The tropical portion
of the island, Bungbusi boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The attitude of the people is friendly,
calm, and unhurried, making it the ideal location for a relaxing vacation. Commercial building is strictly controlled,
so this area has kept its native charm. Many people who tour Bungbusi come back again and again.Activities. Bungbusi is rich with history, containing the preserved rock dwellings and drawings of native peoples who lived there for thousands of years. Once a port for whalers and pirates, there are also many places where you can explore this lifestyle and period of history. But perhaps the main attraction is the miles of unspoiled and uncrowded beaches, as well as some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Many people also visit the Bungbusi native temple to see the large sculptures and distinctive buildings.
Sports. The warm turquoise waters of Bungbusi are ideal for water sports, including diving, snorkeling, water skiing, and surfing. Also popular are treks through the rainforest to view the colorful, fragrant flowers and magnificent waterfalls.
Shops. Bungbusi is the perfect location to pick up native art, local gourmet coffee, exotic fruit wines and liquors, local jams and syrups, and dried seaweed.
Dining. For breakfast, enjoy a variety of fresh exotic fruits and the native coconut pudding. Later, don't miss your chance to try the famous Bungbusi seaweed soup, flavored with indigenous seaweed and herbs. Many restaurants offer outdoor dining among garden landscapes, native dance or musical performances, or lovely sea views where you can watch whales, a colorful sunset, or the moon dancing on the waves.
Accommodations. Choose from world-class resorts, with pools, tropical gardens, private beach areas, tennis courts, gyms, and every possible amenity, to upscale bed-and-breakfasts and historic inns with local flavor. Some options include staying in a restored Whaler's Lodge or Pirate Hideaway.
Venduca contains a still-active
portion of the volcano that formed Isle de Café. Some of the older, lusher slopes are home to gourmet coffee
plantations.Activities. The Venduca visitor center and museum shows educational movies about the volcano throughout the day. It also houses displays about the formation of volcanoes, how the island was created through volcanic activity, and the myths of the native people that live here. Tours of the coffee plantations are also available. By the coast, there are areas where you can watch lava meet the sea as the island continues to expand itself.
Sports. Venduca has an abundance of hiking trails and camping facilities. Some local companies offer biking tours from the top to the bottom of the volcano. In addition, an occasional snow brings skiers and snowboarders from around the island to the terrific slopes.
Shops. The visitor center sells a large variety of souvenirs, books, clothing, and other items.
Dining. The visitor center restaurant serves deli foods and some surprisingly good pasta dishes. People rave about the Erupting Volcano sundae, which can be a meal in itself.
Accommodations. Camping is allowed in certain areas. There are also some rather rustic cabins a few miles from the visitors center.
On the drier side of
the island, Simerilia contains the structures of an ancient, technologically advanced people that have since vanished,
perhaps due to cataclysmic volcanic activity. The area attracts many scientists and anthropologists, as well as
curious travelers, who consider the ruins to be one of the great archeological sites. Downtown Simerilia has a
distinct Mediterranean influence, with cafés, shops, flower gardens, and gorgeous views, including that
of the Venduca volcano.Activities. Tours of the ruins and temples are quite popular. The Simerilia Ancient Peoples museum provides much useful and interesting information on the history of the area. Simerilia produces very fine wines, particularly spicy red wines. Several wineries operate tours throughout the day. Also, the public gardens in downtown Simerilia are not to be missed.
Sports. For the more adventurous traveler, several companies offer llama treks to Simerilia city and temple ruins. There are also locations popular for rock climbing.
Shops. In downtown Simerilia, you can purchase a variety of items in quaint shops. Favorites include lace, well-made clothing, and colorful dishes and pottery.
Dining. Many restaurants have outdoor seating where you can enjoy the flowers and views in the downtown area. Here you can savor fine wine, espresso drinks, pastries, and pastas. Chocolate ravioli is a popular and delicious dessert.
Accommodations. Simerilia has luxury resorts along the coast, as well as bed and breakfasts and small hotels in the downtown area.
Moderna captures the
charm of a modern village. Streets are lined with trees and rose bushes, and just outside the city are many fine
estates. While maintaining the feeling of a small town, Moderna offers large city conveniences.Activities. Moderna is home to world-class art and history museums and offers excellent theater, concert, and dance performances. To orient yourself quickly to all Moderna has to offer, be sure to take a tour of the city. The gardens, including many gorgeous varieties of roses, are also spectacular.
Sports. A popular Moderna activity is white-water rafting. The Moderna river offers rafting for all experience levels, from gentle swellings to challenging rough water areas. Hiking through the wooded areas is also pleasant.
Shops. With several wood carving schools and cooking academies, Moderna is ideal for picking up elaborately carved wood art, cookware, gourmet sauces, and similar items.
Dining. For breakfast, try some fresh scones and a fruit plate. For dessert, the pies and tarts have to be tasted to be believed. Any ethnic food you can think of is offered in Moderna. Because Moderna has many fine cooking schools, it offers exceptional restaurants. Students who come to Moderna often fall in love with the city, and prefer to find work in local dining establishments.
Accommodations. Some of the best places to stay are the charming bed and breakfasts, which are often luxuriously decorated with antiques. Many B&Bs are owned by graduates of the cooking schools, so you can often get a hot, home-cooked breakfast included with your room. The city also has elegant hotels.