Category Archives: Far East

The Fun-Packed Chinese Festivals in Hong Kong

Hong Kong can be termed as ‘The Land of Contradictions’. Natural beauty is somehow complemented by bustling city life. Similarly, Chinese traditions and western culture co-exist peacefully here.

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As Hong Kong is a multi-cultural destination, many different festivals are celebrated in this legendary land. Here, we have focused upon some of the colourful Chinese festivals.

Dragon and Lion Dance Festival

The name says it all! The Dragon and Lion Dance Festival showcases hundreds of artificial and eye-catching dragons, lions and celestial guardians, marching and dancing through the streets to commemorate the approaching new year. Already well-known in the region, the Dragon and Lion Dance Festival is celebrated every year on 1st January. In 2011, this festival created a Guinness World Record by displaying 1,111 dragons and lions.

Chinese New Year

Celebrated on the first moon of the Lunar Calendar, the Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for the Chinese. People clean their houses and put up traditional New Year decorations. Family members have dinner together. They may watch conventional Chinese shows and launch fireworks later. Individuals wear red clothes and give children ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes. Red represents fire, which is believed to drive bad luck away.

Spring Lantern Festival

This festival is truly a treat to the eyes! Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Spring Lantern Festival features innumerable colourful lanterns, which beautify markets, restaurants and hotels. The main celebration is held in Tsim Sha Tsui at the Hong Kong Cultural Central Piazza, which is open to the public for free. The theme of the festival changes annually, with lanterns assuming the shape of a particular animal. The lantern carnival is a must-watch! It presents folk songs, traditional dances and instrumental performances.

Dragon Boat Festival

Also called the ‘Tueng Ng Festival’, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th Lunar month. There are dragon boat races in which international teams of paddlers compete against each other in long narrow boats. To make this fiesta more lively and spirited, drums are played and beer is offered. As per a popular legend, the Dragon Boat Festival came into existence due to an old man named ‘Qu Yuan’. He was so saddened with his nation’s government that he drowned himself in the river.

Well-Wishing Festival

There’s not a better way to interact with locals than by participating in the ‘Well Wishing Festival’. In this fiesta, participants share a meal with locals. Post this, they write their wish on a piece of paper and tie it with a string. On one end of the string is an orange. Participants toss them upwards, aiming for a sturdy branch (wishing tree). These wishing trees are situated in the village of Lam Tsuen in the New Territories.

Top 7 Things to Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand located amidst a stunning natural backdrop of spectacular mountains, lush greenery, cascading streams and charming hill tribes.

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An important cultural hub in Thailand, the city is full of historical temples, street markets and lovely restaurants serving delectable cuisine. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Visit Historical Temples

Chiang Mai is home to numerous historical temples, which reflect ancient architecture and designs. Visit the revered Wat Pra Singh of the Lion Buddha fame and the tall Wat Chedi Luang that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Also visit the Doi Suthep located near the top of a mountain and the magnificent pure White Temple.

Chat With a Monk

Some temples or wats of Chiang Mai offer a unique experience – a ‘Monk Chat’ programme. One may chat with the monks and use this opportunity to learn about their lifestyle, beliefs or Buddhism. A couple of such temples are the Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok.

Experience Wildlife

Blessed with raw natural beauty, Chiang Mai has many places where wild animals can be seen at close quarters. Visit Chiang Mai Zoo to see penguins and pandas, Mae Sa Elephant Camp to see elephants doing circus acts in the vast lands and the night zoo Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Trek to Tribal Villages

Visit the village of Mae Klang Luang, which is a popular tourist attraction and provides an insight into local tribal life. Explore the lives of more exotic tribal communities by visiting the Hmong Tribal Village and the Padung Village. The latter is home to the ‘Long Neck Karen’ ethnic hill-tribe.

Hire Floating Houses

Spend a day or at least a night at the Eakachai Houseboat, or the floating houses, at Mae Ngat Dam. These are like small bungalow-shaped houseboats on water and can be reached only by long-tail boats. Relax on the deck or dive and swim in the dam waters – have a serene experience in the peaceful environs!

Visit the Local Markets

Chiang Mai has numerous bustling local markets offering a variety of essentials as well as knick-knacks and foot massages at reasonable prices. Some of these popular markets are Chiang Mai Gate Market, Sunday Walking Street or the Night Bazaar.

Learn Local Skills

Chiang Mai has a fantastic vacation learning scene for travellers – cooking classes, massage schools and even Thai language classes. There is a plethora of schools offering such short courses at reasonable rates to tourists here.

Experience the Magic of George Town Festival 2016, Malaysia

The heritage city of George Town, Penang will once again celebrate its admiration towards traditions, cultures and art. Penang, the peaceful island state is all set to welcome travellers from across the world for an extravaganza.

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The George Town Festival will yet again transform the city into a lively celebration spot and stake its claim as one of Asia’s most popular festivals.
Get Ready for It

The best time to visit Penang is here. The Penang Island State is about to host its month-long celebration, George Town Festival. Incorporated in the year 2010 in honour of UNESCO World Heritage Site – George Town, it offers a world of entertainment.

Now in its seventh year of celebration, the festival will be held from 29th July to 28th August, 2016. The festival focuses on culture, art, community and heritage of Penang. One will enjoy discovering unique trends and practices during the festival.

Explore Penang

Don’t miss out on performances by renowned performers and artists. From theatre, dance, music, and puppetry to art, crafts, and performances, the festival offers a variety of entertainment. Visitors will definitely get an intimate insight into George Town’s heritage, history and present developments.

The renowned performing artists and performers include Smashed, Lim Yu-Beng, and Tan Kheng Hua along with A+SEAN showcase, Svara Bhumi (Songs of the Earth) and Choreographer Aida Redza. This year, the festival will feature new international performances whilst 58 percent of the acts will be from the state of Penang itself.

Also,  the A+SEAN showcase will include concerts by Indonesian band Nidji, Bittersweet, Dasha Logan, OAG, Sheila Majid, and more. It will also include Snuff Puppets – the puppetry show. Besides, there will be a fashion show and a market of as many as 30 stalls that would be put up by the members of ASEAN countries.

The Lively Acts

Travellers can enjoy a marvellous theatre performance by Lim Yu-Beng and Tan Kheng Hua in the ‘Pearl of the Eastern & Oriental’ play which will be premiered on the opening weekend. The A+SEAN Showcase will focus on talent from Australia and Southeast Asian nations.

The vibrant festival will leave every traveller awe-inspired with a dash of passionate performances like ‘Moved by Padi’ by Penang-born choreographer and dancer Aida Redza, musical theatre ‘Missing’, and musical comedy ‘Chekara’. Interestingly, ‘Moved by Padi’ will be performed in real paddy fields.

All in all, travellers will surely cherish the trip to the majestic city of George Town as the festival paints the streets in stimulating sensations.

Tickets

Tickets for the festival are pretty affordable and one may easily buy the same from GTF headquarters or from the online portal; RedTix.

A Look at 8 of the Top Beaches in Thailand

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Thailand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.The country has a fantastic climate that remains almost constant throughout the year, which makes the seaside here even more tempting for tourists.Here is a list of some of the top beaches to visit in Thailand.

Koh Nang Yuan, Surat Thani Province

Koh Nang Yuan is actually a small island with a coastline all through its length. Koh Nang Yuan is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Apart from its scenic beauty, the place is mainly popular for water sports such as diving, snorkelling, zip-lining and even trekking.

Kluai Beach, Koh Kood

Kluai Beach on the Koh Kood Island makes for a perfect getaway for those seeking some quite time away from the maddening crowds. The island is quite big but it is still undeveloped for tourism, which is why it is not crowded like the other popular islands of Thailand. The beach is tranquil and rocky and is lush with mangroves.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

The gorgeous Maya Bay on the Koh Phi Phi Island is a must-visit for travellers. The Maya Bay is famous for being the site of Leonardo DiCaprio’s film ‘The Beach’. The bay is beautifully surrounded by tall cliffs on three sides and has a vibrant marine life. The bay is popular for diving, snorkelling and is a great party destination. The beach can be visited as a day trip since there are no hotels here.

Main Beach, Ko Kradan

The Main Beach at the island of Ko Kradan is a 2km long stretch. Around 50 meters offshore, travellers can see a coral reef swarming with fish all along the beach. Kayaking is a popular activity here and it is possible to kayak around the entire island within around three hours.

Railay Beach, Krabi

The Railay Beach in the Krabi province is one of the best known beaches of Thailand. The beach has huge limestone cliffs that are popular spots for rock climbing. In addition to the spectacular scenery offered by the beach, it is also popular for active sports including snorkelling and kayaking.

Long Beach, Koh Lanta

The Long Beach in Thailand’s Koh Lanta province is known for its unending golden sands, wavy and clear waters and cool winds. The beach is a favourite with tourists as it is considered a safe destination for children.

Patong Beach, Phuket

The Patong Beach on the island of Phuket is one of the largest and the most popular beaches of Thailand. Being a popular beach destination, the Patong beach is surrounded by a number of attractions such as numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping spots and a vibrant nightlife. The beach is always teeming with tourists and is a great spot for sunbathing, jet skiing and parasailing.

Phra Nang, Krabi

The beach at Phra Nang in Krabi is said to be one of the most photogenic beaches of Thailand. The beach is just a short walk away from the Railay beach and can even be reached by kayaking from Railay. It is a good spot for enjoying activities including snorkelling, caving and rock climbing.

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.

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.

Holidays to Singapore – Welcome to the Garden City!

Singapore is a terrific travel destination and is visited by millions of travellers, each year. The city’s most potent charm is its fabulous and appealing blend of modernity and quaint traditions as well as its remarkable natural beauty.

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There is a lot more to the country that you can enjoy and explore; then there are things you must avoid as a traveller; and there are also certain important pieces of information that can contribute towards a happy holiday for you. Read all about it.

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Singapore’s Changi Airport is widely considered the best managed airport in the world. It is among the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia and was adjudged the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2016. Changi Airport is the hub for Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot and few other Singapore based carriers.

After being impressed with the airport, it will be time for you to explore the myriad attractions of this city-state. [sg_popup id="68"]Marina Bay[/sg_popup], KidZania, [sg_popup id="69"]Singapore Flyer[/sg_popup], Universal Studios, [sg_popup id="70"]Night Safari[/sg_popup], Jurong Bird Park, [sg_popup id="71"]Singapore Zoo[/sg_popup], Singapore Botanic Gardens, [sg_popup id="72"]Chinatown[/sg_popup] and Raffles Hotel are some of the many attractions that are loved by tourists who visit the city in large numbers. Singapore Flyer, and the Merlion, a depiction of a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a body, are two of the city’s most iconic images that have come to represent Singapore world over. Universal Studios are popular among family travellers and should definitely be on your list if you love motion pictures.

Singapore has some excellent, world renowned restaurants, serving most of the global delicacies. However, it is usually the local dishes that appeal more to leisure tourists who come here to explore more than just sites and attractions. Fish head curry is a big hit and so is satay (a skewered grilled meat dish served with rice cake). Do try out the chilli crab, it is fabulous and is available in most local restaurants.

Last but not the least, you must pay heed to certain useful travel tips and suggestions that will make sure you have an enjoyable and healthy vacation in Singapore. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue are common in the city and tourists must take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.  Singapore is hot and humid most times of the year, come prepared with comfortable and light clothes. Getting around in Singapore is extremely easy as different means of public transport is available, but perhaps none more popular than the MRT (mass rapid transit) train system. Another important point to remember is that Singapore has some strict laws against littering and spitting. It is a surprisingly clean city and these laws are in place to make sure that it remains so.

Top 4 Destinations for kids in Bangkok

Bangkok offers plenty of attractions and activities for families with kids. From entertainment parks to intriguing wildlife, the city has enough in its kitty to catch the fancy of the young. Take a look at the top four.

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Funarium Playground

This air conditioned wonderland is designed to keep kids busy and overwhelmed with a number of sporting and artistic activities. Secret passageways, basketball hoops, trampoline, slides, race track cum skating rink, toys, sand pits, arts and crafts centre and dance performances keep the kids enthralled throughout.  It also has a dedicated section for parents to enjoy some peace and quiet while their kids have fun.

Kidzania Bangkok

Kidzania Bangkok is an ‘edutainment city’ in Siam Paragon mall where children can play adults by doing simulated jobs like nursing, news reporting, fire fighting, flying and others. The activities are designed to simulate real world conditions using realistic equipment, complete with relevant uniforms and dress code. Parents are not allowed to interfere in the chores of the ‘city’ and can instead relax at the nearby lounge. Watch your young one as a life saver in the form of a doctor, a heroic fire-fighter or a suave pilot and cherish their innocent delight and happiness.

Siam Ocean World

Located beneath the famous Siam Paragon mall, this ‘world’ boasts one of the largest underground aquariums in South East Asia spanning the size of three Olympic swimming pools.  Dazzle your kids with over 30,000 creatures from various aquatic regions of the world neatly categorized according to their environment. A 270 degree underwater tunnel, dedicated shark tank and LED shows will amaze your kids no end. The fun does not stop here! You may also dive into the water.

Safari World

Tired of seeing animals in enclosures? Safari World, located just on the outskirts of Bangkok, offers an opportunity for a unique yet safe intimate encounter with animals. Spread over an area of more than 400 acres, the animals here roam freely across vast open spaces. Watch the animals in their natural settings and keep a camera handy. You will see fantastic sights such as tigers bathe, zebras graze, and bear cubs cuddle right in front of you. There is also a theme park with animal performances, featuring seven shows, including the hugely popular and delightful dolphin show. And to top it all, you can even feed giraffes from a feeding platform!

A Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Disneyland, synonymous with fun, amusement and recreation and attracts tourists from across the world. It’s a place for kids to witness their favourite television characters in real life and a chance for adults to revisit their childhood.

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Disneyland is not just any another amusement park- it is an experience in its own right. This article is an attempt to familiarise you with the wonders and attractions of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Park

Featuring seven themed areas- Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventure land, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point and Toy Story Land, the park is considered to be the lifeline of the resort. With such an impressive array of theme parks, your kids will be spoilt for choice. Castles, cartoon characters, live shows, joy rides, sleds and souvenir shops at this park will definitely steal your attention. Experience the natural and magical life in the Adventure land, complete with forests and cabins where fairies, dwarves and other fairy tale characters come to life.

Frontierland, an imitation of the American Old West, complete with mountains, cowboys, saloons and “uncharted wilderness” offers the perfect outdoor experience.

A visit to Tomorrowland takes one to a futuristic world full of spaceships, submarines, railroads and other attractions. Star Wars movie enthusiasts will rejoice over the fact that there are dedicated sections where you can meet stormtroopers, undergo Jedi training and do a lot more.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland hotel, located in the heart of the resort, is perfect for staying in the midst of an entertaining atmosphere. You can choose from over 400 rooms which offer stunning views of the sea and the garden area. For more comfort and luxury, opt for the Kingdom Club suites that offer great views and excellent amenities. The hotel also has several ballrooms and convention centres.

Disneyland Hollywood Hotel

This hotel is a tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood, complete with sophisticated styling, latest amenities, tasteful decorations and a piano shaped swimming pool (complete with black and white keys). Here, you will have none other than Mickey Mouse as your waiter, who will amuse you with his antics and at the same time dish out various Asian and seafood delicacies, followed by a range of fine wines.

Adventure and Fun in Bali, the Saga Continues

If your idea of holidaying includes lots of adventure, fun, great food and scenic beauty, there are only a few places that can match the appeal of Bali.

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Luxurious resorts, great beaches, a world of adrenalin pumping activities and vibrant night life make Bali one of the best places for adventure and fun. The places mentioned below allow one to unwind to the core.

Snorkelling at Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida

If snorkelling has always excited you, rest assured that Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida will leave you absolutely satiated. These are the two of the most exotic locations for snorkelling, complete with beautiful corals, tropical fish life and colourful vegetation. Lembongan Day Cruises, operated by various agencies, make the experience all the more overwhelming.

Flying Fish experience at Tanjung Benoa Beach

Fly in the air just like a fish by strapping yourself to a rubber boat which has been attached to a speed boat. Yes, though this sounds crazy, it is real. The boat pushes one against the waves making the person fly high. This experience is as close as it can get to personifying a flying fish.

Paragliding at Denpasar

Paragliding is a widely acclaimed adventure sport and Bali offers a great experience in this regard. The trade winds from the Indian Ocean provide the right amount of thrust for a smooth flight from June to October. Various operators conduct tandem flights and even allow you to fly with a professional depending on the deal one has opted for.

Motocross at Bali

A dirt bike takes one to places where all other means of transport may fail. This is what motocross is all about. It lets you penetrate deep into the forests of Bali encompassing rivers, villages, hills etc and gives an amazing off road biking experience. If exploring real Bali is on your agenda, motocross is just the right thing for you to spice up your travel itinerary.

Climbing Mount Batur

After all the excitement and adventure a trek to this beautiful mountain will give you the visual satisfaction of a lifetime. The rising Sun, as seen from the summit of an active volcano is worth taking this arduous trek at the crack of dawn. The return journey involves visiting the tropical coffee plantations.