Antarctica in Color, 1915

These are Frank Hurley’s famous early colour photographs of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated ‘Endurance’ voyage, as part of the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914-1917. Hurley was the official photographer on the expedition.

Early in 1915, their ship ‘Endurance’ became inexorably trapped in the Antarctic ice. Hurley managed to salvage the photographic plates by diving into mushy ice-water inside the sinking ship in October 1915. - State Library of New South Wales.

World’s Largest Toy Museum in Malaysia

Toy may be children best friend, but when you talk about large museums that are filled with hundreds of thousands of toys - it is no more a child’s play.

Reputed as the largest of its kind in the world, the Museum house over 100,000 toys, dolls and others fun collectibles. It has also entered Malaysia Book of Records as the first toy museum in the country and with the largest toy and figurine collection.

Most dangerous U.S. cities

Press recently analyzed FBI statistics to rank the most dangerous cities in the nation. Based on violent crime findings, the study exposed cities big and small, notorious and not. Find more about the study, including the methodology.

10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls

Few things in nature are as mesmerizing as a waterfall—the thunderous roar as water spills over cliffs, the light glistening off the spray, the sheer force of it all. We found the 10 most enticing cascades on the planet. Some are obvious choices , but they all share an important quality: One look, and you're bound to be transfixed for hours.

Beautiful bridges in the world

Though these bridges are made by man they not only provide access to various places but also add some beauty to this earth...

 

Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge (Kobe, Japan) 



Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur, California, USA) 




Bosphorus Bridge (Istanbul, Turkey) 




The Bridge of Aspiration (Covent Garden, London, UK) 




Bridge of Sighs (Venice, Italy) 




Brooklyn Bridge (Brooklyn, New York, USA) 




Chengyang Bridge (Sanjiang of Guangxi Province, China) 




Chesapeake Bay Bridge (Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA) 




The Iron Bridge (Coalbrookdale, UK) 




Confederation Bridge (New Brunswick, Canada) 




Coronado Bridge (San Diego, California, USA) 




Donghai Bridge (Shanghai, China) 




Erasmus Bridge (Rotterdam, Netherlands) 




Fehmarn Belt Bridge (Hamburg, Germany to Copenhagen, Denmark) 




Forth Railway Bridge (Fife, Scotland) 






Golden Gate Bridge (San Franciso, California, USA) 




The Half-Bridge of Hope (Russia) 




Hangzhou Bay Bridge (Hangzhou Bay, China) 




Humber Bridge (Kingston upon Hull, England) 




Hussaini Bridge (Passu, Pakistan) 




Jadukata Bridge (Ranikor, India) 




Kawazu (Kawazu-cho, Japan) 

Khaju Bridge (Isfahan, Iran) 




Kintaikyo Bridge (Iwakuni City, Japan)

10 places you're not allowed to visit

Thanks to cheap flights and the internet, the world’s not as mysterious as it used to be. Many of us have travelled to far-flung areas of the globe that would have been totally alien and unreachable to Brits even a couple of generations ago. However, there are still parts of the planet that – no matter how many tourist blogs you read – are still (almost) off-limits to tourists. Here are some of our favourite forbidden travel destinations.

1. Poveglia
Where is it? The Venetian lagoon, Italy
Why can’t I visit?: Because it’s haunted! According to legend it was used to isolate plague victims during Roman times, and then as a giant Black Death grave in the Middle Ages. As if that wasn’t scary enough, it’s also home to spooky abandoned building – complete with bell tower naturally – that was apparently a mental hospital. These days it’s off-limits to visitors unless you bribe a gondolier to take you there. 


2. Area 51
Where is it? Nevada, USA
Why can’t I visit?: It’s a top secret military testing base, protected by armed private security teams patrolling in jeeps who are authorised to use deadly force to deal with intruders. Whether or not you believe UFOs have crashed landed there, the ridiculously strict security around the base means you’re never going to find out for sure. 
3. Le Cercle Munster
Where is it? Luxembourg
Why can’t I visit?: It’s an exclusive private members club that’s extremely selective about adding new members. Want to join? You must be backed by two sponsors and be approved by a selection committee made up of bigwigs from the finance world. Unless you’re an incredibly rich banker, businessman or equity trader, you’ll never see the sumptuous insides of the club, take part in the ‘Programme culturel’ or eat the delicious food at the in-house restaurant. Damn! 
4. Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion
Where is it? Axum, Ethiopia
Why can’t I visit?: Because it’s no ordinary church. According to legend it's home to one of the most important biblical artefacts ever – the Ark of the Covenant (and we thought Indiana Jones left it in a warehouse). Only a specially chosen monk is allowed to guard the ‘Ark’. No-one else is allowed to lay eyes on it or even get close, in case they melt presumably (see Indiana Jones again). Of course, some claim this secrecy means the Ethiopian church is telling porkies… 
5. Most of Niihau Island
Where is it? The Hawaiian Islands, USA
Why can’t I visit?: Super-rich family the Robinsons (they’re not Swiss) bought Niihau in 1915 and closed it off to preserve its indigenous culture and wildlife. The 200-or-so natives who live there lead a blissful existence free of electricity, burger joints and, for the most part, tourists. There are very rare helicopter tours to the isle where you can wander along one of the beaches, but getting anywhere near the locals is strictly forbidden; hence its nickname, the, er, ‘Forbidden Island’. 
6. Bohemian Grove
Where is it? California, USA
Why can’t I visit?: It’s an extremely secretive men-only club whose members include artists, musicians, businessmen politicians… and the odd president (Nixon was a member). Once a year they all gather for a two-week long festival where (allegedly) rituals such as the ‘Cremation of Care’ - a wicker-man-style faux-pagan rite - and the ‘Grove Play’ - a large-scale musical theatre production - are performed by members. It sounds like fun to us, but somehow I don’t think we’ll get an invite… 
7. Lechiguilla Cave
Where is it? New Mexico, USA
Why can’t I visit?: It’s perhaps the most beautiful cave on the planet and frankly, the authorities don’t want you ruining it. Discovered in 1986 by miners, the sprawling underground complex is home to stunning speleothems, gypsum chandeliers and hydromagnesite balloons. We don’t know what any of these are, but they sound impressive. Sadly, unless you’re an extremely experienced caver you’ll never get a permit to see them. 
8. Jiangsu National Security Education museum
Where is it? Nanjing, China
Why can’t I visit?: Anyone is allowed in… as long as they are Chinese. There’s a big sign outside the front of this very unusual museum stating that only Chinese citizens are allowed inside. The unusual entry requirements are because the museum documents the history of Chinese espionage, and the state doesn’t want us foreigners finding out their spying secrets. 
9. Ilha de Queimada Grande
Where is it? Off the shore of Brazil
Why can’t I visit?: Basically, because it’s full of snakes – hence the nickname: ‘Snake Island’. Local legend states there’s between one and five snakes per square metre on the island. And not just any old snakes, most of ‘em are golden lanceheads – noted for their extremely potent venom. Because of this, understandably, the Brazilian Navy forbids tourists from stepping foot on the island. 
10. The peak of Mount Kailash
Where is it? The Himalayas, Tibet
Why can’t I visit?: Because it's home to a Hindu god. Lord Shiva, to be precise, who resides at the summit in a state of perpetual meditation. Sounds like bliss to us, which is appropriate, as Buddhists also believe the peak is home to the Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss. Because of this religious significance the peak was always considered off-limits by most climbers, before this Chinese government issued an official ban in 2001.

The Undiscovered Paradise in Phang Nga

Only 15 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport, you will find the pristine and untouched beaches of Phang Nga West Coast. Kilometers of secluded and undisturbed coastline are set to make this destination the next big thing for Asia’s most savvy travelers. An easy escape from bustling Phuket, Phang Nga West Coast offers an easy-to-reach yet tranquil holiday opportunity with all the natural beauty and intrigue of Thailand, without the crowds.

Development is increasing sharply in this area, with resorts such as Aleenta Resort and Spa at the forefront of luxury accommodation. Located on Natai beach, a world away from the throngs of Phuket town but steeped in a luxury of its own, Aleenta offers guests not only a superior bespoke hospitality experience, but a quintessential liberation from ‘the real world.’

Aleenta Resort & Spa on Natai Beach is the central hub of activity in the Southern part of Phang Nga West Coast. With stunningly beautiful and quiet views of the white sands and crisp blue waters of the Andaman Sea, this unique boutique all-villa resort offers traditional Thai cuisine in addition to French gourmet from the Chef’s Table, the property’s dining hotspot led by a renowned French Chef. Aleenta provides scheduled entertainment for guests and visitors, including weekly outdoor movie nights complete with popcorn and comfy seating, and regular beach bonfires where a delicious Thai BBQ is expertly served.

Natai, Bo Dan and Tah Sai beaches are among some of the premiere secluded beaches Phang Nga West Coast has on offer. White sands, crystal blue water and a tree-lined coast provide an idyllic getaway for those seeking total rest and relaxation.

On Natai beach, just over the Sarasin Bridge is where Aleenta Resort and Spa sits, as well as “Millionaire’s Row,” a strip of high-end private villas which continues to expand up the beach.

Another beach haven on Phang Nga West Coast is Bor Dan Beach, a secluded stretch just North of Natai where yours will be the only footprints on the soft, fine sand. Surrounded by tall, Casuarina trees and other lush greenery, Bor Dan is a peaceful and refreshing beach escape infused with natural scenery.

Tah Sai Beach is situated North of Bor Dan, and is 40 minutes from Phuket International Airport. The Tah Sai Beach area features a number of natural lagoons behind the beach, making for alternatively delightful water-centric views, shaded by tall palm trees. Tah Sai is home to a collection of private villas with private pools and a peaceful natural ambience.

Also, underwater adventurers vacationing on Phang Nga West Coast are one step closer to Similan Islands. Known worldwide as one of Southeast Asia’s most revered dive spots, the Similan Islands are more accessible from Phang Nga West Coast than from Phuket – what was once a 4-hour trip from the centre of Phuket is now less than 2 hours from Phang Nga West Coast.

As well as the Similan Islands, the turtle conservation site at Phang Nga West Coast makes this the perfect destination for nature lovers. Often found along Phang Nga West Coast is the Leatherback Marine Turtle, the world’s largest living reptile, which has been listed as a globally endangered species since 1970 and was confirmed as “Critically Endangered in Thailand” in 1996. Phang Nga West Coast is a nesting area for these turtles, and a turtle sanctuary can be found in Khao Lumpee-Haad Thaymuang National Park. The turtle sanctuary is located just 20 minutes North of Natai Beach.

A number of hotels in the area are committed to protecting turtle breeding grounds along the coast. Aleenta Resort and Spa for example, holds an annual fundraiser which last year raised 500,000 Baht. Part of the donations were used to purchase 2 GPS tracking devices, which have been mounted on 2 sea turtles to track their journey through the Andaman Sea for scientific research purposes. The turtles can be tracked on Aleenta’s website, 

Phang Nga West Coast offers travelers and holiday makers a Thailand experience like no other – untouched, unspoiled, and pure relaxation is waiting for you.