Cataratas de Agua Azul

Cataratas de Agua Azul (Chiapas, Mexico) - Rank 77 as of June 13, 2008
Agua Azul (Rio Xumul-Ha) which means, "River of Blue Water", is located in the state of Chiapas, about 69 kilometers from Palenque by the road that leads towards San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico.

This waterfall consists of many cataracts following one after another. The larger cataracts may stand up to 6 meters in height. With its water flowing fast through limestone ridges gives it the turquoise blue effect, hence, the name Agua Azul. Note thought, the water turns brown during the rainy season, thus, visiting the falls should be done during the month of November to May, to see it on its blue color.

Breath-taking green valleys surrounds the river, and as you leave the area on the road upwards, you can look left into the valley below and see the river winding through it. The river is a great place for people to swim and relax. Caution, however, not all areas of the river is safe for swimming or bathing. While a signpost for dangerous portion may be visible, not all unsafe areas may have it. Extra care is needed to make your swim to the river a refreshing and relaxing experience.

The information featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details and photo galleries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agua_Azul
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/outdoors/chiapaswaterfalls.htm#About
http://www.tourbymexico.com/chiapas/aguaazul/aguaazul.htm

To vote for Agua Azul Waterfall for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/northamerica/c/AzulWaterfall/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/
or
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

The following images are from the following web sites:

http://www.mexperience.com/guide/mexicophotos/aguaazul.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agua_Azul

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills (Bohol, Philippines) - Rank 03 as of June 13, 2008

One of the most famous attractions in Bohol, Cholocate Hills are a collection of hills (no less than 1268 in number) that spreads at about 50 square kilometers throughout the Barangays of Sagbayan, Carmen and Sierra Bullones in the centre of Bohol Island itself.

The hills which are covered with grass are uniform in shape, and about 30 to 50 meters in height, the largest standing 120 meters high. During dry season, the color of the grass covering turns cholocate brown, thus, the name Chocolate Hills was derived from. On other seasons, the hills are green in color.

To this date, there has been no official explanation agreed upon on how the hills were formed. There different theories about the formation of the hills.
The most common belief is they were an ancient coral limestone reef that was shaped by many thousands of years erosion by both water and wind.

The hills also have a legend. The first legend tells of two feuding giants who in battling with each other hurled rocks, boulders and sand trying to destroy there foe, who in the end became friends. The mess of the battlefield which the two giants forgot to clean gave birth to the Chocolate Hills.

The second legend, which is romantic in nature, is again about a giant called Arogo who was extremely powerful and youthful. Arogo fell in love with Aloya who was a simple mortal. Aloya’s death caused Arogo much pain and misery. In his sorrow he could not stop crying, when his tears dried the Chocolate Hills were formed.

The Chocolate Hills is listed by Philippines by the Philippine Tourism Authority as one of the tourist destinations in the Philippine, and it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument. It is also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The information featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details and photo galleries.

http://www.bohol.ph/article.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_Hills
http://www.philippines-travel-guide.com/bohol-chocolate-hills.html
http://www.polaris-dive.com/eng_nf/gallery06.htm

To vote for Chocolate Hills for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/ChocolateHills/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/
or
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

The following images are from the web site:

http://www.polaris-dive.com/

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls (Canada/USA) - Rank 19 as of June 13, 2008
A natural phenomenon, Niagar Falls sees between four and six millions cubic feet of water go over its crest every minute, which is second in size to Victoria Falls in Africa. Niagara Falls are 188 feet high, with the deepest section of the Niagara River just at their base-going down 170 feet. The rim of Horseshoe Falls measures 2200 feet across-the same height of Yosemite's famous Cathedral Spires. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.

The falls are located in the international border separating the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side of the border and American Falls on the United States side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls also is located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island.

Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly-formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. The Niagara Falls are very wide.

Just 15 minutes north of the Falls rests an impressive array of Niagara vineyards. Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries currently number 17, many of which produce award-winning vino, including the region's famous ice wines. At a similar latitude to the Bordeaux region of France and Napa Valley, the Niagara climate is ideal.

Niagara Falls has received its reputation as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" when Aaron Burr's daughter-Theodosia-chose a Niagara Falls honeymoon in 1801. She was followed up by Jerome Bonaparte-Napoleon's brother-in 1804 and, thus, a tradition was born.

General Information
- Located 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York, 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. - Reputed as the Honeymoon Capital of the World

- Four to six million cubic feet of water fall over the crest line every minute
- Over 50,000 Niagara honeymoons are arranged each year
- The falls stopped flowing for 30 hours when ice fields from Lake Erie jammed at the source of the river.
- Marilyn Monroe visited the falls to film portions of the thriller Niagara Falls, released in 1953. Other notable visitors have included King George the V in 1939 and Princess Diana with her sons in 1991.

The information featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details and photo galleries.

http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/niagara_falls_tourism.html (Niagara Falls Tourism Official Web Site)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls
http://www.niagarafallslive.com
http://www.infoniagara.com/

To vote for Niagara Falls for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/northamerica/c/NiagaraFallsWaterfall/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/

The following images are from the web site http://www.niagarafallslive.com

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Palawan, Philippines) - Rank 05 as of June 13, 2008
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most important conservation areas in the Philippines. It features spectacular limestone karst landscape with its underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences.

The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia which allowed the Park to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

The Park which is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, some 81 km north of Puerto Princesa City within portion of Barangays Cabayugan, Marufinas, and Tagabinet. The entrance to the Subterranean River is located a short hike from little town of Sabang.

The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The intention is to protect the impressive cave systems, lush old growth tropical rain forest, interesting wildlife, unspoiled natural beauty of the area and one of the most impressive cave system in the world. Its main focus is 8.2 km. long underground river that flows beneath a spectacular limestone formation before directly emptying into the sea.

It is a core area for the Palawan Biosphere Reserve and is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It was also declared as a National Geological Monument. In recognition of global significance, the Park has been inscribed to the list of natural World Heritage Sites.

Key attractions of the Park includes a 1-hour tour inside the mystic underground river to be amazed with interesting rock formations, and be acquainted with thousands of baths and swiftlets living deep inside the cave.

The Park boast a number of cave systems which have interesting geological features include the Ugong Rock view deck which allows one to marvel at the spectacular karst mountain formations and the natural beauty of the areas surrounding the Park. Other sites to explore include Lion cave, Daylight hole and the Kawili Cave.

Bird lovers would appreciated different colorful birds found in the area. which includes parrots, hornbills, megapodes, pitas, leaf birds and herons. Other wildlife seen are the monitor lizards, macaques, squirrels.

Feeling the heat after hours of touring the park, one can indulge in the white sand beaches available on the shorelines. With cool and crystal clear waters, it's ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even just enjoying the feel of the sun. Most popular are the Sabang beach, Panaguman beach and Marta Fe beach.

The information and pictures featured here are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details.

http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/index.php (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Official Web Site)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/652
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garndt/1512523846/in/set-72157602083391472/

To vote for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji (Japan) - Rank 10 as of June 13, 2008
Mount Fuji (Fujisan) stand at 3776 meters above sea level, and it is Japan's highest mountain. Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano, which last erupted in 1707-1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. Surrounded by three small cities which are Gotemba (east), Fujiyoshida (north) and Fujinomiya (southwest).

Mt. Fuji has been worshipped as a "sacred mountain" and has been popular to artists, tourist and normal people. Thus, about 200,000 people climbs the mountain every year, and about 30% are foreigners. Japan, being one of the most mountainous countries in the world, mountain is an historic element of Japanese culture.

The easiest way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip along the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40 to 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo.

The best way to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, is to head to the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort.

Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.

Basic Information
- 3775.63m above sea level
- located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures (West of Tokyo)
- Consists mainly of basaltic lava(about 50% silicon dioxide)
- mountain top temperature averages monthly to -18 to +8°C (degrees Celsius)
- last recorded eruption was in Dec. 16, 1707 - Jan. 1, 1708

The information provided above and sample pictures featured below are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details, and photo galleries.

http://www.mt-fuji.co.jp/index-e.html (Mt. Fuji Official Web Site)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html
http://www.sacredland.org/world_sites_pages/MtFuji.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujisan
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/photogallery/a/fujiphotoindex.htm

To vote for Mt. Fuji for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/MountFujiMountain/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/

Tubbataha Reef

Tubbataha Reef (Palawan, Philippines) - Rank 2 as of June 13, 2008
The name 'Tubbataha' is the Samal (dialect of Sulu Archipelago) word for "long reef exposed at low tide". Samals are seafaring people of the Sulu Sea and are one of the few people who have accessed the Park in early 1980's. Cagayanen people who are more geographically associated with Tubbataha Reefs referred the Park as 'gusong'.

Tubbataha Reef has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site (see http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=653 and/or http://www.wcmc.org.uk/protected_areas/data/wh/tubbata.html)

The national park covers some 33,200 hectares, located in the middle of the Sulu Sea about 150 kilometres southeast of (and 12 hours by boat from) Puerto Princesca, the capital city of Palawan island. It is the largest coral reef and the only National Marine Park in the Philippines. It houses variety of marine creatures which includes whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, tuna, jackfish, colorful reef fishes, and seahorses. About 300 coral species, and at least 40 families and 379 species of fish were recorded to be seen at the park.

The information provided above and sample pictures featured below are from the following web references. You may check the links for additional information, including travel details, and photo galleries.

http://www.tubbatahareef.org/ (Tubbata Reef's Official Web Site) http://www.pbase.com/kleine/tubbataha_reef

To vote for Tubbataha Reef for the New 7 Wonders, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/TubbatahaReefReef/

To vote for other nominees, and for current live ranking information, visit:
http://www.new7wonders.com/

My New 7 Wonders

I'd like to share my list of the 7 New Wonders, without ranking. These are just my pick for now, but the list may change once I get to know more about the other nominees. There is a long list to check, and I only had a chance to view the some of them. I must admit, some of the places are familiar to me which was a factor of why I selected them. =)

My Candidates:
Tubbataha Reef (Palawan, Philippines)
Mount Fuji, Mountain (Japan)
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Palawan, Philippines)
Niagara Falls, Waterfall (Ontario, Canada/New York, USA)
Chocolate Hills (Bohol, Philippines)
Azul, Waterfall (Chiapas, Mexico)
Victoria Falls, Waterfall (Zambia/Zimbabwe Africa)

On my succeeding posts, I will try to provide brief description about my selection and the other nominees, and links where additional information can be found.

For those who already have their list, make sure to have your vote count.

Visit the web site http://www.new7wonders.com/ to cast your vote.

Greetings!

Mother Nature is filled with beautiful places, that we do not even notice them. Others may be known to us, but there are a lot more waiting to be discovered, and appreciated. Thus, the process of looking for New 7 Wonders of the World is truely a great event. This gives us the opportunity to learn more of the hidden masterpieces of nature that took the great hands of time to craft.

It is in my interest to try to gather information about the nominees for this event, that in my hopes will help us to better appreciate the beauty of nature, and preserve these wonderful creations.

Feel free to share comments or additional information about the featured "Wonders", or other majestic beauties that we may feel should be included to the list of New 7 Wonders of the World.

Everyone's contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Let's get to know more of the wonderful gifts around us.

Enjoy!