text:
Pangboche

Pangboche (3930 to 4030 m above sea level) is a village in Khumbu.

Get in
It takes around two hours from Tengboche to arrive in Pangboche. The best way to get here is either to trek from 5 days from Lukla or to get a helicopter flight from Kathmandu. Since this is the best landing spot for Everest Base Camp helicopters now, Pangboche is getting popular now.

See
Upper Pangboche (to the left as you enter the village when coming from Tengboche) is a pleasant place to rest and relax. Visit the monastery at the centre of the cluster of houses. About half an hour walk from the monastery are some hermits' caves. Obviously, do not disturb anyone who might be in retreat.

Sleep

 * Tara Lodge is a long time favorite with trekkers and lies conveniently on the path that passes through the village (right side).

Go next
Up to Periche 2.5 hours or Dingboche, 3 hours.

title: Pangboche


text:
Pangkalan Bun

Pangkalan Bun (or Pangkalanbun) is a city in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia and best known as gateway city for orangutan watching.

Get in

If one prefers land travel there are buses to and from Pontianak and Palangkaraya.

Do

 * Visit Tanjung Puting National Park to see orangutan.

Sleep
There are at least a dozen hotels in town.

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

title: Pangkalan Bun


text:
Pangkal Pinang

Pangkal Pinang (also Pangkalpinang) is the largest city on the island of Bangka and the capital of Bangka-Belitung province.

Get around
Car rental cost is around Rp 350, to Rp.500.

See

 * Tin Museum
 * Pasir Padi Beach
 * Bangka Botanical Garden
 * Tin Mining
 * White Pepper Farm

Eat

 * Grill Tenggiri Fish - Fresh and Juicy
 * Lempah - Bangka's Unique Curry soup, you can choose using Vegetable, Fish, or Meat
 * Bangka's Noodle - Noodle mix special Bangka's soya sauce and meat (Chicken or Pork)
 * Roasted Pig - this one you only can find in Bangka, using mix spices and lime with original grill technique make the best Roasted Pig ever
 * Kemplang - Roasted Fish Cracker
 * Sweet Martabak/Panekuk - Bangka's original cake, sweet taste with Chocolate, Cheese, Peanut and creamy margarine
 * Crab with padang sauce - HOt and spicy but the crab taste really nice

title: Pangkal Pinang


text:
Pangkor

Pangkor Island is in Perak, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, about 100 km west of Ipoh and halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Understand
Pangkor Island is a relatively small island with total surface area of about 8 km².

History
Pangkor used to be a favourite refuge of fishermen, sailors, merchants and pirates, and was an important site from which to control trading in the Strait of Melaka.

A Dutch fort was built in the 17th century to monopolise tin trade in Perak and to protect the Perak Chieftan against Acehnese and Siamese incursions, but the Dutch were soon driven out by the local ruler when the promised protection did not materialise.

In 1874 a contender to the Perak throne sought British backing and signed the Pangkor Treaty, as a result of which James WW Birch was installed in Perak and thus began the British Colonial era on the peninsula.

Pangkor's economy was once reliant on fishing, and fishing and dried fish products are still a major industry for the island. The famous satay fish originated here.

Tourism
Although Pangkor is less well-known than Penang, Langkawi, and Tioman, the Perak state government is making efforts to promote it as one of Malaysia's main tourist destinations. It is a popular local resort and can get very crowded at weekends and on public holidays, however the beaches are almost empty during the week. It has some of the west coast's prettiest and most tranquil beaches, authentic Malaysian fishing villages that have changed little in 50 years, and some great local food (especially the seafood).

In 2005 the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism expressed support for a local developer of the new Marina Sanctuary Resort Project. A RM50 million tourism and infrastructure loan was sought by the developer to boost the tourism in Pangkor Island by providing improved ferry access into Pangkor. This program is claimed to have the potential to bring an additional 2 million tourists into the sleepy island ever year. There are some concerns about ensuring the protection of the natural environment and laid back nature of the island should projects such as this proceed. The project involves the creation of a man made island, reclaimed from the sea and with a total area of 316.9 acres. It is sited 400 m from the mainland's shoreline. The current development is structured into 5 phases and will take a period of 10-15 years to completion.

The island also supports an emerging fish farming and aquaculture operation.

Orientation
The east coast of the island faces the mainland and features several residential villages, including Sungai Pinang Kecil (SPK) and Sungai Pinang Besar (SPB), and Pangkor Town, the major centre of population.

The road that runs along the east coast of the island turns west in Pangkor Town and crosses the island to one of the most famous beaches on the west coast of the island, Pasir Bogak (about 2 km from Pangkor Town).

From Pasir Bogak, the road runs north to the village of Teluk Nipah, where most of the budget accommodation is. It then goes to the northern end of the island, past through the airport to the site of the Pangkor Pan Pacific Hotel. This is the location of the famous Golden Sand Bay (Pantai Puteri Dewi) in Teluk Belanga. Next to Teluk Belanga is Teluk Dalam where the third Pier (Pan Pacific Jetty) in Pangkor Island located. This pier is exclusively for the guest to Pangkor Pan Pacific Hotel only.

After Teluk Dalam, the road turns to the east and finally join to the road on the east coast in Sungai Pinang Kecil, completing a full ring.

Beside the simple ring road mentioned above, there is only one branch off in Pangkor Town where the road runs southward to Teluk Gedung and Teluk Baharu.

In Teluk Gedung is the 17th-century Dutch fort and the Batu Bersurat (Written Rock).

By ferry
There are two ferry routes to Pangkor from the mainland.

Lumut
Ferries depart from Lumut, an attractive, laid-back coastal town a few kilometres northwest of central Sititawan. Buses from Kuala Lumpur and other places will drop you off at the bus station next to Lumut pier.

From Lumut pier, ferries depart regularly to different parts of Pangkor Island.
 * A single fare is RM5 per person (return is RM10), and bicycles are free.
 * First departure from Lumut is at 7AM, last at 8:30PM.
 * First departure from Pangkor is at 6:30AM, last at 8:30PM.
 * Departures are at 30-45 min intervals, depending on the time of day, and the crossing usually takes no more than 45 min.

There are two major ferry stops for the residents in Pangkor island; the SPK Jetty in Sungai Pinang Kecil and the Pangkor Jetty in Pangkor Town. Tourists may prefer to stop by the 2nd pier, Pangkor Jetty as this is the main township in Pangkor Island and is closer to the various beaches on the west coast of the island.

The 3rd pier, the Pangkor Island Beach Resort Jetty (formerly Pan Pacific Jetty) at Teluk Dalam, is exclusively for guests of that hotel.

Marina Island
With the development of the Marina Island resort, a new much shorter 10-minute ferry ride is available. Ferries cross from Marina Island pier to Pangkor Town.

Only 2 way ferry ticketing is available and you must declare the specific ferry times you will take when you purchase the ticket. Departures from the mainland are hourly, the first at 7:15AM and the last at 7:15PM.

The fare is RM20 return per adult. Bicycles RM5 extra.

Get around
On the island, unmetered taxis (microvans) are widely available they are bright pink and are at the airport and in Pangkor Town once you get off the ferry, or ask your hotel to call one for you. Agree to the fare amount before starting your journey. Standard prices are displayed at pier and few other locations and seems less often negotiable. There is no shared taxis unless already formed group. Examples: jeti - teluk nipah RM 18-30, jeti - SP Besar/Kesil RM 10-15. jeti - pasir bogak RM 12-15 (Jan 2024).

Motorbikes are readily available from many man that stand at the exit of the main jetty. Since they are unregulated, the cost will vary depending on your negotiating skills. Some may ask for a deposit, but if you quickly say no, they generally accept. The rough pricing is RM30 for a manual and RM40 for an automatic per day. in November 2016 in Bogak Beach motorbike from 15Myr and bicycle from RM3.

See

 * Pantai Pasir Bogak
 * Nipah Bay
 * Tortoise Hill

Beaches
The beaches have clear water and almost white sand. Though the water seems to be clean, the beach is littered with plastic debris and driftwood. The island has some waste management problems, as can be seen in the southern part at the huge waste dump and at the small villages where sewage is discharged into the sea. Some travellers have reported sea lice.

 * Coral Bay - the best west coast beach, just north of Teluk Nipah, with clear emerald-green water due to the presence of limestone. Usually clean and pretty, but there are not to many people swimming there. A great place to watch the sunset.
 * Pasir Bogak was the first-developed beach and thus the most famous. It is fine for swimming, but gets very crowded during holidays. The beach here has white sand but is rather narrow. It is the largest and most popular beach on the island. The beach is crescent shaped and numerous shady trees provide idyllic picnic spots under the canopy of their lush foliage. The water is shallow and crystal clear, offering endless hours of fun and frolic in the sunlit sea. There are some facilities for boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving (Pulau Sembilan), kayaking, rafting. However, lots of sharp edged objects lie on the sea ground, which can be a big annoyance.
 * Teluk Nipah - The government is current cutting down many of the trees on the beach and replacing them with concrete eyesores. The view from the street to the beach is frequently blocked by unfinished buildings. The majority of the northern end of the beach has been virtually wiped out by this new construction.
 * Teluk Belanga - a wide beach spanning this whole bay. Privately owned by the Pangkor Island Beach Resort (see below).
 * Teluk Dalam - a quiet and pretty beach in the north which has the least development of all, but is just as beautiful. Come here for relative peace.

Water activities prices seem standardized. Group need to be formed before, no support to help solo traveller else. At Jan 2024 from Teluk Nipah:
 * Island Hoping Snorkeling: 1-3 Person RM100 (Small Boat), 1 - 10 Person RM200 (Big Boat)
 * Pangkor Laut Resort + Snorkeling, Including mask and scuba: 1-10 Person (1 Boat) RM400
 * Watersport Game: RM25/1 Person (Minimum 4 Persons)
 * Banana Boat: RM20/1 Person (Minimum 5 Persons)
 * Jetski: 4 Stroke: 20 Minutes RM150 | 30 Minutes RM200, 2 Stroke: 20 Minutes RM120 | 30 Minutes RM150
 * Kayaking: RM30 1 Hour

Activities

 * Jungle trekking - at Titi Gantung and Teluk Segadas Hill.
 * Motorbike tour - rent a motorbike (from RM25) and go around the island. The road is good, but on the north side of the island it is quite steep. You can visit the Dutch-Fort, south of Pangkor town, but there is not much of the fort left. Another very nice place is the temple north of Pangkor Town.
 * Bicycle tour - rent a bicycle (from RM8 per day) and cycle around the island. It takes about 3 hr at a leisurely pace without stops. Between the different beaches the road is incredibly steep in places, up to about 20% gradient. You will need to be fit or else push. Make sure the brakes are working correctly before you rent the bike.
 * Taxi tour - pink taxi (from RM 40 per taxi per round) if it started form Teluk Nipah. It will show you the airport, stop at seafood junk factory, Big Chinese Temple where you can find very big fish in the pool and mini China great wall and Kota Belanda (Dutch Fort).
 * Hornbill feeding - Hand feeding the wild birds at 6:30PM everyday near Seagull Lodge.
 * Snorkeling at nearby Giam Island

Eat
Dried seafood is a local specialty.

 * No Problem - newly opened beach café and restaurant at Coral Bay, with in walking distance from Nipah Beach. Friendly staff and good chef, seafood, western and local food.
 * No Problem - newly opened beach café and restaurant at Coral Bay, with in walking distance from Nipah Beach. Friendly staff and good chef, seafood, western and local food.
 * No Problem - newly opened beach café and restaurant at Coral Bay, with in walking distance from Nipah Beach. Friendly staff and good chef, seafood, western and local food.

Budget
If on budget, it may be better to avoid week-ends and holidays to lower cost of accommodation. On the other part, it can be more difficult to group with others to lower cost of transport and water activities.

 * Delima Chalet (Teluk Nipah) from RM30
 * Nazri Nipah Camp (Teluk Nipah) is at the end of the road on the edge of the rainforest with new renovated A-frame huts and a lot of hangmats. Starts from RM50. A-hut with fan, dimmable light and socket. Very friendly place to chill out.
 * Delima Chalet (Teluk Nipah) from RM30
 * Nazri Nipah Camp (Teluk Nipah) is at the end of the road on the edge of the rainforest with new renovated A-frame huts and a lot of hangmats. Starts from RM50. A-hut with fan, dimmable light and socket. Very friendly place to chill out.
 * Nazri Nipah Camp (Teluk Nipah) is at the end of the road on the edge of the rainforest with new renovated A-frame huts and a lot of hangmats. Starts from RM50. A-hut with fan, dimmable light and socket. Very friendly place to chill out.

Splurge

 * Pangkor Island Beach Resort - luxurious resort with private beach, beautiful swimming pool, golf course, parasailing, catamaran, etc. This resort was originally a Pan Pacific resort, the sister resort to Pangkor Laut. It now has a kind of "run down" atmosphere, but it's still good value for money.
 * Pangkor Island Beach Resort - luxurious resort with private beach, beautiful swimming pool, golf course, parasailing, catamaran, etc. This resort was originally a Pan Pacific resort, the sister resort to Pangkor Laut. It now has a kind of "run down" atmosphere, but it's still good value for money.

Go next
Nearby islands include Pangkor Laut Island, the private resort island Marina Island, Giam Island (Pulau Giam) and Mentagor Island (Pulau Mentagor). The latter two are uninhabited.
 * Lumut on the mainland
 * Marina Island Pangkor.

title: Pangkor


text:
Panglao Island

Panglao is an island in Bohol Province in the Philippines with world-class diving and many tourist resorts. The resorts and other tourist facilities are concentrated in the Alona Beach area, but there are some other tourist areas and beaches scattered around the rest of the island.

Municipalities
For administration, the island is divided into two roughly equal-sized municipalities, each with a small town as its center. Wikivoyage has an article for each:

 * , on the northeast, right across the bridge from Tagbilaran which is the provincial capital and the region's main ferry port
 * , on the southwest

Beaches
There are also beach towns around the island, particularly in the south. While these are in the municipal regions listed above, many of them are separate enough from the municipal towns and have enough tourism to get their own Wikivoyage article.

 * on the southeast coast is the island's most popular tourist destination. Many visitors to the island spend all their time in just this area. Administratively it is within Panglao Municipality, but Wikivoyage treats it in a separate article.
 * and are east of Alona Beach; they are covered in the Bolod and Libaong Wikivoyage article.
 * is between Alona Beach and Panglao Town, and it is covered in a separate Wikivoyage article.
 * is considerably less developed and less hectic than Alona. It is just east of Panglao Town and we cover it in the town article.

Other destinations
Several nearby islands can be visited on a separate tour or as part of dolphin watching or island hopping ones.

Get in
Panglao is often reached via Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol Province, where there is a ferry terminal. Tagbilaran on the larger Bohol Island and Dausis on Panglao Island are separated by a narrow strait, and there is a bridge between them. You can also fly directly to Panglao which has the province's main airport.

By ferry
Most visitors reach Bohol via the large modern ferry terminal in Tagbilaran. The most common embarkation point is Cebu City; see the Tagbilaran article for details on that, and for boats from other places.

A taxi from the ferry terminal will cost, whilst a local tricycle will set you back to Alona Beach on the far end of the island.

Alternately, you can get a tricycle or taxi from the ferry terminal to the bus terminal then get the air conditioned bus to Alona beach. Southern Star transit Large air conditioned buses from Tagilaran bus terminal going to and from Alona Beach via Panglao international airport, every 45 mins from 6.45am till 6pm, takes about 30 minutes, has room for Luggage.

By plane

When Panglao International Airport opened in November 2018, the older and much smaller Tagbilaran Airport was shut down the same day. The new airport inherited the old one's code,.

Get around
The island has two main roads; the Circumferential Road circles the island near the coast while the Dauis-Panglao Road goes lengthwise through the center of the island to connect the two main towns.

Tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are abundant, with prices for a ride. The trikes can take more people, have room for luggage, and are safer and considerably more comfortable. Frequent jeepneys cruise the island with rides as low as.

See
In the highly developed Alona Beach area where many of the tourists stay, tours can be organised to various diving sites.

Do
Massages are available on the beach. for an hour Swedish massage.

Scuba Diving: The most famous diving location is Balicasag Island, a marine sanctuary from Alona Beach. Other well-known spots are Doljo, Pamalican Island, and Napaling.

Yoga: Daily yoga classes run in many studios around Panglao Island.

Buy

 * 7-Eleven convenience store. Alona Beach.
 * BPI Bank ATM Alona Beach. It takes Mastercard & Visa cards with a fee for overseas cards.

Eat
Both the towns have some restaurants, including some candelaria which are plain cheap Filipino places, with food that is always filling and often quite good. Almost every resort has a restaurant, the airport has several, and there are a few more here and there around the island.

The heaviest concentration is along Alona Beach which has a few dozen tourist places — mostly international cuisine at mid-to-high prices — plus some chains like McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts.

Drink
Most restaurants also serve alcohol, except for some of the candelaria. On Alona Beach, many are more bars with food than restaurants with drinks, and quite a few have live music in the evenings.

Sleep
There are hotels, mostly beach resorts, all over the island. Alona Beach in particular has everything from luxury resorts to backpacker hostel dorm beds from ₱350.

At peak times, like Christmas and Easter, it is quite difficult to find accommodation unless you have booked well in advance. Many of the hotels are on the usual hotel booking sites.

Stay safe
This is a heavily touristed area and, while most locals in the tourist trade are honest, many of the common scams used against tourists anywhere will sometimes be found here. As almost anywhere in Asia, take precautions against pickpockets.

Go next
The entire island of Bohol is right next to Panglao, with Tagbilaran city lying just over the bridge connecting two islands. Bohol's main tourist attractions are tarsiers (rare small primates) near Corella, and the Chocolate Hills. Tours to either are readily available from Tagbilaran, and many of the hotels on Panglao can make arrangements for them.

Anda is another beach destination on Bohol, quieter and less crowded than Panglao.

Other places are easily reached by ferry from Bohol, mostly from Tagbilaran. Two nearby and much less touristy islands are Camiguin (ferry from Jagna) and Siquijor. Cities that are popular tourist destinations are Metro Cebu and Dumaguete. There is also a ferry from Ubay, on the eastern side of Bohol, to Maasin on Leyte Island

title: Panglao Island


text:
Pangmapha

Pangmapha (ปางมะผ้า) is a district in Mae Hong Son Province. Within the district is Soppong (สบป่อง), a small town with a predominantly ethnic Shan and hill tribe population on the road between Pai and Mae Hong Son. Pangmapha is less touristy and has a more traditional feel than Pai while boasting some excellent natural caves and interesting hill tribe villages.

Understand
Pangmapha is in northwestern Mae Hong Son Province, along the border with Burma. Better known is Soppong, a small village in a small valley in the Pangmapha District. Soppong is on the main road, between Pai and Mae Hong Son on the Mae Hong Son Loop. The village is a trading and market centre for the many hill tribe villages that populate the area. There are about 350 homes in the whole village area. The population is about 40% hill tribe (mostly Karen, Lisu and Lahu), 40% Burmese Shan, 20% Thai, as well as few Haw Chinese Muslim families.

The area does not attract many visitors, in contrast to Pai, 45 km away, which has become crowded with tourists and now contains more than 300 guesthouses and hotels. There are several guesthouses and restaurants in Pangmapha, but very few tourist-oriented businesses and shops, thus lending a traditional feel to the area. There are several ATMs in the village centre, but if your time is limited you might want to bring enough baht as they sometimes don't work for several days due to failing connections.

The area offers fantastic do-it-yourself trekking in the abundance of mountains, caves, rivers, and jungle. Information on what to do and where to go is offered at "Border Bar" in the centre of the village, across from the market and bus stop, as well as at the guesthouses. The Cave Lodge has a particular abundance of information and organises a wide range of guided trips as well.

Get in
Buses depart from Chiang Mai throughout the day, and are available as either a bus or minibus. The buses cost 95 baht, are fairly cramped, fan only, and take about 6–7 hours. The mini-buses, in contrast, cost 250 baht, have much more comfortable seats, are air-conditioned, and take 4–5 hours. They have racks on top for luggage, so you will not have to buy an extra seat for your backpack as you have to on some other routes. The schedule for the two are as follows:

Minibus: 06:30 / 07:30 / 08:30 / 09:30 / 10:30 / 11:30 / 12:30 / 13:30 / 14:30

Regular bus: 07:00 / 09:30 / 12:30

From Pai: private minibuses leave from the small station next to walking street every hour or two and cost 100 baht, though the staff may try to ask for 150 baht. These do book out sometimes. Public buses or vans apparently leave from in front of the same bus stop, reportedly 60Baht.

Get around
Motorbike rentals for 200 baht per day are available at the Castrol Bike Point shop. Motorbike taxi drivers linger right in front of the market, and they have established set fares to most possible locations (e.g., 70 baht to Tham Lot or the Cave Lodge).

A car ride is available if you have lot of luggage or for small groups. The fare to the main cave or the nearby lodge is 300 baht. Ask at the bus station and the guy who runs it will get his car out for you.

See

 * The area also features some of the best tropical forests in north Thailand with many day hikes possible to explore the jungle, do some bird watching, and see dozens of varieties of wild orchids.
 * Many hill tribe villages are in the area, including Lisu, Red and Black Lahu, Karen, and Hmong. Several can be reached on foot from the main village of Soppong.
 * Many hill tribe villages are in the area, including Lisu, Red and Black Lahu, Karen, and Hmong. Several can be reached on foot from the main village of Soppong.

Do
Most guest houses will offer guided tours, either private or in small groups. The Cave Lodge (see the sleep section) has an extensive range of activities to offer and can provide detailed information and tips if you want to head out alone.

Buy
Hill tribe people set up in some public areas, and are eager to sell their crafts. A travelling market is set up every Tuesday morning along the road in the main market area, with hill tribe people coming down from the mountains to sell their produce and wares.

Eat
The guest houses and bars mentioned in the sections below all serve food as well, so make sure to check out those listings too. Overall, the food you'll find is simple but good, with some traditional Shan dishes here and there as well as a few Western options on the menus.

 * Nong Luk restaurant in the village closest to Tham Lot cave (Soppong north), you pass it on the way to the cave. Reasonable local restaurant, some western food available. 40-80 baht.
 * Nong Luk restaurant in the village closest to Tham Lot cave (Soppong north), you pass it on the way to the cave. Reasonable local restaurant, some western food available. 40-80 baht.

Sleep
There are a few guesthouses around, and expectations are that others will follow as visitor numbers increase. Nights are cool here all year, so while most rooms come without air conditioning, it's unlikely you'll miss it much.

Stay safe
As in many regional Thai towns, there are many stray or pet dogs roaming the streets. The dogs are territorial and can be aggressive, especially at night, when in a pack, or when you are walking/cycling alone.

Go next

 * Mae Hong Son
 * Pai

title: Pangmapha


text:
Pangnirtung

Pangnirtung (or Pangniqtuuq, in syllabics: ᐸᖕᓂᖅᑑᖅ) is an Inuit hamlet of 1,500 people on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. It serves as the starting point for trekkers departing for the Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park.

Understand
"Pangnirtung" means "the place of the bull caribou" in the Inuktitut language.

Many Inuit have achieved success by marketing their traditional arts. They transformed traditional drawing skills to produce lithographs and other forms of prints, allowing reproduction and wider distribution of their work. Other artists have made sculptures and carvings in local stone. Since the government established a weaving studio in 1970, many Inuit have learned to weave and are producing tapestries and other works that find an international market.

History
The Inuit and their ancestors have inhabited the area for thousands of years, perhaps as long as 4,000. Their cultures became well-adapted to the climate and environment.

Contact with European Canadians has been limited to less than the last century. In 1921, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post in Pangnirtung. Two years later, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police erected a permanent office. The first government-appointed teacher arrived in 1956. The first administrative office was established in 1962.

Pangnirtung used to be a seal-hunting community, and when sealskin prices fell in the 1970s and 1980s, hunting became uneconomical. With substantial government assistance, the community operates a turbot fishery, and the development of arts and crafts, including Pangnirtung's unique weaving industry, has been encouraged.

Climate
Pangnirtung gets 24 hours of sunshine as day from June 8 to July 4. In summer, June through August, temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. In winter, temperatures can drop to -40°C. There is limited sunlight in the middle of winter and it can get very windy. With the wind-chill factor, it can feel like -60°C.

Get around
It is a small town so getting around by foot is not difficult. The streets are generally unnamed.

Do
There are two trails suitable for day hikes.

 * The Ikuvik Trail starts on the east bank of the Duval River and leads to the peak of Mount Duval (671 m above sea level). As the terrain is rocky most of the way, there is no real path. Follow the stone markers (inukshuks) along the Duval River and then turn to a V-shaped notch in the ridge and then pick either a direct path straight to the peak or a longer, less steep one around the south side of the mountain.
 * The Ukama Trail follows the west bank of the Duval River for about 5 km (3 miles) to the mouth of an unnamed stream (elevation 300 m). At the end of the trail, climb uphill (about 40 m elevation) to reach a plateau with good views of the terrain. From there, you can choose to follow Duval River as it turns eastward, to follow the stream to small lake fed by glacier melt, or to continue climbing southeast to enjoy excellent views of the Duval River valley and the mountains surrounding it.

Buy
The selection of fresh produce and specialty items in the local stores is limited. The cost of food in Nunavut is extremely high. All fresh fruit, produce, dairy and meat products are air freighted to Pangnirtung from Ottawa or Montreal

Eat
The only public eating establishment in town is a fast food court at Northern Store supermarket. It offers KFC and Pizza Hut counters.

Drink
Pangnirtung is a dry town. No alcohol is sold in town and anyone possessing alcohol within 25 km of the town can be arrested.

Sleep
There is an official camp site (without any facilities) near the mouth of the Duval River.

Connect
There is a post office in town.

Go next

 * Auyuittuq National Park

title: Pangnirtung


text:
Ujung Genteng

Ujung Genteng is a fishing village and beach resort in the Bogor Raya region of Western Java, Indonesia.

Understand
Ujung Genteng is a village in the far southwest of West Java province at the Indian Ocean coast. The village is in the regency of Sukabumi, about 60 km south of the regency capital Pelabuhan Ratu.

By car
There is only one main road into Ujung Genteng, from the town of Surade about 20 km to the east. Although there is a road to Surade from further east along the south coast, this is a very sparsely populated area and in practice the only way in is from the north, from Pelabuhan Ratu. From Jakarta, the route to Ujung Genteng is via Bogor and Pelabuhan Ratu (about 7 hours). From Bandung, you can drive via Cianjur and Sukabumi (also about 7 hours). The time needed for the journey heavily depends on the traffic conditions.

By bus
From Bogor's bus terminal, there is a daily bus to Surade departing at 10:00, with a one-way ticket price of Rp60,000 (2016). It is advisable to retrieve information about the bus schedule in advance, because there are no frequent buses. An alternative is to go via Sukabumi, but also from there the buses are infrequent. From Surade you must proceed in an angkot (public minivan) to Ujung Genteng harbour. In the afternoon there are only few angkots still operational, and you may opt to charter an angkot instead.

Get around
There are some angkots along the main road from Ujung Genteng harbour to the east (to Surade), but to get to any places in the surroundings, such as the Pangumbahan turtle sanctuary, public transport is no option. You can rent a motorbike or hire an ojek (motorcycle taxi). Ojek drivers can also act as a local guide (although they usually do not speak English).

See
Pangumbahan is a prolific Giant Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting beach. During the 1980s an Indonesian company began farming the eggs of these endangered species for commercial sale. Half of the eggs excavated were sold for consumption and medicinal purposes. The other half was incubated, hatched and reintroduced to the wild. In 2005, an intergovernmental agreement was signed, aiming to protect, conserve, replenish and recover marine turtles and their habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian region. In 2008 the government seized the turtle farm and turned it into a turtle sanctuary.

Even with government intervention the turtle population at Pangumbahan beach is still under threat. Coastal development such as beach-front construction, land 'reclamation' and increased tourism is threatening the turtles of Pangumbahan beach. Since 2006, illegal hotels, surf camps, and shops have dotted the protected coast line. This is a green belt zone, where development is prohibited, to allow wildlife to return and re-establish itself.

At the beaches of the turtle park, you can see turtles nesting and laying eggs. The Giant Green Sea Turtles nest throughout the year, however the peak nesting season is during the months of June-August. The Giant Green Turtles only nest at night and the ritual often finishes as late as dawn. Watch these majestic creatures haul themselves out of the ocean, dig a nest, and lay over a hundred eggs. The wardens dig up the nesting sites and transfer the eggs safely to a nursery where they incubate and hatch.

You can also see turtle hatchlings being reintroduced to the wild: every day at 17:30 the wardens release the hatchlings and ensure they get safely to the sea, and this can be watched and photographed up close.

Do

 * Surf - Around Pangumbahan beach there are seldom surfed waves for intermediate to advance surfing levels
 * Fishing

Sleep
It is advised to not stay at the accommodations that are located right on Pangumbahan beach as these hotels are illegally built on environmentally friendly land and endanger the habitat of the turtles.

Go next

 * Pelabuhan Ratu — larger beach resort town about 60 km north of Ujung Genteng.
 * Sukabumi — the nearest larger city, and point of entrance for the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park.

title: Ujung Genteng


text:
Panhandle

There is more than one place called Panhandle:

United States of America

 * Alaska Panhandle — a region of Southeastern Alaska.
 * Florida Panhandle — a region in Florida.
 * Nebraska Panhandle — a region in western Nebraska.
 * Oklahoma Panhandle — a region that is contained within the larger Red Carpet Country of Oklahoma.
 * Texas Panhandle — a region in Texas.
 * Panhandle (Texas) — a small town in the Texas Panhandle.

Travel topics

 * Begging — sometimes also called "panhandling".

title: Panhandle


text:
Nebraska Panhandle

The Nebraska Panhandle is an expanse upon the central plains of Nebraska. It features what some would call a never ending sky amid deep canyons and pine forests. It is often considered the most scenic area of Nebraska.

Cities

 * - home of the infamous Carhenge
 * - near Chimney Rock National Historic Site
 * - a mid-sized town known for Chadron State College
 * - Village near the historic Fort Robinson
 * - The smaller, older twin of Scottsbluff, good history
 * - The tiny county seat of Kimball County with modern golf course and welcome center
 * - a decent sized town located near Scotts Bluff National Monument
 * - home of Cabela's, Nebraska's largest flagpole, and Historic Fort Sidney

Other destinations

 * - rural county

Understand
This region of Nebraska is sparsely populated. Therefore, many places you go have a down home, small town feel. Though the small town feel will be appealing to most, it also means there is a lack of diversity.

Unlike the rest of Nebraska, the Panhandle mostly falls under the Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7), meaning this area is 1 hour "behind" the rest of the state.

Talk
There is a small but sizable minority of Hispanic people moving to the area yet not enough for a knowledge of the Spanish language to be particularly useful. The Oglala Lakota are a prominent Native American tribe in the region so you may want to learn some of their language and customs if you plan on visiting Pine Ridge. Also, at one time there was a large influx of Scandinavian and German immigrants to the region, and there are still some areas that have a few elderly speakers of these languages.

Get in
For the most part people traveling along I-80 will see the southern part of the Panhandle. The major airport is Nebraska Western Regional Airport.

Get around
The recommended mode of transport through this area is by car. However, keep in mind that there areas of interest that can only be observed either by hiking or horseback riding. There are still some railroads that stop in this area.

Other destinations

 * No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.
 * No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.
 * No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.
 * No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.
 * No trip to this region would be complete without stopping at the Toadstool Geologic Park in the Oglala National Grasslands northwest of Chadron.

Do

 * Stop in at any of the numerous Dude Ranches in this region and have a home cooked meal on the plains.
 * The adventurous may want to try Kayaking on the Niobrara River.
 * Hop over to Sidney and catch a show at the Cabaret Theatre.

Eat
Nebraska is known for its beef. While most of it is processed in Omaha, a lot of it is raised on ranches in the panhandle. This area is known for its authentic cowboy-style meals. Portions tend to be large and the food is heavy. Also Rocky Mountain Oysters are a popular and sometime humorous dish to consume in the Panhandle. They are fried bull testicles. Eating them is generally a sign of fertility and courage. Runzas, a German bread pocket full of beef and vegetables, are also popular throughout this region.

Drink
One thing to observe while ordering a beer in Nebraska is that beer poured into a glass is usually referred to as a draw.

Stay safe
This area is known for hazardous winter conditions and hot summers although seasonable weather is far from rare. Weather conditions can change quite quickly so keep informed. Various poisonous snakes including Rattlesnakes and dangerous animals such as mountain lion and big horn sheep are found in this region especially in the hills. Caution is advised during outdoor excursions. Crime in this area is considerably lower than other areas of the nation. Locals are often willing to aid those in need however the low population density means fewer amenities including hospitals.

Go next
The Panhandle region of Nebraska is usually passed through on the way to Mount Rushmore National Memorial if you're coming from Texas or on the way to Yellowstone if you are coming from the Eastern Seaboard.

To the north lie the Black Hills, Rapid City and the South Dakota Badlands. The panhandle lies on the far western edge of the Nebraska's Sand Hills.

title: Nebraska Panhandle


text:
Texas Panhandle

The northwest corner of Texas is known as the Texas Panhandle, probably because it juts out in stark plaintiveness from the rest of the state. Flat and dry, the steady prevailing winds can sometimes create mild dust storms, though modern farming techniques have much reduced the terrible dust storms which occurred during the "Dust Bowl Days" of the Great Depression. The region is subject to extremes of temperature like much of the Great Plains. Temperatures regularly reach 100ºF (38ºC) during the summer, while the winters can bring snows and the occasional blizzard. While the snows are not frequent, the prevailing winds can drive what little does drop across a large area of the plains until it finds something to pile up against, usually a town or city or a highway. Drifting is generally the real hazard, rather than large quantities of snow as happen in the North and East of the U.S.

Cities

Other destinations

 * Buffalo Springs Lake
 * Lake Meredith
 * Lake Ransom Canyon
 * Lake Alan Henry
 * Lake Ransom Canyon
 * Lake Alan Henry

Understand
For most outsiders visiting for the first time, the Panhandle represents a lot of what is expected of the state of Texas. Its vast prairies and open grasslands harken back to a time when the frontier was largely unexplored; a rugged, unfamiliar place with intrigue and legend hidden in its plains and canyons. The people of the region are also quite representative of what an outsider may expect, displaying the fierce independence and genuine polite courtesy that Texans are famous for.

By plane
Both Lubbock and Amarillo have large airports served by major and regional carriers.

By car

 * I-20 runs through Abilene, providing a gateway to the southern Panhandle.
 * US 84 leads into the Panhandle towards Lubbock and Snyder; you can get to it from I-20.
 * I-40 intersects with I-27 connecting Amarillo and Lubbock to New Mexico and Oklahoma.
 * US 287 connects Amarillo to the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
 * US 87, US 83, US 70 & US 62/82 offer alternative routes.

Get around
In addition to Interstates 20, 27, and 40, several major US highways traverse the area, and, though the Panhandle is predominantly rural, it benefits from Texas' exemplary state highway system and remains easily navigable. It is recommended, however, that you keep a close watch on the gas gauge as you travel the Panhandle because population centers are generally spread out over a wide distance, and not all of these towns possess gas stations. The ones which do tend to close at dusk or shortly thereafter, when planning an evening drive make sure you fill up before embarking.

See

 * Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo. The second largest in the US, Palo Duro Canyon is known for its striking natural formations and largely undisturbed beauty. Catch a performance of the musical play Texas under the stars for a uniquely Texan experience.
 * Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. North of Amarillo lies the large Lake Meredith. The Lake Meredith area features several canyon systems, the Canadian River, and the lake itself, which supplies water to both Amarillo and Lubbock.  Almost the entire area is free to roam for experiencing the wild Texas landscape.  Rent a boat to enjoy the water, or hike through McBride Canyon for amazing views of the Canadian River.
 * The Cadillac Ranch, west of Amarillo. The sight of these half-buried Cadillacs has fascinated and surprised many a curious traveler since 1974. The "sculpture" is on private land, but an up close view is welcomed and even encouraged.
 * Historic Route 66. The old Mother Road parallels I-40 through the High Plains, and most of the towns it passes through have made an effort to preserve its original route.

Do
Though the Panhandle is relatively sparse in population, there is hardly a shortage of diversions and amusements for visiting guests. There is camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, boating and fishing on the many area lakes and reservoirs, and public park systems are abundant in the largest towns and cities in the area. For those seeking the thrill and excitement of rollercoasters and other rides, there are two parks in the region to choose from. Wonderland Park in Amarillo, the largest privately owned park in the state, boasts more than 25 rides and attractions, including the Texas Tornado double-loop rollercoaster. Joyland Park in Lubbock features several carnival-style flat rides, but also has 3 rollercoasters and a variety of water rides. Both parks charge modest entry and parking fees and have a wide variety of old-fashioned carnival eateries.

Many of the towns in the area possess small rodeo arenas where competition generally takes place on the weekends.

For avid football fans, high school football in Texas is something not to be missed. It enjoys a stature in Texas that is unrivaled in any other state and has been the subject of many feature films, books, and television shows. For a look at the real fervor that can surround the sport, one should make time to catch a game in one of the smaller towns, where it is often the most prominent diversion in the community. In towns with especially sparse populations, a six-man version of the game is played which is delightfully fast paced and high scoring. Games generally occur on Friday night, and most communities post their respective school's schedule at local restaurants and other establishments.

Eat
A visit to The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a must for any Amarillo visitor. This flamboyantly tacky display of Texan bravado wrapped in bright neon dares patrons to consume a 72 ounce steak and all of the trimmings. If you can finish it all within an hour, your meal is free.

Small, family owned diners and lunch counters can be found in many of the small towns that dot the Panhandle, and while these hidden treasures may not be glitzy or glamorous, one can count on a filling home cooked meal for a small amount of money. Few of them advertise, so a keen eye is the best way to find them.

Also, if one is looking for traditional Mexican food, avoid the large chain restaurants and find a small one. These restaurants are usually owned and operated by a single family, with much of the food and trimmings prepared from scratch.

Stay safe
Since the Panhandle is largely rural, crime is virtually nonexistent outside of the major cities. The weather, however, does require some vigilance, as the region often experiences the widest weather extremes in the state. Panhandle winters can be surprisingly brisk, and the areas at the far north end can receive significant snowfall during the winter months. Conversely, summertime high temperatures routinely top 100ºF (38ºC). Pack and dress accordingly.

Also, the Panhandle is at the tail end of Tornado Alley. It is wise to pay attention to weather reports during the spring storm season, which runs generally from March through early June.

title: Texas Panhandle


text:
Panhandle (Texas)

Panhandle is a city in the High Plains of the Texas Panhandle.

Get in
Panhandle sits on Highway 60 between Amarillo and Pampa. TX-207 connects the city with Borger to the north, and Conway and Claude to the south.

See

title: Panhandle (Texas)


text:
Panipat

Panipat is a city in the state of Haryana in the Plains region of India. An industrial city in modern times, its main claim to fame is that the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 was a key step in establishing the Mughal Empire.

Get in
Panipat is small but enjoyable city, you can get into many malls as present in the city, museums, and hotels.

Eat

 * Ram Lal Chowk
 * Laal Tanki Market
 * Hotel Gold & Nathu's
 * Try Paneer ki Jalebi only from Mitthan's Sweets

Drink
Bars are available in Hotel Gold & Hotel Skylark.

title: Panipat


text:
Paniyeli Poru

Paniyeli Poru is in Ernakulam District of Kerala state in India.

The Periyar River flowing through rocks and between dense rain forests is an amazing sight. The vast view of distant green hillocks and the tranquility around the place is really great.

Understand
A canopy of trees, sweet warbling birds and the crystal-clear water of a lovely river. This is Paniyeli Poru, a serene, scenic picnic spot. It forms part of the Periyar River and is located at Paniyeli, Vengoor near Perumbavoor. This little-known destination is fast attracting tourist attention. This place is now a favourite location for filmmakers, with many Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films shot in its backdrop.

Mid-November to end of May is the best time to visit as the water flow will be reduced during this time thus exposing the rocks and whirlpools.

For adventurous travellers, a little known picnic spot, on the outskirts of Kochi, awaits you. Paniyeli Poru, near Vengoor, Perumbavoor, has natural water falls, small rivulets, offshore surrounded by rich flora and fauna, where the visitors can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are no restrictions, but the visitors must be cautious.

Resting by sitting on the banks of the river surrounded by dense trees is a unique experience. The sweet, melodious sound of birds, the bustling sound of water waves makes your heart, mind and body cheerful. The river Periyar flowing in between two main lands Malayattoor in the north and Paniyeli in the south, provides a panoramic view to the visitors. The hilly terrain of St. Thomas Mount, western Ghats, the famous kraal at Kodanad forms part of Paniyeli Poru.

History
The name ‘Poru’ (which means 'fight' in Malayalam) was derived from the old custom of raftsmen fighting with the unruly waves and deep vortex to sail out from the area. The raft forms after bamboo cut from the Edamalayar forest, tied as logs. It was the old practice of bamboo cutters, to carry logs to destination like Kalady and Malayattoor, through river Periyar. Only an experienced raftsman could sail the log through the unruly water here. The area, where the rafts man fights fiercely against these adversities, was later called by Poru. Nowadays logs of bamboo cut from the forest are carried away through the road in vehicles.

Poru came in to the limelight of tourist map in 2000-01. Heavy rush of tourists appear on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During summer season in March-April, people in large numbers throng here to escape from hot, sweaty conditions. A bath in fresh, crystal clear water of Periyar makes your body and mind cool and fresh. Beware of the death trap between the strata of rocks connecting mangroves existing in the river belt. Do not immerse in deep and farther water. Don’t step in to water after consuming liquor. The rocks in between the mangroves is slippery due to the in flow of gushy dam water and rain. Normally, the concerned department announce in advance, the opening of shutters of Edamalayar and Idukki dams.

Get in
Paniyeli Poru is 55 km from Kochi. The nearest railway station is Aluva, 35 km from this place. Poru is 20 km away from Perumbavoor, the nearest town. From here take a left deviation from the MGM School Junction, Kuruppumpady, on the busy Aluva-Munnar (AM Road) road. There are bus services from Perumbavoor to Paniyeli on one hour duration. You must walk at least a kilometre to Poru after alighting the bus at Paniyeli. Jeeps and motorcycles can take you up to entrance office. The roads to Poru are not tarred and in very bad shape. It is better to leave the cars and scooters and trek all the way.

Fees and permits
As this property is under the Reserved Forests and under the control of Kerala State Forest Department, a pass of a nominal fee is needed at the entrance to this area.

There are forest department volunteer guards available there and they are of great help.

No liquor is allowed in this area. Also, this is a no-plastic zone. You are not allowed to carry any plastic items to the area. Entry passes are valid for times between 8AM and 4PM.

Get around
Although the dense forest on the shore of Periyar is devoid of wild animals, deer, pig, and python can be seldom seen. Leeches are also rampant along the pathway leading to Poru. The milky waterfall at Poru can be seen from the distant shore. It is risky to reach there by crossing over the strata of rocks and mangroves. Even during hot summer, when water level falls, it is dangerous to cross over the strata of rocks, unless vigilant. It is advisable to enjoy the beauty of water bursting, by sitting on the shore. Even if the water level is below buttock level, the gap between the rocks may be slippery and fathom. Even a good swimmer cannot with stand and tide out of the strong water currents here.

There is no organised rescue system in Poru now. It is the locals who come into the rescue of those who fell into trap. The visitor some times, under estimate the tranquil of water in the surface. A little distance away from the bank of the river is advisable for swim and bath. Even though the water level may be buttock bottom, the fathom can be dangerous. Many have fallen here fatally after hitting on rocks, while slipping away.

The nearest fire and rescue service is at Perumbavoor, 20 km away from Poru. More over, the fire force is not equipped with the rescue operation of this type. Those who slip away in the water currents, cannot be saved by the traditional away of rescue operation carried out by the Fire force. Dwellings, a little in number are situated 1-2 km away from the water falls.

See
Tickets should be bought from the forest department counter at the entrance. Rate is ₹10/person, ₹100 for video camera, ₹5 for 2-wheeler, and ₹10 for 4-wheeler and ₹20 for heavy vehicles. You must park the vehicle 500 m before the river and walk.

It is best to visit in summer as the river is safer.

Nature walk along the river is rejuvenating and there is a tree house from where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility.

Place is closed at 5PM for visitors. There are no guides available.

Do
Just spend the time on the banks of the Periyar River enjoying the tranquility. During the summer, the area around Poru is very cool and refreshing.

Walk around the banks and if you like, you can go half way across the river by walking on the tops of rocks.

This is a good scenic photography location.

Trekking
Surrounded by trees, chirping birds and the sound of the river as it flows by makes it a perfect weekend escape. Mangroves are formed on several strata of rocks. These rocks are the perfect place for visitors to relax.
 * Trekking from Poru to Bhoothathankettu (around 20 km) along the riverside, through the dense forest, is around 6-hour trip and refreshing. Local guides can be available.
 * Trekking, crossing the river, to Malayttoor is another option and need permission from Forest department - try to go with guides, this area is a natural habitat of elephants.

Of course, they must be extra careful while trying to step between the strata of rocks. From here there is a panoramic view of the hills on top of which is situated the famous shrine of St. Thomas and the imposing Western Ghats.

The Periyar flows from east to west through Malayattoor and Kalady in the north and Edamalayar and Perumbavoor in the south. The reserve forest area here comes under the jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Office, Malayatoor. The forest headquarters is at Kodanad, nearly 10 km from Poru.

The water here is a veritable death trap. Though the water may not be very deep at most places there are strong undercurrents that can sweep you away. Many have lost their lives after being swept away and crashing against the rocks. Efforts are on, with the initiative of the Vana Samrakshana Samithy, to form rescue teams and guides. On holidays, two policemen from the Kuruppampady police station, nearly 15 kilometres away, are posted at this place to curb anti-social activities.

There are no houses around except for a small shop that also doubles up as Poochakkara Rajan's residence. It is therefore advisable that tourists carry food packets and drinking water. Rajan also provides this service if he is contacted well in advance. Despite all these limitations tourists flock to this place, especially during Sundays and holidays.

Buy
Wild honey and other forest products like eucalyptus oil, incha, kalloor vanchi, kasthoori manjal, thelli, gramboo, cardamom, sandal, sandal oil are available at the Vanasree counter.

Eat
Carry your own food and water as there is only ice cream available near the entrance.

Lodging
Nearest available lodging is at Perambavoor town. The newly opened Kodanad-Malayattoor bridge connects this place to Malayattoor and Kalady. There is one hotel available at Malayattoor and few hotels are available at Kalady as well.

Whispering Waters is a premium resort at Paniyeli Poru. Elephant Pass is another resort near the Kodanad elephant training centre, which is about 10 km from this place.

Stay safe
Though Paniyeli Poru is of stunning scenic beauty, it's one of the most dangerous water bodies in Kerala. The strong water currents and deep vortex formed between the strata of rocks and mangroves can be dangerous. Youths in inebriated condition have fallen here fatally. Beware of the strong under currents before stepping into the water. The slippery rocks and pebbles may lead to danger. The deep shafts between the rocks are tricky and if you lost into this, it's difficult to be saved. Nearly 150 people have died here during the last one decade, the latest casualties being the death of three Delhi students and a homestay owner on 16 December 2016.

No amenities here - please bring your water and food.

Respect
Kerala Forest Department urges you to follow a no trace left behind policy. What ever you bring, please keep every waste in your own carry bag and throw to a garbage box in the next human inhabited area.

Go next

 * Abhayaranyam is located at Kaprikkad village, which is about 9 km from Paniyeli. This is an eco-tourism centre where rescued wild animals are sheltered and protected in about 200 acres of natural forest. Visitors are allowed Tu-Su from 8AM to 5PM.
 * Kodanad Elephant Training Centre - about 11 km from this place. This was a popular tourist destination in the past with several elephants and hundreds of animals and birds. Most of the animals were moved to Abhayaranyam and birds were moved to various other places. As per new government orders, capturing elephants is no longer allowed, so no elephant training is going on here. There are some parks and places for picnics which get a lot of use.
 * Haritha Bio Park - 5 km from Paniyeli Poru.

title: Paniyeli Poru


text:
Panjakent

Panjakent (Tajik: Панҷакент Panjakent), also spelled Penjikent, is a city in Tajikistan. It lies at the entrance to Zeravshan Valley, one of Tajikstan's main tourist attractions. Around the modern town and in its museum you will find remains of one of the great cities of the pre-Islamic Sogdian peoples (ca. 6th century BCE - 11th century CE).

Understand
The name Panjakent is derived from panj (five) and kant (settlements), meaning "five settlements". Rudaki, one of the most illustrious names of Persian/Tajik literature, was born in Panjakent.

Substantially closer to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, than to Dushanbe, Panjakent rivaled Samarkand in size and importance during the Sogdian Empire. Panjakant was the easternmost city of Sogdia.

There are excellent treks in the surrounding Fan Mountains and further up the Zeravshan Valley. Panjakent is usually visited from Samarkand as part of a tour along the Silk route, other entry points are Dushanbe in the South or Khujand in the North. For the latter routes, you will have to cross high passes. This means that Panjakent is often isolated from the rest of the country during winter.

The remains of the Sogdian city are just out of the modern city, on a hill overlooking the valley. You can wander around the site without being bothered by anyone. There are hardly any information signs, although the director of the museum next to the site is able to explain everything in detail. The site has been undergoing excavation since 1947. Excavations are primarily carried out by the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. You may also find some excavators present, and students from Saint Petersburg willing to tell you about their work and finds. Panjakent is famous for the outstanding frescoes. Today, a few of them are exhibited in the small Rudaki Museum at Panjakent, but most of them are exhibited in Dushanbe and the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. Due to the long period of excavations, Panjakant has become one of the most thoroughly studied early medieval cities in Asia. Excavations show that the old city of Panjakant was founded in the 5th century CE and was inhabited until the 770s.

The city has another small museum with Soviet memorabilia, stuffed animals, and impressive finds from the excavations nearby: wall paintings from the 5th century, with faded colours but recognisable motifs and hunting scenes.

History
Ancient Panjakent was a town of the Sogdians. The Sogdians were an Indo-Iranian people speaking languages similar to Persian/Farsi and Hindi-Urdu. They were the most well-known peoples to inhabit Central Asia between the decline of the Saka (Scythians) and the arrival of the Turkic peoples and Islam, primarily because they established towns and became rich off trade along the "Silk Roads". The name Soghd or Soghdian is mentioned in historical sources of the Achaemenid Empire (6th century BCE). Although they never politically unified with each other (thus the notion of a "Sogdian Empire" is a bit misleading), the Sogdians founded several city-states in the Zarafshan Valley and colonies along the Silk Road from the Crimea to China and Mongolia. Ancient Panjakent was the capital of the state of Panch. The town dates to the 5th century CE. It was inhabited by rich merchants and land-owners. The Arabs conquered Panjakent in 722. The last ruler, named Devashtich, fled into the mountains, but he was captured and executed. People stayed in Panjakent under the rule of the caliphate, but towards the end of the 8th century, the city was abandoned.

Yaqub Beg was born in the town in the early 19th century when it was part of the Khanate of Kokand. He joined the Khan's army as a young man and later commanded it as it vigorously, but in the long run unsuccessfully resisted Russian expansion in the area. Later he took much of the army east, took Kashgar and Yarkand in what is now Xinjiang. He ruled a substantial kingdom from Kashgar for about a decade, but then he died (assassination, suicide and a stroke have all been given as the reason) and the kingdom fell apart.

Get in
Most visitors enter Panjakent and the Zeravshan Valley from Samarkand, which is just across the border to Uzbekistan. You will need a valid Tajik visa to enter and a double/multi-entry Uzbek visa (if you need one) if you intend to return the same way you came. There is no public transport crossing the border and unless you have arranged your trip through one of the many Uzbek tour agents, you will have to switch taxis at the border. Leave from the Samarkand bus station called Kaftarxona, pronounced "kafthar-khona". The trip to the border takes about 45 minutes and costs 20,000 Som by marshrutka and more by shared taxi. From the border, the trip takes another 15 minutes and costs С10 by shared taxi, the only option. Travel agents at Samarkand organize the trip for about US$40 (including transportation, guide, admission fee and "border crossing fee").

As of June 2023, to cross the border seems to be quite straightforward. From Uzbekistan to Tajikistan: taxi/marshrutka drop off, walk through the two checkpoints. Some travellers have reported to have spent five minutes waiting for the office to read passport minutiae before stamping (don't show the Uzbekistan or Tajikistan visa unless asked), Otherwise no questions, no search, no problems. From Tajikistan to Uzbekistan: shared taxis leave from the bazaar in Panjakent for С10 per person and travel to the border. The border crossing is a fairly quick process on both sides.

From Khujand or Dushanbe, it is a spectacular but exhausting 5h trip to Panjakent in shared taxi (2019). In 2009, the price for a seat was about С140 for the Dushanbe to Panjakent section. The roads are in good condition during the dry half of the year, but once winter comes, it's best to avoid the mountain passes.

The distance from Dushanbe is about 230 km. You will have to pass Varzob Gorge and go over the 3,370 m high Anzob Pass. The 5 km long Anzob Tunnel has been opened, although it is infamous for being of poor quality. From Khujand, you will have to pass the Shakristan Pass with a height of 3,380 m. As of 2023, a shared taxi should cost about С120 from Khujand (taxis leave from Avtovokzal in Khujand).

Panjakent also has an airport from which small planes occasionally fly to Dushanbe. There is no schedule. Normally, if the passes are closed and enough potential travellers have assembled, Tajik air runs a trip or two.

Get around
Panjakent is stretched along the south banks of the Zeravshan River. There is one bus line (not surprisingly bearing the number 1), which is running along the main road (Rudaki) connecting the far ends of this small city. For other explorations, you will have to rely on taxis or wave down any car going into the desired direction, which is a common practice in Tajikistan. Note though that drivers will expect as small as a contribution to their fuel costs.

Do

 * You can do excellent treks in the surrounding Fann Mountains and further up the Zeravshan Valley. The Fann Mountains are one of Central Asia's most popular trekking areas. You can do a day trip from Panjakent to the Seven Lakes (Haft-Kul, also called Marquzor Lakes), about 60 km south of Panjakent. It costs about US$40 to hire a car from Panjakent (2007). Another favourite place is Iskander Kul, a mountain lake about 25 km south of the road towards Dushanbe. There is no public transport to the lake. The former Soviet holiday camp offers accommodation for С20 (2007) and a great lakeside restaurant. The lake is at an altitude of nearly 2,200 m.

 * The neolithic site of Sarazm, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dating back to 3500 BCE, is very close to the border crossing point.

 * After having done the mandatory cultural tour, got stocked up on goodies on the bustling market in the city center. Since it got modernised and reorganised, it lost quite a lot of its original charm, but it will still allow an impressive vision of traditional Tajikistan on a busy day. Note that there is another market (for clothes mainly further east, not far from to the main bus terminal). Products there are fancy and cheap, but of dubious origin and quality.

Sleep

Travel agencies will also offer a variety of homestay accommodation (from US$5 with breakfast) or let you a complete apartment (US$10-15 /night). This may often be a better pick.

Connect

There is a number of tour operators in Penjikent which can organize about everything in Penjikent and the Zerafshan Valley. Those with websites are listed below:

Zeravshan Tourism Development Association: A network of small providers offering community based tourism products with special emphasis on cultural and ecological sustainability. Supported by international development organisations. Excellent for arranging custom made tours and accommodation for the individual and group traveller. http://www.ztda-tourism.tj

Go next
Most visitors leave Panjakent and the Zeravshan valley to Samarkand. There is no public transport crossing the border, so you will have to switch taxis at the border. The trip to the border takes about 15 minutes and costs С10 per person in a shared taxi (June 2023). From the border, the trip takes another 45 minutes and costs another 20,000 UZS in a marshrutka, more in a shared taxi (June 2023). Taxis arrive at Samarkand at Panjakent Kouchasi, the southeastern part of the Registan.

From Panjakent to Khujand or Dushanbe. It is a spectacular but exhausting trip to in shared taxi. In 2023, the price for a seat is about С120. In September 2019, the trip to Dushanbe is about 5 hr as the road has been greatly improved, the price is С100-150. Specific prices depend on which driver you get and your haggling skills.

Flight to Dushanbe operate infrequently in winter. Ticket price is US$ 45 (2007). The airport is about 4 km west of the city.

title: Panjakent


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Panjin

Panjin (盘锦 Pánjǐn) is a city in Liaoning Province, China.

Understand
Located on the wide flat wetlands near the mouth of the Liaohe River, Panjin has become famous for its birds and wildlife. The city is also a major oil producer. The phone code for the city is 0427.

Get in
There are Chinese day tours from Shenyang and Panjin (right at the Railway Station's Square) to see the red beach.

By train
Panjin has two train stations and is connected to most Chinese cities. Panjin North Railway Station is far from city center, and Panjin Railway Station is more convenient for visitors. Trains from Shenyang to Panjin take from 1h15m (G train) to 2h30m (K train). Keep in mind that if one arrives at Panjin North Railway Station, it will take another hour to get to the city center.

By bus
There are three long distance bus stations in Panjin. Buses serve most northeastern Chinese towns and cities.

Panjing Long Distance Bus Station (盘锦长途客运站): right next to the Railway Station, phone: 0427-2823997

Panjin Bus Station (盘锦客运站): Xinlongtai District, Taishan Rd 145, phone: 0427-2812172

Liaohe Youtian Bus Station (辽河油田客运站): at Xinlongtai District, Shuangxing Rd 199, phone: 0427-7802472

By plane
Panjin is 120 km from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, 260 km from Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, 100 km from Jinzhou Xiaolingzi Airport.

Get around
With sights spread out, bus and taxi are usually needed.

See

Eat
Panjin's rice and river crab are famous. At bus and train stations one can see people taking bags of Panjin rice back home.

Go next
Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, and Dalian, the seaside city, are both conveniently connected to Panjin by train and bus. In the southwest, Huludao, which has Xingcheng Ancient Town, Qinhuangdao, Tianjin and Beijing are all easily reachable by train and bus. in the southeast, Dandong, a border city with North Korea, is also reachable.

title: Panjin


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Panjshir Valley

Panjshir Valley is in Afghanistan.

About 30 minutes from Baazaarak is the second largest city, Baadqol. Baadqol has the main hospital of Panjshir (Changaram Hospital) which runs 24-hour services including emergency department equipped with the latest surgical and medical equipments. There are also a few general stores and restaurants opposite the Changaram Hospital in Baadqol.

Understand

Panjshir valley is divided in to five regions, starting from Taawakh, Rokha, Baazarak (the biggest city), Baadqol (second biggest city) and to the bottom Omarz. All the regions run between the mountains and in the middle Panjshir river. Panjshir is almost completely Tajik.

Get in
The valley is about a 2-hour drive north of Kabul. Turn right at Jebal Saraj and head to Gulbahar, then turn left, and left again before the bridge crossing in to Kapisa province. The road is tarred all the way from Kabul except for some rough bits passing through the towns.

Get around
The road is a winding two-way tarred road, with the usual maniacal Afghan driving.

Baazaarak (pronounced "baa-zaa-rak") is the main city in Panjshir valley. It is popular for its shopping mall which runs both sides of the main road. The city is fairly busy at the day time and gets slower as the dark reaches the valley. Baazaarak has variety of stores, restaurants, cafes, and kebab shops.

See
Massoud's Tomb is well worth a visit.

Do
Panjshir Valley is popular for its mountains. Mountain climbing during summer and skiing in winter is desirable. Its great place to go for a picnic in a group. Since the river flows almost through every village in Panjshir, swimming and fishing is very popular. A lot of locals use the rivers for swimming with their families. So it is wise to swim some where away from the locals.

Eat
There are many Kebab shops and Chaikhanas from the beginning of the valley and along the valley till the end. Kebabs are freshly made in Afghan style served with freshly made Afghan breads and Chais (tea). Most Kebab shops are located along the Panjshir River which is one of the finest rivers in Afghanistan, It has a drinkable water, most population in Panjshir consume their water from that river.

There are also a few western style cafes that serve burgers and desserts. They are fairly expensive than the local kebabs. Each Khoraak (serve) of kebab is cost approximately 100 afghani.

There is another local dry fruit as name of Talkhan it is made from Toot very strong if you eat for day is enough.

Go next
The drive back to Kabul on a Friday is a very congested one. Better to visit on another day or return early.

fa:ولایت پنجشیر

title: Panjshir Valley


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Panmunjeom

Panmunjeom (Korean: 판문점), also P'anmunjŏm, is on the demarcation line between North and South Korea.

Understand
A unique living relic of the Cold War era, Panmunjeom is a small village that happened to be on the front line of the final battle of the Korean War. The truce that suspended hostilities after the devastating Korean War was signed here in 1953 but, as peace was never agreed to, the two sides are still officially at war over 70 years later and a million men stand guard around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). There are no troops in the DMZ (except in the JSA), although both sides of the 4 km strip of land separating the Koreas are likely to be the most heavily armed in the world. Pillboxes, land mines, barbed wire, and tank stoppers line the entire border and stretch back halfway to Seoul in the South and Pyongyang in the North. This section is often referred to as the Militarized Zone. In South Korea there are also adjacent border areas called Civilian Control Zones where public access is restricted.

One kilometer east of the now deserted village is the Joint Security Area (JSA), an almost circular 800 m diameter patch of land. This area is jointly policed by the South and North, and the two sides occasionally meet for discussions. Most of the time the soldiers glare at each other across the border and have not been allowed to cross the demarcation line into each other's side since the "Axe Murder Incident" in 1976 (see below). Panmunjeom is right on the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which is the actual border between the two Koreas. The DMZ is a 4-km-wide buffer strip centered on this MDL. On 30 June 2019, U.S. president Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un here and crossed the MDL, thus becoming the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korean territory.

From the South
Panmunjeom is only an hour's drive away from the South Korean capital of Seoul, and tours from the center of the city with itineraries that include Panmunjeom generally start in the morning and end before the evening.

Visits to Panmunjeom from the South Korean side must be arranged in advance as part of an organized tour, although for foreigners three days' notice usually suffices (longer over weekends). Many companies advertise "daily" tours, but generally tours to the DMZ run only certain days, so check in advance. On tour days, depending on the day, various combinations of tours to 3rd tunnel, tours to Panmunjeom, and joint tours are available. Your booked tour can be cancelled at any time in response to the prevailing security situation.

There are restrictions on the nationality of people who can visit due to the sensitivity of the area. These restrictions are set by the United Nations and United States.

Some Seoul-based companies such as Cosmojin Travel and Grace Travel require only a minimum of 24 hours' notice, but their prices are much higher. Be aware that their itineraries vary, and may not include entry into the DMZ.

The 62 km journey towards Panmunjeom from Seoul is a sight in itself. The 12-lane Freedom Road becomes eerily empty as you approach the border, as its primary purpose is to get tanks there as fast as possible if war breaks out. To repel an invasion, both sides of the highway, especially the side facing the Imjin River and open water to North Korea, are covered with barbed wire and dotted with observation posts every few hundred meters. Nearby hills house machine gun emplacements, the median strip has clusters of sandbags for defense, and many bridges above the highway can be activated as tank traps as they contain large concrete blocks that can be dynamited to block the road. Large illuminated signs, proclaiming "Freedom and Democracy" in Hangul script, face the North.

VIP Tour
If you happen to be (or have been) an ambassador or higher level government official, then a VIP Tour of Panmunjeom is available from South Korea.

If, however, you don't qualify and you are sufficiently important (politician, business leader, pop-star, etc) then an alternative VIP tour is available.

Both tours have no restrictions on nationality but UN approval is required.

From the North
To visit from the DPRK side is relatively straightforward if it has been specified as part of your tour. Most tours include a day trip to the DMZ from Pyongyang or Kaesong. See North Korea for tour agent listings.

The JSA is 215 km south of Pyongyang traveling along the six-lane Reunification Highway which, much like its Southern counterpart, is vast and largely empty. It is poorly maintained and signs along the road indicate the distance to the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Get around
Regardless of whether you visit from the North or South, your tour will be tightly controlled and you will have no opportunity to explore by yourself. You will be transported by bus into Panmunjeom and then escorted by soldiers from the respective side.

You are allowed to move freely around the tight confines of the conference hut that crosses the demarcation line, and you may cross into the opposite Korea. The door to the other side will be guarded whilst you remain inside the building. When visiting from the South, one soldier will guard the North door and another will be guarding him just in case someone from the North tries to grab the first soldier. You will be instructed to not go near these soldiers and doing so will likely result in your ejection from the tour.

See
When booking your tour, be sure to clarify what exactly will be offered. The primary points of interest for most visitors from the south are the Joint Security Area and the Third Tunnel, but not all tour companies have clearance to visit these and you'll have to pay a small premium for those that do.

From the North you will be able to visit the original site of the Panmunjeom village and the Peace Museum built to house original copies of the 1953 armistice. From there it is a short drive to the JSA.

Outside the DMZ
On the South Korean side, sites outside the DMZ can be visited more cheaply and with less hassle. An hourly train runs between Seoul and Imjingak for about ₩1,300 each way. Bus tours passing the Second and Third Tunnel cost ₩8,000. This is an excellent alternative for the DMZ tours, though it is not possible to visit Panmunjeom this way.

North
All tourist facilities for foreigners in the DPRK include a gift shop and the gateway to the DMZ is no exception. Just inside the concrete wall you can purchase Korean art and, of course, endless amounts of literature on Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il. Prices are reasonable.

South
"The Monastery" in Camp Bonifas — actually a former officers' club, whose members used to wear brown robes for ceremonies and call themselves the "Merry Mad Monks of the DMZ" — has a gift shop selling DMZ-related paraphernalia, including pieces of rusty barbed wire from the original demarcation line (₩25,000) as well as blueberry wine from North Korea (which is imported after a long detour via China).

Eat
The canteen in Camp Bonifas is no longer open to civilian visitors, so most tours now arrange a set lunch in a Korean restaurant outside of the DMZ: this is usually clearly stated as part of your tour package. Some snacks are available in the gift shop in Camp Bonifas.

There is no food available for purchase on the Northern side after leaving the gift shop unless your itinerary lists lunch in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Restaurant in the former Czech/Polish settlement. For anybody else, the nearest restaurants will be in Kaesong.

Drink
Consumption of alcohol in the DMZ is prohibited and only allowed on special occasions.

Sleep
There is no accommodation for the general public at Panmunjeom. Most visitors from the south day-trip from Seoul, while visitors from the north either do a long day-trip from Pyongyang or overnight in Kaesong.

Room and board at Camp Bonifas is restricted to active duty soldiers in the United States Armed Forces. However, retired servicemen who have received the Medal Of Honor might be able to stay on a "space available" basis. Contact the United Nations Command Security Battalion - Joint Security Area for enquiries.

Respect
From the South, a strict dress code  applies for all visitors: "faddish, extreme, torn, tattered, frayed, overly provocative or otherwise inappropriate" clothing is not allowed. Sports clothes (incl. tracksuits), military clothing, oversized clothing, sheer clothing, sleeveless shirts/tops, tank tops, anything that bares the midriff or the buttocks and flip flop-type sandals are specifically banned; clean jeans with a clean T-shirt, on the other hand, are fine. The proclaimed purpose is twofold: one to make sure scruffy hippies don't end up on North Korea's propaganda posters, and the other to make sure ladies in miniskirts and high heels don't trip over and fall if somebody starts shooting.

Within the DMZ, photography outside designated points is not permitted, even from the tour bus. Your military escort will let you know when photography is allowed. Cameras are subject to inspection by the South Korean MPs. Lenses of up to 90 mm focal length are allowed (although, in practice, lenses slightly longer than this have been allowed). Tripods are prohibited. You must stay together with the group and follow the tour leader's instructions at all times. In the JSA pointing, waving and gesturing are all off-limits. Your group will be asked to walk around in two lines when in sight of the North Korean side.

From the North, visits to the DMZ are more casual than from the South and restrictions are minimal, although it is wise to show a level of respect and etiquette that befits the highly sensitive location. Unrestricted photography is permitted at the JSA and the Peace Museum. Elsewhere you will have to ask permission.

Stay safe
From the South, entry into the JSA/DMZ requires that you read and sign a disclaimer from the United Nations where you agree to accept responsibility for "injury or death as a direct result of enemy action". Although Panmunjeom remains in a state of ceasefire you should bear in mind that both Koreas still officially regard themselves as being at war with each other.

Your tour company will return your signed safety disclaimer to you after leaving Panmunjeom, so you get to keep a nice souvenir.

Tour companies can and do suspend tours at short notice if political tension escalates, and it's very unlikely that you'll be allowed into the DMZ if there's any real risk.

Go next
Visiting Panmunjeom is part of a high security guided tour, regardless whether you visit from the North or the South. Upon completion of your tour you will be escorted back to either Seoul, from the South, or continue your tour, from the North. There are no other options normally available.

title: Panmunjeom


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Panna National Park

Panna National Park is in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Understand
It's a 543 km² tiger reserve on the banks of the Ken river.

Get in
The park is 25 km from Khajuraho, a World Heritage Site which is half an hour drive from Madla Entry Point. Hinouta, the second gate of the park is 20 km from Panna town. Khajuraho is the nearest airport which is directly connected to New Delhi. Taxis are available all the time from Khajuraho to Panna.

Get around
You can take an elephant ride into the tiger reserve, but the real fun is when you go out in a jeep on the tiger-hunt. One can easily spend a day or two at this park.

The price is ₹2000 per vehicle and half-day, plus 150 for the compulsory guide. They open at 06:00, so make sure you are there slightly before that if you want to see any tigers! Sometimes there is an annoying wait when they try to print your ticket. +91 7732-252 135

title: Panna National Park


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Pannonhalma

Pannonhalma (formerly Győrszentmárton) is in Transdanubia.

Get in
Approximately 20 km south of Győr.

By train
Pannonhalma has a with trains from Győr (can be reached from Budapest and Bratislava) and Veszprém (can be reached from Budapest).

By car
Highway 82 between Győr and Veszprém passes next to the town.

By bus
It can be reached by regular buses from the Győr main autobus station within half an hour.

See

 * Granary (at the beginning of Mátyás király utca, 1800s)
 * Majorsági buildings (Mátyás király utca 1, partly built in 1650)

 * St. Stephen's relief (Petofi Sandor utca 61, 1896)
 * Former convent of Saint-Vincent (Szabadság tér, 21. 18th century, Baroque building)

 * City Hall (former village hall, Dózsa utca 10, Secession, 1910s

title: Pannonhalma


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Pantanal

The Pantanal is a region in South America lying mostly in Western Brazil, but extending into Bolivia as well. It is considered one of the world's largest and most diverse freshwater wetland ecosystems. The Pantanal is also one of Brazil's major tourist draws for its wildlife and is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as "Pantanal Conservation Area". Some of the large cattle farms offer accommodations and organized tours.

Regions
The Pantanal is accessible through three major gateways: Campo Grande in the south, Cuiabá in the north, and Corumbá in the west. The first two offer many options. From Campo Grande you can access Bonito and from Cuiabá Chapada dos Guimarães. Corumbá can be reached by plane, or by train from Bolivia, through the border crossing at Puerto Suarez. Lodges and fazendas are, among other places, in Miranda and Passo de Lontra. The Southern Pantanal is more influenced by the Chaco and the Atlantic Rainforest fauna and flora; the northern part of the Pantanal, by Amazonia. But this doesn't make one area better than the other.

Get in
There are direct and indirect daily flights to the gateway cities of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso and Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul as well as biweekly flights from São Paulo to Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. Backpackers often arrive by train in Corumbá from Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. Most of the buses that run from Corumba to Campo Grande are now non-stop and so unless you leave very early in the morning or late in the afternoon it is difficult to get to Buraco das Piranhas the popular area for backpackers by public transportation. As of August 2019, there's a daily bus operated by Cruzeiro do Sul at 14:30, covering on the route Corumba to Bonito with a stop in Passo de Lontra (yes, the bus even drives the 8 km north from Buraco das Piranhas!). Rs 32. Pantanal Expeditions and some of the other operators based in Campo Grande offer shared van service each day from and to Campo Grande-Bonito-Corumba and Buraco das Piranhas. Renting a vehicle is also an option from Campo Grande. There are also lodges in the Southern Pantanal cities of Aquidauana and Miranda.

See
Depending on the time of year and the guide you hire, you can expect to see a variety of different animals. Unlike many other biologically rich areas, in the Pantanal you are virtually guaranteed to actually see wildlife. There are close to 10 million Yacare caiman present within the Pantanal and during the dry season every bridge crossing on the Transpantaneira is surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of Caimans basking or fighting for space in the ever dwindling lagoons. Capybara, like the caiman, are also present in the millions and are likely to be encountered every few seconds while driving. The Pantanal is also home to a variety of birds (including the endangered hyacinth macaw, which is easily spotted). Other mammals are slightly harder to spot, but still much easier than in the Amazon. On a boat ride through the river you are likely to spot the endangered giant river otter and red-bellied piranha (the otter's favorite meal). With the right guide and a couple of days on the river the chances of spotting a jaguar (or perhaps even more than one) are actually very high. The Pantanal is the best place in all of the Americas to spot a jaguar in the wild, given the relatively small amount of thick rain forest cover.

The best time to see a jaguar is between June and November. The Pantanal is certainly one area of the world where there are a lot of birds, from small and delicate hummingbirds to large ones like the jabiru. Several types of macaws, parrots, parakeets are easily spotted. The wildlife in the region of Porto Jofre is fantastic and there is a very good chance of spotting the elusive and impressive jaguar there.

Do

 * Nick's Adventures Bolivia www.nicksadventuresbolivia.comis an Australian/Bolivian owned Eco Tour Operator based in Santa Cruz Bolivia, which specializes in wildlife tours to the Bolivian Pantanal. These wildlife based tours are aimed at looking for South America's iconic species such as the anaconda, giant otter, maned wolf and jaguar. They also offer jaguar spotting tours in the Kaa Iya National Park of Bolivia.
 * Nick's Adventures Bolivia www.nicksadventuresbolivia.comis an Australian/Bolivian owned Eco Tour Operator based in Santa Cruz Bolivia, which specializes in wildlife tours to the Bolivian Pantanal. These wildlife based tours are aimed at looking for South America's iconic species such as the anaconda, giant otter, maned wolf and jaguar. They also offer jaguar spotting tours in the Kaa Iya National Park of Bolivia.
 * Nick's Adventures Bolivia www.nicksadventuresbolivia.comis an Australian/Bolivian owned Eco Tour Operator based in Santa Cruz Bolivia, which specializes in wildlife tours to the Bolivian Pantanal. These wildlife based tours are aimed at looking for South America's iconic species such as the anaconda, giant otter, maned wolf and jaguar. They also offer jaguar spotting tours in the Kaa Iya National Park of Bolivia.
 * Nick's Adventures Bolivia www.nicksadventuresbolivia.comis an Australian/Bolivian owned Eco Tour Operator based in Santa Cruz Bolivia, which specializes in wildlife tours to the Bolivian Pantanal. These wildlife based tours are aimed at looking for South America's iconic species such as the anaconda, giant otter, maned wolf and jaguar. They also offer jaguar spotting tours in the Kaa Iya National Park of Bolivia.

Eat
Lodges in the Pantanal are in remote locations and all meals are generally included in the price of the trip. Usually the food is buffet-style, and so vegetarians can pick and choose, but if you have special food preferences it is best to inform your tour operator or agency in case they don't ask first. What is often not included are beverages other than coffee and juice with breakfast. Drinks are generally offered on a tab, and you pay directly to the lodge at check-out.

Drink
One controversial point is mineral water. Water in urban areas in the Pantanal Region generally comes from deep water wells monitored by the state-owned water departments and is as safe to drink as water anywhere in the world-probably safer as there have never been any industrial pollutants that could seep into the water table. That is not the case in the Pantanal, however. By law, water must come from wells in a camping area or lodge, it can't be surface water; but, the law is not always enforced. Some lodges have adequate wells, and water coolers with filters which provide free, reliable drinking water. In some lodges particularly along the Transpantaneira water is pumped directly from the near-stagnant swamp, or clay-filled near surface wells, or even from the São Lourenço River just downstream from where hotel-boats are discharging their effluent. You wouldn't want to brush your teeth with this water. Some predatory lodges take advantage of the situation and charge highly inflated prices for tiny 300-ml bottles of mineral water that leave behind a lot of plastic waste.

If you drink alcohol, consider sneaking a good bottle of wine or whiskey from home in your bag. Beer prices are normal market prices at some lodges, but cost double to triple the supermarket price in others. Before you buy a Capirinha that uses about 50 centavos of alcohol, a lemon and a few spoons of sugar be sure to ask the price. Some lodges charge R$ 20 or more for the drink.

Sleep
Lodges on fazendas are the best way to experience the real Pantanal. Several of the traditional cattle stations, called fazendas, nowadays accommodate guests in their lodges and show them what makes the Pantanal a special place. Many of these lodges take only a few guests, making your stay an unforgettable experience.

Be aware of lodges that call themselves "fazendas" but are nothing more than just tourism operations, thus lacking in authenticity. If you want to have the best chances to see jaguars, you will spend an extra money and reserve your seat on jaguar tours and stay at Jaguar Camp in the Porto Jofre region.

Stay safe
Although it is recommended by the Brazilian government to obtain vaccinations, it is not required and the fact is that mosquito-borne illnesses in the Pantanal are very rare in the dry season, when you would be hard pressed to even find a mosquito. During the wet season the occurrence of illnesses rises, but much less so than the Amazon or many other parts of South America. The best protection one can use against mosquito-borne illness is wearing long-sleeved shirts and DEET repellent. The Pantanal is not at the same risk level as somewhere like Amazonia or parts of Africa, where the risk of illness is high enough to warrant preventive medication (although vaccinations will do you no harm).

Yellow Fever. Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for all travellers visiting Mato Grosso, the region where the Pantanal is. Yellow fever vaccinations take approximately 10 days to become effective. Nevertheless, yellow fever is very rare in the area, and the best precaution against it is a good long-sleeved shirt.

Malaria is not a high risk in this region, with reports of the illness only occurring very occasionally during the wet season.

Dengue Fever. The threat of dengue in the Pantanal is real, but only a major concern during the wet season and in some other parts of Mato Grasso do Sul. In 2007 health authorities in Brazil declared a health alert in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul where the highest concentration of the disease has been reported, although the Pantanal itself is still considered to be less risky, especially during the dry season.

Rotavirus is common all over Brazil. The symptoms are severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. It can also lead to dehydration and shock if not treated. This virus is highly contagious and usually spread through contact with an infected person but can also be spread through the air. If you suspect you may have contracted the disease, seek medical advice.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present.

Other infectious diseases prevalent in Brazil include trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (on the increase). There are epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in and around the Rio area. Air pollution, especially in São Paulo, may aggravate chest complaints. Rabies is present.

Food and drink. Water should not be consumed unless boiled or sterilised first. Even filtered water in more remote areas should be avoided and bottled water should be drunk instead. Pasteurised milk and cheese is available in towns and is generally considered safe to consume. Milk outside of urban areas is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

title: Pantanal


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Pantelleria

Pantelleria is an island lying between Sicily, Italy and Tunisia. It is culturally Sicilian in every way. There is a great emphasis on the art of hospitality. It is becoming quite a chic destination. It is striking and hilly, with the countryside dotted with white Dammuso houses. There are no beaches - people swim off the black rocks.

The main centre is Pantelleria Town, along with the much smaller Scauri, Tracino & Kamma and Rekale.

By boat
Daily overnight ferries run from Trapani in Sicily, running more frequently alongside hydrofoils in Summer. Hydrofoil from Mazara del Vallo twice daily. See Siremar and Ustica Lines.

Services
The airport is served daily year-round by Danish Air Transport from Palermo and Trapani. It is also served seasonally by Blue Panorama Airlines (Milan), Danish Air Transport (Catania), and Volotea (Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Venice, and Verona). There are also seasonal charters.

By bus
There is quite a good bus service around the island. See Pantelleria Council

By moped
An excellent way to see the island is to hire a moped for a few days - it is small enough to do a circuit in 4 hours or so. Beware - there are only two petrol station on the island - both in Pantelleria Town.

See

Do
Boat tours. For a moderate fee, usually around €35 per person, you can take a slow boat tour around the island. This can be very entertaining depending on who comes along. Usually there is abundant food and wine served on board, swimming stops and a photographic adventure of a very rich volcanic island. From the sea you can see the homes of Armani and many of Italy's most famous people.

Trekking. There are many maintained trails into the complex geology of Pantelleria. Each little region is very different and unique from all the others. For a small island, there is tremendous diversity to Pantelleria.

Thermal pools and the sauna cave. There are many thermal pools on Pantelleria. One of the best places is a large natural sauna cave in the mountains near the region called Monestero. One of the most beautiful vistas on the island can be seen from here. There is also Santaria, a hot thermal pool inside a cave. This is according to legend the love nest of Calypso and Ulysses. All the thermal pools are free and maintained by the community members.

Buy
Art: There are two famous sculptors on the island. One is a local man, a Pantesce Native (Kaku). He has a shop near the old castle in the main village, Pantelleria. The other is a Native American who lives in Rekhale (Turtle Heart).

Ceramics of DiSimone. DiSimone is a very famous ceramics artist who started his career on Pantelleria. Now his work is sold in shops in many countries. He still has his "home" gallery on Pantelleria. Great objects for the household and fancy objects of ceramic art. Very colourful and vivid scenes of the traditional life of Pantelleria.

Eat

 * Il Cappero Via Roma. Excellent medium-priced food, very popular with the locals.
 * Zabib Porto di Scauri +39 0923916617 - Good restaurant, open only for dinner.

Drink
CiCCi's Bar. A favorite place in Pantelleria village, right near the central square. Generous snacks. Great atmosphere. Cicci is a force on Pantelleria and this bar has great ambience and personality. A must visit bar and cafe in the true Sicilian style.

Passito. You must drink the famous wine of Pantelleria, called Passito. Pantelleria is an island of farmers, not fishermen. The ancient wine is unique in all the world and the best Passito is generally only available locally. If you make friends with local people you can have the adventure of tasting home made Passito. Passito is a rich meditation wine, sometimes called a dessert wine. Passito and Capers are the island's two best known products.

Sleep

 * Miryam Corso Umberto 1 . Modern, but functional, overlooking the harbour. Quite cheap out of season.
 * Cossyra Cuddie Rosse-Mursia . About 3 km (2 miles) from Pantelleria port, this 3-star hotel has pleasant grounds, a pool, tennis courts and a private beach.
 * Albergo Miryam Hotel
 * Mursia and Cossyra Hotel & Spa Loc. Mursia, . fax +39 0923911026. About 3 km (2 miles) from Pantelleria port, this 3-star hotel has pleasant grounds, a pool, tennis courts and a private beach.

title: Pantelleria