Archives for Asia
The holiday season might be over, however, it does not stop us from planning our trip to Singapore, doesn’t it? Well, If you are planning to go to Singapore soon, here are the two recommended locations and places to stay accommodation that make your holiday in Singapore stand out!
Family-Friendly Places to Stay, Sentosa Island
First of all, if you are craving attractions and culinary, hotels in Sentosa Island will suit you the best. Sentosa Island is where life happens in Singapore. Some of the great attractions that can be found here include Resort World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom, and SEA Aquarium, one of the world’s largest homes to aquatic animals. No wonder Sentosa Island is full of visitors from all over the world. Not only that, but you can also find a variety of hotels on Sentosa Island for the perfect holiday stay.
Hotels in Sentosa Island will give you many choices, from cheap to expensive, from simple to luxurious, and from minimalist to artistic. Its strategic location will significantly facilitate you in enjoying Singapore even in a short time. If you happen to choose this location, Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel is the most talked-about hotel in Sentosa Island. Besides, it only takes 10 minutes to walk to Universal Studio Singapore. The Parisian vintage-style vibe will also spoil your eyes the minute you walk into the room. By the way, the hotel is also recommended due to its cleanliness, which is very crucial during this time. Especially due to the pandemic situation that happens around the world. The hotel is famous for its huge bathroom that will complete our stay in this city.
Memorable Experiences Places to Stay, Geylang
One of the advantages of choosing hotels in Sentosa Island is the direct view of the sea. Not only that but you will also be surrounded by beautiful nature around Singapore. Besides being close to the recreation center, you will feel relaxed if you choose places to stay around this location. However, for your information, good areas in Singapore are not only here. Alternatively, you can also choose hotels in Geylang.
If you are looking for memorable places to stay for nights in Geylang, there are different hotels in Geylang located within walking distance from each other you will enjoy. Geylang is known as a red-light district situated at the eastern fringe of the Central Region of Singapore. When you are looking pass-through the hustle and bustle, you will find fantastic city life with various attractions nearby including The Intan, Malay Village, and Sri Sivan Temple.
Well, if you consider yourself as a “budget traveler”, hotels in Geylang might become your choice, because there are so many budget hotels around here for your stay, such as ; Ibis budget, lodge 41, hotel 81, and many more.
The most talked-about Geylang is actually the food and culinary areas, so no need to be afraid to be starved at midnight because 24 hours restaurants open around this area. If you happen to choose hotels in Geylang for your business trip, you will find yourself able to walk to the nearby MRT and also taxi.
If you are interested in coming to Singapore whether for work or vacation, both hotels in Sentosa Island and hotels in Geylang can be booked in advance through Traveloka. There are so many options of hotels in Traveloka you can choose based on your needs, whether you are going with your family or your beloved one. So, what are you waiting for? Come and book your places to stay in Singapore with Traveloka Lifestyle SuperApp.
It is a beautiful North-Eastern state, also called the Scotland of the East has majestic mountains and rangy trees along its side and it is divided by the boundaries of Assam in the North and Bangladesh in the South. It was formerly a part of the Assam. The name ‘Meghalaya’ was given by Rabindranath Tagore. The Seven Sisters of North-East India can be quickly reached via this state. You would surely have a feeling that you are in heaven as you drive between the clouds. It has magnificent caves and appealing waterfalls which will definitely not take a second to ruin over your heart.
Also, while reaching out to the root bridges, it will be an amazing journey all along. You would remain awestruck when you get to see the crystal clear water with stones beneath and fishes roaming everywhere in lakes and rivers while taking a boat ride. All the residents of Meghalaya happen to be the friendliest ones and also, works as a responsible citizen by maintaining the roads clean and also by guiding the tourists. It has tremendous spellbinding waterfalls which will just let you feel as if you are just in your dreams. Mawsyram and Cherrapunjee are considered to be the wettest places on Earth. Also, Mawlynlong is Asia’s cleanest village where you would certainly get a positive vibe when you walk along the streets of the village and notice greenery and cleanliness everywhere. Meghalaya consists of three tribes, the Garo, the Khasi, and the Jaintia. Also, the society is matrilineal and their respect for women is immense.
How to Reach
Take a flight, train, or bus as per your convenience to Guwahati. From there, you can take a taxi or shared cabs or can rent a car with the help of Taxibazaar and reach Shillong. You will find our services at plenty in Kamakhya Railway Station and Paltan Bazaar.
Prime Tourist Attractions
Since it is famous for the subtropical biodiversity, natural beauty, and highest rainfall, there are some aesthetic places which are just awe-inspiring. There are some fascinating lakes, rivers, and waterfalls like Dawki Lake, Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Elephant Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Dain-Thlen Falls, Kynrem Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Byrdaw Falls, Langshiang Falls, Thum Falls, and Wards Lake. Next, come the wondrous famous Living Root Bridges and Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge which is more than 180-year old which are impressively built by the Khasi tribes supported by Mother Nature. Then, we jump on to the gigantic caves like Mawsmai Cave, Garden of Caves, Siju Caves, and Arwah Cave which are ages old. Even, there are the cleanest villages like the Mawlynlong village and Khasi Heritage Village. Then comes the world of greens including forests, rocks, valleys, and canyons such as Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Kyllang Rock, Laitlum Canyon, and Mawkdok Valley. Also, there are some beautiful parks, viewpoints, and sanctuaries like Shillong Peak, Eco Park, Lady Hydari Park, Mawkdok Valley View Point, Thangkharang Park, Siju Bird Sanctuary and Tiru Peak.
Other must-visits and must-dos are David Scott Trail, Don Bosco Museum, shopping at Police Bazaar and Leh Duh Market, and golf in Shillong.
Food
The predominant food in Meghalaya is rice with spicy meat and fish dishes. Also, they relish the meat of goats, pigs, fowl, ducks, and cows. The famous dishes of the natives are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung-rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots.
Handicrafts
As you are visiting the most naturalistic place, you must take some souvenir along with you to gift your loved ones so you must the indigenous beautiful baskets which is known as ‘Meghum Khoks’, Open Weave Carrying Basket, Closed Weave Carrying Basket, Small Storage Baskets, Coiled Cane Containers, Large Storage Baskets, Rain Shield and Headgears, Winnowing Trays & Fans, Mud Shovels, Shield made of bamboo plints, Khasi Bamboo Comb and Khasi Bamboo Pipes.
The Major Festivals
Wangala Festival. Wangala is one of the important festivals which is also
known as the Hundred Drums Festival. It is mainly celebrated by the Garos. It
is a post-harvest festival which is celebrated at the end of the year. It is a
thanksgiving festival to Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, the god of fertility.
Rice Beer is a famous food that is cooked during this special event.
Behdeinkhlam Festival. It is a four-day festival and is mainly
celebrated by the Jaintias. It is celebrated before the seed sowing season in
July. The literal meaning of Behdeinkhlam is ‘Chasing away the Plague’.
Shad Sukra. This is another festival that is primarily celebrated by the
Jaintias. It is celebrated before the sowing season which is basically in
mid-April or May.
Shad Suk Mynsiem. It is the most important festival of the Khasis and is
also celebrated by Gars and Jaintias. It is celebrated in April. This is a
three-day festival which is called the ‘Shad Phur’.
Nongkrem Festival. It is mainly celebrated by the Khasis. It is a 5
days thanksgiving festival which is held in October or November.
The languages which are spoken in Meghalaya are Garo, Rabha, Khasi, Assamese, Koch, Marathi, Hajong, Maram, Nepali, Sylheti, and Hindi. Mekhla is the most recognisable traditional dresses here. The females of the Khasi tribe wears a dress called ‘Jainsem’. The females of the Jaintia tribe dresses like the Khasi females but with the addition of a ‘Kyrshah’. The females of the Garo tribe women wear a blouse, raw cotton called ‘Dakmanda’, and the ‘Daksari’ which is wrapped like a ‘Mekhla’. The jewellery they wear is called ‘Kynjri Ksiar’, which is made of 24-carat gold. Then, the men of the Garo tribe wear a loincloth as their traditional dress. The men of the Khasi tribe wear a long cloth around their waist which remains unstitched and the dresses of Jaintia tribe tend to have similarities with the Khasi tribe.
The beautiful Himalayan range can be beautifully described in 3 words: temples, high mountain peaks, and lush greenery. Destinations like Darjeeling, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Sikkim are ideal for adventurous newlyweds looking to travel someplace different for their honeymoon. Include the monasteries and hidden villages on your itinerary to get a personal feel of the Himalayan culture, customs and traditions.
In the following lines we’ve detailed some of the best travel destinations for couples in the Himalayas. Enjoy a trip of a lifetime and have a time of your life exploring places very few have had the chance to see before.
Delhi’s magical kingdom
India’s Delhi is a magical destination for a honeymoon. It might take you a day or two to get used to the sounds, smells and alluring colors. But it will all be worth it. Everything’s possible in Delhi. Old Delhi has a old-fashioned vibe couples will fall in love with. Everywhere you look there are jewelers trying to sell you things, spices and tea varieties? In the New Delhi area, the future unfolds. Gurgaon almost seems like a spatial city packed with endless skyscrapers and glitzy malls.
Spiti Valley
India’s most secluded regions; Spiti Valley is a territory of pure mysticism. The rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and vast remoteness make it stand out. There are only a few villages spread here and there, so you shouldn’t expect much. The best thing that you can do is embrace the silence. Spiti is an excellent trekking spot. Pin-Bhaba, Pin-Parvati, and Parang-La are three of the most well-known routes. The scenic views will take your breath away.
For a more old-fashioned, rustic experience and captivating views, there are excellent lodging places nearby. Explore “Komic”, “Dhankar” and “Demul” villages, and choose the best that matches your demands. The locals are extremely welcoming people. Spiti Valley is a honeymoon destination that invites tourists to connect the region’s customs and traditions; meditate and explore the Buddhist culture.
Tirthan Valley
There’s a small village hidden in the Himalayas known as Tirthan Valley. It almost feels like coming out of a fairytale. Adventurous holiday seekers and nature lovers will most likely fall in love with the thick woods and striking apple orchards. Tirthan Valley is the main entry point to the Great Himalayan National Park. If you have time to wander around and explore the premises, don’t hesitate. The bird watching experience, walks through the natural habitat, river rafting, and overnight camping should make your honeymoon memorable.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Planning the perfect honeymoon is not exactly the easiest decision to make. Fortunately, Himalaya has plenty of surprising destinations that will sweep you off your feet. Kasol is a charming village nestled within the beautiful Parvati Valley. Some call it India’s “mini Israel”. Onsite, you’ll come across lots of Israeli backpackers and traditional restaurants with excellent signature foods.
Kasol is surprisingly beautiful. The mountain scenery is splendid; as for activities, honeymooners should venture into the wild and explore the picturesque sights in the area. Make sure to stop by Parvati River, or engage in a trekking trip uphill; through the lush forest that connects Kheer Ganga to Tosh Valley.
Leh-Ladakh
Located up-north from the Great Indian Himalayan range, Leh-Ladakh prides with spectacular natural sights. The sheer beauty of the region exceeds all expectations. There are beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the area you should check out; if you’re the type of honeymooner hunting for peace and relaxation, this is the best place to reconnect with nature. Leh-Ladakh is also an adventurous travel spot. Among some of the activities it boasts, we should mention mountain biking, trekking, and adventure climbing. Which one’s your favorite?
We know that planning the best honeymoon vacation can be challenging. However, if you make plans in advance and settle on an itinerary that appeals to your senses, everything will turn out as planned. Decide on the best Kumaon hotel, books flights with at least 4 months in advance, and let the adventure begin. The Himalayan range is vast; note that you won’t be able to explore it all in 7 days. Set some priorities and settle on the region with the highest potential to exceed your expectations.
Thailand is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in world if you are talking about beaches and religious temples. It boasts of pristine beaches and awe-inspiring temples and temple ruins.
There are many tourists coming in and out of the kingdom of Thailand, but there are expatriates, too — those that have decided to leave the borders of their homeland to teach English. That means travelling to Thailand is nothing to be afraid of. If you are only a few hours away from your flight, and if you do not have a list of things you want to do in Thailand, there are 15 things recommended to do while travelling around this beautiful country.
- Go on beach hopping.
Patong Beach, Railay Beach, Maya Bay, Hua Hin Beach, Kata Beach, Lamai Beach, Sairee Beach, and the list goes on and on. It is a home to beautiful beaches and you have to try, at least, three of them and be relaxed and amazed. Their beaches are unlike no other.
- Visit the Grand Palace.
Your Thailand visit wouldn’t be complete without setting your two feet on the Grand Palace. It is the home of the Thai king, the whole administrative staff of the government, and the Royal court. It boasts of beautiful architectural design from one dynasty to the other.
- Pay Khao San Road a visit.
If you are looking for a place to buy cheap souvenirs to bring back home or simply want to experience shopping like a local without breaking the bank, Khao San Road is a must-go-to place for you. Khao San is famously called the “center of the backpacking universe”.
- Eat street food.
If you have ever been eating their world famous Pad Thai in restaurants from where you are living, you will be amazed how a pad thai tastes like when it is cooked by a local right in the streets of Thailand. Aside from pad thai, there are other street food must-try.
- Ride a tuk tuk.
It is called by many names in many parts of the world, but it is famously called tuk tuk in Thailand. It is a vehicle used for transportation that is very Southeast asian is look and feel.
- Visit the King Cobra Village.
Be amazed at how entertaining these trained snakes are. It is quite scary at first glance, but the snakes there are bred in captivity to perform for tourists.
- Buy from the floating market.
You’ve seen this in photos and there is definitely no way that you should miss this. Hop into the boat and make your way into their canal and shop like how you would in your local market. It’s all so affordable, and there are people who are willing to cook for you after buying from the market.
- Go white in Wat Rong Khun.
It is privately own Buddhist temple commonly known to tourists as the White Temple. It is breathtakingly white and beautiful, and you can’t find a lot of white temples around the world.
- Learn Muay Thai.
There are Muay Thai camps in Thailand that you can be part of. It is quite an experience as nothing feels more authentic than learning this art from where it was originated.
- Go on a jungle trek.
Discover Thailand’s wildlife. Go on a trek and experience the other natural beauty they offer aside from the beaches. It’s an adventure worth trying.
- Eat insects.
Not everyone would give this a try, but for a full Thailand experience, pick a stick of insects and give it a chew. You will be amazed how tasty they are. It is easy to find one because it is mostly sold in the streets like a typical street food.
- Buy Harem pants.
Be a local. Buy Harem pants. It’s like a jogger pants for Thai people. Best part of it is how refreshing it feels when wearing it.
- Visit Ayutthaya.
Once a royal city, now it boasts of beautiful temple ruins. Ayutthaya is a World Heritage Site. That alone tells you that this place is a must to visit. It gives you an experience not only your eyes would be thankful but, as well as your soul.
- Go to Wat Arun.
Famously called as the Temple of the Dawn. It is a Buddhist Temple. If you’re lucky enough to visit it early in the morning, you will see the first light of the morning reflecting in the temple and it looks magnificent.
- Build a community.
Thai people are one of the most hospitable people in the world. It is not so hard to find a new friend in this country. If you want to make your Thailand experience a memorable one, it is best shared with people. Build a community – big or small. It makes you feel that Thailand is your new home.
There are a couple of hundred things you can do in Thailand. If you are going to work as one of the growing numbers of ESL teachers in the country, there is definitely no need to worry. You have a community willing to take you around and help you make your Thailand experience worth it. If you are just going around for a tour, it’s impossible that you will not enjoy every second of it. That’s how beautiful this country is.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Snorkel gear can be picked up at any of the beachy shops in Kenting town. The area around sail rock is popular with snorkelers. If you want to go scuba diving, check out Taiwan Dive for classes.
Rent a Scooter
Most places in Taiwan require a Taiwanese driving license to rent a scooter, but in Kenting, its legal for tourists to rent electric scooters. These surprisingly powerful little bikes can get you over all the hills and to every beach in Kenting for about 800 NTD a day. You can read about the best places to scooter to in Kenting over on my blog.
Be a Beach Bum
You’ve got plenty of white sandy options in Kenting to fulfill your holiday needs of reading a book and splashing around in the ocean. From Baisha Bay to Kenting Town Beach you’re sure to find a quiet spot to relax in the sun or play in the water.
Hike in a National Park
Kenting has two main parks, Eluanbi, which is the Southernmost tip of Taiwan, and Kenting National Park. Both parks have great views, fun hikes, and picturesque gardens to while away an afternoon in.
Explore a Cave
Kenting National Park is also home to two caves: the fairy cave and the silver dragon cave. Both are bigger than they initially seem from the outside and are fun (and refreshing) to explore on a hot summer’s day.
Learn to Surf
Jialeshuei is the famous surfing beach in Kenting, but other Kenting other beaches are also good for beginners.
Afei’s Surf Hostel is a great place to check out if you want lessons. Even if you don’t want to surf, I can recommend Afei’s as a lovely hotel to stay at.
Snack Your Way Through a Night Market
Kenting Night Market basically shuts the roads down in Kenting town in the evening as tourists and foods stands fill the main road. You can get typical beach food like ice cream and corn dogs or you can branch out and try some wild hog meat and stinky tofu.
Explore Taiwan’s History in Hengchun
Hengchun is an easy scooter ride away from Kenting and it’s a great place to head to for some interesting architecture and Taiwanese history. Walk from historic gate to historic gate down narrow roads and get a feel for what Taiwanese life was like a hundred years ago.
Stand on the Edge of a Cliff
Fongchueisha and Longpan will get your blood pumping if you bike to either of these two look out points for a stunning, cliff-side view down to the rocky waters below.
Stare at Fish from a Glass Bottom Boat
Head to Houbihu Harbor for a ride in a glass bottom boat. It’s 600 NTD a person.
Kenting, Taiwan has a lot to offer the sun-loving vacationer. With cheap food and plenty of sights the South of Taiwan makes an excellent holiday destination.
Bangkok is one of the most visited, preferred and singled out tourist destinations amid travelers around the world. Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Bangkok used to receive more visitors than any other city in the world due to its diverse attractions. If you are in Bangkok, it will not take long time to realize why more and more tourists are interested to visit this charming city. The city is packed with both old-world charisma and modern attractions. It is a beautiful city that can is alive with noisy, crowded, bright, exhilarating, and funny. Here are top 5 attractions in the city that let the visitors to experience Bangkok completely:
- Temples
Visitors can experience the splendor of Bangkok by visiting the temples of the city. The temples in the city help the tourists to understand the religion, culture, traditions, beliefs, customs as well as architecture of the city. You can witness many temples right through the city including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (the most iconic temple of Bangkok), Wat Saket, Wat Traimit, Loha Prasat, Wat Mahatat, Wat Suthat, Wat Benjamabhopit (Wat Benja), Wat Prayoon, etc.
- The Grand Palace
One of the most effective ways to explore or experience the beauty of Bangkok is visiting The Grand Palace. The visitors are always enthralled by the opulence of the architecture and the exquisiteness of these sites. Grand Palace is certainly the city’s most famous landmark. It was built in 1782 and it reveals the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. At present, the complex is the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
- Khao San Road
Another great means for the visitors to explore and experience Bangkok is walking through Khao San Road. Khao San Road is a short and just 410 meter long. It is Bangkok’s backpacker hub and you should visit the site in order to experience the actual local life of Bangkok. Khao San Road is packed out, noisy and filled with a lot of fun. At Khao San Road, every tourist can find numerous budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, internet cafes, travel agents, bookshops, market stalls, swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlors, tattoo shops, etc. The region is globally famous as a hub of dancing, partying, the traditional Thai New Year (Songkran festival) of 13–15 April and water splashing.
- Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown presents a spectacular experience to the travelers. Chinatown is in one of the oldest spots of Bangkok. Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong district is the center of Bangkok’s Chinatown. Chinatown’s Sam Pheng Market is an old business hub. Current Chinatown now includes a huge area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Road. Well-known for its markets and many gold shops, Chinatown is alive with the local population, many busy, more or less hectic market areas consisted of a chain of roads, alleys and small streets. As a result of the blend of Chinese and Thai cultures, Bangkok’s Chinatown is unique and charming.
- Parks, Beaches and Museums
Parks, Beaches and Museums in Bankok help the tourists to experience the diversity of Bangkok. There are in fact several parks situated around the city and it provides the visitors to the Bangkok with pure air and many outdoor activities in green, landscaped places. Some of the famous parks in Bangkok include Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, Chatuchak Park, Lumpini Park, Queen Sirikit Park, Rama IX Park, Romaneenart Park, Rot Fai Park, Sanam Luang Park (The Royal Field), Santichaiprakarn Park, Santiphap Park, etc.
There are many beaches to choose from in Thailand, and many of them are near to Bangkok. Here are a few beaches that are closer to Bangkok, such as, Hua Hin, Koh Samet, Ko Lipe, Pattaya, Pranburi, Cha-Am, etc.
You can find a number of Museums in Bangkok and it can offer you a premier and complete look into Thai culture. Here are some of the museums in Bangkok that display the most transcendent, and strangest, collections of remnants such as the Bangkok National Museum, Museum of Siam, MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Bangkokian Museum, Vimanmek Mansion Museum, Jim Thompson House, Erawan Museum, Bangkok Doll Museum, Bang Khun Thien Museum, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Bangkok Corrections Museum, Bangkok Folk Museum, etc.
The post is by Susan Taylor, a freelance writer and she retired from position as a professor in order to continue freelance writing career. She currently working for a professional thesis writing service online and it lets her to aid students around the world with solving their academic paper writing troubles.
“Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.”
– Francis Bacon
I fell in love with Southeast Asia after reading “The Beach” and “The Tesseract”, both by Alex Garland. Both novels weren’t part of the reading list, which was quite unfortunate. I could compose an essay in an hour or two, but it didn’t matter. The chance to travel to that part of the world came.
I was excited with my trip, along with my course-mates. I dreamed of a Robinson Crusoe moment in a desert isle, but the closest thing to that was Ha Long Bay. Colin, one of my three travel buddies in this trip, remembered our module on Ian Fleming and James Bond. We did went to Andaman Sea, where “The Man with the Golden Gun” was shot, but that would be another tale.
What was it about Southeast Asia that the likes of Graham Greene have used as backdrop for their novels? It was different from what I’ve seen here at home, or the continent for that matter, but that wasn’t the reason. It would be the destinations, but there was more. In other words, it was anything but dull. It was also unique.
Below were my five must-see places:
1. Wat Rong Khun (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
Designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, this temple war arguably the main attraction in northern Thailand. Compared to the other monastery temples (wat), White Temple was unconventional, which drew lots of tourists. I would recommend spending half an hour looking at the wall paintings, a mixture of Buddhist images and pop culture. So imagine the likes of Harry Potter in the presence of Buddha’s solemn face, which seemed quite awkward at first. Eventually, I warmed up to it.
2. The terraced fields of Sa Pa, Vietnam
This town in northern Vietnam couldn’t be in a better location, as locals would be greeted with the panorama of Phan-Xi-Pǎng (Fansipan), the highest peak in Vietnam, every morning. It looked splendid on a sunny afternoon, but the countless terraces were the ones that tourists shouldn’t passed up. It would take a day or two for trekking, which might not be enough. Several ethnic groups lived there, and my interaction with them was priceless. Be warned that souvenir shops were ubiquitous in the village of Cat Cat, and the some of the locals were too persistent (in selling their items).
3. Angkor Thom (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
Not that Angkor Wat was unattractive, but Angkor Thom had an august appearance. One needed an imagination, as all that remained were ruins, which looked gorgeous from certain angles. The Bayon Temple was my favourite, its solemn faces good enough for a postcard.
4. The temples of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
One must go the distance in able to see the Buddhist and Hindu temples in Yogyakarta, located in central Java. Borobudur, a pyramid-like temple, was a sight to behold. The summit looked like a page from a fairy tale, where tens of bell-like structures were arranged circularly. Not far behind were Prambanan and Ratu Boko, more reminders of a mighty civilisation that once flourished in this part of Asia.
5. Ho Chi Minh
East meets West, past meets present. This former capital of Vietnam had many landmarks that revealed its storied past. I visited the French section twice, where one of Gustave Eiffel’s creations could be found. I was referring to the Post Office, its remarkable interior had an old map of Saigon.
Lee Smyth studied Film and Literature, had a stint in dissertation writing services, and did freelancing jobs in writing and proofreading. He would pursue a graduate degree next fall. Check out his blog and Twitter account.
When travelling to Hong Kong, there are a lot of things that you can do. Hong Kong is one of the most beautiful and safest places in the world. It’s located in South China and is made up of the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. There are also multiple smaller islands that surround the area. The most popular part of Hong Kong is where the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island meet. This is called Victoria Harbor. Many of the world’s ships pass through this area carrying all types of goods.
In this area you can find many beautiful hotels and tall skyscrapers all around. The streets are narrow because all of these buildings are very close together. Hong Kong is an extremely populated city. Victoria Harbor hosts world-class fireworks displays multiple times per year. This harbor is the world’s finest harbor and has the most spectacular views. Like Hollywood, you can also find an avenue of stars here. One thing you don’t want to miss on the harbor is the Star Ferry. Take the Star Ferry from one side of the harbor to the other for a spectacular view! The best places to take photos are on the Kowloon side at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Another amazing thing to do from the promenade is to watch the world famous Symphony of Lights Show that happens every night for free. All of the lights from the building turn on and off to the sound of music for a few minutes. Other things to see on the promenade include the Bruce Lee Statue, Clock Tower and all of the shops you can find while walking around and exploring the city!
Also in the area of the TST Promenade you can find the Hong Kong Museum of History. The museum really shows a lot of Hong Kong’s history and you could spend hours in there learning all about the history of Hong Kong. It’s walking distance from the TST promenade. There are eight galleries spread out on four floors. The Hong Kong Museum of History is one of the best attractions in the city.
Another thing to see and experience in Hong Kong are the tramways that travel throughout the city. The tramways have been around since 1904. They travel from east and west on Hong Kong Island and transport around 230,000 passengers per day! It’s a great way to see the city without getting too tired of walking around.
One of the best things to do in Hong Kong is to go to “The Peak” on Hong Kong Island. To get there you will have to take a tram up the mountain. It’s really an amazing experience. The Peak is filled with fast food and high end restaurants. It’s one of the best eating experiences in the world. You dine while looking over the magnificent city of Hong Kong from the top of the mountain. If you’re not hungry, then you can go to the Sky Terrace and take beautiful photos from above while enjoying the nice breeze.
There are so many wonderful things to see in Hong Kong. It’s one of the best cities to visit in the world. You will never be bored in fabulous Hong Kong!
Greg Aziz is a freelance copywriter with a Journalism degree from University of Toronto and with over 5 years of experience writing for hundreds of companies from virtually any industry. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter, Google +, Linkedin, or Quora.
Ooty is a popular hill station located in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Udhagamandalam and has got the credit of being the ‘Queen of hill stations’. Ooty tourism is known to have such elements, which makes it the best place to visit for the tourists across the world. The picturesque beauty of this place has always been a special thing for the people who visit this place.
As you travel to this place, you can enjoy the pleasant sight of lush green vegetation, the beautiful tea gardens and many other elements of God’s invention, which will make your tour a worthy one. Ooty tourism has all such essentials that will definitely make you fall in love with this place.
What makes Ooty a special hill station?
Your journey to Ooty is sure to be an exciting one. If you love nature, want to explore various historical monuments and even if you are a Shopaholic, then this place is greatly suggested for you. There is an annual Tea & Tourism Festival, which is known to be a great event that is celebrated here every year and this attracts huge number of crowd. Apart from this, The New year celebration is also known to be wonderful here. As it is a hub for tourists, there is no doubt that there are sufficient hotels and resorts, which facilitate a comfortable stay.
The hotels and resorts here have such facilities in place, which will suit the needs of different tourists. Depending on your necessity and budget, you can go for the kind of staying option that you need. The in house restaurants in Ooty of specific hotels are also known to be amazing.
Renowned restaurants in Ooty
The restaurants in Ooty are known to be filled with perfect ambiance and they always serve delicious food. The multi-cuisine restaurants are sure to relish your taste buds. The below mentioned restaurants in Ooty are known to be the best restaurants of this place.
Earls Court – This restaurant is at the outdoors of Hotel Kings Cliff. The experience of dining in this restaurant is sure to be incredible. The average price of the dishes should cost somewhere from Rs.350 to Rs.400 here. Even though this sounds a little expensive, it is totally worth. This restaurant is known for its finest variety in the whole of Ooty.
Dominos Pizza – Dominos Pizza in Ooty is located in the commercial street market. They deliver the choice of your pizza anywhere in Ooty and even to various hotels. However, hotels like the Holiday Inn Gems park and the Fortune Sullivan Court will not allow pizza delivery within their premises. You will be required to walk up to the main gate for collecting your pizza.
Shinkows Chinese Restaurant – This restaurant serves the authentic Chinese cuisine. The chicken rolls and chicken fried noodles that you get here are truly amazing. If you want to have food that is priced the least, this restaurant can be an ideal choice for you.
By visiting the above restaurants, you can definitely get introduced to delicious cuisine. Visit Ooty for an incredible experience and enjoy your tour with your loved ones.
This guest post was by Stephenleuis, a Travel enthusiast and has written on restaurants in Ooty. Hope this information will help you to plan your trip to Ooty.
Thailand tourism is not only known for its exotic beaches, wonderful marketplaces and great food, but if you are an adventure buff then you can hit the coasts of Thailand for an exciting adventurous treat that is surely going to get your pulses racing.
Rock climbing- Railay is the place in the Krabi province in Thailand where you can go for rock climbing. Most people go to Railay for this adventure sport as it is one of the most amazing things to do in Thailand. There are several routes that fit the needs of all kinds of rock climbers, from beginners to the thorough professional rock climbers. You can also opt for learning the beginner course or the seasoned professional course. You can buy your own gear or get it on rent.
The Railay Bay is really very beautiful featuring limestone cliffs that jut out of water and surround the horseshoe beaches.
Elephant trekking – There is this picturesque National Park situated in the southern part of Thailand. This National Park is known as Khao Sok and there is a good deal of elephants here that are a big hit among the crowds of people that throng here for an amazing experience of elephant trekking. An extraordinary addition to our list of things to do in Thailand, elephant trekking should not be missed at any cost.
The elephants at Khao Sok are pretty healthy and sitting on top of these fairly large creatures is a big thrill in itself. The feel that you get while the elephants take you down the steep hills and over the rough terrains is simply unmatchable. You shudder at the thought of tumbling down from your high perch but these intelligent giants manage to hold you safely all throughout.
Cave kayaking – Well, sea kayaking is quite common but cave kayaking is one amazing Thailand that you cannot experience easily at any other location of the world. Also known as inland kayaking, as you kayak on the river waters making way through the mangrove forests. You go through the lush greenery and the moment you enter the caves give you an adventurous feel, a mysterious feel of being one among nature. It is a complete thrill to paddle under the stalactites and the limestone cliffs. It is a real heavenly feeling when you reach a lovely lagoon encircled by high cliffs.
Bridge walking on the Kawai River – Call it thrill but for some it is more of fear, the fear of taking one wrong move and tumbling down straight into the river. After all, the bridge on the Kawai River does not comprise of wires or cages and you need to just walk on the planks. Bridge walking on the Kawai River is a must-do for most of the adventure freaks that visit the country seeking solace and thrill at the same time.
Travel in a Tuk Tuk – Your visit to Bangkok is not complete unless you take a Tuk Tuk ride. This is sure shot things to do as it is the local mode of transport that is not only cheap and easy to go around but is great fun as well. These are 3-wheeled motorbikes that are found abundantly in Bangkok.
So, Thailand Tourism really has a lot to offer you and fun, adventure and thrill is surely going to be a part of your trip to this epitome of a holiday destination. This guest post was by Stephenleuis, a Travel enthusiast and has written on Thailand Tourism.