Showing posts with label beautiful beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beautiful beach. Show all posts

4 Beautiful Beaches to Explore in New York City

Summer is indeed ON in New York City!

What's your plan for this summer?



For me, summer is the perfect time to have a break and spend some quality time with my family. And what will be the best way of enjoying it than spending some time with your loved ones on the beach. 



Born and raised in Lampung, Indonesia, - famous for its gorgeous beaches, clear blue sea and stunning marine tourism and underwater world, - my life has been packed with weekly trip to the beaches and islands. Since I got my diving license in 2011, I kept coming back to Lampung with my family to go diving or snorkeling there. If we did not have time to go back to Lampung, we explored the beaches in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

Since moving in to New York City, my love to the deep blue sea has not diminished. Since we're living in the Big Apple, we're excited to explore the beautiful beaches and iconic buildings in New York City.

So, where to go if we want to enjoy beautiful beaches in New York City and its surrounding areas? Good thing is, we have beautiful beaches to explore in New York City and traveling to the US is much more manageable now. You can get your travel authorization through Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). It's time to apply for your ESTA now, particularly to those who meet the requirements to travel here under the program of Visa Waiver. As of now, there are around 38 countries and entities, which are part of the Visa Waiver Program. 

Once you’ve got your visa sorted out, it’s time for sightseeing! 

Here are some of the most beautiful (and famous) beaches we've visited in New York City and the surroundings during summer.


Coney Island

it's Coney Island, babe!

Coney Island is perhaps the most popular beach in New York City, no doubt about it.

Located in Brooklyn, Coney Island is famous for its clean beaches and lovely soft sand shoreline. It is also long known for various theme parks along the promenade, with a variety of exciting rides. Luna Park is one of the  theme parks I love to visit whenever I want let out some steams and screams.


coney island
Let's have some fun here!
Not to mention the famous spot for hotdog lovers, Nathan's, is originated from here. 
Every year, Coney Island hosts the hotdog feeding contest in New York City on the 4th of July. It also hosts the colorful mermaid annual parade, another event too good to miss. 
Coney Island is the home of the New York Aquarium as well.
Nathan's hot dog
grab your famous Nathan's hot dog!
Coney island is also relatively easy to visit because it is connected with public transportation, namely subway N and Q. The exact subway path that passes our house in Astoria. It will take you around 30 - 40 minutes trip to go the Coney Island station, depending on your departure point. 

Although we swim here during the summer, the water is still cool enough, if it's not cold. But the sun will certainly warm us up immediately.  Usually, we swim no more than 1 hour here and the rest, we play in the theme parks, hang out or enjoy some snack while listening to various street entertainment along the promenade Lovely spot to visit for sure!


Rockaway Beach

The Rockaway beach is located at the far end of Queens, one of the boroughs or sub-district level in New York City. It is relatively nearest from our home in Astoria, Long Island City, so we often spend time here. 


Its soft white sand and less-sloping beach make it a good place for my kids, Bo et Obi, who love swimming so much. But we have to remain vigilant as it is part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rockaway beach is always crowded during the summer or any days when the weather is warm enough to swim.But the good thing is, Rockaway Beach is not as crowded as Coney Island, so it will be the perfect place for you who want to spend lovely and relatively calmer time with your family. 

Make sure you bring enough food and drinks as well as all the necessary items  you might need. Just like Coney Island, we also have some choices or places to get food and drinks around here. 


It takes around 40 minutes drive to this beach from our place. If you want to take the public transport, I believe bus Q52 will take you directly to the Rockaway Beach Boulevard. You just need to find the connection from your point of departure to bus Q52.

Jones Beach

Jones beach is one of our favorite beaches and although it's a bit far from New York City compared to other beaches, we love coming back here.

Jones Beach, NY
who wouldn't love this beautiful beach

We really enjoy the white sandy beaches and beautiful sunset here.
Jones Beach is actually part of the State Park and it frequently hosts concerts and events as well.


I love the sunset here!

In addition to clean sandy beaches, Jones Beach is also famous for its West Bathhouse and its beachside pool. Only with $ 5 admission for adults and $ 3 for children from 6 years old above, swimming pool and all the amenities can be enjoyed.


Ready to swim?
Located in Wantagh, New York, this beach is a bit away from New York City or about 50 minutes away by car, depending on the traffic. I haven't really tried going here with  the public transport, but it should well connected as well because we saw many bus stops along the road to the beach. 

Plumb Beach

Plumb Beach, Brooklyn
Although the beach is not so ideal for swimming as the water is a bit muddy , but Plumb beach is a nice place to unwind and enjoy the sunset by the beach. This place is famous for windsurfer and kiteboarder. When we came here, the kids played along the shore watching the birds and crabs. It somehow reminded them of Spongebob Squarepants.


Here's the Plumb Beach 

It is relatively close to the city as it is located in Shore Parkway Greenway, in Brooklyn area bordering Queens. It takes around 55 minutes drive from Midtown Manhattan. We can also reach this place using the subway and buses. BM3, the crosstown bus between Manhattan and Brooklyn, can take us here for around 1 hour and 20 minutes ride. 

For sure,  there are many more beaches that can be visited in New York City area, but we have not had time to visit them.

So, if you're planning to come to New York City and you want to enjoy summer and see the other faces of the Big Apple besides its concrete jungle and skyscraper buildings, those beaches can be great choices for you. 

So, enjoy your summer break and let's rock the beach.


indahnuria.com
Let's rock the beach!





5 Instagramable Spots in Noumea, New Caledonia

Have you heard of the city of Nouméa?
Or the territory of New Caledonia?

I won't be surprised if not many of us have heard or visited this beautiful territory before!
Thanks to my work, I'm quite familiar with the history and the  development of this territory but I just got a chance to actually come and visit this beautiful place. It took me 2 days, literally, to reach this place, because of the access and connection from New York City to Pacific.

New Caledonia is one of the Non-Self-Governing Territories under the Administering Power of France. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, New Caledonia is indeed beautiful.
Clear blue sky, turquoise water, and warm weather are some of the beauties of this territory.

I joined a visiting mission with the UN to New Caledonia this March and got a chance to stay here for 6 days. Well, 6 days filled with works and endless meetings, not for vacation obviously,  but I managed to enjoy some beautiful spots in Nouméa.

And during those limited time, here are 5 Instagramable Spots in Nouméa, New Caledonia, that I truly enjoy

1. Promenade de L'Orphelinat

Overlooking the Orphelinat Bay, this promenade is indeed a perfect place for morning jog or just simply enjoying sunset and calm, peaceful day.



The bay has this magnificent view with doting yachts and boats in the surroundings, as Marina Port du Sud or the South Marina Port is located on the other side.




And what I like best is the statue of the seafarer. 
Marine Nouvelle-Caledonie.
With the binoculars on his face, overlooking the beautiful bay, this young marine looks so fit in his uniform, happily observing the vast ocean in front.








2. Anse Vata Beach

This beautiful beach is probably one of the most popular around Nouméa.
We saw people strolling around the beach, having picnic, and simply swimming and enjoying this beautiful, clean beach.
Along the beach, you will find big, five-star hotels, shopping outlets and restaurants.
Besides, the beach is nice, with white powdery sand along the lines.
Too bad I didn't really stay here too long at that time as the sea was not really on a conducive environment  after hurricane Hola. But I still love strolling around its promenade and get lost looking up the blue sky and clear, turquoise water. Not to forget the sunset!


Sunset at Anse Vata Beach

3. Ouen Toro Natural Park




Ouen Toro Natural Park is a lovely place to see Nouméa and the surrounding island from above. The stunning view of this beautiful city is eating for you all here. 
Faraway, you can even see the famous lagoon in New Caledonia.
The biggest lagoon in the world which is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.



Here you can also find some trekking paths.
Depending on your fitness level, there are a few tracks you can choose here.
Again for sure, with breathtaking view, I might be able to walk along the hill up and down.

More view from Ouen Toro Natural Park


4. Ile le Canards

This small island is so closely located from Nouméa and very accessible.
We took the boat taxi from the nearest beach and it was only 5-7 minutes trip to the island.
Very convenient, right!





Here in Ile le Canards you can do snorkeling and swimming to your heart content.
It's clear turquoise water is just perfect for a whole day swimming and just playing in the water with your loved ones. 
And the place is indeed super instagramable! 
With perfect blue sky and wonderful shore lines, I did snap a lot of pictures here!

Unfortunately I visited this place just one day after hurricane Hola  so when I snorkeled the visibility was not that good. But judging from the posters and info I read, this island is originally a beautiful snorkeling spot. So I guess it's sort of a hint that I need to be back here to do proper snorkeling and diving :).  




Tempat ini adalah salah satu tempat favoritku di Caledonia Baru.
Favorite karena cantik, gampang perginya tanpa rempong, serta murah harga taksi kapalnya (yang dibuat mirip warnanya dengan taksi di New York City :)).
Di sini juga ada bar dan cafe cantik yang seru dan menyajikan aneka makanan  fast food yang pas banget buat kita-kita yang super kelaparan setelah seharian berenang dan snorkeling in this beautiful island.


santai di sini asyik bangeeet kan

Kebayang aku serunya leyeh-leyeh di kursi pantai yang banyak tersedia di pantai dan cafe, sambil menikmati live music yang oke banget. Atau bahkan, nonton konser musik di pinggir pantai sambil menyeruput virgin bloody mary dan ngegadoin fresh fish or crab cake. 
Aaah bahagianya! Dan nikmat! 

5.  Tjibaou Cultural Center


Tjibaou Cultural Center is another incredible place you should not miss when you are visiting Nouméa. Jean-Marie Tjibao was one outstanding figure in New Caledonia, particularly from Kanak people independent movement. After he was assassinated in 1989 and New Caledonia went through some violent era, things are getting better and more peaceful after Matignon Accord and Nouméa Accord.



This cultural center highlights the incredible cultures and heritage of the Kanaki people and beautifully displayed their unique way of life. I went here and spent around 1.5 hours enjoying the center as well as closely observing the rich indigenous tradition of the Kanaki people. It's beautiful.



And the Center is uniquely designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian world-class architect, who successfully captured beautiful tradition of Kanak. And the photo exhibition is also stunning. I really love this place!



These are just some of the many interesting spots you can explore in Nouméa, New Caledonia. For sure we have so many beautiful spot here in New Caledonia and I can't wait to go back and explore more. Not to mention more incredible places in different islands. And don't forget, I haven't got a chance to go diving and snorkeling here! Plus checking out the biggest lagoon in the world, listed in UNESCO world heritage! See, I still have so many places to explore here. 



 I also managed to see the other parts of the Territory, namely Lifou in Loyalty Island, and Koné in North Island. 

We took a short flight, around 55 minutes, to those places with Air Caledonié. 

Air Caledonie..

And the view of this Territory from above is drop dead beautiful!  

Breathtaking view!




I was wondering whether they have train services as well here. 
Waktu kami ke sini, rombongan sempat menanyakan apakah ada jalur kereta api yang membawa pengunjung dan turis di Kaledonia Baru ke tempat-tempat wisata di luar Nouméa. Dengan harga tiket kereta api yang terjangkau dan jalur kereta yang cantik di sepanjang garis pantai tempat ini, pasti banyak turis yang suka dan pengunjung pun akan banyak yang berlibur ke sini. Kalau begini jadi super kangen sama Indonesia yang punya banyak jalur kereta api cantik! Dan tiket kereta api Indonesia pun masuk akal harganya serta gampang untuk membelinya karena bisa online juga. 
Perhaps this is one good practice that New Caledonia can learn from Indonesia.

So, how do you like these 5 Instragamble Spots in  Nouméa, New Caledonia?

Hope I can go back here soon to see more beauty of this lovely territory.

Wonderful Wednesday with Oh My Heartsie Girls


Another week and February is coming!
31 days of 2018 is gone already and I have already fallen into the trap of our daily routines, so are the kids. 
The UN meetings are back to normal, as planned.


Overlooking the Long Island City from the 4th floor of the UN Headquarters

So I found myself once again running around those corridors and meeting rooms. Well, the last 6 months I have in NYC before heading back home to Jakarta  for good :). Can't wait to meet my family and enjoy beautiful beaches, pronto, at my hometown, Lampung.

this is in Antigua and Barbuda, which pretty much reminding me of Lampung 

We are still enjoying winter down here in NYC and the weather, as you have know, is a bit on et off. We do have some rather warm days, while the rests are freezing. Perfect time to start packing :). Just got all those boxes at Home Depot.



At the same time, we are bidding farewell to some UN friends as well, particularly the big ASEAN Family. This time we have Sera from Brunei Darussalam and we welcome 'new blood' as well, as we call it.


I hope next week will be much warmer as I have a long list of places to explore. Wish us luck, okay. And now, let's party!

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