Panama or also known as the Republic of Panama on the papers is a sovereign country in Central America that is sharing borders with bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. It has an area size of 75,417 square meters and the climate is significantly tropical with uniformly high temperatures and relative humidity as well as little seasonal variation. As such, its environmental setup supports an abundance of plants, with a significant presence of rainforest and 40% of the country is still pretty much wooded despite the creeping threats of deforestation. Mangrove swamps would also exist on the along its coastal areas.

The capital of Panama is the Panama City, with an urban population of 880,691 people as well as over 1.5 million more in its metropolitan area. It is situated at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the province of Panama. Founded by the Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila in the year 1519, the city is the starting point for Spanish expeditions that later resulted in the conquering of the Inca Empire in Peru. It was also the main stopover point on one of the most important trade routes in the American continent, leading to the fairs of Nombre de Dios and Portobelo. The city was then destroyed by privateer Henry Morgan in 1671 and was rebuilt two years later. The opening of the Panama Canal in the year 1914 would be of great benefit to the infrastructure and the economy, as the canal tolls remained a major portion of the country’s GDP till this day. In the present, Panama City functions as the main political and administrative centre for the country as well as a significant hub for banking and commerce.

The culture in Panama is a derivative of the European music, art and traditions that were brought by the Spanish during their colonization period over the country. These elements have found its way to further integrate with the native Panamanian and Africa cultures. A prominent example of this is the tamborito dance which is a predominantly Spanish dance with African rhythms, themes and dance moves. There are also several other unique dances being the melting pot of the integration of diverse cultures in Panama that are passed down from the older generation to the younger generation. This integration would also be seen in the traditional products, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks and pottery, as well as in Panama's architecture, cuisine and festival.

Given the long history, the country has been under the Spanish control; it is of little surprise that Spanish is made the official and dominant language of Panama. About 93% of people of Panama speaks a form of Spanish known as Panamanian Spanish as their first language. However, there is also a portion of the people holding jobs in the business corporations or international jobs that have good proficiency in English. There are also the native languages such as Ngäbere that are spoken throughout the country although its usage is mostly restricted in their native territories. Statistics show that roughly 400,000 Panamanians keep their native languages as well as customs, with a further 10% of the population that speaks English, 4% speaks French and 1% speaks Arabic.

In a similar fashion, the cuisines in Panama is also a mix of African, Spanish, and Native American techniques, dishes, and ingredients. In addition to that, since Panama is the land bridge between Nort and South Americas, there is a large variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used in the native cooking. Typical Panamanian cuisine is mildly flavoured without the pungency of some of Panama's Latin American and Caribbean neighbours with the common ingredients being corn, rice, wheat flour, plantains, yuca (cassava), beef, chicken, pork and seafood.

How to Get There?

By Flight

A flight ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Panama City would easily cost you roughly around RM5,500 per pack and above, this is because there is no direct flight to Panama City and the usual trips would make at least two stops. The price would also change based on the choice of airline and the date of travel. Panama City is served by Tocumen International Airport which is about 32 kilometres away from the city area. From the airport, tourists would have to board a bus or order a taxi in order to get to the city.

It is also possible to reach Panama from Costa Rica using a car driving through the Paso Canoas of the Pacific side which closes at 11PM on the Panama side or 10PM on the Costa Rica side. There are also crossings through the Rio Sereno of the Pacific side and Sixaola/Guabito of the Atlantic side.

If you are going into Panama by bus from Costa Rica, there are three possible entry points; the main one is the Paso Canoas closing at 11PM Panama time or 10PM Costa Rica time. Panaline and Ticabus entry points, among others, can get you straight from San Jose, Costa Rica to David or Panama City. However a return ticket is necessary by Panamanian laws, tourists are not allowed to buy a one-way ticket.

Going around Panama is achievable by land and plane as well.

AirPanama is the airways providing domestic flight services and leaves from Marcos Gelabert Airport in Albrook. Meanwhile, there is Copa Airways providing daily one-hour flights from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City to David for only $85 one-way. Private aircraft charters can be booked online via Monarch Air Group and Mercury Jets and local companies.

As for the buses, there are two kinds of bus services in Panama, which is the one going through the highway as well as the city buses. The highway buses would travel back and forth from terminals in Panama City to different destinations along the Pan American Highway. City buses are called "Diablos Rojos" or "Red Devils" locally and only charges 25 cents or less to anywhere in Panama City, which can be a fun and exciting way to go around town. Taxi and ride-sharing services are available in the area too and they are not too expensive in comparison to the buses. A plus benefit, it also provides the peace of mind and leisure that you would appreciate which is different from the wild city bus ride.

By Boat

Panama Canal is included in a lot of itineraries and making tours on Panama City or Colon City. In addition to that, there are banana boats incoming from Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. However, the arrangement is done by request and is only meant for the adventurous since the boat is not typically structurally sound. Between Panama and Cartagena in Colombia, there are private sailboats operating with fares ranging from $400 to $500. Last but not least, another way to get into Panama by boat is by using the ferry services from Turbo to Capurganá.

What to Do There?

the Panama Canal and the Town Area

It feels incomplete to come to Panama without spending time in its capital, the Panama City metropolitan area. In addition to its rich history, it has so many things to offer that would leave you bewildered and craving for more trips to Panama. First off, there is the Panama Canal that can be enjoyed from Miraflores Visitor Center. Then there is the Mercado Artesanias de 5 de Mayo and Mercado de Mariscos, which are some of the interesting markets available for visits when you are in town. Furthermore, you can head on and come over to Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo that provide the stark contrast to the busy city life. Panama Viejo is the site of the old Panama City and has been inaugurated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whereas Casco Viejo is a collection of restored Spanish buildings or ruins that were erected during the Spanish colonial period. Besides that, there is always something to look forward to when it comes to fun in Panama City, especially when relaxing at one of the catamarans or even participating in its nightlife.

Where to Stay?

Bambito Resort

Located in Boca del Toro, Corregimiento Río Sereno, Distrito de Renacimiento, this four-star resort is exquisite and glowing, while the arrangements are simply luxurious. Rooms are certainly clean and comfortable with a wide package of facilities and services to complement the stay.

Swan’s Cay

Swan’s Cay certainly elevates the typical standards of a budget hotel. While the rates are cheap and economical, its arrangement is made to feel as if you are in a dreamy accommodation. The atmosphere is welcoming and the rooms are pretty spacious and comfortable.

Playa Blanca Vacation INC

This hotel can be found at InterAmerican Highway, Rio Hato, Provincia de Coclé which is close to the seafront area. As such, it provides an unparalleled stay with mesmerizing sea views and facilities and services that encourage watersports activities. It is certainly the place to be when you want to be relaxing or enjoying the beach around Panama.