Category Archives: Far East

Experience the Electrifying Nightlife of Bali!

Bali is one of the world’s most popular island destinations and is largely known for beaches, water sports, and historical attractions.

bali

However, this is not all! Bali also offers a highly spirited nightlife. So, there’s one more reason to book tickets to the destination. Check out 5 terrific places to enjoy the nightlife in Bali.

Sky Garden Lounge and Bar

Sky Garden is a multi-level well-known lounge and bar in Legian. It hosts a number of parties throughout the year featuring local as well as overseas DJs. Tourists from all over world can be seen here dancing, clubbing and enjoying Happy- Hours until midnight. It has a large bar area, free beer on purchase of BBQ Buffet and a rooftop garden lounge. Free parking for bikes and luggage lockers are available. It opens daily from 5pm to 6pm.

District Bali Night Club

District Bali is a popular nightclub situated within a 15-minute drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is the only live cabaret show venue in the area and also features a karaoke room, a live band and DJ playing English, Japanese, Indonesian, Mandarin, and Korean songs. There are plenty of dining options.

Bounty Sunset Dinner Cruise Tour

The Bounty Sunset Dinner Cruise Tour departs from Benoa Harbor and moves towards the coastal area of Benoa. It is an enthralling experience to spend quality time with your partner while enjoying the romantic atmosphere. The cruise serves international buffet dinner with amazing dance performances and live music. Some of the features are welcome drink, buffet dinner, Balinese dance show, On- board DJ, comedy cabaret show, and return hotel transfers. Total cruise time is 18:00 hours to 20:30 hours.

Devdan Show- “Treasure of the Archipelago”

Devdan is an extravagant stage performance in Bali. This energetic visual tour features a fusion of traditional Indonesian and modern contemporary dance with aerial acrobatics and special effects. During the 90-minute performance, the audience is taken to a magical world of the Indonesian Archipelago. The show is held four times a week and starts from 7:30 pm.

Songkran Water Festival, Bangkok 2016 –Where Tradition meets Fun

Songkran Water Festival is one of the most important celebrations according to the Thai lunar calendar. The festival features a number of different events and activities that accolade the importance of water in Thai society and culture.

Songkran Water Festival by James Antrobus/ CC BY

Songkran Water Festival by James Antrobus/ CC BY

Anyone planning a trip to Thailand during April would do well to book flights keeping this festival in mind.

About the Festival

For hundreds of years, the Songkran Festival has been seen as a symbol of love and hospitality for fostering a strong relationship with communities, families and society in general. The occasion is meant for people to unwind from the hot mid-summer and also to pay respects to the elders of one’s family and receive their blessings. It is also the day to commemorate the close ones who have passed away.

Traditions of the Festival

On this day, people build pagodas from sand and the event is known as Chedi Sai. The young ones throw water on each other engaging in water fights in a sporting and fun way. On this day, people clean not just their homes but also the public areas in the towns and villages throughout the country. This instils, propagates and promotes a sense of community and social unity. Families visit and welcome their relatives to spend the day together, performing ceremonies at various temples or the Chedi Sai. The festival also allows people to take a break from their daily routines and both the natives as well as the visitors have a memorable and happy experience.

Songkran 2016

This year, Maha Songkran or the New Year falls on the 13th of April; when the day and the night are of the same duration. The next day, i.e. 14th April will be Nao Day or ‘Middle’ day, followed by the concluding day of the festival. On this day, tourists relax at the beach resort and there is a lot of hilarious water fighting in the streets. This tradition is considered to wash off bad luck. If you wish to participate in the water fight, you can visit several spots around Banglamphu such as Khao San Road, Wisut Krasat, Santhichaiprakan, Phra Athit Road, Rattanakosin Royal Square and Thanon Khao San.

Malaysia – A Beautiful Holiday Destination You Must Learn About!

Malaysia is a fabulous holiday destination and among the most famous ones in Southeast Asia. The country is best known for its spectacular amalgamation of cultural splendour and modern marvels as well as its natural exquisiteness. malaysia-header Needless to say, a large number of travellers visit this beautiful country every year and hope to explore the myriad treasures owned by it. But before actually going ahead with your plans to discover the Malaysian charms, you are advised to learn as much as possible about this splendid nation which interestingly straddles both the Asian mainland and the Malay Archipelago. Malaysia is among the busiest holiday destinations in Asia. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the country’s leading airport, in terms of passenger and flight traffic, with most of the flights originating from UK for Malaysia landing here. malaysia-info-new Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Penang International Airport and Langkawi International Airport are three other airports that witness steady stream of international tourists. Malaysia’s flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines remains the most preferred carrier for flying into the country from various parts of the globe. The full-service carrier has regular, non-stop services from London Heathrow. When it comes to top selling tourist destinations in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur sits proudly at the top welcoming holiday makers from all corners of the globe. Penang, Langkawi, Malacca and Malaysian Borneo are other popular places in Malaysia that tourists love to visit. When it comes to specific tourist sites that are the most visited, names such as [sg_popup id="35"]Petronas Twin Towers[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="49"]Cameron Highlands[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="46"]Batu Caves[/sg_popup] and [sg_popup id="39"]Georgetown[/sg_popup] come to the mind. [sg_popup id="45"]Mulu Caves[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="36"]Perhentian Islands[/sg_popup], Pulau Tioman, [sg_popup id="47"]Mount Kinabalu[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="43"]Taman Negara[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="48"]Sepilok Rehabilition Centre[/sg_popup] are some of the other attractions in the country that enjoy excellent tourist footfall. Of course, sightseeing is not much of a pleasure if weather conditions outside are not so favourable! Most experts agree that Malaysia is best visited in the period of May to September, when the temperatures are lower and the overall climatic conditions are pleasant. It usually rains a lot around October-November and not many tourists are inspired to travel during this period. For some travellers, especially the ones who are intrigued by foreign cultures, local festivals play an important role in determining the time of travel. The country celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Ramadan, Hari Merdeka, Malaysia Day, Chinese New Year and Deepavali are some of them. Surely, all this travelling and sightseeing is going to make you tired and hungry. Recharge you batteries by having some of Malaysia’s most loved culinary delights. Ikan Bakar, Nasi Lemak, Marmite Chicken and Sateh are few of the toothsome delicacies that certainly must be tried out by foreigners visiting Malaysia. Last but not the least, tourists visiting Malaysia must pay heed to certain tips and guidelines to have a safe and healthy holiday. Avoid tap water in the country and stick to mineral water bottles that are available easily and are pretty cheap. Apply a strong sunscreen while roaming around in the sun and consume lots of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Malaysia treats drug related offences very severely. It can even lead to death penalties.

Offbeat Places to Explore In Vietnam

Vietnam, located on the South China Sea, is popular for its pristine beaches, beautiful rivers, a number of Buddhist pagodas and cities bustling with cultural sites and restaurants. All these factors make it an exciting and fun-filled holiday destination.

Vietnam

Most of the people who book tickets for Vietnam have a fixed itinerary comprising of the most popular tourist attractions. But if you want to experience the cultural and historical aspects, taking a stroll through the offbeat paths is the best way to so. Have a look at some of the offbeat places to visit on your trip to Vietnam.

Bai Tu Long

If you are looking for a getaway from the usual tourist itinerary, you can do away with Halong Bay and head to Bait Tu Long. Situated on the North-Eastern part of Halong Bay, the area spreads across 100 kilometres, up to the border of China! The best part is you will see almost the same things you would have seen in Halong Bay such as incredible limestone karsts, minus the crowds of tourists.

Mai Chau

While most of the tourists and trekkers go to Sapa, dodge the crowd for a breath of fresh air at Mai Chau. The locals swear by the place, as it hasn’t been adulterated by the tourists, yet. Situated about 3-4 hours’ drive from Hanoi, the fog-filled rice paddies here are like a dream. The place also allows you to get close to the native ethnic tribes. Instead of wearing elaborate, “touristy” costumes which will make you look out of place, wear simple track suits. Make sure that you join the celebrations during the nights when the White Thai tribe performs various types of cultural and local dances. A game akin to hopscotch is also played and there is a communal feast and drinks.

Hue

Hue is the central point of the Northern and Southern routes in the country. The city was once the royal capital during the 17th century and has also served as Vietnam’s capital for some time. It is one of the most important historical sites in the country. While the landmarks and historical buildings in the citadel were damaged during the war, with the help of UNESCO, extensive restoration has been carried out.

Enjoy The BaliSpirit Festival

As the BaliSpirit Festival prepares for its 9th year, people from all around the world have started making flight enquiries to attend the 5-day extravaganza of music, dance and yoga.

bali

Like every year, world famous musicians, dancers and yogis from different parts of the world are going to attend the festival. Over the years, the BaliSpirit Festival has become a melting pot for students, yogis and yoginis, and music lovers.

History

The festival was started in 2008 when the whole planning, set-up and execution took merely 3 months. It was a big achievement for the founders of the festival. They shared a dream of bringing people together, by building and supporting a community by combining the brilliant field of Yoga and the abundant range of dance and music from across the globe.

Events

Located in the magnificent grounds of Purnati Center for the Arts at Batuan which is about a ten minute drive from Ubud, The Dharma Fair along with the Daytime Workshops are held in an open-air location known for its unique and inspiring tropical beauty.  The different yogic variations, asana and styles include Qi Gong, Poi, Capoeira, Silat, Ashtanga, Anusara, Power, Juggling, Laughter, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, and Hatha. The dance forms are inspired from Indian, Mandala, Balinese, West African and Javanese cultures. The evening concerts of the “One World Stage” will take place at the outdoor stage of Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) at Ubud which offers convenient access to visitors as well as the locals.  The unique line-up of concerts interweaves the contemporary and traditional music of Bali and greater Indonesia with various artists from different genres from across the globe. The BaliSpirit Festival is a celebration of culture, nature and harmony among people from different nations.

Tickets

There are different categories of tickets to choose from, such as the VIP passes which include amenities such as VIP Cocktail Party and VIP Gift Bag etc; Full Passes, which cover 5-days; and Weekend Passes available for both regular and VIP categories. Visit their official website to book the tickets and for more information about the festival.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok: As Grand as it Gets

The glittering and glorious Grand Palace is an attraction that you simply can’t afford to miss, while visiting Bangkok. Located in the heart of Bangkok, Grand Palace is a fascinating maze of historical buildings, halls, open lawns and courtyards, which are considered among the finest examples of Thai architecture.

The-Grand-Palace

Thousands flock to this marvellous palace to get awed by its intricate details and grand historical importance. Here, we offer a quick rundown of the key highlights of the Grand Palace.

Temple of Emerald Buddha

For an unforgettable cultural and spiritual experience, head to this 18th century shrine dedicated to the Lord Buddha. Here, you can pay homage to the highly revered Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue in a standing form. Carved from a single jade stone, the statue is a potent religio-political symbol of Thai society. The external decoration of the main shrine and the surrounding portico are also a fine display of Thai craftsmanship. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple.

Royal Reception Halls

You cannot help but be awed by the impressive interiors of the Royal Reception Hall. Boasting spectacular architecture and ornamental décor, the hall is now used for important ceremonial occasions. Visit the large European style reception room to closely admire its elaborate detail and historical importance. There is also a museum that houses scale models, Buddha images and several other objects depicting the restoration of the Grand Palace.

The Outer Court

Situated in the northeast of the palace, near the entrance, the Outer Court was once the seat of the royal government and is now a popular attraction inside the palace complex. It houses a number of government offices, and other important buildings including the barracks for the royal guard and headquarters of the Grand Palace. You can also visit the museum here that showcases Regalia, Royal Thai Decorations, ornaments used in the royal courts, and the ancient Thai coins.  Entering the Phimanchaisri Gate will take you to the Middle Court that has many impressive buildings such as Phra Maha Prasat group.

Boromabiman Hall, Amarinda Hall, and the Hall of Justice are a few other must-visit sites inside the Grand Palace Complex. It is noteworthy that the palace is a revered site and you must be dressed modestly. No see-through clothes, shorts and sleeveless tops are allowed. Women must cover their head while entering the temples and pagodas inside the palace. Tickets are sold between 08:30 and 15:30.

Exploring Kuala Tahan National Park, Malaysia for its Amazing Wilderness

If you’re heading to Malaysia and looking for a relaxed retreat amidst the lush wilderness, Kuala Tahan National Park is definitely the place for you. The largest park in Malaysia is blessed with a variety of natural marvels, and is an absolute pleasure to be in, especially for nature buffs and adventure freaks.

Malaysia-kuala

Enjoy unspoiled natural vistas, spot an array of flora and fauna, or try some hearth-throbbing adventures in the lush wilderness – you’re simply in for a treat here.

Take a look at what this wonderful park is famous for.

Lata Berkoh & Waterfall Cascades

Take a boat ride to reach this marvellous waterfall, situated amidst tropical jungles. Here, you can relax and unwind by the fall or swim in its clear and cool waters. The entire region is an epitome of tranquillity and promises a fascinating jungle experience. Beware of strong currents and don’t go too far from the bank. While returning from the fall, you can also visit the Kelah Sanctuary to see and feed the playful Kelah fish.

Canopy Walk: Kuala Tahan National Park is home to a 530m long Malaysian suspension bridge, which is probably the largest in the world. Walk across the canopy to enjoy spectacular views of the forests. You may also spot many enchanting animals, birds and reptiles here.

Jungle Trekking: Trekking is one of the best and most preferred ways to explore Kuala Tahan National Park. Hire a local guide to learn about the jungle and explore its fascinating features including stunning waterfalls, rivers, green hills and interesting rock formations. Although the excursion may be a bit too challenging, the overall experience would be so enthralling that you would easily forget all your exhaustion. Don’t forget to carry drinking water, as the same may not be

available in the forests.

Night Safaris: This Malaysian nature reserve is quite popular for night safaris. You can opt for a walking tour or hire a 4WD to explore the region’s intriguing nocturnal wildlife. Inside the park, you may spot flowers that bloom only at night, water dragons, snakes, stick insects, and other wonderful creatures.

How to Get There?

The park is about a 3.5 hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur through the East Coast Expressway. You can hire a taxi from the Malaysian capital or use public transport to get to the entry gate. There are plenty of hotels near the park, and many of them arrange safari tours and other excursions.

Five Challenging Suspension Bridges in the World

Do you have a fascination for heights? If yes, you would definitely like to check out our list of suspension bridges. Let us also tell you that these bridges are for the strong hearted and people suffering from heart problems or acrophobia should visit only after medical consultation. These dizzying bridges are located in high altitudes and may cause convulsions or seizures. Up for the challenge? So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets for any of the 5 destinations we have mentioned below.

Titlis Cliff Walk Bridge, Switzerland

Known as Europe’s highest suspension bridge, the Titlis Cliff Walk Bridge is situated on Mount Titlis in the Alps and is 3,000 metres high. Although it looks scary, it has been especially designed to withstand extreme winds and snow storms. The views are simply spellbinding.

Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia

Situated in Kedah, Malaysia, this pedestrian bridge is around 700 metres high and was opened in 2004. The sad part is that it has been inaccessible since 2014.

Sky-Bridge-Malaysia

However, we could not help omitting it from the list as it is one of the most challenging suspension bridges in the world. We hope it opens once again.

Canopy Walk, Ghana

Canopy Walk is situated in Kakum National Park, Ghana and is the only canopy walkway in all of Africa’s national parks.

It was made by connecting several treetops and is used to watch the endangered animals such as Diana monkey and forest elephants without disturbing them.

Millau Viaduct, France

Millau Viaduct, which is said to be taller than the Eiffel tower is the world’s highest bridge to be used as a thoroughfare.

Millau-Viaduct

Millau Viaduct by David Jones / CC BY

It has the A7F motorway, which connects the two cities of Montpellier and Paris and is often admired as the world’s most impressive engineering wonders of all times.

Royal Gorge Bridge, USA

The Royal Gorge Bridge situated in Colorado, USA was known as the world’s highest bridge till 2001, until it was replaced by Millau Viaduct.

Royal-Gorge-Bridge

Royal Gorge Bridge by Wasif Malik/ CC BY

The bridge is a part of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, which is famed for its different rides and adventure sports. Zip-lining and Royal Rush Sky coaster are especially popular here. The park is also home to a zoo which is ideal for family outings.

Holidays to Terrific Thailand: Know The Place To Enjoy The Place!!

Thailand is among the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Located in Southeast Asia, the country is visited by millions of foreign tourists, every year. A majority of foreign tourists arrive at the country’s largest airport in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport.

thailand-info-had

The airport handles over 50 million passengers annually and remains the main hub for carriers such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Orient Thai Airlines. Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Phuket International Airport are other major airports in the area. Thailand has some stunning tourist destinations which are loved by holiday makers. Bangkok, of course, is the most famous holiday destination in the country. This beautiful city has a fascinating cultural heritage that’s best reflected in its resplendent Buddhist temples. Plus, the glittering nightlife and fantastic traditional markets attract hordes of tourists to the city. Besides Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hun, and Pattaya are some of the country’s most famous tourist destinations. All these places witness a constant stream of visitors.

Thailand Infograhic

Thailand is full of unique tourist attractions. From the majesty of Bangkok’s [sg_popup id="29"]Grand Palace[/sg_popup] to the city’s marvellous museum, [sg_popup id="24"]Jim Thompson House[/sg_popup] and from the interesting flora and fauna at [sg_popup id="26"]Khao Yai National Park[/sg_popup] to pleasant serenity of [sg_popup id="28"]Railay Beach[/sg_popup], Thailand has a splendid array of unique attractions all waiting to be explored. [sg_popup id="30"]Wat Arun[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="25"]Wat Pho[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="31"]Floating Markets near Bangkok[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="32"]Chiang Mai Night Bazaar[/sg_popup], [sg_popup id="27"]Phang Nga Bay[/sg_popup], and [sg_popup id="33"]Ko Phi Phi[/sg_popup] are some of the other famous attractions in the country. Thailand has a tropical climate and it is best to be in the country during the cooler months of November to February. The low temperatures promise much better climatic conditions for you to enjoy sightseeing and other leisure activities. The period between March and June is comparatively cheaper to travel and is perhaps the ideal time to be in Thailand for budget conscious travellers. You can even plan your Thai vacation keeping in mind the terrific festivals that are celebrated throughout the calendar year. Songkran is the most famous of them all and is easily the most loved one among tourists. Loi Krathong and Chinese New Year are two other festivals that are celebrated with great gusto. Do not forget to enjoy the country’s top delicacies as you roam around the length and breadth of it! Phat Thai, Tom Yam, and Som Tam are big favourites with visitors who come here from all corners of the globe. Of course, you will have a lot of fun in Thailand enjoying the festivals and feasting on the yummy dishes. But it is as important to be safe and secure in the country. And one of the ways to do so is by making sure you are on your guard at all times. Pick pocketing is common in main tourist areas. Be vigilant about your surroundings. Another important thing to know is that criticizing the king or any other member of the royal family is a punishable offence. Avoid it at any cost.

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Kuala Lumpur for Adventure Lovers

Kuala Lumpur, apart from being the capital of Malaysia is one of the most exciting and fun-filled cities in South-Asia. The blend of ancient streets and the soaring buildings give the capital city a unique colour and tone. However, if you are looking for some thrill and adventure, you will have to come out of the city.  Here are three of the top adventure sports that you may want to try out during your trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Rock Climbing

If you are a person who likes rock climbing, you are in for a treat. Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best places in Malaysia for trying out your climbing skills. The caves are situated about 10 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur.  Batu Caves are outcrops of huge limestone deposits which host eight crags and more than 165 routes.  Most of these routes are easily accessible and are quite easy for beginners. Batu Caves are also famous for being home to the Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Skydiving

If you like to soar across the skies, Malaysia is the perfect place for you. Skydiving courses and opportunities are available in the cities of Taiping, Perak, Johor and Segamat. If you are planning to try out skydiving sessions on your holiday to Kuala Lumpur, make prior arrangements with Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association, the only Malaysian official skydiving club. The Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association was started in 1980 and conducts thousands of skydiving sessions for locals and foreigners alike. Beginners are trained on various aspects of skydiving such as jumping, accessing and positioning.

White Water Rafting

Some of the most thrilling rivers of Malaysia are situated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. These rivers are perfect for those who are seeking adventurous rafting sessions. About one and a half hours’ drive from the capital city, lies Sungai Selangor, categorised as a grade-four river. The rafting session on the river takes about half a day. You will enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, picturesque rainforest as well as the thrill and rush of the rapids. The best part of the journey comes at the end, when the waters turn calmer and anyone can float and relax after a rather exciting excursion.