Monthly Archives: July 2016

North Stradbroke Island – A Paradise in Australia

The North Stradbroke Island, or Straddie as locals call it, is an island located offshore Brisbane in the Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia.

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With stunning and unique scenery, the island is a perfect beach destination, boasting an ideal combination of white sandy beaches, spectacular whale watching sites and wonderful lakes.

Beaches

The Stradbroke Island has the some of the most beautiful sandy white beaches in the world. The beaches stretch for miles and miles and are not much crowded. One can easily find a place to just sit back and relax.

Lakes

This beach island is home to around 100 lakes of various shapes and sizes. However, two exceptionally popular tourist attractions are the Blue Lake and the Brown Lake. The Blue Lake is of cultural importance to the local people and is also a subject of many environmental studies as the spring-fed lake has not been affected by climate change for around 7,500 years. The Brown Lake again is of cultural importance to the local people. A thick layer of leaves on the lake’s surface acts as an impermeable layer. The lake is tea-coloured due to the leaves that keep on falling into it from the surrounding tea trees.

Water Sports

There is a lot of scope for fun water-sports in this pristine beach island. Travellers can enjoy assisted scuba diving to the lovely warm waters of the beaches and the beautiful waves allow exciting water surfing opportunities. Bay kayaking under qualified instructors, is also a popular sport visitors like to experience in these waters. The lovely sand dunes of gentle slope as well as steep slopes offer the perfect opportunity for sand boarding. The ocean also provides a wonderful opportunity for deep sea fishing. One may avail fishing carters for this experience. Travellers can also join the various 4-wheeler safaris at the beaches to see the entire beach and its various attractions.

Whale Watching

The island is very famous for land based Whale Watching opportunities. Choose from among the many whale watching spots in the island and marvel at the thousands of Humpback Whales, dolphins, turtles, Eagle and Manta rays. Enjoy the sight of nature’s beautiful creations against a surreal backdrop and enjoy a wonderful holiday at the North Stradbroke Island.

The Yellow Boats: The Perfect Choice for an Interesting Sightseeing Experience in Dubai

The Yellow Boats offers an outstanding sightseeing experience to foreign and domestic travellers alike.

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Operating all year round, the tours are absolutely informative and emotionally satisfying. People get an unprecedented chance to ride in an inflatable boat and appreciate the picturesque and charming views of Dubai.

Significance

Set up in 2009, The Yellow Boats carries more than 70,000 passengers annually. The brand aims ‘to deliver the highest levels of quality, best value and exceptional services’ to guests. The guides are experienced. They are professional and humble by nature. They will show you some of the best sights of the UAE and elaborate on its culture and attractions.

Safety

Focusing on safety, the boats are manned by experienced and fully qualified crews. Also, each boat comes well-equipped with the latest GPS navigation and safety equipment, thus guaranteeing smooth and safe rides. The eco-friendly Evinrude engines used in the boats can run properly in bad weather conditions. The fresh and ultra lightweight life jackets are provided to everyone on board!

Types of Dubai Tours

The tours are perfect for couples as well as families and corporate groups. Without beating about the bush, let us introduce you to the diverse types of tours that you may look forward to in the fun-filled in the ‘City of Gold’.

Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab & Marina Tour

This 90-minute tour allows you to cruise through the Dubai Marina and marvel at its spectacular skyline. Many five-star hotels and well-known spots along the beach are visible. Other than the Burj Khalifa, JBR Walk and Atlantis Hotel, the luxurious villas on the Palm Island can be seen too. You will get many photo opportunities.

Prices: 280 AED (Adult), 210 AED (Child)

Palm Jumeirah & Burj Al Arab Tour

By participating in this 75-minute tour, embark on an unimaginable trip to the Arabian Gulf, passing through enchanting islands, astonishing architectural structures, pristine beaches and attractive water life. The tour takes the participants to the most exclusive waterfront areas of the region. Iconic sights such as The Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab are not to be missed!

Prices: 200 AED (Adult), 150 AED (Child)

Marina & Palm Lagoon Tour

This 45-minute tour is a slow-paced panoramic trip of Dubai Marina and Palm Lagoon, treating you to views of the gorgeous skyline and the magnificent 21st century modern architecture. The guide will draw everybody’s attention to the popular landmarks such as the Twisted Tower, Princess Tower, Address Hotel, Al Fattan Towers, Dubai Marina Yacht Club and JBR Walk.

Prices: 150 AED (Adult), 110 AED (Child)

Thrill Ride

As the name suggests, the Thrill Ride is a 30-minute trip where the skipper demonstrates what the Yellow Boats can do at high speeds. There’ll be a series of twists and turns that will get your adrenaline pumping. Potential participants must remember that the tour is available on an exclusive basis only.

Prices: 1200 AED (Adult)

Exclusive Charters

A great way for a special day out with your family or friends. A maximum of 10 passengers are allowed aboard these exclusive charters: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina (2250 AED), Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab (1850 AED) and Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah Lagoon (1200 AED).

Five North American Hotels Visited by Queen Elizabeth II

Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II of England has travelled extensively. The Queen’s travels, which include her official and personal visits, have taken her from Canada to Portugal. HRH Queen has stayed at many castles, palaces, royal residences and luxurious hotels during her journeys.

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The hotels that have hosted her include the crème-de-la-crème of the luxury hotels around the world. Five of these finest luxury hotels visited by HRH Queen Elizabeth II during her North American tours are listed below.

1.    Waldorf-Astoria, New York

HRH Queen Elizabeth II visited the Waldorf-Astoria in New York in 1957. The hotel hosted a gala dinner and reception in honour of her stay at the time. Before her, the hotel was visited by her mother, HRH the Queen Mother in 1954. The hotel created a special suite inspired by their subsequent visits and named it the Royal Suite.

Waldorf-Astoria is adorned with a large foyer, luxury embellishments, antique furniture and unique motifs. The interiors of the hotel give it a very romantic backdrop due to which it has become a popular film location, with over 20 movies having been filmed here.

2.    Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada, has also hosted HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s as well as her parents. Whenever the Queen travels to Toronto, she stays at the hotel’s Royal Suite. The historic hotel even has a portrait of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in its lobby.

3.    St Regis, Washington

HRH Queen Elizabeth II has stayed at the St Regis in Washington, USA, on several occasions. The Queen visited the hotel for the first time in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth; thereafter the hotel has been her choice during subsequent visits in 1957, 1976 and 1991.
The hotel, which was inaugurated in 1926, has old-school style architecture and offers its clients the finest and the best luxuries of life. The hotel has an Astor Ballroom, which is said to be the best across the country. The hotel building was registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

4.    Majestic Yosemite Hotel, California

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is a striking hotel in the Yosemite National Park in California, USA. The hotel hosted the Queen’s stay in March 1983, when the Queen had reserved the entire hotel for herself. The Queen stayed in The Mary Curry Tressider Suite, which is now referred to as the Queen’s Room. The suite has four poster bed and a large bathroom and is advertised as a honeymoon suite.

5.    The Half Moon, Jamaica

The Half Moon hotel in Jamaica has seen three generations of HRH Queen Elizabeth stay at its Royal Villas suites. Queen Elizabeth II visited the hotel along with His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh during their 2012 visit to the country.

To begin with, the beautiful villas of the hotel offer travellers horse riding opportunities, surfing facilities and a personal dolphin lagoon.

The hotel has hosted many other celebrity guests including, the Queen’s late sister Princess Margaret, The Duke of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cornwall, Paul Newman, Clark Gable, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Five Popular Places in India for Tiger Spotting

Witnessing the magnificent tiger in its natural habitat is sure to overwhelm anyone who has a penchant for wildlife.

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India, being a prime destination for tiger sightings, attracts wild life enthusiasts from across the globe. More than 40 national parks in India boast a population of tigers in excess of 1400.

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Here are five popular destinations for tiger sighting.

Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is the best destination in India to see the wild cats in their territory. This park is divided into four main zones, namely Tala, Magdhi, Khitauli and Panpatta. Tala zone is without a doubt the best place to indulge in a tiger safari since the density of tigers here is comparatively higher than the other zones. November to February marks the best time to experience a safari through the park due to favourable weather conditions but April to June is the most conducive time for tiger spotting.

Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Moadhopur, Rajasthan is well known for tiger sightings. Witness the rare sight of tigers basking under the sun here. The Rathambore National Park is quite a hit among wild life photographers as well. The best time to visit here is from November to February owing to the pleasant weather conditions as well as tiger spotting.

Jim Corbett National Park

One of the oldest parks in the country, Jim Corbett National Park is the most famous national park in India. Encompassing a huge area and diverse terrain of hills, water bodies, and woodlands, this park offers one of the finest tiger safari experiences in India. In addition to the big cats, you may also be lucky enough to sight some other animals such as leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, Bharal, goral, chital, sambal etc. Plan your visit between March and June, when the chances of witnessing a tiger are higher.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park has over the years gained fine reputation as a preferred tiger safari destination in the country. Located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this park is spread across an area of approximately 950 square kilometres and features open pastures that enhance the chances of sighting a tiger. While the summers are said to be good for tiger spotting, the winters are much more comfortable.

Satpura National Park

Also in Madhya Pradesh, the Satpura National Park is home to a rich diversity of animal species apart from tigers. It is perhaps the only park of its kind in India, where one can explore the forest on foot. However, a forest guide accompanies visitors. The park is spread over an area of 500 square kilometres and serves as a perfect habitat for tigers. The best time to take a tour of this park is during the months of April and May.

Singapore Festivals that Ensure a Fun-Packed Travel Experience

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Singapore usually conjures images of excellent shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine-dining restaurants. However, quite a few people may not be aware that every year, this tourist destination hosts spectacular festivals which add an extra zing to the place.

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Read on to know about five such festivals.

Chinese New Year

Also known as the ‘Lunar New Year’, the Chinese New Year is celebrated for a period of 15 days during January and February. Families enjoy extensive meals together the night before the commemoration begins. Its specialty is the Yu Sheng or raw fish in an attractive layer of salad. This fish represents a prosperous life. Tourists must visit the highly-popular Chinatown. Colourful stalls sell products such as gold greeting cards and love-letter cookies. There is an aroma of incense and the Chinese make offerings to their Gods at small altars.

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is a thanksgiving fiesta that celebrates asceticism and control over one’s senses. It is a day for Hindu devotees to commemorate the fulfilment of their vows. In the Garden City, many people walk a few kilometres from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Devotees carry kavadi (burden offering) and supporters of the kavadi-bearer gather around him, singing prayers, clapping hands and shouting their encouragement along the way. This unique ceremony lasts for an entire day.

Singapore Food Festival

The Singapore Food Festival is organised by the Singapore Tourism Board. This annual fiesta is held from the end of June to the end of July. It consists of weekly core events, culinary workshops and nail-biting competitions. In 2015, the festival themed, ‘A Fresh Taste of Tradition’ showcased both traditional favourites and modern spins on Singaporean classics. This year, the on-going fiesta is themed ‘Savour the Past, Taste the Future’. Foodies should not miss the Singapore Food Festival!

Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is simply magnificent! It is held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. On this particular night, children illuminate the brightly-coloured lanterns in the form of fishes, squirrels or butterflies. Countless lamps beautify the Jurong Gardens as well. A number of stalls in Chinatown dish out moon cakes and other tasty morsels. There is not one, but many legends associated with the Lantern Festival.

Singapore Arts Festival

Organised by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Arts Festival is an annual celebration that integrates theatre, dance, music and visual arts in a grand manner for the spectators. It is held in the month of May and June. Many museums and shopping malls turn into art galleries of sorts displaying some of the best pieces of art. Creativity is at its peak during this period.

Fascinating Monsoon Honeymoon Destinations in India

The monsoon season can be an exciting time for honeymooning and India is one of   the best destinations for experiencing the same. The heavy rainfalls inspire couples to enjoy the showers and admire the greenery of the surroundings.

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There are a number of Indian destinations that reveal their real charm and exquisiteness in the monsoons. Newlyweds can consider visiting these places for their honeymoon.

Coorg

Also called as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg, Karnataka has awe-inspiring sceneries complete with gorgeous waterfalls and huge coffee plantations for couples looking forward to scenic beauty. The well-known peaks here include Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri and Pushpagiri. Some of the other places of interest are Abbey Falls, Chettalli, and Mandalpatti View Point. The nearest domestic airport is the Mangalore International Airport. The KSRTC bus service connects Coorg to many cities of the state. Thus, there are several options for trouble-free travel.

Goa

If you don’t want to stretch your budget, Goa may well be the place for you during monsoons. You may not be able to enjoy the beaches much but there is a lot else to do. One can check out the magnificent churches, historical forts, ancient caves and beautiful lakes. An afternoon at the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary should not be missed as this location is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Goa.

Udaipur

Also termed as the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur, Rajasthan has many heritage hotels, where couples are treated like royalty. The Rajasthani cuisine and snacks like Alwar ka Mawa, Bajre ki Roti, Mawa Kachori and Malpauas are a class apart! Tourist attractions such as Lake Palace, Gulab Bagh, Lake Pichola and City Palace seem to attain a different identity during the rains. Many royal marriages, celebrity wedding ceremonies and VIP parties are held here.

Mahabaleshwar

Honeymooners will fall in love with the rain swept lush green valleys and wonderful mountain peaks of Mahabaleshwar. There are a number of scenic viewpoints such as Arthur’s Seat, Needle Hole Point, and Kate’s Point. The boat rides on Lake Venna are absolutely romantic! Situated close to this place is a garden park named ‘Mapro Garden’. It is abundant with strawberry plantations, where you can sample tasty strawberries and enjoy the folk performance of Shivkalin Dhol & Lezim.

Kovalam

A beach town by the Arabian Sea in Kerala, Kovalam is a terrific destination. The three beaches, namely Lighthouse Beach, Samundra Beach and Hawah Beach are separated by rocks. Quite amazingly, they form a crescent. Staying in a houseboat during the monsoon can be a super romantic experience. The sound of the raindrops hitting the water is like celestial music.

Colourful Festivals to Experience the Rich Tradition of Kerala – God’s Own Country

Kerala is a coastal state in the southern part of India featuring rich and distinctive traditions admired by all.

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One should definitely consider exploring this beautiful destination as it provides a relaxing atmosphere along with fun experiences.

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It makes all the more sense to visit Kerala when one of the festivals mentioned below is underway.

Onam

Onam is regarded as the state festival of Kerala. This ‘harvest festival’ is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm by people of diverse communities. As per a legend, Onam is meant to welcome the King Mahabali – a greatly respected emperor who was wise, judicious and big-hearted. It is commonly believed that during his reign, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Onam falls between August and September every year. Awe-inspiring carnivals of elephants, fireworks, boat races, music and the famous Kathakalli dance are traditionally associated with it.

Kerala Boat Festival

Celebrated from July to December annually, Kerala Boat Festival enhances the charm of water canals in ‘God’s Own Country’. The snake boats, worshipped like a deity, move in pairs to the rhythm of singing and shouting of spectators. The oarsmen sing traditional boat songs and put on white mundu and turbans. Generally, the men-folk of villages participate in it. Wearing shirts and footwear are not permitted. This event signifies the values of team spirit, integration and good relations of people.

Vishu

Vishu delivers the message of auspiciousness and prosperity. The arrival of this festival is marked by the extensive blossoming of Kanikonna (Laburnum) flower. Vishu celebrations started in Kerala during the reign of Sthanu Ravi, who ruled between 844AD and 855AD. Interestingly, this was the New Year festival of Kerala, long before the Kollavarsham calendar was put into effect. On the day of the Vishu, it is said that the Sun comes above the line of the equator.

Theyyam Festival

Often termed as the ‘Dance of Gods’, Theyyam Festival  is one of the most spectacular rituals in the worship of Goddess Kali – a Hindu deity representing Time, Change, Power and many other elements. This 800-year old celebration features dances and the chorus of musical instruments such as Chenda, Elathalam, Kurumkuzal and Veekkuchenda. Performers wear heavy make-up, huge masks and flamboyant costumes for dramatic appearance and impressive presence.

Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a ritualistic offering of a sweet dish comprising of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins. Devotees offer this dish to pacify the presiding deity of the temple – the Goddess – widely known as Attukalamma. Only women are allowed to participate in it. This festival was included in the Guinness records for being the largest single gathering of women for a religious activity.

Ten Upcoming Food Festivals in the UK

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For those who live to eat, the next few months will bring lots of treats! Travel to these 10 destinations across the UK to witness some of the most entertaining and tempting food festivals of the country.

International Cheese Show, Nantwich

The quaint town of Nantwich in Cheshire, England, will host the International Cheese Show on 26th and 27th July, 2016. The world’s biggest cheese show will act as a melting point for some 4000 odd varieties of cheese and dairy produce from over 24 countries.

Bolsover Food and Drink Festival 2016, Bolsover

Visit the Bolsover Food and Drink Festival 2016 in the historic town of Bolsover in England on 30th and 31st July. Apart from food and drink stalls, the event will also feature live entertainment, family activities and cookery demonstrations.

Cardigan River and Food Festival 2016, Cardigan

Enjoy great food and have fun at the Cardigan River & Food Festival 2016, which will be held in the town of Cardigan next to River Teifi in Mid Wales, on 6th August, 2016. The event will include food and drinks at the Food Court, cookery demonstrations, river events, live music, dancing and family activities.

Great British Beer Festival, London

The Great British Beer Festival will be held at Olympia in West London from 9th to13th August, 2016. The festival offers visitors a chance to choose from more than 900 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers. There is lots of cheerful entertainment, delicious food, tutored tastings and traditional pub games.

Bakewell Baking Festival, Derbyshire

To be a part of the world’s first and the country’s leading baking event, visit the Bakewell Showground at Bakewell in Derbyshire on 13th and 14th August, 2016 to attend the Bakewell Baking Festival, 2016. The festival includes more than 75 baking and vintage stalls, baking theatres, demonstrations by renowned bakers and Mr. Darcy Custard Pie Fight among others.

Newlyn Fish Festival, Cornwall

The seaside town of Newlyn in Cornwall will host the Newlyn fish festival, which is the biggest fish festival in the UK, on 27th August, 2016. Travellers visiting this festival will enjoy some quirky events such as fish auction, live music, cooking demonstrations, and even a Lugger Rowing Championship.

Meatopia, London

A meat lover’s ultimate fest, the Meatopia will be held in London from 2nd to 4th September, 2016. Visit this epic meat event to experience fantastic dishes made from local, ethically sourced meat. Barbecued perfectly on wood and charcoal, some of the meat dishes are simply irresistible.

Liverpool Whisky Festival, Liverpool

The Liverpool Whisky Festival will be organised at The Crypt in Liverpool, the UK on 3rd September, 2016. The festival, which is in its 6th year, gives visitor’s a chance to taste the best whiskies from across Scotland and also the world.

Leeds Castle Food Festival

The Leeds Castle Food Festival is a food and drinks festival held on the grounds of Leeds Castle in Kent, England from 9th to 11th September, 2016. Travellers can enjoy fresh, regional produce in the form of gourmet burgers, ice creams, artisan beers, artisan cheesemakers, bakers, and wood fired pizzas from Italian, Spanish, Indian, German and Mediterranean kitchens.

Galway Oyster Festival, Ireland

Visit the Galway Oyster Festival 2016 from 23rd to 25th September in Ireland. The event includes a seafood safari and the Bollinger World Oyster Opening Championship among others.

Visit The Best Family Carnival: Camp Bestival 2016!

Some good news for travellers looking for fun time with the family – Camp Bestival 2016, the best family carnival, is just round the corner!

Camp-Bestival

Camp Bestival 2016 is slated to be held from 28th -31st July at Lulworth Castle in Dorset, UK. The festival revolves around a new theme every year, and this year’s theme is ‘Outer Space’.

For the uninitiated, Camp Bestival is a gala, British music festival that is targeted at families with small children. The 4-day festival features numerous activities, entertaining performances, comedy shows, literature programmes, workshops and different dedicated play areas for children of various age groups. There are plenty of food stalls selling lip-smacking food and a well-looked after campsite for a wholesome family festival experience.

Kids Are Kings!!

Travellers will enjoy the plethora of fun activities and games spread across the site for every age group – from 2 to 62. There is a Toddlers’ Area and an Upper Kids’ Garden for young kids. Some of the highlights are a Bouncy Castle, bikes, go-carts and the BigTopMania – a place to learn circus skills. The Lower Kids’ Garden is for slightly older children, with activities such as Art Town, Kids’ Catwalk, fairground rides, face painting, a Soft Play Tent and Sandpit. The festival has a pioneering area for teenagers (13-17) called The Den.

There are family games and activity areas such as the upper Magic Meadow and The Dingly Dell amidst numerous food stalls, cafes, and bars. Besides, there are talk sessions and music stages to make sure that adults visiting the festival also stay entertained.

Music Line Up

Get enchanted by the festival’s fantastic live music performances at its various stages, including Castle Stage and Big Top. This year’s notable line-up acts include Fatboy Slim, DJ Yoda, rockers Squeeze, Jodi Ann Bickley, Reggie N Bollie, Folk Idol and KT Tunstall.

Other Acts

At Camp Bestival, fun doesn’t stop with live music and games. There are comedy acts, including one act by the hilarious Rob Auton. Furthermore, there are DJs, theatre shows, a yoga and restorative therapies area, talks by select speakers, authors, poets, journalists, scientists and philosophers at the Guardian Literary Institute.

Fun N Food

There are amazing food options to choose from. Meals are offered in two tents; The Feast Collective and Hotpoint Festival Kitchen. The Feast Collective will feature a special Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen supper club, which will introduce visiting families and children to Ghanaian cuisine. The Hotpoint Festival Kitchen will be a centre for fun along with food, with themes such as Cuisine+Colour, which will display delicious food as a visual delight. There will also be The Little Gloster’s Breakfast Clubs, which will teach young visitors how to prepare delicious breakfasts.

Family Camping Sites

To make the festival experience truly wholesome, Camp Bestival has some well-looked after campsites. The festival offers many types of camping fields, campervan area and caravan/trailer tent area, each with its own showers, eco-friendly loos, recycling points and much more.

Be a Part of the Celebrations at Sabah International Folklore Festival, Malaysia

The Sabah International Folklore Festival (SIFF) will be held at the Sabah Cultural Complex in Penampang from 24th – 30th July.

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It will include cultural dance performances by diverse ethnic groups from across the world. As many as 10 international cultural dance troupes will come together.

About the Festival

Based on the theme, ‘Peace through Culture’, the festival is in its 11th year and is aimed at promoting and celebrating the cultural ties between countries that transcend physical barriers. This event also serves as an opportunity to promote Sabah as an attractive tourist destination, rich in natural beauty and culture. The participating countries in the Sabah International Folklore Festival, Malaysia are Malaysia, South Korea, Estonia, Australia, Ireland, Indonesia, India, The Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

A Sabah Traditional Food and Handicraft Exhibition will also be a part of the festival. It will delight visitors with authentic delicacies and showcase local handicrafts made by the locals.

An international Folklore Parade will also be held across three venues on 26th July from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The parade will be held at Wisma Budaya, Lintasan Seasoka, Gaya Street and Kota Kinabalu City Hall.

The Sabah Art Gallery will organize a Sabah Folk Art exhibition to commemorate the festival, much to the pleasure of art connoisseurs. Beautiful and intriguing pieces of art will be on display from 25th to 30th July. One can have an intimate affair with the artistic exhibits without paying any entry fee.

Concurrently, a Sabah Photography Contest will also be held and the winners will be rewarded with cash prizes. One can present his/ her collection pertaining to a theme that has already been specified. The contest is open to everyone for participation.

Tickets

Tickets for the dance competitions will be sold on per day basis. For other programs like the SIFF Folklore Parade, Folk Art Festival and exhibitions, entry is completely free.

The host city- Kota Kinabalu

The city of Kota Kinabalu will enchant you with beautiful sights. Sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical forests, the imposing Mount Kinabalu, sprawling golf courses and beautiful resorts here simply mesmerise visitors. You should also definitely take out some time and visit some of the famous landmarks and attractions of the city such as Mari Mari Cultural Village, night markets, Sabah Museum, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and much more.

How to reach

The city of Kota Kinabalu is home to the second busiest airport in Malaysia and operates direct flights to and from many countries. Minibus services as well as taxis are available by way of transport.