text:
Sumatra

Sumatra (also Sumatera) is a region of Indonesia and the sixth largest island in the world. Wild and rugged, Sumatra has great natural wealth.

Regions
Sumatra is divided into ten provinces.

Cities

 * — the major city in the far north
 * — boats to Java and access to Krakatoa
 * — a pleasant mountain town
 * — the land of rafflesia and have great beaches on the west coast and access to Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park
 * — important archaeological sites and gateway to rainforests
 * — big, chaotic city in the north, gateway to Lake Toba
 * — gateway to Kerinci Seblat National Park and offshore surfing islands
 * — large city in the south, and former capital of the Srivijaya Kingdom
 * — big oil city

Other destinations

 * — orangutans at Bukit Lawang and much else; a UNESCO World Heritage Site
 * — a nature area which is located halfway between Pekan Baru and Bukit Tinggi. Rice fields are dwarfed by cliffs.
 * — site of Mount Kerinci, Sumatra's highest peak and the highest volcano in Indonesia
 * — site of the most famous Indonesian volcanic eruption
 * — beautiful highland lake very much on the back-packer circuit
 * — beaches and surf in the far north
 * — surfing heaven
 * — surfing second heaven
 * — important national park in the central east

History
People who spoke Austronesian languages first arrived in Sumatra around 500 BC, as part of the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan to Southeast Asia. With its location in the India-China sea trade route, several trading towns flourished, especially in the eastern coast, and were influenced by Indian religions and the Srivijaya Buddhist monarchy in particular.

The Srivijayan influence waned in the 11th century and Sumatra was then subject to conquests from Javanese kingdoms. At the same time Islam made its way to Sumatra through Arabs and Indian traders in the 6th and 7th centuries. Marco Polo visited the island in 1292. The powerful Aceh Sultanate ruled from this time into the 20th century. With the coming of the Dutch, the many Sumatran princely states gradually fell under their control. Aceh, in the north, was the major obstacle, as the Dutch were involved in the long and costly Aceh War (1873–1903).

Sumatra came under the control of the Dutch East Indies and became a major producer of pepper, rubber, and oil. In the early and mid-twentieth century, Sumatran academics and leaders were important figures in Indonesia's independence movements before full independence was gained in 1945.

The 2004 Tsunami
The Great Sumatran fault runs the entire length of the island along its west coast. On 26 December 2004, the western coast and islands of Sumatra, particularly Aceh province, were struck by a tsunami following the Indian Ocean earthquake. More than 170,000 Indonesians were killed, primarily in Aceh. Major earthquakes involving fatalities struck Sumatra in 2002 and 2007 and 2009.

By plane
Medan, as the largest city on the island, has the most flights including many international services to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Silangit International Airport near Lake Toba, Batam, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Padang and Banda Aceh also have international services. Other airports such as Bengkulu, Bandar Lampung, Tanjung Pinang, Pangkal Pinang, Jambi, Tanjung Pandan are served by domestic flights from Jakarta.

By bus
There are bus services from Java to various parts of Sumatra. Whilst most originate from Jakarta, there are services from Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Malang.

Most of the buses are in good condition and passengers are provided with blankets as trips take more than a day and the air conditioning can be freezing cold. As domestic low-cost carriers are not as cheap for long-distance trips, some passengers combine flights with a bus trip, such as flying from Jakarta to Pekanbaru, and then taking the bus to Medan. Luxury buses and sleeper buses are also available in the Banda Aceh - Medan route.

By boat
A ferry connection between the port of Merak on the island of Java ( west of Jakarta) and Bakauheni in the far south of Sumatra (Lampung province) is available 24 hours. Some passengers and drivers choose to travel by night, because it is not hot.

In addition, there are numerous ferry services connecting Sumatra to Malaysia as well as other Indonesian islands. The main port is Dumai in Riau, which is a visa-upon-arrival point and has direct links to Port Klang (3 hr), Port Dickson and Malacca (2.5 hr and cost 550.000 Rp (2024)) in Malaysia, as well as to the Indonesian island of Batam near Singapore. Other ports that have ferry service to Malaysia are Batam, Tanjung Balai Asahan, Bengkalis and Karimun.

There are round-the-clock ferry services from Singapore to Batam, Bintan, and Karimun.

By car
The Trans-Sumatran Highway (Jalan Trans-Sumatera), a road, connects the entire island of Sumatra from north to south. It passes through most major cities like Banda Aceh, Medan, Pekanbaru and Bandar Lampung. If you are not familiar with the routes, rent one with a driver. Driving yourself is dangerous, although the roads are well-paved, as sharp curves are not signed adequately. Night driving is not advisable.

By train
The only useful railway service runs from Bandar Lampung in the very south of Sumatra to Palembang (400 km) and to Lubuklinggau. From Medan there a few trains a day to Pematangsiantar, Tanjung Balai and Rantauprapat.

See
Nature is the primary attraction of Sumatra. There are jungles, volcanoes and lakes. The rain-forest of this island is so important that, in 2006, 25,000 km² was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. This area comprises three distinct national parks, the Gunung Leuser National Park, Kerinci Seblat National Park and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park.

Perhaps the most notable specific attraction is the endemic Sumatran Orangutan (smaller and rarer than the only other species of orangutan which is endemic to Borneo). These are restricted to the northern parts of the island and perhaps the easiest place to see them is at Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park.

Rarer still are the tiny populations of critically endangered Sumatran Tiger and Sumatran Rhinoceros. The chances of casual visitor glimpsing one of these are slim, but you never know.

Also in the north, Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake and a popular stop off on the backpacker trail.

In a nation of active volcanoes, Mount Kerinci in Kerinci Seblat National Park, is the highest of them all at some 3,805 metres.

Do
Trekking is an obvious attraction, with countless peaks to scale and real opportunities to get right away from it all.

Offshore, Sumatra has some of the best surfing anywhere on earth with the Mentawai Islands and Nias being especially notable.

Furthermore Pulau Weh up north is a paradise for divers.

Eat
Sumatra's most famous contribution to Indonesian cuisine is nasi padang white steamed rice served with numerous curries and other toppings. It was created in Padang, but has been assimilated throughout Indonesia.

As well as being a popular and delicious option in nasi padang, rendang is a dry beef curry-type dish. It is prepared by slowly cooking the beef in coconut milk and spices for several hours until almost all the liquid is gone, allowing the meat to absorb the spicy condiments. It is typically served with steamed white rice.

Stay safe
Be careful if you take the Trans-Sumatra road, as there are pirate-style robbers known as Bajing Loncat (lit. jumping squirrels), especially at night. They will jump to your vehicle from the trees or their vehicle to carjack or steal some stuff from your vehicle, even if it means they have to kill you.

Stay healthy

 * The whole of Sumatra is a malaria zone; talk to a doctor about whether you need to take medication.
 * Drink only bottled water, and to be totally safe also use only bottled water when you brush your teeth.
 * In the dry season, local farmers often set fire to the forest to clear land for farming, often resulting in a thick haze. This may cause problems for those with respiratory diseases.

Go next

 * Java can be accessed by ferry from the port of Bakauheni in Lampung.
 * Ferries run from Dumai in Riau to Port Klang, Port Dickson and Malacca in Malaysia.

title: Sumatra


text:
Sumba

Sumba is an island in the eastern half of Nusa Tenggara, south of Flores — and not be confused with Sumbawa to the west.

Cities

 * — the growing city in West Sumba, main entrance to the island in the West
 * — second largest city, in the west and home of the spectacular pasolas
 * — largest city and main gateway to the island in the East
 * — great beach on the south coast

Understand
Rarely visited by westerners, Sumba has an interior not unlike Texas hill country, only hotter, containing fewer people, bigger hills and more rugged roads. It is a sparsely populated island with just 700,000 people spread across its 11,000 km2.

Sumba is famous for having one of the most expensive resorts in the world (Nihi Watu Resort, where a night's stay costs about USD 1,000). Aside from a few resorts, tourism infrastructure is very basic and it is not an easy destination for independent travel except for the most hardy of traveler. If you do make the effort, though, you will be rewarded by experiencing a unique culture and some stunning beaches.

Sumba is probably ten years (or fifteen) behind Flores (the neighboring Nusa Tenggara island) in tourism maturity. If you haven't visited Flores, you should visit it first before you check Sumba. Tourism is newer in West Sumba than in the eastern part, so the locals there still have more of a tendency to cheat and sell hard, as of 2018.

Religion
Christianity is the dominant religion but an estimated 30% of the indigenous population practice the animist Marapu religion, the customs and rituals of which are of considerable interest to the travelers who do make the effort to visit this rugged and remote island. Many Christians on the island combine their faith with Marapu practices.

The Marapu religion believes in temporary life on earth and an eternal life in the world of spirits in Marapu heaven (Prai Marapu)). Marapu teaches that universal life must be balanced and only then can happiness be achieved. This balance is symbolised by the Great Mother (Ina Kalada) and the Great Father (Ama Kalad) who live in the universe and take the forms of the moon and the sun. They are husband and wife who gave birth to the first ancestors of the Sumbanese.

To honor Marapu, the Sumbanese put effigies on stone altars where they lay their offerings and sacrifice cattle. A further manifestation of devotion to the ancestors is reflected in the construction of impressive stone burial monuments, vestiges of one of the last surviving megalithic cultures on the planet. Funeral ceremonies and burials can be delayed for decades during which the bodies of the deceased are kept in the homes of the living

While the influence of evangelical churches is growing in Sumba and reflected in mass conversion ceremonies, many islanders retain their beliefs and practice in secret. These conversions can be traumatic for elderly Sumbans who believe by doing so they sever the relationship with their forebears. Others, particularly young people, convert for more pragmatic reasons. Indonesia formally recognizes five state religions, and sought-after positions in the civil service, police and military are closed to Marapu practitioners.

History
Sumba always seems to have been a sparsely populated island and pre-colonial era records are few and far between. The first European ship arrived in 1522 and the Dutch East India Company slowly took control of the island. It was never a major colonial consideration, though, and it was not until well into the 20th century that the island was truly part of the Dutch Indonesian administration. The Japanese arrival in World War II also brought some hard times.

Talk
The Sumbanese speak several closely related and localised Austronesian languages. Not much English is spoken around these parts, but if you can speak Indonesian, generally the people in Sumba will understand you. Dutch may be spoken by a few elderly people, a legacy of Indonesia's Dutch colonial past.

By plane
Regional carriers Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air with its low cost branch Wings Air operate direct flights to Tambolaka and Waingapu  from many several cities in eastern Indonesia, with less frequent flights also offered by Pelita Air Services. There are a little over 20 flights from Bali to Tambolaka airport every week.

By ferry
The PELNI passenger ship Awu calls in at Waingapu twice on its 14 day round trip of Nusa Tenggara. This allows access from Kupang and several other cities in the region. The Awu is by far the safest and best way to reach Sumba by sea.

Independent travel to and within Sumba has its challenges, and many visitors do so by joining an organised tour starting in Bali or Lombok. Once a rarity, these are now increasing and the quality of experience improving.

Get around
Transportation is expensive in Sumba due to the limited availability of vehicles for tourism. In general you can expect (as of Dec 2018):

 * Motorbike rental for a day: Rp 100,000-150,000
 * Car rental (with driver) for a day: Rp 500,000-700,000
 * Bus ride: Rp 15,000-50,000 (depending on route)
 * "Travel" (similar to Flores, a shared car that you pick up on the road side or booked through your accommodation), rate varies on route
 * There is no official taxi in Sumba
 * Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Go-Jek have not reached Sumba yet.

See
Sumba is one of the very few places globally where the neolithic/bronze age practice of burial in megaliths remains intact. Stone megaliths (and other standing stone structures) are widespread on the island.

A number of pasolas are held each year in western Sumba near Waikabubak, usually sometime in either February or March (or both). These are ritual horseback jousting trials which including a ritual battle where mounted riders attempt to dismount other riders using blunt-tipped spears (sometimes there are fatalities). The pasola is an important annual ceremony and a key, unique attraction in Sumba.

Do
If you receive an invitation to attend a wedding, birth, or funeral, never miss it. Those are the best way to learn about the culture. Ask for the norm (what to bring along, what not to do) and behave (e.g. avoid taking excessive photos during sensitive time).

Sumba is getting famous for surfers due to its big waves. For the same reason, it is not well-known for snorkeling (or maybe not discovered yet).

Buy
Sumba is probably most well-known for its handicrafts such as necklace, carvings, and woven cloths.

Eat
If you visit Sumba, be sure to try goat.

Drink
The local version of arak (palm liquor) is called Peci.

Connect
Since Sumba is far from other major cities, it is recommended to have Telkomsel. Other operators have limited coverage in this island.

Stay safe
Many Sumbanese are still adapting to tourism. Most locals would assume that all tourists are rich, so you are potentially offending them if you are too stingy with voluntary entrance fees to tourist sites or bargain too hard for souvenirs (as of Dec 2018).

The most notorious area for violence and banditry to locals or foreigners alike, is in West Sumba, especially near Kodi. Do not travel alone in the evening there.

Go next

 * Ende in Flores island, by ferry
 * Kupang in Timor Island
 * Bali by plane

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

title: Sumba


text:
Sumbawa

Sumbawa is one of the 13,000 plus islands in the Indonesian archipelago. It is a large island to the east of Bali and Lombok. Sumbawa, along with Lombok, is part of West Nusa Tenggara. There are hundreds of small islands in this area in addition to the two major islands.

Sumbawa is known to some tourists for its great waves and sandy white beaches. Due to the somewhat trying process of getting there, the scarcity of cheap tourist facilities, and the absence of clear local sights (which are either unexplored or too expensive to explore), the island is not visited much by non-surfing tourists — which is unfortunate, as parts of the island are quite beautiful.

Understand
The effects of Hindu and Buddhist cultures are minimal in Sumbawa; the majority of the population are Muslims.

During the dry season (April to November), a lot of dust is blown up and around. Strong winds blow in off the ocean, and the lush green hills, mountains and valleys turn a dusty brown. When the rainy season begins, an amazing transformation takes place and the island becomes a lush jungle once again.

As most of the island is still developing. There is a very rural feel to just about everything, including Sumbawa Besar, the capital of the western side of the island. The mining company, Newmont, has a gold and copper mine down in the southwestern corner of the island around the villages of Sekongkang, Maluk and Benete. Their presence has sped up the development process in this side of the island.

Bahasa Indonesia is spoken widely in Sumbawa.

Cities

 * — the capital, is on the western side of the island.
 * is on the eastern side of the island.
 * is on the eastern side of the island.
 * — ferry to Labuan Bajo in Flores

Other destinations

 * — the surfing spots of Yoyo and Scar Reef.
 * — most densely populated coral reef in the World
 * — home of Scar Reef surf-break
 * — port for ferries from Lombok
 * — a mighty volcano which is remote, rarely visited and even more rarely climbed.
 * — national marine park with superb diving and home to a remarkable Aman resort.
 * — a mighty volcano which is remote, rarely visited and even more rarely climbed.
 * — national marine park with superb diving and home to a remarkable Aman resort.

Get in
Sumbawa is considered somewhat remote even by Indonesian standards, and an overland-and-sea journey from Bali takes 15 hours beginning in Singaraja, Bali, and ending up in Poto Tano, the port on the western side of Sumbawa.

By plane
Only the cities of Sumbawa Besar on the western side of the island and Bima  on the eastern side of the island have regular air service. Transnusa flies to both cities from Denpasar (Bali) and Lombok about four times a week. Sekongkang also has an airport, but flights have been stopped for an indefinite period after a small airline called Tropical Air ceased operating.

By ferry
To get to Sumbawa from Bali most people take the ferry from Bali to Lombok, travel overland to the eastern seaport in Lombok (Labuhan Lombok) and then take another ferry to Sumbawa, ending up in Poto Tano.

In the other directions, ferries from Labuanbajo, Flores travel to Sape. These do not leave every day and you may face a several day wait for the next one.

By bus
Executive class buses to Sumbawa (and Bima) are available from Jakarta.

Get around
Transportation on Sumbawa is problematic, and it's best to book ferries and buses as combined tickets, or you may get stranded in port for an indefinite time trying to get onward.

Eat
Ikan Bakar (barbecued fish) at the sole warung located at Telok Santong on the road between Sumbawa Besar and Bima In Maluk the Ikan Bakar at Warung Cotok Lamongan is equally good. Choose your own fish from the cool case, sit and have a drink and 15 minutes later you'll be in seventh heaven! In Taliwang try Ayam Taliwang, a dish now famous in other parts of Indonesia but beware - it's pedas! (spicy)

Go next

 * Lombok
 * Flores, neighbouring island, by ferry

title: Sumbawa


text:
Sumbawa Besar

Sumbawa Besar is a city on the island of Sumbawa in Nusa Tenggara, eastern Indonesia.

By bus
Tiara Mas offers daily direct transfers to Sumbawa Besar from Mataram at 09:00, 12:00, 15:00 and 19:00. Takes 7 hours. Including ferry. Tiara Mas office Mataram: Jl. Pejanggik 108a Phone: 0370642597. Office Sumbawa Besar Jl. Yos Sudarso Depan Kodim. Phone 037121241. You can also book for Tiara Mas from the Perama office in Senggigi including pickup from your hotel with transfer to Mataram.

As of Feb 2016, a number of coaches leave Mataram in the afternoon between 15:00-16:00 bound for Flores. Cost until Sumbawa Besar 175-200,000 including ferry, arriving in Sumbawa Besar around 21:00.

Go next
There are 'tours and travels' that arrange transport to the West, including Mataram on Lombok (includes ferry). For addresses of the offices see the 'get in' section. They don't offer any transport to Bima. If you want to go to Bima, Lakey or Hu'u take an ocek to Sumur Payung bus terminal (Rp 8,000 - 10,000). There you can take a bus to Bima (Rp 80,000, about 9 hours, 1 stop). For Lakey change bus in Dompu.

title: Sumbawa Besar


text:
Summerland

Summerland is in British Columbia, Canada. It is a small community of 11,600 (2016) people in the Okanagan Valley. The architecture of the downtown area is done in Old English Tudor.

Understand
Summerland began its life on the lake. At first, Summerland was nestled in the tiny strip of land between Okanagan Lake and the foreboding clay cliffs that covered the settlement in shadow by mid afternoon. The first recorded settler to this area was in 1887, and some of his family's descendants are still in the area. The area had electricity in 1905, telephones in 1907, and a newspaper the next year. Growth was fast.

This area is commonly referred to as lower town.

With the arrival of the Kettle Valley Railway in 1915, West Summerland (the location of the present town centre) was born. When the alignment of Highway 97 was moved from lowertown up to the plateau in 1955 and the post office was moved to "West Summerland" in 1964 the 'West' was dropped and the entire area was then referred to as Summerland.

Summerland has grown to include Trout Creek, which arcs into Okanagan Lake south of town, Prairie Valley, which leads west of town, and the huge agricultural benchland that sits behind Giants Head Mountain.

By plane
There is no airport in Summerland. Penticton airport is  to the south. Kelowna airport is 65 km to the north.

By car
Highway 97 is the only highway into town. It runs south from Kelowna and north from Penticton. Vancouver is 420 km (261 mi) to the west. Calgary is 689km (428mi) to the east. Seattle is 519km (322mi) to the southwest.

Get around
The downtown core is easily walked in under 15 minutes from end to end. While Summerland has a modest population, the residential area is spread over a huge area with many steep hills to climb while you enjoy the breathtaking views this wonderful town has to offer.

By public transit

 * Bus route 30 operates between Summerland and Penticton (25 min, $3) from Monday to Saturday.
 * Bus route 70 operates between Penticton and Kelowna with stops in Summerland, Peachland, and West Kelowna. Route operates from Monday to Friday. Travel time from Kelowna is about 45 minutes and from downtown Penticton is about 20 minutes.
 * Bus route 70 operates between Penticton and Kelowna with stops in Summerland, Peachland, and West Kelowna. Route operates from Monday to Friday. Travel time from Kelowna is about 45 minutes and from downtown Penticton is about 20 minutes.

See

Do

 * Spend the day at one of Summerland's six beaches:
 * in Trout Creek.
 * in lowertown.
 * in lowertown.
 * in lowertown.
 * in Trout Creek.
 * in lowertown.
 * See also "Drink" section for some of the locations.

Drink

For nightclubs, you will have to go fifteen minutes south to Penticton.

Wineries
Wine from one of the many local wineries. New wineries pop up all the time. And old ones change hands or names. Note, winery store hours vary seasonally.

Cope

 * The nearest hospital is in Penticton.

title: Summerland


text:
Summersville

Summersville is a town of 3,300 people (as of 2019) in West Virginia.

Summersville is adjacent to Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia.

Get in
Summersville is on US-19, between Fayetteville and Weston.

Get around
Be sure to strictly adhere to the speed limit in Summersville (50 mph [80 km/h]), particularly if you're travelling along US-19 through town; as locals can tell you, the area is notorious for speed traps.

See

 * Summersville Music Park, +1 304-872-3145. Hosts the four-day "Music in the Mountains" bluegrass festival in June. Tickets $45/day, $105 - $125 for the entire festival.

Events

 * Summersville Lake Festival, +1 304-872-3722. Held during three days in late July. Includes a boat parade, "Anything That Floats" competition, water sports, triathlon, concerts, beauty pageant, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more.
 * Civil War Weekend, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, +1 304-872-0825. Held during two days in September. Living history demonstrations, Civil War crafts and reproductions, and a re-enactment of the Battle of Carnifex Ferry.

Hotels

 * La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, 106 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-0555. 106 rooms. Fitness center, heated indoor pool, jacuzzis. Whirlpool rooms available. Complimentary continental breakfast. $55-119.
 * Super 8 Motel, 306 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-4888. 56 rooms. $51-80.
 * La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham, 106 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-0555. 106 rooms. Fitness center, heated indoor pool, jacuzzis. Whirlpool rooms available. Complimentary continental breakfast. $55-119.
 * Super 8 Motel, 306 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-4888. 56 rooms. $51-80.
 * Super 8 Motel, 306 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-4888. 56 rooms. $51-80.
 * Super 8 Motel, 306 Merchants Walk, +1 304-872-4888. 56 rooms. $51-80.

Go next

 * Fayetteville is about 30 minutes south on US-19.
 * Sutton is about 40 minutes north on US-19.
 * Richwood is about 40 minutes east on WV-39.
 * Weston is just over 1 hour north on US-19.

title: Summersville


text:
Summit

Summit is a city in New Jersey. It is located in Union County and is about 20 miles from Manhattan. This article also covers the neighboring town of.

By plane
The closest airport is the Newark Liberty International Airport. As this is one of the busiest airports in the country, you should not have any trouble reaching there. It is located in Newark, NJ.

A second nearby airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport. It is located in Queens, NY.

Another nearby airport is LaGuardia Airport. It is located in Flushing, NY.

By train
The easiest way to get in from New York City is to take a train into Summit from New York Pennsylvania Station. It is about a 55-minute train including stops.

Get around
You can get around Summit by driving or walking (since it is only about 6 sq mi). Taxis are not readily available but can be called if needed.

See

 * The Summit Opera House was built in the 1890s by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union as meeting place and dry entertainment hall. It houses Winberie's restaurant on the ground floor, and a church, office space, and apartments on the upper floors. It is on Springfield Avenue at Kent Place Boulevard in downtown Summit.
 * The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, on Elm Street diagonally across from the Summit Middle School, is a professionally recognized regional art center with an art school and an exhibition program.
 * The Summit Opera House was built in the 1890s by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union as meeting place and dry entertainment hall. It houses Winberie's restaurant on the ground floor, and a church, office space, and apartments on the upper floors. It is on Springfield Avenue at Kent Place Boulevard in downtown Summit.
 * The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, on Elm Street diagonally across from the Summit Middle School, is a professionally recognized regional art center with an art school and an exhibition program.

Do

 * The Summit Playhouse mounts live dramatic performances.
 * Horseback riding is available at the Watchung stables in the Watchung Reservation.
 * Horseback riding is available at the Watchung stables in the Watchung Reservation.

Buy

 * Two popular malls nearby are the Short Hills Mall in Short Hills and the Livingston Mall in Livingston.
 * Two popular malls nearby are the Short Hills Mall in Short Hills and the Livingston Mall in Livingston.

title: Summit


text:
Summit County

There's more than one place called Summit County:

United States of America

 * Summit County (Colorado) - a county in Northwestern Colorado
 * Summit County (Ohio) - a county in Northeast Ohio
 * Summit County (Utah) - a county in Utah

title: Summit County


text:
Sumpat

Sumpat is the area along Sumpat Bay, in the north of Bintan island in Indonesia, between Bintan Resorts and Trikora.

Understand
The area consists of a few fishing villages along the beaches around the Sumpat river (Sungai Sumpat), and with the small Sumpat island (Pulau Sumpat) just off the coast. Administratively, the area is in the villages (desa) of Berakit and Pengudang in the district of Teluk Sebong.

Get in
For detailed information on how to travel to and from Bintan island see the main Bintan section. A new international ferry terminal is planned in nearby Berakit and should be open in 2011/12.

Get around
Sumpat is located about half way (30 km) between Bintan Resorts and Tanjung Pinang. The best way to reach it from the ferry terminal is by taxi or car / motorbike rental.

On the main road from Tanjung Pinang to Tanjung Uban turn at 46 km to take the local road to Pengudang. Alternatively Sumpat can also be reached from Tanjung Pinang via the road from Trikora beach going towards Berakit.

See
The main attractions are the unspoilt, white sandy beaches that stretch on for several kilometers. The area is also a popular fishing destination for local people. Kelong (floating fisherman houses) are a popular sight off the coast.

Do
The area is still widely undeveloped. But with more and more resorts and guest houses taking up the east coast along Trikora, the beaches around Sumpat are becoming an insider's tip for local tourists.

Rent a sampan to go Sumpat island or walk there during low tide. See the mangroves along Sungai Sumpat river.

Buy
There are only a few shops catering to the needs of the local residents, selling food and daily supplies.

Eat
Try the freshly caught seafood from the local fishing villages. During low tide you may see the women bringing back crab.

Mid-range
Putri Pandan Resort. Jalan Hamidi, Desa Pengudang, Tel. +62-813-7287-3630,. Boutique resort located on a private beach. The roof of each bungalow is modelled after a different traditional Indonesian house. Large rooms with private bathroom and hot water shower. English (German, Japanese) speaking staff. Beach front wooden bungalows starting from S$ 30 per double room. The restaurant at the resort is also open to outside visitors.

Go next
Transportation back to the ferry terminal can be arranged by the resorts.

title: Sumpat


text:
Sumqayit

Sumqayit, or Sumgayit (Sumqayıt) is the third-largest city in Azerbaijan.

Understand
Sumqayit was one of the biggest industrial cities of its time during the Soviet Union era. There were nearly 90 heavy-to-medium industrial plants but nowadays only 5 or 6 of them remain. The city was planned and built in 1950s so that the industrial zone was 3-4 km away from residential areas in an unsuccessful attempt to minimize the pollution effects on people. This is why the coast line of the city consists of so much green area.

By marshrutka
It is around 45 km (27 miles) from Baku, or a 1-hr drive away by bus.

There are direct marshrutkas from Ismailli for 4.20 manat.

By taxi

Since gas prices are as low as water prices in Azerbaijan, only an estimated cost of 10 manat should be expected for a ride from Baku to Sumqayit by taxi. You can bargain though, and the taxi drives can go as low as 7 manat—some travellers even reported 3.50 manat.

By car
It is around 45 km (30-40 min) from Baku center Targovi to Sumqayit coast (Göyercin).

See

 * The municipality building in the town center, there is a UEFA accredited football stadium which you can also use and exercise there.
 * The shore of the city which there also stands a bird-like statue is the only place you can get some entertainment. This area is called goyerchin, or the dove.
 * The Peace Dove is an allegorical sculpture in Nasimi Culture and Leisure Park in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. The Peace Dove is the symbol of Sumgayit. The monument was designed by the Chief Artist of Sumgayit Vagif Nazirov and architect A. Guliyev. It is made of solid concrete. It was raised in 1978 as a symbol of peace.
 * If you like pictures of decaying industrial building with sheep in between, checkout the region southwest of the center.

Do
Also, see Baku Region for nearby sights and dos.

Drink
For an authentic experience, there are a few board game cafés in town, where you can drink tea and watch the locals (mostly elder men) play games. Ask a local if you cannot seem to find them.

Sleep
Some apartments are for rent in Sumgayit.

Go next

 * Baku – Capital of the country whose historical center is UNESCO heritage.
 * Qobustan – National Historical-Artistic Reserve, just nearby Baku. Best known for its rock petroglyphs (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and mud volcanoes. Mud-volcano-wise, a better option might be the free site a little further south, see Baku Region.
 * Quba – Gateway into the Caucasus, its urban suburb is home to the largest Azerbaijani Jewish community in the mountains and is considered one of the largest Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union.
 * Shamakhi (Şamaxı) – A town that used to be the capital of the Medieval state of Shirvan. Famous for its traditional dancers, Şamaxı dancers, and its impressive mosque. An ancient history and once one of the key cities along the Silk Road.
 * Qabala — A new resort town deep in Caucasian Montains, which has taken its name given from the archaeological site.

title: Sumqayit


text:
Sumter

Sumter is a city in Santee Cooper Country, South Carolina.

Understand
From the world famous Swan Lake Iris Garden to the historic Sumter Opera House, Sumter boasts of unique sights and a colorful lifestyle. A rather perfect blend of antebellum era and 21st century, you'll find plantation-style homes juxtaposed with entities like Shaw Air Force Base. Sports and cultural events are also a draw, and the city's location within a couple of hours from the mountains and sea, makes its motto "In the Middle of Everything” fairly correct.

title: Sumter


text:
Sumter County

Sumter County is the name of several counties in the United States:

 * Sumter County (Alabama)
 * Sumter County (Florida)
 * Sumter County (Georgia)
 * Sumter County (South Carolina)

title: Sumter County


text:
Sumy

Sumy (Ukrainian: Суми) is a city in Central Ukraine.

Understand
Sumy was founded in the 17th century by Cossacks as a fortress. During long period of time city was one of the centres in Slobozhanschina (historical province between Russia and Ukraine). Now Sumy is a centre of the province (oblast).

By train
From Kyiv: 4 daily trains From Kharkiv: 5 daily trains For timetables see site of the Ukrzaliznytsya

By minibus
Regular comfortable minibuses (marshrutkas) from Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro. You can get one in 2 ways: 1) call the bus company for the booking place for the mini-bus (+380 542600089 to Elit-express, +380 509339093 to Sun-auto) 2) go to the place of departure and ask the driver about free places. In Kyiv it is close to the central railway station (to the left after exiting from the main entrance). You should seek a minibus (Mercedes or Volkswagen) with Russian tablet "Сумы"

By public transport
Sumy has a convenient public transport system:

Single ride tickets in buses cost 8-13 грн, in some trolleybuses — 8 грн, others are free.
 * 34 bus routes
 * 17 trolleybus routes

Schedules are available on EasyWay and Google Maps.

By taxi
Taxi is the easiest way of getting around the city. Some popular taxi companies include:

By scooter
Kick scooter is a funny way to shorten your time while getting around the city.

See
Two beautiful central streets (Soborna and Voskresenska), Uvileynyi stadium, river Psel.

Do
Go to the Art Museum. One of the best collections in Ukraine: Western, Russian and Ukrainian art.

Budget
The best way will be rent a flat. Ask at the newspaper kiosk about a newspaper with ads.

Go next
Putyvl - During the Second World War Soviet partisans led by Sydir Kovpak started their guerrilla war against the Germans in the forests near Putyvl. The main architectural monument of Putivl is the Molchansky Monastery, which is largely of 17th century date.

title: Sumy


text:
Sunabeda

Sunabeda is a town in Koraput district, India. It is the known as the Kashmir of Odisha, one of the coldest region, ideal for summer seasons holiday spenders.

The small township is spread across 10 square kilometers and house only families that are directly or indirectly associated with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The entire township is well planned and is a neat place. Plenty of green spots, a whole lot of evergreen trees everywhere and excellent drainage systems. Take a road in any direction and within minutes you will be at the foothills of the eastern ghats. Plenty of picnic spots.

Get in
The nearest city to Sunabeda is Visakhapatnam - 196 km (via Pottangi, Salur, Vizianagaram) and 214 km (via Araku, Paderu, Anakapalle). Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha is 484 km via Salur, Rajam, Srikakulam, Brahmapur, Tangi. Other cities/towns nearby are-
 * Jagdalpur 115 km
 * Raipur 403 km via Jagdalpur, Kondagaon, Dhamtari
 * Malkangiri 145 km Via Jeypore
 * Bhadrachalam 317 km via Jeypore, Malkangiri, Sukma, Konta
 * Vizianagaram 127 km via Pottangi, Salur
 * Rayagada 129 km via Koraput, Kakiriguma

By train
By train, there are many ways to reach Sunabeda. One of them is to get down at Koraput railway station, which is the major railhead in an area of about 200 square kilometres. As of 2013, there are 3 platforms at the station, with 12 trains halting at it. The trains here are Sambalpur-Koraput Pass. (Up-down), Durg-Jagdalpur Tri-Weekly, Howrah-Koraput-Jagdalpur, Rourkela-Koraput, Bhubaneswar-Koraput-Jagdalpur Hirakhand Exp., Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Pass., and Visakhapatnam-Rayagada-Koraput Pass/Exp. From Koraput, there are Frequent buses and taxis to Sunabeda. Other option is through Damanjodi. However it is a small station. Most people prefer to get down at Vizianagaram, Bobbili or Visakhapatnam and from there get a Bus or Taxi within 2 to 6 hours.

By taxi
Frequent taxi services are available from Vizianagaram, Bobbili, Visakhapatnam, Jagdalpur, Koraput, and Rayagada.

By plane
Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam, 187 km away. Other airports nearby are at Raipur (405 km) and Bhubaneswar (487 km)

Eat
As it situated near to the Andhara Pradesh border about 50 km you will find traditional south Indian food, north Indian food, Chinese and tandoori.

The most famous items are the snacks in the evening or morning like samosas, chat, pani poori and other delicious items and sweets.

Go next

 * Jagdalpur
 * Machhkund
 * Visakhapatnam

title: Sunabeda


text:
Sunauli

Sunauli is the traditional name given to both sides of this India/Nepal border crossing, 70 km north of Gorakpur and 3 km south of Bhairahawa. The Indian side is officially called "Sunauli" and Nepal side is Belahiya. Both are small, congested, dusty and dirty towns and the quicker you can get on to Bhairahawa (again only 3 km north)/elsewhere, the better.

Understand
Sunauli is not a place to linger. But it is an important border crossing/trade point, therefore the traffic and congestion. There are a few travel offices, currency exchange facilities on the Nepal side, and zero sights - unless you count long lines of Indian big-rigs. If you are having Indian Currency and going to Nepal, no need to worry about exchanging money to Nepali Currency. Shops, hotels and buses in Nepal easily accept Indian currency in denominations up to ₹100.

Going from India to Nepal, Nepalese visas are available on arrival. Going from Nepal to India? Hope you have visa already as no visa's are available on arrival to India. And neither immigration offices are overly helpful.

By bus
Indian "package" tour buses, mostly pilgrims to Lumbini and Kathmandu, do cross the border and continue on after immigration. The farang / backpacker "package" tour buses normally do not and you will sadly and most likely be booked overnight in a cheap, not so nice hotel in Sunauli for your connection "connecting service " to Kathmandu. If you have only booked to the border you can cross (on foot) and  find buses on either side up to 6PM - 7 PM. Intercity buses depart on both sides usually twice a day - dusk and dawn(from 4 AM). Delhi, Gorakpur, Sunauli, India/Belahiya, Nepal. 24 - 30 hours. Try not to cross border in the night, Security persons on both sides are not co-operative and hotels on the Nepali sides will be closed, you have to rely on a guide. Update!: Please note that the warning in the text box refers to night-time crossings only. Travellers and bloggers crossing in daylight report that touts are relatively polite and helpful (though as always exercising caution with touts is naturally advisable).

Via Delhi, Gorakpur, Sunauli, India/Belahiya, Nepal. 24 - 30 hours.

Via Kathmandu, Narayangarh/Bharatpur (var. Narayanghat), Butwal, Bhairahawa, Sunauli. 9 - 14 hours.

Via Pokhara, Palpa/Tansen, Butwal, Bhairahawa (potholed, windy road, but beautiful views) 5 - 6 hours. Also Pokhara, Narayangarh/Bharatpur/Butwal, Bhairahawa, Sunauli (better road conditions). 5 -6 hours.

Via Gulmi-Tamghas, Palpa/Tansen, Butwal, Bhairahawa (potholed, windy road, but beautiful views) 4 - 5 hours.

By train
Via Delhi - Gorakpur. Transfer to narrow gauge track to Nautanwa. Transfer to taxi, bus, or rickshaw to Sunauli, India (about 5 kilometers). Cross border to Belahiya and Nepal's Immigration. Total time approximately 12 - 18 hours.

Via Kolkata, Patna, Gorakpur. Transfer to narrow gauge track to Nautanwa. Transfer to taxi, bus, or rickshaw to Sunauli, India (approximately 5 kilometers). Cross border to Belahiya, and Nepal's Immigration. Total time approximately 10 - 12 hours.

By jeep
To Gorakhpur by jeep, around ₹100, 2-3 hours.

Get around
Rickshaw's, buses, taxis all available. If you are stuck overnight here do not hesitate to take a 10 minute rickshaw up north for wonderful restaurants in Bhairahawa.

See
Also see Manakamna Temple situated in Mugling there's very nice place to see there's cable car ride approx. 10 to 15 minutes cable car ride and also if you have time then you can go to Sauraha situated in Chitwan 30-35 minutes ride from Narayangarh and spent a night there.you can also hire a taxi from Narayangarh which may charge you 500-600 Nepali rupees.

Eat
Options for food on the Indian side of the border are very limited and of questionable standards (with the exception of the pilgrim's hotel). Eat on the Nepal side and/or pack extra food if possible. Look for nice little outdoor daba/tandoori restaurant run by Lucky Singh just 30 meters north of the border on the east side. Questionable atmosphere but great food! They even have A/C facilities (20 NRs extra) in the hot season.

Sleep
Most of the accommodations are found on the Nepal side, though there is a Government of India run hotel for pilgrims on the Indian side. Look for the large white building about 500 meters south of the border on the main road. Modern rooms with bathrooms, TVs, and A/C for ₹1200. None are recommended for women travelling alone. . Cheaper rooms usually go early in the day.

Go next
Getting out from Sunauli is easy during daytime, but harder in night. So plan your journey according to that. And in there border side most of the Indian police cheek bags when they saw new persons and if you just to escape from that without wasting your time you simply just catch 100/200 in hand give to police secretly they will let you. About 80% chances to get out from there. And beware if you do mistakes or without any reason they beat you the Nepali police will not help you.

We strongly recommend that you get the hell of this town, especially if you are Korean.

title: Sunauli


text:
Sunburn and sun protection

Sunburn is a symptom of damaged skin produced by overexposure to the sun. It is a particular danger if you are outside on sunny days, though clouds do not always prevent it. Getting badly sunburnt on the first day of a sun-and-sand holiday can ruin the rest of your trip.

A related problem is heat stroke, which is not caused exclusively by exposure to the sun, and is not dealt with in this article.

Understand
"Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun."

- Noël Coward

When travelling, you should take care to protect yourself from the sun, as it's common to spend more time outdoors than your skin is used to. Never underestimate the power of the sun in tropical regions, the mountains, on the water, or even on an ordinary summer day around noontime. Skiing is particularly risky, because aside from direct sun, your body is also hit by sunlight reflected off a smooth, white surface. Similarly, sunlight is reflected by water or sand.

The main danger is from the ultraviolet (UV) part of the sun's radiation. These short-wavelength photons have higher energy than light in the visible part of the spectrum, so they do more damage. UV is not visible to human eyes and can penetrate both light-to-moderate cloud cover and some clothing, so it can be quite difficult to judge how much you are getting; try to err on the side of caution. A common misconception is that you can't get sunburnt on a cloudy day. You can, so please be mindful of this.

A complication is that "ozone holes" in the upper atmosphere, caused by pollution, allow more UV to reach the ground than before, so danger in polar regions (under the holes) rose during much of the 20th century, although there are tentative signs of the ozone layer recovering in the 2010s. It is not clear how far away from the poles this danger extends, and it changes over time, so anyone spending a lot of time outdoors at high latitude should take precautions. Antarctica is more affected than northerly latitudes, and the effects of the Antarctic ozone hole seem to extend all the way to Australia and parts of South America.

In addition, sunburns and too much sun over the years can lead to skin cancer. The basal and squamous cell types aren't so bad as far as cancer goes, but their removal will leave unsightly scars. However, melanoma is just as lethal as the other deadly cancers. In the past few decades, it's become known that sunburns substantially increase the risk of melanoma.

Increased risks
Your susceptibility to sunburns is strongly dependent on your skin tone. Darker skin has more melanin than lighter skin, so Black people and people with darker skin are better protected from the sun than light-skinned Whites. But melanin isn’t immune to all UV rays, so there’s still risk for people with darker skin.

People with red hair, green eyes and freckled skin have the highest risk of contracting skin damage. The risk is also increased in spring, before getting used to the stronger light, and for travellers before getting accustomed to stronger sunlight at a destination.

General recommendations are often targeted at the typical population, whatever that means. If you descend from people who weren't that exposed to the sun, work indoors, or otherwise have increased risk of sunburn, don't be ashamed to be more cautious than these recommendations.

The risk of sunburn increases when the sun is high on the sky (see UV index below). It can also be increased by the intake of pharmaceutical products. Certain common antibiotics, contraceptives, tranquillizers, and malaria prophylaxis provoke over-sensitivity to sunshine.

Leaving the juice of lemons or other citrus fruit on your skin will increase the speed and intensity of skin damage. A little lime juice on your hand from making a couple of margaritas, followed by a quite ordinary day outdoors, can result in a severe "sunburn" (phytophotodermatitis) that can last for weeks and which will affect any sun-exposed part of your skin that the citrus juice touched. There are also some wild plants that give the same effect if you touch them.

The incidence and severity of sunburn has been increasing worldwide, especially in the southern hemisphere, because of damage to the ozone layer due to CFCs and because more people travel wider distances to different climate zones exposing skin accustomed to cold weather to heavy sunshine.

UV index
The UV index is an international standard that provides information about the intensity of the sun rays and, thereby, potential damage from sunlight on a particular day. The higher the value of the index, the higher the risk for sunburn.

Most weather websites now include a forecast UV value, and it's wise to look at the weather in advance of your trip to know what sun protection you will need.

But generally speaking, you can assess how likely you'll be affected by the sun by considering eight factors:
 * Your skin (see Increased risks above)
 * Latitude
 * Season
 * Time of day
 * Altitude
 * Weather
 * Surroundings
 * Ozone layer

Angle of the sun

 * Latitude – strongest in tropics – specifically, the northern tropics from March 20th to September 23rd, and the southern tropics from September 23rd to March 20th
 * Season – strongest in late spring and early summer, assuming no clouds. As the presence of spring rain showers mean that this period is quite cloudy in many areas, the peak can be locally pushed back to later in the summer.
 * Time of day – strongest from 9AM to 3PM sun time, peaking at noon. Sun time is more or less reflected in the local time, but as the latter is a political matter it may be off by even some hours. Add one hour where daylight savings is observed (i.e. 10AM to 4PM). Adjust also for location in the time zone: the sun is early in the eastern edge (subtract half an hour if the zones are regular); later in the west (add half an hour).

These three factors can be combined into one easy measurement. The strongest rays are when the sun is above 45 degrees in the sky. In other words, your shadow is shorter than your actual height. Short shadows mean high UV intensity.

For the mathematically inclined, the general rules for the angle of the sun away from vertical at noon at latitude L are: The tropics are the region where that angle is sometimes zero, L ≤ 23° so L-23° ≤ 0 ≤ L+23°. Between the Tropic of Cancer (23°N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23°S), the sun is sometimes directly overhead.
 * L at the equinoxes, March 20 and September 23, anywhere.
 * L-23° at the summer solstice for your hemisphere, June 21 in the Northern hemisphere and December 21 in the south.
 * L+23° at the winter solstice, dates opposite to above.

Polar night occurs where L >= 67° so L+23° is sometimes greater than 90° and the midwinter sun is below the horizon even at noon. In summer, the sun is above the horizon even at midnight. Beyond the polar circles, where midnight sun occurs, the sun intensity is general so low that everyone but the most sensitive can be outdoors around the clock – but take care when there is snow, which will multiply the intensity by reflections, and at high altitudes. Also, the ozone layer is often thinner here in the spring, when sunshine and snow cooperate to burn your skin and eyes – and if you are from this side of the globe, your skin may not yet be adapted to the sun.

Environmental factors

 * Altitude – UV radiation increases rapidly with altitude.
 * Weather – strongest on clear, dry days (but light clouds give no protection)
 * Surroundings – sand, water, and snow reflect UV radiation into shaded areas, and this circumvents some UV protection, such as hats and umbrellas. And you get the reflected radiation in addition to normal sunlight.
 * Ozone layer – the ozone layer in the atmosphere gives some protection against UV radiation, but its thickness varies. It is often thinner in the spring near the Arctic and Antarctic, which means more radiation than otherwise also in the temperate zones. These "holes" are not regular.

UV-A and UV-B
The sun emits more than one type of UV radiation. UV-C isn't a problem, as it doesn't make it through the Earth's atmosphere. UV-B is the one that causes what most people think of as sunburn. As its wavelength is short, UV-B only penetrates the uppermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) which therefore absorbs all of the UV-B energy and takes all the damage. Besides causing redness and pain, UV-B also directly damages the skin's DNA and is regarded as the most dangerous type of UV radiation. UV-A goes deeper into the skin and doesn't cause immediate and visible damage. Instead, it causes long-term skin damage.

When buying sunscreen, don't choose a version that just protects you from UV-B radiation. Exposure to either type of UV radiation increases the risk for skin cancer. Look for sunscreen that is labeled "full spectrum" or "broad spectrum", or that says that it blocks both UV-A and UV-B.

Summer solstice
This is the day when the sun is strongest, and is sometimes called the first day of summer. It occurs on June 21st in the northern hemisphere, and December 21st in the southern hemisphere. Outside the tropics, it could bring the highest level of UV radiation of the entire year. Of course, the atmosphere hasn't had time to fully warm up to the peak of summer yet, and many places are still cloudy and cool. However, if it happens to be sunny, this is the time you need UV protection the most. On the first day of summer, the earth has completed shifting its axis by 23.5 degrees, and that brings tropical-like UV rays to the temperate zones.

 * All locations in the tropics have the sun directly overhead at noon twice each year, and on an annual basis receive as much UV radiation as the equator does (assuming equal environmental factors).

 * On the summer solstice, locations in the temperate zones (up to 47 degrees latitude) could receive more UV radiation than the equator. Virtually all of Italy, New Zealand, and the eastern United States is below 47 degrees. In the west, the U.S.-Canadian border is at 49 degrees.

 * Locations between 47 degrees and the polar circle could receive as much UV radiation on the summer solstice as the tropics do on the other side of the equator (their winter). If it is a clear, sunny day on June 21st in Reykjavík, Iceland, it will have slightly more intense UV rays than Rio de Janeiro. This is due to Reykjavík being closer to the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 °N) than Rio.

Fortunately as summer progresses, the earth has re-shifted its axis more in line with the equator. The real danger is that a fair-skinned person who has not been exposed for months spends time out in the sun in the late spring or early summer unprotected. They may mistakenly think the UV radiation is not so bad yet, when in fact, it's even worse.

Protection
Before you leave, try to get information on the weather conditions of the region you're traveling to, especially related to sunshine and sun power. The World Health Organization has a table of rough average UV index values for some cities around the world, though for current information you should always check with the local weather forecast service. Also, at the sunburnmap site, you can check the current UV index for anywhere in the world (along with information how long you can spend in the sun there) and the site also has a forecast for the next two days.

When you have arrived at the destination, especially if you're accustomed to places with remarkably less sun intensity, running straight to the beach or taking a three-hour stroll in the midday sun in light clothing is something you will regret by bedtime. It takes a couple of days for your skin to get accustomed to the new sun intensity. Even then, follow the advice below.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must in bright sunlight, and especially in areas where the surroundings reflect sunlight, such as beaches, glaciers, and deserts.

Make sure your sunglasses leave no gaps in the field of vision: If you gaze downward and can see past the sunglasses, your eyes will still be exposed to some UV radiation. In environments with high UV intensity, such as high altitudes, use ski goggles rather than sunglasses.

Though counter intuitive, clear or light tinted sunglasses offer better protection than dark tinted ones, since a) your natural aversion to sunlight is preserved, and b) your pupils remain constricted, letting less light into your eyes.

Clothing
Clothing is by far the most effective defence against the sun, but not all clothing is UV resistant, and you can get burnt even while wearing some clothing.

When travelling in a tropical environment, wear a large hat or headscarf, a white or beige long sleeved shirt made of thick cotton, and a pair of long trousers. Avoid wearing shorts and T-shirts; use long-sleeved baggy clothing instead, which will keep you just as cool while avoiding sunburn. The back of your neck is especially prone to sunburn, so get a shirt with a collar and wear the collar upwards (or wear a cotton scarf). Also, protect your face and especially your forehead with a hat or a baseball cap. Wear shoes and socks when possible.

On the beach, don't take your clothing off except when swimming. Of course, in this case, don't stay in the water for long periods. Consider taking a UV-protective rash guard or sunshirt, and other clothing you can wear in the water. If you feel that staying fully clothed defies the whole point of beaches, wrap yourself in a thick sarong.

Consider traveling with a folding umbrella, which offers a large area of shade. The small ones can be smaller than a hat when collapsed. This is the most commonly used form of sun protection in parts of tropical Asia.

Behaviour
Do not spend extended time outdoors during the hours around noon without extensive sun protection, especially if you're traveling in the tropics. Use any shade available. If at all possible, plan outdoor activities such as swimming or boating in the early morning or late afternoon.

Sun protection lotion

Applying sun protection lotions (sunscreen) is better than nothing, but bear in mind that even the best sun lotions only provide partial protection, and none are suitable alone for prolonged (2 hours or more) exposure to strong sunlight. Lotions are rated by SPF, sun protection factor, a measure of how much they reduce burning under artificial circumstances. Different countries have different standards for SPF labelling, but bigger numbers are generally better. There are two main types (chemical and mineral) and two main formats (lotion and aerosol spray), and they can be used interchangeably. For example, you might start your day with a thick layer of mineral lotion, and later spray a generous layer of chemical sunscreen on top of that. As of 2021, "natural" sunscreens usually perform worse than conventional sunscreens.

The effectiveness varies with how thickly the stuff is applied: More is better. The main problem with sunscreen is that people don't put enough on. Two adults should use up an entire bottle of sunscreen if they spend all day at the beach.

Sun lotions should be generously and repeatedly applied where clothing isn't possible or practicable, e.g., face, on the back of your hands, or on any exposed skin. The tops and bottoms of feet and back of knees can burn surprisingly fast. As thin clothing, such as an old T-shirt, provides only limited protection, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen under thin clothing as well.

To work effectively, preparations need to be reapplied every 2 hours or less. Most sunscreen washes off when it gets wet, so you need to apply it again when you get out of the water or if you perspire, even if it's been less than 2 hours since the last round. Water-resistant sun protection lotion can be applied if you are planning to stay in the water; it is normally effective for only 40 to 80 minutes.

Make sure whatever preparation you use is "fresh", as even the best formulas begin to lose effectiveness after more than a year. Make sure your sunscreen is allowed in your destination, as some destinations and resorts ban sunscreens that contain reef-harming compounds, such as oxybenzone.

Treat
If you get sunburnt, the first symptom is initial redness (erythema), followed by varying degrees of pain, both proportional in severity to the duration and intensity of exposure. After being burned, the skin may turn red 2 to 6 hours later. Pain is worst 6 to 48 hours afterward. The burn continues to develop for 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Skin peeling begins 3 to 8 days after the burn occurs. Common outcomes include tenderness, pain, edema, red and/or peeling skin, rash, nausea and fever. Sunburns may be first- or second-degree burns.

Minor sunburns typically cause nothing more than slight redness and tenderness to the affected area. In more serious cases blistering can occur. Extreme sunburns can be painful to the point of debilitation and may require hospital care.

When seriously burned, try to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diving into open water to cool off won't help with the burn, and your skin will continue to get damage. Beware of infection if your skin is blistering. Take a cool shower (not cold) or a bath. Avoid scrubbing and shaving, and use soft towels to pay yourself dry.

Get a commercially prepared sunburn cream or aloe vera to relieve the immediate symptoms. Applying lavender essential oil or yogurt (unflavored type) on the burnt area may also take some of the pain away according to some experiences.

Get as much rest as you can and drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. And stay out of the sun until your skin has recovered, which can often take a week or so.

title: Sunburn and sun protection


text:
Sunbury (Ohio)

Sunbury is a village in the Greater Columbus area of Ohio, approx. 18 miles north of Columbus. Although a small village, it has had explosive growth over the past few years and all evidence points to more of the same.

Get in
Two miles east of I71 on SR 36.

Get around
Sunbury is very walkable.

Go next

 * Columbus

title: Sunbury (Ohio)


text:
Sun City

There is more than one place called Sun City:

South Africa

 * Sun City (South Africa) - a city in South Africa.

United States of America

 * Sun City (Arizona) - A town in Arizona.
 * Sun City (California) - A town in California.

title: Sun City


text:
Sun City (Arizona)

Sun City is a suburb 20 miles (30km) northwest of downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It was built as a planned retirement community in Maricopa County in the 1960s. An adjacent retirement community Sun City West was built in the late 1970s; there is also a Sun City Grand. Directly northwest of the three "Sun City" suburbs is Surprise, Arizona.

title: Sun City (Arizona)


text:
Sun City (South Africa)

Sun City is often called the South African Las Vegas. It is a resort with casino, golf estate and a theme park.

By car
from midrand to Sun City.

Get around
After parking, there is a train (funicular) that takes you to the City. However, for longer periods the train has not worked.

See

 * The Palace of the Lost City and the surrounding garden. It really is impressive.
 * There are spectacular elephant sculptures inside the Palace of the Lost City hotel, both in the restaurant and especially the courtyard that leads towards the Valley of the Waves.

Do

 * Golf: the Gary Player Country Club hosts the big-money Nedback Golf Challenge in November.
 * Lost City course in spite of the name is only 2 km further along the road and also designed by Player and managed by the Country Club.

 * Swim in the valley of the waves. Some of the best water rides and slides in South Africa.
 * Try your luck with any of the 852 slot machines and 38 gaming tables on Sun City's casino.
 * Watch a movie at their cinema.
 * See a concert at Sun City Superbowl.

Eat
There are many franchised food outlets.

Drink

 * If you're gambling, drinks are on the house.

Sleep
There are four hotels. For details an all the options available contact

or contract the individual hotels

Go next

 * The Pilanesberg National Park is just a few kilometres away.

title: Sun City (South Africa)


text:
Sundarbans (Bangladesh)

The Sundarbans are a huge mangrove forest in Khulna Division of Bangladesh, on the coast of the Ganges Delta by the Bay of Bengal. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous as a sanctuary of the Bengal tiger.

This article covers three wildlife sanctuaries in Khulna Division, including Sundarbans South Wildlife Sanctuary, Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary and Sundarbans West Wildlife Sanctuary. The part in India is covered in Sundarbans (West Bengal).

Understand

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80 km (50 mi) into the Bangladeshi and Indian hinterland from the coast. The Sundarbans has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 10,500 km2, of which about one-third is covered in water or marsh areas. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

Flora and fauna
The chief predators are the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, saltwater crocodile, black panther and fishing cat. The Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.

The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters.

Climate

 * October to February — winter, cool and temperate
 * March to May — summer, hot and humid
 * June to September — the monsoon season, wet and windy

Get in
Safaris are available from Dhaka and Khulna. These trips range from being overnight to a week and are probably the best way to experience the Sundarbans. Some of the agencies offering package tours: As of December 2018, the price for 3-4 day trip is around Tk 15-20000.
 * Arranger Tours and Travels, 6 Farazi Para Main Road, Khulna, Tel: +88041723031, +8801817-403070,
 * Ever Green Tours, Tel: +8801711-942555, +8801911-080077
 * Pugmark Tours and Travels, KDA Building, Shibbarirmore, Khulna, Tel: +8801715-167740, +8801919-298001,

Organizing your own trip from Munsiganj-Satkhira, Mongla or Khulna is possible (and cheaper, if you're a shrewd negotiator), but questionably worth the hassle. You need a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

Day trips from Mongla are not very interesting, and probably better avoided. After negotiating the price of a boat down to something only slightly less ridiculous you'll most likely be taken to Karamjal Wildlife Center, where there are some tame deer to feed and some monkeys, crocs and snakes in cages. But surely you didn't come all this way to see a rundown zoo filled with depressed animals and raucous Bangladeshis. Boatmen seem to want no less than Tk 200 for the trip (locals pay Tk 50/day), and the center charges a very steep Tk 750/day entry fee for foreigners.

Fees and permits

 * Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna, +20665 is the place to apply for the mandatory permit.

Get around

You have to rely on boats for visiting the various tourist spots of the Sundarbans. You can also hire your own boat but the charges are pretty steep. However, in case you wish to move around on your own, make sure to hire a guide or else the boatsmen may take you for a ride (the waterways of the Sunderbans are so similar to one another that even if your boat makes round of the same place, you won't be able to tell the difference without the services of an experienced guide).

See

 * Hiron Point a beautiful spot, great for spotting tigers and other wildlife.
 * Tin Kona Island another popular spot for wildlife spotting.
 * Katka a base for safaris, and good spot to see tigers and for bird-watching.

 * Dublar Char Island it's possible to fish here.

 * Karamjol a forest station for watching different types of wildlife.

Do
Apart from visiting the tourist destinations, you may also take some time-out to go to a nearby village to see the life-style of the local people and talk to them to have an insight into their lives.

Buy

 * The collection of wild honey during April - May from the jaw of Royal Bengal Tiger. This unique and rare honey is highly prized for its medicinal properties and is an important source of income for the local people.

 * Handcrafted articles that make great mementos to bring back home. These articles are made using traditional techniques and local materials such as bamboo, wood, and clay. Visitors to the Sundarbans can purchase these items as souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. These handcrafted articles reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Sundarbans and are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the local people.

Eat
For those looking to experience the local cuisine in the Sundarbans, it is highly recommended to try the dishes made from fresh catches of the water. These include a variety of seafood like shrimp, crab, hilsha, vetki, pangas, partsay, boal, ruhu, or katla. Additionally, many of the lodges in the area have their own kitchen gardens where guests can sample a variety of fresh produce. This combination of fresh seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables is sure to provide visitors with a unique and flavorful dining experience.

Drink
While exploring the Sundarbans, it is essential to stay hydrated to ensure that you can enjoy the various tourist destinations without any hindrance. Therefore, it is wise to carry drinking water or water purification gear to ensure that you have access to clean drinking water. Alternatively, coconut water is also widely available and inexpensive in the Sundarbans. It is a natural and refreshing source of hydration and is available throughout the year. It is rich in nutrients and is an excellent option for those looking for a healthy and refreshing beverage while exploring the Sundarbans. However, it is important to ensure that the coconut water you purchase is clean and safe to drink.

Connect
The only mobile network available across the area is TeleTalk. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain one of their SIM cards to ensure that you have access to mobile reception during your visit. Without a TeleTalk SIM card, visitors may face difficulty in making calls, accessing the internet, or sending messages while in the Sundarbans. It is recommended that visitors obtain a SIM card before beginning their journey to the area to ensure uninterrupted communication.

Lodging

 * Hotel Gateway Resort, Dulki, +880 9038055530
 * Hotel Gateway Resort, Dulki, +880 9038055530

Stay safe
While as a tourist you are unlikely to face any danger from the local wildlife, it is wise to be informed that two of the most potentially dangerous animals on Earth reside within the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is well known as the only place left where Bengal Tigers still hunt and kill humans, and they do it regularly. These victims are always locals who live within the Sundarbans and rely on it for survival. Hence this risk is accepted among the locals.

Saltwater Crocodiles also inhabit the Sundarbans and are well known to be the largest and (along with the Nile Crocodile) most aggressive reptile on Earth. In the Sundarbans you are unlikely to be in crocodile territory without a large boat, so the risk is minimal.

Very little risk is posed to the average tourist. Snakes exist, but are primarily either shy or nocturnal, unless you plan on venturing off into the bush alone you don't have much to worry about.

Stay healthy
Mosquito-borne diseases including malaria and dengue fever are present within the Sundarbans at varying levels dependent on the season (the wet season representing the greatest risk). The most feared animal (by locals and tourists) within the tropics is the mosquito, which represents a greater threat than any man-eater could. Drinking water should be limited to bottled only. Always use your best judgment when choosing what to eat.

title: Sundarbans (Bangladesh)


text:
Sundarbans National Park

The Sundarbans National Park (SNP; Bengali: সুন্দরবন Sundarban) is a huge littoral mangrove forest in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. It is a and famous as a sanctuary of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

This article covers the protected areas of the Sundarbans in West Bengal, including SNP, Haliday Island, Sajnekhali and West Sundarbans.

History
The Sundarbans have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1966, the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

Landscape
On the coast of the Ganges Delta by the Bay of Bengal, the Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80 km (50 mi) into the Bangladeshi and Indian hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of, of which about one-third is covered in water or marsh areas. Sundarbans are a plastic free zone, so if you bring any plastic with you, remember to take it out when you leave.

This guide covers the protected parts of the Sundarbans region in West Bengal, including the reserved areas outside the actual national park.

Flora and fauna
The forest is called the Sundarbans due to the rich growth of Sundari trees. The chief predators are the Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, saltwater crocodile, black panther and fishing cat. The Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur.

Climate

 * October to February — winter, cold and temperate
 * March to May — summer, hot and humid
 * June to September — the monsoon season, wet and windy

Visitor information
Be sure that you have booked your lodging or trip package through a responsible tourism organisation that shares the tourism benefit with local communities, does not employ child labour, and practices environment-friendly tourism.

Get in
The adjacent inhabited areas of the Sundarbans are well connected with Kolkata by roadways and railways.

By plane
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at Kolkata. One may have to take other modes of transport to reach one's destination.

By car
State Highway 3 (SH 3) is the only highway in Sundarbans National Park. It starts from Krishnanagar and ends at Godkhali.

Fees and permits
Foreigners wishing to visit the Sundarbans have to obtain a special permit. This is mandatory as per Government rule. It can now, however, be obtained at the Sajnekhali Forest Office (Ecotourism Range). The originals have to be shown to the forest office on your arrival. A permit for maximum of 5 days is usually granted which can be further extended subject to the permission of the local forest officer.

Get around
You have to rely on boats for visiting the various tourist spots of the Sundarbans. Local boats or vessels are operated by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, namely M.V. Chitrarekha and M.V. Sarbajaya. You can also hire your own boat but the charges are pretty steep (₹1,500-2,000 per day). However, in case you wish to move around on your own, make sure to hire a guide or else the boatsmen may take you for a ride.

The waterways of the Sundarbans are so similar to one another that even if your boat makes a round of the same place, you won't be able to tell the difference without the services of an experienced guide. The Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary is the place from where you can hire a guide.

Watch towers
All the watch towers listed below can be covered in varying lengths of time. For instance, in a 1N 2D package, you may be able to cover 2 to 3 watch towers, in a 2N 3D package you may be able to cover a few more and so on.

Do

 * Apart from cruising around the tourism zone of the National Park, take a village walk. Visit a local school.
 * Go on a cycle trip to the local village market. Know more about the unique Mangrove Eco System.
 * Join a fishing or crab-catching expedition on a country boat around the village (you are not allowed to do that inside the Reserve Forest).
 * Take a birding walk around the village.
 * Experience a local cultural programme Bonobibi Yatra - a local rural theatre performed by the villagers.

Learn

 * Join a cooking class, and learn how a local dish is prepared with simple local ingredients.

Buy

 * Local handicrafts
 * Honey
 * Organic brown rice

Eat
Recommended items to eat locally:

Fresh sea fish, crabs, prawns, lobster, dry fish curry, cottage cheese, pancakes, Bengali-style rice pudding, and local sweet curds. It's best to savour the delicious dishes made of fresh catches from the water like shrimp, crab, hilsa, bhetki, pangas, partsay, boal, rohu, or katla. Some of the lodges also have their own kitchen garden to give the guests a sample of fresh produce.

Drink
Filtered or boiled water. (Do not insist on mineral water unless it is a part of your personal medication. Mineral water comes in plastic bottles, and the Sundarbans is a no-plastic zone.) Fresh coconut juice, fresh watermelon juice, mango juice.

Backcountry
If you are backpacking, go to Godhkhali/Pakhirala and inquire about the boats. They are generally cheaper, but there is always the risk that you may not get one on weekends and important dates and have to abandon your tour from there.

Overnight stay on the boat, is possible and is a unique experience. However, check out the hygiene and safety of the boat before you do so. Most of the boats have single toilets and the toilets on the boats stink and may not be so clean as most of the boats carry a maximum number of passengers (25, 35, 40 or maybe 60) as per their Licensed capacity during the day and all those passengers use on-board bathrooms.

However, if you find one such nice boat, the experience of an overnight stay on the boat and the scenic beauty of the dawn on the water is absolutely breathtaking and mesmerizing.

Always insist or inquire whether the boat you would be travelling has life jackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers and other fire fighting measures" as those are minimum prerequisite safety measures (most of the boats do not have them). So be very careful in planning your trip in small boats. You may endanger your life by availing of the services of such small boats which do not have these safety measures.

Stay safe
The Sundarbans are the only place in the world where tigers still actively hunt humans for food and usually between 50 and 80 locals are mauled per year. The royal Bengal tiger is extremely dangerous in the Sundarbans, but most visitors need not worry since wildlife tours and accommodations that is provided by the state government will never put you in harm's way; however if you are interested in a private tour (by hiring a small machine boat), do it at your own risk! The Sundarbans are also home to a population of saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and bullsharks are found throughout the estuaries, so swimming is not advised anywhere.

Stay healthy
Mosquito-borne diseases including malaria and dengue fever are present within the Sundarbans at varying levels depending on the season (the wet season represents the greatest risk). The most feared animal (by locals and tourists) within the tropics is the mosquito which represents a greater threat than any man-eater could. Drinking water should be limited to bottled only. Always use your best judgement when choosing what to eat.

Go next

 * Bakkhali
 * Diamond Harbour
 * Kakdwip
 * Sundarbans (Bangladesh)

title: Sundarbans National Park


text:
Sunderland

Sunderland is a city in Tyne and Wear in northeast England, with a population of 171,000 in 2021. It's industrial, but has lost traditional trades such as shipbuilding, and is still re-inventing itself. The National Glass Centre celebrates the town's former status as a prominent glass-making community.

Understand
Sunderland grew up around the estuary of the River Wear when three medieval villages combined. Monkwearmouth on the north bank had a monastery from 674 AD; its abbot encouraged glass-making, founding an industry for the next 1300 years. The monastery was home to the Venerable Bede, who wrote that he was "ácenned on sundorlande" - born in a sundered or separate land of that monastery on the south bank. This became Sunderland and outgrew Monkwearmouth and the third settlement of Bishopwearmouth further upriver. Early industry was based on fishing, salt-panning, coal-mining, shipbuilding and breaking, glass-making, and sea trade. By the 19th century the conurbation was sprawling and squalid, and in 1831 it was the first place in Britain to be struck by the cholera pandemic, which inexorably spread across the nation. The three traditional parish administrations were overwhelmed and this was the prompt for creating the combined borough of Sunderland in 1835.

Shipbuilding was already declining in the Victorian era, and other industries crumbled in the 20th century. Sunderland has diversified, and regenerated the brownfield sites, but this remains a work in progress. It hasn't been able to re-launch itself as a destination city like Newcastle, unemployment is high, and in 2016 the city voted 61% in favour of Brexit. Geographically it was in County Durham until in 1974 the new metropolis of Tyne and Wear was created, also containing Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead.

To the outsider, the local accent is Geordie (which extends from industrial Northumberland down into Durham), but it's a shibboleth to say so. Since the 1980s the term "Mackem" is sometimes used by Sunderland folk to describe themselves. The difference in dialect is subtle: the most intensive study of it was in the 1970s when a taped phone call led police to believe the "Yorkshire Ripper" serial killer (Peter Sutcliffe 1946-2020) was from hereabouts. He was actually from Yorkshire, and with benefit of hindsight, perhaps his nickname was a clue.

Famous people from Sunderland include the actor James Bolam (b 1935), the vet and author James Herriot (pen name of James Alfred Wight, 1916–1995), the explorer and archaeologist Gertrude Bell (1868-1926), singer Bryan Ferry (b 1945), pioneer railway developer George Hudson (1800-1871), goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (b 1994), football player and manager Bob Paisley (1919-1996), cricketer Bob Willis (1949-2019), cookery author Jane Grigson (1928-1990) and monastic author the Venerable Bede (672-735). Those who stayed awhile include the artist LS Lowry, author Lewis Carroll, Lola Montez (it's best to draw a veil over her lurid career) and astronomer William Herschel, who didn't find Uranus here but fortunately kept looking.

By plane
Newcastle Airport has flights from many European cities plus Dubai, as well as domestic services and summer Mediterranean resorts. It's the terminus of the Metro Green Line, which runs all the way to Sunderland, see below.

Teesside Airport only has regular flights from Aberdeen, Amsterdam, London City and Belfast City. It has poor public transport and is further to drive.

By train
Direct trains from London King's Cross are operated by Grand Central. They run every 3 hours or so and take 3 hr 40 min via York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe and Hartlepool. An off-peak single advance fare might be under £20.

Otherwise, travel on the frequent LNER trains from London King's Cross to Newcastle upon Tyne then change for the Metro, see below. It takes no longer, and you pay a more realistic £60.

Northern trains run hourly from Hexham via Corbridge, Blaydon, MetroCentre, Newcastle upon Tyne and Heworth to Sunderland, and continue to Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough.

By Metro
Sunderland is on the southern part of the Tyne & Wear Metro Green Line.

The Green Line runs from Newcastle Airport via Newcastle City Centre, Gateshead and Heworth to Sunderland, and continues to the University City Campus and South Hytton. Reckon a 55-minute ride from the airport and 30 min from Newcastle. Change in Newcastle city centre for the north Tyne towns of Wallsend, North Shields, Tynemouth or Whitley Bay.

Sunderland is in Fare Zone C, so from the airport or Newcastle city centre, you need an all-zone ticket. An adult single in 2022 is £3.90 and a day ticket is £5.70.

By bus

National Express runs every 2 hours or so from London Victoria, taking 7-8 hours via Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Leeds and Middlesbrough, and continuing to Newcastle. Some services involve a change in Leeds; a single from London might be £40.

Megabus runs 3 or 4 times a day, taking almost 10 hours from London Victoria via Heathrow Airport, Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Middlesbrough, for about £25.

By road
From the south follow A1(M) to Junction 62 near Durham then head northeast on A690. Stay on this for town centre and south. For the north bank, use A19 to come onto A1231.

From the north bypass Newcastle to the east via A19 and Tyne Tunnel (toll). (You could also bypass to the west on A1(M), joining A1231 at Washington.) Leave onto A1231 Wessington Way along the north bank of the Tees. Either stay on the north bank for Stadium of Light, or cross the river on A1231 for town centre.

By Metro
For local destinations within Fare Zone C you only need a one zone ticket, which in 2022 is £2.30 for a single and £3.60 for a day-ticket. On the Metro this covers from Seaburn to Stadium of Light, St Peters (for National Glass Centre), Sunderland (for railway station), Park Lane (for Interchange bus station), University City Campus, Millfield, Pallion and South Hylton.

By bus
Buses 700 / 702 loops every 15 min from the Interchange south to the University City Campus and Royal Hospital, then north from Interchange to the National Glass Centre, St Peters and Stadium of Light.

Go North East Bus 2 crosses the city every 30 min from Silksworth via the Interchange to High Barnes and Washington.

Bus 8 runs west every 30 min to Barmston, Washington, Chester-le-Street, Beamish and Stanley.

Bus 9 runs north every 30 min via Boldon to Jarrow.

Bus 20 runs every 30 min from Durham to Houghton-Le-Spring, the Interchange and South Shields.

Bus 56 runs north every 15 min to Gateshead and Newcastle.

Bus 60 goes south every 15 min to Seaham.

By taxi
Taxis are white, with ranks at the Interchange and railway stations.

See

 * Seaburn the next beach north is sandy and a mile long. The water is every bit as cold as at Roker.
 * half a mile north of the country park was built 1844-45 in memory of John Lambton (1792-1840), 1st Earl of Durham and first Governor General of Canada. He was fabulously wealthy from Durham coal but was a reformist Whig. The monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Appropriately, that was the deity of metal-working, equally venerated by Athens' seething traffic and by the Nissan factory just outside Sunderland.
 * Seaburn the next beach north is sandy and a mile long. The water is every bit as cold as at Roker.
 * half a mile north of the country park was built 1844-45 in memory of John Lambton (1792-1840), 1st Earl of Durham and first Governor General of Canada. He was fabulously wealthy from Durham coal but was a reformist Whig. The monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Appropriately, that was the deity of metal-working, equally venerated by Athens' seething traffic and by the Nissan factory just outside Sunderland.
 * Seaburn the next beach north is sandy and a mile long. The water is every bit as cold as at Roker.
 * half a mile north of the country park was built 1844-45 in memory of John Lambton (1792-1840), 1st Earl of Durham and first Governor General of Canada. He was fabulously wealthy from Durham coal but was a reformist Whig. The monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Appropriately, that was the deity of metal-working, equally venerated by Athens' seething traffic and by the Nissan factory just outside Sunderland.
 * half a mile north of the country park was built 1844-45 in memory of John Lambton (1792-1840), 1st Earl of Durham and first Governor General of Canada. He was fabulously wealthy from Durham coal but was a reformist Whig. The monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Appropriately, that was the deity of metal-working, equally venerated by Athens' seething traffic and by the Nissan factory just outside Sunderland.
 * half a mile north of the country park was built 1844-45 in memory of John Lambton (1792-1840), 1st Earl of Durham and first Governor General of Canada. He was fabulously wealthy from Durham coal but was a reformist Whig. The monument is based on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. Appropriately, that was the deity of metal-working, equally venerated by Athens' seething traffic and by the Nissan factory just outside Sunderland.

Do

 * What's on? Listen to Sun FM on 103.4 FM, or read Sunderland Echo (evenings).
 * Empire Cinema is in Sunniside leisure complex on Lambton St.
 * were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Championship, England's second tier. Their 49,000 all-seater Stadium of Light is just north of the River Wear. The women's team play in their own Championship or second tier, with home games at Eppleton Colliery Ground in Hetton-le-Hole.
 * is an open area, good for strolling and dog-walking. The area consists of Green Hill and Rocky Hill and surrounding land, and has a nature reserve.
 * Golf: to the south are Houghton-Le-Spring GC, Sharpley Golf and Seaham GC. West is Wearside GC, and north is Boldon GC.
 * Sunderland Food & Drink Festival is next held 23-25 June 2023 in Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square.
 * Sunderland Airshow, Europe's largest free airshow, was held above Roker seafront on the last weekend of July, but in 2023 the city council cancelled the event as part of its efforts to be carbon neutral.
 * Golf: to the south are Houghton-Le-Spring GC, Sharpley Golf and Seaham GC. West is Wearside GC, and north is Boldon GC.
 * Sunderland Food & Drink Festival is next held 23-25 June 2023 in Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square.
 * Sunderland Airshow, Europe's largest free airshow, was held above Roker seafront on the last weekend of July, but in 2023 the city council cancelled the event as part of its efforts to be carbon neutral.

Buy
Bridges Shopping Centre stretches west from the railway station. It has some 80 shops including Boots, TK Maxx, Iceland and Tesco Metro. The Centre has toilets and a quiet room.

Drink

 * Many folk head into Newcastle for nightlife, but Sunderland is cheaper.

 * Distillery: Poetic License make gin, vodka and liqueurs. They're on Roker seafront near the pier: no tours, but they have an on-site pub.

Sleep

 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.
 * Seaburn B&Bs include Mayfield and Lemonfield.

Connect
As of Dec 2021, Sunderland has 5G from EE and Three, and 4G from O2 and Vodafone.

Stay safe
Local football club Sunderland has a very heated rivalry with Newcastle United, dubbed the Tyne and Wear Derby. Be sure not to wear a Newcastle United shirt when you are in Sunderland, especially on matchdays, as it could result in you getting singled out for harassment or even violence by local fans.

Go next

 * The city of Newcastle upon Tyne is a 30 min metro ride away. South bank of the Tyne is Gateshead, with Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
 * South Shields has a reconstructed Roman fort.
 * Wallsend has a Roman fort at the beginning of Hadrian's Wall.
 * Washington has a pit museum and George Washington's family ancestral home.
 * Durham has a well-preserved medieval centre around its magnificent cathedral.

title: Sunderland


text:
Sundsvall

Sundsvall is the seat of Västernorrland County, and the only city in the Medelpad province of Sweden. The city's population is about 51,000 (2010), but including suburbs, the total is close to 100,000. It is in a hilly area by the coast and its main industries are pulp and paper factories, sawmills, aluminium smelting, and hydroelectric power generation. Sundsvall also houses a campus of the Mittuniversitetet (Mid Sweden University), which gained university status in 2005.

Understand
The wooden city was repeatedly destroyed by fire, so after the great fire of 1888 it was rebuilt as a Stenstaden - a stone city. Sundsvall was prosperous at the time, so the central area was rebuilt in art nouveau style, with grand city blocks and lavish exteriors. Most sites of interest are in this central area, including the

By plane

The airport shuttle bus no longer runs, so either take a taxi to city centre (45 min), or somewhat cheaper is a taxi to Timrå and then a local bus to Sundsvall (takes 30 min, runs every 30 min).

Stockholm Arlanda Airport has extensive international connections. It's 30 km north of Stockholm and there's no need to travel via the capital: you can take a northbound train from Arlanda Central station within the airport. (Not from Arlanda South or North: these only have expresses to Stockholm city.) You'll probably have to change at Uppsala or Gävle. Alternatively take UL bus 801 from the airport to Uppsala and change to a northbound train or express bus. The UL bus runs twice an hour, 03:00-00:00, and takes 25 min.

By rail
There are six direct express trains per day from Stockholm, reaching Sundsvall in 3½ hours, for a standard fare of 200-900 kr. Other connections are possible by changing at Gävle to the X-Tåget regional trains. Norrtåg services link Östersund (for connections to Trondheim) and Umeå.

By bus
FlixBus runs from Stockholm to Sundsvall (six per day, 6-7 hours) and continues north to Umeå. Ticket from Stockholm 470 kr, from Umeå 350 kr.

Tapanis Buss has a route going from Stockholm to Tornio, Finland stopping at Sundsvall. Ticket from Stockholm 305 kr, from Tornio 870 kr.

is at the north end of Esplanaden in city centre. There are lots of food & drink outlets nearby.

Get around
With local buses operated by Din Tur or taxi.

See
The central Stenstaden is mostly pedestrianised. The main square is "Stora Torget", a pleasant space with building styles ranging from red-brick "Midland-Railway-Belle-Epoque" to concrete brutalist. The main church, Gustav Adolf Lutheran church, is just west.

Do

 * Ski: two small ski areas are just south of the city, Slalombacke on Södra Berget and Sidsjöbacken a few km east. Two others lie 10 km south.
 * Ski: two small ski areas are just south of the city, Slalombacke on Södra Berget and Sidsjöbacken a few km east. Two others lie 10 km south.

Eat
Sundsvall has more than 60 restaurants, bars and pubs, mostly in the central area. Most international cuisine is represented and of course Swedish traditional husmanskost.

Drink
Almost all bars are in the "Stenstaden" area.

Go next
The choice is southwards to Uppsala and Stockholm, inland to Östersund and Trondheim, northwards to Umeå with a ferry route to Vaasa, and further north towards Luleå and Narvik.

title: Sundsvall