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A imagem ilustra um setor da Paisagem Protegida das Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos, em Ponte de Lima, um sistema lagunar de origem fluvial resultante do extravasamento sazonal do rio Lima e seus afluentes. Esta zona húmida de elevado valor ecológico, classificada como Sítio Ramsar e integrada na Rede Natura 2000, estende-se por cerca de 350 hectares, funcionando como um corredor ecológico essencial na bacia hidrográfica do Lima. A densa galeria ripícola, com vegetação autóctone como salgueiros, amieiros, freixos e carvalhos-alvarinhos, circunda as águas calmas, refletindo a riqueza biológica do local, que alberga uma diversidade de espécies, incluindo aves aquáticas, anfíbios e flora autóctone. A gestão desta área protegida visa a preservação dos valores naturais em coexistência com a paisagem agrícola, mantendo um ecossistema singular no Minho, que também promove o recreio e a educação ambiental através de passadiços para observação da biodiversidade.
The image illustrates a sector of the Protected Landscape of the Bertiandos and São Pedro de Arcos Lagoons, in Ponte de Lima, a lagoon system of riverine origin resulting from the seasonal overflow of the Lima River and its tributaries. This wetland of high ecological value, classified as a Ramsar Site and part of the Natura 2000 Network, covers about 350 hectares and functions as an essential ecological corridor in the Lima river basin. The dense riparian gallery, with native vegetation such as willows, alders, ash trees and pedunculate oaks, surrounds the calm waters, reflecting the biological richness of the site, which is home to a diversity of species, including waterfowl, amphibians and native flora. The management of this protected area aims to preserve natural values in coexistence with the agricultural landscape, maintaining a unique ecosystem in Minho, which also promotes recreation and environmental education through walkways for observing biodiversity.
Deer at Jim Corbett in India - not sure if its the Para or Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) or the Sambar (Cervus unicolor) but a rose by any other name would smell as sweet or look as beautiful as this beast!
ČESKÝ RÁJ - BOHEMIAN PARADISE - CZECH PARADISE
Cesky Raj is a protected area comprising sand stone rock towns between Turnov, Jicin and Mnichovo Hradiste. Cesky Raj was declared a protected area in 1955.
Breathtaking rock scenery can be found there - towers, poles, chimneys, deep and narrow tunnels, caves, the Jizera River, deep forests, ponds, protected and endangered species, castles, or museum.
All rights reserved - Copyright © Helena Bilkova
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
© photo rights reserved by B℮n
Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Adang-Rawi archipelago. This archipelago forms, together with the Tarutao archipelago, the National Park Koh Tarutao. The Chao Lay live on the island. This is a tribe that lives mainly on the islands in the Andaman Sea. Although Koh Lipe is part of a national park, the inhabitants are only allowed to develop part of the island for tourism. All other islands is prohibit. On the car-free island there are a few narrow roads that connect the beaches, because that is what it is all about: enjoying the sun, sea and beach. The seawater is emerald green-blue and crystal clear. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef with numerous beautiful tropical fish. With the longtail boat you sail to the most beautiful and best snorkling spots in the area. That it is a National Park means that the entire island is protected area. This is not for nothing, because nature here is really beautiful. Twenty years ago I had been here with my wife, together with our daughter back again. See photo from 1998.
Koh Lipe is a small island in the Southern part of the Thai Andaman Sea. It is famous for it's white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and bountyful marine life. The main transport hub for Koh Lipe is Pak Bara with daily speedboats boats running all year. This cluster of islands is part of the much larger Tarutao National Marine Park, a nature reserve established in 1974 as Thailand’s second National Park. It consists of about 50 islands and covers 1500 km². We visit Koh Lipe in the low season for peaceful, romantic walks along the deserted beach under the moonlight. Low season with rain but we had some holiday luck ;-) Photo of Samantha taken at Sunset beach on Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe is het meest zuidelijke eiland van Thailand gelegen in de Andamanse Zee. Het maakt deel uit van de Adang-Rawi-archipel. Deze archipel vormt samen met de Tarutao-archipel het Nationaal Park Koh Tarutao. Op het eiland wonen de Chao Lay. Dit is een stam die voornamelijk op de eilanden in de Andamanse Zee leeft. Ondanks dat Koh Lipe deel uitmaakt van een nationaal park mogen de inwoners slechts een gedeelte van het eiland verder ontwikkelen voor toerisme. Alle andere eilanden zijn onbewoond. Op het autovrije eiland lopen enkele smalle wegen die de stranden met elkaar verbinden, want dat is waar het op hier vooral om draait: genieten van zon, zee en strand. Het zeewater is smaragdgroen-blauw en glashelder. Het eiland wordt omringd door een prachtig koraalrif met talloze prachtige tropische vissen. Met de longtailboot vaar je naar de mooiste en beste snorkelplekken in de omgeving. Dat het een Nationaal Park is, betekent dat het gehele eiland beschermd gebied is. Dit is niet voor niets, want de natuur hier is werkelijk is prachtig. Foto van Samantha op de Sunset beach. Twintig jaar geleden was ik hier met m'n vrouw geweest nu samen met onze dochter weer terug. Zie foto uit 1998.
The Great Flamingo is one of the most widespread of the six flamingo species. This flamingo is distinctly recognisable for its long neck, light pink colour and black-tipped beak with a harsh downward curve. The Greater Flamingo appears more whitish pink than the American Flamingo that is very bright. It is the largest of all of the flamingo species found in Africa, Asia and parts of Southern Europe include Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain – the Greater Flamingo is the state bird of Gujarat, India. In general is the largest living species of flamingo.
One of the most prominent features of the Greater Flamingo is their downward curved bill that allows them to feed on small fish, insects, plankton, algae and small crustaceans. The lower portion of the bill is larger than the top portion, which is ideal for filter feeding and similar to the feeding mechanism of whales and oysters. The bill is equipped with a filter system with hair-like structures that allows them to filter food from the water and mud they pick up.
Like all other flamingo species, the Greater Flamingo receives its colour from its food intake. The colour is specifically created when enzymes brake down the carotenoid pigments. Sometimes flamingos find themselves living inlands in dams that are polluted and not safe for life and food consumption. Pollution has cut off some of the Greater Flamingo’s food sources in some areas and this is detrimental to the breed.
Sea cliffs expose the volcanic rocks at Ponta do Mistério which is located between the villages of Agualava and Quarto Ribeiras on the Island of Terceira in the Azores. This coastline lies in the Protected Area for Habitat or Species Management of Costa das Quatro Ribeiras which in turn is part of Terceira’s Natural Park. Here, columnar basalt (basalt that exhibits columnar or prismatic jointing) is overlain by ignimbrites and volcanic breccia. Columnar jointing is produced by cooling of lava flows, ash-flow tuffs, and other bodies of magma or lava. It is particularly common in basaltic lava flows. Cooling causes contraction which in turn causes fracturing. Fractures propagate from the top and bottom of flows inward towards the center These rocks are part of the volcanic complex associated with the Pico Alto volcano. In the Azores, the word, mistério means a lava flow. The direct translation of the word mistério in Portuguese means mystery. During the settlement of the islands in the 1400 and 1500’s, the Portuguese from the mainland were unfamiliar with volcanic activity. The fiery flows of molten rock that occasionally destroyed homes and lives were indeed a mystery to them.
Paradise - La Maddalena islands, just outside Palau.
Turquoise waters embrace rugged granite shores under a sky painted with drifting clouds. Cala Corsara, nestled on Isola Spargi in the Maddalena Archipelago, is a sanctuary of wild beauty and crystalline seas. This Italian paradise, part of a protected national park, lies between Sardinia and Corsica—a timeless haven for sailors, dreamers, and nature lovers.
Fun Fact
The Maddalena Archipelago became a National Park in 1994 to preserve its unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Its pink beaches, sculpted granite rocks, and transparent waters make it one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations.
The Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands in the Straits of Bonifacio between Corsica (France) and north-eastern Sardinia (Italy). It consists of seven main islands and numerous other small islets.
The largest island is Isola Maddalena, on which sits the archipelago's largest town, La Maddalena. The other six islands, in order of size, are: Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzoli. Only Maddalena, Caprera and S. Stefano are inhabited.
Lying adjacent to the famous tourist resort of the Costa Smeralda, Maddalena shares the same crystal clear waters and wind blown granite coastlines but also remains a haven for wildlife. It is a designated National Park, the Parco Nazionale Arcipelago di La Maddalena. It is a very popular tourist destination, especially among boaters. In 2006 it was placed on the Tentative list for consideration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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"Endless beauty" are the words I use to describe the feeling of being at that place named Tjarnargígur in Lagagígar area in the south part of the Central Highlands in Iceland.
I went there with my girlfriend Arnbjörg last wednesday in a strange weather. Few minutes earlier there was a heavy rain. We had a really good time there in a great landscape in the unique place. Tjarnargígur (Pond's Crater) is one of the main craters in Lakagígar volcanic zone, that erupted in the most powerful eruption in Iceland at historical times, in 1783. The eruption killed up to 1/4th of the nation and caused a hunger in Europe that later caused the French Revolution in 1789.
Here you can read more about that place:
Sawhill Ponds Wildlife Preserve ~ Boulder, Colorado
Nikon D7500, Sigma 18-300, ISO 200, f/11.0, 18mm, 1/400s
I always find it interesting when I have visiting colleagues get so excited to see a species we see everyday so was laughing at myself spending time photographing a common species. Took this shot in Lodi gardens in the heart of New Delhi .
Picture taken near Osoyoos, BC in the Okanagan Valley. This area is reclaimed cattle grazing land which is protected from development to support biodiversity and the protection of species such as the Burrowing Owl. The "road" is a dike for pedestrians. It also includes an Important Bird Area www.ibacanada.ca/site.jsp?siteID=BC261
Ringed Plover staking out a breeding position on the beach @ Snettisham RSPB yesterday. Good to see a definative rope has been erected so none of the dog walkers & beach walkers can be in any doubt that the beach is a peotected breeding area for ground nesting birds
Portofino, uma vila piscatória na Riviera Italiana, caracterizada por um cais em forma de meia-lua e casas de arquitetura típica ligure, variadas em tons pastel. Originalmente um refúgio para pescadores, Portofino transformou-se num destino turístico de prestígio no século XX, atraindo figuras da alta sociedade internacional. O mar, que abriga diversas embarcações de recreio e iates de luxo, é parte fundamental da economia local, enquanto a vegetação mediterrânica circundante faz parte do Parque Natural Regional de Portofino, que garante a preservação da biodiversidade na área. Ao fundo, destaca-se a igreja de San Martino, de origem medieval, e o Castello Brown, fortificação do século XVI. O centro histórico mantém uma disposição urbana compacta, com ruas estreitas, e preserva o caráter da aldeia, refletindo a história e a cultura locais, bem como a tradição gastronómica baseada em produtos do mar.
Portofino, a fishing village on the Italian Riviera, is characterized by a crescent-shaped pier and houses built in typical Ligurian architecture, painted in various pastel shades. Originally a refuge for fishermen, Portofino became a prestigious tourist destination in the 20th century, attracting figures from international high society. The sea, which is home to numerous pleasure boats and luxury yachts, is a fundamental part of the local economy, while the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation is part of the Portofino Regional Natural Park, which ensures the preservation of biodiversity in the area. In the background, the medieval church of San Martino and the 16th-century Castello Brown fortification stand out. The historic center maintains a compact urban layout with narrow streets and preserves the character of the village, reflecting local history and culture, as well as the gastronomic tradition based on seafood.
While ascending the peak of the Tofane you can see a stunning view of the Dolomites of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Natural Park.
Na Mata de Albergaria, no Parque Nacional da Peneda‑Gerês (PNPG), um pequeno curso de água atravessa uma mancha de folhosas caducifólias, onde a queda sazonal das folhas forma um tapete contínuo no solo e se acumula na superfície do ribeiro. Este material orgânico é um componente central do ciclo de nutrientes: ao decompor-se, alimenta fungos e invertebrados aquáticos, influenciando a qualidade da água e criando micro‑habitats para larvas e anfíbios. A galeria ripícola, com árvores cobertas de musgos e heras, contribui para a estabilidade das margens e para a regulação térmica do ecossistema. A Mata de Albergaria é uma das áreas mais emblemáticas do PNPG, criado em 1971, e integra zonas de proteção elevada; nas imediações passa também a antiga Geira Romana (Via XVIII), testemunho de ocupação e circulação histórica no maciço do Gerês.
In Mata de Albergaria, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG), a small stream flows through a patch of deciduous trees, where the seasonal fall of leaves forms a continuous carpet on the ground and accumulates on the surface of the stream. This organic material is a central component of the nutrient cycle: as it decomposes, it feeds fungi and aquatic invertebrates, influencing water quality and creating microhabitats for larvae and amphibians. The riparian gallery, with trees covered in moss and ivy, contributes to the stability of the banks and the thermal regulation of the ecosystem. The Albergaria Forest is one of the most emblematic areas of the PNPG, created in 1971, and includes areas of high protection; the ancient Roman road (Via XVIII) also passes nearby, bearing witness to historical occupation and circulation in the Gerês massif.
Um die Salzwiesen im Wattenmeer vor Abtragungen durch Wellen zu sichern, sind die Pfähle gesetzt worden. Es sind somit "Wellenbrecher". Die Salzwiesen sind vom Meer periodisch überschwemmte krautige Pflanzen. Gesehen auf der Insel Neuwerk (GER)
Protected area
In order to protect the salt marshes in the Wadden Sea from erosion by waves, the piles have been set. They are thus "breakwaters". The salt marshes are periodically flooded herbaceous plants from the sea. Seen on the island of Neuwerk (GER)
Riserva Naturale Torrile-Trecasali (Parma)
Scatto realizzato all’interno della Riserva Naturale di Torrile e Trecasali, dove il corso d’acqua poco profondo mette in evidenza rami sommersi, tronchi caduti e la stratificazione naturale del sottobosco.
La luce autunnale, diffusa e morbida, accentua le tonalità calde del fogliame mentre la prospettiva centrale guida lo sguardo lungo l’asse del piccolo canale.
Una scena che combina texture naturali, equilibrio cromatico e profondità ambientale.
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Captured inside the Torrile and Trecasali Nature Reserve, this shallow waterway reveals submerged branches, fallen logs, and the natural layering of the undergrowth.
The soft, diffused autumn light enhances the warm tones of the foliage, while the central perspective leads the viewer’s eye along the axis of the small channel.
A composition that blends natural textures, balanced color tones, and atmospheric depth.
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6769 HDR
© photo rights reserved by B℮n
Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Adang-Rawi archipelago. This archipelago forms, together with the Tarutao archipelago, the National Park Koh Tarutao. Although it's a small island you can simply hike a few hours and get lost in the the depths of the jungle. A number of wild animals are commonly spotted on Koh Lipe, including huge monitor lizards, wild boars, king fishers, and much more. The sea and the forest combination is not to be missed, taking in nature in all its glory; blue lagoon waters, sand that glows white under the sun and lush green forest together with the rhythm of the jungle. The seawater is emerald green-blue and crystal clear. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef with numerous beautiful tropical fish. That it is a National Park means that the entire island is protected area. This is not for nothing, because nature here is really beautiful. The southern part of the island is a natural haven, with mangroves, dense vegetation and jungle, beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and private beaches.
We're hiking to the secluded Pollo beach on the southern part of the Lipe island. It's a small hour walking through the dense jungle. The sea water of Pollo Beach varying shades of turquoise, from light to dark, but so clear you can see the rocks underwater. This secluded beach has great white sand if you want to work on your tan, plus the water is calm enough for swimming. The main draw for this beach, however, is the excellent diving opportunities, which some describe as world class. The area is famous for it’s beautiful soft coral and macro diving. There is also possibilities to see a few larger marine animals. We have seen many big fish, cuttlefish, the clown fish alias NEMO. Photo of Samantha on the Pollo beach and Kanitha swimming in the sea.
Koh Lipe is het meest zuidelijke eiland van Thailand gelegen in de Andamanse Zee. Het maakt deel uit van de Adang-Rawi-archipel. Deze archipel vormt samen met de Tarutao-archipel het Nationaal Park Koh Tarutao. Hoewel het een klein eiland is, kun je gewoon een paar uur wandelen en verdwalen in de dichte jungle op het zuidelijk deel van koh Lipe. Een aantal wilde dieren worden vaak gezien, waaronder enorme hagedissen, wilde zwijnen, ijsvogels en nog veel meer. De combinatie van zee en bos maakt het extra mooi; Het zeewater is smaragdgroen-blauw en glashelder, zand dat wit gloeit onder de zon en weelderig groen bos en dat allemaal met het ritme van de jungle. Het eiland is omgeven door een prachtig koraalrif met talloze prachtige tropische vissen. Dat het een nationaal park is, betekent dat het hele eiland een beschermd gebied is. Dit is niet voor niets, omdat de natuur hier echt mooi is. We wandelen naar het afgelegen Pollo-strand op het zuidelijke deel van het eiland Lipe. Het is een klein uur wandelen door de dichte jungle. Het zeewater bij Pollo Beach varieert in verschillende tinten turquoise, van licht tot donker, maar zo helder dat je de onderwaterwereld prachtig kan bewonderen. Dit afgelegen strand heeft water rustig genoeg is om in te zwemmen. De belangrijkste trekpleister voor dit strand is echter de uitstekende duikmogelijkheden, die sommigen beschrijven als wereldklasse. Het gebied staat bij de kenners bekend om zijn prachtige zachte koraal en macro duiken. Er zijn ook mogelijkheden om een paar grotere zeedieren te zien. We hebben veel grote vissen gezien, inktvissen, de clownvis alias NEMO. Foto van Samantha op het strand en Kanitha in het water
Sequence captured of the snow leopard in Tost Uul Gobi Desert Mongolia.
Read more about the great work of the snow leopards trust in Mongolia:
© photo rights reserved by B℮n
Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Adang-Rawi archipelago. This archipelago forms, together with the Tarutao archipelago, the National Park Koh Tarutao. The Chao Lay live on the island. This is a tribe that lives mainly on the islands in the Andaman Sea. Although Koh Lipe is part of a national park, the inhabitants are only allowed to develop part of the island for tourism. All other islands is prohibit. On the car-free island there are a few narrow roads that connect the beaches, because that is what it is all about: enjoying the sun, sea and beach. The seawater is emerald green-blue and crystal clear. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef with numerous beautiful tropical fish. With the longtail boat you sail to the most beautiful and best snorkling spots in the area. That it is a National Park means that the entire island is protected area. This is not for nothing, because nature here is really beautiful. Twenty years ago I had been here with my wife, together with our daughter back again. See photo from 1998.
Koh Lipe is a small island in the Southern part of the Thai Andaman Sea. It is famous for it's white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and bountyful marine life. The main transport hub for Koh Lipe is Pak Bara with daily speedboats boats running all year. This cluster of islands is part of the much larger Tarutao National Marine Park, a nature reserve established in 1974 as Thailand’s second National Park. It consists of about 50 islands and covers 1500 km². We visit Koh Lipe in the low season for peaceful, romantic walks along the deserted beach under the moonlight. Low season with rain but we had some holiday luck ;-) Photo taken at Sunset beach on Koh Lipe. View on Koh Butang, Koh Rawi and Koh Adang on the right side.
Koh Lipe is het meest zuidelijke eiland van Thailand gelegen in de Andamanse Zee. Het maakt deel uit van de Adang-Rawi-archipel. Deze archipel vormt samen met de Tarutao-archipel het Nationaal Park Koh Tarutao. Op het eiland wonen de Chao Lay. Dit is een stam die voornamelijk op de eilanden in de Andamanse Zee leeft. Ondanks dat Koh Lipe deel uitmaakt van een nationaal park mogen de inwoners slechts een gedeelte van het eiland verder ontwikkelen voor toerisme. Alle andere eilanden zijn onbewoond. Op het autovrije eiland lopen enkele smalle wegen die de stranden met elkaar verbinden, want dat is waar het op hier vooral om draait: genieten van zon, zee en strand. Het zeewater is smaragdgroen-blauw en glashelder. Het eiland wordt omringd door een prachtig koraalrif met talloze prachtige tropische vissen. Met de longtailboot vaar je naar de mooiste en beste snorkelplekken in de omgeving. Dat het een Nationaal Park is, betekent dat het gehele eiland beschermd gebied is. Dit is niet voor niets, want de natuur hier is werkelijk is prachtig. Foto van de Sunset beach waar een jongentje geniet van de zonsondergang. Twintig jaar geleden was ik hier met m'n vrouw geweest nu samen met onze dochter weer terug. Zie foto uit 1998..
Jordan 2019 (The Wadi Rum desert valley also known as the Valley of the Moon, is located at 1600 meters above sea level in a mountainous region formed by granite and sandstone. It is the longest wadi in Jordan. The name rum means "high" or "high" in the Aramaic language, and its pronunciation denotes the nearby Arab influence. The highest point of Uadi Rum is Mount Jabal Umm ad Dami, with 1854 meters above sea level.
Wadi Rum has been inhabited since prehistoric times by various cultures, including the Nabataeans, who have left their mark on the petroglyphs. Since 2007, the desert inhabits several Bedouin tribes.
Wadi Rum is known by the British army officer T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who used it as a base of operations during the Arab Rebellion of 1917-1918. In the Eighties, one of the most spectacular rock formations of Wadi Rum was named The Seven Pillars of Wisdom in honor of the book of the same name by Lawrence, although it has nothing to do with it...)
Copyright © 2019 by inigolai/Photography.
No part of this picture may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means , on websites, blogs, without prior permission.
© photo rights reserved by B℮n
Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is part of the Adang-Rawi archipelago. This archipelago forms, together with the Tarutao archipelago, the National Park Koh Tarutao. Some of common species seen in the park are boar, civet, mouse deer, hornbill, langur, various raptors. Although it's a small island you can simply hike a few hours and get lost in the the depths of the jungle. A number of wild animals are commonly spotted on Koh Lipe, including huge monitor lizards, wild boars, king fishers, and much more. The sea and the forest combination is not to be missed, taking in nature in all its glory; blue lagoon waters, sand that glows white under the sun and lush green forest together with the rhythm of the jungle. The seawater is emerald green-blue and crystal clear. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef with numerous beautiful tropical fish. That it is a National Park means that the entire island is protected area. This is not for nothing, because nature here is really beautiful. The southern part of the island is a natural haven, with mangroves, dense vegetation and jungle, beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and private beaches.
We're hiking to the secluded Pollo beach on the southern part of the Lipe island. It's a small hour walking through the dense jungle. The sea water of Pollo Beach varying shades of turquoise, from light to dark, but so clear you can see the rocks underwater. This secluded beach has great white sand if you want to work on your tan, plus the water is calm enough for swimming. The main draw for this beach, however, is the excellent diving opportunities, which some describe as world class. The area is famous for it’s beautiful soft coral and macro diving. There is also possibilities to see a few larger marine animals. We have seen many big fish, cuttlefish, the clown fish alias NEMO.
Koh Lipe is het meest zuidelijke eiland van Thailand gelegen in de Andamanse Zee. Het maakt deel uit van de Adang-Rawi-archipel. Deze archipel vormt samen met de Tarutao-archipel het Nationaal Park Koh Tarutao. Enkele van de meest voorkomende soorten die in het park te zien zijn, zijn zwijnen, civet, muisherten, neushoornvogels, langur apen, verschillende roofvogels. Hoewel het een klein eiland is, kun je gewoon een paar uur wandelen en verdwalen in de dichte jungle op het zuidelijk deel van koh Lipe. Een aantal wilde dieren worden vaak gezien, waaronder enorme hagedissen, wilde zwijnen, ijsvogels en nog veel meer. De combinatie van zee en bos maakt het extra mooi; Het zeewater is smaragdgroen-blauw en glashelder, zand dat wit gloeit onder de zon en weelderig groen bos en dat allemaal met het ritme van de jungle. Het eiland is omgeven door een prachtig koraalrif met talloze prachtige tropische vissen. Dat het een nationaal park is, betekent dat het hele eiland een beschermd gebied is. Dit is niet voor niets, omdat de natuur hier echt mooi is. We wandelen naar het afgelegen Pollo-strand op het zuidelijke deel van het eiland Lipe. Het is een klein uur wandelen door de dichte jungle. Het zeewater bij Pollo Beach varieert in verschillende tinten turquoise, van licht tot donker, maar zo helder dat je de onderwaterwereld prachtig kan bewonderen. Dit afgelegen strand heeft water rustig genoeg is om in te zwemmen. De belangrijkste trekpleister voor dit strand is echter de uitstekende duikmogelijkheden, die sommigen beschrijven als wereldklasse. Het gebied staat bij de kenners bekend om zijn prachtige zachte koraal en macro duiken. Er zijn ook mogelijkheden om een paar grotere zeedieren te zien. We hebben veel grote vissen gezien, inktvissen, de clownvis alias NEMO.