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Molde

Molde is a town in Møre og Romsdal situated at the north shore of the Molde Fjord where it enjoys one of the best locations in Norway. It is one of the towns along the coastal road E39. The town is often referred to as the 'City of Roses.'

Understand
Molde was from the start a main cruise port in the western fjords of Norway, kaiser Wilhelm II visited Molde every year and the kaiser called the pleasant small town "Nice of the North". Today the town is most interesting because of its superb location on a south slope overlooking the great Moldefjord/Romsdalsfjord and the Romsdal alps around Åndalsnes. This view, the "Molde Panorama", includes as much as 222 alpine summits, many of these reach more than 1000 meters above sea level. The wide Moldefjord/Romsdalsfjord with its many islands and surrounded by alpine summits and little bays and smaller fjords is Norwegian landscape on a grand scale.

During the Norwegian campaign (April 1940) Molde was heavy shelled and most of the town burned down. The King, cabinet, the general staff, foreign diplomats and Norway's gold holdings escaped via Molde during the German invasion. The events at Molde were among the most dramatic during the invasion. The town was rebuilt in a less exciting style, the Church is one of the few notable buildings from the reconstruction.

Molde is one of the three main towns and the administrative centre of the county. It hosts one of the top football teams in the country, a fact that the local people are very proud of. The town also one of the major industry towns in the area. Traditionally this was due to timber and textile related industry, but now it is dominated by maritime and petroleum-based activity. Norway's logistics education hub is also situated here.

By plane
Molde Airport, Årø (5 km east of the city centre), serves the town. There are several daily arrivals from the biggest cities in Norway. SAS, Norwegian and Krohn Air have flights to the airport. Kristiansund airport is about 1 hour drive, while Ålesund airport is somewhat further (including ferry crossing)

By train
The closest railway station is situated in Åndalsnes (60 km south east of Molde) which is the end-station of the scenic Rauma railway. Åndalsnes can be reached by bus from Molde. The railway connects the area to Dombås and from there: Oslo and Trondheim.

By car
The main road E39 connects Molde with Trondheim in the north and Ålesund and Bergen in the south. Road 64 connects Molde to Åndalsnes where E136 connects to the inland and E6 from Oslo.

By bus
Nettbuss has direct bus services to Kristiansund, Ålesund and Trondheim from the bus terminal in the city centre.

By boat
Both the north-going and south-going coastal express boats (Hurtigruten) call at Molde every day.

A ferry operated by Fjord1, from Vestnes ferry dock, crosses the Romsdal Fjord from early morning to far into the night, usually every half hour. This ferry is part of road E39. The ferry docks in Molde city centre and is frequently used by passengers without car. The ferry is an excellent way to arrive in Molde as it runs slowly along the city centre to the dock giving a good view of the town.

Express boats (Hurtigbåten) from Vestnes also cross the fjord and lead to the city centre.

Get around
Most of the attractions in the town centre are reachable by foot. There are also rentable bicycles, and a taxi central located centrally at the bus terminal. There are good bus connections to, from and around Molde.

For additional information regarding public transportation in the area, contact the public transport information at Trafikanten Møre og Romsdal or on the phone number +47 177.

See

Excursions
The fairytale world of Skaret. Skaret is located only ten minutes by car from Molde on RV64. The area is an excellent starting point for those who want to experience nature, culture and handwork traditions. At Skaret you will find old buildings, Norwegian food traditions, handwork, candle factory and activities. In short, the whole place is an adventure. Here, everything is served, from simple home fare to local specialities and abounding feast tables in romantic, rustic surroundings. You will find authentic, handcrafted items including rose-painted artefacts, ceramics, woven articles, clothing, knitware, silverware and plenty of local farm food in the sales exhibits. Skaret also offers an incredible selection of decorative candles from Løiten Lys, the largest producer of handmade candles in Norway. The candlemaking workshop ranges over 3 floors and is one of the most unusual shops in the district. Here you can see how candles are made, tinted and creatively decorated. At Skaret you can visit horses, goats, wild sheep and rabbits throughout the summer. Pony-riding and horse-drawn carriage/sleigh ride can be booked all year. There is also a children's playground, and an open-air pool which is open during the Norwegian school holiday. The area is an excellent starting point for experiencing the countryside, including nature trails, walking trails, running trails and many fishing lakes.

Bud and the Atlantic Road. Within an hours driving from Molde, you can visit the idyllic fishing village of Bud and the famous Atlantic Road, voted the world's nicest road by ”The Guardian”. The road zigzags across bridges and rock-fills from island to island right out at the ocean's edge. It is easy to park your car in one of the many lay-bys and walk a few metres to the smooth coastal rocks and some excellent fishing spots. A stone's throw or two to the west, the shipping lane crosses the notorious waters of the Hustadvika bay, concealing innumerable wrecks. Many people take a trip out here when the autumn storms start to rage. It is quite a sight when the big waves break beside (and sometimes across) the road! The road workers experienced 12 hurricanes during the construction of the Atlantic Road before it was opened in 1989. Around 1900 as many as 120 people lived on these windswept islands. In 2006 the Atlantic Road was voted Norwegian Structure of the Century.

The Trollstigen Road. Trollstigen, “The Troll Ladder”, is the most visited tourist road in Norway, and is located approximately 65 km outside of Molde. The road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs the steep mountain sides up to Stigrøra (858 m.a.s.). In some places it is cut into the mountain, in others it is built on top of stone walls. An impressive bridge in natural stone carries it across the Stigfossen waterfall. There are several ways to experience this splendour on foot. Try the old Kløvstien path over Trollstigen, which has existed for several hundred years, or the route from Trollstigen over to the Trolltindene peaks. The road is closed during winter and is usually opened at the end of May.

Island hopping on two wheels. This cycling tour starts in Molde and proceeds westwards to the island municipalities of Midsund, Sandøy and Aukra. Between the many islands you can relax on ferries or express boats. The tour continues on the mainland to the fishing village of Bud, across small islands and skerries along the Atlantic Road, and ends with the ferry trip from Averøy to Kristiansund. Take the “Hurtigruten” (express coastal service) back to Molde or northwards to Trondheim. Some parts of the cycling tour take you across flat islands right at the ocean's edge, with views of the high mountains on the mainland. There is very little traffic on many stretches, but a complete range of services. En route there are also lots of lovely detours you can take if you want to see more of the area. The route, which totals 200 km, is cycled in stages with overnight stops along the way. Along the route you will pass a multitude of campsites, cabins, seahouses and attractive places to eat. Cycle guide with detailed maps, tour descriptions and interesting detours is available at the tourist office in Molde.

Guided tours
Guided mountain trips. Trollstigen and Trollveggen are attractions most people want to visit. Sign up for a guided mountain trip and experience both at the same time! Guided half day- and day trips are arranged in Åndalsnes on scheduled days during the summer season. All of these trips offer you great nature experiences and fantastic viewpoints. The guide speaks Norwegian, English and German, and is a local who knows the area well. His knowledge of different fields ensures a safe day filled with experiences in the Romsdal mountains. For information, contact Åndalsnes Tourist Office.

Roundtrips with Hurtigruten. Daily trips from Molde at 08.00 with bus via Trollstigen, the strawberry village Valldal and the Eagle Road to Geiranger. Enter Hurtigruten and experience the waterfalls ”The seven sisters” and the Geirangerfjord which is one of UNESCO's world heritage sites. A short stay in the Art Nouveau town Ålesund before arrival in the “Town of Roses”, Molde, at 21.30. Many other great daytrips are also offered in the period June - September.

Fjord Magic. Experience the best of Norway in one day - fjords, waterfalls and mountains: Molde-Åndalsnes-Geiranger-Hellesylt-Norangsdalen-Hjørundfjorden-Ålesund-Molde. Daily trips in the summer season. An experience-rich trip by catamaran, bus and ferry.

Out of town

 * Diving at Hustadvika. With its multitude of wrecks and its rich animal- and plant life, the Hustadvika bay is a diver's paradise. Underwater visibility of 40 to 60 metres is not unusual in the winter, and there is good visibility during the rest of the year too. Diving equipment hire, organised guided boat trips, diving courses and air fills, are offered at the Atlantic Road.
 * Surfing at Hustadvika. Wind surfers dreaming of large waves and plenty of wind can realise their dreams at Hustadvika, which is renowned for its "wild nature”. Here, days where the sea is calm are rare.
 * Sea rafting. Sea rafting trip in a rubber boat, wearing a survival suit, among the innumerable small islands and skerries. High speed and thrills combined with an experience of coastal scenery at close quarters. The trip provides opportunities for forays ashore, barbecues, bathing and seashore discovery expeditions.
 * Sea angling. The island municipalities of Aukra, Midsund and Sandøy are excellent starting points for sea angling trips on boats that are built for the open sea. With a strong, short rod, long line and heavy jigs you can catch cod, wolf fish, cusk, ling, saithe, halibut and various kinds of shark. On the landward side of the islands and in the fjords it is possible to fish from ordinary pleasure craft. Along the whole coast there are many good spots for angling from shore with rods, line and lures.
 * Hunting and fishing. Fishing in fresh water is reserved for owner, permission from owner necessary. It is permitted to use most types of fishing equipment in the mountains. Many people use otter boards for fishing in mountain lakes, but most prefer to use a rod. The tackle should be light, with a line that is preferably not much thicker than 0.25 mm and small hooks. Small spinners and spoons also work well. Some mountain lakes are ideal for fly-fishing. The best salmon rivers are Aura in Eikesdalen, Batnfjordselva in Batnfjorden, Eira in Eresfjorden, Hustadelva at Hustad, Malmeelva in Malmefjorden, Moaelva in Sylteosen, Måna in Måndalen, Oselva in Kleiveosen, Rauma in Romsdalen, Tressa in Tresfjorden and Visa in Vistdalen. Sea trout migrate up the Oselva river, and freshwater trout can be fished in the Visa, Moaelva and Hustadelva rivers. Lesja is a unique area for those interested in hunting or fishing. There are over 300 mountain lakes, many of them teeming with fish. A state fishing licence is required and can be purchased at any post office. Fishing permits can be bought locally near the rivers. Annual hunting season for wild reindeer, moose and small game, especially grouse.
 * Horses and riding. Vestnes has one of the largest Icelandic pony herds in Norway, and there are several enterprises with holiday- and activity offers. Icelandic pony-riding holidays lasting several daya are available, as well as hour long- and day trips.
 * Eikrem Golf Course. By Henden Farm, 5 km east of Molde town centre, you will find Eikrem Golf Course with a panoramic view over the fjord and the mountains. Full 9-hole course, par 72, 5470 m. Driving range, putting green, three par-3 practice holes, PGA-pro, pro shop and club- and buggy hire. Open May–October.
 * Åndalsnes Golf Course. This hilly 9-hole course lies in beautiful surroundings at Setnesmoen near Åndalsnes. Not many are aware that this was where golf started in Norway. The English salmon lords held golf tournaments in Åndalsnes as early as 1905, on the site of the current golf course. Open May-Oct.
 * Ski and snowboard. Bjorli is renowned for its long winters with guaranteed snow. Bjorli has expanded its lift capacity with a 6-seat express chairlift. Beside the chairlift, there are three ski lifts and two children's’ lifts. The mountain also features a 3,5 km green slope. The centre has a total of 20 km of downhill runs, with a total altitude difference of 650 m. Bjorli is a centre that suits everyone: Families with small children, carving enthusiasts and those who want to go off-piste. Bjorli also has approx. 90 km of prepared and marked cross-country tracks in both mountain- and woodland terrain.
 * Both skiing centres has a halfpipe, children's slide, sledging slope, ski school, ski workshop, skiers’ café and ski hire. Cross-country and Telemark enthusiasts can buy skiing maps with marked suggestions at tourist information offices.
 * Other skiing centres in the region:
 * Rauma Skisenter (Skorgedalen=
 * Ørskogfjell Skisenter
 * Ørskogfjell Skisenter

 * Mountain hiking . There are countless opportunities for mountain walking in Molde and Romsdal, both short walks suitable for families and more demanding summit hikes for more experienced walkers. Check out the municipalities’ web sites for suggestions.
 * Extreme sport. It is emphatically not safe to take part in any of the following extreme sports if you don't have the necessary experience and skills:
 * Base jumping. The mountains of the Romsdalen and Eikesdalen valleys are some of the best places in the world for base jumping. Kalskråtinden, Gridsetskolten and Unionsveggen are popular exit points in Romsdalen. In Eikesdalen, there is Strandkolvet (Katthammaren), Aurstupet and Vikesaksa. In Julsundet, 10 km west of Molde, you can jump from Ravnfloget. Base jumping from the Trollveggen wall is prohibited. All base jumping in the region is at own risk.
 * Mountaineering and peak climbing. In summer you can choose between climbing, abseiling and peak climbing. Romsdalshorn, Vengetind and Juratind are the most popular peaks for climbing. The ascent of the Litlefjellet mountain, continuing up the north wall of Romsdalshorn is the most usual, with climbing the last 300 metres. Contact the tourist information for further tour suggestions.

In town

 * Football: Molde FK play soccer in Eliteserien, the country's top tier. Their home ground is Aker Stadion, capacity 11,250, on the seafront 500 m west of town centre.
 * Tusten Skiheiser is a 10-minute drive from Molde town centre. The alpine skiing centre is built around 3 lifts, and offers up to 20 km of prepared pistes, 3 km of which are floodlit. The 15 slopes have varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from beginners to very difficult. The centre also has a 3,5 km2 ungroomed mountain area for off-piste.

Buy
Storgata is Molde's shopping street with shops and services of all kinds. Here you can find MoldeTorget, a shopping centre with 42 shops. From the centre it is just a short stroll to the town's biggest shopping centre, Amfi Roseby, with 50 shops. There are souvenirs to be bought in some of the shops along the Storgata street, and local handcrafted items can be found in speciality shops. If you are looking for something special, farm food products of various kinds can be purchased at selected distributors and on market days in the centre.

Eat
The centre of Molde has a variety of tempting indoor and outdoor restaurants, cafés and coffee bars. Here are some of them:

Sleep
In the area around Molde you will find a wide selection of accommodation possibilities, from luxurious hotels to rustic seaside cottages, and a variety of cabins, holiday houses, "rorbuer" and camping sites. All hotels offer weekend prices all year and a breakfast included. In addition to private accommodation, there are six hotels and one camping site in the centre of Molde:

Connect

Wireless Internet is also available in several restaurants and cafés.

Cope
You can use the lockers inside the bus station (Trafikkterminalen) for kr 20.

Go next

 * Kristiansund - Northbound
 * Ålesund - Southbound
 * Åndalsnes - south and east, direction Lillehammer and Oslo
 * Trondheim - short route via Sunndal and Oppdal

title: Molde


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Moldova

Moldova is a small, landlocked country nestled between Romania and Ukraine.

Cities

 * — the capital is a nice city to go and visit for some days, and to walk around in
 * — the second largest city, features a pedestrian zone around the central square and a historic city centre
 * — known as the "Romani (Gypsy) capital of Moldova", also boasts the Soroca fort built by Stephen the Great in 1499
 * — a border town to Romania with a bridge over the Prut river designed by architect Gustave Eiffel
 * — the capital of the territory of Gagauzia, known for wine specific to the southern part of the country
 * — historically the site of many battles, now known for its spas
 * — fortified since the 6th century BC, also famous for its monastery

Other destinations

 * , an autonomous region within Moldova.
 * — Moldova's only national park

Understand
One of the smallest states of the former USSR, Moldova has been part of two historical empires: the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire. For several centuries, the country was under Ottoman influence but that all changed during the 1800s when the Russians took control of it. In the years to follow, Moldova became a part of the Russian Empire and later on, the Soviet Union, before declaring independence in the 1990s. Its fertile soils led to Moldova being dubbed "the garden" of the Soviet Union.

Moldova one of the least visited countries on the planet. You are likely to attract intrigued looks from locals curious of what you are doing in the country.

Since independence, Moldova has faced numerous difficulties, especially inter-ethnic conflict. Inter-ethnic tensions led to the creation of the proclaimed Transnistria Republic in eastern Moldova, which has its own government and currency but is not recognised by any UN member country. Economic links have been re-established between these two parts of Moldova despite the failure in political negotiations.

Similar to Switzerland, Moldova is committed to neutrality, and has decent relations with virtually every country in the world.

Despite Moldova's vast political and economic problems, Moldovans try to be happy and make the most of their situation.

Climate
Continental cold and snowy winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm to hot summers.

Terrain
Landlocked. Rolling steppe, gradual slope south towards the Black Sea. Well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone. Natural hazards: experiences landslides (57 cases in 1998) due to extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

The lowest point is the Dniester River at 2 m and the highest point is Bălănești Hill at 430 m.

History
It was a principality under the suzerainty (protection) of the Ottoman Empire, then part of the Russian Empire after 1811, then part of Romania after World War I. Moldova was forcefully incorporated into the Soviet Union during World War II.
 * Independence Day — 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
 * Constitution — new constitution adopted 28 July 1994; replaces old Soviet constitution of 1979

Although independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed the breakaway republic of Transnistria.

The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a communist government and president in 2001. Despite subsequent losses, the Communist Party remains powerful in local politics.

Culture
Geographically located at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic and other cultures, Moldova has enriched its own culture by adopting and maintaining some of the traditions of its neighbours and of other influences.

Moldova has a distinct culture, but has heavy influences from Russia, Romania and Ukraine. These influences are most visible in the cuisine in Moldova. While Moldova has its own culinary style, including Mamaliga, Zeama, Placinta and other traditional dishes, a lot of the food eaten or sold here originated from Russia or Romania.

Moldovan music has a distinctive flair, but is what you might expect in eastern Europe. There are a lot of accordions, and the traditional costumes and dances are similar to Romanian traditional ones.

Maps
Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, so tourist information desks are still very rare. You can't depend only on the usual online maps, especially if you need to find an address in a rural area. Probably the best online map of Moldova is found at map.md

In some kiosks you can buy a two-sided map called "Republic of Moldova: Topographical map, 1:200 000" (Республика Молдова: Топографическая карта, 1:200 000, ISBN 9789664970621 which is based on older Soviet military maps. You can download these in advance and print them, or you can browse them in many apps.

Visitor information

 * Experience Moldova tourism information

Entry requirements
Citizens of Canada, CIS countries, the EU, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, UK and the US do not need a visa to enter Moldova and can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period without registration. Citizens of other countries must either obtain a visa in the nearest Moldovan embassy or alternatively could obtain a visa on arrival in Chișinău airport and on some land border crossings provided that an officially endorsed invitation letter from Moldova is obtained beforehand.

By entering into Moldova via Ukraine, you may be crossing Transnistria. Some buses from Odesa go through Tiraspol, while others go around, exchanging the two border crossings with more time on the road. Transnistria is an unrecognised state in the east of Moldova bordering Ukraine, which broke off from the country after a war in 1992. There are generally few issues for Westerners in crossing Transnistrian borders by bus, although foreign travellers have experienced problems in the past. There is, however, a small chance that foreign tourists may be asked to pay bribes, although the buses which travel between Ukraine, Transnistria and the rest of Moldova usually handle negotiations at the border well, collecting passports and negotiating with Transnistrian authorities. Also, there is no Moldovan border check between Transnistria and the rest of Moldova as Moldova does not recognise Transnistria as a state, so you might have some explaining to do when you try to leave Moldova without an entrance stamp.

By plane
The main international airport is.

Airlines that serve several destinations from Chisinau are Wizz Air, HiSky and Fly One

Nearby airports are in Iași and Bacău.

By train
Possibly the cheapest way to get into the country is to take the overnight train. There are daily trains from Romania.

The train from Bucharest leaves at 19:20 and arrives at about 08:10 and the train from Chișinău leaves at 17:20 arriving at 06:19 in Bucharest check the complete timetables here:

Bucharest - Chișinău

Chișinău - Bucharest

A ticket in a 2nd class, 4-berth sleeper is 593 Moldovan lei (~€28), or 685 Moldovan lei in a 1st class, 2-berth sleeper (2018). Since flights into Bucharest may be cheaper than those into Moldova, this may be an option if you have the time. It is now possible to buy tickets online up to two weeks before departure (website in Romanian/Russian only). Just show your printout to the conductor when boarding. At the border crossing the carriages are lifted individually onto larger gauge wheels to fit Moldovan tracks. Crossing the border from Ukraine is smoother, as both countries use the same track gauge.

By car
When coming by car use a border crossing with a (non-stop) visa issuing office. You will have to pay a small road tax at the border. A person driving a car which is not registered in their own name must carry a letter of authority from the registered owner.

By bus
There are regular buses connecting Chișinău with Bucharest, Kyiv and most major Romanian and Ukrainian cities. There are 5-6 buses per day to and from Bucharest. Due to a longer stay at the border the trip takes around 10 hours. There is a basic toilet at the border, however most coaches do not make any other stops. You will also be able to travel to most European cities by bus with Moldovan bus companies. When coming by bus one should be sure to use a frontier with a (non-stop) visa issuing office.
 * Kyiv, 2 daily, 250 lei, 12 hours
 * Moscow, 4 daily, 700 lei, 30 hours
 * Odesa, 20 daily, 90 lei, 5 hours
 * Sevastopol, daily, 430 lei, 18 hours
 * Brasov, 5 daily, 200 lei, 12 hours

By boat
Although the country is landlocked, there is a ferry service between Giurgiulești in Moldova and Istanbul, Turkey, plying the river Danube to reach the Black Sea. They leave Giurgiulesti every Monday and arrive at Istanbul the following Wednesday. It's not certain if this ferry service is only limited to the high season.

Get around
Moldova is small enough to be explored very quickly. For example, a long walk to Chișinău from Bolhrad − even though that sounds highly impractical − will take you about 34 hours.

The most reliable way of getting around the country is by bus. Buses can get you to most parts of the country. You can find information about long-distance bus services in Moldova on the Autogari website, for example. This site contains information on bus stations in Moldova, timetables and routes between cities.

Chișinău is the main transportation hub for the country. The three bus stations serve every city and town in Moldova. The fastest form of transport are small minibuses which seat around 15 people. Larger buses are also used and are marginally safer, because they travel at slower speeds.

In Chișinău there is a state run trolleybus system which includes many new vehicles. Fare is 6 lei; a conductor collects fares and issues tickets. There is also a 'bus service which operates with fewer routes.

Minibuses (rutiere in Moldovan Romanian; marshrutki in Russian) are available in most cities. They are privately operated and are called by requesting the vehicle to stop, however can often be very crowded. Drivers should be paid on boarding (3 lei in Chișinău), however some insist on sitting down first and passing the money to the person in front of them to pass to the driver, so don't be alarmed if people behind you start handing you money.

Talk
The official language of the country is Romanian. Since 2023, it has been the state language of the country.

Russian is widely spoken in the country, both as a first and second language. If you don't know any Romanian, communicating in Russian should be no problem.

Gagauz, a Turkic language, is a language of Gagauzia. It is closely related to Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Turkmen. If you know either of those three languages, you shouldn't have a problem picking up Gagauz.

Ukrainian is spoken by the Ukrainian minority and in parts of Transnistria.

English has been taught in Moldova since the 1990s, but few people speak it well enough to have a full conversation. Therefore, knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian is useful to get around the country independently.

Language can be a sensitive issue in this country, and the name of the native language is a source of endless political controversy. Some refer to Romanian as Romanian (limba română), while some refer to the same language as Moldovan (limba moldovenească), and others prefer to speak Russian.

Museums
There are several museums in central Chișinău, including the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, the Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Wine
Moldova is famous for its wines, and high-quality wines at inexpensive prices are Moldova’s main tourist attraction.

 * - With over 200 kilometres (125 miles) of underground roadways, Mileștii Mici is registered in the Guinness World Records as the biggest wine collection in the world. It may be easier to book a tour through a travel agency as one must provide a car for the tour. +373 22 382 333.

 * - Moldova's second largest wine cellar has over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of underground roads. 15 minutes drive from Chișinău, it is a favourite of tourists. +373 22-277 378.

 * - One of the oldest wineries in Moldova, Purcari wine has been drunk by Russian Emperor Nicolai II and his first cousin, the British King George V.

 * Brănești - A smaller and reasonably priced wine cellar. It lies close to Orheiul Vechi Monastery which makes it perfect for combining a monastery tour with wine tasting.

Monasteries

 * - Moldova's best known sight is a 13th-century Cave Monastery located about a half-hour drive from Chișinău. Just up the road is a tourist centre with a small museum, restaurant and hotel. Call ahead to make sure it's open at +373 235 34 242. The cost to enter the complex is 20 lei or 15 if you are a student, but none of the locals seem to bother to stop to pay.  Six marshrutka services run between Chișinău central bus station and the tourist complex every day. In the vicinity are huge cliffs that contain another six complexes of interlocking caves. It is strongly advised to explore them with an experienced guide. The remains of a Turkish bath house is also just off the river.

 * - One of Moldova’s most prominent monasteries only 40 km (25 miles) from Chișinău. Buses run hourly in the morning from Calea Ieşilor in the Sculeni part of Chișinău.

 * (or Tighina in Romanian) - Another fortification is The Fortress of Bender, however it is being used as a military training ground and is off limits. The best views are from the bridge going towards Tiraspol.

 * - Rock monastery situated by Nistru river in mid-eastern Moldova.

Do

 * Visit wine cellars

Money
The leu (plural: lei) is the currency of Moldova (ISO 4217 code MDL). Like the Romanian leu, the Moldovan leu is subdivided into 100 bani (singular: ban). The name of the currency originates in Romania, and means "lion".

Visit at least one piața to see the Soviet memorabilia, but be careful as sellers may charge foreigners much higher prices than locals.

Banknotes are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 lei. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 bani, 1, 2, 5 and 10 lei.

Shopping
Local wine is of superb quality and cheap in comparison to other countries, but for political reasons is mostly unknown in Western Europe.

Tipping
Moldovans are not accustomed to tipping.

Eat
Chișinău is a good place for gourmands. There are a lot of good places to eat all over Chișinău.

Cheap, tasty food that is very popular with the locals is served in most places. For better service and more diverse food, there are a lot of small restaurants and cafés. Good restaurants have prices comparable to those elsewhere in Europe. For a quick lunch, fast food and pizza shops are recommended; these can be found at nearly every corner. For groceries, there are small shops all over. Some are even in front of apartment blocks just a few steps away from the entrances. For harder-to-find items, go to the supermarkets. For fresh fruits and vegetables, markets are a great place to shop. Most of the products are local, but there are a lot of sellers who to sell imported stuff, mostly oranges, bananas and other tropical fruits and vegetables. Meat and meat products are best purchased from supermarkets or shops. The quality is much better than from the market, and the prices aren't much higher.

While in Moldova, make sure you try at least some of the traditional dishes: Mămăligă, plăcintă and sarmale are essential for a complete experience during your visit to Moldova. For the full experience these should be accompanied by homemade wine.

Drink
Moldova has a long tradition of local wine. The reds are especially popular throughout the country. Most Moldovan villagers grow their own grapes and press their own wine, and many standard rural households will press thousands of litres per year.

The nightlife of Chișinău is also quite spectacular compared to what could be expected. It is the host of many clubs and bars that are equal in every aspect to many other places throughout Eastern Europe.

Sleep
Accommodation in Chișinău is surprisingly expensive and there is no shortage of €100 a night options. Most hotel prices are listed in euros but some are listed in US dollars.

Many smaller towns will have a Soviet relic hotel complete with service with a frown. Rates will be high for what you're getting. In many places it's possible to pay about €10 to stay in a local's house. This is an informal arrangement and can only be organized by talking to people upon arrival but it is well worth considering if you want to get out into the countryside.

Hostels. Hostelling is still in its infancy in Moldova, but there are a few nice hostels to be found in Chișinău. Amongst others Chișinău Hostel and Central Youth Hostel. Prices range from US$10–20.

Apartments. Many people in Chișinău rent out apartments. The location and quality can vary. Many are also not very modern. You may want to use a booking company as it may be hard to find people who speak English. Price €20–50.

Learn
While none are internationally accredited, there are universities in Chișinău, Bălți and Cahul.

Work
The unemployment rate in Moldova is one of the highest in Europe. In addition, salaries are very low. Many Moldovans go to work overseas.

For foreigners, it may be interesting to work in highly qualified industries, where, nevertheless, salaries are not as high as in most of Europe, although it is easy to get a work visa or work permit. The minimum wage here is about €125, and the average salary is €250-300.

Good doctors (especially dentists), IT specialists, economists, teachers of English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, German, Polish, Turkish are especially appreciated here. To teach languages, you must know Romanian or Russian.

Stay safe
Visitors to Moldova for business or romance should be aware of the potential risk of scams, particularly if first contact was made on the Internet. See International financial scams and Russian Internet dating schemes.

Corrupt police and border guards may try to extort bribe money but 'normal' crime rates are low. Locals are generally very friendly and will go to great lengths to provide hospitality to foreigners. You can expect a lengthy, and inevitably boozy, meal to be offered to you just in your honour.

Conservative dress must be worn at religious sites. Shorts are forbidden and women must cover their heads inside monasteries and churches.

While bribery and police corruption are still problems in Moldova, the situation is improving. It is still advised that tourists have the number of their embassy and the contact information of where they are staying. Foreigners are also required to have their passports on them at all times. There is however usually no one checking this in any normal setting.

Alcohol consumption can also be a problem. Running into drunks especially at night is common. Most are friendly; they often come off as aggressive and will invade your personal space. This can be scary the first couple of times. Politely walking away normally works. People coming from a country where less alcohol is consumed can find themselves becoming the drunks.

Stay healthy
Very few healthcare facilities are on par with Western standards, and accessibility may be hindered if you're not proficient in Romanian and/or Russian.

In the event of a serious medical emergency, it is strongly recommended that you make every effort to seek medical care elsewhere. Neighbouring Romania may have better healthcare facilities than neighbouring Ukraine.

The US Embassy in Moldova maintains a list of facilities that provide services in English. Refer to for more information.

The heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater. If you are concerned, water for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene should be taken from a known safe source, as ordinary water treatment, including boiling, does not remove such chemical contamination.

Respect
Tourists are likely to attract stares from the locals. Do not be alarmed or surprised; this doesn't indicate hostility, but rather, curiosity. This may cause some to treat you as a "walking wallet" or someone who is "wealthy". If you feel like you are about to be scammed by someone, simply ignore them or tell them to go away. Don't feel the need to be polite with scammers; nobody should put up with such behavior.

Women
Women are widely respected in Moldovan society, perhaps more so than any other country in Europe. There are many female mayors in Moldova and there are many women who have high positions in the government, including the president since 2020.

As is the case throughout the former USSR, women are traditionally treated with chivalry in Moldova. Women should not be surprised or alarmed if their male Moldovan friends take the initiative to pay the bills at a restaurant, open every door in front of them, and/or help them carry items or objects. Men should understand that these nuances will be expected by Moldovan women.

In rural areas, it is a social taboo for women to smoke or drink alcohol.

Politics
Moldovan political discourse tends to be polarizing. Moldovans are divided into three opposing camps − those who favor closer ties with the European Union, those who favor closer ties with Russia, and those who want Moldova to be committed to neutrality.

You should be mindful of discussing the following political subjects:

 * The possibility of Romania and Moldova unifying is a sensitive issue in certain circles, especially among pro-Russian Moldovans.

 * Avoid bringing up the Transnistria conflict; it can be a very sensitive topic of discussion and many Moldovans are opposed to Transnistrian independence.

 * Moldova's relationship with Russia is a complex topic of conversation; while some in Gagauzia and Transnistria have favorable opinions of Russia, some pro-European Moldovans, especially supporters of the Sandu administration, do not have positive opinions of the Russian government. Some Moldovans feel that Russia hasn't done enough to acknowledge the role the Soviets played in causing a mass famine in the country during the mid-1940s.

 * The possibility of Moldova joining the European Union is a highly sensitive issue among pro-Russian Moldovans. Avoid bringing it up in front of people in Gagauzia and Transnistria.

 * Identity can be a highly sensitive issue in Moldova; most identify as "Moldovan", while some identify as "Romanian" (common among pro-European and unionist Moldovans). This also applies to language as well; even though Romanian is the official language of Moldova, some refer to it as "Moldovan". The foolproof method is to ask someone what they identify as, if they're comfortable discussing it, that is.

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

title: Moldova


text:
Mole National Park

Mole National Park is the largest and most frequently visited national park in Ghana. It is reasonably well set up to cater for tourists and although it is more expensive than many other parts of Ghana it is well worth a visit.

There is an entrance fee for the park. The fee is reduced for students, but foreign university IDs are not always honored, so it may be worthwhile to apply for an ISIC (international student ID) card.

Get in
Mole is described as 'easy to get to'. This isn't entirely accurate but it is certainly easier than many other places in Ghana! Your options are:

Bus - Daily services run from Tamale, nearest airport, to Mole, these take approximately 6 hours and leave Tamale mid-afternoon and Mole early morning (~5AM). This is the most reliable way of getting to Mole on public transport. Other buses also run from Bole to Tamale, stopping at Larabanga (approx 3 km from Mole). A Daily Metro Mass leaves Wa around 6AM and stops in Larabanga as well. From Larabange you can catch a tro-tro or hitch a ride into Mole NP.

Tro-tro - Run from Tamale and Bole, stopping at Larabanga, but be warned the road is bad and it won't be a comfortable journey.

Chartered Taxi - It is possible to charter a taxi in Tamale to take you to Mole, this will probably take about 3 hours and will be a bumpy and quite expensive journey but perhaps worth it if time is short.

Private Car - Now you do not need a 4x4 vehicle to make a trip to Mole National Park: the roads are paved and a simple sedan car is good enough. The trip should take you about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from Tamale, and it is by far the most comfortable and most expensive way to travel to Mole. Some rentals come with drivers, and should you stay overnight, the driver's lodging expense will be included in the rental fee.

Get around
Within the park your only realistic option is to walk or charter a jeep for a tour (walking or driving outside the motel grounds is strictly forbidden unless you have an armed ranger with you). A few taxis are available in nearby Larabanga (3 km away), but the road between Mole and Larabanga is hot with very little shade so if you are planning on walking between the two, take lots of water.

See

Mole has the widest range of wildlife in Ghana. You'll see elephants, antelope, bushbucks, monkeys, warthogs, baboons and other smaller wildlife.

It is rumored that lions exist in the park but even the wardens haven't seen any traces for a few years. The last lion sighting in August 2004 was immediately followed by a serious poaching incident resulting in the capture and killing of a male lion the following day.

Do
Within the park:
 * Go on a walking safari with an armed ranger. These usually take place in the late afternoon (~4PM) and the early morning (~6AM), depending on the number of people staying you should be able to have a ranger for each group. This is a wonderful experience and a real opportunity to get close to the wildlife.
 * Alternatively you can charter a 4x4 to go on a driving safari (again with an armed ranger), this gives you the opportunity to cover a much wider area of the park. The vehicle accommodates up to seven passengers.
 * Or you can just relax at the motel's viewing platform which overlooks a watering hole, you will generally see herds of elephants grazing and bathing in the early morning or evening few hours before the sun sets.
 * The motel has a swimming pool for those who are bored with nature.

Surrounding area:
 * Larabanga has the oldest and best preserved example of a mud and stick mosque in Ghana. Although it is worth a visit if you are going to Mole the experience does tend to be a bit mercenary and you are not allowed inside. If you are interested in mud and stick mosques, it is a better bet to visit the ones in the Upper West region.

Buy
There is a souvenir shop, but the prices tend to be higher than in other parts of Ghana.

If you prefer a particular brand of cigarettes, bring them, but Ballantine's (found all over Ghana) and also the humorously-named Tuskers are available at the staff canteen (near the museum).

Eat
The motel has a restaurant attached which serves reasonable western style and local food, although the prices are slightly higher than in other parts of the north, this is your only option in Mole.

Traditional Ghanaian food in large helpings is also available in the staff canteen beside the safari office at lower prices than the restaurant.

Drink
The motel restaurant serves the usual range of juices, bottled water, beer, liquor, and wine.

Water and other beverages were also less expensive at the staff canteen. However, food orders did need to be placed several hours in advance.

Sleep
A wide range of accommodation is available at the motel from budget hostel style accommodation to en-suite chalets with A/C overlooking the watering hole. The prices are higher than in other parts of the north, but again the motel is the only option for accommodation within the park itself. Prices (as of August 2009) are 12 cedis for dormitory bunkbed; 51 cedis for a double room with A/C and private bath; 49 cedis for a family room with three single beds and private bath; and 59 cedis for an en-suite chalet with A/C. The power and water supply are occasionally erratic, but generally pretty reliable and the location - set on a cliff overlooking a watering hole - can't be beat.

It is also possible to camp near the motel, or at a number of other campsites throughout the park. The campsite near the motel has running water, but be aware that warthogs and baboons sometimes sneak into the campsite and raid the trash bins.

If you can't afford the prices at the Mole Motel, you can take a short-ish walk to the nearest village by taking a right turn out of the park and travelling for about 5-6 km down the road to Larabanga. Although there is no public transport along this route you can often hitch a lift in a car with some locals. In Larabanga there are two guesthouses - the Savannah and Salia Brothers guesthouse, run by both of the Salia brothers. These offer rooms at around 5 cedis. The guesthouses are more likely to accommodate large groups.

title: Mole National Park


text:
Molfetta

Molfetta is a town in the province of Bari in the Italian region of Apulia (Puglia). The city has always had a strong bond with the sea and with the other cities of the Mediterranean.

Understand
Molfetta is a town of almost 60,000 inhabitants.

Over time, many peoples passed from Molfetta, from the Byzantines to the Lombards, from the Saracens to the Swabians. Frederick II of Swabia named Molfetta "royal city". During the period of the Crusades, Molfetta acquired notoriety as a renowned stop during the journey to the Holy Land.

There were also numerous artists that the city gave to the world, among all: the painter Corrado Giaquinto, the sculptors Giulio Cozzoli and Filippo Cifariello, the composers Luigi Capotorti and Angelo Inglese, the philosopher Pantaleo Carabellese and the writer and poet Dino Claudio.

Climate
Molfetta enjoys a mild and comfortable climate in the spring and autumn months. In summer, temperatures can reach and exceed 30 °C during the day, but the city offers numerous free-to-use beaches and lidos.

Get in
It is about 25 km north-west of Bari.

By plane
The nearest airport is Bari Palese.

By car
From the A14 motorway, exit at Molfetta and turn left onto Provincial Road 112.

From the SS 16 Adriatica, take the Molfetta Nord, Molfetta Centro or Molfetta Sud exit.

Get around
Most of Molfetta's points of interest are located near the Borgo, and can all be visited on foot. The historic centre, Piazza Municipio and Banchina Seminario are ZTL: only residents' vehicles or those with a permit can access them.

Urban public transport is provided by 5 bus lines.

Eat
Molfetta's gastronomy is very vast, it includes simple, rustic dishes, and more refined dishes, designed to conquer the interest and pleasure of gourmets. As Molfetta is a maritime city, traditional Molfetta dishes can only be based on fish; among these we remember the famous one which consists of a soup of fresh boiled rock fish together with a sauté of fresh tomatoes, garlic and parsley in extra virgin olive oil.

title: Molfetta


text:
Moline

Moline is one of the Quad Cities in Western Illinois. Moline's downtown serves as one of the civic and recreational hubs of the Quad Cities; many events take place at the 12,000-seat TaxSlayer Center (formerly known as The MARK of the Quad Cities and iWireless Center) and at John Deere Commons.

Understand
Moline is in Rock Island County, and has an estimated population of 42,000 in 2018. Moline is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The corporate headquarters of Deere & Company is in Moline, as is Quad City International Airport, Black Hawk College, and the Quad Cities campus of Western Illinois University. Moline is a retail hub for the Illinois Quad Cities, as Southpark Mall and numerous big-box shopping plazas are in the city.

In the mid-1990s, the city undertook major efforts to revitalize its central business district, which had declined after suburban growth and retail changes after the 1950s and 1960s.

Get in
Moline is about 165 miles west of Chicago and midway between Minneapolis to the north and St. Louis to the South. 37.4 million people reside within a 300-mile radius of Moline, which comprises almost 13% of the nation’s population. Moline and its neighbors help form the largest urban concentration between St. Louis and Minneapolis along the Mississippi River. Major interstates I-80, I-88 and I-74 provide ready access in all directions.

By plane

 * Four airlines offer non-stop flights from major markets primarily in the Midwest, the South and Southwest United States.
 * Allegiant with direct service from: Las Vegas, Orlando-Stanford, Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda/Fort Meyers, St. Petersburg-Clearwater
 * American Eagle with direct service from: Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth
 * Delta & Delta Connection with direct service from: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul
 * United Express with direct service from: Chicago, Denver
 * Major rental car companies serve the airport and there are also taxi and shuttle companies available. There is generally not a line of taxis at the airport, but there is a list of taxi companies, as well as shuttle services, associated with the airport on the Ground Transportation page of the airport's website. It is best to make arrangements before arrival.  MetroLINK Route 20 bus, also known as Route 20 Blue, makes two stops an hour at the terminal near the baggage claim area.  It terminates at Centre Station in downtown Moline and connections can be made to other Illinois destinations.  Iowa connections can be made via Bettendorf Transit Route 1, however, it is best to make other arraignments..

Get around
You can see all of the Quad Cities from the Channel Cat Water Taxi, an open-air boat that transports people and bicycles to Iowa and Illinois shorelines.

Quad Cities MetroLINK serves Moline and the other Illinois Quad Cities.

Consulates

 * 🇧🇪 Belgium

title: Moline


text:
Molise

Molise (Neapolitan: Mulìse) is a region of Southern Italy, on the Adriatic sea. It is Italy's second smallest region by land area, the second least populous and also the least known one. In spite of this, the region is rich in sights to offer to tourists intent on exploring this unexplored region.

By plane
Since Molise doesn't have airports the best choice is Abruzzo International Airport, in the Adriatic city of Pescara. Another possibility is Rome Fiumicino Airport. The regional bus company ATM offers connections with Pescara and Roma Tiburtina railway station, which is linked to Rome Airport.

By train
The main railway is the Adriatic railway, that crosses Molise along its coast. It provides efficient connections from the major cities of Northern Italy like Bologna, Milan and Turin, as well as from Apulia's main towns.

For more info visit the site of Trenitalia, the main railway operator of the country.

By car
Two toll motorways can be useful to reach the region: For more info you can check the site of Autostrade per l'Italia.
 * Autostrada A1 Italia.svg — Sun Motorway (Milan-Naples), exit of San Vittore del Lazio to reach Venafro in few minutes
 * Autostrada A14 Italia.svg — Adriatic Motorway (Bologna-Taranto), passes through Termoli and the molisan coast

By train
The railways system of the region has a total length of 265 km (164 mi) and counts 28 stations. Besides the Adriatic railway other internal lines are: For more info visit the site of Trenitalia, the main railway operator of the country.
 * Campobasso-Termoli railway (temporarily closed since 2016)
 * Isernia-Campobasso railway
 * Rocca d'Evandro-Venafro railway
 * Vairano-Isernia railway

By car
Renting a car is probably the best choice to discover Molise. Strade statali (trunk roads) can be used for reaching internal destinations as well as the surrounding regions:
 * Strada Statale 17 Italia.svg — dell'Appennino Abruzzese e Appulo Sannitica, links Antrodoco to Foggia
 * Strada Statale 85 Italia.svg — Venafrana, links Teano to Pescolanciano
 * Strada Statale 87 Italia.svg — Sannitica, links Benevento to Termoli
 * Strada Statale 212 Italia.svg — della Val Fortore, links Benevento to Ripabottoni
 * Strada Statale 627 Italia.svg — della Vandra, links Sora to Isernia
 * Strada Statale 645 Italia.svg — Fondo Valle del Tappino, links Campobasso to Gambatesa
 * Strada Statale 647 Italia.svg — Fondo Valle del Biferno, links Bojano to Guglionesi
 * Strada Statale 650 Italia.svg — Fondo Valle Trigno, links Isernia to San Salvo
 * Strada Statale 652 Italia.svg — Fondo Valle Sangro, links Cerro al Volturno to Fossacesia

Archaeological sites

 * — The Lower Palaeolithic site of Isernia-La Pineta and numerous traces of its Roman period.
 * — The remarkable Roman Amphitheater and Roman Forum of the important ancient town of Larinum.
 * — The Theater and the Italic temple, parts of the sacred area of the Roman city of Bovianum Vetus.
 * — The Italic temple dating from the Samnite age.
 * — A 5th-century Benedictine Abbey rich of frescoes.
 * — Relevant remains of the Samnite village of Saipins and the Roman city of Saepinum.
 * — The Italic temple, built by the Samnites during the 2nd century BC.
 * — Important remains of Samnite and Roman ages like the Amphitheater, a visitable aqueduct, a Theater and the urban walls.

Castles

 * Angevin Castle in Civitacampomarano
 * Castello D'Alessandro in Pescolanciano
 * Castello Di Capua in Gambatesa
 * Castello Monforte in Campobasso
 * Castello Pandone in Cerro al Volturno
 * Castle of Roccamandolfi
 * Castello Sanfelice in Bagnoli del Trigno
 * National Museum of Castello Pandone in Venafro
 * Swabian castle in Termoli

Museums

 * Antiquarium of Saepinum-Altilia
 * Archaeological Museum of Isernia-Santa Maria delle Monache
 * Archaeological Museum of Venafro
 * Civic Museum of Larino
 * Civic Museum of Memory and History in Isernia
 * International Museum of the Bell in Agnone
 * International Museum of the World Wars of Rocchetta al Volturno
 * Museo di Comunità della Festa del Grano of Jelsi
 * Mysteries' Museum of Campobasso
 * National Paleolithic Museum of Isernia-La Pineta
 * Samnite Museum of Campobasso
 * Winter Line permanent exhibition in Venafro

Nature reserves

 * National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise
 * Collemeluccio Nature reserve
 * Guardiaregia-Campochiaro Regional nature reserve (WWF Oasis)
 * Oasis Le Mortine (WWF Oasis)
 * Oasis of Bosco Casale (Casacalenda) (LIPU Oasis)
 * Montedimezzo Nature reserve
 * Pesche Nature reserve
 * Regional Park of the Olive Tree of Venafro
 * Torrente Callora Nature reserve

Villages

 * — Important ski resort of Alto Molise.
 * — Delightful ancient village with typical stone houses.
 * — Located at 800 meters of height on the border with Abruzzo and surrounded by beautiful apple orchards.
 * — A center of Norman origins surrounded by the dense forests of Alto Molise.
 * — Situated in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, it has preserved its three medieval gates.
 * — Relevant religious architectures and the most authentic cuisine of the region.
 * — Of Samnite origin, declared reserve of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
 * — In the uncontaminated nature of Alto Molise, renowned for the production of truffles.
 * — Mountain village with relevant monuments and a Regional Nature reserve rich of flora and fauna.

Drink

 * Biferno — One of the most prestigious DOC wines of the region. It counts four varieties: red, red reserve, rosè and white.
 * Pentro di Isernia — A DOC wine which counts three varieties: red, rosè and white.
 * Tintilia del Molise — A DOC wine characterized by intense flavor and color. It counts three varieties: red, red reserve and rosè.

For a longer list of Molise's wines:

Stay safe
Theft, robberies and violent crimes are extremely rare. The region is generally safe.

title: Molise


text:
Molokai

Molokaʻi is the fifth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Understand
Molokaʻi was first settled around 650AD by peoples most likely from the Marquesas Islands. Later migrants likely came from Tahiti and other south Pacific islands. Although Captain James Cook sighted Molokaʻi in 1778, the first European sailor to visit the island was Captain George Dixon in 1786. The first significant European influence came in 1832 when a Protestant mission was established at Kalua'aha on the East End of the island by Reverend Harvey Hitchcock. In the late 1800s, King Kamehameha V built a vacation home in Kaunakakai and was responsible for the planting of over 1,000 coconut trees in Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove.

Kalaupapa, located on an isolated peninsula on the northern side of Molokaʻi, was the site of a leper settlement from 1866 to 1969. Thousands of men, women and children living throughout the Hawaiian islands diagnosed with Leprosy (also known as Hansen's Disease) were forcibly exiled to the colony by the Hawaiian government and legally declared dead. They were not allowed to leave the settlement or have visitors and were forced to live out their days in this isolated settlement. There are no active cases of leprosy on the island, but there are some patients who chose to continue to live in the settlement after its closure.

, is a small but the largest town on the island, one of two small ports on the island. Sometimes it is considered to be the "capital" of Molokai, but officially the whole island is in the County of Maui.

Molokaʻi is distinguished as the longtime residence of Father Damien de Veuster, a Belgian priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and Mother Marianne Cope of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Syracuse, New York, both of whom have been canonized Roman Catholic Saints for their treatment and care given during the 19th century to sufferers of leprosy in Kalaupapa.

By boat
There used to be a ferry between Molokaʻi and Maui, but it stopped service October 27, 2016. Daily from Lahaina to Kaunakakai, Molokai. $85 round trip.

Get around
The island is about 17 miles long and 10 miles across. A rental car is necessary to get around.

Many of the sights and beaches are spread out across the island so a car or tour bus is the best way to get around.

 * MKK Airport location.
 * MKK Airport location.

For shorter distances, mules and horses are another option.

See

 * Kalaupapa Guided Mule Tour offers fly-in tours from Oahu and Molokai, hiking permits and guided mule tours.
 * Father Damien Tours offers one-day tours from Oahu with Waikiki hotel pickup and round-trip flight
 * Kalaupapa Guided Mule Tour offers fly-in tours from Oahu and Molokai, hiking permits and guided mule tours.
 * Father Damien Tours offers one-day tours from Oahu with Waikiki hotel pickup and round-trip flight

 * Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, Highway 460 about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Kaunakakai.
 * Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, Highway 460 about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Kaunakakai.
 * Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, Highway 460 about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Kaunakakai.

Beaches
West End

Central

East End

Do

 * Mule rides

Waterfall hikes
Moaula and Hipuapua Falls are located on private land above Halawa Valley. The path is not well marked and you will need a guide to obtain permission and lead you to the falls. Both falls can, however, be viewed from multiple lookouts along Highway 450. Moaula Falls is a double-tiered fall which drops a total of 250 feet into a pool at the bottom. Native flowers, mangoes, ginger, ha'u trees and ancient taro patches line the hike.

Buy
Kaunakakai is not a tourist shopping mecca. In town itself you will find a couple grocery stores of the Mom and Pop variety. There is a drug store, ice cream store, health food store, and several sundry stores.

Eat
Do not look for the typical fast food in Kaunakakai or, for that matter, on Molokai. There is one single Subway Sandwich shop, the Molokai Pizza Cafe and the Molokai Drive-In. Hotel Molokai is right on the water front and offers a full menu with special local entertainment every Friday evening. For a special experience try the Kanemitsu's Bakery. People wait in line for their Hawaiian bread and cream pies are renowned.

Drink
Hotel Molokai is a great place to relax with your favorite drink, listen to the entertainment and watch the waves. In the distance you can see Lanai.

Sleep
Molokaʻi vacation rental options include the three west end condominium choices, Paniolo Hale, Ke Nani Kai and Kaluakoi Villas. Two other condo options are Molokai Shores in central Molokaʻi and Wavecrest Resort on the island's east end. There are a few bed & breakfast and other unique choices.

 * Private beach houses and bungalows are available on the west end and along the fringing reef of Molokaʻi east end.
 * Private beach houses and bungalows are available on the west end and along the fringing reef of Molokaʻi east end.

Camping
There are two state parks on this island which allow camping. Both have showers and bathrooms.

Go next

 * Maui
 * Honolulu

title: Molokai


text:
Mombasa

Mombasa with a population of 1.2 million (2019), is the second-largest city in Kenya and its main port city. It is particularly known for its warm and sunny climate, white beaches and coral reef diving.

Understand
Mombasa is Kenya's main tourist destination. It is on the eastern coastline of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers a diverse marine life, world-class hotels and friendly atmosphere. There is a tropical climate all year and it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.

Mombasa is one of the oldest cities in sub-Saharan Africa, and its precise date of founding remains unknown. The first accounts of Mombasa date back to the 12th century, when the Arab geographer Al Idrisi mentioned it as a prosperous trading post in his writings. Pre-colonial Mombasa was a prosperous city state in a region of East Africa known as the Swahili Coast, which also included other city states such as Zanzibar and Kilwa Kisiwani, and a main centre for trade between Africa and the Arab World, with trade routes even going as far as India and China. At different points in history, Mombasa would be ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British. The city's culture today still exhibits that of its pasts. Historical ruins like Fort Jesus and the Old Town are attractions that display the history in Mombasa.

The central part of the city, Mvita, is an island in a river delta, accessed by bridges and from the south by ferries operating around the clock. It is a very cosmopolitan city, and you can see a group of Muslims wearing niqab (here known as "bui bui") and Giryama people wearing almost nothing at the same time and place.

Together with Nairobi, it is the only place in the country that has a status as both city and county.

Orientation
The city of Mombasa is divided into four administrative divisions. These are clearly geographically defined and are therefore useful for orientation.

As in many other metropolises, it is difficult to distinguish the newer areas from the original city (Mvita). By 2009, 90% of the urban area was built up. And as in all major Sub-Saharan African cities, there are several shantytowns in the suburbs. The largest is Kisauni-Kongowea in Kisauni, and others include Chaani-Magongo and Miritini in Changamwe as well as Mtongwe in Likoni.

Most hotels and activities are concentrated on the island of Mvita and along the northern coast in the Kisauni division.

Climate

The climate is tropical with a major rain season between mid-April and late May and a minor wet season in October and November. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer, with temperatures above 32°C, occurs in January and March. At just 4° south of the Equator, the variation in temperature is relatively small.

History
The first urban area was founded near what today is known as Old Town around 900 AD by a man named Sheheh Mvita. Its strategic position along the maritime route to India caused the city to be coveted by many powers, and it was a notable port for the ivory and spice trades.

Several travellers and explorers passed through the region starting no later than the 1st century, but the first written record of the city was by the Moroccan Ibn Battuta in 1330. It said Mombasa was "a very rural island without territorial dependency on the continent with mosques and forests and the inhabitants nourishing themselves on bananas and fish". On 7 April 1498, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived and stayed for six days, and this was the end of peace in this small town. Under orders of Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese returned to pillage the village in 1505 and 1528 before capturing it in 1529. They constructed Fort Jesus in 1593, together with five smaller forts, and made Mombasa a Portuguese stronghold on the route to India. The years between 1600 and 1832 were marked by successive battles between the Portuguese and the Sultanate of Oman, who conquered it.

In 1856 the sultanate of Muscat and Oman split into two and Mombasa fell into the sphere of the sultanate of Zanzibar, of which it was part until it was conquered by Britain in 1895. Mombasa served as capital of the East Africa Protectorate from 1898-1905. During this time the city's new port and the railway to Uganda were constructed. The East Africa Protectorate was dissolved in 1920 and the area was thereafter known as the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya. Mombasa remained the capital of Kenya until the country attained independence in 1963, and has served as a provincial capital ever since.

Get in

Mombasa is an important node for all forms of transportation. It is the end of the Trans-African Route 8 from Lagos and of the railway to Uganda. It has an international airport, Moi Airport, and one of Eastern Africa's most important ports, Kilindini, which is also the main port for goods to Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

By plane
The flight between Nairobi and Mombasa takes some 45 minutes, enough time for a cold drink and a view of the Tsavo East National Park. The flag carrier Kenya Airways, as well as the low-cost airlines Jambojet, and Fly540 (Five Forty Aviation) fly this route. There are direct flights from European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Verona and also from Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Doha, Dubai, Entebbe, Kigali, Istanbul, Moroni, and Zanzibar.
 * Money exchange: At the exit from the airport to the right is an ATM, where you can withdraw Kenya Shilling with your card (ensure the card works in Kenya at your bank). This is much cheaper than cash exchange. A bank for exchange is also available at the airport.
 * Money exchange: At the exit from the airport to the right is an ATM, where you can withdraw Kenya Shilling with your card (ensure the card works in Kenya at your bank). This is much cheaper than cash exchange. A bank for exchange is also available at the airport.

By boat

There are three ways to get to Mombasa by boat: by private boat, cruise ship or ferry.

By private boat
On Mombasa Island there are two sailing clubs open to non-members and two hotels with marinas open to non-guests.

By cruise ship
Some companies offer cruises that call at Mombasa:

By ferry
If you are arriving overland from the south, you need to cross the river by taking the Likoni Ferry.

By train

In June 2017, a new, 530-km-long railway line from Nairobi reduced the journey to about five hours. State-of-the-art rapid-trains are in use. A ticket for economy class is about Ksh 1000 while a 1st class ticket is about Ksh 3000. The difference between economy and 1st class is that seats are more spacious in first class. Kenya Railways operates several trains per day on the route.

A commuter rail system linking Mombasa Terminus with the old railway terminal in central Mombasa is under construction and expected to open in 2024.

By bus
Buses, while not a major mode of transportation within the city, are mostly used for travelling outside the city. The major player in transportation in Mombasa City is Matatu, which are mostly 14-seater minibuses, and are quite popular amongst the residents.

 * The one-way non air condition bus fare to Nairobi is from Ksh 1000 and the trip takes at least 12 hours by day or 10 hours by night. (Best to take a five hour air condition express train).
 * bus Companies operating this route include Mash Poa, Coastbus, Dreamliner, Spanish Coach, and Modern Coast Express.
 * Dreamliner Mombasa Road. Nairobi and Malindi.
 * Spanish Coach Mombasa Road. Nairobi.
 * Buscar Mombasa Road. Nairobi and Malindi.
 * Dreamliner Mombasa Road. Nairobi and Malindi.
 * Spanish Coach Mombasa Road. Nairobi.
 * Buscar Mombasa Road. Nairobi and Malindi.
 * Spanish Coach Mombasa Road. Nairobi.
 * Buscar Mombasa Road. Nairobi and Malindi.

By car
Kenya drives on the left and it will likely take some time to adapt to the local traffic culture. Drive in daytime only and keep the car doors locked, especially in urban areas. In Kenya foreign drivers must have an international driver's licence. These can be obtained through automobile clubs, travel agencies, or from the Road Transport Office located in the Income Tax House in Nairobi.

Most international rental agencies are present at least at Nairobi airport. From Nairobi, the distance to Mombasa is 525 km and the drive takes 6-12 hours, depending on the presence of police controls along the road, congestion on the section between Mariakani and Mombasa and the breaks you take. Voi is a good place to stop for lunch (this is also where buses stop).

From central Nairobi, take route 104 (Huhuru Highway) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Athi River. From there route 109 to Mombasa.

Get around
The traffic will likely appear chaotic to a westerner. Traffic laws are not respected, even when police are present.

By minibus
There is no regular public transportation network in the city. The closest equivalent are the aforementioned matatus (minivans) of which there are about 3500 (licensed ones have stickers on the windshields) in the city. They're cheap — ask someone at the hotel what the going rate is and don't let them scam you. Don't expect to be comfortable; as the drivers want to take as many passengers as possible, you will often be crammed in like a sardine. A matatu ride starts from Ksh 20 just to go 500m (2018)but count on paying double if you want a vehicle which conforms to the traffic legislation. Certain lines connect Mombasa and Malandi, the ride taking about two hours at a price of Ksh 350. Alternatively, book a shuttle bus to collect you from your accommodation and drop you directly at your accommodation in Mombasa - this is more expensive costing around Ksh 1000, but is much quicker and far less hassle. The shuttles can be booked online and are run by Hakuna Mutatu Bus .

By tuk-tuk and motorcycle
For the more adventurous there are tuk-tuks (motorized trikes with a cabin for the passengers) and boda-bodas (bicycle taxis). The latter is a rather dangerous and scary mode of getting around. The price for a tuk-tuk ride is Ksh 50-100 and boda-boda around Ksh 50. You can get a Tuk-tuk to the new railway station for Ksh250 per person. or 300m from the airport for ksh200 per person.

By taxi
Official and unofficial taxis are also available. Taxis don't have taxi signs on the roof, but license papers stuck to the windshields. The ride is in general paid beforehand after some negotiation and you can expect the driver to stop at a service station to fill up just the necessary amount to get you to your destination. A ride from the airport to central Mombasa costs Ksh 1000-3000 (2018). A much cheaper alternative to regular taxis are the shuttle services Uber, Taxify, Little, Mondo Ride, MaraMoja. You can get fares online and thereby avoid getting overcharged, as many taxi drivers like to do to tourists. A cheaper alternative is a shared taxi: Hakuna Mutatu Bus operates on the Kenya Coast and a ride from Mombasa costs roughly Ksh 1000 and takes 1hr 30min. The shared taxi is a door-to-door service, meaning you will be collected from your current accommodation in Mombasa, Kilifi or Watamu and dropped directly at your next accommodation in Diani.

By car
It is also possible to rent a car with or without a driver. If you need to get around a lot but are scared of driving, you can usually negotiate fares for longer periods (e.g. one day) with taxi drivers. Do this only after a "test ride", as taxi drivers are not always knowledgeable of the city.

See

Considering Mombasa's action-filled history, surprisingly there are only a handful of sights. The nature and a slew of different activities is what makes Mombasa interesting for visitors. In addition to these, there are a couple of sights within 20-30 km north, west and south of Mombasa. These are listed under.

Mombasa was a military base during both world wars, and there are two military cemeteries:

Beaches and water
Even as the 13½ km of white sand beaches along the coast would tempt you to do nothing but bathing in the sun and the sea, Mombasa also offers other kinds of activities. All beaches in Kisauni offer camel rides and on Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Bamburi you can rent bikes too. There are also guided walks on the beaches.

There are 3 main beaches north of Mombasa. First is Nyali Beach which is frequented mostly by locals as the water quality is not very good due to the closeness to the town that has no functioning waste water treatment plants. The next is Bamburi Beach. It's a very nice beach with many hotels, resorts, pubs, apartments, shops and beach boys and beach girls looking for tourist company or to sell all kinds of souvenirs. The beach is frequented a lot by locals and tourists. Its the most lively beach of Mombasa with good night live too. Shanzu Beach is the most scenic beach of Mombasa and less frequented than Bamburi Beach. Day and night life is there but less than at Bamburi beach. Further to the North are the beaches of Mtwapa.

Fishing
You can catch big fishes in Mombasa, including barracuda, yellow tuna and all three species of marlin.

Parks and greenery
Mombasa Island (Mvita) doesn't have many parks. The two best known are Uhuru Garden at Moi Avenue near the tusks and Mama Ngina Park.

Events
There are many kinds of events during the year:

Safaris and excursions
Most people who visit the coast of Kenya want to combine their stay with a safari. If you have not already booked the safari at home in the travel agency, you can also book it with local agents. There are a very large number of travel agencies that offer safaris both near the beach hotels and in the center of Mombasa. Tours are offered in every hotel and representatives try to find customers even on the beach. In addition to reputable companies, there are also private individuals who organize safaris - often illegally, in order to avoid taxes. For your own safety, you should give preference to reputable companies, even if they are a little more expensive.

For the nearby attractions without overnight stays, you can simply take a taxi. For nearby destination worth to visit see also Diani Beach and Mtwapa.

Buy

Like in all of Africa, haggling is common in small shops. Especially if you are an obvious foreigner, the initial price is usually higher than what is normally paid for the merchandise. Just make sure you don't ask for prices in English. Use the little Swahili you know so as not to overpay.

The best places for buying souvenirs are the districts of Kinyozi, Mwembe and Tayari which are surrounding Haile Selassie Road and also Biashara Street (Biashara means "commerce" in Swahili). Specialities include:
 * kitenge (vitenge in plural): fabrics decorated with colorful motifs for women to be worn around the waist or tied on the head
 * kanga: similar to kitenge but also decorated with a border running along the sides and a written Swahili proverb.
 * kikoi (vikoi in plural): the "kitenge" for men, sometimes made of wool and usually decorated with strips or tartan
 * batik: originating on Java, batik has been known on the Kenyan coast for centuries. The pieces are cloths are woven by hand but not hand painted. Should not be washed in a washing machine.
 * kiondo or chondo (vyondo in plural): handmade handbag with leather trim often beautifully decorated with beads or shells
 * ndala: hand-made sandals made from leather and old tires (for the soles), these stylish shoes are a great souvenir from Mombasa. Local craftsman use colorful beads and pieces of leather to create a vast variety of shapes and decorations. No two pairs are alike. Ksh 500.

In the old town you can find stores selling silver jewellery and small furniture handmade in typical Swahili style. Also here, haggling is the rule.

There are two important workshops selling their productions directly to customers:

Banks and ATMs

 * All the banks on this list have no ATM withdrawal fees for overseas cards (June 2023).
 * Cooperative Bank has ATMs all over Mombasa that accept Mastercard & Visa card.
 * Ecobank on Jomo Kenyatta. accept Master card & visa card.
 * GT Bank Moi Avenue accept mastercard & visa card.

Shopping malls & supermarkets

 * Nawal Centre Department store. George Margaret Road. 8:30AM-7PM. A 7-floor department store.
 * Nawal Centre Department store. George Margaret Road. 8:30AM-7PM. A 7-floor department store.
 * Nawal Centre Department store. George Margaret Road. 8:30AM-7PM. A 7-floor department store.
 * Nawal Centre Department store. George Margaret Road. 8:30AM-7PM. A 7-floor department store.
 * Nawal Centre Department store. George Margaret Road. 8:30AM-7PM. A 7-floor department store.

Eat
Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city with Arabic, Chinese, European and Indian influences, and this can be seen in the local cuisine. Many local dishes include coconut, for instance waly ya tui (basmati rice with coconut milk), kuku wa kupaka (chicken with coconut milk) and mahamri (coconut donuts with cardamom).

Budget
Pizzerias and snack bars serving Kenyan cuisine are found in Mvita and places that are frequented by tourists such as the beaches. Many hotels also offer this kind of affordable eating. If you want to try out the Kenyan cuisine in such places, check that the place is overall clean, that it does not smell of old frying oil. Moreover, ask for drinks in unopened bottles, avoid ice and peel any fruits. If you follow these tips you can have a great and affordable meal - Ksh 250 will buy you a large serving and a beer.

Self-catering
If you who want to prepare your meals yourself, the easiest and most hygienic way is to go to one of the two big supermarkets such as Naivas or Carrefour. There are two malls in Kisauni:

Drink
There are quite a number of good bars, pubs and entertainment spots in Mombasa Town and the North Coast. Nightlife is very vibrant in Mombasa and in the village Mtwapa (15km north of Mombasa, called "the village that never sleeps").

Sleep
Hardly a tourist will stay in Mombasa city, but mostly along the beaches of the north or south coast.There is a wide range of accommodation on offer in Mombasa from camping to Backpacker hostels to hotels and villas with all comforts.

Budget

 * Akogo House Backpackers . Beach Road next to Oswal academy Nyali. +254 718 909559. Double Rooms from Ksh 1300. Free Wi-Fi. Garden. On site coffee shop. Shared kitchen.
 * Akogo House Backpackers . Beach Road next to Oswal academy Nyali. +254 718 909559. Double Rooms from Ksh 1300. Free Wi-Fi. Garden. On site coffee shop. Shared kitchen.
 * Akogo House Backpackers . Beach Road next to Oswal academy Nyali. +254 718 909559. Double Rooms from Ksh 1300. Free Wi-Fi. Garden. On site coffee shop. Shared kitchen.
 * Akogo House Backpackers . Beach Road next to Oswal academy Nyali. +254 718 909559. Double Rooms from Ksh 1300. Free Wi-Fi. Garden. On site coffee shop. Shared kitchen.
 * Akogo House Backpackers . Beach Road next to Oswal academy Nyali. +254 718 909559. Double Rooms from Ksh 1300. Free Wi-Fi. Garden. On site coffee shop. Shared kitchen.

In Changamwe
Being chiefly an industrial area, Changamwe has little accommodation to offer, there are just two hotels.

In Kisauni

The hotels bordering the beaches of Nyali, Bambur and Shanzu are all equipped for arranging wedding ceremonies including religious weddings on the beach. These beach hotels are also famous for arranging Mombasa's New Year's fireworks.

In Likoni
Even as Shelly Beach is as beautiful as the ones in Kisauni, many of the beaches in Likoni, e.g. Tijara Beach, are private and can be rented (refer to the section apartments and villas). Just two hotels can be classified as three star hotels.

Apartments and villas
If you prefer something calmer than hotels, there are also apartments and villas to rent.

Mail
Mombasa has several post offices open M-F 8AM-12:30PM and 2PM-5PM.
 * in Changamwe: international airport, Changamwe-Magongo and Kipevu
 * in Kisauni: Bamburi, Kengeleni, Kisauni-Mtopanga, Mkomani and Nyali
 * in Likoni: Likoni-Ferry and Mtongwe
 * in Mvita: Docks (in the port of Kilindini), Kilindini, Makupa, Mwembe

In Mvita there's also the central post office that's open throughout the day and on Saturday:

Phone and Internet
All the Internet cafés in Mombasa have phone booths but the fees for calling abroad are very high.

Wi-Fi is widespread in the city and many hotels and restaurants offer guests free access.

Cope
Governmental offices are in general open M-F 8AM-3PM, except national holidays.

Banks
Except for the central bank, banks are open M-F 9AM-3PM and 9AM-11AM on the first and last Saturday of the month. Currency can be exchanged in all banks. You can get money from ATMs using Visa and Mastercard credit cards. If you have a Maestro debit card you can use it at the ATMs too provided you have notified your bank of your trip to Kenya.
 * All ABSA' and Standard Chartered Banks' ATMs have a Ksh 700 fee for overseas ATM cards.

Veterinary clinics
If you travel with a pet, there is one veterinary clinic in Mvita and two in Kisauni.

Houses of worship
The majority of Mombasa's inhabitants are Christians and there is also a large Muslim minority. Adherents to these religions will not have difficulties finding houses of worship. Moreover, there are many Hindu temples in the city.

The most important Christian churches are:

Consulates

 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland

Stay healthy

Consult the safety guidelines for Kenya for general safety suggestions.

The area of Mombasa has about 60 healthcare establishments from hospitals to small clinics. Some of them also have a center for control and prevention of diseases in cooperation with the U.S. governmental agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See also Department of Health - Mombasa County.

In Mvita
Mombasa's major hospitals including Kenya's second largest public hospital, Coast Grand Hospital, are situated in Mvita. In addition to the maternity section "Lady Grigg", this hospital also specializes in otolaryngology, ophthalmology and odontology. It has modern equipment and a laboratory and pharmacy that are open 24 hours. The public hospitals in Port Reitz and Likoni are smaller sub units of the Coast General Hospital.

Stay safe
Emergency number: 112

Several countries have issued warnings that the city centre is not safe during the night, that car-jacking is widespread and that robberies after sunset at the beaches can occur. Use common sense and a healthy dose of scepticism for your surroundings.

If you want to go out at night in pubs or restaurants always take a taxi, not on foot or motorbike taxi or tuktuk.

As elsewhere in Africa it's badly regarded — if not outright prohibited — to take photos or film airports, banks, military areas, police stations, troops or police officers without authorization. In general you should ask people if you may take photos of them. When walking, watch out for pickpockets and don't show off expensive electronics. When driving, keep the car doors locked both in daytime and nighttime.

The police is present on public places, especially in areas frequented by tourists like Mvita and the beaches. Public areas like the airport, post offices, banks, and malls. are guarded by security guards. Similarly, upper-class homes and apartment buildings are also guarded around the clock.

Following the intervention by the Kenyan military in Somalia, the terrorist organization Al Shabaab has committed several attacks in the country, some of them in Mombasa. In July 2014, two female tourists were murdered in separate incidents. A Russian tourist was killed in a hit and run attack in front of the Shia Sheri Mosque in the Old Town. Another female tourist was shot and killed in the Kibokoni area. The identity of the attackers are not known.

If you are sitting at an outside terrace, do not sit next to the road. You should also avoid riding matatus, immediately leave areas with ongoing demonstrations of any kind, and never visit the slums without a guide. Before exploring the city on your own, you should ask the hotel staff which areas are safe.

 * Local police stations :
 * Local police stations :
 * Local police stations :

Nearby
Some points of interest, less than 50 km from central Mombasa, can be visited on day trips.
 * are inscribed as a list, and located about 30km north of Mombasa.
 * There are two elephant sanctuaries near Mombasa: and.
 * Diani Beach - the number one beach in Kenya with a lot of beach resorts and with a primate conservation center, about 35 km south of Mombasa. 70 km south is the Msambweni Beach, a touristically untouched part of the coast.

Further away
Long distance busses all have a booking office in Mombasa Road. Matatus also leave in that area.
 * Voi 153 km (2 hr by car) - Tsavo East National Park. From Voi it's a little over 100 km to Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, located in Tanzania.
 * Malindi 116 km (2 hr by car, bus or matatu) - beach activities, the Vasco da Gama pillar where the Portuguese explorer landed
 * Lamu 336 km (5 hr by car, 1 hour by plane) - colonial beach town inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list
 * Nairobi 525 km (7 hr by car, 5 hr by train, 45 min by plane) - Kenya's capital has museums and gardens to visit.
 * Tanga Tanzania 173 km by bus, 4 hours. (Tahmeed, Emirates, Samba buses)
 * Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 515 km (12 hr by bus, 35 min plane) - the former Tanzanian capital offers museums, beaches and markets

Matatus to northern towns like Malindi leave at the Malindi Kilifi bus terminal close to New Nyali Bridge.

title: Mombasa


text:
Momence

The city of Momence is in Kankakee County in the Chicagoland region of Illinois.

Understand
Momence has a population of about 3,100 (2019).

Momence is the site of a large book distribution facility called Baker & Taylor. It is part of the Kankakee Area.

By train
The closest passenger depot is at Kankakee, which is served by the Illinois Central Railroad, a Canadian National Railway subsidiary, which provides Amtrak service. Kankakee Amtrak Amtrak ID: KKI. Address: 199 South East Avenue. If you don't mind taking two buses you can catch the River Valley Bus number 3 bus to Northfield Square mall and transfer to the Momence Commuter Bus. Ask for a bus transfer when you get on the number 3 bus. If you don't want to take two buses then call a cab or call Show Bus. Details for the Show bus are below.

By bus

 * The closest Greyhound Bus Lines stop is in Kankakee next to the Economy Inn at 2125 S Schuyler Ave. The phone number for the Greyhound bus stop is: +1 815-929-1135.  You'll need to ride a cab or take the Show Bus to continue to Momence.
 * Show Bus is a shuttle bus that runs between Kankakee and Momence. The round trip fare is $2. Call +1-800-525-2454 for reservations.  Buses run every hour between 4AM and 5PM.
 * River Valley Metro (+1 815-937-4287) operates bus service between Momence, Northfield Square Mall, Walmart and the Metro Centre transfer stop in Bourbonnais, north of Kankakee.

By car
Momence is located on Illinois State Highway 1; Illinois State Highway 17; and is the western terminus of Illinois State Highway 114.

By plane
Momence, and the Kankakee Area, is served by the non-commercial Greater Kankakee Airport, ID: IKK.

By bus
River Valley Metro (+1 815-937-4287) operates a line along North Range Street and Gladiolus Street between Mechanics Street and Hardin Street at the Baker and Taylor before returning to Borbonnais. Buses run M-F 5AM – 10:30PM, Sa 7AM – 10:30PM, Sunday and holidays 8AM – 5PM. The fare is $2 and buses run every hour.

Momence is also served by the Show Bus Public Transportation System.

Phone
The telephone area code 815 serves Momence.

Post
The United States Postal Service Zip Code is 60954.

Newspaper
Momence is served by the weekly Momence Progress Reporter.

Radio
The local AM radio station is WKAN 1320 AM, Kankakee. FM radio stations include: WKIF 92.7 FM, Kankakee; WONU 89.7 FM, Kankakee; WKCC (91.1 FM) Kankakee, WVLI 95.1 FM, Kankakee; WAWF 88.3 FM; Kankakee; and W205AZ 88.9 FM, Kankakee; WIVR 101.7 FM, Kentland, Indiana; and WYKT 105.5 FM Wilmington.

Medical services
Momence is served by Provena St. Mary's Hospital, 500 West Court Street, Kankakee, and the Riverside Medical Center, 350 North Wall Street, Kankakee.

Go next
The city nearest to Momence is Kankakee, population about 27,000, also located in Kankakee County. The Villages of Grant Park, Hopkins Park, Sun River Terrace and St. Anne, all in Kankakee County, are also nearby.

title: Momence


text:
Mon

There's more than one place called Mon:

Denmark

 * Møn - a small island just south of Sjælland connected by causeway.

Myanmar

 * Mon State - one of the 14 administrative divisions

title: Mon