Category Archives: Far East

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit George Town, Penang

A colourful, multicultural city located in the Malaysian island of Penang, George Town is one amazing holiday destination.

penang

A former Malacca trading hub, the town today is the capital of Penang and is popularly known for its British Colonial buildings and other architectural wonders. For those of you heading to Malaysia, here are five reasons why you should visit the beautiful George Town.

Architectural gems

Named after the King George III, the city is known for its fine colonial architecture. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is home to several tall and beautiful buildings. Most structures here are as old as over 100 years. Penang Museum, Fort Cornwallis, The Old Town Hall and Saint George’s Anglican Church are among the popular architectural attractions in the city.

Unique Chinese temples

With a large Chinese community, George Town boasts the best and the oldest Chinese temples on the island. Featuring terrific architecture and design, these temples are a must visit in the city. Built during the beginning of Buddhism and Chinese Taoism, most temples here preserve elements of history and elements related to Buddhism and its practices. Khoo Kongsi is one of the oldest and the most beautifully carved of all Chinese temples in George Town. Yap Kongsi, Teochew Temple and Khoo Kongsi Temple are among other popular temples in the city.

Heaven for food lovers

The delicious Indian curries, traditional Malay delicacies and the authentic Chinese cuisine make George Town a heaven for food lovers. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in and around the city that serve a wide range of cuisines and delicacies prepared with real spices and herbs. During cultural festivals, markets are packed with stalls and shops serving mouth-watering local delicacies.

Street art

Apart from the beautiful temples, great food, and architectural marvels, it is the town’s street art that appeals most to the visitors. Images and depictions from ancient historical texts are painted on walls across the town.  While most of these paintings are drawn by the locals, few of them are prominent works by famous artists like Natthapon Muangkliang, Louise Low and Tang Yeok Khang. A bicycle ride around the town is the perfect way to enjoy this street art.

Fantastic mix of cultures

George Town is home to people of different ethnicities, such as the Chinese, Malays and Indians. It makes this town one of the most vibrant ones in Malaysia. Festivals and events are great times to take a peek into the region’s rich cultures and traditions.

Shop till You Drop! Five Popular Markets in Penang, Malaysia

penang

Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Penang is a beautiful island state off the northwest coast of Malaysia. Featuring a wide coastline and beautiful landscape, the city is a world renowned holiday destination. While most people visit Malaysia for its beaches and nightlife, few others like to enjoy and explore the colourful markets and bazaars in Penang. Take a look at some of them.

Little Penang Street Market

Open only on the last Sunday of every month, Little Penang Street Market is a famous flea market in Penang. Often referred to as a shopper’s paradise, the market is flooded with goods and antique items from the country and beyond. Homemade jewellery, dolls, pottery and painted tiles are among the popular items available here. Art works of prominent visual artists are also put to display at some of the shops. Interestingly, there are music and dance performances throughout the day. Food lovers can enjoy a sumptuous range of authentic cuisines and delicacies at the nearby restaurants and bars. Furthermore, there are designated spots here for hourly book reading and interactions.

Lorong Kulit Flea Market

Lorong Kulit Flea Market was established in 1992 and offers a wide range of electronic goods and items at terrific prices. Along with electronics, you can buy watches, shoes, used goods, antique items and other knick-knacks. On weekends the market is usually flooded with tourists and locals, so you may want to avoid the place if you are not too fond of big crowds. Most of the items sold here are available in limited quantities, so it makes sense to reach early and grab the best deal.

Pasar Chowrasta

Pasar Chowrasta is a well stocked marketplace in Penang and one of the best places to buy groceries, fish, meat etc. Besides groceries, the market is stacked with Indian spices, Chinese goods and other products like dry fruits, and cheap clothing and fashion accessories. There are several bookstores as well as old shops selling paintings and furniture. Interestingly, several shops and stalls here are over 100 years old.

Macallum Street Night Market

Operating every Monday from 7 am to 11 pm, Macallum Street Night Market is a remarkable night market in Penang. Having earned the reputation of offering some of the cheapest products and goods in the region, the market sells clothes, fashion accessories, homeware, decoratives, bamboo table mats and several other items of daily use. A few stalls and shops even offer electronic items at dirt cheap prices.

Batu Ferringhi Night Market

With an extensive range of items and goods on sale, Batu Ferringhi Night Market is one of the finest road markets in Penang. There are a total of over 100 stalls selling a range of classic and beautiful handicrafts and antique goods. Home ware and decorative items like lacquer plates, embroidered pillow cases and bejewelled accessories are sold here. The market is open from dawn to dusk.

It’s Time for Urbanscapes 2017 in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala-Lumpur

It’s time to welcome the 2017 edition of Urbanscapes. The largest Live Music and Creative Arts Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the annual festival will kick off on the 5th of May and continue till 21st May. Promising many days of power-packed fun and entertainment, the festival has a lot in store for its visitors. Take a look.

Introduction

Originally started in 2002 with an aim to bring together Malaysia’s heterogeneous communities in the field of music, dance, arts, design and other creative disciplines, Urbanscapes is one of the longest running arts festivals in Malaysia. It is known for hosting talent from different genres and disciplines from across the world. Offering the best of both the worlds, the festival hosts amazing local talent as well as internationally acclaimed artists. Numerous workshops and exhibitions catering to different age groups are held at the festival including terrarium, tote bag painting, calligraphy, and photography.

Location

Head to the heart of Kuala Lumpur and catch all the action live! The events will take place all over the city. Chinatown, Urbanscapes House, KL Live, The Row, and The Bee Publika are among the venues hosting the festival. The festival is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful cityscape with a flavour of creativity.

Featuring Artists

The 2017 edition of the festival is all set to host a series of live performances, theatre shows, comedy periodicals and art exhibitions. Opening the show is the popular artist Hoax Vision along with the band members. Other artists performing this year at Urbanscapes include Paras Bunyi, Filamen, Cigarettes After Sex, Stars and Rabbits, The Venopian Solitude, Ulrich Schnauss, Clean Bandit, Mylets and Yellow Fang. The famous rock band Mew will also be seen performing at the festival.

Events Line-up

The entertainment segment of the festival is packed with popular events like Levi’s® presents: 501® rock & rivets, #Uncagemusic block party, and live performances by some of the famous artists from different genres. Don’t miss the AHM Remix party presented by Pestle and Mortar Clothing and Urbanscapes. Be a guest to Creative Morning’s 1st birthday celebrations at the Urbanscapes House on the 20th May. Other festival highlights include the Komic Kon Road Tour, Art for Grabs, Chinatown Chowdown and Musika Vinyl Market. The #THISISKUALALUMPUR photo exhibition is another must visit at the festival.

A Look at Some of the Popular Beaches in Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi

Officially known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi is a famous Malaysian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Comprising of around 104 islands off the Malaysian coast, the city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, sandy bays and attractive corals. And these are the beaches that are among the best in the region.

Datai Bay

Also known as ‘Pantai Teluk Datai’, Datai Bay is a popular crescent shaped beach in Langkawi. Located in the north western end of the island, the beach is home to beautiful white sand, crystal clear ocean water and attractive corals. For the site is a quiet and a secluded one, the tourists can enjoy a calm and peaceful holiday away from the city. The shallow waters and low ocean currents create favourable conditions for the tourists to enjoy swimming, surfing or even snorkelling. The nearby forested foothill is an apt spot to explore the island’s rich flora and fauna.

Tanjung Rhu

Located to the north, Tanjung Rhu is another famous public beach in Langkawi.  Featuring clear white sand and picturesque vistas, the beach is perfect for a quick getaway from the hustle-bustle of city life. Swimming is one of the most popular activities here.  The area around the beach is covered with beautifully casuarinas trees, making for an impressive view.

Pantai Kok

Located along the western coast, Pantai Kok is a secluded public beach in Langkawi. Known for its beautiful white sand and aqua blue ocean water, the beach is a must visit for the ones seeking an idyllic beachside holiday. Although, the beach lies on the outskirts of the island, it is well connected to the mainland through local transport and regular boat services. The shallow water around the area creates conditions favourable for water activities like swimming.

Burau Bay

One of Langkawi’s hidden treasures, Burau Bay is located on the western end of the island. Known for its beautiful white sand and crystal clear blue water, the beach is ideal for those hunting for a quiet beachside holiday away from the hustle bustle of the city. Several migratory birds can also be seen wandering in the surrounding areas.

Black Sand Beach

Known as ‘Pantai Pasir Hitam’, Black Sand Beach is another popular beach in Langkawi. Located on the northern shoreline, the beach is famous for its black coloured sand and aqua blue waters. There are several interesting myths related to the colour of the sand. You will have to visit the place to learn about them!

Pantai Cenang

Located on the western shoreline, Pantai Cenang is one of Malaysia’s prettiest beaches. Featuring velvety white sand and crystal clear waters and attractive corals, the popular beach is a must visit in Langkawi. Coconut and palm trees surround the area. The water here is perfect to enjoy water sports such as swimming, surfing, snorkelling and underwater diving.

A Guide to Some of the Popular Museums in Manila, the Philippines

Manila is one of the most beautiful cities in the Philippines. A former colony of the Portuguese, the capital city today is known for featuring historical monuments and cultural sites dating back to the pre-colonial period.

manila

Preserving and honouring the history of the region are prominent museums in and around the city. For those of you willing to know more, here is a guide to the popular museums in and around Manila.

Ayala Museum

Located in the Makati city, Ayala Museum is one of the most visited museums in Metro Manila. Established in 1967, the popular site features rare artefacts and historical items dating back to the pre-colonial era. Popular objects on display at the museum include ancient boats, finely crafted ships and other maritime vessels. Paintings by prominent artists like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo are among the museum’s famous art collection. Exhibitions and workshops are conducted on a regular basis for tourists to learn about the history and culture of the city.

Lopez Museum

Located in the Pasig district, Lopez Museum is a famous art and history museum in Manila. Founded in 1960, it displays a wide collection of manuscripts, books, literary works of prominent writers and scholars, academic treatise, archival photographs, cartoons, microfilms and Filipiniana titles. Paintings and sculptures made by prominent Spanish artists and painters are among the popular attractions at the museum. Exhibitions, workshops, educational and publications programmes are organised regularly for tourists.

UST Museum of Arts and Science

Situated in the Sampaloc area, UST Museum of Arts and Science is a famous museum in Manila. Established in 1871, it features a collection of documents and inscriptions related to botany, medicine and pharmacy. Visual arts images, coins, medals, ethnographic evidences, documents, and manuscripts are among the popular collectables at the museum. The museum also has a library and a laboratory.

Ateneo Art Gallery

Situated in Quezon City, Ateneo Art Gallery is a famous modern art gallery of the Philippines. Formally established in 1960, the art gallery is known country-wide for housing over 500 artworks including sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and posters. Works of notable artists from across the world including Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa are also exhibited at the gallery. Some of the paintings of prominent present day artists can also be spotted here. The regularly-held workshop at the gallery is an ideal workshop for budding artists and painters to show their creative side to the world.

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!

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.

Popular Religious Sites In and Around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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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.

6 Of the Finest Beaches in Phuket, Thailand

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With beautiful sandy beaches and long coastline, Phuket, a splendid Thai island, offers a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. While every beach on the island has its own characteristic feature, here’s a list of some of the most popular and beautiful beaches from the lot.

Bang Tao Beach

Also known as ‘Laguna Beach’, Bang Tao is one of the most prominent beaches in Phuket. Located on the northwest end of the city, the beach is famous for its white sand, and beautiful landscapes. A former fishing village, Bang Tao today is a fishing, farming and rubber tapping hub in Phuket. With the ocean current around the beach being less harsh, conditions for swimming and snorkelling are favourable. There are also some jet skies available on rent at the beach.

Surin Beach

Popularly known as the ‘Millionaire’s Row’, the Surin Beach is a well-known beach area of Phuket. Featuring a long stretch of golden sands and crystal clear waters, the beach is an ideal place for sun loungers and those hoping for a quiet beach holiday. Although the beach is less crowded, there is no dearth of resorts, restaurants and hotels in the vicinity. Banana boat rides, water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing are some of the exciting activities one can enjoy here. Swimming and snowboarding are risky on the beach for the high waves and the strong nature of the ocean current.

Laem Singh Beach

Nestled in a hidden bay amidst Kamala and Surin beaches, Laem is yet another beautiful beach in Phuket. Featuring bright yellow sand and crystal clear waters, Laem Singh is best to enjoy a quiet beach holiday with family. For the seabed is sandy and packed with rocks, conditions for swimming are favourable. Visitors can spot several tall palm trees all along the beach.

Patong Beach

Located on the west coast, Patong is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket. Featuring numerous restaurants, beer bars, and go-go bars, Patong is an ideal party place for the visitors. It could be a crowded place as scores of tourists visit the island to enjoy the nightlife or indulge in water sports such as swimming and snorkelling. Surrounding the beach are hills and mountain slopes which offer trekking opportunities to all.

Banana Beach

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Banana Rock Beach’, Banana beach is one of Phuket’s lesser known beaches. It has a sandy seabed, clear waters and beautiful slopes, and is ideal for sunbathing and swimming and snorkelling. There is a small restaurant on the beach which serves authentic Thai cuisine. Do try it!

Kamala Beach

Located just north of Patong, Kamala Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. Known for its fine white sand and beautiful landscape, Kamala is a perfect destination for visitors looking for a serene, scenic beach. The low tides and weak ocean currents in the area create favourable conditions for snorkelling and sea boarding.