text:
Saratov

Saratov (Russian: Сара́тов suh-RAH-tuhf) is a city in the Volga region of Russia.

Understand
Saratov was built as one of the southern fortifications along the Volga river during the 16th century. Settlements in the area date back, however, much further: the nearby Uvek dates back to the Golden Horde and was destroyed in 1395 by Tamerlane. Saratov and Engels (just across the Volga) are intricately linked and form an agglomeration region with over 1 million inhabitants today. Due to Saratov's pretty provincial character it might surprise you that at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the third largest city in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The area around Saratov and Engels had a significant proportion of ethnic Germans (en. Volga Germans, de. Wolgadeutsche, ru. Поволжские немцы). Volga Germans constituted nearly two thirds of the inhabitants of this area in the early 20th century. Germans were originally invited by Catherine II to settle in the West of the Russian Empire, but were deported further to the east during the end of the 19th century due to stronger Russificiation attempts. Volga Germans suffered another wave of deportation and expulsion during the time of Stalin's Great Terror and WW2, when they were suspected of collaboration with the Nazis. Today, there are only a few traces of this history in Saratov and Engels.

Today, Saratov is a regional center along the Volga, in the same way as for example Volgograd, Samara, and Ulyanovsk.

An illustrative piece of history is the constant renaming of Saratov's main pedestrian street. Originally it was called Nemetskaya Ulitsa ("German Street"). In the 1880s and again in 1914 there were ultimately rejected attempts to rename it in honor of General Skobelev. After the October Revolution, the name was eventually changed to Ulitsa Respubliki ("Republic Street") and later to Prospekt Kirova (named after the revolutionary leader Sergey Kirov). In April 2022, the street was once again renamed, this time in honor of Pyotr Stolypin, former governor of Saratov and a prime minister of the Russian Empire who introduced a lot of agrarian reforms. Note that you will still see addresses referring to the older name Prospekt Kirova. Mikhail_Skobelev

By train
Otherwise the best way to get there is by Saratov Rail from Moscow's Pavletsky Station, which takes approximately 15-16 hr. The trains operate overnight, departing in the afternoon/evening, arriving in the morning.

Saratov is also accessible via rail from Samara to the north (train 10 hours, 400 km) and Volgograd and Astrakhan to the south. The St. Petersburg-Astrakhan' line passes through Saratov. It takes about 26 hours to travel from St. Petersburg to Saratov on train.

By bus
There are also buses between Saratov and many other cities, including Moscow. However, the comfort and value of the rail system over the vast distances involved makes the bus service a comparatively unattractive option.

By boat
River cruises down the Volga operate during the summer months (early May to end of September). Dozens of boats operated by different companies run from Moscow to Astrakhan. One way or return cruises may be reserved to/from practically any city along the Volga. Moscow to Astrakhan (one-way) with three daily meals is ₽15000. Without meals, approximately ₽8000-9000.

Public transport
Saratov, like most provincial Russian towns, is served by a network of trams, buses, trolleybuses, and marshrutkas (set-route minibuses). The main terminus for most forms of transport is the area around the at the top of Prospekt Stolypina (formerly Prospekt Kirova).

Buses, trams, and trolleybuses work in pretty much the same way. They usually display a route number and also a list of major stops (written in Cyrillic). You get on, and a conductor will walk up to you to collect the fare. The fare is usually written very large on the inside of the vehicle and should be about ₽30-40 (Jan 2024). You don't really need to say anything, as there is only one price for a single ticket (no monthly passes, discounts, etc). You can pay in cash, (Russian) credit card, or SBP (quick payment system, provided you have a Russian bank account). You will get a small paper ticket with a 6-digit number in return. In some trolleybuses you pay directly to the drive when getting off (in which case there is no paper ticket). Just watch what other people are doing.

Marshrutkas are minibuses that drive a fixed route but without set schedule or stops. They also have route numbers and usually display a list of main points of interest along their route. To get on, wave the marshrutka. Pay the fare (displayed with a huge sticker on the window directly in front of the entrance – you really can't miss it) directly to the driver when getting on. The fare varies between marshrutkas because these are essentially privately-operated taxis, but is usually the same as for buses, trams, and trolleybuses (₽30-40 in Jan 2024). Drivers usually continue driving while counting your coins, give you your change, and (usually) give you a paper ticket. If it's very full, people sometimes just sit down and pass the money to the next person in front of them, until it reaches the driver. Then the chain goes the other way round, delivering the change and paper ticket back to the passenger. If someone taps you from behind and hands you a bunch of coins, just do the same to the person in front of you – it's fun! To get off, people usually just tell the driver to stop at the next intersection.

Taxis
If you don't want to go through the trouble of finding the correct route number, taxis are a widely available option. Yandex Taxi or its many competitors are a reliable way to get around, as you can order a taxi via an app for a predefined price (also in English).

Walking
Saratov is not exactly a small city, but its main pedestrian area along Prospekt Stolypina and onwards to the Volga is definitely walkable. There are plenty of well-marked pedestrian crossings and drivers do stop (because they get very serious fines if they don't).

See
See the magnificent Volga river, the longest river in Europe. At the most popular spot (Naberezhnaya Kosmonavtov, the Cosmonauts Embankment) the Volga is 3 km wide, whereas at some other spots nearby Saratov its width reaches as much as 11 km.

Do
Despite its provincial setting, Saratov has much to offer by way of culture. Enjoy a classical concert in the pseudo-gothic Conservatory on Prospekt Kirova, or an opera or ballet in the nearby Bolshoy Teatr. Tickets are very reasonably priced and available from the box offices of both venues. In January 2008 ticket prices were less than US$4 and represent an incredible bargain.

Take in a play at the Saratov Kiselev Academic Youth Theater, known by the acronym TYuZ (Russian: "ТЮЗ"). TYuZ is about a block off of Prospect Kirova on Volskaya Street. Although described as a "children's theater", TYuZ is mostly visited by adults. The theater features a rotating list of light plays.

For more serious fare, head over to Saratov Slonov Academic Drama Theater. Founded in 1802, the Saratov Drama Theater is one of the oldest theaters in Russia. Its current building, however, is very modern in style.

Dom Kino (House of Cinema), on Oktyabrskaya Street, features foreign film and film series. Tickets cost ₽100 as of October 2010. It's on the second floor of a nondescript building on a side street. Dom Kino is rather difficult to find. The interior is modest: a large room with folding chairs and a projector screen.

If you aren't interested in such quaint movie-watching experiences, check out Pobeda, Sinema Park, or Illuminator.

Visit the circus, one of the first in Russia to be established in its own dedicated building.

Go to the Radischev art gallery — the first public art gallery opened in Russia (19th century). Some fine European, as well as Russian pieces of art are gathered here. The gallery also features a computer room where visitors can access various art-related programmes, including one showing scenes of architectural gems lost under Communism and their modern replacements.

Support the local soccer team — Sokol — and attend a match in the stadium beside the train station.

Take a stroll in Gorodskii Park and try out the bumper cars, ferris wheel and waltzers in its fairground. Most of the rides are open even on the coldest days of winter. Victory Park is another great place to visit. Before Christmas the area around Lenin's statue in the central part of the city is a fun place for kids with sleigh rides and photo opportunities with Russian version of Santa Claus. There is also an inexpensive large public outdoor ice skating rink a few blocks from Lenin's statue but although they rent skates be prepared for a long wait to rent them. There are also large beautiful forests in and around Saratov.

There are several beaches on the Volga river including some on an island.

Buy
The usual Russian souvenirs such as matryoshkas are available in Saratov, although if travelling through Moscow it is probably best to wait to get them there as they will be cheaper.

The markets in Saratov are useful spots to pick up winter clothes if necessary, including coats, boots, leather gloves and of course hats. Haggling is indulged.

Prospekt Kirova is the most upmarket shopping area in the city, with fancy boutiques selling expensive shoes, bags and jewellery. There are branches for Mango, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, United Colors of Benetton, and L'Occitane among others. Also on Prospekt Kirova is an excellent tobacconist, selling all kinds of pipes and tobacco including hookah pipes, as well as a speciality tea shop.

Barrikada, on Ulitsa Gorkogo, is an excellent alternative music store that sells legitimate (i.e. non-pirate) albums and music DVDs at prices much cheaper than in Western Europe, and stocks a diversity of artists unparalleled by even Moscow's gargantuan Gorbushka market.

Electronics can be purchased from one of the city's branches of El Dorado (one particularly large one is on the embankment near the river station).

Dom Knigi, the book shop on the corner of Ulitsa Volskaya and Prospekt Kirova, has an English language section and is also a good spot to pick up postcards, maps and souvenirs such as books of old postcard views of Saratov. Noviy Knizhniy, on the fourth floor of the Aurora Shopping Center (Chapaeva and Sovetskaya), also features an English language section. Grab a coffee at the nearby cafe, bring your laptop, and enjoy the free wireless on the fourth floor.

Despite its name, Detsky Mir ('Children's World') at the top of Prospekt Kirova near McDonalds, stocks all kinds of everything (clothes, accessories, stationery, hipflasks, penknives...) in cabinets, behind counters, and at individually manned stalls. TsUM (Tsentralniy Universalniy Magazin, 'Central Universal Store') across the way is a similar sort of operation.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Saratov, even in small businesses like coffee spots and market stands. However, note that foreign VISA/MasterCard credit cards are not accepted as of 2022. If you have a Russian bank account, Russia's QR code-based quick payment system SBP is accepted nearly everywhere. Otherwise it is a good idea to bring cash in RUB (or EUR/USD and exchange in a bank). During the Christmas period banks have a very limited schedule of hours. Western Union transfers are very difficult if they are made to a foreigner since rules require not just a passport but that the passport be notarized by a Russian notary. There is a translation service on Bolshaia Kazakshia near the junction with Astrakhan street on the right when facing back towards the town centre.

While there are money exchanges at both the Saratov airport and train station, the hours of operation are limited. Usually there are men in the train station who will exchange US dollars but at bad rates and with the risk of getting counterfeited rubles. Euros are probably easier to work with in Saratov. ATMs give good rates but the payouts are limited. Never take travellers cheques. Only Sberbank and only the main branch will deal with them and it takes 6-8 hr to go through the process.

Eat
Cafe Fortuna, above an internet cafe on Prospekt Kirova, is reliable for good Russian food like blini, borshch and solyanka, as well as omelettes and chips and the like.

Papa's Irish Bar, also on the Prospekt, serves a decent menu including a fry and Irish stew, as well as other slightly Russified Western pub food.

There is a Tinkoff Restaurant and Bar in Saratov. Tinkoff hosts live groups, as it does in its other locations in Russia. Decor inside is clean and swanky, with dimmed lights and lounge-style tables. The food is overpriced and uninspiring. Expect to go through security by stocky bouncers if you arrive to see a concert.

There are a number of passable sushi restaurants around, while street food like shwarma and hot pirogi are readily available.

There is also an ice-cream parlour called Pingvin on the Prospekt and a Baskin Robbins by the multi-coloured church off the end of the Prospekt.

Near the circus there is perhaps Russia's only branch of Papa John's Pizza. Like many American fast-food imports, Russian Papa John's appears to be a decent, sit-down restaurant. The restaurant provides free wireless to its guests.

Saratov is also home to a locally-owned chain of overpriced coffee shops called Vostok-Zapad ('East-West'), where no two cappuccinos are ever the same (or, indeed, ever much like a cappuccino). They are, however, a pleasant place to hang out and the coffee is decent enough, if not exactly what you may have in mind but the quality is consistently better than the used dishwater served in most US and UK branded coffee chains. Another café is Café et Chocolat which, as the name suggests, is a French-style establishment, serving crepes and pastries. They have several branches.

Budget
The withdrawal of Western companies from the Russian market following Russia's invasion of Ukraine is especially noticeable in fast food joints. Where Saratov used to have a whole lot of McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and Starbucks places, these are now all replaced by Russian versions that are almost, but not quite, entirely like the American original. The menu, taste, prices, and even corporate design remains nearly the same, only the names have been changed (but will be immediately obvious what it was originally). The was a McDonald's located right at the main pedestrian street, and is also still now a popular fast food place, especially with school kids. Further on the same street is a (formerly KFC).

Mid-range
On Prospekt Stolypina is, a covered indoor yard where you can order food from the surrounding restaurants. It's somewhat like a food court, but more upscale, often featuring live music. You cannot reserve tables. You can order directly at the restaurant (mention your table number, they will bring it then), or you can use their website to call a waiter from the restaurant(s) of your choice. Gastrodvor has a variety of restaurants, including Vietnamese, Georgian, Israeli, etc.

Drink
Bars along the main pedestrian street, Prospekt Kirova, include Pivnoy Zavod (Beer Factory, a microbrewery); Papa's Irish Pub; Pivnoy Bul'var (with American pool tables as well as Russian billiards); and Grand Michel (with bowling).

There are also numerous wine bars around the city where wine can be sampled by the cup.

Saratov's main nightclubs include Jumanji and Ars. Both operate rigorous security checks (metal detectors and body searches are par for the course) and face control policies (nonwhite ethnic minorities may be refused point blank).

In summer, barges along the naberezhnaya (embankment) become floating bars and clubs.

Sleep
Saratov does not offer much choice in terms of accommodation. Visitors on tourist visas are mainly confined to one of the following four hotels:

 * Hotel Volga — in the centre of the city, in a turn of the century (19th/20th) building on Prospekt Kirova. This is a small hotel; comfortable, but probably in need of some modernisation.

The other two hotels are Hotel Olympia and Hotel Zagreb.

If you have a business visa then you are confined to the Slovakia and the Volga. However, the Bohemia, a very comfortable and modern hotel has an arrangement for registration with the Volga and will sometimes accept business travellers.

Alternatively, if you have local contacts, it is possible to book a furnished apartment in Saratov at a rate of ₽600-900 a night. As with the taxis, these rates explode if you are identified as a non-Russian. If you decide to do this, it is strongly recommended only with an advance stay of two nights at one of the hotels handling then the necessary registration with OWIR, the office of migration where all visitors (business or leisure) must register within three days upon arrival in Russia!

Cope
Considering that Saratov is a city where it snows for the better part of the year, you'd think the city's authorities would have learned to deal with the snow and ice – and you'd be wrong. Compacted snow covers practically all roads and sidewalks throughout the winter; it is cleared away really only on the main pedestrian street (Prospekt Stolypina) and in front of government buildings. Be super careful when walking near roofs and balconies – icicles can fall down without notice and have even killed people. Also pay attention to snow sliding down from the roof. If you see (printed or handwritten) signs with many exclamation points and/or fingers pointing upwards on the side of a building, don't walk under it!

If you drive yourself, note that most major streets are one-way streets. Road markings are often not visible (especially in winter, when roads are completely covered in snow). The road quality varies a lot, but do expect potholes (and people swerving to avoid them) and not-so-level level crossings across tram and railroad tracks.

There are stray dogs and they might have rabies. If you spot a dog without owner, it's best to make a large detour around it. This is especially true if there are multiple dogs.

Go next
Just opposite Saratov, on the other side of the Volga, is the smaller town of Engels, accessible via a quick bus journey across the bridge. Catch the bus on Ulitsa Moskovskaya or take a taxi (walking across the bridge is not recommended).

Other towns in the Saratov Oblast, accessible via marshrutka, include Marks, Balakovo, Atkarsk, and Volsk.

There are shared minibuses that drive across the Russian-Kazakh border to Uralsk, usually leaving very early in the morning.

You can take a train to the neighboring regions, such as Volgograd, Tambov, Penza, Samara, and Voronezh.

title: Saratov


text:
Saratov Oblast

Saratov Oblast (Russian: Сара́товская о́бласть suh-RAH-tuhf-skuh-yuh OH-bluhst') is a region in the Lower Volga, bordering Voronezh Oblast to the southwest, Tambov Oblast to the west, Penza Oblast to the northwest, Samara Oblast to the north, Ulyanovsk Oblast to the northeast, Orenburg Oblast to the east, Kazakhstan to the southeast, and Volgograd Oblast to the south.

Cities

 * — this large capital is the former center of Volga German culture and a major modern industrial city; has a fine art gallery and is home to much of the Russia's space program and was home to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space
 * — a mid-sized city known with impressive pretension as the Venice of the Volga for its many canals, contains the largest church of the Old Believers in Russia
 * — a smaller city on the Khopyor River
 * — a mid-sized city, which was the capital of the former Volga German Republic, is connected to Saratov by a 3-km bridge across the wide Volga River
 * – a smaller town on the Volga, known for its nearby chemical weapons development and testing grounds around Shikhany

Other destinations

 * Khvalynsky National Park

Understand
Saratov Oblast was the center of Volga German culture, Germans who resettled in Russia in the 17th century enticed by offers of farmland, until World War II, when Stalin deported the Germans en masse to Siberia and Kazakhstan. Today, Saratov Oblast is a big center of industry along the Volga River.

Get in
Overnight trains from Moscow to Saratov take about 16 hours and are very affordable. Flights cost about twice as much (although they are still very reasonable) and will get you there in an hour and a half.

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

title: Saratov Oblast


text:
Saravan

Saravan is a province of Southern Laos. It's best known for its wild and mountainous terrain, waterfalls and diversity of ethnic minority communities.

Cities

 * — provincial capital: A sleepy, unassuming town.
 * — there's not much tourism draw to Lao Ngam, however, the NGO Village Focus International has a 35-hectare farm, called the Green Earth Centre, used as a living agricultural lab to help local villagers improve farming practices and improve livelihoods.

Other destinations
Traveling farther east from Saravan becomes challenging due to the mountainous terrain and poor roads, especially in the rainy season. However, moving on to places such as Taoy can be very rewarding due to the wilderness and many ethnic minority villages in this area.

Get in
The sleeper bus from Vientiane departs at 20:30 and arrives in Saravan Capital the next morning at about 10:00, passing through Pakse on the way. Buses from Pakse take about 3 hours to get to Saravan Capital or 2 hours to Tad Lo.

See
Tad Lo (waterfall) Tad Suong (waterfall)

Go next
About 6 buses depart Saravan Capital headed to Pakse per day. These pass few Tad Lo and Lao Ngam on the way.

title: Saravan


text:
Sarawak

Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state. It lies in East Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with the eastern state of Sabah, the separate country of Brunei and the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan.

Cities

 * - Sarawak's capital, the City of Cats is located at the western tip of the state.
 * - Jumping point to many of inner Borneo's indigenous tribes and long houses.
 * - former name is 'Binatang' meaning animal. Famous for greenish skin orange.
 * - dreary oil and gas industry base.
 * - one of the stopover along the Rejang and gateway to interior Sarawak. Only accessible using express boats from Sibu.
 * - Sarawak's northern city, capital of the state's oil industry.
 * - a coastal town in Central Sarawak where the sago-eating tribe (Melanau) are found.
 * - "food basket" for the Land of the Hornbills.
 * - gateway to the hinterland of the Rejang River, Sarawak's and Malaysia's longest river.
 * - a tiny town located between Serian and Sri Aman, site of some colonial era coal works.
 * - the new "education hub", especially known for Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

Other destinations

 * Bario and the Kelabit Highlands - the vast highland plateau in the interior popular for trekking and serene Orang Ulu villages.
 * - the mighty Rejang River, Malaysia's longest river, is the main "highway" connecting little towns and longhouses in Sarawak's hinterland.
 * is home to Sarawak's finest beach resorts and its famous Cultural Village

National parks

 * - home to the bizarre, obscene-nosed proboscis monkey. Easily reached from Kuching.
 * - part of the region’s largest trans-national protected area for tropical rainforest conservation
 * - approximately 30km from Miri city. Known for its beautiful waterfalls and tranquility.
 * - where you can try to spot a Rafflesia, the world's largest flower
 * - with mighty Mount Mulu and some of the world's largest cave system. Easily reached by air.
 * - massive sandstone ridge with its three mountain peaks – the 911m high Gunung Serapi and the slightly smaller Gunung Selang and Gunung Sendok
 * - home to the friendly community of Orang Ulu people known as the Berawan whom are mostly fishermen in this part of Sarawak. The largest freshwater lake in East Malaysia.
 * - one of Sarawak’s better known national parks, important for its archaeological remains such as a 40,000 year old human skull, prehistoric cave paintings, and the birds nest industry. The caves are home to large colonies of bats and swiftlets.
 * - its coastline, a chain of golden sandy beaches, punctuated by small rocky headlands and jungle streams, and bordered by dense green forest
 * - smallest of Sarawak’s National Parks, at just under 14 sq km, but it is also one of the most beautiful
 * - was established with the primary aim of conserving Sarawak’s marine turtle population

Understand
Sarawak is the largest and, certainly in terms of tourist density, least visited state of Malaysia. Nearly as large as peninsular Malaysia, the interior is covered in a thicket of impenetrable jungle and mountains. The great majority of the population lives near the coast or along rivers leading to the sea.

History
One of the stranger episodes in Malaysian history began in 1841 when James Brooke — an English adventurer armed only with a single ship (the Royalist), diplomatic skills, and devotion to the idea of eliminating at least some of Borneo's many pirates — was made Rajah of Sarawak by the Sultan of Brunei. An interesting portrait of Brooke can be found in the historical novel Flashman's Lady. James and his nephew and successor Charles expanded their private colony to cover much of what is now the state of Sarawak.

The third Rajah, Vyner, continued to develop the colony but fled from the invading Japanese in 1941 during the Pacific War, ending the Brooke dynasty after precisely 100 years. After the end of the Japanese occupation, Vyner returned to Sarawak in April 1946, but ceded the colony to the British crown in July of the same year. Sarawak joined together with Singapore, Malaya and North Borneo (today Sabah) to form the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. This federation was opposed by Indonesia, who claimed Sarawak as their own territory, and launched a policy known as konfrontasi, in which the Indonesian government sponsored terrorist attacks in Malaysia. Indonesia abandoned their claims on Sarawak and ended their konfrontasi policy after the overthrowing of Sukarno by his successor, Suharto in 1968, and the peace has held ever since.

Culture
Even by Malaysian standards Sarawak has an extraordinary mix of peoples: the largest ethnic group is neither Chinese (26%) nor Malay (21%), but the Iban (29%), who gained worldwide notoriety as the fiercest headhunters on Borneo. Back in the bad old days, an Iban lad couldn't hope for the hand of a fair maiden without the shrunken head of an enemy to call his own, and bunches of totemic skulls still decorate the eaves of many a jungle longhouse. Fortunately for visitors, headhunting hasn't been practiced for a while, although some of the skulls date from as late as World War II when, with British support, Iban mercenaries fought against the occupying Japanese.

During World War II, many Ibans were recruited into an elite para-military unit called the Sarawak Rangers, which specialised in jungle guerrilla warfare and contributed significantly to the Allied war effort in Borneo. In the postwar Malayan Emergency they fought against Communists. When Sarawak joined Malaysia, the Sarawak Rangers became part of the Malaysian Army, renamed the Royal Ranger Regiment, which is the second most decorated regiment in the Malaysian Army after the Royal Malay Regiment.

Other tribes of note include the Bidayuh (8%) and the Melanau (5%), as well as a smattering of Kenyah, Kayan and a group of tiny tribes in the deep heartland known collectively as the Orang Ulu (Malay for "upriver people").

Talk
Malay and English are the two official languages of the state, but various Chinese dialects are widely spoken. The Iban language is the largest linguistic group, with many local variations. The majority of Sarawakians are multilingual, a necessity in such a multicultural society, and Malay or English will stand you in good stead in most places. Knowing some phrases in Iban, Chinese or other local dialects however will greatly impress your hosts wherever you go. For travels to the Upper Baram region, some knowledge of Penan may be useful.

The Iban Language: This mostly and widely spoken language of Sarawak is quite similar to Malay, but while the two languages share some vocabulary in common, Iban slang is totally different from Malay. It is also known that the Iban community in Sarawak is divided into various different divisions ranging from Kuching to Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and all the way up North to Miri. These divisions are represented by different Iban accents and dialects. Some useful Iban Words: English-Iban You-Nuan/dik/kuak I-Aku/kami (also stands for plural form of us) Eat-Makai/empuk Not yet-Bedau/apian speak-jaku cheers (drink)-ngirup nice-nyamai beautiful-bajik (bajiek)

While standard Malay is well understood, the local dialect, known as "Bahasa Melayu Sarawak", is different enough to be legally categorized as its own language. Malays from the coast of Sarawak, especially those from Sebuyau, Kabong, Saratok, Betong, Sri Aman and the surrounding areas speak a different dialect called "Bahasa Orang Laut". Malays from Sibu and Miri speak a language similar to Kuchingites' Malay, but they have some terms unique to their dialect, for example "Pia" in Sibu (in Kuching, they called it "Sia", which means "there"), "Cali" in Miri (in Kuching, they called it "Jenaka", which means "funny").

The Chinese community in Sarawak mostly originated from Southern China, especially Fujian province. Therefore, the most widely spoken Chinese dialects in Sarawak are different from the Cantonese you hear in most Chinatowns in the world. The main dialects here are Hokkien, Fuzhou Hua, Hakka and Teochew, though most ethnic Chinese locals speak Mandarin as well.

Get in
Like neighboring Sabah, Sarawak maintains autonomy on immigration control, mostly so mainlanders cannot freely immigrate and swamp the thinly populated state. Even if coming in from elsewhere in Malaysia, Malaysians need to bring along their ID and are restricted to a stay of 90 days at a time.

Still, for most travellers this is just a formality and an interesting extra stamp in their passport, as anybody who does not need a visa for Malaysia can get a free 90-day visit permit on arrival. It is recommended to have a return ticket as immigration office may ask for it.

By plane
Most visitors arrive in Sarawak by plane. The largest gateway is Kuching the state capital, which is about 1.5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, and also has flights to numerous other cities in Malaysia. It is also served by international flights to Singapore and Bandar Seri Begawan.

Other airports served by flights from Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah are Miri, Sibu and Bintulu. MASWings serves flights between cities and rural areas in East Malaysia, including Sarawak and Sabah. Miri and Sibu are each served by an international flight to Singapore on Scoot several times a week.

By land
Sarawak has land borders with Brunei, Indonesia and the Malaysian state of Sabah.

Brunei. There are several land crossings between Sarawak and Brunei. They are at Sungei Tujuh (on the road between Miri and Bandar Seri Begawan), Tedungan (on the road between Limbang and Bandar Seri Begawan), Pandaruan (a ferry crossing on the route between Limbang and Brunei's Temburong district) and Labu (along the route from Temburong district to Lawas).

Indonesia. The main crossing between Sarawak and Indonesia is the Tebedu-Entikong checkpoint which lies along the Kuching-Pontianak road. There are many other crossings between the two countries although the legality of these crossings are questionable and are mostly used by locals living in those areas. It is also possible to legally cross the border in the Kelabit Highlands between Bario and Long Bawan. See the Kelabit Highlands and Pontianak to Kuching pages for details.

Sabah. As Sarawak controls its own immigration matters, there are checkpoints at border between Sarawak and Sabah at Merapok (Sindumin on the Sabah side) near Lawas.

By bus
There are direct international buses from Pontianak, Indonesia to Kuching, a direct express bus service between Lawas in northeastern Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah as well as bus connections between Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei and Miri.

Get around
Sarawak is big and its roads are poor by Malaysian standards, making air travel the most convenient way of getting around. For example, it's about 1 hour from Kuching to Miri by plane (full fare RM164, but can be as low as RM60), but a butt-numbing 14 hours by bus (RM80).

By car
Cars can by hired for as low as MYR 100/per day, with discounts for long-term hires. Don't hesitate to ask for some free parking tickets from the car rental company. Petrol is around MYR 22/litre. The main highway, Route 1, is 1077 km long and runs the full length of Sarawak. The highway is only one lane in each direction and the condition in many sections of the highway is poor with many potholes so drive carefully.

By air
Malaysia Airlines and budget airlines AirAsia provide frequent flights between Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

The rural air service is operated by MASWings, which took over the network from FlyAsian Express (FAX) on October 1, 2007. Flights use Fokkers and Twin Otter aircraft. Fokkers flight cover Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Limbang and Mulu National Park while Twin Otter planes link Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Lawas with rural towns and longhouses like Mukah, Marudi and various settlements in the Kelabit Highlands like Bario, Bakelalan, Long Seridan, Long Lellang, Long Banga and Long Akah.

By bus
Most cities in Sarawak are now linked by express buses although trip times can be long due to the distance. Companies include EVA Express and Bintang Jaya Express.

By boat
Express boats run from the coast inland along Borneo's larger rivers. They are generally faster than buses and cheaper than planes. Popular routes include Kuching-Sibu (4 hours) and Sibu-Kapit (3 hours).

Local transport
Most cities have local buses and taxis serving not only the city centres and their surrounding suburbs but also adjacent rural districts.

See
Sarawak's highlights include the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park, which are some of the largest in the world, and the orangutans of Semengoh. A visit to the longhouses and indigenous tribes in the interior of Sarawak is a must.

Sri Aman - little town along the Batang Lupar, popular among local and foreign tourists especially during the annual tidal bore phenomenon 'benak' in April.

Nature Reserve

 * Semengoh - home to a famous orangutan sanctuary and rehabilitation center
 * Wind Cave Nature Reserve and Fairy cave - is part of the Bau Formation, a narrow belt of limestone covering about 150 sq km of Southwest Sarawak
 * Sama Jaya Nature Reserve - the first multipurpose urban forest park in Sarawak

Do
Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village, some 45 minutes' drive from Kuching. It is a living museum of different tribes and architecture spread over a lovely green area at the foot of Mount Santubong. You will be able to see how Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, etc. tribes live, work and cook in the longhouses, each with its own identity. It is also best to visit this place during the annual Rainforest World Music Festival which happens each July.

Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day world music festival in Kuching that brings together some of the best world musicians for workshops and nightly live concerts.

Iban Longhouse. Take a tour to an Iban Longhouse. One longhouse provides accommodation for visitors. The facilities are very basic, but tolerable for one night and an interesting insight into the Iban culture.

Buy
Various tribal handicrafts are the most popular souvenirs from Sarawak. Particularly notable are pua kumbu, double-woven fabrics woven by Iban women and illustrated with hypnotic, surreal patterns, wood carvings and bead handicraft by the Kayan and the Kenyah tribes, and Bidayuh baskets and floor mat or kasah, woven from rattan. Black pepper from Sarawak (far more potent than the bland stuff sold in the average supermarket) is also a worthwhile buy.

Eat

Information about Eastern Malaysian dishes can be found at Cuisine of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Drink
The local firewater, served up in prodigious quantities if you stay in a longhouse, is known as tuak and is distilled from rice, sago or any other convenient source of fermentable sugar. For those who want a stronger dose, langkau or Iban whisky can be sourced from longhouses in the interior. You can buy commercial tuak (The Royalist) at most supermarkets in Kuching, and is a good souvenir. The commercial rice wine/tuak is rather pleasant to drink, and with none of that home-brewed murkiness.

Stay safe
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are very common in certain parts Sarawak, especially brackish areas like Batang Lupar. A visit to Jong's Crocodile Farm is recommended. Active headhunters have not existed in Borneo for 50+ years, thanks largely to the Rajah Brooke's effort to pacify warring tribes and peace-making.

Consulates

 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Go next
Overland to other parts of Borneo:
 * Malaysian state of Sabah
 * The Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan
 * Brunei — tiny oil-rich sultanate

title: Sarawak


text:
Sardinia

Sardinia (Italian: Sardegna [sarˈdeɲɲa], Sardinian: Sardìgna/Sardìnnia) with its quintessential Mediterranean beauty, is mainly loved for swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, climbing, and camping, with coastal areas tending to become over touristed especially in the warmest month, August. The inner life of the island away from the tourist spots takes longer to appreciate and requires you to peel away the layers of apparent Italianization. Hiking and archaeological tourism with a low environmental impact has developed considerably, thanks to very important archaeological discoveries such as the Giants of Mont'e Pramma, and the great investment by local institutions and by citizens in the protection and enhancement of the internal territory. It is an autonomous region of Italy.

Cities
Oristano
 * – a metropolitan city and the capital of the autonomous region of Sardinia
 * – the Catalonian city
 * – famous for its uncontaminated coastline and for Sud Sardegna's many archaeological sites
 * – a beautiful medieval town in Oristano
 * – a heart of the central Sardinia
 * – capital of Gallura and northernmost city on the island
 * – the second largest city in the northern part of the island

Other destinations

 * The Punic and Roman archaeological sites of and
 * – home to many beautiful beaches

Geology and geography
Sardinia is the only region in Italy of Hercynian origin, and the southwest of the island is even older (Cambrian). The mineral riches of Sardinia are the consequence of heavy hydrothermalism during the Permo-Triassic. As in the rest of Hercynian Europe, erosion has taken its toll since the orogeny and has reduced elevations considerably. 30 million years ago, the Sardinia-Corsica block started to detach from mainland Spain and tilted toward its present position. The island is aseismic and non-volcanic.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (24,090 km2 [9300 sq mi]); only Sicily is larger. In addition to spectacular beaches, the island has many beautiful mountain vistas.

The island's interior is dominated by the Gennargentu Range, culminating at the highest elevation in Sardinia at the summit of Punta La Marmora, 1834 m [6017 ft]. This range also includes Monte Limbara, Monte di Ala', and Monte Rasu (all below 1500 m [4900 ft]). An independently formed range of hills, the Sulcis-Iglesiente, stretch across southwestern Sardinia. The highest hill peaks at 1236 m [4055 ft], and this range once gave life to large mining operations. Plains are quite rare and generally small with two exceptions. The Campidano Plain is the largest flat area and reaches from Oristano to Cagliari, separating the Gennargentu from the Sulcis-Iglesiente. The second largest is Nurra Plain in the northwest between Sassari, Alghero, and Porto Torres, and the Nurra's erstwhile forests and mines have mostly made way for today's pastures.

Other notable features are the former marshes of Sulcis and Cagliari. Sulcis was a marshy area where malaria was still present in the 1940s but has been eradicated. Cagliari's outer neighborhoods sit upon flat and boggy land, and harvesting salt is a major industry there.

Coasts are generally rocky with many cliffs, especially along the eastern half. Despite the precipitous coastline, there are many large beaches all around the island. These exist between Logudoro and Gallura in the north; Teulada and Pula in the south; and at the tip of Sulcis-Iglesiente in the southwest. Apart from the Strait of Bonifacio (famed for its often rough sea) which divides Corsica from Sardinia, the surrounding sea is quite deep at short distances from the shore.

The population is small (a little more than 1,650,000 inhabitants in 2010) and heavily concentrated in Cagliari (one third of the total population) and Sassari (one fifth). Olbia is the only other town with a population exceeding 50,000 inhabitants. Other centres include Alghero, Nuoro, Santa Teresa Gallura, Oristano, Carbonia and Iglesias. Sardinia, along with the Valle d'Aosta region at the French border, has the lowest population density in Italy.

Climate
Sardinia enjoys for the most part a Mediterranean climate. It is however heavily influenced by the vicinity of the Gulf of Genoa (barometric low) and the relative proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Sardinia being relatively large and hilly, weather is not uniform; in particular the east is drier, but paradoxically it suffers the worst rainstorms: in Autumn 2009, it rained more than 200 mm (8 inches) in a single day in Siniscola. The western coast is rainy even for modest elevations (for instance Iglesias, elevation 200 m, average annual precipitation 815 mm against 750 mm for London).

Summer is dry with very hot weather; however, contrary to the islands of Greece for instance, there is more vegetation providing shade. Autumn is typically warm (with averages of 20 °C [68 °F] and up for highs till late-November), but is subject to heavy rainstorms in some areas. Winter is mild on plains (cold spells being however not unheard of) but cool at higher elevations; snow is generally limited to the Gennargentu range. Spring is warm and can be rainy, but not as autumn. Some locations in the island can be very windy, especially from September to April (northwest winds locally called Maestrale); southeast winds (Scirocco) are frequent during summer and bring invariably hot weather.

History
After all, the ancient Nuragic civilization of Sardinia of ca. 1500 BC, whose stone monuments still dot the land, predates even the Etruscan civilization in mainland Italy by several hundred years.

There are several must-see sites for the archaeology-minded tourist. The Nuragic cylindrical towers are called Nuraghes, sing. Nuraghe). One of the largest of these Nuraghe is near Olbia and the Costa Smeralda.  Other fortified villages can still be found, a great example of which is Barumini (Medio Campidano province). The Phoenicians arrived around 1000 BC and founded Cagliari (Karalis, ca 800 BC), Tharros (near Oristano), and Nora (near Pula, Cagliari province), and others.   Sardinia was contested during the First Punic War between Carthage and Rome, but went eventually to the latter. Rome had often trouble dealing with the rebellious locals, but managed quite a large income out of grain and metal mining.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, heavy raiding of the coastal areas by Barbary pirates forced the population to the hinterland; Sassari for instance was founded by refugees from Porto Torres. The four Kingdoms ("Judgedoms" of Calaris [Cagliari], Arbaree [Arborea, Oristano], Torres [Sassari] and Gallura [Olbia-Tempio Pausania]) sprang forth during the Middle Ages, but were colonized (except for the Kingdom of Arborea) by Pisa and Genoa. The Pisans in particular, through the famous family of the Conte Ugolino della Gherardesca of Dante's Inferno, controlled the southernmost part of the island between 1200 and 1350. The Gherardesca family got a large income from the silver mines near Iglesias, which they themselves founded. The Aragonese crown (now part of the modern Spanish crown) began staking claims in the 1320s and proceeded to seize all of Sardinia, save Castelsardo, by the early 1400s. Until the early 1700s, the island was an integral part of the Spanish crown.

When Sardinia was ceded to the House of Savoy in 1720, the constitution of the Sardinia-Piedmont realm became the starting point for the unification of the Italian peninsula; however, Sardinia had separate (and generally worse) rights than those given to mainlanders until 1847, when it gained the same status as the mainland but paid the price of losing what little autonomy the island enjoyed. Following the French Revolution, the newly minted French Republic attempted to invade the island in 1793 but was repelled. Napoleon was there as an officer in one of the major invasion attempts. Despite French attempts to dominate the island, the Piedmontese Savoys manage to retain control and even used the island as a refuge when Napoleon swept through their homeland. After the Savoys got back to the mainland, Sardinia was once again left to its own devices, except for the exploitation of its ancient woodland and its large mineral resources. In the early 1900s, the fascist government carried out several works, particularly the reduction of marshy areas and the foundation of mainland colonies, like Fertilia and Arborea. In 1948 the unique socio-political context of the island was recognized by Rome, and Sardinia was granted a limited degree of administrative autonomy that retains to the present day. With the end of the exploitation of the mines, but with the fast growth of the tourist industry (especially in the Costa Smeralda ["Emerald Coast"] area), Sardinia is slowly converting itself into a popular tourist destination even though traditional stock-herding, especially of sheep, is still a frequent sight.

Tourist information

 * Sardinia Tourism website

Talk

As a rule of thumb: tourists should generally expect communication only in Italian.

Along with Italian (Italiano), Sardinians speak other languages. Sardinian (Sardu) is the indigenous language of the island and the most widely spoken as well after Italian. It is considered by many scholars to be one of the most Latin-like Romance languages. Sardinian is not a dialect and saying so is often perceived as an insult by its native speakers, whose numbers are becoming smaller and smaller by the day. Other languages include Gallurese, Catalan, and Ligurian. In Gallura and Sassari, Gallurese (Gadduresu) and (Sassaresu) are spoken.

Gallurese is very similar to Corsican whereas Sassarese is a transitional dialect between medieval Tuscan and Sardu. Alghero has a few speakers of an old Catalan dialect (Alguerés), and a Ligurian community on the southwest San Pietro Island speaks a dialect called Tabarchìn. Nowadays, many of the non-Italian languages are confined to the older generations as a direct consequence of the island-wide assimilation policies carried out by the once Savoyard and then Italian government. Nowadays, Sardinians are generally monolingual Italians with a peculiar accent. The young people don't even understand some basic Sardinian anymore; when addressing people they do not know, they usually use Italian, even if they recognize the other person as a fellow Sardinian. Because Italian is the only language they grow up in, English is not widely spoken, as well as Spanish and Catalan; the latter is not generally understood even in Alghero, which has been assimilated into Italian like the rest of the island.

Get in
The following budget airlines can get you there cheaply: Jet2.com, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Easyjet and Eurowings.

By plane
Three Sardinian commercial airports are close to the cities of Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.

 * Aeroporto di Cagliari-Elmas (Cagliari Airport) is the busiest in Sardinia. Cagliari is served directly by domestic and international flights, while well-connected Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino airports can also serve as intermediate stops to Cagliari.
 * Aeroporto di Olbia-Costa Smeralda (Olbia Airport) is the second busiest airport in Sardinia and the 17th in Italy; it is the gateway to the Costa Smeralda.
 * Aeroporto di Alghero (Alghero Airport) is the third busiest in Sardinia. It is 10.5 km northwest of Alghero.

By boat
There are ferry services to Cagliari (south coast), Porto Torres (north coast), and Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Arbatax (east coast).

Have a look at Ferriesonline or iTraghetti, or the state-owned ferry service Tirrenia (year-round service) and the private companies Moby Lines, Sardinia Ferries, Grimaldi, Snav.

Daily ferries link northern Sardinia with Corsica (it is possible to take a day trip to Bonifacio, Corsica) from Santa Teresa Gallura.

Get around
The government of Sardinia runs SardegnaMobilità, a public transportation portal, which, among other things, provides a travel planner for the whole island and for journeys to the island.

By bus
Regular, cheap buses between the main centres: Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, Santa Teresa Gallura, Alghero, Nuoro, etc. You may end up changing buses (or trains) in, for example, Macomér. Less frequent buses, but worth persevering for the smaller villages.

ARST is the main regional bus service provider on the island (check with their schedules, also mobile site). They also run urban buses in some location. Tickets can be bought at the ARST stations, from the various sales outlets, ticket vending machines, or, if you have an Italian number, by a mobile phone. Tickets are also sold on board but with a surcharge (usually €1).

By train

Trenitalia runs regular trains on the standard gauge tracks between Sassari, Olbia and Cagliari.

ARST also operates a few railway services on the narrow gauge lines: Alghero-Sassari-Sorso, Macomer-Nuoro, Monserrato (Cagliari)-Mandas-Isili. These trains can be not that fast, frequent and convenient. For example, the terminus in Alghero is at the quite of the edge of the centre. So, regional buses could be an alternative.

Trenino verde
In season, there are irregular tourist train services -- trenino verde -- scheduled on otherwise unused lines. For example, there's a small train that travels twice a week on the route Sassari-Tempio-Palau and back.

By car
It is possible to get around Sardinia by bus and train, but if you can, hire a car. It is well worth the expense, and it will allow you to visit some of the more remote and enchanting places and areas. You may find many companies offering car hire like Hertz and Avis or Only Sardinia Autonoleggio.

Consult the article on Italy for general information about speed limits, urban areas, police forces, etc. What follows is specific to Sardinia.

There are no toll highways in the island, despite Google Maps stating otherwise. The major roads are Porto Torres-Sassari-Oristano-Cagliari (Strada Statale [State Road] 131, European denomination E25) and its bifurcation to Nuoro (SS131 d.c.n.), Iglesias-Cagliari (SS130) [the SS130 and SS131 are the only fully 2 x 2-lane roads in Sardinia], the SS125 (Cagliari-Villasimius), SS126 (Sant'Antioco-Carbonia-Iglesias-Guspini-Terralba), SS127 (Olbia-Tempio Pausania-Sassari), SS128 (East-Central Sardinia), SS129 (Orosei-Nuoro-Macomer), SS195 (Cagliari-SS126 through Pula), and the SS291 (Sassari-Alghero). Many other roads are also of great interest for the tourist, such as the SS133 (Tempio Pausania-Palau) or the Chia-Teulada 'panoramica'.

Many roads are narrow and wind through hilly terrain; be careful and do not hesitate to use your car horn to signal your presence: because of the light traffic, oncoming drivers may not expect to encounter other vehicles. Remember that locals know their roads: they can drive faster than you because of that, do not try to race with them! Beware also of farm animals (sheep, goat, cows, pigs) crossing roads in rural areas.

The condition of the major roads is largely good. There are local unpaved roads of touristic interest; these can be in any state, especially after heavy rains, so it is better to go there with a 4-wheel drive car.

Traffic can become heavy during summer in and around touristic areas, in particular on the SS 125, 126, 127, 195, 291.

A navigation app is a necessity because road signs are somewhat lacking, especially on secondary roads. Petrol stations are ubiquitous and usually have automated pumps open 24 hours. In the morning and afternoon, attendants may be available, whose services add an extra 20 cents per litre. Their pumps are clearly indicated.

Many villages have installed speed traps and automated cameras at the entrances: these are almost always signalled and fines for speeding are generally heavy. Otherwise, Italians rarely comply with posted speed limits. If you stick to the apeed limit in the right lane, they will happily merge around you. Quite often, you will drive through villages with no footpaths, so drive with caution.

Beware of the way locals drive: racing along the narrow and bendy roads in the hills. Also beware of high winds; gusts in excess of 100 km/h (60 mph) are common from September to April.

By boat
Sailing is one of the best ways to see Sardinia. Most charters offer many options from bareboat to crewed and cabin charter, with various types of boats being available.

By bicycle
At many places it is possible to rent a bike quite cheaply, for as little as €9 per 24 hours. Compared to the scarce local bus connections a bicycle provides great flexibility for local exploration. With high quality roads and great scenery the bike is very pleasant to ride.

Do

There is much to do in Sardinia, but the island will probably appeal more to nature lovers than to clubbers (with the exception of the Costa Smeralda area, one of the 'hot spots' of the Italian show-business jet set).

Sea
Sailing has become increasingly popular, in particular in the Costa Smeralda area; the first Italian challenge in the America's Cup hailed from there. There are many ports everywhere, and some places are reachable only by boat. Do not miss this opportunity if you like to sail.

Islands
While not many, the islands are generally of interest; check in particular the Asinara National Park (famous for its Albino Donkeys) and the Maddalena archipelago in the north, the islands of Sant'Antioco (actually connected to the mainland since Roman times) and San Pietro (a community of Genoese fishermen) in the south.

Beaches and coasts
The north and northeast (from Stintino to Budoni) have many beautiful beaches. The Eastern coast is also very interesting: Cala Gonone, Arbatax, Muravera and Villasimius. The deep south (Chia, Pula) is quickly growing as a major tourist attraction. The western coast is of a very different character; large beaches some kilometres long can be found (Porto Pino, Marina di Gonnesa, Marina di Arbus). Of note is Piscinas (Marina di Arbus) with its tall sand dunes. Finally, the Alghero area is renowned for its underwater caves and grottoes and attracts many scuba divers.

Hills and 'mountains'
While Sardinia's highest elevation does not reach, do not be fooled: the terrain is steep, snow falls in winter, and there are 4 ski resorts in the Gennargentu area. Hills are everywhere in Sardinia, from the northeastern Monte Limbara Range to the Iglesiente area in the southwest, even on the outskirts of Cagliari. The rainiest areas are quite lush with Mediterranean vegetation. Another advantage is that people (including Sardinians) generally fill the beaches and leave the rest nearly deserted. A popular destination for mountain climbers is the Domusnovas area (close to Iglesias), with its nice vertical walls of limestone. Large caves are accessible (Dorgali, Oliena, Santadi, Domusnovas, Fluminimaggiore, Alghero). There are many hiking trails (though not always well-signalled) for beginners and veterans alike.

Monuments and sites
Sardinia has few monuments but many are well worth visiting. Check-in particular Cagliari (Sard. Casteddu, Castle), Oristano, Sassari, Alghero, Olbia, and Nuoro. Nuraghi and Domus de janas (Sard. for witch houses) are found in many places, in particular in Barumini (Su Nuraxi, in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997) and around Alghero. Tharros, Nora, and Monte Sirai (just off Carbonia) are fine examples of the Phoenician/Carthaginian presence. Roman remains are also found in Sardinia, among which Nora, the Sant'Antioco bridge or the amphitheatre in Cagliari; the Antas site in Fluminimaggiore is also of interest, even if the present temple is a reconstruction of the original.

Pisans have left important traces in the South (Cagliari, Iglesias) and the well-preserved Castello di Acquafredda (It. for cold water castle) near Siliqua is worth a visit, as is the backcountry. Bosa is of interest for its medieval urbanism; Burgos (Castle of Goceano) is also worth a visit. Some fine churches are found on the island, from the early Christian times to the Baroque period, in the aforementioned cities but also in Porto Torres and Iglesias (Spanish for church). Examples of industrial architecture can also be found in and around Cagliari, in Porto Torres, and in the Sulcis-Iglesiente area, where organized tours can be booked to visit mines, for instance, the Buggerru mines with galleries just above the sea. Finally, several museums dedicated to Sardinia are of interest; the Museo Sardo di antropologia ed etnografia and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari, and the Museo etnografico sardo in Nuoro are important starting places.

Folklore
Sardinia has strong traditions which are expressed also through costumes and celebrations. Quite often, even small centres have local celebrations where people dress in rich traditional costumes. However, it is simpler to go to the major venues as there is a considerable afflux from all over Sardinia. These include:

 * Sant'Efisio (Cagliari, 1 May, actually lasts several days)
 * Sagra del Redentore (Nuoro, last Sunday of August)
 * Cavalcata sarda (Sassari, penultimate Sunday of May, horse parade and races)
 * Faradda di li candareri (Sassari, 14 August)
 * Sa Sartiglia (Oristano, Carnival period, horse races)
 * S'ardia (Sedilo, 6 July, horse races) and everywhere the celebrations during Carnival and the Holy Week.

Eat
The traditions and habits are very strong. You will not get any pizzas in restaurants before 19:00, and you will get nothing to eat in restaurants between 16:00 and 19:00, besides 'panini' that is usually a cold sandwich with ham and cheese. The exception may be some tourist-oriented restaurants in tourist-oriented places.

Beers
Beer is the most common alcoholic drink among Sardinians; in fact, Sardinia has the highest consumption of beer in all of Italy.

Sleep
While you can find most major hotel chains in Sardinia, the better way to really enjoy a stay in the island is to find a local hotel or a bed and breakfast or a holiday apartment. Another often cheaper option that adds many 'out of town' locations is to rent a small cabin in a camping village or a room in an 'agriturismo' farm or rural cottage. Most accommodations are located near the coast, but also internal regions offer great opportunities.

Stay healthy
Sardinia is part of the Mediterranean area and shares its specific hazards. A few basic precautions are generally enough to stay out of trouble, especially during summer and autumn.

Sardinia is sparsely populated, in particular the interior; help is not always easily found, and there remain large patches of land where mobile-phone coverage is non-existent (e.g. at the bottom of sheltered valleys). Terrain, despite the lack of high elevations, is generally rugged and steep; this, in combination with heat and lack of water, can quickly lead to disaster. Beware!

Summer is hot and the sun quite strong; the usual precautions to avoid heatstroke and sunburns apply. From May to September, water scarcity in the country is a serious problem. Always take a lot of water with you (especially so when hiking), even if you plan a short trip; bringing along fresh watery fruit (such as peaches) is also helpful. While tap water is generally (but not always) safe, it is recommended to buy bottled mineral water; remember that sweating implies loss of water and of mineral salts.

Autumn is generally fine, but heavy rainstorms combined with hilly topography can potentially create land- and mud-slides. Always check the weather before embarking on a trip, even with your car. Winter and spring are generally safer, with pleasantly mild weather (especially during the day) and an abundance of water; but remember that higher elevations correspond to colder temperatures and heavier precipitation. Much of Sardinia (especially the Western part) is very windy from September to April; all drivers, and in particular those with campers, must exercise caution.

Some open-sea beaches are notorious for strong underwater currents (in particular on the west coast); warning signs are not always posted. Ask at your hotel or locals. The Mediterranean Sea is no lily pond; every year, there are several people killed by drowning in Sardinia, and regularly victims are imprudent persons dragged from the shore by large waves.

Be careful when hiking in old mining districts (Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sarrabus, Nurra). While local authorities have sealed off many dangerous areas, some remain unmarked. Always avoid dark galleries, because they might hide vertical ventilation shafts. Do not venture into closed areas (look for the word Pericolo [Danger] or the usual warning signs). If you want to explore mines, go to the local tourist information agencies; they will direct you to organized tours. There have been tales of individuals (mostly ex-mineworkers) running their own private tours; avoid these, as they are illegal and extremely unsafe, because of risks of cave-ins, water infiltration, etc.

Local fauna and flora can be dangerous or source of discomfort:
 * Ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) carry infectious diseases and are endemic to certain areas: avoid tall grass fields or close prolonged contact with domesticated animals (in particular sheep).
 * Lethal mushrooms (among which Amanita phalloides) are found in the island.

Consult specialized texts for expert advice.

Stay safe
Sardinia has a very low crime rate.

Be wary of game hunters during the September–February period; check with locals, hotel employees, and the website of the Sardinian Region for legal hunting dates. Do not hike in the wilderness during these days. There are protected areas (It. Oasi di protezione della fauna) but even these are regularly raided by poachers, especially during the night.

From April/May to September, fires plague Sardinia as the rest of the Mediterranean area; some are spontaneous wildfires, but most are criminal. Observe the usual precautions. It is generally forbidden to start domestic fires in forests. Check with local authorities; Sardinia is an autonomous region and Italian laws might be superseded by local provisions.

Respect
Sardinians are generally a quiet and reserved people, especially those from the interior where they are, more than the other islanders, deeply attached to their land and culture; surely they may prove to be different from the archetype of the outgoing and talkative Mediterranean.

Go next
You can consider visiting Corsica, which is right next to Sardinia. Bear in mind that the island is a part of France, not Italy. Your Schengen visa (if you are required to get one, that is) will allow you to cross through without any problems.

title: Sardinia


text:
Sargans

Sargans is a municipality in the canton of Saint Gallen in Eastern Switzerland.

By train
Sargans is an important regional hub. Trains heading north toward St. Gallen, east toward Chur and Ticino, and toward Austria, all pass through Sargans. Trains are operated by Swiss Federal Railways.

The train connections from Zurich to Sargans are very good; there is a train every 30 minutes.

By car
Sargans can be reached via the A3 motorway (from Zurich) or the A13 motorway (from St. Margrethen).

Do
In and around Sargans, you can do many different sports.
 * Snow sports. Flumserberg, the Pizol, and Amden are popular places for snow sports. In winter, there is an ice park in Sargans.
 * Snow sports. Flumserberg, the Pizol, and Amden are popular places for snow sports. In winter, there is an ice park in Sargans.

Buy
The Pizolpark and the Pizolcenter are two shopping malls near Sargans.

title: Sargans


text:
Sargodha

Sargodha is a city in Punjab, Pakistan. Sargodha is ranked as top orange exporting city in Pakistan.

By train
Train is best and easy way to reach Sargodha. Sargodha Railway Station connects with different cities of Pakistan.

By road
By road from Lahore which is a two and half hour journey most of it along the M-5 motorway. Other roads connects Sargodha with Chiniot and other cities.

By bus
There are public buses in Sargodha. There are no passes or prepaid tickets. Payment is thru cash to the conductor and a ride can cost anywhere between Rs10-25.

By rickshaw
They are still the most popular and efficient form of travel and are commonly found. Expect to pay anything between Rs20-100 depending on the distance.

By taxi
The rickshaws have rendered taxis out of business. Taxis can be found though at the airport and at the major bus stands.

Buy

 * Chen One shopping mall
 * Mall of Sargodha
 * Al Rehaman plaza

Eat
Lots of typical Punjabi food and good restaurants are available all over Sargodha. Variety of Citrus produced in Sargodha is famous through out Pakistan and is often sent abroad. Specially "kinnow" products are well known. For this quality, the city is also referred to "California of Pakistan".

 * Peshawari Namkeen Shinwari, Club Rd. Pakistani Food. Naan. BBQ,
 * Peshawari Namkeen Shinwari, Club Rd. Pakistani Food. Naan. BBQ,

Drink
Some famous places for drinking
 * 1) Maher Chachu Lassi House
 * 2) Hafiz Soda Water

Sleep

 * Karana hotel
 * Mrvi hotel
 * Tabash hotel
 * Night inn
 * Q's International Hotel

Go next

 * Sahiwal

title: Sargodha


text:
Sari

Sari is a city in the beautiful Caspian region of Iran with about half a million people residing in the town and same amount in the suburbs, on the left side of Tajan River and about 20 km south of the Caspian (Mazandaran) Sea. Sari is in the north of Iran on northern slopes of Elburz mountains.

Sari is an ancient city, as all of the historical maps referring to this city, being the capital of the ancient Hyrcania civilization 6 centuries before Christ and the Kingdom of Tabaria till the 17th century. It was twice the capital of Iran within the last four centuries.

Sari and some towns in Mazandaran is one of rare cities of Iran that night life is available during summers. Many people enjoy gathering each other in some places such as Barbod, Paradise, Tooska and Nemashown to play games, enjoy music and pleasant weather, or eating meals. Or to read some poetry book such as Diwan-i Hafiz. You also find many of restaurants in city center (specially Farhang Street) and a restaurant in the Tavakol alley which provides Italian dishes.

Understand

 * Population: 568,214 (2006 estimate)
 * Elevation: 50 m
 * Area: 5089 km²
 * Religion: Islam, Zoroastrianism, Christian
 * Language: Mazandarani (Tabarian), Persian, and some Turkmen.

By plane
Shared and airport taxis are available. There is a highway that connects the airport and city directly.

By train
The city is connected to Gorgan and Tehran by train as well, since it is on a major branch of the Iran's railway.

Every day there are four passenger trains getting to Sari, one Local train runs from Gorgan about 06:00 and reaches Sari before 09:00, and returns from Sewatcow at 13:00 to getting Sari in 14:30, one from Tehran runs in 09:10 everyday to getting to Sari about 16:30, and leaving Sari at 20:30 (summer) and 21:10 (winter) to getting Tehran about 04:00, There are Twin Mazandaran trains which have Gorgan destination running from Tehran, one runs from Tehran in about 19:30 (winter) and 22:10 (summer) getting Sari about 03:30 (winter) and about 05:50 (summer) and another at the same time gets to Sari about 10:45 (summer) and 09:10 (winter) to reach Tehran about 07:00 (summer) and 05:30 (winter). The scheduled program of Twin Gorgan destination trains are changing periodically. However Sari destination train gets to the city about 16:00.

By car
Sari is connected to Neka and Shahi by the A62 Autobahn, all of the coastal cities in Mazandaran have at least 8 bands (4 forward and 4 backward). Many of people are visiting Sari via Turkmenistan-Mazandaran (Iran) borders, it is possible to getting Visa of Iran from border, and to continue trip around Mazanderan Sea.

By bus
There are five bus terminals in Sari, so it's easy to get around the county by buses.

City buses has destinations to approximately all of the towns in Iran, but be aware that the buses are not running everyday, but it has hourly buses for Tehran, Also it is possible to getting the bus from the Imam Khomeini Sq. in the southeast of city when no bus may be founded in the busy days.

By boat
The port of Amir Abad is on the beautiful southern coast of the Mazandaran Sea, but cruises are not of high quality.

Get around
The spreading of the city makes taxis available almost everywhere.

There is a wide choice of taxi systems including ceremony taxis, wireless telecommunication taxis, airport or rail station taxis, telephony taxis and shared taxis.

You may call 133 from everywhere of the city and county to ask for a ride anywhere in Sari in less than five minutes or taking you from approximately 20 km far distances (requires registration) and even to serving you getting any destination around Iran. So if you would like to stay more than a week in Sari, registration with this office is recommended.

By car
Parking may not found in the avenues of Sari, and parking is usually in the small streets and alleys, or have a small entrance from avenues. It is recommended to park your car in your hotel's parking.

Driving may be an option for going to some sights in the suburbs such as Soleyman Tanga (meaning Strait of Solomon), or Masandaran Sea. Destinations which are of primary concern to a visitor are the Caves from 70th millennium BC and towers of dynasties of Tabarian Kingdom.
 * Huto Cave: Huto and Kamarband caves are near Shahid abad viilage, which is more than 40 km east of the city.
 * Kamarband Cave
 * Xorshid Dabo's Private Cave
 * The Resket Tower from the Karen Pawand era
 * The Ladjim Tower from the Dabuyans era
 * The Farrah-Abad Complex Place

See
Notable are famous houses such as Kolbadi House and Amir Divan House (Ramedani House), Archaeological sites including Hutto Cave (70th millennium BC), Kamarband Cave (70th-millennium BC); also the Resket Tower from the Qaran era and the Farahabad Complex Place from the Safavid era.

 * The restored 125-year-old Khaneh Kolbadi is reminiscent of an 18th-century khan’s palace. Thick walls kept the lower floor warm in winter while the light, bright upper floor could be opened to through drafts for hot summers. Its orosi windows (wood-framed puzzles of multicoloured glass) supposedly disorientated mosquitoes. The building is slated to become a museum incorporating the historic Vasir-e Hamam (bathhouse) behind.
 * Haaj Mostafa Khan Mosque
 * The unusual Jameh Mosque has traditional Mazandarani tiled roofs, but from outside looks more like a medieval Italian prison.
 * Tomb of Yaha
 * Tomb of Zeinol Aabedain
 * Tomb of Abbas
 * The Clock Tower: at the center of the city. The Clock Tower is known as a symbol of Sari.
 * Badab-e Surt The travertine terraces which are similar to the ones in Pamukkale, Turkey, are 100 km south of Sari. The location is marked in OpenStreetMap (Location: 36.3537126, 53.8566692). There is a 2-km trail to reach to the terraces from a parking lot which is reachable by a bumpy road. Also expensive pickup rides (from US$20) can be hired for the steep 2-km hike. Easiest way to reach is a private car via Kiasar, however also a few public buses run to the nearby Orost Village, 5 km, from Kiasar (around 12:00) or the junction at the bus station. Scenic hiking is possible from the Sari - Damghan junction towards Orost and Badab-e Surt. It's more than 20 km, there are no hotels around as it's a very rural area, but in Orost village you might get hosted by a friendly Iranian family. There is also a local hammam spa available with alternating opening days for men and women. From the junction, there is a dry river bed that leads through the valley which spectacular view on the mountain range which leads to the rewarding travertine terrace views from its top. You can bathe in the water upstream but bathing in the travertine pools is banned in order to protect the geological formations.

Do
There are many places to go in Sari. Here are just a few:

 * Farah Abad Coast
 * Gohar Baran Coast
 * Derya Kenar Coast
 * Khezer Shahr Coast
 * Dehkadeh Aramesh Tourist Village
 * Tajan River Park
 * Zare' Forest Park (east of Sari, near Behshar road)
 * Salardareh Forest Park
 * Dasht-E-Naaz National Park
 * Pol-e-Gardan hiking trail
 * Nemashoun Lake
 * Lak-Dasht Lake
 * Soleyman-Tangeh Lake
 * Bam-e-Shahr Hill (offers a great panoramic view of the city)
 * Qor-Maraz (natural spa, Neka)

Sports
There are many sports complexes in Sari. Most popular are Jahan-Pahlavan Takhti Sports Complex, Hashemi-Nassab Sports Complex, and Montazeri Sports complex.

 * Wrestling. Sari is the birthplace of lots of popular wrestlers and athletes, and it was the main host of the 2006 World Wrestling Competitions. It has the major fieldhouse, Seyyed Hosseyni Coliseum, which is known throughout Iran as an outstanding place for wrestling.

Learn
Sari is one of the most cultural cities in Iran. It hosts several universities:

 * University of Agriculture
 * Mazandaran University of Medical Science (MazUMS)
 * University of Natural Science
 * Sarian University of Art & Architecture
 * Payam-e-Noor University
 * University of Tech & Engineering
 * University of Tarbiyat-e Modaress
 * Sama Technology Faculty of Azad University

Buy
Local Sari food that can be bought as souvenirs include special cakes, rice, yogurt and fruits. The Sari Wood and Paper Company is famous throughout the Middle East.

There are several places in Sari for Shopping. These include:

 * The Grand bazaar of Imam Reza (near the eastern entrance)
 * Nargesiyeh Marketplace (near the city center)
 * The fish sellers' bazaar
 * Mehr Commercial complex
 * Enqelab commercial complex

There are a lot of malls and shopping centers in Qaran street near the city center such as Elahiyeh mall.

Eat
If you are in Sari, fish is the best way to go. If you're not really interested in fish, Kebab shops are scattered all over the city. Don't forget a meal in this city would not be complete without salads and Naan bread (Iranian bread).

Drink
The favourite drink of Sari in winter is Caspian Tea (Chay), it is available almost everywhere around the city, especially in winter. In summer when it is hot and humid, Doogh a traditional yoghurt drink is also available. The local cola (ZamZam) is also available.

Sleep
Along with hotels there are many guest rooms (Mehman Pazir) are available specially in the Nader Street (Jomhuri-ye Eslami Street) in the city center and next to the Tajan bridge.
 * Salardarreh Hotel, at Km.17 of Kiyasar Rd. (South), in the heart of forests with exclusive views of forests and surrounding hills and valleys. Many Norwegians, Germans, and Swedish people are residents of this hotel most of the times, English is guaranteed to be spoken, has a local church for religious practices. The fare is reasonable since it is semi private hotel.
 * Narenj Hotel, at Km. 5 of Darya Rd. (North). Good for Spring especially April and May months, since you can open the windows of its rooms and sleep by the balmy and Yasmin distributed air.
 * Badeleh, at Km. 10 of Neka Rd. (East) Most of the suites are reserved and tourists rarely find the chance to using this hotel.
 * Mazandaran Hotel Associate, in 21st Alley, Ferdowsi St. It is not preferred however has cheap fares for one night accommodation.
 * Mazraeh, at Km. 7th of Qaemshahr Rd. (West) offers villa structured rooms.
 * Sarooyah Apartments, in Taleghani Blvd. has cheap and comfortable Guestrooms, Getting twin sleeping service room with Air conditioner, refrigerator and private bath room must not reach more than USD10. Forigen residents who speak English usually rent this hotel but there is no guarantee that secretary speaks English.
 * Sari Residential Complex, in Peivandi Alley, Farhang St. A reasonable hospitality center, with clean and hospitable employees.
 * Asram Hotel, next to Tajan Bridge.  Very expensive hotel with lack of some services and hospitality. German is also spoken along with English. Especially it is guaranteed during summers.

Mazandaran Sea resorts
Although many residents prefer to use governmental villas in the Farrah Abad. But these resorts may not provide sleeping to foreigners, but it is recommended to using Babolsar hotels, which are about 35 km from Sari via Bahnamier Road and about 60 km in nights via A62 autobahn. They have the view of Sea. They may not be available or by cheap fare during busy days.

Connect
There are many Internet cafés and chat rooms scattered all over the city, the Internet speeds ranges from acceptable to fast.

To find high speed internet providers, look that if it has server or not. Foreigners usually use the cafes around the Time Square.

Stay safe
Sari is relatively a very safe city, even in the middle of the night, so don't let this worry or bother you at all during your stay in Sari. If you are in trouble you can ask for help by calling police at 110 or Emergency medical services at 115 or Fire department at 125.

You might want to have plastic money to prevent having your money stolen. Bank-e Melli-ye Iran (National Bank of Iran) which is a government-owned bank in Iran, provides an ATM debit card service (plastic magnetic card) for tourists who visit Iran. Tourists just need to head the nearest branch of this bank. Information on this service can be found here. Another way to prevent having your money stolen, is going to the nearest bank and getting a gift card. They are exactly like ordinary ATM debit cards, but once they get empty, they cannot be recharged. Sepah Bank or Bank -e- Sepah is a governmental bank that has a current account service for foreigners which provides ATM debit card and cheque writing option. A list of permitted Iranian banks can be found here

Cope
If you don't know Mazandarani or Persian, don't let this bother you or make you worried, there are many foreigners and Iranians there who speak English in the city.

Also it is recommended to appreciate the native people who are not able to talk to you in English with these Mazandarani sentences: Tie Fieda or Tie ri Bielaarremi, but please extend your voice like singing since people can better understood while they extend their voice.

title: Sari


text:
Sarikei

Sarikei is a town in Sarawak, East Malaysia, with a population of 56,798 (2010).

Get in
Boats between Kuching and Sibu stop at in Sarikei.

Buses connect Sarikei to destinations including Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

Get around

 * Taxis - taxis are available near the wharf terminals and the bus terminal, as well as in the central taxi station at the first intersection of Jalan Repok.

See

 * Sebangkoi Country Resort - this is a popular place to visit for the local populace. What was once a simple waterfall has now emerged as a multimillion-dollar development with landscaped gardens and accommodation.
 * Sarikei Wharf Esplanade - this is ideal for evening strolls and sunset watching. The sun sets in the west and that's the direction of the Rejang River's flow towards the river mouth at the South China Sea where it deposits its silt.
 * Sarikei Lake Park
 * Sarikei Merdeka Park - this is one of the latest additions to the local government's effort to turn Sarikei into a more aesthetic town. Built in 2004, it consists of a central courtyard framed by two gazebos and Zen balls. The park was built on what used to be the Pasar Tamu of the town.

Markets

 * Sarikei Rejang Market located at Bank Road facing Rejang River's Terminal 1

Shopping Centres
There are 2-3 major shopping centres in Sarikei, namely Ngiu Kee, Everise, Everwin and Nam Leong. If you're looking for a good branded one, then Nam Leong or Ngiu Kee maybe the right place though it was still far from 'shopping perfections'. In a short words, 'till this 2011, people may notice that Sarikei still doesn't have any good shopping mall due to its low population. Sarikei's residents preferred shopping in Sibu (the nearest city with multiple 'Good Shopping Mall')

Eat
Interesting places to eat in Sarikei include the two coffeeshops in the Nyelong Industrial Estate, which serve nice Kam Pua noodles as well as Prawn Noodles. Aik Seng coffeeshop serves a mean Roti Kahwin, Nasi Lemak and an interesting version of Kam Pua noodles (the only "halal" kampua in town). Taman Selera at Kampung Seberang is one of the hottest spot at night serving different types of food.

A Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and a local fast food franchise called Sugar Bun serves the occasional craving for fast food for the local populace. Never miss Sugar Bun if you pass by Sarikei.

Chicken King (opposite Guardian) is another addition to sarikei's Western Fast Food chains.

Go next

 * Water Transport: Sarikei Wharf Terminal. Terminal 1 is next to the clock tower and the pineapple statue. Terminal 2 serves the bigger boats to Kuching.
 * Land Transport: Sarikei Regional bus terminal located 1 km from town centre serves as the main hub for express buses to various destinations in Sarawak including Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintangor, Bintulu and Miri.

title: Sarikei


text:
Sariska Reserve and National Park

Sariska Tiger Reserve is a national park in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan of India. In 1978, it was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a part of India's Project Tiger scheme.

Understand
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of the most famous national parks in India. Originally a hunting preserve of the erstwhile Alwar state, the area was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. The present area of the park is 866 km². The park is situated 107 km from Jaipur and 200 km from Delhi.

History
There is an ancient isolated fort in the forest reserve. This fort is said to be built by Aurangzeb to imprison his elder brother Dara Shekoh. The fort is called Kankarwari. The fort is not well maintained but the views are nice and provide breathtaking panoramic view of the valley. It is a steep climb to the top of a hill where the fort is built.

There are the ruins of a temple complex where excavations are still occurring and one of the prominent temples is the Pandupol temple and not the Neelkantha temple, as some people mistake it to be. Legends say that at Pandupol Bhim was tested by Lord Hanuman for strength and humility. The ruins date back to a period between 6th and 13th century. The broken yet noble statues lying littered on the grounds tantalisingly tease and will not yield their secrets easily. It is a fascinating place for those that have a passion for romance with the past.

Flora and fauna
Wildlife found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve includes the Bengal tiger, leopard, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, chital, sambar deer, caracal, langur, wild boar, four-horned deer (chowsingha), nilgay, monkeys and several species of birds. By 2004 the tigers had all disappeared, probably due to poaching. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state government of Rajasthan reintroduced tigers by relocating five of them from Ranthombor tiger reserve between 2008 and 2010.

Climate
Best time to visit the park is from November to March.

By car
Sariska is 195 km from Delhi and 115 km from Jaipur by car. Road condition is pretty good. From Delhi take a digression from Dharuheda on SH25 that will take you directly to Alwar through a newly constructed toll road. From Alwar, Sariska Booking Office is hardly one hour drive. Safari timings vary as per the seasons, but generally it starts from 6AM and ends at 10AM in morning safaris, and 2PM to 6:30PM in evening safaris.

Fees and permits
Jeep safari for Indian nationals starts from ₹816/- per person and canter safari starts from ₹484/- per person. Additional camera charges are also applicable.

Admission is ₹200

You can take your own vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays and it costs ₹250/- But you cannot go off the main track. Hence if you would like to experience off the track jungle then it is better to hire the vehicles available at the reception.

Get around
Diesel/petrol jeeps cost around ₹800/₹1000 for three hours hire, or ₹1700/₹2000 for a full day, max 5 people. You must also pay a fee for the jeep.

See
The reserve is also the location of several archaeological sites such as the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and Garh Rajor temples from the 9th and 10th centuries. The 17th-century Kankwadi fort, located near the centre of the park, was where the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb briefly imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh in the battle for succession of the Mughal throne. The area also has historical buildings associated with the Maharajas of Alwar such as the Sariska Palace, which was used as a royal hunting lodge of Maharaja Jai Singh.

Do
On the way back to Alwar from Sariska, do make it a point to visit Siliserh RTDC hotel Lake palace. The view of the hotel overlooking a vast lake is breathtaking. Worth enjoying a tea sitting on the terrace

Eat
Outside the Pandupol temple, ensure to eat the bhajiyas, kachoris etc  with the traditional khadi. This is one of the best things to be done inside the jungle.

Sleep
RTDC Hotel Tiger Den ph 2841342, Dorms/Single/Double ₹50/₹600/₹700

Stay safe
A very good stay near Sariska Tiger Reserve is RTDC hotel, very near to Sariska Tiger Reserve, good stay, helping staff, good food, and stay is affordable.

Go next
There are frequent buses to: These also head on to:
 * Alwar - (express ₹14, one hour, at least hourly).
 * Jaipur - (₹65). Buses stop in front of the reception office.

title: Sariska Reserve and National Park