PERU: Tourists Overwhelm Rainbow Mountain

Tourists gasp for breath as they climb for two hours to a peak in the Peruvian Andes that stands 5,000 meters above sea level.

They’re dead tired, but stunned by the magical beauty unfurled before them.

Stripes of turquoise, lavender and gold blanket what has become known as Rainbow Mountain, a ridge of multicolored sediments laid down millions of years ago and pushed up as tectonic plates clashed.

It’s only within the last five years that the natural wonder has been discovered by the outside world, earning it must-see status on Peru’s burgeoning backpacker tourist circuit.

You see it in the pictures and you think it’s photo shopped, but it’s real, says a tourist from Mexico.

The popularity of Rainbow Mountain, which attracts up to 1,000 tourists each day, has provided a much-needed economic jolt to this remote region populated by struggling alpaca herders.

Environmentalists, however, fear the tourists could destroy the treasured landscape, which is already coveted by international mining companies.

From the ecological point of view they are killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, said Dina Farfan, a Peruvian biologist who has studied threatened wildlife in the area just a few hours from the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.

As proof, he points to a 4-kilometer dirt trail climbed by tourists to reach Rainbow Mountain that has been badly eroded in the last 18 months, scarring the otherwise pristine landscape.

A wetland once popular with migrating ducks has also been turned into a parking lot the size of five football fields that fills each morning with vans of mostly European and American visitors.

There are more serious threats, too. Camino Minerals Corp., a Canadian-based mining company, has applied for mining rights in the mineral-rich area that includes the mountain.

The company does not respond to a request by The Associated Press for comment on its plans.

Yet the flood of tourists has meant jobs and hard cash for the local Pampachiri indigenous community, which has struggled with high rates of alcoholism, malnutrition and falling prices of wool for their prized alpaca.

Many have abandoned nomadic life for dangerous gold mining jobs in the Amazon.

Now, they charge tourists $3 each to enter their ancestral land, netting the community roughly $400,000 a year – a small fortune that has triggered a tax battle with an impoverished, nearby municipality, which has seen no part of the windfall.

The surge in tourists also comes with a responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and their new guests, and Pampachiri community leader Gabino Huaman admits he is not sure they are ready to fully handle it.

Despite the challenges, roughly 500 villagers have returned in the last couple of years to take up their ancestral trade of transporting goods across the Andes.

The difference is that now they are hauling tourists on horseback.

It’s a blessing, says Isaac Quispe, 25, who quit his job as a gold miner after six of his camp mates were murdered.

He returned home and bought a horse that last year earned him $5,200 hauling tourists uphill.

The guides dress in colorful woolen clothes and wide-brimmed, traditional hats to lead the horses.

Farfan, the biologist, said he hopes the Pampachiri can learn from other sustainable tourism endeavors in Peru.

It was the success of one such project, in the nearby town of Chillca, that first put Rainbow Mountain on the map.

For much of the past decade, a group of shepherds had been quietly taking small groups of tourists to the mountain as part of a five-day hike around the fast-melting Ausangate glacier.

Over time, and thanks to the stunning photographs posted on the internet, the secret got out.

Today the shepherds of Chillca manage four lodges made of eucalyptus wood with a capacity for 16 tourists each. They are lighted only by candle, but have hot water.

Arriving guests are given shoes made of alpaca leather and wool.

At dawn, lodge-keeper Orlando Garcia gently awakens his guests with a love song performed in the Quechua language.

You always have to be guessing what the client wants, and take care of it so you don’t lose their smile, Garcia says.

We want them to feel the greatest comfort at almost 16,404 feet.



Tourism Observer

SOUTH AFRICA: Black Rhinos Trans-located To Chad From South Africa

50 years after they were hunted to local extinction, black rhinos will again roam the wilds of the Central African nation of Chad.

This is the latest chapter in a movement to bring big mammals back to former ranges on the continent.

Six rhinos will be flown to Chad’s Zakouma National Park from the South African city of Port Elizabeth, sedated and confined in specially crafted crates to ensure they don’t cause a commotion mid-air.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of a poaching crisis that saw more than 1,000 rhinos slain in South Africa last year to meet red hot demand for their horns in Asia, where they are prized for their alleged medicinal properties.

With 18,000 white rhinos and 2,000 of the smaller black rhino, South Africa is home to about 80 percent of the global population of the pachyderms, making it the springboard for reintroduction efforts elsewhere.

By establishing a viable and secure population of rhino in Chad, we are contributing to the expansion of the rhino population in Africa and the survival of a species that has faced high levels of poaching, said South African Environment Minister Edna Molewa.

No rhino has been seen in Chad since the early 1970s.

African Parks, a non-government organization which runs Chad's Zakouma and other reserves, has also reintroduced rhinos and lions from South Africa to Rwanda and is planning to relocate lions to Malawi.

We have been using the history of conservation success in South Africa to repopulate other areas in Africa, Andrew Parker, director of conservation at African Parks,said.

The Chad-bound rhinos were in the fortified enclosures or bomas for three months in preparation for their long haul.

The animals have been fed lucerne, a kind of super-nutritious hay, the past few weeks.

It will be initially provided to them in Chad as they adjust their diet to new trees and shrubs.

Security has been tight, the animals’ location was kept under wraps, they will be given a police escort to the airport, and in Chad they will be dehorned and fitted with transponders.

Jumbo sized logistics and planning go into such an operation, the animals were tranquilized in Marakele National Park in northern South Africa and then brought to Addo, which has better facilities.

Cranes hoisted the crates containing the rhinos onto flat-bed trucks and they will be monitored carefully by vets on the plane for the 15-hour trip which involves two stops.

The hope is that the two bulls and four cows will establish a breeding herd which will be the most northern wild population of the species in Africa.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are only approximately 5000 black rhinos left on the African continent.

South Africa is home to just under 2000 black rhinos but, with the recent influx of poaching, numbers are declining.

The wildlife rich country is also home to 20,000 white rhinos which make up approximately 80% of the total population.

Sadly, more than 7000 of them have been poached for their horns, which is a coveted medicinal ingredient in China and Vietnam.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Chad, Madame Denisa-Elena Ionete said that, the Chad-EU cooperation has enabled the success of Zakouma National Park, and the extension of a conservation management mandate for African Parks will increase its footprint over a larger area.

Experience also demonstrates the close links between safety, development and environmental conservation, safety has improved considerably around the park thanks to the effective anti-poaching mechanism set up in cooperation with the security forces.

Socioeconomic development has been fostered through the creation of jobs, the promotion of tourism revenues and local enterprise development.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Nihi Sumba Island Hotel, On The Edge Of Wildness

Almost three times the size of Bali, Sumba is a jewel in Indonesia’s necklace of islands.

This is a cluster of private villas ensconced within a series of curling stone pathways flanked by banyan, banana, palm and frangipani trees.

Each has its own glassy infinity pool, ocean view and private butler.

A wealth of activities will keep you busy, or you can simply kick back in bliss.

Almost three times the size of Bali, Sumba is a jewel in Indonesia’s necklace of islands.

The resort itself is set on a deserted stretch of private, gold-sand beach backed by raw, tropical jungle.

It might be a far-flung destination to reach, an hour’s flight from Bali and a 90-minute car ride, but this remote setting on the edge of wildness is definitely worth a visit.

There are villages nearby; some you can walk to, others you might need to ask your personal butler to arrange a car or horse ride for.

Tropical luxe meets surfer’s retreat. The resort was born of a simple shack that surf enthusiast Claude and his wife Petra Graves set up after discovering legendary wave Occy's Left here in the late Eighties.

It was bought up by Chris Burch and James McBride who developed it into a series of private villas.

Buildings reflect the local Sumbanese culture and architecture, with traditional grass-thatched menara roofs sombrero shaped, teak wood and local artworks.

Big windows and open lounges bring the outside in. It’s all about the relaxed, beach-chic mentality here, with an emphasis on sustainability, wellness and really soaking in your surroundings.

You need a few days to pack everything in, but to get you started, each villa comes with a superb personal butler who can arrange anything from a sunset horse ride and yoga at the pavilion, to a three-mile trek to a full day’s spa safari at Nihioka.

There’s a chocolate factory with cocoa-making courses and treatments, and a whole range of water-based activities including stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, diving and surfing Occy's Left.

Tropic surf instructors can take novices to the resort’s quieter bay, Coconut Cove.

There’s a gorgeous infinity pool by the boathouse: sundowners and canapes in the bar shack here are out of this world.

You might even get lucky with a turtle release.

- Bar

- Beach

- Laundry

- Parking

- Pool

- Restaurant

- Room service

- Spa

- Wi-Fi

The 27 villas and treehouse come in all shapes and sizes and some are like mansions, but all have ocean views, large terraces, four-poster beds and private infinity pools.

Interiors are simple and rustic, featuring lots of teak and smooth marble floors.

Furnishings are minimal and could be livened up slightly.

The minibars, which house a good selection of drinks from bottled gin to lychee juice and snacks including chocolate from the estate, the safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities are neatly hidden away in cupboards.

No televisions in-room, but you can watch DVDs in the villas’ outdoor lounges, and Menara - the main lounge near reception has cable.

Bathrooms are semi-open and earthy in natural materials and tones.

Ombak restaurant overlooks the bay and serves a mix of Indonesian and western-style dishes.

From creamy redang sapi with vermicelli and Sumba linefish of the day, to redang sapi - braised beef curry and chicken with green papaya and vegetables from the resort’s organic gardens and trees.

The wine list is excellent, with an in-house sommelier who can easily twist your arm.

Lunch and breakfast is also served here: watching the surf pros while you tuck into nasi goreng or pancakes is a mesmerising way to start the stay.

For something less formal head down to Nio Beach Club for fresh fish, tacos and pizza at The Boat. Food at Nihioka is mostly vegetarian, with a range of vegan dishes.

One bedroom villas from $795 (£602) in low season; and from $1,445 (£1,093) in high.

Minimum stay is three to five nights depending on the time of year.

All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning/afternoon snacks and all non-alcoholic beverages included, as well as the minibar, laundry, selected excursions and activities (sea and land) and daily yoga/meditation sessions. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities Not available.

Yes, villas feel private and with exclusive pools, the beach and many bookable activities, there’s plenty for children to do.

Extra beds cost $250 (£189) for ages 12 and over; $125 (£95) for ages six to 11; and those aged five and under stay for free.

Babysitting services are available and children’s options at dinner can be requested.

Rooms from - £ 1,027 per night

Enjoy your stay at Nihi Sumba Island Hotel.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Kombai People, Pigs Are Their Currency

The Kombai are a Papuan people of Melanesia living in the Indonesian province of Papua in Western New Guinea.

The Kombai have become prominent to the outside world primarily because of their traditional tree house dwellings, which often reach heights of over 20 meters.

They live adjacent to the Korowai people, who also live in tree houses, and have some similar cultural practices, but speak a different language.

Pigs are used as their currency to the Kombai. For example, if the wife of a Kombai man were to die, the family of the woman may demand pigs as compensation.

For Kombai men to marry, they first have to buy the woman from her family with necklaces made from dog's teeth.

Kombai also host parties although very rarely, in which they invite people of other tribes, often to repay the other tribes for parties they held, or to clear their names after a Suangi attack on another family or tribe.

In these parties the Kombai would feed their guest sago, and grubs from the sago tree, which are a delicacy to the Kombai.

The leader of the family will hang brush from the ceiling of where the party was housed, and if the party was a success, the other tribesmen burn the brush.

The subsistence patterns of the Kombai people are somewhat related to those of the Asmat people on the southwest coast of Papua, although the Kombai are linguistically very distinct.

The Kombai generally live in huts, with each clan living in a large treehouse, although most activities are done outside.

Each clan guards its treehouse and territory with bows and arrows.

In certain areas of the forest, no clans build tree houses or occupy, as these places are reserved for the spirits.

The Kombai tradition of building tree houses comes from the fact that tree houses are easier to defend in times of war with neighboring tribes, or headhunting tribes which used to terrorize Kombai lands.

For food, the Kombai hunt pigs and other forest animals, fish, eat the larvae of beetles and plants and eat sago from sago palms.

The Kombai often use small dogs to help track down and kill animals.

The Kombai cook meat by heating stones under a fire, wrapping the meat in large leaves, and placing the hot stones on top, until the meat is cooked.

Fishing is done by building a small dam on a stream, beating the poison out of toxic roots into the stream, forcing the fish up.

The fish are then easily captured. As food is abundant in the forest, none is stored. The tribe are also known to have practiced cannibalism.

The Kombai also make cigars out of bamboo.

According to Kombai tradition, all strangers approaching a treehouse, including invited guests, are stopped by armed men and forced to prove that they mean no harm before they are allowed through.

A small number of Kombai have integrated into modern society and converted to Christianity.

Occasionally, the Kombai may sacrifice a pig which is the most sacred animal, only usually used to settle disputes between tribes and family.

The sacrifice begins by tying the pig's legs together and taking it to a river side. It is then shot with arrows taking care to ensure a quick death, before mentioning the three elements; Fire, Water and Air.

The animal is then skinned and has the fat scraped off and offered to their god, Refafu.

No women are allowed to watch this procedure; otherwise it will render the sacrifice ineffective.

After the sacrifice, no one is allowed to bathe in the river for the next two days, as Refafu will be drinking the spilt blood of the pig, it is believed he absorbs the passion it produces.

The Kombai also believe in evil spirits called Suangi.

Suangis are said to eat the blood and/or internal organs of their victims and then stuff the bodies with leaves and grass.

They are also believed to devour the person's soul. After being attacked, the victim is then said to return home where they seem to have fallen mysteriously ill.

If a victim is able to name the Suangi that has attacked him, they are often killed and eaten by the victim's family in the belief that it will free the person's spirit.

The Kombai also believe in Khakhua-Kumu, evil men who consume the souls of their victims, and must be killed or eaten in return.

The Kombai also believe that some sections of the forest are inhabited by spirits, and no clan may build a tree house or occupy land there.

British adventurer and TV presenter Bruce Parry lived with the Kombai in season 1, episode 3 of his documentary series, Tribe in 2005.

A television series on The Discovery Channel entitled - Living with the Kombai in the US, and on both the National Geographic Channel and The Discovery Channel, called World's Lost Tribes in the UK, was shown in January 2007.

In the series, two men travelled to Papua and spent several months living with an extended Kombai family.

Their adventures included hunting for a large lizard and wild pig, not a captive pig, and fishing by constructing a rudimentary dam on a stream.

They also helped chop down large trees with a stone axe, made sago from the Sago Palm tree, and used its fibres to build a tree house nearly 80 feet off the ground.

The Kombai were also featured in the 2007 season of the series Mark & Olly: Living with the Tribes.

The Kombai were also featured in Going to Extremes series 2: Surviving Extremes (2003) in the Swamp episode.

The host Nick Middleton stays with the tribe and climbs the treehouses.

Finnish TV-show Madventures has done an episode involving Kombai and Korowai tribes in West-Papua at season 2 episode 6.


Tourism Observer

GREECE: Grace Hotels Appoints New General Managers

Grace Hotels, an award-winning luxury hotel group, recently announced the appointment of Yiorgos Peroutseas and George Vlachopoulos as the new general managers of the Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini hotels respectively.

We are delighted to welcome two accomplished hoteliers to our Greek properties, who not only offer a combined four decades of industry experience, but also an innate understanding of the local community and culture, Grace Hotels CEO Robert Swade said.

The experienced hoteliers joined Grace Hotels ahead of the 2018 season opening of the Greek properties in April.

I am highly confident in their ability to lead the teams through another successful summer season, focusing on delivering exceptional experiences for each and every guest, Swade said.

Yiorgos Peroutseas, GM of Grace Mykonos on Mykonos

With 28 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Peroutseas joins from IFA Hotels & Resorts in London to lead the team at Grace Mykonos, following a career at numerous hotels in London and Greece.

Peroutseas has gained deep knowledge of the industry through senior positions including Regional Manager EMEA overseeing brand performance and hotel openings for Meliá Hotels International, where he was positioned for six years, playing an instrumental role in the growth of the portfolio.

Prior to this he held a variety of positions in front office and operations at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Peroutseas has a master’s degree in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey and postgraduate certificates in Finance and Human Resources from the University of Macedonia, Greece.

He holds dual Greek and British citizenship and is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.

George Vlachopoulos, GM of Grace Santorini on Santorini

Vlachopoulos joins Grace Hotels from Radisson Hotel Group and has established himself as a respected figure in the hospitality industry.

He has worked for several prestigious hotels, including as Director of Rooms at Ritz-Carlton in Thailand and Hotel Manager for Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa in Kos.

In 2012, Vlachopoulos moved into his first General Manager role at the Nihi Sumba Island formerly Nihiwatu in Indonesia, which was voted the number one hotel in the world by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Vlachopoulos was educated in hospitality in Switzerland, received a postgraduate degree in the UK and associate certification from Cornell University in the US.

His experience is perfectly aligned to Grace Santorini’s dedication to service.

Part of the Libra Group, an international business group owned by the Logothetis family, Grace Hotels is a luxury hotel group that offers sanctuary and quality for discerning guests in the world’s most sought-after resorts and cities.


Tourism Observer

KENYA: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Eagerly Awaits Audit Pertaining New York Flights

Kenya will know its fate on direct flights to the US next month as officials from America’s security agency will conduct an audit whose outcome will be key in determining whether the country will get the Last Point of Departure (LDP) status.

The officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will conduct the audit at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport between May 21 and 25.

The audit will find out whether Kenya has addressed the issues raised by TSA last year in regard to security. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) was tasked to undertake some corrective measures.

We expect the inspectors from America on May 21, 2018 to asses us. We are ready to receive them since we are ready to commence direct flights to John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on October 28, 2018.

KAA Managing Director Jonny Andersen told the committee on Equal Opportunity chaired by nominated MP Maina Kamanda on Tuesday.

He said they have dealt with all the issues that had been raised and are optimistic that they will pass the test.

We are now ready for the audit as we have addressed all the areas that required correction, he said.

Some of the issues that the management has addressed include provision of a proper perimeter fence and consistence at the security screening yard.

At the screening yard, KAA has removed National Youth Service personnel and the security checks are now done by the regular police and the General Service Unit officers.

The LPD status will allow not only Kenya Airways but any other airline that has been approved by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly directly to the US from Nairobi.

The national carrier received exemption authority from the DOT last year, allowing it to commence flights to the US provided it secures clearance from the FAA and other applicable State agencies.

JKIA was in February last year given Category One status after several audit processes by the US air agency- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that had seen Kenya fail to meet a number of reviews, delaying earlier commencement date of August 2016.

After getting LDP clearance, the last remaining thing will be the granting of Kenya Airways or any other airline an Air Operator Certificate by FAA after inspecting the carrier’s equipment and facilities, which is expected to be done this month.

The Kenya Airways announced that the airline will start flying directly to the US from Kenya in October, marking a milestone for the national carrier.

The move, industry experts have said, would cut flight time between the two cities by more than seven hours.

The trans-Atlantic flight is scheduled to depart JKIA at 10.30pm every day, a journey that will last 15 hours. This is a reduction from the current flight time of over 22 hours, including lengthy layovers.

Travellers to JFK will arrive at 6.30am, while the return flight from JKF will depart at 1.30pm and arrive in Nairobi at 10.30am the next day.

Each trip will have a maximum of 234 passengers, 204 in economy and the rest in business class of the national carrier’s Dreamliner aircraft.


Tourism Observer

KENYA: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Favourite Transiting Hub

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) registered a growth of transit passengers last year, highlighting it as a favourite transiting hub for international travellers.

Data by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that the number of international passengers in transit increased by 2.7 per cent from 1.2 million in 2016 to 1.25 million last year.

JKIA is a major hub for passengers connecting to Europe, US or even the Middle East.

Overall, Kenya’s major airports recorded an increase on the number of passengers who used different ports in the period under review.

The total number of passengers increased by 3.5 per cent from 9.8 million in 2016 to 10.1 million last year, says the KNBS in a new released Economic Survey.

The number of passengers handled at the JKIA increased by 2.2 per cent to 7.3 million while those handled at the Moi International Airport (MIA) remained at 1.2 million during the review period.

The Moi International Airport handles aircraft coming from outside the country because of its tourism status, unlike some airports that only handle domestic airlines.

Commercial cargo handled at the JKIA increased by 18 per cent to 273,000 tonnes with MIA recording an increase of 20 per cent to 3,500 tonnes.

According to the KNBS, domestic landings and takeoffs increased by 1.5 per cent to 207,831 in 2017, as more airlines moved in to tap the high demand for flying.

Local airlines have been expanding to new routes as demand for air travel in parts of the country that do not have a developed air transport takes root.

This is a boost to Kenyans who are now enjoying low fares due to increased competition.

In the last couple of months, airlines have launched new routes that include the far flung Wajir region that have been lagging behind in air transport.

Jambojet is currently flying to Wajir and it charges Sh4,200 for one way ticket.

This is the latest local route that they have introduced in their schedule.

Local airline Silverstone Air Services introduced Kisumu and Mombasa routes last year, targeting tourists on the Western and Coastal circuit.

The airline launched commercial flights from Nairobi to Kisumu and Ukunda, having previously operated as a charter-only carrier.

Silverstone is currently operating five planes on its local routes, consisting of two Dash-8 planes and three Fokker 50 aircraft.

The airline launched daily flights to Lodwar in January, increasing the competition for customers on the route that is also served by Fly540, Safarilink and several other carriers.

Silverstone is charging Sh8,500 for one way ticket to Lodwar, the same amount that Skyward Express ticket costs on the same route.

The plans to put up a second runway at JKIA are underway after the country secured funding from African Development Bank (AFDB).

This marks a major starting point for the expansion of the airport that has for a long time been operating with a single runway.

The single runway has been blamed for delays in takeoffs and landing of the aircrafts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The project is expected to commence in the second half of 2018 and is expected to ease delays at once it is commissioned.


Tourism Observer

MOROCCO: Royal Air Maroc (RAM) To Commence Flights To East African Region

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) plans to launch flights to five other East African cities only two years after it began its Casablanca-Nairobi flights.

Country manager Othman Baba said the move, inspired by Nairobi experience, is part of Royal Air Maroc, RAM’s efforts to claw back a share of the intra-African aviation transport which is currently controlled by foreign interests.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) which joined the 23-member single African air transport market (SAAM) last year, has said it will ride on the continental aviation framework, to speed up regulatory approvals.

It is so far the only North African airline that runs a direct Nairobi—Ndjamena (Chad) flight.

We will be extending operations in East Africa in in the short-term with new destinations like Dar es Salaam, Harare, Kigali, Maputo and Khartoum,said Mr Baba as RAM celebrated its 33rd flight on Nairobi-Casablanca route on Thursday.

With more than 30 destinations in West Africa, it is only natural that RAM has decided to spread into East Africa to sustain its African strategy and underscore Kenya as a regional business hub and gateway.

Mr Baba said exploring new destinations for its clientele has been RAM’s mission since it was formed over 60 years ago.

The airline, which began its Kenyan foray with two weekly fights in 2016, has since adjusted its schedule to three fights a week.

RAM, together with Kenya Airways, Ethiopian, South African and Egypt air are collectively referred to as Africa’s Big Five.

In a continent where state carriers have been blamed for exorbitant fares that drive Africans to foreign airlines, Air Maroc says its key success point remains its low ticket prices.

Mr Baba said RAM has over the years maintained strict control over its costs structure and processes, resulting in lower ticket price and cargo tariffs especially in the last 15 years.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Life Of Korowai People. They Allow Conjugal Relationship With The Mother's Mother's Brother's Daughter

The Korowai, also called the Kolufo, are the people who live in southeastern West Papua in the Indonesian Province of Papua, close to the border with Papua New Guinea. There population is about 3,000.

It is possible that the Korowai were unaware of the existence of any people besides themselves, before outsiders made contact with them in 1970.

The Korowai language belongs to the Awyu–Dumut family of southeastern Papua and is part of the Trans–New Guinea phylum.

It has been claimed that the majority of the Korowai clans live in tree houses on their isolated territory.

Since 1980 some have moved into the recently opened villages of Yaniruma at the Becking River banks at the Kombai–Korowai area, Mu, and Mbasman the Korowai Citak area.

In 1987, a village was opened in Manggel, in Yafufla (1988), Mabul at the banks of the Eilanden River (1989), and Khaiflambolüp (1998).

The village absenteeism rate is still high, because of the relatively long distance between the settlements and the food or sago resources.

The Korowai appear to now smoke tobacco but not to drink alcohol.

The Korowai are hunter-gatherers and horticulturalists who practice shifting cultivation.

They have excellent hunting and fishing skills. Information about Korowai trade patterns is rare.

The Korowai have a few gender-specific activities, such as the preparation of sago and the performance of religious ceremonies in which only the male adults are involved.

Some Korowai have since the early 1990s generated moderate cash income by working with tour companies selling tours into the Korowai region.

Within the tourist industry, opportunities are limited to hosting tour groups in villages for tourist sponsored sago feasts, carrying luggage, and performing traditional displays.

The patriclan is the central unit with respect to social, economic, and political organization.

Kinship terminology follows the Omaha I pattern (Lounsbury), knowing a central opposition between cross and parallel relationships.

In Korowai society the forms of institutional levirate and predominance of avuncular relationships are found, as well as a kind of affinal avoidance relationships. Marriage is exogamous and polygynous.

Preference is given to a conjugal relationship with the mother's mother's brother's daughter.

Leadership structures are based on personal qualities of big men, rather than on institution. Interclan warfare occur mainly because of witchcraft and sorcery-related conflicts.

The Korowai universe is filled with all kinds of spirits, some more personal of character than others.

Reverence is paid especially to the red headed, Ginger God - Gimigi.

To Gimigi, the creator spirit, the Korowai do not ascribe an important role in their daily lives.

Once in a lifetime a Korowai clan must organize a sago grub festival in order to stimulate prosperity and fertility in a ritual fashion.

In times of trouble they sacrifice domesticated pigs to the spirits of the ancestors.

The Korowai have an extraordinary and rich oral tradition: myths, folktales, magical sayings and charms, and totem traditions.

With respect to death and afterlife the Korowai believe in the existence of a reciprocal type of reincarnation.

Those who died can be sent back at any time to the land of the living, by their kinsmen in the land of the dead, in order to reincarnate in a newly born infant of their own clan.

The first documented contact by Western scientists with members of a band of western Korowai or eastern Citak took place on March 17–18, 1974.

The expedition was co-led by anthropologist Peter Van Arsdale now at the University of Denver, geographer Robert Mitton, and community developer Mark Dennis Grundhoefer.

Thirty men were encountered on the south bank of the Upper Eilanden River, approximately 12 miles east of its junction with the Kolff River and 10 miles north of the Becking River.

A basic word list was generated and observations were recorded regarding such things as fire making techniques.

In the late 1970s, a few Christian missionaries began to live among the Korowai.

Dea Sudarman, an Indonesian anthropologist, made several documentary films on the Korowai for Japanese television in the 1980s.

In 1993, a film crew documented an anthropological study in the Dayo village area by the Smithsonian Institution of Korowai treehouse construction and the practice of cannibalism as a form of criminal justice.

This resulted in the film Lords of the Garden. In 1996 a local Christian community was established, the members of it mainly originating from the neighbouring Kombai people.

For a long time the Korowai have been considered exceptionally resistant to religious conversion; however, by the end of the 1990s the first converts to Christianity were baptized.

In the autumn of 2003, a small team of Bible translators from Wycliffe/SIL moved to Yaniruma.

In May 2006, tour-guide Paul Raffaele led an Australian 60 Minutes crew to report on the people.

After a few days' filming, the crew were allegedly approached by a man who claimed his 6-year old nephew Wa-Wa had been accused of being a khakua or witch doctor, and was in danger of being cannibalised.

The 60 Minutes crew declined to offer assistance. Paul Raffaele approached the rival Seven Network, who agreed to send a Today Tonight crew to remove Wa-Wa from the area.

Before being able to gain access to them, the crew were deported by Indonesian authorities at the Papuan capital of Jayapura over visa issues.

The 2007 BBC Documentary - First Contact, presented by Mark Anstice, features footage from his 1999 encounter with members of the Korowai people, and describes how they were disturbed upon seeing a white ghost, whose presence indicated the end of the world was near.

In January–February 2011, the BBC documentary Human Planet commissioned the Korowai building of a treehouse 35m high.

Recent reports suggest that certain clans have been coaxed into encouraging tourism by perpetuating the myth that cannibalism is still an active practice.

The distinctive high stilt architecture of the Korowai houses, well above flood water levels, is a form of defensive fortification to disrupt rival clans from capturing people, especially women and children for slavery or cannibalism.

The height and girth of the common ironwood stilts also serves to protect the house from arson attacks in which huts are set alight and the inhabitants smoked out.


Tourism Observer

INDONESIA: Visit Waigeo Island Meet The Korowai And Kombai People Who Live High Up

Waigeo is an island in West Papua province of eastern Indonesia.

The island is also known as Amberi, or Waigiu. It is the largest of the four main islands in the Raja Ampat Islands archipelago, between Halmahera and about 65 kilometres (40 miles) to the north-west coast of New Guinea.

The Dampier Strait or Augusta's Strait separates it from Batanta, and the Bougainville Strait from the Kawe Islands to its north-west.

The inner sea that nearly cleaves the island in two is the Majoli Gulf.

The area of the island is 3,155 square kilometres (1,218 square miles); the highest elevations are 958-metre-high (3,143-foot) Buffalo Horn (Gunung Nok) and 939-metre-high (3,081-foot) Serodjil

From west to east the island measures approximately 110 km, north-south about 50 kilometres (31 miles).

The town of Waisai in the west of the island is the capital of the Raja Ampat regency. Languages spoken on Waigeo include Papuan Malay, Biak, Ma'ya, and Ambel.

Jorge de Menezes, a Portuguese explorer, landed on Waigeo Island in 1526-27.

Alfred Russel Wallace spent some time on the island and studied the flora and fauna during the late 1850s while on his scientific exploration trip.

Since 1997, the island has been the site of a substantial pearl farming operation owned by the Australian company Atlas Pacific

Raja Ampat Regency is part of West Papua and it is the home of beautiful islands. Many tourists even consider it a paradise.

When it comes to visiting stunning isles, one of the most popular ones is Waigeo. For some people, the name sounds unfamiliar, but the island has been visited by tons of travelers.

These include the foreigners, in fact. Waiego Island becomes tourists’ favorite among the other islands like Salawati, Batanta, and Misool.

All of them become the prime tourist destinations when visiting Raja Ampat.

The fact is that Waigeo is the biggest island, as compared to the others. The size is about 3155 km2 and it features various types of landscapes.

In the shoreline, tourists are able to find beautiful beaches with its white sand. Not to mention the seawater is crystal clear.

The island is also covered by dense trees, creating a comfortable nuance for tourists.

Another important thing is the region, as the island is divided into different regions based on the location. These include North, South, West, and East Waigeo.

Most tourists come to Waigeo Island for its stunning beach. That means snorkeling and diving become prime activities there.

According to the locals, there are about a thousand of fish species living in the sea.

Not to mention the corals are quite mesmerizing. Apart from visiting the beaches, tourists should visit the whole part of the island.

First, it is the North Waigeo. It is known for its Suling Tambur, which is the local art performance. The locals often perform it during special events like religious holidays, Indonesia’s Independence Day, etc.

The next destination is South Waigeo, which is famous for its diving spots.

One of the best locations for diving is called Kabui Cape. That location features karst islets and caves, on which visitors can explore. There is even an ancient skull, situated in that location.

For further activities, there is birdwatching in Sawinggrai and enjoying beautiful sea scenery in Sawandarek Beach. Not to mention the island features some local settlements, offering entertaining traditions to visitors.

Next, it is West Waigeo. In this region, tourists can explore Wayag Island, which is famous for its Karst landscape.

That region is also famous for its jaw-dropping nature scenery. What about East Waigeo?

The most interesting attraction is the local dances and the nature phenomenon called Hantu Laut.

This is available in Urbinasopen Village and becomes the prime lure of West Waigeo. In a nutshell, exploring Waigeo Island is quite tiring due to its size.

Still, it is a worthy effort as tourists have many options of attractions and fun activities to do there.

Nearby Attractions

- Waisai City

- Mansuar Island

- Kawe Island

The prime destination is either Sorong or Waisai City. The first option is considered the most popular, though.

For those who come from Jakarta, an airplane is the best transportation choice and the destination is Domine Eduard Osok Airport, which is located in Sorong City.

As an alternative, they can take an airplane and reach Marinda Airport in Waisai City. From there, they can take a ferry or speedboat to Waigeo Island.

No café or restaurant in the village specially built ini. Warung available only provides snacks and instant noodles that can be ordered and cooked directly by mothers who keep warung.

Tempat, to eat this dish was done in a large bed made under the tree coconut, directly overlooking the sea lepas.

Anggaplah is a themed café, and pleasure iss not much different from sitting in an expensive cafe.

In Waisai, food stalls and small restaurants were encountered. Restaurant fields and rice packets such as fried chicken Lamongan can also be found there.

Accomodations in Waigeo Island

- Waigeo Villa

- Waiwo Dive Resort

- Cottage Water Waigeo

- Warimpurem Homestay, Near Waisai.

- Yenkangkanes Homestay Near Waisai.

- Raja Ampat Dive Resort, Near Waisai. Raja Ampat Dive Resort is located on the edge of the world famous Dampier straits on the South of Waigeo Island – the largest of the Islands in the park.

This is a vast area of the equatorial Pacific Ocean known as the Coral Triangle which holds the title for being the heart of the world’s greatest coral reef biodiversity – including 75 percent of all known coral species on Earth.

- Prajas Homestay, West Waigeo.

- Sea Fans Homestay, West Waigeo.

- Waryawer Homestay, West Waigeo.

- Yengkawe, Waigeo.

Tanjung Kasuari beach is located in Sorong city, West Papua. This tourism object is becomes one of the most visited tourism objects in Sorong and it has been visited almost everyday.

It located around 7Km from down town of Sorong city, and it can be reach by using private vehicle or public transportation.

The nuance in this beach is windy and it has white sandy path along the beach, the clear water and coconut trees along the area. It so refreshing and tropical alike. Moreover, the visitors can enjoy the sunset at noon.

Nusrowi Island is located on the west of Rumberpon island, Wondama Bay district.

This small island has an area of approximately 4 hectares and surrounded by shallow waters and filled with coral reefs and many species of ornamental fish.

You can also see other marine commodities like grouper, sea cucumbers and lobsters.

In this place you can do your favorite activities such as diving, coral reef observations and fishing; to get to this place from Ransiki to a location, we can use a longboat which takes about 1.5 hours.

Fak Fak district is famous for the agriculture plant of nutmeg, which make this city known as Kota Pala or the city of nutmeg. Fakfak regency is one of the oldest cities in Papua, with a high civilization.

Historically Fakfak was a significant port town, being one of the few Papuan towns that had relations with the Sultanate of Ternate, being bound to it.

The Sultanate later granted the Dutch colonial government permission to settle in Papua, including in Fakfak. The Dutch began the settlement in 1898. The town still has some colonial buildings remaining from that settlement.

Fakfak is located in West Papua, Indonesia, on the Bomberai Peninsula near Tambaruni Bay. It is situated in an area with many limestone hills, rivers and caves.

As such, the streets are twist and turn. Fakfak has a small community of Muslim Arab and Indian Indonesians, who is the descended from traders who came to Papua in the 19th century.

However, due to Fakfak’s diminishing role as a port town the population has decreased.

Fak Fak is a very remote area located in south-east of Raja Ampat in Irian Jaya (West Papua), and is famous for its record breaking marine bio-diversity.

The water here is so nutrient rich and there are millions of amazing life habitation inside. There always new species of fish and corals are being discovered all the time.

Korowai And Kombai People West Papua is more surprises than we expected, After Asmat people and The Dani, there are still any other tribe that we can review the uniqueness and the the way they are living among the society.

Koroway and Kombai people, are the indigenous tribe who live in Southeastern Papua, Irian Jaya, Indonesia.

They are different tribe, but they have similar way of living. Those tribes are living in the same way, which in up to the top of the trees.

The Korowai and Kombai live in tree houses usually built between six and 25 metres above ground but they can be as high as 50 meters in times of tribal conflict.

The purposes to build that such house are to avoid some animal attacks from the jungle, to avoid the flood during the raining season, and to be a post guard during the conflict that may occur.

The Korowai, they are sometimes being called as Kolufo. The majority Korowai Clans are live in tree houses as their territory, but since 1980 they were move into some villages in Yanimaru at the Becking River banks, Mu and Mbasman

The Korowai are the expert hunter-gatherers and horticulturalists who practice shifting cultivation. They have excellent hunting and fishing skills for gaining necessary protein and to survive in their life fulfilling their needs.

The leadership structures within The Korowai are based on personal qualities of strong men rather than on institution.

The interclan warfare occurs mainly because of witchcraft and sorcery-related conflicts. Within the framework of punishing those who committed witchcraft a certain type of cannibal justice is found.

Ralating the Korowai religion, it is mentioned that they have more spirits regarding the animism ancestors believes.

They also sometimes held a ceremony of Sago festival to stimulate prosperity and fertility in a ritual fashion.

The Korowai have an extraordinary and rich oral tradition like myths, folktales, magical sayings and charms, and totem traditions.

Moreover, with respect to death and afterlife the Korowai believe in the existence of a reciprocal type of reincarnation.

The Korowai have been reported to practice ritual cannibalism up to the present day, but it is mentioned that the practice of cannibalism were implemented in matter of judgment, as their traditional criminal justice system.

For those who were considered as shaman or psychics were killed and eaten by the people for offering.

The Korowai are one of the few Papuan tribes who do not wear kotekas. The men of this tribe have their penises pushed into the scrotum, and on the skin which sticks out, they tightly tie a green leaf.

On Korowai Batu they use nutshells instead of leaves, and the women wear short skirts made of sago palm phloem, which is also their main food.

For the decoration of the body we have to name the bones from the wings of a flying fox. The Korowai’s women place this in the nose.

Also the necklace from dog´s tooth are really important for them. The mother gives these necklaces to the daughter and this is still in use. The men use necklaces from pig´s tooth.

The Kombai, as well as The Korowai, they also live in the tree houses up to 20 meters high and have some similar cultural practices with The Korowai, but speak a different language.

For Kombai, pigs are used as currency, also if the wife of Kombai man were to die, the family of the woman may demand pigs as compensation.

For Kombai men to marry, they first have to buy the woman from her family with necklaces made from dogs teeth.

The Kombai generally live in clans, with each clan are living in a large tree house, even the most activities are done outside.

Each clan guards its tree house and territory with bows and arrows. In certain areas of the forest, no clans build tree houses or occupy it, as these places are reserved for the spirits.

For food, the Kombai hunt pigs and other forest animals, fish, eat the larvae of beetles and plants, and eat Sago from Sago palms. The Kombai often use small dogs to help track down and kill animals.

Before converting to Christianity, The Kombai were the same as The Korowai, they have spirits to believe.

Pigs are the most important creature and the most sacred animal that play a role within their beliefs.

The pigs are always used as offering. The Kombai believe in evil spirits called Suangi, which eat the blood or internal organs of their victims and then stuff the bodies with leaves and grass and also to devour the person’s soul.

The Kombai also believe in Khakhua-Kumu, evil men who consume the souls of their victims, and must be killed or eaten in return.

The Kombai men mostly wear a beak from big bird instead of a koteka on their penises. Their menacing look is intensified by long necklaces made of dog teeth, and they rarely lay their bows and arrows aside.

The heads of the arrows are often made of bones. The women walk half naked, only in short skirts made of sago.

In conclusion, both Koroway and Kombai are typically the same but the have their own way of thoughts and their own wisdom to make their own way of living.

The Korowai, also called the Kolufo, are the people who live in southeastern West Papua in the Indonesian Province of Papua, close to the border with Papua New Guinea. They number about 3,000.

It is possible that the Korowai were unaware of the existence of any people besides themselves, before outsiders made contact with them in 1970.

The Korowai language belongs to the Awyu–Dumut family of southeastern Papua and is part of the Trans–New Guinea phylum. A dictionary and grammar book have been produced by a Dutch missionary linguist.


Tourism Observer

CANADA: Mississauga Is A Populous City And Fairly Safe, But Muggings Can Sometimes Happen

Mississauga is a city southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is Toronto's largest suburb and Canada's sixth largest city.

Mississauga is a city in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Regional Municipality of Peel, bordering Toronto.

With a population of 721,599 as of the 2016 census, Mississauga is the sixth-most populous municipality in Canada, third-most in Ontario, and second-most in the Greater Toronto Area.

It is also one of the most populous suburbs in the world outside of Asia.

The growth of Mississauga is attributed to its proximity to Toronto. During the latter-half of the 20th century, the city attracted a multicultural population and built-up a thriving central business district.

It is home to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's busiest airport, as well as the headquarters of many Canadian and multinational corporations. Residents of the city are called Mississaugans or Saugans

Mississauga covers 288.42 square kilometres (111.36 sq mi) of land, fronting 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) of shoreline on Lake Ontario.

Mississauga is bounded by Oakville and Milton to the west/southwest, Brampton to the north, Toronto to the east, and Lake Ontario to the south/south-east.

Halton Hills borders Mississauga's north-west corner. With the exception of the southeast border with Toronto (Etobicoke Creek), Mississauga shares a land border with all previously mentioned municipalities.

Two major river valleys feed into the lake. The Credit River is by far the longest with the heaviest flow, it divides the western side of Mississauga from the central/eastern portions and enters the lake at the Port Credit harbour.

The indented, mostly forested valley was inhabited by first nation peoples long before European exploration of the area. The valley is protected and maintained by the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA).

Etobicoke Creek forms part of the eastern border of Mississauga with the city of Toronto. North of there it passes through the western limits of Pearson Airport.

There have been two aviation accidents, in 1978 and 2005 where aircraft overshot the runaway and slid into the Etobicoke creek banks.

In 1954, heavy flooding resulted in some homes along the riverbank being swept into the lake after heavy rains from Hurricane Hazel. Since that storm, houses are no longer constructed along the floodplain.

The creek and its tributaries are administered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

Most land in Mississauga drains to either of the two main river systems, with the exception of the smaller Mary Fix and Cooksville Creeks which run roughly through the center of Mississauga entering the lake near Port Credit.

Some small streams and reservoirs are part of the Sixteen Mile Creek system in the far north-west corner of the city, but these drain toward the lake in neighbouring Milton and Oakville.

The shoreline of former Glacial Lake Iroquois roughly follows the Dundas Street alignment, although it is not noticeable in some places but is more prominent in others, such as the site of the former brickyard Shoreline Dr. near Mavis Rd.

The ancient shoreline promenteau affords a clear view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario on clear days.

The land in Mississauga in ranges from a maximum elevation of 214 m (699 ft) ASL in the far western corner, near the Hwy. 407/401 junction, to a minimum elevation at the Lake Ontario shore of 76 m (249 ft) ASL.

Apart from the embankments of Credit River valley, it tributaries and the Iroquois shoreline, the only noticeable hills in Mississauga are actually part of the former Britannia Landfill, now a golf course on Terry Fox Way.

Mississauga's climate is considered to be moderate, and is located in plant hardiness zone 6b. Mississauga has a humid continental climate.Summers can bring periods of high temperatures accompanied with high humidity.

While the average daily high temperature in July and August is 27 °C (80.6 °F), temperatures can rise above 32 °C (89.6 °F). In an average summer, there are an average of 15.8 days where the temperature rises above 30 °C (86.0 °F).

Winters can be cold with temperatures that are frequently below freezing. In January and February, the mean temperature is −6 °C (21.2 °F) although it is common for temperatures to fall to −15 °C (5.0 °F).

In an average winter, there are an average of 3.9 days where the temperature falls below −20 °C (−4.0 °F).

Occasionally, there can be brief periods of warmer weather during the winter season. Compared to the rest of Canada and Ontario, the amount of snowfall received during the season is relatively low.

On average, Mississauga receives 108.5 centimetres (42.7 in) of snow per year and there are 44.4 days with measurable snowfall.

The climate of Mississauga is officially represented by Pearson International Airport but because of its topography and large surface area conditions can differ depending on location.

Fog tends to be more common along the lakeshore and in the Credit River Valley at certain times of year, particularly during the spring and autumn.

During snowfalls when temperatures hover close to freezing, northern parts of the city, such as around Derry Road away from warmer Lake Ontario usually get more snow that sticks to the ground because of the lower temperatures.

The reverse occurs when a strong storm approaches from the south kicking up lake effect snow, bringing higher snowfall totals to south Mississauga.

The city usually experiences 6 months of snow free weather however there is the odd occurrence where snow does fall either in October or May.

The Port Credit and Lakeview areas have a micro-climate more affected by the proximity of the open lake, warming winter temperatures as a result but it can be sharply cooler on spring and summer afternoons, this can also be the case in Clarkson, but with much less consistency.

Most thunderstorms are not severe but can occasionally bring violent winds.

The last known tornado to cause significant damage touched down on 7 July 1985, when an F1 rated tornado struck an industrial park in the Meadowvale area on Argentia Road, heavily damaging some buildings and some parked tractor trailers.

A relatively strong tornado tore a path across Mississauga then part of Toronto Township on 24 June 1923, cutting a swath from present-day Meadowvale to near Cooksville, killing 4 people and causing massive property damage in a time when most of Mississauga was still rural farmland dotted with fruit orchards.

Mississauga has many different neighbourhoods including the incorporated townships. There are 23 neighbourhoods in Mississauga.

- Applewood

- Central Erin Mills

- Churchill Meadows

- Credit Valley

- Clarkson/Lorne Park

- Cooksville

- East Credit

- Erindale

- Fairview

- Hurontario

- Lakeview

- Lisgar

- Malton

- Meadowvale

- Meadowvale Village

- Mineola

- Mississauga Valleys

- Port Credit

- Rathwood

- Sheridan

- Streetsville

Mississauga was a fast-growing city until 2016 when the population growth rate fell below the national average. It is also multicultural city with 57.15% of the city's population identified as visible minorities.

Statistics Canada estimates that Mississauga now has 734,000 people,an increase of 150,000 from the previous decade and the population has roughly doubled in the past twenty-five years.

Also, the Regional Municipality of Peel estimates that as of 2016, the city of Mississauga has a population of 758,000, based on the Canada 2006 Census which as of the Canada 2016 Census, is about 27,000 over expected.

Mississauga is now the third most populous city on the Great Lakes; far smaller than Chicago and Toronto, but recently surpassing the cities proper of Detroit, Milwaukee, and Cleveland.

About 52% of the population speaks a language other than English, and 52.4% of the population are members of a visible minority - non-white or non-aboriginal.

18% of the population is under 14 years of age, compared to those of retirement age; 8.51%. The median (middle) age in Mississauga is 35.0.

Christianity is the majority faith of the city. The 2011 census indicated that 59.9% of the population are adherents, with Catholics constituting 36.9%, while the remaining 23.0% belong to various Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and other Christian groups.

Other practiced faiths were Islam (11.9%), Hinduism (7.0%) Sikhism (3.4%), Buddhism (2.2%), and Judaism (0.3%). Those who claimed no religious affiliation made up 14.9% of the population.

The 2011 census found that English was spoken as single mother tongue by 47.6% of the population. The next most common languages were Urdu (4.9%), Polish (4.1%), Punjabi (3.2%), Arabic (3.1%), Tagalog (2.8%), and Portuguese (2.5%).

Over 60 of the Fortune 500 companies base their Global or Canadian Head Offices in Mississauga. Some of the strongest industries are pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, electronics and computers, Aerospace, transportation parts and equipment industries.

TD Bank also has Corporate IT development centres in the city along with Royal Bank of Canada. Laura Secord Chocolates is headquartered in the city, and Hewlett Packard's main Canada offices are also in Mississauga.

Air Georgian, a regional airline, is headquartered in Mississauga as well. Air Canada Jazz operates a regional office in Mississauga and Kam Air has its North American office in Mississauga.

Mississauga is also an aircraft development hub with Canadian headquarters of Aerospace companies such as Magellan Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace.

In addition Walmart Canada, Kellogg's Canada, Panasonic Canada, Esprida and NetSuite have their Canadian head offices in the city.

Mississauga has a growing arts community, which is promoted by the Mississauga Arts Council, which holds an annual awards ceremony, called the MARTYs, to celebrate the city's artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians.

Mississauga's largest festivities such as Canada Day Celebration, Mississauga Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and New Years' Eve Bash generally occur in Celebration Square.

The Canada Day celebration was attended by 130,000 people in 2012, the Ribfest has recorded 120,000 visitors in 2012, and the inaugural New Years' Eve in 2011 has attracted 30,000 spectators.

One of the most anticipated events in the city is Carassauga, a festival of cultures that occurs annually during mid-May. It is the second largest cultural festival in Canada.

During 2013, 4014 performances took place and 300,000 people attended. Carassauga attempts to display the different cultures around the world by setting up pavilions for countries around Mississauga.

Visitors get free public transportation with their ticket to tour the city and explore the different pavilions. Various countries showcase their culture through food stalls, dance performances and small vendors.

The event largely takes place in the Hershey Centre, where an outdoor stage is set up amidst many tiny pavilions. Other venues include the Tomken Twin Arena, the Canadian Coptic Centre and the Frank McKechnie Community Centre.

There are also culture-specific festivals held in Celebration Square.

Here Fiesta Ng Kalayaan for the Philippines, Viet Summerfest for Vietnam, Muslimfest for the city's Muslim community, and Mosaic Festival, which is the largest South Asian multi-disciplinary arts festival in North America.

The village of Streetsville holds its annual Bread and Honey Festival every first weekend of June at Streetsville Memorial Park to commemorate the founding of the village of Streetsville.

The festival has been incorporated in 1974, in response to amalgamation with the city of Mississauga. Activities include the Bread and Honey Race, which raises money for charities and local hospitals.

It also has its own annual Canada Day celebrations, which are also held at Streetsville Memorial Park.

Another former town, Port Credit, Ontario holds multiple festivals throughout the year. During the summer, there are street performances on multiple venues scattered throughout the former town during Buskerfest.

The town also holds a grand parade named - Paint the Town Red - during Canada Day. Finally, during August, the town holds the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, which includes concerts as well as family activities.

During September, the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle is being held to celebrate the town's Blues and Jazz Festival, which includes musical performances from local blues and jazz artists.

The community of Malton, which contains a significant number of Sikhs, holds its annual Khalsa Day parade, marching between Sri Guru Singh Sabha or Malton Gurdwara and Sikh Spiritual Centre - Rexdale Gurdwara Sahib, in Toronto. This parade is attended by 100,000 people.

Mississauga has a significant number of Jews, with active community classes, cultural activities and holiday celebrations.

In 2006, with the help of Project for Public Spaces, the city started hosting - My Mississauga - summer festivities at its Civic Square. Mississauga planned over 60 free events to bring more people to the city square.

The square was transformed and included a movable stage, a snack bar, extra seating, and sports and gaming facilities, basketball nets, hockey arena, chess and checker boards including a skate park.

Some of the events included Senior's day on Tuesday, Family day on Wednesday, Vintage car Thursdays, with the main events being the Canada Day celebration, Rotary Ribfest, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Beachfest.

Civic Square has completed its restructuring project using federal stimulus money, which features a permanent stage, a larger ice rink which also serves as a fountain and wading pool during the summer season, media screens, and a permanent restaurant.

It officially reopened at 22 June 2011 and has since been renamed as Mississauga Celebration Square. More events have been added such as holding free outdoor live concerts, and live telecast of UEFA European Football Championship.

The square also holds weekly programming such as fitness classes, amphitheatre performances and movie nights during the summer, children's activities during spring and fall, and skate parties during the winter.

The opening of the square has also allowed the city to hold its first annual New Years' Eve celebration in 2011.

The upper and lower parts of the square used to be separated by a segment of City Centre Drive.

However, pedestrian safety issues and commitment to building a vibrant downtown led the city council to permanently close this segment, uniting the upper and lower parts of the square.

In October 2012, the square had attracted its one millionth visitor.

The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit art gallery located in the Mississauga Civic Centre right on Celebration Square across from the Living Arts Centre and Square One Shopping Centre.

AGM is sponsored by the City of Mississauga, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Arts Council.

The art gallery offers free admission and tours and is open everyday. AGM has over 500 copies and is working on creating a digital gallery led by gallery assistant Aaron Guravich.

Mississauga also boasts one of the largest shopping malls in Canada called Square One Shopping Centre, located at the City Centre. It has 350+ retail stores and services and attracts 24 million annual visits.

It is operating on most holidays, apart from Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, making it the only shopping mall in the city and one of the few in the Greater Toronto Area that do so.

The mall is surrounded by several bars and restaurants, as well as the City Hall, the Central Library, and Playdium.

Erin Mills Town Centre, the second largest mall in Mississauga. It is located at the western edge of the city, near Eglinton Avenue at Erin Mills Parkway.

The mall used to be notable by a clock tower placed in the center of the building. As its successor, the clock has been replaced with an iconic glass sphere 283 feet in circumference, as a part of the mall's $100 million redevelopment project.

The mall also used to have a movie theatre, a mini-golf course, and a daycare centre, all of which were converted to retail space

Located at the southeastern corner of the city is the Dixie Outlet Mall, which is Canada's largest enclosed outlet mall.

It opened in 1956, making it Mississauga's first shopping mall, even though the city at that time was still known as Toronto Township, Ontario. Many factory outlets of premium brands are located in this mall.

As a supporter of Bullfrog Power, it operates using 100% renewable energy. Heartland Town Centre is an unenclosed outlet mall with 180 stores and restaurants.

A flea market, the Fantastic Flea Market, is Mississauga's oldest flea market, which opened in 1976.

Erin Mills Town Centre and Dixie Outlet Mall are both closed for most holidays, except for Civic Holiday.

Toronto's Pearson International Airport is the main regional airport serving Canada's largest city, as a result it is reasonably well served by flights from cities across Canada as well as many American cities and several European, Asian, Latin American, African and Oceanian cities.

The Airport is a short taxi ride from anywhere in Mississauga.Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ), operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority in the northeastern part of the city, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada.

In 2015, it handled 41,036,847 passengers and 443,958 aircraft movements.It is a major North American global gateway, handling more international passengers than any airport in North America other than John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Pearson is the main hub for Air Canada, and a hub for passenger airline WestJet and cargo airline FedEx Express. It is served by over 75 airlines having over 180 destinations.

Mississauga is served by 4 major expressways.

The 401 links Mississauga with Windsor, Detroit and beyond in the West direction, and Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec in the East direction.

The 403 links to Hamilton and Niagara Falls in the west, and connects with the 401 and 410. The 410 leads to Brampton in the North.

The QEW links Mississauga with the Gardiner Expressway and downtown Toronto in the east, and connects with the 403 in the west.

The 407 is an East-West toll route running parallel with the 401.

Mississauga is reasonably accessible from Toronto by transit. GO Transit runs trains during rush hour and buses the rest of the day from various terminals in Toronto to several stations in Mississauga.

Square One shopping centre contains the main bus terminal for the city, it is regularly served by GO buses as well as local Mississauga Transit buses.

MiWay is operated by the City of Mississauga. Because of the lack of urban planning in its early years, the city has become too spread out, causing it to be difficult to traverse without a personal car.

As a result, the transit system is still used, yet the routes are somewhat infrequent, waiting times are typically 15 to 45 minutes on week days, and some bus routes are only offered exclusively on week days.

In an effort to increase their number of passengers however, Mississauga has put in major efforts to improve the system, including their Clicknride web page, which plans out the most appropriate trip for the rider as well.

As of April 27, 2015, a ride on a Mississauga Transit bus costs $3.50, and transfers for free entry onto buses within the following one and a half hour since the beginning of the route must be requested when you are paying.

Transfers can also be used for discounts on other public transportation systems in adjacent areas.

The transit system operates two types of services:

MiWay Local which can be recognized by the orange/white bus livery. This operates like the old Mississauga Transit using most of the same routes with new routes being added as more areas of the city get developed.

The current fleet of buses are being replaced with newer hybrid-electric buses.

MiWay Express which can be recognized by the blue/white bus livery. All express routes except Routes 107,109, and 110 operate only during weekday morning and evening rush hours.

These buses travel on expressways and major thoroughfares making a limited number of stops at designated bus stops. Buses are equipped with reading lights and power outlets at each seat.

Route 110 runs throughout the day each day including weekends and holidays. Routes 107 and 109 also operate on Saturdays except holidays.

A 12-station busway similar to Ottawa's transitway is being built along Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Renforth Drive via the City Centre.

This will provide faster service for passengers by cutting commuting times by as much as half. The first phase of the bus rapid transit project has been completed with stations at Central Parkway, Cawthra, Tomken, and Dixie.

The remaining east to Renforth and west to Winston Churchill sections were completed in 2016.

Toronto Transit Commision (TTC) services some of the east end of the city near the Toronto boundary.

Oakville Transit services some of the west end of the city near the Oakville boundary.

Blue & White Taxi

Golden City Taxi

In 2010, the City of Mississauga approved a Cycling Master Plan outlining a strategy to develop over 900 kilometres (560 miles) of on and off-road cycling routes in the city over the next 20 years.

Over 1,000 Mississauga citizens and stakeholders contributed their thoughts and ideas to help develop this plan.

The plan focuses on fostering cycling as a way of life in the city, building an integrated network of cycling routes and aims to adopt a safety first approach to cycling.

Port Credit An older, historic village at the centre of Mississauga's Lake Ontario shore features many intimate small restaurants, cafes and bars. Annual events include the Waterfront Festival and Jazz/Bluefest.

Nice Marina and walking paths at the Credit River entrance and along the lakeshore.

Streetsville. This small village is where the renowned mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion, resides. It has many shops, restaurants, and green areas to explore.

Visit in June to enjoy the Bread and Honey Festival or in winter months for Remembrance Day services and the Santa Claus Parade.

Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM), 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga Civic Centre, Ground Floor.. Monday-Wednesday, Friday 10am-5pm; Thursday 10am-8pm; Weekends 12pm-4pm.

The AGM has over 3000 square feet divided into four gallery spaces, and programmes approximately 10 exhibitions a year of national and international contemporary art. Free.

Parks. Mississauga has over 350 parks of various sizes. Many small parkettes with trees and park benches form green spaces in busy neighbourhoods.

Other large sports parks feature baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and football fields. There is also an authentic Japanese park right in the City Centre as well as 9 picnic parks, many of them offering barbeque facilities.

Wahoosh Falls. To get a sample of the nearby Hamilton waterfalls concentration, head down the ravine at Burnhamthorpe Rd W and Mississauga Rd. A miniature 10ft waterfall is a fair reward after a healthy urban hike.

Playdium A large video arcade that also has wall climbing and go-karting. Some nights you are able to pay a flat fee for three hours of arcade gaming.

Golf. Mississauga features two primary golf courses: The BraeBen Golf Course and The Lakeview Golf Course. The Lakeview features an 18-Hole course, while The BraeBen features a 9 and 18-hole championship course.

Hershey Centre. A sports and entertainment facility which has staged numerous high profile events including regional, provincial, national and world hockey championships, Skate Canada, and concerts.

Fishing. The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon.

Scooter's Roller Palace. Just south of the Clarkson GO station, this is a popular option for families and teenagers. Skate rentals available.

West 50 is good for a selection of more than 100 beers on tab.

Square One, Ontario's largest mall.

Erin Mills Town Centre

Heartland Town Centre, a shopping complex located in the eastern part of the city mostly consisting of big box stores.

Old Credit Brewery, 6 Queen St. W. Tel:905-2719888, Open 10-19, Excellent small brewery that sells an ale and a pilsner.

Dixie Outlet Mall

Streetsville. Small shops along Queen Street including accessories for home and garden and vintage clothing.

Starsky Fine Foods, 2040 Dundas St. East, Second location at 3115 Dundas St. West. A bustling local Polish supermarket chain with top quality yet affordable deli meats, cheese and desserts.

Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga, 30 Eglinton Ave West. Buy Houses for Sale in Mississauga Ontario located in various areas of the city near schools, amenities, transit and shopping.

Axia Restaurant and Bar, 5045 Plantation Place, along Eglinton Ave W near Erin Mills. In the community of Erin Mills. A nicely designed ambient place with fully authentic Asian food being produced from separate kitchens.

Specializes in Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cuisine. Mains $15-20, appetizers $5-10. Fully liquor licensed with unique flavoured Korean soju and alcoholic bubble tea. A must for any Asian food lover and enough variety to last countless visits.

Nirvana, 35 Brunnel Road in the north end of Mississauga close to Brampton. the Flavors of India. Slightly upscale Indian restaurant . It is a friendly place with great food.

Moxie's Classic Grill. Locations in Meadowvale and Square One.

Richtree Market Restaurant. Located in Square One, this market-style restaurant allows you to see your food being freshly made throughout the day. Offers a nice ambiance in the middle of an otherwise hectic area.

The Apricot Tree Cafe, 1900 Dundas St. W., Mississauga, ON The Apricot Tree is on Dundas St. between the Erin Mills Pkwy and Mississauga Rd. Monday 10am-9pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, closed Sunday.

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, with a wide range of excellent pastries and cakes for dessert. Features an open kitchen design which allows guests to watch their order being prepared.

Breakfast average $8; lunch mains average $11; dinner mains average $17.

West 50, 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. The Sussex Centre. Mo-Th: 11am-1am,Fr: 11am-2am, sa:4pm-2am, Su:5pm-2am.

Excellent steaks, salads and desserts. Stylish interior with a huge stainless steel bar on the inside and two rings of tables at different levels around it.

They have more than 100 beers from around Canada and the rest of the world on tap, try a 6-beer sampler menu if cannot decide $20 for mains.

Master Steaks, 5895 Dixie Road, three lights north of the 401. open late. This is about the cheapest place in Mississauga where you can get a steak dinner for less than $20. Portions are very generous for the price.

Atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of a 70's fast food eatery where you place your order at the till and wait until your number is called.

Very popular with the after-hours bar crowd. Look out for specials under $15. Licensed. Take out available. $7-$25.

Bistro Narra, 3030 Thomas Street, Unit A404, West of Winston Churchill Blvd. Sister restaurant of Apricot Tree. Wonderful bistro-style food, with great desserts.

Especially check out the Prix Fixe and Crepe Fest menus at both restaurants when they are available. Lunch $10-18. Dinner starts at $15.

Arkady Bistro Cafe, 3631 Dixie Rd near Burnhamthorpe. Great Polish cafe that serve generous portions. Excellent mains and salads. Website is in Polish. $11-30.

Song Cook's, 1310 Dundas St E west of Dixie Rd. Mississauga location of a local Korean restaurant chain. Hearty Korean stews and dishes. Great lunch and group specials.

Man Doo Hyang, 169 Dundas St E near Kirwin Ave. Another local Korean chain restaurant. Specializes in dumplings, and has delicious tabletop cooking, including family-sized stews and barbecued meats.

Lucy's Seafood Kitchen, 6905 Millcreek Drive, Unit 8. Cajun-style seafood restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. Friendly, casual atmosphere, with great seafood entrees. Check out their Southern-style desserts as well.

Drink and Club in Mississauga City

&Company, 295 Enfield Place, andcompany.ca. Upscale nightclub in Mississauga City Centre featuring world-class DJ's. Strict dress code which is stylish and sophisticated enforced.

&Company is open Wednesday-Saturday 6pm-2am. Seasonal rooftop bar and patio. Bottle service available.

Blue Suede Sue's, 75 Watline Avenue, Top 40, Hip-hop, R & B, Dance. Open Thursday, Friday Ladies' night, and Saturday nights.

My Apartment Two locations is one in Mississauga and one in Oakville now called Rehab bordering Mississauga.

Sugar Daddy's, 5165 Dixie Road, 4 lights south of the 401, Mississauga. Established in 2003. Club MC is Slick Vic, with DJ Constantine.

Capitol Singles' Dance, Capitol Banquet Centre, 6435 Dixie Road, 4 lights north of the 401, Mississauga. Every Friday night from 7:00pm till 1:00am.

All singles 19 and over welcome; however, the majority of attendees tend to be the 30+ after-work crowd. DJ Dianne plays a mix of today's dance hits with the greatest hits from the 50's to the 90's as well as country, swing, waltz, polka, and latin favourites.

She also gladly takes requests. Admission is $15 as conditions apply and includes a buffet dinner served 7:30 till 9:30. Dress code, no jeans or sneakers. Cash bar. Draw and spot dances. Ample free parking.

Accomodations in Mississauga

The Waterside Inn, 15 Stavebank Road South. Waterfront hotel located in Port Credit. Uniquely decorated and furnished guest suites. Wifi, restaurant, and conference rooms.

Novotel Toronto Mississauga, 3670 Hurontario Street. The Novotel Toronto Mississauga is located 25 min from the centre of Toronto and 18 km from Pearson International Airport. 325 Rooms, Wifi, and a restaurant.

Hilton Garden Inn - Toronto/Mississauga, 100 Traders Boulevard. checkin: 3:00PM; checkout: 12:00PM. Guest rooms selected at check-in featuring single or double beds. Free complementary parking, no pets allowed.

Best Western Plus Toronto Airport Hotel, 5825 Dixie Road, Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario L4W 1E8. Complimentary airport shuttle & overnight parking, meeting and banquet fascilities, indoor heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, suites available.

Comfort Inn Airport West Mississauga, 1500 Matheson Blvd. East, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 3Z4. checkin: 2:00 p.m.; checkout: 11:00 a.m.. Complimentary 24 hour airport shuttle, free ample parking, meeting facility, suites and renovated rooms available.

Mississauga is a fairly safe city, however use common sense and vigilance at night like any other large city, as muggings can sometimes happen. The local police are friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, so any issues you have you can ask them for help.

On the weekend, clubs and bars in Mississauga can fill up with people fast. If you see a confrontation in a bar or club, it is best not to get involved, as these can escalate quickly.

For life threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1 to be connected to Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency inquiries, you can dial the following:

Mississauga Fire - 905-615-3777 Peel Paramedic Services - 1-800-668-7821 Peel Regional Police - 905-453-3311

On the whole, Mississauga is a safe city, and for the average tourist, you should have no problems.

Do not wait to go to Mississauga.


Tourism Observer