A strong earthquake, with the magnitude of 8.3, has hit the Samoan Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean and about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, early yesterday morning, triggered a tidal wave measuring up to 4.5 meters in height, where as soon as the tsunami hit land it wiped out entire villages, killing more than 100 people.

Within a few minutes of the earthquake, a tsunami was formed, not providing enough time for people to escape to higher grounds; thus, causing massive devastation throughout entire villages which have been destroyed by the waves, and hundreds left homeless. The American Samoa reported 25 deaths, while the neighboring Samoa reported 77 deaths, as for Tonga it reported 6 deaths.

A tsunami warning was issued for the entire South Pacific region, yet it was cancelled shortly after. Barack Obama declared a “major disaster” in the American Samoa, which is a US territory made up of a population of almost 65 thousand people; while the population of the independent Samoa is about 185 thousand. A US emergency aid will be made available as soon as possible, according to the White House.

So far, the extent of damage produced by one of the worst disasters the islands has ever witnessed, is not known yet, but both Australia and New Zealand are ready to send emergency aid, while the US will be deploying federal emergency teams to supplement local rescuing efforts.

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An aid worker in Samoa said waves of at least six metres have wiped out beach-side resorts in the South of the largest island.

Sati Young who is a Red Cross worker said he is with three families who have lost a total of ten family members.

Young said the tourist area of Lalamanu has been devastated by the tsunami early this morning.

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Young said since the waves measured about six metres in height, it carried debris up to the top of the trees.

The death toll from this morning’s tsunami and 8.3 earthquakes off Samoa is feared to soar.

According to Radio New Zealand 26 deaths have been confirmed but Samoa’s disaster management office said the disaster may have killed up to 100 people.

The Assistant Chief Executive Ausegalia Mulipola said teams are still searching for victims of the tsunami, with reports some villages in the country’s southeast had been destroyed.

Three children are said to have died when a building collapsed in Upolu rather than Savaii as earlier reported.

Most of the resorts and hotels along the south coast of Upolu Island in Samoa have been wiped out by this morning’s earthquake and tsunami.

19 people have been confirmed dead in American Samoa and the main village of Pag Pago is said to be completely devastated.

An Australian woman is reported to be one of the dead, also among the victims are two South Koreans.

American President Barrack Obama has declared American Samoa a disaster state.

The U.S. Coast Guard is sending a C-130 plane to American Samoa to deliver aid and assess damage.

Reports say ten people died on the Tongan island of Niua Toputapu

Seven people in neighbouring Samoa are reported to have died but the figure is expected to rise.

Assessments are being made and NZ has offered to assist.

Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1, and currently officially referred to as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The “formula” in the name refers to a set of rules to which all participants and cars must comply.

The F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits, and to a lesser extent, former public roads and closed city streets. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for the drivers and one for the constructors, with racing drivers, constructor teams, track officials, organizers and circuits required to be holders of valid Super Licences, the highest class racing licence issued by the FIA.

Formula One cars race at high speeds, up to 360 km/h (220 mph) with engines revving up to a formula imposed limit of 18,000 RPM. The cars are capable of pulling in excess of 5 g-forces in some curves. The performance of the cars is highly dependent on electronics (although traction control and driving aids have been banned since 2007), aerodynamics, suspension and on tyres. The formula has seen many evolutions and changes through the history of the sport.

Europe is Formula One’s traditional centre, where all of the teams are based, and where around half of the races take place. However, the sport’s scope has expanded significantly in recent years and Grands Prix are held all over the world. Events in Europe and the Americas have been dropped in favour of races in Asia and the Middle East – of the eighteen races in 2008, nine were held outside Europe.

Formula One is a massive television event, with a global audience of 600 million people per race. The Formula One Group is the legal holder of the commercial rights[citation needed]. As the world’s most expensive sport,[8] its economic effect is significant, and its financial and political battles are widely covered. Its high profile and popularity make it an obvious merchandising environment, which leads to very high investments from sponsors, translating into extremely high budgets for the constructor teams. However, mostly since year 2000, due to the always increasing expenditures, several teams, including works teams from car makers and those teams with minimum support from the automotive industry or other F1 teams, have gone bankrupt or been bought out by companies that want to easily establish a racing team within the sport.

Click for more info on F1

It’s got deadly spiders, snakes and sharks, but they don’t stop people from coming here, never mind living here. And for good reason. From the prehistoric gorges of Kakadu National Park, to the white sails of the Sydney Opera House, Australia is a country as big your imagination. Kick back on a beach as white as can be in Western Australia; lose yourself in the laneways of culture-rich Melbourne or be humbled by red desert sunsets over Uluru. Turn south to visit hundred year old giants that loom large in the forests of Tasmania or take on Sydney, a heady mix of surf, sun, money and sex, and you’ll soon realise Australia is a place to be discovered, not feared.

The locals seem to be cursed with an insatiable yen for the unknown and they bend to it willingly, fleeing for weeks, months even, into that vast spot in the middle called the outback. And it’s a big out back; you can travel indefinitely without coming within cooee of a phone call or an email. Nuts! Instead you have to make do with landscapes that shift from saffron to ochre beneath a seamless canopy of deep indigo. And then there are ancient Aboriginal cultures, dazzling salt pans, secretive reptiles, rough-cut canyons and pristine gorges. Some Australians simply go walkabout, traversing national parks filled with such devilish critters as koalas, sugar gliders and knee-high wallabies. Others whiz through world heritage rainforests on mountain bikes or apply ropes to their limbs, chalk to their hands, truly skimpy shorts to their nether regions and scale lofty summits like bronze-backed insects. And some simply launch themselves into the sky with parachutes attached to their backs.

Then there are the Australians who feel separation pains if they stray from the coast. So they don’t. They sport permanent golden hues, adopt languid gaits and wear cheeky grins. They glue themselves to surfboards, kayaks and boats and loll in the surf for hours (days even!). As if that weren’t enough, they flee to the Whitsunday Islands (Qld), the Ningaloo Reef (WA) or the immense Great Barrier Reef (Qld) and spend days under the water defending themselves from kaleidoscopic marine life, colossal whale sharks, giant turtles and mischievous dolphins.

Fortunately, this lovely country is not without its urban havens, and in its dizzying cities you’ll find folk who indulge in saner delights. Rather than risk life and limb in the feisty Australian bush, they litter the beaches like comatose seals, reluctant to move unless emergency dictates. Or they populate pubs with enormous beer gardens and focus all their energy on the pint/schooner bicep curl. They watch hours of sport and possess a vast amount of knowledge about most games, without ever having actually played them. Of course Australia’s metropolises also offer glorious ways to wrap your head around the country’s culture in myriad museums, theatres, festivals and galleries. A solid study of the bars and restaurants will reveal the population’s helpless addiction to coffee, seafood, organics and global cuisine; and the wine industry delights discerning connoisseurs from around the world.

For a more in depth look at things to do in Australia please visit

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You’re going to love Vanuatu. But it’s not just a decadent escape with balmy breezes and gourmet food. It’s also home to several best-in-the-world experiences that very few people know about: a luxury liner, like the Titanic, shipwrecked in clear diveable water; the world’s most accessible active volcano on the island of Tanna; a giant banyan tree the size of a soccer field; pounding, cascading waterfalls; extraordinary cultural ceremonies and dances on the island of Malekula; primitive villages where you can witness an ancient living culture; and picture-perfect beaches where there’s nobody but you and your snorkel gear. It’s also a snorkellers’ and divers’ Mecca.

Port Vila, the national capital on the island of Efate, buzzes at the centre of Vanuatu’s tourist trade, all colonial and cool, with a view for every restaurant, and hotel beds that float you out over lagoons. If you’ve come on a package deal, you’re just starting your adventure. Stay on when it ends to discover a few of the unique things that are Vanuatu, and to try out the sporty options, like abseiling down a waterfall, parasailing over the glorious harbour, zapping out of a cave of stalactites through a ravine on a blow-up float-ring, turning nature-child for the night on a tiny offshore island.

The best thing about Vanuatu, though, is that you feel safe and happy here. The people are a delight. They love their country and want you to enjoy its pleasures, but they aren’t after the ‘tourist dollar’ It is so refreshing.

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In a stunning approach from the air, the islets of tiny Tuvalu appear like a mirage in the vastness of the Pacific. Barely higher than the surrounding ocean, and capped with a fringe of coconut palms, it’s easy to understand why rising sea level due to global warming is a major concern here.

Time moves at its own pace on the five atolls and four islands of this sun-stunned nation. The weight of heat requires immediate retreat to the shade; it’s impossible to move or even to think fast. Change down a gear, and enjoy the lack of hustle and bustle.

Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, the huge changes in Tuvalu over recent years are nowhere more evident than on Fongafale, the capital of Funafuti Atoll. Cars are overtaking bicycles and feet as the preferred form of transport, and an increasing population density and move away from subsistence traditions are bringing other challenges. Meanwhile, you can join the locals by taking a nap in the afternoon before a sunset float in the lagoon. If time is really no object, venture to the outer islands, where life is even more laid-back.

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The Kingdom of Tonga is perched just east of the international date line: when it’s a fun-packed Saturday at the beach in Samoa, it’s already time for Sunday prayers in Tonga. Thus it’s said, most often by the island’s tourism industry, that Tonga is ‘the place where time begins’. Others, perhaps observing the pace of local life, call it the place where time stands still. Both statements are true in a way, as Tonga is an eclectic country where ancient traditions sit alongside the latest offerings of modern life. Tongans avidly devour DVDs and download the latest hip-hop or international news and opinion from the Internet, but they also still resolve difficult issues the traditional way, around a bowl of kava, and many still weave, and wear, traditional mats.

For the traveller, Tonga offers a different experience to Samoa. The snorkelling and diving are far superior for one thing. And some travellers plan their entire trip around Tonga’s marvellous whale-watching. There’s laid-back resort life if you want it, though without quite the same infrastructure that surrounds resorts in Samoa. There are many opportunities to get right off the beaten track in Tonga’s 170-odd islands, with tiny forested islets calling your name left and right. The Ha’apai Group offers deserted white beaches, vibrant reefs and only a smattering of other tourists. For all the fun in the water that you could reasonably be expected to handle, the Vava’u Group and Eua are the activity holiday destinations of Tonga, with sea Kayaking, fishing surfing and diving available.

For those seeking a genuine cultural experience, society in the Pacific’s only remaining kingdom has remained more impervious to outside influences than Samoa (and it’s certainly more traditional than American Samoa). You may find you have to work a little to get into the locals’ confidence – Tongans are not as extroverted as Samoans – but it’s worth the effort.

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Timor Leste is located in the eastern part of Timor, an island in the Indonesian archipelago that lies between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Timor Leste includes the enclave of Oecussi, which is surrounded by West Timor (Indonesia).

Portugal colonised the territory in 1749 and remained there until 1975 when independence was declared. However, nine days after declaring independence, Indonesia invaded. Timor Leste only regained independence in 1999

Dili (Díli) is the capital of Timor-Leste. It is mainly a commercial and administrative center, with a few Portuguese touches such as villa-lined beach roads and the ruins of an old fort built in 1627. The long stretch of waterfront with the nearby Palácio do Governador, remains a place of commerce and leisure and a focal point for evening walks and weekends. A massive statue of Jesus Christ dominates the headland hilltop at Cape Fatucama. The best-known beaches in Dili (Díli) are in a sheltered cove known as Areia Branca. Ataúru (Ataúro) Island, which is visible from the waterfront, is becoming increasingly popular as a sightseeing excursion site. The best way to appreciate Timor-Leste’s natural beauty is to rent a car and take a scenic drive along the spectacular coastline to Manatutu (Manatuto), Baukau (Baucau) and Kom (Com) in Lospalos.

A number of international cuisines can be found, from the traditional Timorese dishes to Portuguese, Italian, Western, Chinese, Thai or Japanese cuisine.

Sightseeing excursions and expeditions to visit the country are available, as well as car and motorbike rentals.

Backpacking and trekking are well suited for our countries’ characteristics. This is a good alternative for the adventurous to really appreciate both nature and tradition.

Rambling
Maubisi (Maubisse) – Hatubuiliku (Hato Builico), Ainaru (Ainaro) District. Mountains and deep valleys, stunning alpine scenery with traditional Mambae houses and farms and a lovely pousada (guest lodge) in Maubisi (Maubisse). Lovely walk along a gravel road from the ruins of an old pousada at Hatubuiliku (Hato Builico) to Mimosa Forest.

Trekking and mountaineering
Ramelau or Tatamailau, Ainaru (Ainaro) District. Reach the summit of Timor-Leste’s highest mountain from Hatubuiliku (Hato Builico) over rugged terrain and forest, with a 2-hour round trip. Freshwater springs run all year, with rain rituals in October. A 6-hour trek will take you to Loelaco Mountain near Maliana, through Bobonaru (Bobonaro) town and Marobo, with a chance to see the region’s characteristic traditional cone-shaped houses.

Timor Black Pigeon
Bird watching
Timor-Leste has 25 protected bird species, ranging from eagles to parakeets, which can be spotted throughout the country, especially in Lautein (Lautém) district. Lautein (Lautém) also boasts one of the country’s largest lakes, Ira Lalaro.

Whale and dolphin watching
Dolphins are common in the waters all around Timor-Leste, particularly in Manatutu (Manatuto) district, Carimbala, Likisá (Liquiçá) district and Tutuala in Lospalos. Large groups of migrating whales are often seen in the deep waters between Ataúru (Ataúro) Island and Dili (Díli).

Scuba diving and snorkeling
Timor-Leste has kilometer after kilometer of pristine coral reefs, offering some of the best diving in the world. There are several diving companies running scuba safaris to sites in Dili (Díli), Ataúru (Ataúro) Island, Manatutu (Manatuto) District, Tutuala and Jaku (Jaco) Island in Lospalos. Timor-Leste’s reefs are home to a vast diversity of marine creatures, from turtles to whales sharks and dazzling shoals of colourful tropical fish.

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The Solomons remains an undiscovered gem for adventure travellers, divers and those seeking an authentic Melanesian experience. Flee the dusty streets of Honiara after a quick bite to eat and maybe a wander through the museum, and hit the water. In the Western Province, coral islands encircle huge lagoons, volcanoes bubble away underwater, locals practise magic and summon sharks. This is a famous dive destination, thanks to the wealth of coral reefs in the Central Province area, like the Nggela Islands. Exciting underwater topography and hundreds of sunken WWII wrecks await your perusal around Ghizo Island. It’s a wonderful spot for snorkellers, too, and anglers will find the waters full of opportunities for sport and game fishing.

Some of the islands are large, with mountain interiors and fast-flowing rivers, while others are tiny atolls in stunning lagoons. The archipelago is the South Pacific’s third largest and most of its people live a subsistence lifestyle that has barely changed for centuries.

It’s hard to believe that until the 1930s these friendly, easy-going islanders were considered to be among the world’s most violent and dangerous people. Head-hunting, cannibalism and skull worship were central elements of traditional culture, and sacred skull shrines remain as macabre and fascinating reminders of the old days.

Unfortunately, more recently the Solomons developed a dangerous reputation following the period of ethnic conflict in 1999 and 2000. In the ensuing years Guadalcanal and – to a lesser extent – Malaita Province experienced a major breakdown in law and order. The deployment of a regional assistance mission quickly re-established law and order, and it’s now perfectly safe to travel anywhere in the Solomons except for rural Guadalcanal…and even there you can get around if you have a guide or officer to lead the way.

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Samoa has some of the most beautiful and enticing islandscapes in the South Pacific. It’s an opinion few travellers will disagree with once they’ve spent a few weeks rattling up steep rocky trails to stare into the overgrown maws of extinct craters, swished their way through the lush undergrowth of sprawling plantations to clamber into eerie lava tubes, and strapped on a mask before coming face to face with multicoloured coral and other marine life in the shallow waters of deliriously lovely lagoons. Some of the beaches are so stunning that you’ll just want to fall over and pretend you’re a piece of driftwood, and hidden within isolated valleys in the hinterlands are paradisal waterfalls that plunge into idyllic swimming holes. Add the rainforests and rugged sea cliffs of ‘Upolu, and the lava flows of Savai’I into the mix, and you can begin to appreciate the enigmatic physical nature of these islands.

The inhabitants of Samoa have taken a few cues from their languid tropical home. Samoans are never in much of a hurry to do anything, a trait which tends to incite culture shock and a mild, temporary panic in visitors who have arrived from schedule-centric, clock-watching societies. And Samoans’ moods can sometimes change as quickly as the tropical weather, with bright outlooks giving way to stormy fronts before inevitably clearing up again. But most conspicuously, they are also famously hospitable: Samoans are rarely short of a toothy grin, a flap of the hand or a friendly comment where outsiders are concerned.

So don’t underestimate how much time you’ll want to spend tramping into Samoa’s wild interior, bobbing around its lagoons or lying on one of its sun-baked beaches. Follow the lead of Samoa’s generous spirit and just spoil yourself.

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PNG can be challenging. With almost no tourism infrastructure and limited information available in books and on websites, it can feel like you’re stepping into the great unknown. But this is exactly why travellers find this country so compelling. Nothing is contrived for tourists and every experience is authentic – even the main island of Bougainville is a largely DIY travel experience. The striking natural beauty and myriad complex cultures offer some riveting and truly life-affirming experiences. The island of New Guinea, of which Papua New Guinea is the eastern part, is only one-ninth as big as Australia, yet it has just as many mammal species, and more kinds of birds and frogs. PNG is Australia’s biological mirror-world. Both places share a common history going back tens of millions of years, but Australia is flat and has dried out, while PNG is wet and has become mountainous. As a result, Australian kangaroos bound across the plains, while in PNG they climb in the rainforest canopy.

For a glimpse into PNG’s fascinating tribal cultures, the Highlands is where you should head (the town of Tari is a good place to see traditional Huli wigmen), while the Central, Oro & Milne Bay Provinces are home to gorgeous reefs and historic wartime sites – including the country’s foremost attraction, the Kokoda Track. Also part of these eastern provinces, and about as far off the beaten track as you can get, the D’Entrecasteaux Islands are like the land that time forgot, mountainous, jungly and totally undeveloped. The gritty capital Port Moresby, on the other hand, is big and sprawling and even a bit intimidating until you get under its skin and see past the bad press.

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