wooden boxes or toys, produced in the region of Koh Ker. No postcards, books or maps are available here.

Eat
There are two open-air restaurants near the parking area in front of the double-sanctuary Prasat Thom/Prang. You can have some snacks, different styles of noodle soup or fried rice and sometimes even fresh fish. Coffee and tea and all sorts of soft cold drinks, water in bottles and fresh coconut juice are available here. If you want to have an evening meal it is necessary to order it in advance otherwise the cooks go back to their families.

There are a couple of basic Khmer cafes in the village of Sray Yong, 10 km south.

Sleep
Not many visitors wish to sleep in Koh Ker, because most of the tourists staying in Siem Reap like to return to their hotel the same day. If you want to stay overnight at Koh Ker, there are just two possibilities:

There is a nice stilted house at Koh Ker village about 1 km behind the main temple-complex. Hidden Cambodia is using it for own groups. Camping is not allowed at the temple site, but it can be organised in the village nearby (hammocks).

Stay safe
Land mines are a danger here, the area of the main temple complex, the temples along the main road and the sanctuaries along the ring-road have been cleared; but the areas outside of them have not. The "Danger Mines" signs are no joke. And even if there are no warning signs, don't enter the forest to find more temples.

Snakes: Rarely small poisonous snakes can be found in the region of Koh Ker. Wear good shoes and look where you put your hands and feet.

Climbing: Don't climb to the top of the pyramid: it's dangerous and forbidden. If you fall down the nearest doctor or hospital is quite far away.

Trails in the forest: There are numerous of trails in the forest around the main monuments. Don't follow them without a guide as otherwise you could get lost.

Drinking water: Koh Ker is a hot region. If you visit the shrines and temples along the ring-road or if you make a walk to the village, take water with you because there are no shops or restaurants. The only local place to get cold drinks is in front of the main temple complex.

Malaria is a risk here, so long sleeves and trousers after dusk are essential.

Respect
Although there is a small primary school a kilometre north of the complex, the locals are often annoyed by tourists who visit near-daily expecting a guided tour of the classes. The students are often busy learning and do not wish to be disturbed by curious and disrespectful Westerners.

title: Koh Ker


text:
Koh Kong

Koh Kong, or Krong Khemarak Phoumin, is the capital of Koh Kong Province in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains. It is 8 km from Cham Yeam, which is connected by Cambodia's southernmost Thai border crossing to the Thai town of Hat Lek.

Understand
The province is one of Cambodia's greenest and most eco-friendly, with its town being tiny, but surrounded by Asia's largest expanse of mangroves, beautiful islands, and mountains.

The town is somewhat strange in appearance, with improbably wide streets, long blocks, and a correspondingly low density. Be prepared to walk or hire a motorbike. The town is 11 km from the border crossing, so transport is essential. In June 2019 a motorbike taxi from the border to downtown cost 150 baht (In Koh Kong you will find prices quoted in Thai baht, US dollars, or Cambodian riel. You can pay in any of the three currencies and may receive a mix of currencies as change.).

Be prepared to be shocked by the litter that pollutes every square inch of the town and environs.

Get in
Koh Kong has an airport (KKZ) but has no scheduled flights. Its runway is in a less than optimal shape and air travel will not commence commercially for a while.

From Cambodia
Koh Kong is linked to the south by Hwy 48. After around 100 km, in Sre Ambel, it hits Hwy4 to Phnom Penh (another 140 km) and Sihanoukville (90 km). Hwy 48 is paved and has five major bridges. It's a good scenic drive through some of Cambodia's least developed and unspoiled regions, the Cardamom Mountains.

Minibuses and tourist air-con buses to and from Koh Kong leave mainly in the mornings. Afternoon departures depend on demand.

Travel to Sihanoukville is offered by From Kep there is a daily 07:30 bus for Koh Kong via Kampot (US$16).
 * bad reputation bus company Virak Buntham at 08:00 (US$8/10 locals/foreigners, 5 hr), direct, arriving at their office in Ekareach Street (10.62414, 103.52138).
 * minibus operator Olympic Transport at 13:15 (US$10, 4½ hr), direct
 * other companys, but connections require to change bus

Shared taxis from Sihanoukville may be available from the taxi stand in the city's 7 Makara St, opposite of Psar Leu market, or from the bus terminal. They do the trip in 4 hr. If nobody's sharing, expect to pay US$45 to US$60 up to the Thai border.

There is no longer a boat between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville.

From Thailand
The border is at Cham Yeam, about 11 km by road northwest of the town. It borders Hat Lek in Thailand. Motos (US$3–3.50), shared taxis and taxis (US$-10 for the entire car) run between the town and the border. Drivers will ask for more (asking for 400 baht is common). Don't let them. Negotiate in dollars rather than baht as baht prices always work out to be more expensive.

Your driver will likely offer to exchange your cash to riel at poor rates. Politely refuse. There is no legal requirement to change any foreign money into riel and the US dollar is the de facto consumer currency of Cambodia. In Koh Kong, and other border provinces, Thai baht is also accepted, but you'll get better rates if you exchange baht for riel rather than shop with them.

If you're continuing further into Cambodia, beware of overpriced bus tickets: US$15–30 or more. Do not agree to this. Agencies may tell you that the normal price is US$25 or 30, and as such US$15 is a bargain: this is not true. The proper price to Phnom Penh is 25,000 riel (US$6). If you get a ticket for US$8 you are doing well.

Cambodian Immigration
While some sources claim problematic officials are increasingly less common, there are still old tricks to be aware of.

After you get your passport stamped with the Thai exit stamp, walk down the road, and the arrivals office is on the left side of the street. Ignore the fake quarantine station. If you allow the touts to direct you there, they will take your temperature, give you a bogus form and ask for 20-400 baht. You do not need this form and you will not be asked for it when you apply for your visa or entry stamp.

The fee for a tourist visa is US$30 as of 2019. You will be asked for more (US$37 or 1500 baht as of September 2019) by officials. It is a scam. If you are shown an official-looking document, take out your phone and ask to take a picture of it - it will disappear fast! You may try insisting on paying only US$30 (smile and be nice about it) but they will insist it is necessary. If you are lucky you will only lose a few minutes and not the "fee". Arriving early can help, as in the late afternoon a corrupt official knows that a delay could result in missing onward transport, which makes the bribe seem more attractive. Whenever you arrive, be polite, say hello (sue-saw-day) and thank-you (awkunh) in Khmer and you may find no problems.

 * The paperwork is very simple. It requires no assistance, regardless of what touts may say.
 * Forms are available at the counter to the left of the visa window, although a helpful tout will likely offer you one as soon as you approach the office. Take the form and otherwise ignore the tout.
 * A photo has been required for the visa in the past, but as of September 2019 they do not ask for one.
 * You can also pay in Thai baht, but better stock up on US dollars before the border or change money outside the building, where you'll get slightly better rates. A tout may say you can only pay 1500 Thai baht, and not in US dollars. But in the office they will accept US dollars.

Alternatively, you can obtain an e-Visa for US$35 as of 2019. Having an e-Visa saves time at the border and a page in your passport.

As of 2019 tourist visas (T-class) cost US$30 and may be extended for one month only. Persons wanting longer stays and multiple entries to Cambodia will need a US$35 (2015) business visa (E-class, valid for 30 days and extendable once in Cambodia). Confusingly, E-class visas are unrelated to the on-line visas. They cost US$35 as of 2019 and require no extra documents or fees. Make sure the officials know that you know this.

Once you have your visa, brush off the touts and go to the arrival window to get your entry stamp into Cambodia. Make sure you receive a stamp on your form, and not just in your passport. Without a stamp on your form you will not be able to depart Cambodia later at another crossing but will be told that you must return to your original entry point to address your missing stamp. This could result in an overstay if you are far from your entry point when you attempt to exit.

From immigration, the road continuing into Cambodia is messy and in poor condition. The first few motorcycle taxi drivers will speak English well and will ask for 400 baht. Ignore them, and keep on walking down the road. In about 250 m is the main group of taxi drivers, where the standard fare to Koh Kong town is 100-150 baht. It takes around 10 min to reach the centre of town.

Get around
By Cambodian standards the local roads are safe and most of the local people drive slowly.

Motorbike taxis around town cost 1,000 riel/km. Starting price is 1,000 riel.

See
Around Koh Kong, there are islands, mountains, jungles, rivers, waterfalls, a zoo, casino, and a lot more.

Irrawaddy dolphins otters and birds Between the Cardamom Mountains and the Gulf of Thailand, the mangrove-estuary system of Koh Kong Province is the largest and most intact in Southeast Asia. Many of the estuaries of the Cardamom Mountains have national park or other protected area status. However, due to their remote and formerly inaccessible location they are largely untouched and unexplored and are home to an extremely diverse range of rare and exotic wildlife. Rare dolphins, finless porpoises, two species of otters, Asia's most elusive cat, it's rarest (and smallest) deer, gibbon, macaque and an array of globally endangered shorebirds are just some of the little known treasures

Dolphins
 * Irrawaddy Dolphin
 * Finles Porpoise
 * Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin

Koh Kong has a large marine (salt water) population of Irrawaddy dolphins. They inhabit the waters at the estuary mouth in and around the mangroves. Boat tours to see and study these beautiful rare dolphins and other wildlife can be arranged at Lin's Restaurant.

Otters Cambodia is often described as "a land of water", so the realisation that it is a hot spot for three species of otters is not really surprising. Estuaries in Koh Kong are the prime habitat for two of these species:

 * Smooth-coated Otter
 * Hairy-nosed Otter

Birds Koh Kong's coastline and islands are the habitat for some of Asia's rarest and most endangered birds and animals. They are the wintering home for over 20 species of migratory shorebirds - including the globally endangered Spoon-billed sandpiper (global population 200).

Along Hwy 4 (Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh), about 30 km south of Traeng Trayoung, 20 km north of the Koh Kong turn-off, there is on the west side of the road a small turn-off which leads to a nice set of rapids called O'bak Retes. Great place to stop.

Koh Kong Island

Koh Kong Island is considered one of the best beaches in SE Asia. There is no accommodation on Koh Kong Island as it a military installation and therefore illegal to spend the night. Day trips are offered by private individuals, with rates quoted at $200 before bargaining in February 2023. The island is 40 minutes from Koh Kong city by speed boat. Koh Kong Island is the largest island in Cambodia, about 20 km long by 7 km wide. It has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and a tropical forest.

The only settlement is the fishing village of Alatang on the southeast corner of the island. The west side boasts six tropical beaches, most with their own natural freshwater lagoons leading to rivers running down from the high mountain peaks that lie above them.

In high season, from October to late May, the ocean is quiet with moderate waves and moderate wind, ideal for snorkelling, fishing, and every tourism activity.

In low season, the waves are very impressive, moving up the sand on the beaches. Contrary to what one might think, the low season is not all rain. There is regularly sun and rain intermittently.

Inhabited by monkeys, tropical birds such as the eagles and toucans, deer and marine animals, fauna is very diversified. Regularly, there are dolphins and whale sharks in the bay.

On the island of Koh Kong there are small monkeys, wild boars, squirrels, toucans, mynah and small parrots. You can also find rare butterflys including among others the biggest moth Attacus Atlas.

As for marine life there are harmless whale sharks, dolphins, Parrot fish, Snapper fish, Barracuda, king fish, Cobia fish, Wahoo fish, swordfish, Grouper fish, Sea turtle, wahoo fish.

The north end is controlled by the military, camping is allowed at your own risk on the 5th and 6th beaches and also at the military post in the village of Alatang.

Do
Day trips to Koh Kong Island, to see the Dolphins in Peam Krasop Mangroves (Asia's largest), Trekking and overnight stays in the Cardamom Mountains are available

Eat
There are some restaurants clustered round the roundabout in the town centre, selling good local food.

Drink

Sleep
There are many guesthouses and small hotels in the central part of town and on the riverside street,. Basic guesthouse room with fan costs US$3–6  For US$10 and more you'll get an air-con room in a guesthouse or hotel. As is often the case in Asia, the cheapest places and room rates are usually those found "on the spot" on arrival. Motorbike taxi drivers will be happy to take you to a guesthouse or hotel of their choice if you're not sure where to go. Ask them (and note how far from the centre is it) and the price. Alternatively, walk around and look for accommodation yourself: the town is quite small. South of the town there is a small group of 12 islands called the Koh Sdach archipelago. This area has white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas, and paradisaical islands. It's a must for any traveller visiting coastal Cambodia. Accommodation is only available on two of the islands, Koh Sdach and Koh Toteung, and room rates are from US$10–120.

Street 12 known on Google Maps as Chicken Farm Road, goes from the town centre roundabout away from the river and has the highest concentration of mid-range and budget accommodations in town.

Cope
All banks are closed on weekends except for Canadia Bank which is open for a half-day Saturday morning.

If you use an ATM, most likely you will request cash in US dollars. If you ask for US$300 you will get three hundred-dollar bills. The problem is that no-one has change for a hundred-dollar bill, except for many money exchange places. You can exchange part of your $100 dollar bill into Khmer riel, and get the rest in USD change. Many places exchange money, especially near the main market. As for a sum ending in x90 instead (e.g., US$190 or 290, etc.) At least then you will get some ten-dollar bills that you have a hope of using. However now some ATMs only distribute in multiples of $20, so you need to request $280, $320, etc.

Go next
Tatai is the next town east, 19 km away. US$4–5 by motorbike, US$10 by tuk-tuk.

Tickets to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville 40,000 riel and can be purchased at the bus station in the centre of town. Buses depart around 07:00. There is also a 13:00 bus to Phnom Penh.

title: Koh Kong


text:
Kohoku

Kohoku (江北町) is a town in Saga Prefecture, Japan.

Understand

 * The town government's official site has a modest Japanese-only tourism section.

By plane
The nearest airport is Saga Airport (Ariake Saga Airport). It is the only airport in Saga prefecture, and as part of the airport utilization promotion measures (fare subsidy) by the prefecture and the local business community, it is possible to use a shared taxi between Kohoku Town and the airport (about 50 minutes, ¥1500).

In addition, Fukuoka Airport is the nearest airport other than the service route of Saga Airport, and it connects with Kohoku Town via the Fukuoka Municipal Subway that connects the airport and Hakata Station, or the bus that connects the airport and Saga Station.

By bus
Yutoku Bus:
 * Saga City - Ogi City (Ashikari / Ushizu) -Kohoku Town - Shiroishi Town - Kashima City
 * Saga City-Ogi City (Ashikari / Ushizu) -Kohoku Town - Omachi Town - Takeo City

By car

 * National Highway - National Road No. 34, Route 207
 * Saga Prefectural Road- Saga Prefectural Road No. 35 Taku Kohoku Line, Saga Prefectural Road No. 339 Kohoku Ashikari Line

See

 * Shiraki Panorama Koen
 * Shiraki Mausoleum Shrine
 * Shiraki Mausoleum and Confucius Statue
 * Batokan'nondo KusunokiTatsuki
 * Substitute Kannon Temple
 * Nagasaki Highway Odajuku
 * Sekikawa Family Residence: along the Nagasaki Highway in Ueda. It was built as a bank office and residence in the middle of the Meiji era.
 * Zazenseki at Tatsuzawa Temple
 * Sixteen Arhats stone structure
 * Zazenseki at Takizawa Temple

Do

 * Meiko Riverside Park
 * Hidamarinooka Park
 * Sakurayama Park

Festivals

 * Shiraki Confucius Statue Festival (April 21, September 21)
 * Tenshisha Gion (early July)
 * Ancient Bonfire Festival (November)

Go next

 * Omachi
 * Taku
 * Ogi
 * Kubota
 * Saga
 * Karatsu
 * Shiroishi
 * Takeo
 * Kashima

title: Kohoku


text:
Koh Rong

Koh Rong is an Island off the coast of Sihanoukville.

Understand
Until few years ago, Koh Rong used to be an undiscovered Island with only a few local families living from what the sea provided. There are about four small villages. Tourism slowly started around 2008, but the island remains deserted for the largest part. In 2012 new bungalow resorts and guesthouses pop up at Koh Tuich which is the main touristy destination.

The island has been sold to an investor planning to create an ecological resort, but the huge development probably won't start until 2020.

As the local villages and tourism sites mainly use the wood provided on the island, the local jungle is subject to severe deforestation due to the illegal logging, which will hopefully be stopped by the investors that plan to preserve about half of the jungle as a nature reserve.

The development of the small villages continued even heavier in 2013 with more and more guesthouses, restaurants and bungalow resorts popping up. Unfortunately almost all places seem solely interested in short-term profits: garbage and unfiltered wastewater are routed to the sea and one can watch the island getting dirtier every month.

If you are planning on visiting during Chinese New Year, you may want to book accommodations ahead of time as it is a popular vacation destination for Chinese families and guesthouses will fill up.

Get in
Koh Rong can be reached by a ferry ride from Sihanoukville. The ferries itself are pretty basic. There are wooden benches on either side of the ferry and plastic covers in case it rains.

Typically the roof is accessible, allowing you to stretch out and catch a quick snooze. Make sure you carry a hat and sunglasses for the ride, and use sunscreen if required.

As of 2012 there are two daily ferries leaving Sihanoukville at about 08:00 and 13:30 from the port. Both head to Koh Tuich. The return ferries leave at 10:00 and 16:00 from the island. The boats are quite slow, so the trip takes about 2 hours.

Not all ferries sell water or snacks, so it may be a good idea to carry some with you, especially if you are travelling with children. There is a small toilet on board the ferry which seems to be clean and in decent working condition.

To board and disembark from the ferry you will need to walk on an average sized plank of wood connecting the pier to the ferry. The process is not very efficient and can be a little scary the first time you try it, so bear this in mind if you have any foot injuries, have special needs, etc.

Ferries used to run to two opposite sides of the island.
 * The Dive Shop and Monkey Island ferries pick you up at Monkey Republic near the Golden Lion roundabout at 12:30 (or if you arrange in advance at 13:00 at the bus station). The ferry leaves 13:30 and arrives at Koh Tuich at 15:30.
 * The other ferry running to Sok-San bungalows may not be in operation as of 2012. However, from Koh Tuich you can take a fishing boat for US$25. Better is probably to pre-arrange your arrival when booking the accommodation.

Make sure that the ferry you are booked to take will drop you off at your destination. There have been instances of resort owners refusing to let guests take boats to the other side of the island (Sok-San to Monkey Island etc.), and insisting that you stay on their beach.

Prices seem to vary, depending on season and the place you book at. Expect to pay between US$10 to US$20 for the roundtrip including pickup in the main town area in Sihanoukville, so you should not have to pay extra for it.

There are also ships from Sihanoukville to Pagoda Beach. They can be booked via your hotel.

By motorcycle
Nowadays, there are some concrete roads on the island and it is possible to travel around the island on a motorcycle that can be rented from some hotels. The roads are marked both on Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.

By foot
There are some trails marked on OpenStreetMap and other maps, however, the maps should be improved, so you'll either need a guide or good instinct and a compass.

However, the resort village areas are easily navigated, there is typically only one path and the only obstacles may be occasional streams.

There are four villages:
 * Koh Tuich (or sometimes just Koh Toch or Koh Tuit) named after the small southeastern island, has seen most tourist development.
 * Long-beach-kog-rong-cambodia.jpgSok-San (also known as Bai Tau) is a village at the west of the island at the northern end of the 7-km Long Set beach. Behind the village is a small lagoune, and about 5 minutes walk into the jungle is a big waterfall (only in wet-season).
 * Dam Dkeuw (also known as Dam Skal) is a village at the eastern cost, somehow reminding of venice.
 * Prek Sway is the last village at the east cost.

By boat
The other option is to hire a local fishing boat to take you around the island.

The trip from Koh Tuich to Bai Tau will be US$25 per boat.

See
With 23 white sand beaches to choose from Koh Rong has plenty to see and do. For the adventurous there's plenty of trekking to be done through the relatively untouched jungle. Diving and snorkelling is excellent both off the beach and at sites nearby.

But above all the best attraction is the phosphorescent water which sparkles when disturbed like twinkling stars.

Best seen in around 4 feet of water and on a dark part of the beach. Because Koh Rong has minimal development and light pollution the conditions are perfect for the phosphorescent plankton and it can be seen every single night.

Do

 * Some of the trails are marked on OpenStreetMap. Mark others if you find other trails on the island.

Buy
As of 2020, there is no ATM on the island. Several businesses in Koh Tuich can withdraw money for you but they will gouge you for it (~10%) because they know you have no other choice. Plan accordingly.

Eat
There are many restaurants available. In Koh Tuich, the cheapest ones are the Khmer restaurants in the village (mains US$2–3) that offer surprisingly good food. Each bungalow resort also has its own restaurant. While more expensive, these offer a nicer atmosphere. Various Restaurants offer the standard beach BBQ fare for US$4–6 at night.

Drink
Most restaurants also serve alcohol and cocktails. A can of Klang is typically about US$1.

Monkey's also has buckets and is often putting on a fire-show at night, so this is likely the place party activity will start. Most restaurants and bars will close by midnight. One or two bars will remain open and with electricity on until late depending on the crowd.

Sleep
As electricity is mainly provided by generators, power is typically only available in the evening from around 18–22. Bathrooms are usually very basic, with water being provided by streams running down from the mountains, so the water may sometimes have a brown tone.

Koh Tuich
There are some budget accommodations, including dorms and guesthouses in the village, so unless everything is booked, you can find a place to sleep from about US$5.

Due to construction in the village area, most travelers head for one of the calmer bungalow resorts.

From the village, head north to find Monkey, Paradise and furthest away Treehouse bungalows.

Sok San
In Sok San, there are two bungalow resorts, one with 10, the other with 15 bungalows. Both have restaurants.

Long Set Beach
Long Set Beach is located to the North of Koh Tuich on the sunset side of the island. It can be reached via a 45-minute jungle trek or private boats hired either in Sihanoukville or at the dock in Koh Tuich. A private boat from Koh Tuich costs US$5–10. It is a secluded 7-km strand of white sand beach, starting at Broken Heart Guesthouse and ending in Sok San, with crystal clear water and excellent opportunities to view the phosphorescence. The sunsets are beautiful and, at the start of the rainy season, the lightning storms are phenomenal. Closed during the rainy season.

Pagoda Beach
There are 5 more expensive hotels on Pagoda beach. There is no village here.

Connect
In Koh Tuich, Wi-Fi is available at several restaurants.

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels. 4G and GSM work in some parts of the island, but not everywhere; for example, there is no reception on Pagoda Beach.

Go next

 * Sihanoukville
 * Koh Rung Sanloem

title: Koh Rong


text:
Koh Rung Sanloem

Koh Rung Sanloem, or Koh Rong Sanloem, is an island off the coast of Cambodia. The closest port is Sihanoukville.

Understand
Koh Rong Sanloem is Koh Rong's stunning sister island.

It is a peaceful relaxing destination with breathtaking scenery – clean white beaches, clear turquoise ocean waters, and a tropical jungle wilderness. It is often called an ‘island paradise’ by tourists.

If you want to lie back, unwind, and admire the magnificent views the island of Sanloem is a fine holiday destination.

Get in
Koh Rong Sanloem can be reached easily by boat from Sihanoukville. There are multiple ferry services to Saracen Bay, M'pai Bai and Sandy Beach: Cambodia Island Speedferry, GTVC, Buva Sea. All of them depart from the GTVC pier close to Sihanoukville Autonomous sea port. The time to reach the island will wary from 45 minutes to 2 hours and is dependent on the route of the ferry. Ferries service two islands on the same go. Ticket prices are fixed by government at US$22 roundtrip and $12 for one way. There is a supply boat departing from pier 52 (aka Bora pier) at 14:30 (January 2024) which can also accept passengers, price is US$5 one way. You can buy tickets on the spot. Stops in Sarracen beach, M'bay, and Koh Rong. Travel time between 90 min and 2 hr 30 min.

Get around
Some beaches on this island can be reached by foot, but others can only be reached by taxi boat. From Sarracen beach you can follow the signs and walk to: Sunset beach, Lazy Beach and Military Beach. Also the stone carved place. You can not walk to M'bai beach. It is a relatively small island, but still big enough to get lost on if you were to embark on a jungle trek.

See
The island is famous for its beautiful beaches. On the western side there are 3 beaches: Military Beach (aka Twilight Beach), Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach. On the south side is Sandy Beach and on the east side facing the mainland is Saracen Bay. From the French era there is a lighthouse situated on the high flat mountain top with breathtaking views to all directions.

Do
Koh Rong Sanloem is the cradle of Cambodian diving. It's where all the dive companies based in Sihanoukville generally head when they take divers out. It also serves as mid-way point for dive trips heading all the way out to Condor Reef.

 * Stay overnight in one of the tourist bungalows.
 * Jungle trek on various routes across the island to Sunset beach, Lazy beach, the lighthouse and M'Pai Bai village, etc. Bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent and sturdy shoes if in wet season. There is chance to see lizards, monkeys, hornbills white belly sea eagles.
 * Sunset Rock is a wonderful place to watch the sun set over the ocean, if you are willing to trek over some boulders to get there.
 * Snorkel M'Pai Bai Corals & Night Swim with Floro-Plancton in M'Pai Bay.

In Saracen Bay there are many activities available: snorkeling, kayaks and jungle trekking.

Buy
There are minimarts located in Saracen Bay and M'pai Bai selling basic conveniences such as soap, cigarettes, mosquito repellent, noodles, beer, and soft drinks.

There is no ATM on the island, however, many businesses accept credit cards and also permit cash withdrawals.

Eat
M'Pai Bai village has one place left after Corona pandemic. It is right of the main pier called Bong's.

Saracen Bay has various restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine.

Drink
Many locations available in Saracen Bay area, M'Pai Bai only location left is Bong's.

Connect
Accommodation and bars in Saracen Bay have reasonably good WiFi.

title: Koh Rung Sanloem


text:
Koh Russei

Koh Russei (Bamboo Island) is a small island about 10 km off the coast of Sihanoukville.

Understand
Koh Russei (េកាះឫស្សី), also named Koh Russey or Bamboo Island is a green, gilt-edged crescent, floating on emerald-blue water.

Get in
Bamboo Island (េកាះឫស្សី) - can be reached by private boat for US$5. At the Sunset Cafe on Occidental Beach, ask the owner the night before you want to go. Or go from the beach near Ream National Park, about 20 km east of Sihanoukville.

Do
The beach at Bamboo Island is a great place for finding shells. The water stays shallow for a long way out in some areas of the beach. The sand is very coarse, so you may want to bring shoes to protect your feet.

Buy
There are no banks or ATMs so make sure you take enough money.

Sleep
On the island there are 2 sets of huts on either side of the island, both with bar/restaurant and offering 10 basic huts each for US$10-20 per night. Bookings though Koh Ru booking office or Coasters Guesthouse in Sihanoukville. This pure unspoilt tropical island experience is a wonderful place to relax. Prices on the island tend to be about 50% above the Sihanoukville average. There are only four choices for temporary accommodations on Koh Russei. All four are very basic bungalows and do not provide water or electricity all day. Showers are DIY with buckets of water. Toilets are shared.

On the southwest side of the island there is only one place to stay:

Go next

 * Sihanoukville

title: Koh Russei


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Kohukohu

Kohukohu is a town on the northern shore of the Hokianga Harbour in Northland, New Zealand.

Get in
Drive from the north or take the car ferry across the harbour from Rawene.

title: Kohukohu


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Koidu

Koidu (or Sefadu) is a city in Sierra Leone.

Understand
Koidu is the heart of the diamond mining region. Consequently it suffered very badly during the war. Once it had very good infrastructure, with nice buildings, water/electricity supply. All of these were destroyed during the war. Roads are dirt, even in the centre of town. Koidu has missed out on the reconstruction that has taken place throughout the rest of Sierra Leone.

Get in
The main road to Koidu is from Makeni, via Magburaka. From Matotaka, it is in very bad condition and will require a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It may be impassible in the rainy season. Expect the journey from Makeni to take 5 hours in the dry season.

Sleep
There is very little choice for accommodation in Koidu. What there is, is very basic standard.

title: Koidu


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Ko Jum

Ko Jum (เกาะจำ), also known as Ko Phu (or Pu) (เกาะปู), is a small island between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town.

Residents of the south end of the island call it Ko Jum (or Jam or Cham), while the northerners call it Ko Phu (or Pu). Local villagers take fierce pride in the two different names.

Till the 1930s Ko Siboya was Koh Jum and Koh Jum was only called Koh Pu. As 15 families from Koh Jum (today Koh Siboya) settled you the south of Koh Pu, the islands got 2 names.

Understand
Ko Jum has three main villages (Ban Ko Pu, Ban Ting Rai, and Ban Ko Jum) and is permanent home of about 1,500 people. On the west side of the island, about 20 resorts provide very simple bungalows.

Get in
During high season (late-Oct-late-Apr), ferries between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town call at the island. You must pay the full fare (400 baht) for the full crossing, despite only travelling half way. You pay on board, but pre-booking is recommended as the ferry is often full. Tickets can be bought from travel agencies in Krabi or at the main ferry offices at the old pier on Khong Ka Rd, and from resorts on Ko Jum.

Ko Jum has no jetty or dock. The ferry stops offshore and is met by longtail boats. If you've pre-booked, then a boat from your resort should be there to pick you up; otherwise simply choose a longtail and ask for a lift to shore.

Local boats also run from Laem Kruat to Ko Jum (100 baht for foreigners, 45min). 120 baht as of Dec 2022. The first is at 09:00 and the last leaves at 18:15. Do not be late, as if you miss the ferry you will have to hire your own taxi boat, which costs ca. 1500 baht. During the low season, this is the only option to get to Ko Jum.

To get to Laem Kruat, take a bus, taxi, or songthaew from Krabi. The songthaew is blue and yellow and departs from the Siam Bank near the piers and 7-Eleven, but you can pick it up elsewhere along its route if you happen to see it. Ask the driver for Laem Kruat or Ko Jum, he'll understand.Most of these songthaews have their destination written on them in English.

If you cannot find a direct songthaew, take one from Krabi to Nuea Khlong (maximum 50 baht, minimum 20 baht) and a second from Nuea Khlong to Laem Kruat for 50 baht (minimum 40 baht).

Get around
Ko Jum is a relatively small island and most of the population gets around on small motorbikes, which can be rented easily. There is also a local taxi service, consisting of a motorbike and sidecar!

The roads in the three villages and between Ban Ting Rai and Ban Ko Jum are concrete and easy to drive on. The roads between the north and south which were once narrow, unsealed, frequently pot-holed and wet, are now sealed. A taxi ride from the Ko Jum ferry port to most places in the south is 50 baht. A taxi ride to take in all of the island's main places costs 400 baht.

See
The villages are sights in themselves, with slight differences in their ways of life. Travelling around the island on a motorcycle is a fun and (mostly) safe way of sightseeing.

Most resorts will also be able to arrange day trips with treks up to the top of Mount Pu on the northern part of the island, which has a majestic view of the islands and the Andaman Sea.

Do
Relax in a hammock by the beach. Swim. Walk along the beach. Small hikes. Many people seem to stay here for a long while just to relax and recharge. There are not a lot of other diversions here.

Eat
Most guesthouses and resorts on the island have a kitchen, and are happy to cook for you even if you aren't a guest. Just walk down the beach until you get hungry. The meals are good, and the prices decent.

Drink
The island only got electricity in 2008 and it's starting to get developed in the southern part. The constant loud noise from bars and party-goers, as on Phi Phi, has not been an issue here, and only occurs on rare occasions like Christmas and New Year. Beer and stronger drinks are available from guesthouses, or from shops in the villages.

Respect the locals by making an effort to keep bottles of alcohol out of view.

Go next
Some people go to Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta via ferry. Otherwise, if you want to go back to Krabi Town, just go back the opposite way you came in. The ferries back towards Krabi Town, via Laem Kruat, sail from 07:15 to 08:00.

title: Ko Jum


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Koka

Kōka (甲賀市) is a city in Shiga prefecture, Japan.

Understand
Kōka is well known for its ninja history (Kōga ninja clan), unique ceramics and position on the Tokaido Road. The Kōga ninja clan were rivals of the nearby Iga ninjas. Unlike the Iga ninja, whose power was well-known, the Kōga clan are said to have used stealth and deception to mask their size and power, creating fake rivals for themselves. In 1581, the two clans joined forces against Oda Nobunaga, but were defeated by Nobunaga's overwhelming forces, and the surviving members of the Kōga ninja went into retreat.

The ceramics produced in Kōka, known as Shigaraki-yaki, have been prized across Japan for centuries. Today you will see many small pottery shops lining the streets near Shigaraki Station.

The Tokaido Road was for centuries the main route from Kyoto to Edo (present day Tokyo). The road passes through the heart of Kōka, and two famous rest stations, Tsuchiyama and Minakuchi, are located here.

In 2004 the towns of Minakuchi, Shigaraki, Tsuchiyama, Kōka and Kōnan merged to form Kōka City. This is a rural area with few English speakers. Some Japanese language capability is needed to find sites.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

Get in
Kōka has five stations on the JR Kusatsu Line. The largest station, Kibukawa (貴生川), is about a 45-minute ride from Kyoto.

From JR Osaka or Kyoto Station, get on any regular, rapid or special rapid train headed for Kusatsu, Yasu,　Maibara, Nagahama or Tsuruga. Get off the train at Kusatsu. From Kyoto this takes about 15-20 minutes. Do not exit Kusatsu station, and transfer to any train bound for Kibukawa or Tsuge (Keep in mind that trains bound for Tsuge will stop at all stations in Kōka City, while trains bound for Kibukawa will only stop at Kibukawa). The train from Kusatsu to Kibukawa takes about 25 minutes.

Get around
Along with the JR train line, Kōka has 4 stops on the Omi Railway and 5 stops on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway. Both of these railways can be accessed at JR Kibukawa Station. Kōka also has an extensive bus network, with many buses departing from Kibukawa Station.

See

 * Ninja Village (忍術村) - Similar to the once hidden ninja villages that existed in the area, the Koka Ninja Village exhibits a number of transplanted ninja estates. With a plethora of contraptions and a throwing star training room, this is the place to go for a hands-on ninja experience. The attached museum offers an extensive 1,400-piece collection of ninja artifacts. Ninja uniforms are available for trying on and kids will enjoy the obstacle course of walls and ropes. Take the JR Kusatsu Line to Kōka station.  There is free bus/minivan pickup from the station to the Ninja Village. (394 Oki Koka-cho, Koka-shi; 09:00-17:00, closed Mondays and Dec 27-Jan 1. Admission ¥1000 adults, ¥800 children ages 13-18, ¥700 ages 6-12, ¥500 ages 3-6.)
 * Kōka Ninja Estate (甲賀流忍術屋敷) - This estate was built over 300 years ago for the famous ninja leader Mochizuki Izumonokami. From the outside, this estate looks the same as the other homes in the area, however the inside clandestinely reveals the characteristics of a ninja residence. You will see a number of trap doors, false walls and hidden rooms that were designed to protect the home from potential intruders. You will have an opportunity to see a display of actual ninja weaponry and other historical artifacts, You can even take a try at throwing ninja stars. The gift shop sells small souvenirs, and everyone can sample a specially blended health tea that the ninjas often prepared. Take the JR Kusatsu line to JR Kōnan Station.  The Ninja Estate is a 20 minute walk from the station. (Ryuhoji Kōnan-cho, Kōka-shi; 09:00-16:30, closed Dec 27-Jan 1. Admission ¥600 adults, ¥300 children ages 6-12.)

 * Shigaraki-yaki Ceramics (信楽焼) - Shigaraki is home to one of the oldest and most famous schools of pottery in all of Japan. As you exit Shigaraki Station and walk along the main road, you will see dozens of small shops selling ceramics that range from ornamental to practical. "Shigaraki-yaki," as the pottery is known, was first produced in the Kamakura period during the 12th century. Several centuries later, during the Muromachi period, Shigaraki-yaki gained prominence as an ideal ceramic for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Some of the most recognizable modern pottery from Shigaraki are tanuki (a racoon-like animal) statues. Of course cups, plates, bowls and a number of other goods are also available.
 * Tsuchiyama Tokaido Museum (東海道伝馬館) - This Japanese style estate offers various displays and exhibits about the history of Tsuchiyama and the Tokaido Road. The Tokaido Road is the famous route that for centuries served as the main link between Kyoto and Edo (modern day Tokyo) The museum also offers hands on activities and a small shop selling locally made goods.
 * Minakuchi Castle (水口城) - Minakuchi Castle was built in 1634 as a way-station for Tokugawa Iemitsu in his travels between Tokyo and Kyoto. The current reconstruction dates from 1991. Minakuchi Castle can be accessed by the Omi Tetsudo Line, a five minute walk from Minakuchi Jonan station.

Miho Museum
Miho Museum (ミホ・ミュージアム) - The Miho Museum, located in the heart of Shigaraki, is one of Kōka City's true gems. Exhibits in the expansive museum change every several months and generally include art and artifacts from the Silk Road area. The design of the museum is just as noteworthy as the exhibits. It was conceived by world famous architect I.M. Pei, who is known for also designing the John Hancock Tower in Boston, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

The Miho was the dream of Mihoko Koyama (after whom it is named), the heiress to the Toyobo textile business, and one of the richest women in Japan. In 1970 she founded the Shinji Shumeikai spiritual movement which is now said to have some 300,000 members worldwide, and in the 1990s she commissioned the museum to be designed by I M Pei and built close to the Shumei temple in the Shiga mountains. It houses Mihoko Koyama's private collection of Asian and Western antiques as well as US$300 million to US$1 billion (depending on your sources) worth of other pieces bought on the world market by Shumei in the years before the museum was opened in 1997.

Over a thousand pieces in total, of which about 250 are displayed at any one time. I M Pei's design is a masterpiece, executed in a hilly and forested landscape that he came to call Shangri-La. About three quarters of the building is situated underground, carved out of a rocky mountaintop. The roof is an enormous glass and steel construction, while the exterior and interior walls and floor are made of a warm beige-coloured limestone from France – the same material used by Pei in the reception hall of the Louvre. Compared to marble, it creates a softer atmosphere and a more relaxed lightness. The colours of the stone, the silver space frame, the textured wooden louvers and the vegetation outside each counterbalance each other in wonderful harmony.

Perhaps the most spectacular part of Pei's achievement, however, is the approach to the hilltop "paradise". When you arrive at the site, you first see a modest reception pavilion amid cedar trees, facing a circular courtyard, and you may be forgiven for thinking this is the museum. Opposite this building is a wide curved walkway lined with peach trees that leads to the mouth of a gleaming stainless-steel-lined tunnel cut into a ridge. As you walk into this silent, echoless, vast tunnel – it is at least three traffic lanes wide – it sweeps you in a single, 200-metre curve until sunlight suddenly appears, and – through the graceful cables of a half suspension bridge cantilevered 120 metres across a deep, narrow gorge – you finally see the Chinese-style moon-gate entrance to the museum pavilion. Allow at least two hours to browse the exhibits – each stunning piece was carefully selected as much for its artistic beauty as its historical significance, and the whole collection is brilliantly displayed and skilfully lit.

Admission ¥1000, audio guide ¥500. Open from 10:00-17:00 daily except Monday; the museum is normally closed from mid-December to mid-March, as well as parts of June/July and August/Sept, so check the calendar first.

From Kyoto station, take a twenty-minute train ride with JR to Ishiyama on the south shore of Lake Biwa (¥230) and from there a very pleasant and scenic 40-minute cab ride or shuttle bus (from bus bay 3 at Ishiyama station, ¥800) through semi-rural areas with rice paddies to the museum's reception pavilion. Last returning bus to Ishiyama is 1715.

Do
Many of the above sights offer a number of activities that go beyond simply "looking." Furthermore, Kōka is an excellent destination for cherry blossoms (early to mid April), hiking and autumn foliage

Buy

 * Ceramics - Kōka is famous for its Shigaraki-yaki (信楽焼) pottery, which comes in many shapes, sizes and prices. Handmade cups, bowls and ornaments often start at only several hundred yen.  Larger, more elaborate ceramic items are also sold.  There are dozens of small pottery shops around Shigaraki Station.  To get there, take the Shigaraki Kogen Railway from Kibukawa Station.
 * Tea - For the last 650 years, Kōka has also been a large producer of fine quality teas. Tsuchiyama-cha (土山茶), with its bold flavor, and Asamiya-cha (朝宮茶) with its mild taste are especially famous.
 * Miso - Kōka’s Kafuka Miso (鹿深味噌), made from Shiga soy and rice, is prized as being some of the tastiest in Japan.

Sleep
Kōka offers a number of lodging choices, ranging from top quality hotels to traditional Japanese ryokan inns.

Go next

 * Konan
 * Ryuo
 * Omihachiman
 * Yasu
 * Moriyama
 * Kusatsu
 * Hino
 * Iga, Kōka's neighbor to the south, is also famous for its ninja history.
 * Kameyama

title: Koka


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Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is in the West Kootenays region of British Columbia.

Understand
Kokanee Glacier is a wilderness park covering 32,000 ha (about the size of Malta) in the high mountains north of Nelson. The only access is by foot in summer and by limited helicopter access in winter if you are lucky enough to obtain a week skiing in the park.

The park’s primary roles are to:
 * Represent sub-alpine, alpine landscapes and associated ecological resources of the Selkirk Mountain ranges.
 * Conserve grizzly bear and mountain goat habitat.
 * Maintain the characteristics and qualities of the natural environment and associated features, and
 * Conserve cultural heritage of the early alpine mining history of the West Kootenays.

History
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, set aside in 1922, is one of the oldest major parks in the provincial system. It has a long history of well established recreational use.

Landscape
A significant part of this park is above treeline and, although diminishing like most others, there is a glacier which lends its name to the park.

It is mostly above 1,800 metres in elevation, and has two glaciers – and  – which feed over 30 lakes and are the headwaters of many creeks.

As the dominant feature and roughly in the park’s centre, Kokanee Glacier forms the culmination of mountain ridges and valleys leading in from Kootenay and Slocan Lake. Slowly regenerating burns, old growth spruce stands, open slide paths and meadowlands lend contrast and heighten the beauty of the Park’s mountain landscape.

The park straddles the crest of mountain ridges between Slocan Lake and Kootenay Lake. 30 km to the northeast the peaks of Kokanee Glacier are visible from the city of Nelson, and stand out as dominant skyline features from many points on Kootenay Lake.

Flora and fauna
Vegetation is typical of this elevation, with exposed bedrock and gravel moraine near the peaks where only lichens and a few other hardy plants survive. Stunted Engelmann spruce and white-bark pine are common at the timberline, with beautiful sub-alpine flower meadows in the wetter areas. The numerous steep slopes and avalanche paths support slide alder and huckleberry. The lower, more protected slopes are forested with Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, hemlock and western red cedar. The few pure stands of subalpine larch are particularly stunning in October when their needles turn golden-yellow in the fading sun.

Bird species such as the blue grouse and Franklin grouse inhabit the forests, and ptarmigan are often seen in the open areas. Golden eagles are occasionally seen soaring majestically overhead.

Small animals such as the hoary marmot, pika, ground squirrels, and marten are common, while larger species such as the mountain goat, mule deer and black bear are present in lesser numbers.

The park contains most of the range for several grizzly bears, and further protection of significant grizzly bear habitat was the main reason for the expansion of the park in 1995. Separation of people and grizzlies is an important management objective - for the protection of both parties. To protect these endangered bears, areas such as the Coffee Creek drainage have no development and use is discouraged. Other trails are carefully designed to avoid bear habitat or closed at certain times of the year when bears are known to be feeding on ripe berries nearby.

Climate
Weather patterns in the park are typical of the Southern Interior Mountains, With the whole park area over 1,500 metres, elevation strongly influences weather conditions and while warm spells occur in July and August, mountain weather is highly changeable. Snow and sleet are not uncommon in summer, and rainy weather, many times in the form of thunderstorms, can be expected in the spring, summer and autumn months.

The heavy snowfall accumulations in the park ensure excellent ski conditions from late autumn to early spring. Snow can occur in October at all levels in the park and the higher elevations are not likely to be snow-free until July. Avalanches are prevalent on the open alpine slope, limiting ski touring possibilities to certain routes and to low risk periods.

Get in
There are several access roads leading to trails into the park, but the main access route is via Gibson Lake, a relatively rough, steep drive about 13 km from Kokanee Creek Provincial Park on Hwy 3B along the North Shore, about 16 km from Nelson. Once at the lake, it is about a two-to-three-hour hike to Kaslo Lake and the Kokanee Cabin and campground.

The other access roads and trails are used much less and are more remote and more rugged routes. They include Keen Creek (mostly overgrown inside the Park; the road is closed near it's beginning because of erosion damage); Enterprise Creek; Woodbury Creek (which leads into the Woodbury and Silverspray Cabins in the east side of the park.

Fees and permits
There are no entry fees charged for this park.

Get around
Once you reach the trailhead in your vehicle, your feet are the only mode of transport that can be used.

Do

 * , and  offer good fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
 * It has 85 km of well-marked trails.

Eat & drink
This is a backcountry park and all visitors must be self-contained with appropriate clothing, camping gear, food, etc.

Camping
, and  cabins are maintained by the Alpine Club of Canada. For the winter season, the Kokanee Glacier Cabin offers availability through a lottery system – there is no availability for walk-ins. For the summer season, it is recommended that you make reservations for all cabins if you want to be assured of a bed to sleep in. If you walk-in and there are beds available, you can register at that time.

Backcountry
There are 30 wilderness, walk-in campsites in the park, but no facilities are provided.

Backcountry Camping Fee: $10 per person/night (persons 16 years of age and older), $5 per child/night (persons 6 - 15 years of age)

BC Parks Backcountry Registration System allows you to pre-pay your overnight fees for backcountry and/or marine site usage, where designated. This is an alternative (on-line) way to pre-pay for your backcountry permit and is not a reservation, the registration fee allows for overnight camping in back country areas but does not guarantee that a campsite in a specific area will be available.

Stay safe
Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

title: Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park


text:
Kokkare Bellur

Kokkare Bellur is village in Karnataka famous for its rare birds.

Understand
The Village of Storks, off the main highway between Bangalore and Mysore, is one of the few nesting sites in India of the spot-billed pelican. In addition, it is also home to hundreds of painted storks. The place is not a sanctuary; the storks and pelicans live freely in the trees in the middle of village, and are quite used to their human neighbors. Mysore Amateur Naturalists (MAN) have been working with the inhabitants of village to preserve the nesting site of the spotbilled pelicans, which are an endangered species. Pelicans and painted storks visit this place in January and stay until June.

Get in
The village is located off the Mysore highway, about 75 km from Bangalore. There is a road sign for Kokkare Bellur, but it is easy to miss. The village is 12 km from the main highway.

If you are approaching from Bangalore side of the Mysore road, look out for a left after the first Cafe Coffee Day on the highway. Alternatively, ask for BPL factory which is around the corner of that turn.

By bus
Regular Sarige buses are available from Bangalore to Maddur. Non-stop buses and AC buses do not halt at Maddur and hence better to take the buses on enquiry of the Maddur halt. Autos can be hired from Maddur bus stand to reach the place. Ordinary buses also available.

From Bangalore to Maddur, ordinary bus charges ₹45 ($1); From Maddur to Kokkare Bellur, the fare is ₹10.

Get around
The village comprises of totally around 4 streets, that need to be walked down, and are dotted with tamarind trees majorly; agricultural fields form the border. Total walking time can be kept anytime between 15 min to 2 h, depending on the interest.

See
Watch the birds at various levels. The birds arrive in the month of January and stay until June majorly. Each season they can be seen at various levels of jobs. Breeding, mating, nesting, hatching, training and returning. Training period is the major time; countless of them can be spotted, even the clear sky will not be spotless with the chicks taking training for flight in the strict supervision of elders.

Do
Walk down the roads. Meet the villagers. They have got accustomed to tourists now and talking to them is very informative. Play with the calves and cows if possible. Visit the medical centre homing the sick birds.

Eat
It's a small village; there is no restaurant. The nearest places to eat are Channapatna or Maddur. There is a Kamath Upahar near channapatna. Maddur or Cafe Coffee Day/ MTR joint on the way to Bangalore (20 km).

Drink
Fresh tender coconut.

Sleep
There are a couple of hotels in Maddur but the best option is to stay in Bangalore, Srirangapatna or Mysore and make a day trip.

title: Kokkare Bellur