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Travel Guide to Malang, Indonesia

May 12, 2016 By admin 1 Comment

Blessed with green and leafy colonial boulevards, and a breeze that brings that takes the edge of an Asian summer, Malang has lots to offer a tourist. It’s a city that moves at quite a leisurely pace, though carries the weight of a considerable cultural hub.

It’s an easy place to get around and many of the tourist parts of the city are quite walkable. Find best hotels by staying in the centre at reasonably-priced places like the Everyday Smart Hotel Malang. It has has modern rooms and you’ll get easy access to mosques, museums and shopping as well as a tasty selection of restaurants and cafes nearby.

Take a walk

Today, the city’s colonial past is slipping beneath the smart buildings and stretching developments as Indonesia’s economy booms so make the time to visit now and and enjoy the stunning Hindu temples and traditional sights outside the city. With its good accommodation and great local cuisine (try the bakso baka or grilled meatballs). Malang is an excellent base to explore this intriguing corner of East Java, full of waterfalls, volcanoes and national parks.

If you want to get a feel for Malang itself, the City Hall Monument is a good spot to stretch your legs. It’s a nice green space to stroll through and there’s always snack vendors in and around the park to keep you cool and well-fed. Go at night and see the large display of artificial flowers lit up.

See the sights

Moving on, the Museum Malang Tempo Doeloe is definitely worth its entry fee. It’s small but does a good job of explaining Malang’s history, all the way from pre-historic times, and the dawn of civilization right through the poignant photo collections from the Dutch colonial period and then onto Japanese occupation and the struggles for peace in Indonesia. There’s some really interesting photo opportunities and the guides speak excellent English. And if you work up an appetite with all the photo taking, there’s a large restaurant on-site.

And if you’re looking for something with more fun than culture you can spend a day at the Hawai Waterpark with its really fun (but fast) slides that give you an adrenaline rush to remember! There are so many slides across the park that each of them is a totally different experience. It’s nice to chill if you are travelling alone but children will absolutely adore it. Don’t forget to try the huge wave pool which sends walls of water higher than your head (though this one is probably not for the little ones!)

What a view!

The final thing to mention (as it’s actually just outside the city) is easily the most impressive on the list. The Mount Semeru volcano is located around 50 km (two hours journey) from the city itself but tours are easily organised and it’s not a difficult trip. Use Malang as a base in the area then take a few days to trek, or ride, up the side of this sleeping giant. The terrain gets tougher the further up you go but the views are spectacular!

Malang is a city that’s soaked in the culture of the past and the energy and enthusiasm for life that’s turning Indonesia into a global giant. Take a trip and see everything this spirited city has to offer.

5 Things to Do in Bangkok that Don’t Include Getting Wasted

March 12, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

floating

Bangkok, Thailand is often depicted in the light of its crazy nightlife scene and partying. However, this beautiful city also offers culture, history, and amazing food. So steer away from the partying and see five other things to explore in Bangkok.

Street Food

It goes without saying that Thai food is delicious. However, getting it on the street is the authentic and better way to tantalize your taste buds. One of our favorite spots we tried was Jai Fai. It is one lady, a wok, an outdoor stove, and the best Drunken Noodles you will ever try. Be prepared to sweat, not from the outdoor flames but from the spiciness.

Temples

Bangkok has an endless supply of gorgeous and well-preserved temples. Some of the more famous ones are the riverside temple Wat Arun, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Phra Kaew located in the Grand Palace. All three are usually crowded with tourists but are worth seeing. My favorite temple was Wat Saket or the Golden Mount. It has a winding walkway to get to the top with lovely views and more locals than tourists. Keep in mind most temples have strict dress codes for men and women. If you wear pants and shirts that cover the shoulders and mid-riff you should be fine. On hot days when I wore a sleeveless shirt, I carried a wide scarf that I could use to cover my shoulders when entering.

Canal Tours

Bangkok is located on the Chao Phraya River which creates many intricate canals amongst the homes and businesses close by. A fun way to explore these little neighborhoods is through a canal tour. You can rent a little boat and have someone take you through the tiny canals. If you are lucky you may see a Monitor Lizard swimming or climbing onto the shore. Don’t get to close as they can bite and their venom can make you sick.

Floating Markets

To continue your food and water tour, take a visit to one of the many floating markets. Buy fruit from boat vendors, marvel at the brilliant colors, and watch locals conducting business. For a floating market with fewer tourists and more locals try Khlong Lat Mayom or Talin Chan.

Cocktails in a Rooftop Bar

To finish a long day of site-seeing and eating why not finish with a cocktail in some of the tallest open bars in the world? The Dome is located on the 63^rd floor of the Lebua State Tower, the Vertigo Bar is on the 61^st floor of the Banyan Tree, and the Octave is on the 45^th floor of the Marriott. All are completely open and offer 360-degree views of the city.

So as you can see, Bangkok has so much more to offer than just partying. So go with the locals and explore temples and canals, eat street food, watch locals barter at the floating market, and sip sky-high cocktails.

Beijing tours and China holidays

March 19, 2014 By admin Leave a Comment

When deciding on a more special holiday, most of the people out there will instantly think of at least one Asian country among their options. The truth is that the Asian world seems so much different than our world and so beautifully unique that most of the people out there would want to visit one of the countries there at least once in their life.

Chinese New Year (Creative commons)

China is most definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of the most important ones as well. With an economy ever on the rise and with a history that goes back to ancient times, China has managed to become on the lips of everyone talking about Asia. If you are thinking of visiting China soon, then you should know that there are plenty of Beijing tours and China holidays available out there and that regardless of what part of the Chinese attractions you are most interested in, you will most likely find a great offer to satisfy your curiosity.

Why China?

The history behind the land nowadays known as China is as fascinating as the culture and customs that have become widely known around the world. The Chinese have been there for a very, very long time and it is believed that they have been occupying that territory for millennia before our era. That makes for thousands and thousands of years of rich history deeply rooted into the hearts and into the very core of a people that is magnificent, hardworking, beautiful and absolutely fascinating in its own way.

The Great Wall of China (creative commons)

Although there are other marvellous places in Asia as well, nothing can compare to the candid and mesmerizing grandeur of the Chinese lands. From East to West, from the great cities to the rural areas, from the peasants to the high classes, China is a place that will leave a great print upon your soul and an unforgettable experience in its own rights.

What Group Tours are there Available?

As mentioned before, China has something to offer for everyone, from those in love with night life to those who like discovering the roots of a culture that is older than many of other cultures out there. If you are searching for the perfect tour for you and your friends or family, then you should definitely know the fact that there is quite a wide variety of them available. You can choose, for example, to visit the 8 most important ancient Chinese cities or you can choose to go deeper into the country and discover “hidden gems”. You can choose a cruise along the Yangtze River or you can choose to step along the Silk Road. In the end the choice pertains to you and to what you would like the most to visit while travelling in China.

Adventure Holiday in India

August 24, 2013 By admin 7 Comments

This diverse and vast country conjures up many images in the prospective traveller’s mind, from streets and markets teeming with colourful products and joyful people, to expansive and remote jungles, forests, and deserts. The impressive Taj Mahal, bustling city of Bombay, beautiful beaches of Goa, and stunning backwaters of Kerala are just a few of the well known tourist hot spots. But what about the more adventurous highlights of India? The colossal Himalayas are just waiting to be explored by budding mountaineers, and there are plenty of treats for hikers inland, as well as a wide variety of water sports available on the coast.

The Himalayas (creative commons)

One of the most intense and lengthy, but rewarding, hikes in the Himalayas is the route along the frozen river of Zanskar, known as the ‘Chadar Trek’ which takes around 22 days at extremely high altitudes. The difficulty of this challenging and gruelling hike is surely made up by the spectacular views and nights spent at cosy local guest houses. Beginner hikers may want to start with a comparatively easy trek around the aptly named Valley of Flowers National Park where, depending on the time of year, stunning exotic flowers bloom against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. Both of these trips are easy to book using Indian credit cards with tour operators based in Delhi where they can arrange your transport to and from these remote locations, as well as your chosen type of accommodation.

The Andaman Islands at Sunset (creative commons)

There are many other popular adventures to be experienced in India, for instance scuba diving in the far-flung secluded Andaman Islands, or paragliding above the stunning mountains and jungles on the mainland. A trip in a hot air balloon is another way to get up high and appreciate the views, or how about water rafting down the Ganges River for some adrenaline-pumping fun. If you want to see some of the countryside but don’t like walking, in Spiti you can take a safari on a yak; an unforgettable encounter which not many people can say they’ve experienced. For those who like to be in control of their vehicle, riding a bike through the mountains of Kerala might be more appealing, or for speed lovers, how about renting a motorbike or even rickshaw for an extraordinary tour of the country. India truly has a broad spectrum of adventures on offer for all kinds of travellers.

Explore colourful India!

March 27, 2013 By admin Leave a Comment

You don’t have to see the entire world to change your perspective about it. India is enough. This great country is practically a continent and has amazing contrasts from lush green waters to dunes and bazaars. Rich in religious and historic places, there are magnificent places you can explore even within a single visit to the country.

Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Known as the Gateway to the Himalayas, the area has some of the best rapids produced by the Ganges River. No matter how adventurous you are, a rafting adventure here will give you goose bumps for sure. On a lighter note, trekking and camping can also be done here. Other locations for winter sports include Manali which in winter is blanketed with snow.

Shiva in Rishikesh (creative commons)

As we said, India is home to all kinds of adventure. In winter, Auli is a very luring destination that attracts millions of ski enthusiasts yearly. Skiing here is not only about adventure as one can also enjoy the beauty of the pristine snow-covered mountains as they ski.

Trekking and river rafting on an extreme level can be found on a trip to Leh and Ladakh in Northern India. The landscapes this region has to offer are exquisite with dazzling rivers and impressive tracks over the lush green forest.

What is a trip to India without a ride on an elephant? Adventures in the wild national Parks at the foot of the Himalayas offer a variety of fun activities in the wild. From Jungle Safaris to Jeep safaris, camping in the wild and off course, sightseeing while riding on an elephant, this is a fun packed adventure-guaranteed!

Is there something we have left out? Yes! How about exploring the deep ocean? The Andaman Islands have inspiring coral reefs, sunken formations and exotic flora and fauna that make a perfect scuba diving or snorkeling experience.

Andaman Islands (creative commons)

Dodital in the hill state of Uttarachal is known for its pristine lakes and cool weather. Fishing enthusiasts can go trout fishing on these lakes and nature lovers can take time out exploring the area. Birdwatching and boating are other fun activities Dodital offers.

To end your super adventure on a more serene note, the meadow of Flowers in Gulmarg is the perfect stop. This is one of the favourite destinations for meditation and relaxation with the fabulous beauty.

Wherever you decide to go on your India escapade, one thing is sure- India has the makings of a dream vacation.

Why Save Up To Go To Maldives

March 21, 2013 By admin 1 Comment

maldives-reef Creative commons Mohamed Lujaz Zuhair

If you are saving up for a vacation, Maldives is one destination really worth considering.

Nestled amidst the glittering blue waters of the Laccadive Sea, Maldives is a little bit of paradise on Earth. As you walk along the beaches lined by white sand, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean brush your feet. The days are balmy and the nights breezy. Beautifully coloured animals and coral lie in the depths of the waters. It has all the right ingredients for an ideal vacation.

This tropical country is one of the best places to come to when you want to get away from a hectic lifestyle. Don your beachwear, pick up your sunscreen and shades and head to the beach for a relaxing day. The Maldives has many different resorts to choose from, each with a different feel to suit different needs. All of them however have stunning coral beaches and warm shallow waters that are perfect for a dip with your family.

If you are the more adventurous type, you might want to go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters. The marvelous formations of more than 3000 coral reefs and thousands of different fish and underwater animals make for a breathtaking dive. The best part though, is that you need not be a professional diver to explore these waters. You can get anything from basic to advanced diving lessons and you can even try a drift dive with the help of a more experienced diver.

maldives Sarah Ackerman Creative commons

On small islands surrounded by kilometers of water all around, the best place to have fun is in the water- and the Maldives offers all kinds of water sports. From swimming and water polo to surfing and snorkeling, every resort gives you a variety of recreational activities. Parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing and a lot more activities can keep you occupied all day long. In the monsoon especially, this archipelago is the favourite destination of seasoned surfers.

Finally, a day time trip to one of the deserted islands of Maldives is an experience you will never forget- an entire island to yourself, unspoilt and peaceful.

Everyone needs a vacation and it is always a good idea to start saving for that perfect vacation well in advance. However saving up for a vacation can become a gruelling task, and with the added pressure of that money being taxable, does not make the prospect of saving very alluring. But with ISA, saving cash can get fairly simple. Banks today, have chalked down some of the best ISA plans to help save up. So if you are planning on having the best for your next vacation, open an ISA and start saving.

Redefining Adventure: White Water Rafting in CDO

March 20, 2013 By admin 6 Comments

Cagayan de Oro is part of Region 10, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. Its borders are Iligan City and Bukidnon City. Aside from living up to its name as the “City of Golden Friendship” with its accommodating and hospitable people, Cagayan de Oro is a perfect spot for outdoor hobbyists and enthusiasts. Rich in natural resources, Cagayan de Oro draws its wonders from the Cagayan de Oro River which runs throughout the city. It is this very river that brings the adventure and entertainment to the city, too.

Go on a wild white water river rafting adventure through different rapids. These rapids vary per course. There are beginner courses, (Php 700 per head) which is a 3-hour adventure with the rapids, advance courses (Php 1,000 – 1,200 per head) which takes 4 hours to complete (depending on the paddle speed) and for the brave ones, an extreme course (Php 2,000) which travels through the mightiest rapids of the river.

White Water Rafting on Cagayan River (creative commons)

There’s also a ‘graduation jump’ which requires participants to jump from a big rock to the deep pool below. For the hardcore adventurers, there is also a night course which undergoes the same rapids in a different setting. It’s much more challenging because it’s dark and you can’t see where you’re going (with a small flashlight, maybe). All you can do is brace yourselves and enjoy the ride. Although it may seem scary, even unnerving at times, there’s no need to fret because there are certified and trained guides that would help you maximize and enjoy your rafting adventure.

Graduation jump (creative commons)

There are different groups that offer various packages, such as the Kagay River Tours, and the Red Rafts, and so many others. Prices may vary with regards to the packages/ offers depending on the groups. It is an awesome experience. You don’t just get an adrenaline rush, you also enjoy the view as you cruise, or rather race through the river. You also get to breathe fresh air and you can take a dip in the more shallow parts of the river.

If it’s your first time, you may get a bit uneasy, since it seems dangerous, but it is in fact a very enjoyable experience. You’d miss half of your life if you don’t get to try it. If you have experienced white water rafting before, it might be high time you tried it again since the rapids have changed with the recent events. Discover or re-discover the river, redefine adventure!

Up For a Romantic Trip To The Maldives?

October 10, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Romance is in the air, and with places / travel destinations like Maldives, it is in the waters and the food and everywhere. So, if you are looking for a honeymoon location or an anniversary spot to celebrate that memorable day with your partner add this to the top of your list 😉. It hosts a tropical moody climate, with sunshine in abundance and not too much heat. So be it summer or winter season, you wouldn’t feel any different in Maldives climate. The name entails a collection of 26 islands and many more natural scenic beauties to explore.

The most beautiful things about these islands is the reefs, whether you are on a holiday trip with your love or on an adventure just like [“Jules Verne – Around the world in 80 days” ;). Nice book by the way!!] just take a deep breath and plunge into the variant, beautiful reefs that stretch across the whole sea. You could also take some swim suits with air vessels and explore the entire sea world like an explorer while discovering new life, making wonderful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

What better way to judge a travel destination than to explore the cuisines of these alluring surroundings. Being self-contained, all resorts prefer to have at least one restaurant to serve tourists with a variety of options which are mainly inspired by south-Indian and Sri-Lankan traditional dishes that serve spicy dishes – hot and flavoured with coconut. The dishes and options mainly revolve around fishes (“tuna”).

To experience the exotic taste of their culture and exquisite variety in food, you should try out the traditional dish served in almost every resort there. The traditional cuisine is served having rice that can be changed with roshi, a different version of roti to the one served in India, oh and not to forget the mouth-watering “clear fish broth”. This is one of many dishes on the menu that will leave you serving more and more, when after a while you’ll want to enjoy a walk along the beach side in the evening.

The Maldives, in recent years have become a popular travel destination for water-sports, where tourists from around the world join in to have a blast. “Can’t wait to go next year”! As a matter of fact with spots like Pavones, Costa Rica; Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France; Surfers Point, Margaret River, Australia in the list Maldives is ranked among the top ten surfing spots around the globe. But wait, this is not even the primary activity there, which is Scuba Diving, so if you have that inner kick to explore these waters and underwater sea life just plan a trip to Maldives since these coral reefs stretch hundreds of kilometres far from the land, while the water is clearer than anywhere else. Who knows maybe while your holiday trip you might come across something new and unexplored for the whole world to see and make it a happy memory for you and your family. J. Not to mention the best time for Scuba Diving is around January – April while the sea rests in calmness.

Up For Exoticism? Look No Further Than Thailand

October 3, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

The country of Thailand has always been regarded as an exotic location for lovebirds and families alike. The location of Thailand gives it an added advantage over most countries especially where natural wonders are concerned.

This country is located in the south-east of Asia and is considered to be a wonderful nature’s hub with hills, jungles, waterfalls and sea beaches. This is therefore an ideal place for people to spend their time with their loved ones, families, friends, spouses and loved ones. There are also plenty of shopping destinations, gigantic malls and wonderful cuisines that are inviting to the tourists. This place is thronged throughout the year by people from all parts of the world.

The country of Thailand is also home to plenty of beaches that are exotic and enticing. Beaches in Phuket and Pattaya tend to pull crowd all the year round and offer plenty of sporting activities that include boating, surfing, wind surfing, sailing, scuba diving, para gliding, etc. The tourists can easily experience what nature has to offer. The island of Ko lanta Yai is another place that has a considerable amount of marine life.

Shopping is another frenzy activity that is carried out by the tourists in this part of the world. There are various retail stores that offer the tourists with eye-catching products. The visitors can simply spend their vacation by either by shopping, touring the country or by simply by relaxing on the beach side. Apart from this, the visitors can come across hundreds of Buddhist temples and monasteries that tend to appeal to their senses and soothe their nerves. Nature lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy safari and wildlife.

The rain forest of this wonderful country is packed with roaring cats and hungry hyenas. Exotic birds, reptiles and rhinoceros can be easily observed from close ranges. There are also sanctuaries and zoos that offer the visitors with variety of species that are only found in these regions. The major cities of this country also has plenty of night clubs, casinos, bars, spas, parlors and various other modern delights.

Another important reason for this country to gain international prominence is the low budget. Visitors require only need to spend a few amount of money to enjoy the bounty that this country has to offer. There are lots of budgeted and luxurious hotels available all over the country. People can simply select their type of accommodation based on their financial capabilities. Hence, finding accommodation is not a tough task for the visitors. Visiting this country is sure to make the visitors come again and again, as it provides complete satisfaction and provide value worth the money.

This country is also said to have great tourist infrastructure, which is considered to be the best in the world. Bangkok and Pattaya are cities that attract people in hordes. Pattaya is actually a sea-side resort city that has the best beaches in the whole of Asia and people visiting it can indulge themselves in water parks, nature parks, museums, etc. This is why, the tourists from all over the world consider Thailand as the perfect holiday destination.

A Nomad’s Visit to The Philippines

August 8, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a trip to a tropical country then there are some exquisite sights and places that would take Philippines at the top of your touring list. You don’t want to visit this beautiful country without preparation because if you do there would be a lot of places that you would miss and regret afterwards. Let’s go through some of the terrific places and things that you can enjoy while your stay in Philippines, here are the top 7 things to see and do in the Philippines;

Hills, Valleys and Volcanos

You will love the lush green surrounding and unique architecture of the various regions, the active volcano in Batangas will fascinate you with its unique coned structure. The beautiful land formation of the chocolate hills in Bohol will make your trip even more memorable. If you plan to hike then keep in mind Mt. Pinatubo Crater as soon you get the top the view will take away all your tiredness.

White sand beaches and crystal blue water

In Philippines you can enjoy in some of the most beautiful beaches where you can bathe in the shining sun and relax your body while enjoying the cool breeze. Pagudpud and Boracay Island has amazing surroundings and should be an ideal destination for everyone that wishes to make the most of the shining sun and fulfill all your surfing adventures.

The most mesmerizing under water journey

If you have never tried under water diving then you have a lot of hidden secrets waiting to be explored, and since Philippines is the Asia’s diving capital you can expect some never before seen seas life and many ancient ship wreckages can be explored in various sites. Apo Reef National Park has some of the rarest species of fishes which are more than 285 along with 197 species of corals and all of this can be seen in the underwater of this park which is in Mindoro Occidental.

Take a souvenir back

If you are planning for some light shopping and wish to take some memorable things back along with you then Mall of Asia and other shopping destinations are always open, the best thing is that most of the shops offer many discounts which you can avail through your charm. You will soon realize that shopping was never so much fun!

Let the Spas take over your worries

If you are tensed about any matter then there are so many spas that will relax each and every muscle of your body through touch therapy which famously known as Hilot. You should take some time out and relax at Nurture Spa in Tagaytay or the farm at San Benito in Batangas.

Witness the Talent of Word Class Artists

There is a lot of singing and dancing throughout the Philippines but the center of Arts in San Antonio in San Miguel showcases some of the greatest talent that this country has to offer, you will enjoy and groove with the unique tunes.

The Madness of the Nightlife

In the Island of Boracay which is situated in the province of Aklan has some of the greatest bars and clubs that will take away your sleep and Bazurra and ‘Hey Jude’ are some of the spots that will entertain you all night.

Philippines has much more in store than you can imagine, and every region has something unique to offer so if you are looking forward to have some quality vacation time then Philippines is the ideal destination.