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Monday, March 7, 2016

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.

The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand, and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.

Grand Palace Layout and Orientation

The palace complex, like the rest of Ratanakosin Island, is laid very similar to the palaces of Ayutthaya, the glorious former capital of Siam which was raided by the Burmese. The Outer Court, near the entrance, used to house government departments in which the King was directly involved, such as civil administration, the army and the treasury. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in one corner of this outer court. The Central Court is where the residence of the King and halls used for conducting state business were located. Only two of the throne halls are open to the public, but you'll be able to marvel at the exquisite detail on the facades of these impressive structures.

The Inner Court is where the King's royal consorts and daughters lived. The Inner Court was like a small city entirely populated by women and boys under the age of puberty. Even though no royalty currently reside in the inner court, it is still completely closed off to the public. Despite the proximity of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the more European inspired design of the Grand Palace (the roof being the main exception). Other highlights are Boromabiman Hall and Amarinda Hall, the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice.

Royal Reception Halls

Nowadays its impressive interior is used for important ceremonial occasions like coronations. It also contains the antique throne, used before the Western style one presently in use. Visitors are allowed inside the spacious European style reception room or Grand Palace Hall (Chakri Maha Prasat). Then there's the impressive Dusit Hall, rated as perhaps the finest architectural building in this style, and a museum that has information on the restoration of the Grand Palace, scale models and numerous Buddha images.

Important Note about the Grand Palace

A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace with The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops. If you're wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.) Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly (a deposit is required).

About Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

The Grand Palace

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 - 15:30

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)

Price Range: Tickets sold from 8:30 - 15:30 and cost 500 baht! One ticket includes entry to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.

10 Things You Can See in Phuket

By Unknown 8:55:00 PM No comments:

Phang Nga Bay Cave

Far be it from us to tell you what to do in Phuket but there are some gems that you really should not miss out on seeing while on your visit here, and we don't mean the kind sold at the jewelers…

Phuket's great advantage is that there's always something to do on and off the island, whether it's raining or shining. From the sublime to the seemingly profane, the range of activities and places to visit is remarkable for a destination of this size. Here are our Top Ten 'Must See' choices, built on popular vote. If you only get through half of these destinations you'll have had an unforgettable holiday. Go for it.

1. Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is unique. A day out here is an unforgettable experience that will definitely get you thinking. A distinctive feature of the bay is the sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald-green waters. These islands are home to sheltered fauna that are possible to observe on certain tours. James Bond Island and Koh Panyee are just two of the more famous spots in this bay.

2. Old Phuket Town

Sino-Portuguese splendours and funky shops in the most unlikely places will surprise and delight you in the heart of Phuket's sleepy provincial capital. Phuket town offers much more than you think with some excellent restaurants and local sights. The unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture along with a tangible quaintness makes for a fascinating and unforgettable afternoon spent sauntering around Phuket's Old Town. Expect the unexpected and don't forget your camera.

3. Bangla Road Nightlife

There are few things in this world to prepare you for an after-dark stroll down Patong's Bangla Road. However, a sense of humour and an open mind are prerequisites if you're looking to have some fun. In fact, there's only one undeniable and obvious fact about Bangla – it's nothing like home. With its lady boys, exotic girls, enchanted westerners (mostly male) and enough extroverts to fill a Disney cast of thousands, shopping or sipping on a beer at Bangla Road at night is a definite 'Dear Diary' moment.

4. Big Buddha

Visible from most of the south of Phuket, the Big Buddha is a recent arrival to the island. The image stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. It cost 30 million baht to construct and is 45 meters high. Next to it stands a smaller, golden image that is actually made of brass and there is a shrine near the site's car park. The drive up to the Big Buddha takes you through the 'real' Thailand and the view from the top is enhanced if you take a map to identify the many, many sights.

5. Wat Chalong and Phuket Temples

Wat Chalong is one of Phuket's most important temples and visited by thousands each year. It's beautifully decorated with infinite reflections from hundreds of tiny glass pieces and several pagodas. On special holidays Wat Chalong hosts 'country fairs' with a real local flavor where you can buy just about anything and snack on Thai food to your heart's content. Wat Chalong has an interesting history and is Phuket Island's spiritual center. You haven't seen Phuket if you've never visited this fascinating temple.

6. Simon Cabaret Show

Simon Cabaret - probably the biggest transvestite cabaret show to be found locally. This show features a spectacular musical floor show performed by the world famous lady boys of Simon Cabaret. See for yourself - guys, can you tell the difference? And ladies - wouldn't you just die for a figure like that? Fabulous costumes, glitzy and fun.

7. Spend a Day (or two) on Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies. It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight.

8. Phuket FantaSea Show

It's wacky but fun and very professionally done. Trapeze artists, elephants on stage and pyrotechnics combine in a Las Vegas-style show. You'll see nothing else like it anywhere on the planet. Combining Thai traditional myths with humor, fantasy and a loose plot line that keeps getting more and more amusing, FantaSea's extravaganza is a highly entertaining and riveting show that deserves to be top of our Top Ten Must See and Do in Phuket list.

9. Phuket Viewpoints

There are many viewpoints looking out over east and west Phuket affording sunrise as well as sunset views. OK, so everyone goes to Promthep but it doesn't make it any less spectacular. There, you'll get fabulous views over the ocean stretching as far as Phi Phi Island on a good day. Check out Phuket's other viewpoints such as the 'Three Beaches' hilltop venue on the road between Nai Harn and Kata or sip a cocktail at the After Beach Bar (also on the same road) while the golden ball slips into the western horizon.

10. Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

Rapidly gaining popularity all over the world, Muay Thai is an electrifying spectacle to watch. Visit Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket City to see regular matches with well-trained martial arts experts. Or try Patong Beach, where you can also see the skill and dexterity of these super-fit fighters. Tradition and courtesy are at the heart of this dangerous contact sport and a good Muay Thai participant is ultra-disciplined in spirit as well as body. Join the spectators and feel the rush. to see regular matches with well-trained martial arts experts.

Phuket Walking Street

By Unknown 8:38:00 PM No comments:

Phuket Walking Street is the latest attraction featured in Phuket Old Town. Also-known-as Lardyai (talaad yai), which means ‘big market’ in southern Thai dialect, this weekly market started in October 2013 and is hosted on the beautifully renovated Thalang Road, right in the middle of the historical Sino-Portuguese district of Phuket Town.

Thalang is a 350m-long commercial and cosmopolitan street which hosts a mix of Baba (Chinese migrants settled in Phuket at the beginning of the 20th century during the tin mining era), Thai Muslim and Indian shops. Phuket Walking Street allows visitors to discover some typical southern Thai culinary specialties as well as local handicraft and gift stalls. This weekly event (every Sunday from 16:00 – 22:00) is definitely family-oriented with the presence of toy stalls and a (free-of-charge) trampoline to entertain the little ones.

The main entrance of Phuket Walking Street is on the eastern (Phuket Road) side of Thalang Road at which a superb wooden Chinese-style gate has been installed. The gate boasts a sign with LARDYAI written in three languages (Thai, Chinese, and English) and is a popular photo op. Thalang Road was one of the first Phuket Old Town streets along which electric cables were buried in 2012, in an effort to revive its vintage splendor. Thalang Road’s Baba house facades have even been further enhanced by the addition of colour-changing lighting effects – from blue to green to magenta - on many of the townhouses along the street, giving the place a ‘history meets technology’ feeling.

Phuket Old Town has always been a commercial hub, and nowadays, Thalang Road still hosts many shops selling fabrics/tissues, tools, sports equipment, clothes, and traditional medicines (the oldest drugstore in Phuket is located here) between coffee shops, restaurants and bars; it is indeed an active and lively street, and a great place for a Thai-style weekend market.

The two main items sold at Phuket Walking Street are food and souvenirs. Barbecued squid, chicken and pork are certainly the favorite dishes if you consider the number of stands selling them. Fruit juices, ice-creams and khanoms (Thai traditional sweets) are also very popular. There’s even a stall selling horse-shoe crabs, which is somewhat unusual. The international side of Phuket is represented as an original tuk-tuk sells beef and chicken burgers at the end of the street.

Some young Phuket entrepreneurs have started interesting T-shirt and handicraft businesses and at this open-air market they have an excellent window to promote and sell their products: T-shirts featuring stylized Sino-Portuguese architectural elements, knitted dolls, custom-made flip flops (customers pick the sole, top and decorative elements of their choice which are assembled on site), marinières (striped long-sleeve T-shirts, Jean-Paul Gaultier-style) and fancy jewelry, of which there is a good choice of cool and inexpensive items to browse through.

Summing up, Phuket Walking Street – Lardyai Phuket – is an attractive place to spend a late Sunday afternoon, and a good opportunity to discover charming Phuket Old Town in the best conditions possible.

Opening Hours: Every Sundays from 16:00 – 22:00

Location: Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town

Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong

By Unknown 8:35:00 PM No comments:

Standing downtown, diagonally opposite Bangla Road, the Jungceylon Shopping Complex has radically changed the face of shopping in Patong. The two main stores in the complex are Robinson - a gleaming well-lit upper end department store, and Big C supermarket.

The 200-plus other stores in this shopping heaven sell brand-name clothes, spectacles, sunglasses, cosmetics and perfumes, shoes, DVDs, computer games, tons of mobile phones and accessories, electrical goods but it is also a great entertainment haven with a five-room SF Cinema and a 16-lane bowling alley, perfect for rainy days or to escape the heat of the day.

Shopping Arcade

Downstairs at Jungceylon you can buy everything from a Kashmir-made rug to a facial massage. It's all cheerfully lit and open spaced and is designed to handle an estimated 45,000 shoppers daily - though this figure seems a little optimistic, given that Patong's official population is 14,700 (and swells to up to 60,000 in high season). Still, it's good to have enough elbow room while shopping.

Robinson

Robinson's downstairs majors in perfumes, cosmetics, watches and timepieces. The brand names featured here are Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clinique, H20+, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Revlon and Paul Smith. The watches are mostly Japanese and are of middle-range quality. Upstairs, Robinson features women's shoes and accessories, and probably the biggest selection of women's underwear in Thailand – certainly the largest in Phuket. Further through is a very attractive child's clothing section which, predictably enough leads to the toy department. To one side here you will find an interesting collection of pewter goods; vases, cups, cigarette lighter covers and souvenir plaques as well as salt and pepper shakers, all at reasonable prices. You'll also find a household appliance department here as well as a sensibly priced men's shoe section – this appears to be a bargain area in Thailand and Robinson features shoes with labels such as Pierre Cardin, Lacoste, Matino, and Polo.

Sport Shops

Near the main entrance there are two large sports shops almost next to each other: SuperSports and Sport World and so you're going to come out a winner simply by comparing prices in both. Both are on the left-hand side as you enter Jungceylon and of course Big C has a sports section. Also present in the complex is a Surfer's shop with all the necessary accessories.

Big C

The upstairs section of Big C is a neon-lit affair featuring sports accessories, TVs, digital cameras and computer accessories. Downstairs features a large food supermarket, a stand of magazines and DVDs and rows of household goods.

Location: Rat-u-thit 200 Pee Road, Patong, Kratu, Phuket

Hon Khoi Salt Fields

By Unknown 11:21:00 PM No comments:

The Hon Khoi Salt Fields is one of the most unique tourist destinations in Nha Trang, where mounds of natural salt are manually harvested from shallow fields along Doc Let Beach. Salt production is a thriving industry in Nha Trang due to Vietnam's extensive coastline, generating about 737,000 tonnes every year.

The best time to visit Hon Khoi Salt Fields are between the months of January and June, when the summer climate (with temperatures that can go as high as 40°C) allows for the salt to be directed from the East Sea to the fields. It is then left there to evaporate for about 10 days before it is collected in wicker baskets, each weighing up to 10 kilograms.

Unlike most salt fields in Vietnam, the strenuous task of tending to Hon Khoi Salt Fields is carried out by middle-aged women which takes place between 04:00 and 09:00. To protect themselves from the heat and salt, these salt workers wear conical hats, rubber gloves and boots, as well as face masks. While conditions are harsh during these months, they are very approachable and friendly even though they can only speak in their native language.

Hon Khoi Salt Fields are also popular spots for photography, where you can capture great views of the salt mountains and workers carrying heavy baskets across the fields well as a pagoda that sits atop a nearby hill. The fields are accessible within an hour’s drive from city center, though there are many full-day excursions where you can also visit other significant landmarks in Nha Trang.

As it is a working industry in Nha Trang, visitors shouldn't expect tourist facilities in Hon Khoi Salt Fields, but it is still a culturally rich experience to see the locals working throughout the early morning.

Opening Hours: Daily 04:00 – 09:00

Location: Northern Nha Trang

Ba Ho Waterfalls

By Unknown 11:19:00 PM No comments:

Ba Ho Waterfalls is one of Nha Trang’s must-visit attractions, comprised of three natural waterfalls that ends with a clear lake surrounded by a dense rain forest. Situated about 20 kilometers north of Nha Trang, the waterfalls are a favorite spot for hiking, swimming, picnics, and fishing.

The waterfalls have been left in their natural state, for the most part, with several arrow pointers and cement steps set along the more challenging routes. Locally known as Suoi Ba Ho (three-pool stream in Vietnamese), the entrance fee to the waterfalls is priced at VND 20,000 per person.

From the entrance, it is a 30-minute walk through the foliage to the first waterfall before it becomes a challenging climb over large rocks to reach the second and third waterfalls. Make sure you are reasonably fit, wear proper shoes, and/or bring extra clothes before making your way here.

Ba Ho Waterfalls is a 40-minute drive from Nha Trang City, with picturesque stretches of coastlines and paddy fields throughout the journey. There are also several stalls set up by the roadside, where you can purchase beers, soft drinks, and local snacks. While renting a motorcycle is possible, we advise against travelling solo as flat tyres are common mishaps due to the rather bumpy roads along the way.

Alternatively, you can opt for a full-day tour from Nha Trang City, where an English-speaking guide takes you to prominent attractions in northern Nha Trang, including Ba Ho Waterfalls, Monkey Island, and Doc Let Beach. Great for adventurous travelers and nature lovers, Ba Ho Waterfalls makes for a tranquil retreat away from Nha Trang city center.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 – 18:00
Address: Ninh Ich, Ninh Hoa district, Nha Trang

Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre

By Unknown 11:16:00 PM No comments:

Thap Ba Hot Springs Center is a great place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring Nha Trang. Great for a temporary retreat away from the bustling city, the hot springs center is set against a mountain backdrop with plenty of greenery and flowers. It is also fitted with private and shared mud-baths, herbal-bath, Jacuzzi, waterfall, swimming pool, and sauna.

Locals believe that the natural hot mineral springs help detoxify and soothe fatigued muscles, remove dead skin cells, and supply minerals to the body. Meanwhile mineral mud is said to contain antiseptic properties which is used as a facial mask to treat acne and revitalize the skin.

Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre offers a variety of services and treatment packages at different price levels. Costing VND 150,000 for adults and VND 70,000 for children below 12 years old, a basic mud bath package comprises of a 15-minute mineral mud bath in the communal pool, a 30-minute soak in naturally hot mineral water, followed by a hydrotherapy session using warm or cool mineral water.

If you’re willing to splurge for privacy and luxury, Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre has 14 VIP rooms that are fitted with indoor mineral water bathtubs, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and inclusive of body massages, acupuncture therapy, and beauty services. Priced between VND 2.5 million and VND 5 million, the packages are inclusive of swimming attire, towels, snacks, water, fruits, ginger jams, and souvenirs.

Accessible within a 15-minute drive from Nha Trang City, Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre can get very crowded with locals and tourists alike, so the best time of day to visit is between 12:00 and 15:00.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 – 19:00

Address: 15 Ngoc Son Street, Ngoc Hiep, Nha Trang

Tel: +8458 383 5345

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

By Unknown 11:13:00 PM No comments:

The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam offers interesting exhibits of local marine life, including over 20,000 live and preserved marine specimens. Open to public since 1922, the institute also sponsors ongoing research and community projects, such as captive breeding programmed, preservation and regeneration of local coral reefs.

The collection of this museum is so extensive that it spans two floors within a French colonial building in Cau Da (a few kilometers south of Nha Trang town center). The ground floor houses glass tanks of various sizes filled with marine life such as reef sharks, turtles, scorpion fish, anemones, puffers, and lion fish as well as coral reefs and seaweed from many parts of the world. For clarification, each tank is also labelled with the name, origin, and characteristics in Vietnamese and English.

Meanwhile, the upper floor of The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam features thousands of preserved specimens, animal skeletons, local boats, and fishing artifacts. One of the highlights of the museum is the skeleton of a humpback whale, which was excavated in the Ha Nam Province back in 1994. The specimen measures at 18 meters in length and 18,000kg in weight. Also on display here is the skeleton of a dugong that was excavated in Con Dao back in 1997.

Visitors can also enjoy several themed exhibitions of the institute’s development in research equipment and technology as well as rooms that illustrate natural disasters, sacred legends and traditions, and fishing culture in Vietnam.

Accessible within a 10-minute drive from Tran Phu Beach, entry fee to The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is priced at VND 30,000 for adults and VND 12,000 for children below the age of 12.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 – 18:00

Address: 1 Cau da, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa

Tel: +8458 359 0036

Vinpearl Amusement Park

By Unknown 11:10:00 PM No comments:

Vinpearl Amusement Park, situated on an island across the bay from Nha Trang Beach, is a large-scale theme park featuring water slides and games, a large aquarium, a wave pool, and a variety of rides. The Park is reached by cable car that connects Nha Trang City to this island resort. The 3,320-meter long ride offers dazzling views of the bay, a promise of the fun-filled day that is to follow.

Vinpearl Amusement Park’s attractions include a variety of water slides with names like ‘space hole,’ ‘tsunami,’ ‘black hole,’ and ‘kamikaze’. The 900-meter long ‘lazy river’ features gentle floating along while wearing a swimming ring, and the ‘wave pool’ emulates different sea conditions, from choppy to very stormy. The very young have their own kids’ pool with chairs and umbrellas for supervising parents.

An impressive 3,000 sqm aquarium, or ‘underwater world’, has a tunnel with a motorized walkway through which visitors can admire no less than 300 species of colorful fish. This modern and beautifully-kept aquarium is claimed to be the biggest of its kind in Vietnam.

The usual theme park rides are featured here too, from the speedy roller coaster to the gentle carousel rides for the young and not-so-young. Some games are housed in the artificial mountain arcade. For meals, Vinh Xanh restaurant serves a variety of fast food including fruit juices and drinks. Nearer to the beach, the Food Village offers a set menu and a-la-carte dishes from its terrace overlooking the sea.

If you want to get away from the bustle, the 400-meter long sandy beach which is part of the amusement park is the place to relax and watch the sunset. There is a shopping mall with an array of boutiques selling anything from brand clothing items to jewelry and local handicrafts and souvenirs. A day pass offers unlimited entry to all rides, games and aquarium and includes a round-trip on the cable-car and the Vinpearl-owned ferry.

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00 Monday – Thursday, 08:00 – 22:00 Friday to Sunday

Address: Vinpearl Resort Island, Nha Trang Bay

Tel: +84 58 3 598 188

Na Thrang Cathedral

By Unknown 11:07:00 PM No comments:

Na Thrang Cathedral (locally known as the stone church or Nui Church) is the largest church in the city. Set atop a hill that overlooks Nha Trang Train Station, it was constructed in provincial French Gothic style by Priest Louis Vallet during the early 19th century. Na Thrang Cathedral serves the local Catholic community, with Mass being held between 05:00 and 18:30 on a daily basis.

A popular spot for wedding and landscape photography, Nha Trang Cathedral is made entirely of stone and features beautiful stained glass windows, as well as a square clock tower that’s surmounted by a large crucifix. Its three cathedral bells, which were cast in France in 1789, are still in working order. There are also hints of Vietnamese influences to the structure, such as pink backlight on the tabernacle, red neon light outlining the crucifix, blue neon on the arch, and a white neon-lit halo atop St. Mary’s statue.

Outside, Cathedral of Nha Trang are decorated with numerous statues of saints as well as 4,000 tombstones mounted on the sides, which were placed after the neighboring cemetery was leveled in 1988 to extend the city train station.

A must-visit for any first-time visitor, Nha Trang Cathedral remains one of the coastal town’s most important remnants of French architecture. From Nha Trang city, there are two paths which lead up to the cathedral. Visitors can either take a 53-step stone stairway from Thai Nguyan Street to the church entrance or another stone pathway from the city square which will lead them to the yard behind the church.

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday from 05:00 to 17:00, Sunday 04:30 - 20:00
Address: Nguyen Trai, Phuoc Tan, Nha Trang

Long Son Pagoda

By Unknown 11:05:00 PM No comments:

Long Son Pagoda, also known as Chua Long Son, is situated on the foothill of Trai Thuy Mountain in the city of Nha Trang. The temple is famous for its large white Buddha image, which sits atop the mountain crest and can be seen from anywhere in town.

Built in 1886 in the style of Taoist architecture, Long Son Pagoda has been home to many high-ranking Buddhist monks and the Vietnam Buddhist Studies Foundation was founded here in 1936.

After being destroyed by a cyclone in 1990, the whole complex was rebuilt at the present site further down the hill. In its attempt to recreate the exact replica of the old temple, Long Son underwent many restorations and additions, interrupted at times by the Vietnam War and civil unrest. The white Buddha image was constructed much later in 1964.

Today, Long Son Pagoda boasts beautiful and unique turn-of-the-century Taoist architecture characterized by the embellishment of mythical animals and sculptures of Taoist gods. It is also a working monastery complete with a school for monks in its grounds. An impressive three-tier roofed entrance, decorated with mosaic dragons, leads to the large temple grounds decorated by potted topiary.

Behind the temple, 152 steps lead to the main attraction of Long Son Pagoda, the 24-metre tall white Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Around the corner, there is a large reclining Buddha whose back panel features a bas-relief representation of the monks and nuns who died in the late 1950s while protesting against the corrupt US-backed Diem regime. From the platform at the base of the white Buddha, visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Nha Trang and the sea beyond.

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 daily

Location: Thai Nguyen St, 500 metres west of the city’s train station

Po Nagar Cham Towers

By Unknown 11:02:00 PM No comments:

Po Nagar Cham temple complex was built between 8th and 11th centuries by the Cham people who once ruled the central plain of Vietnam. The Cham people, who were Hindu in origin, had their own Sanskrit-based script. They are renowned for their skills in sculpture and architecture and left behind a legacy of artifacts and temple settlements not only in Vietnam, but also Cambodia and Thailand.

In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Champa fell into the hand of the invading Viet, whose descendants are today the Vietnamese people. A small minority of Cham people, now an ethnic minority, still live in the central plain somewhere near Danang. Although most Cham people have converted to Islam, they still worship their gods at Po Nagar Cham Towers during annual religious festival of Thap Ba, which falls around the end of April and the beginning of May.

Po Nagar Cham Towers were built to honour the goddess Po Nagar- literally translated as 'The mother of the Country' -who is said to have taught agricultural and weaving skills to the Cham people. Later, historians have come to identify Po Nagar with the Hindu goddesses Bhagavati, the wife of Shiva, and Durga, the buffalo-demon slayer.

The towers of Po Nagar Cham are square red brick structure with protruding support frames and tapering roofs. There were once ten buildings, each dedicated to a different deity, but now only four remain. The tallest building, at 25 metres, the Po Nagar Kalan, is the most impressive. Here, Po Nagar was worshipped and, according to historical stone inscriptions, animal sacrifices were made in her honour.

To the center of the complex, stands a tower of Cri Cambhu, goddess of fertility. The other two temples are the shrines of the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesh respectively.

Po Nagar Cham Towers are situated on the high ground of Mount Cu Lau on the bank of River Cai, a few kilometers north from the city center.

Opening Hours: 07:30 – 17:00 daily

Location: 2 Thang 4, end of Som Bong Bridge

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple in Penang

By Unknown 10:59:00 PM No comments:

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple is the largest Thai temple in Penang. Set just off Jalan Burma (on the way to Batu Ferringhi), the yellow-and-blue temple is also known as Wat Buppharam. Built in 1845, it is home to a 108ft-long reclining Buddha image, said to be the third largest in the world.

Draped in a gold-leafed saffron robe, the sprawling statue was erected as a monument to signify Buddha’s final resting position at his death and symbolizes his detachment from worldly matters. Located opposite the less extravagant Dharmmikarama Temple (which lights up beautifully at night) Wat Chaiya Mangakalaram Temple is a beautiful sight with ornate, gold pagodas, and mural-painted walls.

Spread across five acres of land (which was gifted by Queen Victoria to the Thai community as a gesture of goodwill to bolster trading relations with Thailand) Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple was originally led by a Thai Theravada Buddhist monk, Phortan Kuat.

Also known as the ‘Powerful Monk’, he was very much adored by his congregation: to this day, his devotees bring bowls of asam laksa (coconut-based sour gravy noodles) to his shrine to honor him.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple is designed in typical Thai-style with sharp-eaved roofs and flamboyant ceilings. The temple entrance is set off by a statue of a naga (a Southeast Asian water dragon), while the exit is marked by a Chinese dragon (the East Asian equivalent).

These serpents lay coiled around the feet of two grim green-faced statues carrying hefty swords that flank the entryway: supposedly the statues were designed to ward off unwanted visitors.

The reclining Buddha statue at Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple is surrounded by elaborate images of a gold-leaf covered Buddha in different poses. Each pose is supposed to signify different things: Buddhists believe that the reclining Buddha, for example, (with his head resting in the palm of the right hand and his head pointing northwards) signifies enlightenment or Nirvana.

Around the outstretched giant Buddha sculpture are a series of hand-painted gold 3D images detailing Gautama Buddha’s story. Interesting fact: underneath the lounging Buddha are slots where urns containing the ashes of deceased devotees are stored.

In addition to the 108ft-long reclining Buddha, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple also has smaller statues of the ‘Awakened One’ in various guises plus you can also see statuettes of other popular Thai deities in the main prayer hall. Besides that there is a series of colourful statues of Devas and other mythical creatures on display, spread out across the temple grounds. Vibrant murals depicting Buddha’s life story are painted on the temple walls. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple is open between sunrise and sunset and entrance is free.

During traditional Buddhist festivals like Songkran and Loy Krathong, local Thais crowd the temple for the celebration since the temple acts as the focal point for the event.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Daily

Location: Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, Georgetown

Penang Khoo Kongsi

By Unknown 10:55:00 PM No comments:

Khoo Kongsi is one of Georgetown’s most interesting attractions. Built some 650 years ago, it is part of the goh tai seh (five big clans) that formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-days Penang. One of Penang’s most lavishly decorated kongsis, it is located on Jalan Acheh, off Lebuh Pitt.

A kongsi (clan house) is a building in which Chinese families of the same surname gather to worship their ancestors. Representing a family’s social and spiritual commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community, the kongsi also acts as an important means of solidarity. These days the primary functions of kongsis are supportive roles: they help with the educations of members’ children, settle disputes and advance loans.

The kongsis were initially developed as a way for 19th-century immigrants to band together according to their respective districts. Unsurprisingly, as a result of this clan-centric bias, hostile sentiments developed between the different clan houses resulting in rivalry and eventually violence.

Many of the kongsis in Penang are more than 100 years old; the Khoo Kongsi, once known as one of the most prominent Chinese lineages in Malaysia, is probably the most famous clan house in Penang. Founded by the Leong San Tong clan from the Sin Kang clan village in Hokkien Province, the clan house was built primarily to showcase the success of the Khoo family.

Khoo Kongsi remains till this day an impressive architectural feat that exemplifies good luck and prosperity. The other big clans during the time of its inception were the Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan families who also have clan houses erected to act as a central point of their respective communities. However none were as magnificent as the Leong San Tong (Khoo Kongsi) which was said to be the most impressive in Southeast Asia.

At the height of the Khoo family’s prominence, craftsmen from China were commissioned to build this architectural masterpiece. Also known as Dragon Mountain Hall, Khoo Kongsi is an ornate structure standing on a square of granite with stone carvings that adorn the entrance hall.

Additionally, there are pavilions, murals portraying birthdays, weddings and 36 divine guardian-statues sprinkled throughout its interior. Meanwhile, massive overhead paper lamps bathe the interior in an orange glow and stunning ceramic sculptures of immortals, carp fish and dragons line the roof ridges.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00

Address: 18 Cannon Square, Georgetown

Tel: +604 261 4609

Penang Fort Cornwallis

By Unknown 10:51:00 PM No comments:

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. Set close to the Esplanade and Penang Clocktower, the star-shaped bastion is one of the oldest structures in Penang. Named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis, only a set of ten-foot high outer walls remain, with an enclosed park within.

Situated on Penang’s north-eastern coast, a stroll along the privately-managed Fort Cornwallis’ perimeters will take you about 10 minutes. It is a surreal experience to hear the 1812 Overture playing over the speaker system while a Malaysian man dressed in full British regalia stands at the gate. Inside the fort is a variety of vaguely-informative exhibits.

Built in 1786, Fort Cornwallis was intended as a defensive structure against pirates, Kedah forces and even the French during the Napoleonic Wars. However although it was initially built for the Royal artillery troops and the military, it served an administrative function rather than an actively defensive one.

Spanning 4490sqft it was built as a stockade with no permanent structures. The fort stands on the site where Captain Francis Light first set foot in 1786 on the then virtually-uninhabited Penang and took possession of the island from the Sultan of Kedah. He then established a free port to lure trade from Britain’s Dutch rivals.

Originally built of bong palms, during Colonel R.T. Farquhar’s term as Governor of Penang Fort Cornwallis was rebuilt with bricks and stones using Indian convict labor thus transforming the wooden fort into a stone structure.

Fort Cornwallis’ star shape is attributed to the fact that this design was a better defense against multiple fields of fire from enemies.

A bronze statue of Captain Francis Light stands near Fort Cornwallis’ main entrance. Inside the fort are prison cells, barracks, munitions storage areas, a harbour light once used to signal incoming ships and the original flagstaff.

At the southwest corner of the fort is Penang’s first chapel, built in 1799. You can also see several old bronze cannons inside the fort including Seri Rambai, which is popularly regarded as a fertility symbol. Locals often place offerings of flowers and toss sticks at its base.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:30 Daily

Location: Lebuh Light

Tel: +602 61 0262

Penang War Museum

By Unknown 10:48:00 PM No comments:

Penang War Museum in Bukit Batu Maung was a fort built by the British in the 1930s. In 1941 it gained fame when it became the site where the battle for Penang against the invading Japanese army was lost. These days it is a museum open to the public and is billed as Southeast Asia’s largest war museum.

Situated on the road to Teluk Kumbar on Penang’s southern coast, the fort was initially supposed to be a preserved citadel constructed as part of a plan to protect the island from foreign invasion. It is also known as Muzium Perang Pulau Pinang.

The former British bastion was manned by British, Sikh and Malay soldiers after its completion. It fell during WWII when the Japanese launched an attack against the fort from inland, rather than from the sea, as was expected by the British.

From that day onward (17 December 1941) the Japanese commandeered the stronghold and the army base became chequered with a dark past. It was used as a prison base for acts of torture and other cruelties; as a result of these war atrocities, the garrison was dubbed ‘Bukit Hantu’ (Ghost Hill) by locals due to the hundreds of people who were brought here and beheaded.

The Penang War Museum was restored as a memorial to its dark days and opened to the public in 2002. Interesting fact: the 20-acre museum houses historical artifacts such as cannons and even features underground military tunnels and ammunition bunkers which are located nine meters underground. Some of these tunnels lead all the way to the sea as they once served as access routes to get to submarines. Navigating through these passageways sometimes forces one to walk or even crawl through very narrow, confined spaces.

Additionally, you can also tour the barracks, cookhouses, gun emplacements and other structures in the eerie and vast Penang War Museum as there are plenty of signposts to guide your way.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 19:00

Address: Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Daerah Barat Daya, Batu Maung

Tel: +604 626 5142 or +6016 421 3606

Escape Adventureplay

By Unknown 10:46:00 PM No comments:

Escape Adventureplay Penang is a cool alternative to the beach and has quickly turned into a firm favorite with outdoor adventure seekers on the island. An outdoor, eco-conscious theme park specializing in zip-lining (a pulley suspended on a stainless steel cable, tied between two trees on an incline), the park also hosts other fun jungle activities for all ages.

A creative and fun way to foster a love of the outdoors, especially among kids, the park started out in 2012 with standout attractions such as a free fall from a 20 meter-high jump platform, an inner tube slide and tree rope swing.

Free Fall & Zip Lining

There are quite a few thrill rides to try here. We love the Atan’s Leap, a gravity-defying free fall activity that will see you taking the plunge from a 20 metre-high platform. You will fall through the air and land safely onto an absolutely-safe, extremely large, inflated feathered on the ground; for safety purposes, this activity is limited to those aged 13 years old and above. Another attempt to push the laws of physics at Escape Adventureplay Penang is the Flying Lemur, an obstacle course that will have you climbing 98 feet off the ground. To reach the finish line, you will have to overcome hurdles that will include the region’s longest zip line (456 feet-long) across a ravine. The thrilling final obstacle will have your adrenaline levels peaking!

Tree Swings & Water Park

Intent on providing a variety of activities for all ages and courage levels, Escape Adventureplay Penang is also home to rope swings, set at different inclinations, allowing those who are more adventurous to swing from higher heights, while beginners can feel safe swinging from lower elevations. Besides that, the park also has places where you can play on balance beams, engage in tree climbing contests, navigate through a fun but wobbly rope course, and even go exploring through a cave! In addition to all that is already available at Escape Adventureplay, there are plans to add in a water theme park in the quest for bigger and better thrills. Entrance is RM60 for adults and RM45 for kids; open from Tuesday to Sunday, the park also operates on Monday when it is a public or school holiday. There is a free hourly shuttle service from a couple of Jalan Batu Ferringhi hotels, or from Georgetown guests can hop on the Rapid Penang bus 101.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 Tuesday – Sunday

Address: 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang

Tel: +604 881 1106

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang

By Unknown 10:42:00 PM No comments:

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a boutique hotel that’s one of Penang’s best-known attractions in an ornate edifice built in the traditional Hakka – Teochew style. Located at 14 Leith Street, the structure was erected in the 1880s when Hakka merchant, Cheong Fatt Tze commissioned its construction.

A self-made and affluent merchant-trader, Cheong Fatt Tze left China as a penniless teenager but soon rose to the ranks of the well-heeled when he established a vast financial empire throughout East Asia at the end of 19th century. Despite the popularity of modern Anglo-Indian designs at the time, he chose to build his domicile as a traditional-style Chinese courtyard house. The stately manor has 38 rooms, five granite-paved courtyards, seven staircases and 220 timber-frame windows.

Rescued from ruin in the 1990s, the indigo-blue mansion blends elements of Eastern and Western design and stands apart from other structures along the street due to its distinctively gregarious exterior. Featuring art nouveau stained glass and beautiful floor tiles, the mansion is a beautiful representation of the architectural style preferred by wealthy Straits Chinese of the time.

In 1989 the mansion was purchased from Cheong Fatt Tze's descendants in order to save the structure from imminent development that would have resulted in its demolition. Maintained as a private residence, the property also operates as a 16-room bed-and-breakfast as part of an ongoing restoration project; additionally the estate also doubles as a museum. You can choose to visit the mansion on a one-hour guided tour or you can spend the night at the boutique hotel.

Highlighted in various TV programs on networks such as CNN, BBC, The History Channel and Discovery Travel & Living, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion has also been featured in various films ranging from the 1993 Oscar-winning French film Indochine to the critically-acclaimed 2009 motion picture The Blue Mansion.

Winner of the 1995 Malaysian National Architectural Award for Conservation, the 2000 UNESCO Most Excellent' Heritage Conservation Award, ‘Best Tourist Attraction 2003’ Merit Award by the Malaysian Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism and the 2008 Best of Malaysia Travel Award’s ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ by Expatriate Lifestyle magazine, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is undoubtedly one of Penang’s most prominent attractions.

Address: 14, Leith Street, 10200 Penang

Tel: +604 262 0006

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang

By Unknown 10:40:00 PM No comments:

Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided into three zones while the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The mid section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion; meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.

Comprising a series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautifully-landscaped gardens, this national icon was built in 1890 by Beow Lean, a devout immigrant Chinese Buddhist. The ten-acre site was purchased in 1893 and the initial temple structure was built on the summit of He Shan. 20 years later, the two-decade long additional construction of this sprawling house of worship is largely funded by donations from the Penang Straits Chinese community.

The complex is a cornerstone of the Malaysian Chinese community. Also known as the ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’, it features a maze of souvenir kiosks as well as a turtle and fish pond. The turtle pond – known as The Liberation Pond – was built because according to Chinese tradition, turtles symbolize longevity, strength and endurance and the act of capturing and freeing a turtle is a symbol of spiritual liberation.

Kek Lok Si is both carved into the rock face as well as perched atop the slopes of Air Itam. The main attraction here is the impressive pagoda of Rama VI and at the centre of the complex, the seven-storey, 30-metre high tower is acknowledged as the ‘face’ of Kek Lok Si. Topped with a Burmese crown, Ban Po Thar – the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda – displays a collection of alabaster and bronze Buddhas and has a Chinese octagonal base while its middle tiers are of Thai design. Meanwhile sited in the Hall of the Devas, are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings – each of the Kings allegedly controls one of the four points of the compasses – Kwang Mu (Guardian of the West), Tou Wen (Guardian of the North), Ch'i Kuo (Guardian of the East) and lastly Tseg Chang (Guardian of the South).

Additionally, there’s a three-storey shrine with a large Buddha icon that was donated by King Bhumibol of Thailand – you can find several temples here as well as shops and a vegetarian restaurant. At the highest level there is a 36.5 meter-high bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy; in the future 16 ornately decorated bronze columns supporting a roof over the statue, as well 1000 two-meter high statues of the goddess are planned to be built.

At the apex are a couple more temples, a fish pond, sprawling gardens and 12 animal statues that represent the Chinese zodiac. Kek Lok Si temple houses tablets and imperial Buddhist sutras gifted by Manchu Emperor Kwang Xi and Empress Cixi of the Ching Dynasty; these historic relics are kept in the temple archives. The impressive complex is usually crowded with visitors and is located approximately three kilometers from Penang Hill.

Location: Air Itam, Georgetown

Tel: +604 828 3317

Price Range: Entrance: Pagoda - RM2; Incline lift - RM2

Penang Hill

By Unknown 10:36:00 PM No comments:

Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. Comprising Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill and Government Hill, it is located six km away from Georgetown. The hilly and forested area is the state's primary hill resort.

Set 821 meters above Penang’s capital, islanders call it Bukit Bendera and it is generally about five degrees cooler than Georgetown. It is the last patch of tropical rain forest in Penang so the flora and fauna here have been protected since 1960. It does not have the same prominence as Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill or Cameron Highlands but it is one of Penang’s best-known tourist attractions due to its fresher climate.

Penang Hill was discovered when soon after British settlement; Francis Light commissioned the area to be cleared to grow strawberries. Though it was never fully developed (it was difficult to carve out the forest area), it became a favorite expatriate refuge before the advent of air conditioning. Its oldest bungalow, Bel Retiro, is the holiday residence of the Governor of Penang. Today, the ridge on top of Penang Hill is known as Strawberry Hill.

From the top of Penang Hill on a clear day you can see the mountains of Langkawi and north Kedah but it is the night time sight of lit-up Georgetown that is especially rewarding. Most people simply come to enjoy the cool, unpolluted air and walk under 30m-high trees along the nature trails. Additionally, over 100 species of bird life, ranging from ordinary garden species to exotic deep forest inhabitants, call this hillside home.

Two kilometers away from Bellevue Hotel is the Canopy Walk: this 220m walkway suspended between towering trees 30m above the dense jungle offers great views of the hillside. Opened in 2003, it was operational for a short time, and since then, due to its failure to attract sufficient customers, it has opened and closed without much announcement.

The most popular way to the top of the hill is the Penang Hill Railway. Located at the foot of the hill, this Swiss-designed funicular starts out from Air Itam. Built in 1923, it is one of the world’s oldest funicular systems and has a 2,007m-long track that climbs the hill at a crawling 30-minute pace.

The journey takes you past luxuriant greenery and the occasional macaque plus the bungalows originally built for British officials and other wealthy citizens. The queue for carriages can be quite long especially on weekends and public holidays: passengers have to change trains midway.

Another way to the top of Penang Hill is by a five km drive up a private road accessible only to the vehicles of hillside residents: this jeep trail is a popular hiking route and starts out from the quarry at the entry of the Penang Botanic Gardens.

There is a well-marked eight km path leading up from the Moon Gate (between the post office and police station) at the Botanical Gardens: it is a steep one-hour climb, but a delightful walk with plenty of places to rest along the way.

There is a food court, fruit and souvenir stalls, some gardens, an exuberantly decorated Hindu temple, a mosque, a police station, a post office and an 11-room hotel (Bellevue Hotel) at the upper funicular station: the original funicular train, built in 1897, is also on exhibit here.

The Merlion Singapore

By Unknown 7:15:00 PM No comments:

The Merlion is the mythical symbol of Singapore and easily the most popular attraction on the whole island. Come to visit this half-fish, half-lion statue during the day to witness crowds of tourists all bustling for position for Singapore’s most sought-after photo-op in front of the 70-tonne concrete figure, which stands 8.7 meters tall and has a fountain of water spurting out into the picturesque Marina Bay.

You can find the statue at Merlion Park, situated at One Fullerton near the waterfront at Marina Bay. This must-see Singapore attraction is just a short walk from Raffles Place MRT Station, and can also be visited via this popular day-tour, which stops off at all of the other most popular attractions in Singapore.

The Merlion Park, which is completely free to visit, also recently had a bit of a revamp, and now includes several cafe restaurants, souvenir shops and on-site toilets. You can get up close to the statue or walk along the purpose-built jetty that sticks out into the bay, presenting the best position for that all-important holiday snap: bonus points if you can position yourself so it looks like the fountain of water from the Merlion is falling into your own mouth!

It’s said that the fish’s body of the Merlion represents Singapore’s humble begins as a small fishing village at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, whilst the Lion’s head is derived from the country’s original name, Singaporean, which means Lion City in Malay. Whilst nowadays most locals regard the Merlion to be more of a shrewd marketing tool rather than holding any deep mythical or historical significance, the statue remains an iconic symbol of the country and certainly is a must-see Singapore attraction. Come early enough in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the particularly pleasant view across the bay.

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Location: One Fullerton, Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

By Unknown 7:12:00 PM No comments:

Gardens by the Bay is a huge, colorful, futuristic park in the bay area of Singapore. The famous Super tree structures offer an impressive sky walk over the gardens, over-sized seashell-shaped greenhouses recreate chilly mountain climates and there are hundreds of trees and plants to discover, making this destination great fun for both kids and adults.

The best place to grasp the size of Gardens by the Bay is from the top of Marina Bay Sands, which sits directly opposite the park, the space encompass 250 acres of reclaimed land on the waterfront. Getting here is easy, either via walkways from the hotel, giving you an elevated view of the gardens, or taking the slightly longer riverside promenade to enter the park near the two domes. Walking around the park won’t cost you a cent but if you want to step inside the climate-controlled conservatories, or walk among the Super trees, there is a fee. The main park area is open from 9:00 to 21:00.

Super tree Grove

There is no doubting the dominance of the steel-framed ‘tree’ plantation, towering over Gardens by the Bay with 12 of the large metal structures in the central grove and half a dozen others placed in other parts of the garden. Over 200 difference species of plants and flowers cover the exterior of these tall upright gardens and twice a night they are a centerpiece of the gardens’ light and music show (at 19:45 and 20:45), casting a glow over the park, and making you feel like you are in a modern fairy tale. For those who like a view, take the trip 25 meters up to the remarkable walkway that connects three of the trees together. For that extra special dining experience, the 50 meter tree at the center offers food and a view at Super tree by Indochina, with a 360 degree view from the lounge and a tree-top roofless bar.

The Greenhouses

If you need to cool down, head into Cloud Forest, the smaller shell-shaped building, with a 35 meter high mountain covered in plants that thrive in tropical highlands. Don’t worry if climbing feels too much, there is a lift that takes you up into the mist and gives you a great view looking down over the walls of plants and orchids. The Flower Dome is also cooler than outside, recreating the drier climes of places like California and the Mediterranean. In this gigantic conservatory you will find yourself on a journey around the world, with Baobabs from Africa, Olive trees from Spain, Kangaroo Paw from Australia. A visit to both greenhouses will cost 28 SGD for adults and 15 SGD for children. Inside the Flower Dome you will also find Pollen, a Mediterranean restaurant that creates dishes using herbs and vegetables grown in-house.

The Rest of the Garden

If you arrive via the MRT at Bayfront you will first have to walk past the Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes. If you have enough time, walk along the boardwalk to discover the many birds and insects that have made this area their home. In a nod to the different nationalities that have settled in Singapore over the years, there is a series of four interconnecting gardens with plants and trees from India, China, Malaysia and the Colonial garden. As well as Pollen and the Super tree there is also a host of casual restaurants to try: Cafe Crema offers sandwiches and snacks, Seventh Heaven serves up ice-cream and Verandah is a traditionally inspired black and white bungalow that features an Asian and International inspired menu. Gardens by the Bay’s location makes it an easy getaway from Singapore traffic and skyscrapers, offering a fun space to explore horticulture from around the world, but even better than that, the Super trees, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome bring plants to life in a way you will have never seen before.

Opening Hours: Outdoor Gardens: Daily 05:00 - 02:00

OCBC Skyway: Daily 09:00 - 21:00 (Last ticket sale at 20:00)

Garden Cruiser: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00 (Last ride), Sat - Sun & Public Holiday 09:30 - 16:00

MRT: BayFront

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Tel: +65 6420 6848

Universal Studios Singapore

By Unknown 6:36:00 PM No comments:

Universal Studios Singapore was the latest addition to Singapore’s attractions list. Opened in 2010, Universal Studios Singapore has seven themed sections with countless rides and shows, all related to major hit movies. The park is part of the US$4.5 billion Resorts World Sentosa Development.

Start off in Hollywood. Strolling down Hollywood Boulevard will make you think that you’re in the States, not in a tropical Asian country. This is the main shopping area of the park. New York is based of course on the city of New York and here you can have your photo snapped with ‘movie stars’ such as Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. Continue on to Sci-Fi city featuring a pair of the world’s tallest intertwining roller coasters among other things and then to Ancient Egypt where you will be faced with two massive guard statues. The atmosphere is truly that of ancient Egypt so get in to experience the ‘Revenge of the Mummy’ ride, a must for adults but not quite the best thing for young kids.

Did you know?

You will never go hungry at the Studios as there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. There’s also lots of fun shopping, ranging from T-Shirts and key rings to many more Universal Studios’ goodies.
The park also advises guests to bring along a spare set of clothes, as certain attractions may get you wet. Storage lockers are available for a fee.
Don’t forget you’re in Singapore where the weather can be unpredictable, so take an umbrella or raincoat.
You might consider avoiding visiting the Studios at weekends and public holidays because many rides and shows can be extremely crowded. Other than that Universal Studios Singapore is definitely a fun place for everyone, especially families and couples.

Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 – 18:00

Location: On Sentosa Island, south of the main Singapore Island (take the Sentosa Express from Vivocity Shopping Mall. Get off at Waterfront Station and from there you can walk to Universal Studios. Or take a bus just outside Vivocity).

Address: 11 Sentosa East Mall, Singapore 099054

Tel: +65 6577 8888

Wat Chai Wattanaram

By Unknown 12:24:00 AM No comments:

Set across the river, facing the inner city, this royal temple boasts one of the most elaborate interpretations of the Mount Meru concept in ancient Khmer architecture, which influenced heavily the architectural style of the Late Ayutthaya Period (1629 – 1767).

The principal prang, modeled after the Ancient Khmer prangs, symbolises the centre of the universe, while the surrounding chedis depict the four continents and the outer universe. Each corner chedi houses two huge Buddha images set inside a wooden frame. The surrounding galleries contain eight smaller chedis and feature ornate relief patterns. The four sets of stairs that lead up the principal prang are very steep, so do exercise caution at all times.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:30

Location: Western bank of the Chao Phraya River

How to get there: From U-Thong Road, cross the bridge on the western part of the island (Highway 3263), turn left at the first intersection and continue on for about 2km

Alangkarn in Pattaya

By Unknown 12:11:00 AM No comments:

Boldly declaring itself “The Extravaganza Show”, Alangkarn is a cultural theater, a circus, a musical and a world-class stage production all in one. It touches on all facets of Thai history, culture and traditions in the 2-hour stretch that proves to be both entertaining and spectacular.

Lavish stage sets and colorful costumes are a given, but expect to see lots of special light and sound effects, from multi-color laser shows to stunning pyrotechnics, aerial acrobatics, dancing and great storytelling. And according to the “been there, done that” crowd, the show definitely lives up to its name.

All about TOUR and CULTURE

Monday, March 7, 2016

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

10 Things You Can See in Phuket

Phuket Walking Street

Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Hon Khoi Salt Fields

Ba Ho Waterfalls

Thap Ba Hot Springs Centre

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

Vinpearl Amusement Park

Na Thrang Cathedral

Long Son Pagoda

Po Nagar Cham Towers

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple in Penang

Penang Khoo Kongsi

Penang Fort Cornwallis

Penang War Museum

Escape Adventureplay

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang

Penang Hill

Friday, March 4, 2016

The Merlion Singapore

Gardens by the Bay

Universal Studios Singapore

Wat Chai Wattanaram

Alangkarn in Pattaya

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