Monthly Archives: March 2017

Wonderful Wildlife Experiences at the Famous National Parks of South Africa

‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa is home to numerous birds and animals including the famous Big Five (elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo). Not surprisingly, the country is a perfect holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Read on to know more about the wild riches of South Africa.

Kruger National Park

Kruger-National-Park

Located in the north-eastern end, Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country. Formally launched in 1926, the park is known for featuring over 500 species of birds, around 150 animal species and over 100 species of reptiles including black mamba and African rock pythons. Numerous safari tours, regular camps and excursions allow tourists to enjoy wildlife in the park.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo-Elephant-National-Park

Located close to Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest National Park in South Africa. Founded in 1931, the park is home to around 600 species of elephants and over 400 species of Cape Buffalos. It is believed that in the near future, the park will be the only place in the world to house the ‘Big 7’, including elephant, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, leopard, whale and great white shark. Regular wildlife tours and excursions to the park can be enjoyed by visitors to experience the country’s rich flora and fauna.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Pilanesberg-Game-Reserve

Located in the North West Province, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a famous wildlife reserve in South Africa. Established in 1979, the site is home to a variety of birds, animals, mammals and reptiles. Lions, elephants, cheetahs, white and black rhinoceros, zebras, kudus and giraffe are among the animals found here. Over 360 species of birds have been recorded at the reserve.

Mountain Zebra National Park

Mountain-Zebra-National-Park

Situated in the Eastern Cape, Mountain Zebra National Park is a famous attraction among the wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1937, the park was built to provide a natural protection area for the endangered species of Cape Mountain Zebra. Today, the park is known for being home to a variety of mammals including caracal, Cape buffalo, gemsbok and grey rhebok. Cape vulture, blue crane, Secretary bird and Ludwig’s bustard are among the bird species found here. For a unique wildlife experience, family friendly cottages and overnight huts are available for tourists around the park.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Situated in the Kgalagadi district, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a famous wildlife protection zone. It is home to a variety of mammalian predators including Namibian cheetah, leopards and hyenas. Springbok and eland are among the herbivores found here. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is home to more than 200 species of birds.

West Coast National Park

Located in Cape Town, West Coast National Park is another prominent national park in South Africa. Formally established in 1985, the Park is home to a wide variety of antelopes including eland, mountain zebra, steenbok, and duiker. Migratory birds and the variety of flowers found in and around the park are the popular attractions here. Regular tours and excursions are organised by the authorities for the visitors to enjoy the wildlife.

A Guide to Popular Museums in and Around Jakarta

Located on the Northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is the beautiful capital city of Indonesia. A former trading port of the Kingdom of Sunda, the city is known for its long, rich history and diverse culture.

Jakarta

Preserving a major chunk of Portuguese and Dutch colonial history, Jakarta is home to numerous museums and cultural sites. For those of you willing to learn more, here is a list of popular museums in and around the city.

National Museum of Indonesia

Located in central Jakarta, National Museum of Indonesia is one prominent attraction in the city. Also known as the ‘Elephant Museum’, the museum is known for honouring Indonesia’s history and heritage for over two centuries. Officially opened in 1778, the museum today features a collection of over 61,000 anthropological artefacts and over 5000 artefacts dating back to the early colonial period. Hindu Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions, ceramics and other relics are among the popular collectables here. Skeletons of Homo sapiens and tools used by them are displayed at the museum.  Excursions to the museum are organised from different parts of the city.

Maritime Museum

Situated in the old Sunda Kelapa harbour area, Maritime Museum is another famous museum of Indonesia. Established in 1977, it originally served as a warehouse for the Dutch East India Company. Today, the structure is known for displaying models of fishing boats and other maritime objects dating back to the colonial era. Ship models and cannons used by the Dutch, Indonesian Navy maps, and pictures of voyages taken up by famous personalities are among the few collectables displayed at the museum. Although exhibitions and workshops are not regularly organised but a small stroll around the site helps tourists understand the maritime history of Indonesia.

Bank Mandiri Museum

Located in the Old Town, Bank Mandiri Museum is a famous economic museum in Jakarta.  Established in 1998 by Bank Mandiri, the preservatory is known for featuring a collection of banking items dating back to the early colonial period. Popular collectables at the museum include old currency notes, accounting machines, bond documents, cheques, security documents, coins, safes and cash counters. Some of the old stocks documents are also put on display.

Jakarta History Museum

Popularly known as ‘Fatahillah Museum’ or ‘Batavia Museum’, Jakarta National Museum is one of the oldest museums in the city. Located in the Old town, it is known for featuring objects and items dating back to the early 16th century. Built in 1710, the museum today has a collection of over 23000 objects and other historical artefacts. Maps, paintings, sculptures, furniture and ceramics are among the popular collectables at the preservatory.  The replica of Tugu inscription is the prized possession of the museum.

Wayang Museum

Dedicated to puppetry, Wayang Museum is a famous museum in Jakarta. Originally built in 1640, it is known for featuring a wide collection of numerous wayang from countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam, France and India. Wayang kulit, wayang golek, sculptures, gamelan sets and paintings are among the popular items displayed at the museum. The plate marking the tombstone of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and Budaixi puppet are the most valued collectables here.

Songkran Festival in Thailand – All You Want To Know!

thailand

It’s time for Songkran, time for you to take out those water guns, fill in those water balloons and buckets with icy cold water and start hunting for your targets!

Songkran is one of the most fun annual festivals celebrated in Thailand. The popular 3-day festival, Songkran is all set to begin on 13th April. For those of you willing to know more about it, here is a quick guide.

About the Festival

Also known as ‘Thai New Year’, Songkran is an exciting festival celebrated in several parts of Asia. Annually celebrated in mid-April, the traditional 3-day fest marks the beginning of the solar year and the start of the summer season.

Popular Festive Traditions

Traditions and practices of Songkran have come a long way. As an ancient cultural festival, Songkran is celebrated differently in different parts of Asia including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.  Popular traditions attached to the festival include visiting the local temples and monasteries, offering prayers, and honouring the elderly members in the family. Pouring scented water mixed with other ingredients on the statues of the Buddha is another ritual of the festival.

Water as a festive symbol

Most festival rituals and ceremonies are centred on water. Traditionally, a small bowl of water was poured on the elder members of the society in order to wash away bad luck. With time the bowl took the form of bucket filled with icy cold water to be splashed on people! The symbolism of water washing away the bad luck remains the same.

The White pasty powdery substance

The oldest Songkran tradition includes applying a white powdery substance. Mostly applied to the elder members of the family on the face, neck and torso, the paste is a sign of protecting the family from the evil. It is often believed that the substance has to stay on the face until it washes off on its own!

Songkran in Thailand

If you happen to be in Thailand during the water festival, get ready to have a time of your life! The central region is packed with beautifully dressed people offering prayers at the temples or offering gifts to the monks. People in the northern region celebrate the festival differently. In order to repel back luck, crackers are burnt and gunshots are fired. The eastern region of Thailand enjoys most with the water.

Songkran in Bangkok

As far as the festivities and celebrations are concerned, the capital city of Bangkok has lots on offer for all. The entire 5 km stretch of Patpong is packed with Thais carrying anything and everything to spray water! Be well prepared before entering the street. Those of you who prefer a traditional Songkran, the Phra Pradaeng District is the perfect place to be. There will be no water fights here, but you can enjoy a wide range of cultural activities including ‘saba game’, Thai-Ramn Flag, boat races, traditional music and dance.

Songkran in Pattaya

Popular streets such as the Beach Road are packed with hundreds and thousands of people splashing water on each other. Live music and dancing is an integral part of the celebrations. If you happen to spot monks walking on the streets, remember to offer them something and take their blessings.

Songkran in Phuket

Water fights in Phuket start early and go till late. With streets filled with people, all splashing water on each other, it can be an enjoyable time for the tourists in the city. One can even spot children spraying water on each other with their water guns!

Time-Honoured Monuments to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ho-chin-minh-city

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling city in Vietnam with a rich history. It is home to some spectacular monuments. Read about them below and include these attractions in your travel itinerary.

Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre)

Saigon Opera House is a charming 800-seat opera house constructed in 1897 by a French architect Eugene Ferret. Later, it played the role of South Vietnam’s Assembly House and underwent several renovations. However, soon after, the opera house started serving as a theatre again. The lovely, tree-lined boulevard surrounding the building is impressive. Take pictures here with your family or friends. One of the best ways to experience Saigon Opera House is by attending the shows, events and activities conducted at the venue.

Fun Fact: To avoid the traffic noise, the theatre was built two metres higher than the road surface.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is an architectural marvel created between 1863 and 1880. This Catholic cathedral features red brick façade, tarnished glass windows, a quiet garden and two towers consisting of six bronze bells. The English-speaking personnel in this holy place offer relevant information to the visitors from Monday to Saturday (9 AM to 11 AM). The mass is held in English and Vietnamese on Sundays at 9:30 AM. There’s a Virgin Mary statue in front of the cathedral which was rumoured to have shed tears in the October, 2005!

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City Hall is a French colonial building with excellent façade, arched windows, modish engravings and a high-clock tower. Its exterior design is inspired from the Hotel de Ville in Paris. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the open courtyard and observe the arched windows above. The classical motifs at the pyramid-shaped dais are impressive too! The city hall’s popular bell tower, typical to European town halls, is an elegant addition to the structure.

Giac Lam Pagoda

Constructed in 1744, the Giac Lam Pagoda is the city’s oldest pagoda. It has impressive images of Lord Buddha and his different incarnations. Icons of Taoist deities are kept too. The ceremonial hall has a large statue of Amitabha Buddha encircled by five small Buddha images. The nine dragon altar in the main hall portrays birth of Prince Siddhartha, who was later known as Gautama Buddha. All in all, the Giac Lam Pagoda has 118 statues made of bronze, wood and cement. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top floor of the pagoda.

Ba Thien Hau Temple

Ba Thien Hau Temple is a 19th century Chinese-style monument dedicated to goddess Mazu, the Lady of the Sea. The temple is accessible through an iron-gate and an undersized courtyard. Inside, on the main dais, there are three figures of ‘The Lady of the Sea’ surrounded by the guardians. The dioramas unveil colourful images and scenes from a 19th century Chinese city. The temple’s roof showcases porcelain figurines related to Chinese legends. Ba Thien Hau Temple’s big bronze bell is rung whenever large donations are accepted.

Toronto Fringe Festival- All You need to Know

toronto

The stage is set and the city is ready to launch the 2017 edition of Toronto Fringe Festival. A one of its kind event in the city, Toronto Fringe will kick off on the 5th of July and continue till 16th July. Promising 10 days of fun and entertainment, the festival will have a lot on offer. Take a look.

Fringe Background

Originally started in 1989 by a group of theatre artists, Toronto Fringe has transformed itself to one of its kind theatre festivals in Canada. A perfect arts extravaganza, the Fringe is known for featuring several theatre performances both by famous and upcoming artists from different schools and genres. Serving as a platform for budding artists and an improvising stage for the established lot, Fringe Festival has worked as a career guide for many artists across Canada.

More about Fringe

Launched as a platform for aspiring artists and performers, Toronto Fringe presently hosts over 150 shows across more than 30 venues in the country. Popularly regarded as a ‘theatre festival’, the Fringe is known for hosting several music, dance, visual arts, comedy and other events. Site-specific performances and musicals are among the top highlighted events at the festival. Events and shows at the festival focus on people of all age groups. Fringe Kids, Visual Fringe and shed shows are the popular segments of the festival.

Shows at Fringe

The 2017 edition of Toronto Fringe is all set to host a series of theatre shows and comedy periodicals. Popular shows debuted at the Fringe in the past include The Drowsy Chaperone, Kim’s Convenience, ‘da Kink in My Hair, Mump and Smoot and My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding. Shows such as Bright Lights, Cam Baby and Life After have been very well received by the audiences. Musicals and comedy solo shows targeted to different age groups are a major attraction at the Fringe.

New Play Contest

Open to all playwrights and scriptwriters who are permanent residents of Canada, Open Play Contest is one of the talked about activities at the Toronto Fringe. As a procedure of the festival, each of the participants submits their original piece of work to the festival community. If your submission fits the criteria, you get a free spot at the Toronto Fringe and many other promotional opportunities.

Add-Ons

Toronto Fringe is an ideal opportunity for the ones looking to explore the city along with its list of events and festivities. For those willing to be a part of the show, try volunteering at the festival. Scattered over 34 venues across the country, Toronto Fringe is an ideal place to have a one-on-one interaction with the guests.

What to do on your budget Singapore Holiday?

singapore

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world; however there are many different interesting things you can do here without burning holes in your pocket. We have made a list of some of these things, and hope to help you in enjoying a budget vacation to Singapore.

Thrifty eats

Though Singapore is home to some of the most luxurious and expensive restaurants in the world, they also have number of cost effective choices when it comes to food. Especially because people celebrate food here rather than just eat. You can try the best of the local delicacies as well as food from various parts of the world without having to spend a fortune for it.

There are several local dishes such as chilli crabs, Laska, Barbequed Stingray fish, Choy Sum, chicken rice, Kaya Toast, all sort of dimsums, fried rice, fried fish or prawns on skewers and so on. There is a lot of Indian food available here as well, so if you’re craving for tandoori chicken or chicken tikka, you can find them easily in Singapore!

Unbelievable Street shopping

Shopping in Singapore can be a very costly affair if you don’t know where to go looking.  On the other hand, you can get some bargain deals on clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, watches and so on, if you know where to go thrift-shopping. There are unbelievable street markets where you can go looking for things you need.

There are brands retailing in Singapore from across the globe, but you have to find the ones that suit your budget. Mustafa Centre, Bugis Street, Far East Plaza, Lucky Plaza etc are some of the places where you can find the best deals and bargains in the city.

Sightseeing

Museum hopping is something you should do if you are looking to do some sightseeing in Singapore without having to spend too much. There are so many stunning museums you can visit such as the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Changi Museum, Art Science Museum and so on. You can make a day trip out of it and learn about the history and the culture of the country. There are plenty of amazing beaches in Singapore such as Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park and Palawan Beach where you can go and relax, take a dip in the ocean, sip on some cocktails and enjoy quick massages. Nothing is going to cost you too much.

There are a number of gardens in Singapore where you have to pay either nothing or a nominal entrance fee. Gardens of the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the parks and natural reserves by the Southern ridges, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Bukit Tima Nature Reserve are some such places where you can head to.

Holidays to Tobago: A Quick Guide to the Island

Tobago-Caribbean

Tobago is a small island tucked away from the keen eye of the tourists in the warm Caribbean. The island is a perfect getaway for people looking for a laid-back time, stirred by occasional bouts of activities at the sea. With its beautiful beaches and bays, abundant rainforests, diverse wildlife and rich traditions and cultures, a visit to Tobago is time travel to the decades we’ve left behind.

Top Attractions in Tobago

One of the most popular places of tourist interest in Tobago are its pristine beaches such as the Pigeon Point, Campbleton Bay, Englishman’s Bay, Bacolet Bay as well as the Store Bay. Boasting beaches that can contest for one of the best in the world, a lot of entertainment in Tobago is centred on the sea. This includes taking a glass-bottom boat to the Bucco Reef to explore the abundant marine life of Tobago. Expect to find Leatherback turtle, Southern stingray as well as Trinidadian guppy in the turquoise blue waters. Visit the Kimme Museum dedicated to the art of German-born artist and sculptor, Luise Kimme. Taking your trip down the Tobago heritage ahead, visit Crusoe’s Cave, believed to be the abode for Robinson Crusoe and his major when their ship was wrecked in 1719. To find a place where you can see an amalgamation of Tobago’s rich history and admirable architecture, head to Fort James as well as Fort King George. Don’t forget to pay your respects at the Moravian churches in Spring Garden and Black Rock.

Activities in Tobago

For a great surfing adventure, there are only few places on the earth that are as good as Tobago. Paddle-boarding to the planktons in the night as well as swimming in the Nylon Pool in the middle of the ocean will make for some of the best experiences from your trip to Tobago. You can also take a nature walk to spot the rare varieties of birds and animals found here including Orange-winged Amazon parrot, Rufous-vented chachalaca and Trinidad motmot. Do visit Tobago’s ‘Sunday School’ in Bucco and you will wish your school was as much fun with endless partying and dancing in Tobago style!

Hotels in Tobago

If you are seeking a luxurious place to stay, Magdalena Beach Resort, Half Moon Blue Hotel and Turtle Beach by Rex Resorts are some of the best options. For an experience beyond ordinary, you may want to head to Castara Retreats as well Blue Haven Hotel. Hyatt Regency, Bacolet Beach Club, The Carlton Savannah as well as Coco Reef Resort and Spa could be some of the other choices for a luxurious stay in Tobago, an island where a holiday will cost you lesser than most places in the Caribbean.

Popular Wineries in and around Cape Town, South Africa

It was on 2nd February 1659 that Commander Jan van Riebeeck wrote an entry in his diary reading: ‘Today, praise to be God, wine was made for the first time from Cape Grapes’. This was the beginning of producing wine in the coastal city of Cape Town.

capetown

Today, the city is known to produce a wide range of world renowned wines. A perfect destination for the wine lovers, Cape Town has some well known wineries. Read on to know about them.

Saxenburg Wine Estate

Nestled between two mighty ocean bodies, Saxenburg Wine Estate is home to the award-wining Shiraz. The estate produces a wide range of wines, crafted using a combination of finest ingredients and other elements. Wines at Saxenburg are a collection of three different types including the Guinea Fowl, Private and Vintage collection. The Vintage Collection has some of the finest Shiraz produced in South Africa. Visitors can enjoy award winning wines in the most relaxed atmosphere at the wine tasting events and excursions organized by the estate.

Zevenwacht Wine Estate

Situated on the Stellenbosch Wine route, Zevenwacht Wine Estate is a 300-year old leading wine property in South Africa. The estate is known for producing a distinguished range of wines, crafted using unique ingredients and modern technology. Wines at Zevenwacht include the famous Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Tourists can enjoy a tour to the estate cellar for a firsthand experience on the mechanism behind the transformation of grapes to fine wine. Wine tasting events are a regular feature at the estate.

Lourensford Wine Estate

Nestled amidst the ranges of Helderberg Mountains, Lourensford Wine Estate is a beautiful wine property in Cape Town. Originally founded in 1700, the massive estate is known for featuring a vintage collection of wine created and crafted using authentic flavours and rich aromas. Popular wines at Lourensford include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Sauvignon. Guided hikes to the nearby grape farms along with mountain biking to the manufacturing units are organized by the estate for the visitors.

Altydgedacht Wine Estate

Altydgedacht Wine Estate is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. Established in 1698, the estate is known for featuring a 300 year old wine cellar along with an open air restaurant serving some of the best homemade wines. Manufactured using traditional ingredients and modern methods, some of the well-known wines at Altydgedacht include Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Weisser Riesling and Merlot. There’s an in-house tasting room, offering visitors a chance to enjoy best in class wine.

Hartenberg Wine Estate

Located on the slopes of Bottelary Hills, Hartenberg Wine Estate is another famous wine property in the city. Established in 1692, it is well known for featuring a wide range of award winning wines. Classified across three categories, wines at Hartenberg include the popular Chardonnay and Riesling. The onsite underground cellar is one of the largest privately owned cellars in South Africa. Most tourists visiting the estate take up field tours to the nearby grape farms or enjoy wine tasting from a wide range of specially brewed wines.

Popular Religious Sites In and Around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala-Lumpur-header

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. A former Chinese tin-mining village, KL, as it is popularly known, is now home to a diverse population of people belonging to different ethnicities including Malays, Chinese and Indians. Usually referred to as ‘a melting pot of cultures and traditions’, the city is home to some of the country’s well known religious sites. Read on to know more.

Thean Hou Temple

Thean-Hou-Temple

Located in Lorong Bellamy, Thean Hou Temple is one of the oldest and the largest temples in Kuala Lumpur. Officially opened in 1989, the 6-tiered temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of Mercy. Featuring elements of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, the popular temple is an ideal combination of modern architecture and traditional design. The prayer hall of the temple houses 3 different sculptures of the deity in various forms. Every year thousands of tourists visit the holy shrine to offer prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple

Located a few miles from Petaling Street, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist structure in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1864 by Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the temple is dedicated to the deities of Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya. Today the temple functions as a popular Chinese Cultural Centre in the city with thousands of devotees flocking around during the Chinese New Year. The two hanging carved panels, and several beautiful paintings and sculptures are among the popular attractions at the temple. Interestingly, most tourists visit the shrine for the famous ‘fortune telling sticks’ offered at the main entrance.

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple

Located in Jalan Petaling, Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Built between 1897 and 1906, the elaborate structure is known for featuring some of the most beautiful paintings and decorations dating back to the Buddhist Era. The interiors of the temple are packed with gold-painted lions, and dragons and other mythical creatures. The specially crafted terracotta frieze is one unique attraction of the temple.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Situated on the edge of the Chinatown, Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1873, the popular structure was built in the style of South Indian temple with the ornate ‘Raja Gopuram’ tower. The dramatic 75 ft tall temple is known for featuring a total of 228 idols on the gopuram along with the main prayer hall and a silver chariot. Every year on the occasion of Deepavali, the temple is packed with devotees offering prayers to the lord and seeking his blessings.

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, Brickfields

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most prominent Ceylonese temples in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1902, the popular structure is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Muruga. The beautifully crafted royal entrance (gopuram) is often referred to by the deities as the distinction between material and spiritual world. Photography and videography is strictly prohibited here.

Masjid Negara

Originally known as ‘National Museum’, Masjid Negara is a prominent religious site in Kuala Lumpur. Built between 1963 and 1965, the mosque is a symbol of Malaysia’s unity and multi-cultural harmony. Featuring a 73 meter high minaret and a 16 point concrete dome, the popular structure was constructed over a period of 3 years taking inspirations from popular mosques in India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and the UAE.  The Grand Hall, with verses of Quran engraved, is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the structure.

Must Visit Museums and Cultural Centres in Sharjah

Located along the Southern coast of the Persian Gulf, Sharjah is one of the most populous cities in the UAE. Known for its rich history and culture, the city is recognized as the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’.

Sharjah

Preserving a major chunk of Emirati history, Sharjah is home to several museums and cultural centres. For those of you looking to know more, here is a list of the most popular museums in Sharjah.

Sharjah Heritage Museum

Sharjah-Museum-of-Islamic-Civilization

First opened to public in 2005, Sharjah Heritage Museum is one of the famous museums in the city. Located in the heart of Sharjah, the popular preservatory is known for featuring durables, utilitarian items and other luxury goods, all highlighting different aspects of local life. The wide collection of items and objects at the museum include a ‘Loom’ or ‘Sadu’ (a wooden tool used for knitting woollen yarn), Aftakh (a golden ring generally worn by women on their toe), Soieih Abaya (a mantle for the head usually made of golden yarn) and crescent shaped glass bottles mostly used by babies. Exhibitions on subjects of literature and culture are organized regularly.

Maraya Art Centre

Located at the Al Majaz Waterfront, Maraya Art Centre is a famous art centre in Sharjah. Officially launched in 2006, the well known site is home to Maraya Video Archive. Featuring works of prominent Middle Eastern and International artists, the centre is home to several paintings and sculptures dating back to the early 19th century. The private collection of Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi referred to as ‘Barjeel Art Foundation’ is a popular attraction at the centre. For tourists to have a firsthand experience of the arts and culture, regular exhibitions and informative workshops are organised at the centre from time to time.

Sharjah Archaeology Museum

Located in the heart of the city, Sharjah Archaeology Museum is a beautiful archaeological museum in Sharjah. Established in 1993, the preservatory is known for featuring age-old artefacts, currencies, jewellery, pottery and weapons excavated during the discovery of the city. The golden bible, ivory comb placed inside an alabaster bowl and the ceramic dome are among the popular exhibits at the museum. On display are beautifully crafted models of 2500 years old tombs, cemeteries and houses found in and around the city.

Sharjah Art Museum

Located in the Al Shuwaihiyeen area, Sharjah Art Museum is another famous museum in the emirate. Inaugurated in 1997, it features a collection of paintings and contemporary art forms by prominent artists from the Middle East. Paintings of famous artists dating back to the early 18th and 19th century are also displayed in the museum. Fresh exhibitions, displaying works of popular artists from across the world, are regular phenomena at the museum.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Located in the Al-Majjarah area, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is a cultural museum. Opened to public in 2008, the preservatory is known for featuring over 5000 artefacts from across the Islamic world. Other objects at the museum include carvings, manuscripts, metalwork and scientific instruments dating back to the period. Exhibitions on Islamic culture and practices and informative workshops are organised for travellers visiting the site.