Astro View Traveller

Singapore Jurong Bird Park

2010-12-08T16:58:00.001+07:00

Jurong Bird Park is a 20.2 hectare open-concept park. It is the largest in the Asia Pacific and one of the finest bird parks in the world.

Jurong Bird Park, collection of more than 8,000 birds from 600 species, offers visitors an experience that is entertaining as well as educational. The whole family can enjoy the entertaining Birds n Buddies Show and be enthralled by the birds of prey in the King of the Skies show and in the Fuji World of Hawks. The bird shows at the Pools Amphitheatre featuring flamingoes, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos are both spectacular and funny, and recommended particularly for children. To watch magnificent birds of prey in action, catch the 'Fuji World of Hawks' show!

The Penguin Parade enclosure, in a re-created Antarctic setting, houses more than 200 penguins of five species. Within the Penguin Parade enclosure, there are some 50 other sea-birds such as the inca terns and puffins. Another highlight is the colorful Hornbills and Toucans exhibit, the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills.

The Southeast Asian Birds Aviary houses in its 24 individual aviaries and a main walk-in aviary, more than 100 species of birds from the equatorial jungles of Southeast Asia. The birds' natural equatorial habitat is re-created within this exhibit, including simulated tropical thunderstorms everyday at noon.

One of the newly opened areas of the park is the African Waterfall Aviary, home to more than 1,500 free-flying African birds. This is an enclosed sexton of the park with many small tropical birds and a beautiful man-made waterfall.

The Lory Loft showcases the Lory, a native bird of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Visitors can enter, traverse and exit Lory Loft at treetop level, allowing for a bird eye’s view of the majestic panorama. From beginning to end, the Lory Loft provides visitors with a 360 degrees elevated view of the environs.

Jurong Bird Park presents “The Early Bird Breakfast Show”, featuring a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of its prized birds, which includes Big John, a 45-year-old Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Merlin-the Yellow-Naped Amazon, Eclectus Parrots and more. Visitors will get the chance to mingle with these birds while having breakfast amidst the lush surroundings of the Jurong Bird Park. The programme takes place at the Bongo Burgers Terrace daily, with breakfast starting at 8.30am and the show beginning at 9.15am. For reservations, call (65) 6661 7856.

The Bird Discovery Centre, a living classroom is where visitors will be able to find the answers to their questions on birds as well as see the different stages of a bird’s life from an embryo to an egg, come up close to the now-extinct Elephant bird, specimens of birds’ anatomies, and many more. The Bird Discovery Centre is open to visitors from 8.30am to 6.00pm daily.

The Bird Park added yet another feather to its cap with the addition of The Riverine - a simulated natural freshwater river habitat featuring over 20 species of ducks, fishes and turtles.

The best way to start a tour of the Bird Park is to board the modern, air-conditioned panorail system. Its route covers the entire Park, providing excellent elevated views of the various exhibits. A walking tour is then suggested, using the Park's footpaths and map.

Open: 8:30 am - 6 pm (daily) (Last ticket sale at 5.30pm)

Admission: SGD 18 adults, SGD 12 children (3-12 years)

Admission ticket packages:

For admission to Singapore Zoological Gardens, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark. Tickets are valid for one month from date of issue. Visits to the three attractions need not be in one day.

Note: Operating hours for Singapore Zoo - 8.30am to 6.00pm daily (Last ticket sale at 5.30pm) and for Night Safari - 7.30pm to 12midnight daily (Last ticket sale at 11.00pm)

Approximate Touring Time: Half day

Panorail: Time: 8:30 am - 6 pm, SGD 5 adults, SGD 3 Children (under 12 years)

Show Times:

Birds of Prey Show: 10am & 4pm

“Birds n Buddies” show: 11am & 3pm

Egg-cellent Saver: In this package visitors to the Bird Park can enjoy admission into the Bird Park, round trip Panorail Ride and free Lory Loft Bird Feeding for SGD 23 for an adult and SGD 15 for a child.

Location: 2 Jurong Hill Singapore 628925

Tel: (65) 6265 0022

Fax: (65) 6261 1869

E-mail: info@birdpark.com.sg

Official Web sites : http://www.birdpark.com.sg/

Getting There: Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station (EW27), then take SBS bus 194 or 251.

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Singapore

2010-12-08T15:26:00.000+07:00

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are off Yuan Ching Road, and adjoin Jurong Bird Park. Situated on two islands in Jurong lake, the gardens are reached by an overpass and joined by the Bridge of Double Beauty.

Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The Chinese Garden dedicates most of its area to "northern style" landscape architecture, the style of Imperial gardens, integrating brightly colored buildings with the surroundings. While the Chinese garden is more visually stimulating, the Japanese Garden is intended to evoke feeling. Marble-chip paths let you hear your own footsteps and meditate on the sound.

The Garden's main features include the following:

Bridge - In the art of Chinese gardens, bridges play an important role; they are one of the most important structures and may denote the characteristics of various periods of civilizations. The 'Pai Hung Ch'iao' Bridge (the white rainbow, 13-Arch Bridge) at the Garden follows the style of the 17-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace in Peking.

Main Arch Building - As you cross the bridge, upon entering the garden, you are welcomed by this renowned and typical Chinese arch building. Its magnificent and grandiose form has made it very popular for picture-taking. Inside the main arch building, expect to find two courtyards, namely the "Early Spring Courtyard" and "Garden Courtyard". Also, there is a fishpond in the centre which is named the "Fishes Paradise".

Stone Boat and Tea House - A famous traditional feature of Chinese architecture is the Stone Boat structure. Its unique design and splendid architectural beauty is a fine art which has long been praised by people throughout the world. The style of 'Yao-Yueh Fang' (the Stone Boat) in the Chinese Garden is based on an adaptation of the Peking style design. The 'Ming Hsiang Hsieh' (Tea House) is a miniature structure following the style of the elaborate, winding gallery at the Summer Palace. This meandering design is a characteristic and graceful Chinese architectural feature.

Pagoda - In ancient times, the pagoda, originally a simple tower located beside a temple, was used for the keeping of human bones by Buddhists. Later, with improvements in architectural skills, incorporated with the traditional art of building, the pagoda was developed into a structure of striking architectural beauty. The 'Ru Yun Ta' (7-storey pagoda) is situated on a small hill in the Chinese Garden. Its typical pagoda design follows the style of Ling Ku Temple Pagoda at Nanking.

Pavilion, Plateau, Tower - The Chinese Pavilion, Plateau and Tower represent the soul of the Chinese gardening art. The artistic features, typical of Chinese architecture have long been appreciated by man. The arrangement of these structures is very important and one of the essential rules of the structural arrangement is that the position of each structure must be balanced by its height and size. Further, the building must be linked with plants, rocks, a winding stream and footpaths so as to create a poetical scene. The design of the four (4) pavilions at the Chinese Garden is based on the style of Northern Chinese Pavilions, and decorated to blend harmoniously with the Garden.

Bonsai Garden - Opened in June 1992, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an estimated SGD 3.8 million to build. This 5,800 sq metres garden with Suzhou-style buildings (incorporating a main hall of 50 sq metres) and landscape houses a collection of some 1,000 bonsais imported mostly from China. This world-class Bonsai Garden has since taken on a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an estimate of another SGD 500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a wonder that must be seen to be believed. A Bonsai Training Centre will also be launched where resident Bonsai experts from Shanghai and Suzhou (China)will teach on how to prune and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the beauty of this unique artistry.

Garden of Abundance - You will find 100-year-old pomegranate trees from Shantung, China, planted alongside sculptures of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. This creative concept of planting materials, with meanings of longevity, abundance and fulfilment, is designed according to Chinese tradition and folk culture.

Open:

Main Garden : 6am - 11pm (daily)

Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Admission: Admission to main garden free. Admission charges to Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children (3 - 12 years), SGD 1 senior citizens (55 years and above)

Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour

Location: 1 Chinese Garden Singapore 619795

Tel: (65) 6261 3632

Fax: (65) 6261 1390

Getting There: The gardens are a 5-minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).

Visit Little India, Singapore

2010-12-08T14:36:00.002+07:00

Little India is one of Singapore's most colorful districts spreading out along Serangoon Rd, populated by the descendants of the Indians who arrived in Singapore in the mid 1800’s.

The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. It is a place where you can get your future told by a parrot while sipping a teh tarik. (The parrot pecks out the cards and the teh is a hand pulled cup of tea). North from Fort Canning Park you soon enter Little India, whose main drag - Serangoon Road - is around fifteen minutes' walk from Raffles Hotel. Ten minutes southeast from Little India, Singapore's traditional Arab Quarter squats at the intersection of North Bridge Road and Arab Street.

Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Hundreds of Indians assemble on Serangoon Road on Saturdays to share the news received from 'home'. The crush has become so dense that the police create temporary passages through the crowds to let pedestrians and shoppers through. During Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers.

In Little India, spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewelry, jasmine garlands and silk saris. In flower shops, watch garland makers creating beautiful flower leis or have your hands painted in traditional henna designs. From the large Tekka Centre (also called the Zhujiao Centre) to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover.

Don't miss the Little India Cultural Corner (next to the food court in the Little India Arcade) which transports you back in time through an archival display. There's also a striking display of traditional Indian items and story signs which brings to life the rich symbolism and use of these items.

Abdul Gaffoor Mosque is one of Little India’s main attractions, as it welcomes visitors to come and see it. The best temples are Veeramakaliammam, Sri Srinivasa Perumal and the glitzy Temple of 1000 Lights.

Follow your nose to excellent restaurants in Little India serving North and South Indian cuisine. For the more adventurous, eat a South Indian rice meal with your fingers off a banana leaf at The Banana Leaf Apolo Restaurant or Muthu's Curry Restaurant along Race Course Road.

For more information on Little India and the Indian community in Singapore, visit the Little India website at http://www.littleindia.com.sg/

Getting There: From Orchard Road, take SBS bus 64, 65, or 111 to Serangoon Road.

Uniquely Singapore

2010-12-08T14:21:00.000+07:00

Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and color where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

A single day's trails will take you from the past to the future, from a colorful ethnic enclave to an efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.

Start your day with a unique breakfast in a long house set amidst lush vegetation and forest trees with Singapore's very own to keep you company. Then...

Take a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, Muslim mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church -all in one neighborhood...

Return to the present by strolling along the streets of Orchard Road, where local teens parade the latest fashion trends and pick up entertaining local catch phrases.

A simple meal is made memorable when drifting along the Singapore River on a traditional bumboat. Step off the boat and...

Indulge in Singapore's favorite pastime - shopping. From fascinating antiques to luxury labels. The latest gadgets to ethnic crafts, you'll find them all. You can even shop for basement bargains in the heart of Little India at four in the morning!

When you are done with shopping, retreat into the peaceful sanctuary of one of our acclaimed spas just a stone's throw away from the best business facilities in the world...

If thrills and spills are more your speed, then get catapulted 60 meters into the air on a reverse buggy ride. More laughter and fun is in store if you board an amphibious "duck" to explore the city, in the company of its wacky guides.

Don't be late for the show - give yourself at least an hour to enjoy a customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step into a world-class venue to catch a Broadway musical.

Singapore is truly a city like no other, a world of possibilities. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening every day, your stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do. Come and enjoy countless fascinating experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Singapore.

20 Unique Things to do in Singapore

2010-12-08T11:53:00.003+07:00

Need some new ideas as you plan your itinerary to Singapore? Surprise yourself with these new activities and places to go.

Savour seafood Singapore-style, including the spicy Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crayfish and Butter Prawns for an unforgettable, lip-smacking meal.
Check out the unique hotels in Singapore, from the hip Gallery Hotel with its distinctive postmodern decor to Hotel 1929, a boutique hotel in Chinatown known for its funky interiors and vintage chairs.
Pamper yourself at the one of Asia's biggest outdoor spas, Spa Botanics and indulge yourself to a massage in a lush garden setting.
Try your hand at porcelain painting and create your own Chinese masterpieces at Ming Village.
Tee off at night, under the flood-lit fairways at Jurong Country Club or Orchid Country Club.
Hitch a wild ride on the amphibious half-boat, half-truck craft on a Duck tour and splash into the harbor after a city tour.
Snap a picture with one of Singapore's most photographed personalities, the doorman at Raffles Hotel.
Restore your yin and yang, or brave some of more exotic delicacies at the Imperial Herbal Kitchen, including deep fried scorpions and ants.
Party till the wee hours of the morning at Singapore's premier clubbing zone, Mohamed Sultan Road.
Get face to face with cheetahs in their enclosure on a special zoo tour. Or board a buggy for a personally-guided tour of what goes on behind the scenes at the Singapore Zoological Gardens!
Swim with the pink dolphins at Sentosa and experience the thrill of being a dolphin trainer for a day.
Dive with the Sharks at the Underwater World and meet a world of sea creatures including the rare dugong, or sea cow. Even non-certified divers can take part on this fun-filled activity!
Discover life in Singapore during the turbulent World War II years. Visit Changi Chapel and Museum, Johore Battery, Reflections at Bukit Chandu and Fort Siloso on Sentosa.
Learn how to be a falconer and handle birds of prey at the Jurong BirdPark. Or have a hearty breakfast beside a flock of pink flamingos!
Catch a glimpse of the elusive Malayan Water Monitor lizard, which can grow up to 2metres, at the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve.
Enjoy the highest high tea in Singapore at the Equinox on the 69th story of Swissotel The Stamford and be rewarded with breathtaking views as you tuck in.
Sample the fiery fish-head curry served with rice on a banana leaf and have a feast the traditional way - with your hands!
Indulge in retail therapy on Orchard Road, Singapore's favorite shopping street, and pick up everything from premium apparel brands and Southeast Asian antiques to the latest electronics and kitschy souvenirs!
Visit the world's largest fountain at Suntec and discover how you can benefit from fengshui, the ancient art of geometric, which is integrated into its design.
Go shopping at 4am at Singapore's 24-hour mall, the popular Mustafa Centre and choose from over 120,000 products!

Bondi Beach, Sydney

2010-03-19T19:20:00.007+07:00

This one kilometer stretch of golden sand loved by all of Sydney is undeniably one of the country’s most famous beaches. The first thing that strikes you as you wind down the busy main road that connects Bondi Beach to the Eastern suburbs of Australia’s biggest city, is the improbability of seeing such a postcard perfect beach, literally fifteen minutes away from the downtown of Sydney, and surrounded by densely populated suburbia.

The name “Bondi” is an aboriginal word that means water breaking over rocks, and I guess it is the unique rock formations, found at either end of the beach that inspired the name. Like most of Sydney’s beaches, Bondi is a surf beach, and for those entering the water sans surfboard, dont even think about swimming outside of the flagged areas, where trained life guards keep an eagle eye on all those in the water. In fact Bondi Beach is where the original Surf Life Saving Club was founded, way back in 1907, and much of the life saving equipment in use on beaches all over the world was invented right here on Bondi Beach.

Clear water and white sand aside, Bondi is much more than just a beach. The thriving cafe scene, multitude of restaurants, hip bars, and regular calender of events and festivals, all combine to make Bondi Beach a cosmopolitan melting-pot not to be missed by anyone visiting Sydney. One of the most popular events to visit Bondi is the annual City to Surf Fun Run, held on the second Sunday of every August. This 14km Sydney race attracts over 60,000 entrants every year, from all over the world. If, like me, you’re more of a spectator than a competitor, don’t miss the Festival Of The Winds, Australia’s largest kite festival, held every September. Easily enjoyed with a glass of cold beer from the balcony of the famous Bondi Hotel.

By: Bryan

Singapore Mooncakes

2010-03-19T11:52:00.005+07:00

On this most recent visa-centered expedition, Singapore was Mooncake Central time. For the Chinese, the mooncake commemorates the mid-Autumn moon-slash-fertility festival and in Singapore you couldn’t turn around for the mooncake stalls. You can resist one mooncake, but mooncakes at every turn are hard to ignore, particularly when there’s a three-meter tall inflatable mooncake rotating on a stage in the middle of Bugis Village. I caved and bought three for a Singaporean dollar.

The general gist of mooncakes is that the best ones have egg yolks in them. This doesn’t mean they’re made with extra eggs for added richness or flavor, but that they have solid egg yolks in the middle which symbolize the moon. I don’t like egg surprises in my cakes, particularly of the salty duck variety, so I stick to the bog standard mooncake, which is lotus seed paste surrounded by a thin pastry casing.

The intended method of eating involves slicing the mooncake into little wedges and sharing it with loved ones and eating with Chinese tea. I can speak from personal experience that, should you not have any loved ones close by at the time, cramming a mooncake into your mouth on the way to the airport doesn’t seem to negatively affect its flavor. Extra trivia: many mooncakes are emblazoned with the Chinese symbol for fertility, so be wary of your mum trying to force feed them to you.

China Town in Kuala Lumpur (KL)

2010-03-19T11:22:00.009+07:00

For the amount of times I’ve been to Kuala Lumpur my insider food knowledge is embarrassingly limited. Being predisposed to hanging around malls and hotels, most of my eating experience is gathered from food halls and complimentary breakfasts. Which, I guess, still qualifies me to let you down gently if you had planned a stay in the capital that involved having bacon served to you at any time, since non-halal meats aren’t permissible by Muslim law. Turkey ‘bacon’, beef sausages and other heinous food items are offered as substitutes but if you’re anything like me, the mere existence of such things is insulting.

The eatery I hit up first was exactly opposite the bus terminal, on the same side as the fancy Jalan Petaling gate. There’s a 24-hour McDonald’s a few doors down from it and a 7-Eleven next door and you should eschew both in favour of some Nasi Kandar (a dish of steamed rice, curry and some sides). This particular Nasi Kandar involved fried chicken and fresh roti canai and came in at RM 6. I don’t think I was ripped off and I was completely stuffed for 12 hours. Actually, the best meals I’ve had in Malaysia have been Indian-derived.

Also eaten in KL: boiled Cantonese-style chicken and duck from a street vendor (RM 6); Indomie Goreng instant noodles from the supermarket (less than RM 1); a few cups of kopi – condensed milk coffee (RM 1 each); Ribena juice and some pastries from a bakery in KL Sentral.

By: Raebecca

A Quick Walk Through History In Kuala Lumpur

2009-11-18T16:37:00.013+07:00

Since 31 August, Malaysia celebrated Independence Day. In the 52 years since the young nation gained its freedom from British rule, it has seen tremendous changes, and on the eve of the country's greatest national celebrations, there is no better way of understanding the recent history of the nation than to walk around Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city and visit three places: Masjid Jamek, the Merdeka Square, and the Petronas Twin Towers.

The Beginning of a City

To start from the beginning, there is no better place to go in Kuala Lumpur than Masjid Jamek, the city's oldest mosque, built in 1909 on a little jut of land where the rivers Gombak and Kelang meet. On Fridays, when the call to prayer sounds out, the mosque becomes packed with worshippers, who often overflow into the street and to the buildings nearly. A short walk around to the back of the mosque however, and a visitor will find a grassy field running beside the river, overlooked by towering skyscrapers and startling quiet after the roars of the street. Though it seems wildly improbable, it was here on the banks of the river that the story of Kuala Lumpur, and the Malaysian nation, began.

If visitors has seen the site barely a century and a half ago, they would have seen a hugely different scene. The site on which the Masjid Jamek now sits was once was the heart of a shantytown, muddy, sprawling and haphazard. The town had been founded by a group 87 Chinese prospectors. It was that first group who first built a collection of huts on the site, and who named the area Kuala Lumpur, or muddy estuary in Malay. Unfortunately, all but 17 of the prospectors died of malaria before a month was out, but other men soon arrived, all of them Chinese peasants, who had risked the journey from China hoping to make their fortunes in the newly opened tin mines. The miners kept the name bequeathed by those first explorers and added to that first collection of huts, building it first into a village, then a shantytown.

It might never have been anything more it the British had not decided to chose Kuala Lumpur as the site for their new administrative capital. In so doing, they began a long period of colonial rule, which would alter the face of the country. Long after the British had left, the consequences of their rule are still felt today. Though most Malaysians are now two generations away from having known personally what British rule was like, memories of that time are still strong, and there is no more concrete reminder of that time than can be found in the area now known as Merdeka Square.

The Heart of Colonial Rule

The most famous building in Merdeka Square is the graceful Moorish-style structure now known as the Sultan Abdul Samad building. At the time of its founding, it was known as the Colonial Secretariat, and was home to the governing body which oversaw the administration of the British colony. The building’s most famous feature is the clock tower in the middle, the designer’s tribute to London’s Big Ben. Until the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers, the Colonial Secretariat (which was renamed after Independence) was the most famous landmark of Malaysia. Despite the building’s prominence and strategic importance however, in most people’s minds today there is no greater symbol of the British colonial period than the Royal Selangor Club directly across the road.

If the Sultan Abdul Samad building represented the British administration, then the Royal Selangor Club stood for imperialism itself, for colonial society and its stratification of peoples into white and coloured, ruler and ruled. The Club is a white-and-black Tudor style hall, and looks authentic almost enough to make you say, ‘What ho, straight out of merry old England, old chap!’. This was a whites-only club where, less than fifty years ago, gentlemen whiled away the long afternoons playing cricket on the lawn, and ladies sat on the veranda complaining about the heat, while local boys in tattered shorts looked on from beyond the boundaries. Little wonder then that when the increasing calls for independence were finally answered, it was on the lawn of the Selangor Club that the populace gathered.

On 31 August 1957, as the clock tower in the Sultan Abdul Samad building struck 12:01 am, the Union Jack was lowered and a new flag was hoisted to take its place, to mark the birth of the new Malaysian nation. The ceremony underscored the most peaceful transition of power ever to take place in the British realm and today, the tallest flagpole in the world commemorates the very spot where that first national flag was raised. The area surrounding the Sultan Abdul Samad building and the Royal Selangor Club was given the name Dataran Merdeka, which means Independence Square, and since that time has been the site of the annual National Day celebrations.

The Modern Nation

Of course, since then Malaysia has moved on tremendously. In less than 40 years, the nation has made a breathtaking transformation from a sleepy colonial backwater into one of the most modern, forward-looking nations in the region. Today, a visitor wanting to explore the modern face of the country need only go to the Golden Triangle Area, K.L.'s leading business and commerce district. There, surrounded by all the frenzied hustle and bustle of a city on the go, a visitor can find the modern symbol of Malaysia, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Rising like sentinels above the surrounding buildings, the steel-and-glass Twin Towers stand a colossal 451.9 metres high and is. With its striking eight-pointed star floor plan, futuristic looks and prominent place in the city skyline, the Towers are now the most famous landmark in the country, and serve not only as the headquarters for one of the biggest companies in Malaysia, the petroleum giant Petronas, but also as a statement of Malaysia’s sky high ambitions for the coming years.

Today, the Twin Towers mark the unofficial heart of the city, where its residents gather for any major event. The biggest event of all is the annual Merdeka Day and New Year's Eve fireworks, when huge crowds converge on the park adjacent to the Towers and wait for the spectacle to begin. The Tower itself also plays a part in the celebrations: one year, paragliders jumped off the towers as part of the show; another year, parachutists.

The gleaming Twin Towers, with its modern steel and glass design, couldn’t be more different from the studied classical grace of Merdeka Square. For all their differences however, they are both significant for being essentially snapshots of the country, each separated by the span of 48 years and marking the dramatic changes that have taken over the country in the intervening years. Malaysia past and Malaysia present; who knows what Malaysia future will look like?

Adelaide – The City Of Surprises, Australia

2009-10-27T18:08:00.009+07:00

I fell in love with Adelaide long before we got acquainted. There is always this aura of adventure and excitement waiting to be discovered by the very mention of its name.

Adelaide – The Green City

As a city that was never settled by convicts, I discovered that indeed it was dreams of wealth and adventure that drove Europeans to settle at this Kaurna tribe’s territory in the South Australia region. So much so that it resulted in its inception in 1836 by Colonel William Light, who named it after the wife of King William the IV and planned much of the township to be open and well organized, with the River Torrens running through it and extensive parklands complementing it, making this, the capital of South Australia, a vibrant and fascinating city to live in, what more, as a place to visit! Together with the river, the sea and the surrounding hills, Adelaide weaves magic upon its denizens implying opportunities for adventure, as the city folks revel in its wide green expanse almost every day.

A Shopping Paradise

Arguably, this city has everything for everyone, be they shoppers, art lovers, food lovers, adventurers and even lovers of alcohol! This is the place where one can find Rundle Street and its host of restaurants (more restaurants per head than any other Aussie city or so I’ve heard), Hindley Street’s excellent range of clubs and even more terrific nightlife, and also Adelaide’s mega-scale shopping mall to overshadow all malls in the southern hemisphere: The Rundle Mall! Its 800 shops, rows of buildings and various individual shopping arcades is a regular venue for fashion shows and outdoor events all year-round, further colored by its many street entertainers and bustling crowds of shoppers gracing it on an almost everyday basis.

Cultural Adventure in the City

Also worth mentioning for all you music and art lovers out there are the city’s bi-annual Fringe Festival and its larger rival, the Adelaide Festival of Arts, held during the autumn of every “even-numbered” year. The next one is slated to be staged in February and March 2010, respectively. This frenzy of shows include opera, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music showcases, cabaret, new media events, “Adelaide Writer’s Week” (touted as the largest literary festival in the world), visual arts entertainment and so much more! There are also The South Australia Museum, the Central Market and the Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute to whet the appetites of cultural aficionados who happen to visit Adelaide at any time of the year.

Fine Wine, Life So Fine

And without forgetting all you connoisseurs of fine liquor, do you know that Adelaide’s wine industry supplies 70 percent of Australia’s wine export? Yes, apart from the vineyards of Barossa Valley, this city is also home to the country’s notable and most popular GRANGE wine label, grown and produced in the Penfold Magills Estates. It is a testament to Adelaide’s fine wine making skills handed down through generations, a heritage of German immigrants arriving here in the early 1800s. There are even two local specialties that have since become the pride of Adelaide. The former is a “Pie Floater” (pea soup with meat patty floating in it) and the latter a beverage called “Two Dogs Lemonade”, the world’s first alcoholic lemonade.

Personally, I couldn’t get enough of Adelaide in one visit alone. If you want to sample the entire South Australia region in one visit, I suggest you go to its capital first. Its an experience you won’t soon forget. Nice!

Book Adelaide Hotels here

Exotic Treasures From Kelantan, Malaysia

2009-10-26T15:17:00.006+07:00

Kelantan has always been renowned for its cottage industries which have become an important part of the state’s economic activity. This thriving industry has produced some of the country’s’ finest and highest quality of intricate silverware, exquisite batik and songket designs, magnificent kites and wonderfully crafted wooden carvings. These exotic treasures are most famous for its superb workmanship, intricacy and details in its design elements as well as its superior craftsmanship.

Silverware

Kelantan’s cottage industries are mostly found in the outskirts of the city. The most famous silvercraft factories in the state are located at Kampung Sireh along Jalan Sultanah Zainab, Kampung Badang and Kampung Marak on the road towards Pantai Cahaya Bulan. A visit to the silvercraft factory gives visitors a closer look at how these beautiful silver masterpieces are designed and made for sale. The factories are normally open to visitors from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm daily except on Fridays.

Songket Weaving

Just four kilometres away from the city is the famous songket weaving factory in Kampung Penambang. Back in the days, this fine material was only reserved for royalty and is considered a legacy for the proud people of Kelantan. Today, the songket is widely used for weddings, ceremonial occasions and other traditional functions. The silk material woven with beautiful patterns using gold and silver threads originated from Thailand while the gold and silver threads are imported from India.

Batik

Kelantan produces some of the most loveliest and colourful batik materials in the country. Kampung Putih, Kampung Badan and Kubor Kuda are some of the larger batik factories where visitors can get an insight into the whole batik printing process. Batik was once printed on cotton sarongs using stamp blocks. However, batik printings have since evolved and now incorporate a much easier and sophisticated method of printing the bright and colourful textile. To get a clearer picture of how these silky, soft materials are produced, the factories are open for visitors daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm except on Fridays.

Handicraft Village and Craft Museum

The Handicraft Village and Craft Museum also know as ‘Balai Getam Guri’ is located in the state’s capital, showcases the various display of Kelantan’s finest arts and crafts produced by its cottage industries. Wide selections of handicrafts are exhibited here such as batik, songket, silverware, wooden handicrafts and wau. These items are also available for sale at the museum. Visitors get to learn more about these beautiful treasures produced by Kelantan’s finest craftsman while delving into the history, origins and process of making each of the items. Demonstrations on the traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silverware carving and wood carving are also being carried out by the skilled craftsman for the public’s viewing. The museum is open daily to visitors except on Fridays from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

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Orchard Road, Singapore

2009-09-18T10:28:00.011+07:00

Paris has its Champs Elysee, the world famous boulevard where both locals and visitors take part in the fashionable promenade, alongside exclusive boutiques, high priced sidewalk cafes and some of the most elegant, refined and sought after members of the European elite.

On the other part of the world, Singapore has its own Orchard Road — and while it might not have the cool sophistication of its Parisian counterpart, it does beat the French avenue hands down in one area; shopping.

The best way to appreciate this is to stand on the corner of the intersection of Orchard Road, Scott Road and Paterson Road and look down the length of Orchard Road. You’ll immediately notice the resemblance to the Champs Elysee; with pavements and broad pedestrian ways, sheltered by great tropical trees, beneath which stroll the fashionably dressed, the elegantly sophisticated and the gawking curious. There is one major difference however; where the Champs-Elysee is lined by the elegant façade of 18th century buildings, discreetly housing the most prestigious boutiques and restaurants in the city, Orchard Road is flanked for as far as the eye can see by the hugely varied bulk of shopping malls, more shopping malls and still more shopping malls. There is a statistic floating around that Orchard Road has the highest concentration of shopping malls per square kilometre of any city on earth — and gazing down that impressive stretch, there’s no reason to doubt it!

Orchard Road of the Past
The trendy boulevard of today has come a long way from its dusty, country road roots. Unlike many roads in Singapore, Orchard Road was not named after any particular person, but was instead named after the many nutmeg plantations, pepper farms and fruit orchards that used to line the street in the 1830s. It was a quiet area until the late 1960s, when a few enterprising Chinese businessmen saw the potential and turned it into a major business district. Over time, the area has developed, until it has become the behemoth of shopping it is today. Little sign of its past remains, though the names of plantation owners like Oxley, Carnie (Cairnhill) and Cuppage are immortalized in the street names of the area.

A walk down Orchard Road is one of those ‘must-do’ activities for visitors coming to Singapore, and there’s plenty to see and do. Technically, the Orchard Road district begins at the Ming Hotel on Tanglin Road and finishes at the circle at Cathay. Most people however prefer to mark their walk down the road by the shopping mall they pass along its length! There's certainly plenty of those, so lets start at the beginning...

A Slow Stroll Down The Boulevard...
If you’re particularly wealthy, you can start your promenade at the Tanglin Shopping Centre at the very head of Orchard Road, which offers plenty of shops dealing in antiques, souvenirs, exquisite Persian, Pakistani, and Afghanistan carpets and discreet tailors. Further down the road, there is the Palais Renaissance. This marble edifice, as its posh name suggests, is distinctly upmarket, and offers a superb range of prestigious, exclusive boutiques that carry top-notch international designer labels. Incidentally, just behind the Palais is the Royal Thai Embassy, the last remaining embassy in the Orchard Road area after all other governments fled from the sky-rocketing property prices.

For the less well-heeled people however, the most commonly walked stretch of Orchard Road starts from the Scotts/Paterson Road intersection and heads down Orchard Road until just a little before the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, a good two kilometres away. Right on the corner of the Scotts Road intersection is Shaw House. Like many shopping malls, it is better known for the major international company which serves as an anchor store, which in this case is Isetan. Popular for the Japanese bookstore chain Kinokuniya, it’s a major youth hangout thanks to the internet cafes and the Lido cinema on the upper level (which brings echoes of the Champs Elysee).

Opposite the road and accessible via an underground passageway is Tang’s, emporium of the influential Tang family and one of the first shopping malls to be built on Orchard Road, back when it was still barely more than a quiet country street in 1932. The shopping centre has been catering for every need since then, and is still going strong today. Above the Tangs emporium is Marriot Hotel, just one of many hotels dotted along the length of the road.

Further down the road (and sharing the corners of the Bideford Road intersection with Ngee Ann City, Mandarin Hotel and the Crown Prince Hotel) is the Paragon, a low glassy architectural puzzle which offers more high-class boutiques. Incidentally, if you’re having trouble finding taxis along Orchard Road (and you probably will), the taxi stand on Bideford Road just next to Paragon almost always sports a taxi or two.

Opposite Paragon is the Ngee Ann City shopping mall, offering the giant Japanese anchor chain Takashimaya, which won the Tourism award for Best Shopping Experience. This shopping mall is best known for having better architecture than the majority of the malls along the road, a remarkably well stocked and popular food court. It is also popular because once you’ve entered, you can descent to the lower levels and continue moving underground in an air conditioned comfort to the adjacent shopping mall, Wisma Atria.

The underground complex offers a passage to the Lucky Plaza shopping centre on the other side of the road, so you can avoid the hassle of waiting at the traffic lights to cross the road. Lucky Plaza offers a little bit of everything and apparently appeals especially to teenagers, if you’re interested. Behind Lucky Plaza is Mount Elizabeth Hospital, one of the most advanced institutions in the Asian region. Though definitely not a tourist attraction, it is a popular destination for international visitors looking for medical treatment, and is even reportedly equipped with luxury suites, complete with gold toilets and taps, for when royalty from a certain oil-rich sultanate visit.

The underground complex also offers direct access the Orchard Road MRT station, just beyond the beautiful marine aquarium, which has become a landmark. The city’s ubiquitous public transport network is fast, cheap and reliable. The MRT is a great way to travel if you’d rather avoid the muggy heat outside, but it does mean missing out on fascinating human scenery you’d see above-ground.

An eyeful of scenery
One of the best thing about walking along the boulevard is the opportunity to see and be seen. Orchard Road is prime posing ground for the city’s young and well heeled, where many yuppies come to display their wealth and status, bought from expensive perfume counters and exclusive boutiques along the avenue. Orchard Road is where the beautiful and the sophisticated come to show off and if it’s an eyeful of Singaporean beauty you want, then there’s no better way to get it than a stroll down the pedestrian walks on a not-too-hot Saturday afternoon.

There are also plenty of international visitors to look at. The Singapore Tourism Board has been trying to promote Orchard Road as a tourist centre, and it has been fairly successful, at least in drawing tourist shoppers — the boulevard is often packed with visitors from Europe and the States doing their best to empty their wallets before boarding the plane home. In recent years, the Middle Easterners have joined the stream of international buyers, and it’s no longer uncommon to see the women, still clad in black djabellas, tramping around with armload of shopping bags.

Moving Along...
The trendiest and most expensive shopping centres are congregated around the Scotts Road intersection up to about the Bideford Road intersection. Moving further down the road, the shopping malls become distinctly less pricey and sophisticated. The transition occurs right about the point where the nearest MRT station becomes not Orchard Road, but either Somerset or Dhoby Ghaut. Still, that doesn’t mean you should abandon the promenade, as there’s still a couple of interesting destinations further on.

Beyond the Bideford intersection and a little way down is Peranakan Place (pictured above), a short stretch of shop houses preserved from the 1920’s and restored to a glorious new life as a tourist destination for those who wants a taste of Singaporean history, without actually leaving the commercial delights of Orchard Road. Just next to Peranakan place is the one-stop shopping mall Centrepoint. Housing the tourism-award winning (Best Retail Outlet) anchor chain Robinson & Co, this mall is a popular provider of everyday goods, and a favoured destination for shoppers who wants to say they bought their goods from Orchard Road, without paying Orchard Road prices. Across the road (again, via an underground passage) is the Somerset MRT station located just behind the Specialist’s Shopping Centre.

Moving further along is Le Meridien Singapore Shopping Centre, topped by the Meridien Hotel. Opposite the shopping centre is the Penang Road Park, which offers a touch of peaceful greenery amidst all the concrete and commercialism. A little further down is the Istana Park, complete with a pond, while further still is the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, opposite a row of international fast food restaurants.

It is at about Dhoby Ghaut that Orchard Road finally peters out, changing its name to Bras Basah Road (which, if you’re interested to know, means Wet Rice).From this point onwards, the road becomes more and more business-like and practical, leaving its glitzy sophisticated malls behind for office buildings, museums and other less trendy attractions.

When To Visit?
Orchard Road is a grand place to visit at any time of the year, but a particularly good time is during the Great Singapore Sale, held for six weeks from May to July. During these crazy periods, every shopping mall competes in slashing their prices. The bargains are plentiful, with many designer goods going for anything from 50% to 70% off. As you can imagine this a crowded and frenzied time! Other good times to visit are during festivals like Christmas, the trees lining the avenue are festooned with lights, making a night time promenade particularly delightful. During Chinese New Year, dragon dances are held along Orchard Road and once a year, the Chingay Parade makes its way down the boulevard, showing off all aspects of Singapore’s culture in a pageantry of floats, marching bands and dancing dragons and lions. If you miss any of these occasions however, never fear — there’s always something to do or buy to console yourself in the many malls of Orchard Road!

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The Beaches of Phuket

2009-09-18T08:47:00.009+07:00

It’s hard to think of Phuket without thinking of beautiful golden beaches. In fact, it’s practically impossible and there’s not much point in trying, as beautiful beaches are one of Phuket’s greatest attractions, drawing almost 1 million visitors a year and after a recent trip to the island with some friends, it’s not hard to understand why.

The first thing we did after settling in at Phuket was to head to the beach. There are over a dozen good beaches in Phuket, but there is no beach more famous and more popular than Patong beach, where we first headed. For most visitors it’s where all the best nightlife, sunbathing and people watching take place and the sole reason to visit Phuket in the first place. From experience, I can say there’s definitely worse ways to spend a vacation then getting a manicure and foot massage right on the beach while checking out the people action around you! The beach’s proximity to Phuket Town is also great, what with all the great shopping and entertainment it offered. Phuket Town itself has some great nightlife and no, I’m not referring to the seedier kind, which was definitely on offer in Bangla Road, but to some fantastic live music spots like Rock City or Saxophone (no prizes for guessing what kind of music was available at each place). There are also plenty of restaurants to try out - though I did feel a bit sheepish munching on pizza and steak when I was there, which in my opinion has one of the best cuisines in the world! Fortunately, I redeemed myself with far too much sampling at the various stalls around the town.

After a couple days of souvenir hunting in Phuket Town and spending far too much, we started looking for a spot somewhat more ‘deserted island paradise’ in feel, more peace and quiet and less reggae and string bikinis. Fortunately, there are plenty of beaches on Phuket just outside of Phuket Town which suit a slower pace and style and Kamala Beach, about 15 minutes north of Patong, is a good example. I’ll skip all the usual ‘golden sands, crystal blue waters’ descriptive bit about the beach because that basically applies to all beaches in Phuket. What’s different about Kamala beach is its low-key tone: there are much fewer crowds, some restaurants on the nearby Beach Road and not much else. There kind of accommodations nearby are also a hint: rather than the backpacker hostels near Patong, Kamala beach is strewn instead with up-market places like the Kamala Beach Hotel & Resort, which appeals more to the well-heeled set.

Like many beaches in Phuket, Kamala had been hit hard by the tsunami in 2005, but by now there was almost no evidence of it except for a memorial monument on the beach itself. There was also a rather sobering board with pictures of the tsunami aftermath at the Kamala Wat at the end of the beach, but during our entire stay in Phuket, we saw almost no sign of the ravages done by the waves and the locals we spoke to were relieved and grateful for the tourists, who were steadily returning to Phuket again.

At the recommendation of a local we’d asked to suggest another good quiet spot like Kamala, we headed for Surin beach, another 10 minutes or so north, and were glad we did. Unlike most of Phuket, this area is relatively undeveloped, with far fewer commercial businesses and more village houses visible when we visited. This is a beach where your closest deckchair neighbour might be a football field away, where you’re more likely to find retirees and long-term visitors than backpackers. Definitely a ‘rest and relaxation’ kind of place!

Word has it that Surin is what’s called an ‘up-and-coming destination’ but for the couple days we stayed, there were only a handful of people enjoying the sun on the beach with us. This might have been because the handful of hotels here, like the Twinpalms Hotel, were in the five-star boutique hotel range, making Surin a rather select destination; or it might have been because we were staying towards the beginning of the monsoon season, when the stream of tourists usually lessens. Then again, there were more than a few surfers doing their thing on the strong waves on our last day, so who knows? We were just happy to have the beach practically to ourselves for a day.

By the end of our stay at Surin, we were hankering for some more noise and action again, so back it was to Phuket for a few more days of indulgence before jetting back home.

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St.Tropez, France

2009-08-19T16:30:00.007+07:00

The origins of ST-TROPEZ are unremarkable: a little fishing village that grew up around a port founded by the Greeks of Marseille, which was destroyed by the Saracens in 739 and finally fortified in the late Middle Ages. Its sole distinction from the myriad other fishing villages along this coast was its inaccessibility. Stuck out on the southern shores of the Golfe de St-Tropez, away from the main coastal routes on a wide peninsula that never warranted real roads, St-Tropez could only easily be reached by boat. This held true as late as the 1880s, when the novelist Guy de Maupassant sailed his yacht into the port during his final high-living binge before the onset of syphilitic insanity.

Soon after de Maupassant's fleeting visit, the painter and leader of the neo-Impressionists, Paul Signac, was sailing down the coast when bad weather forced him to moor in St-Tropez. He instantly decided to build a house there, to which he invited his friends. Matisse was one of the first to accept, with Bonnard, Marquet, Dufy, Dérain, Vlaminck, Seurat and Van Dongen following suit, and by the eve of World War I St-Tropez was pretty well established as a hangout for bohemians. The 1930s saw a new influx of artists, this time of writers as much as painters: Cocteau, Colette and Anaïs Nin, whose journal records "girls riding bare-breasted in the back of open cars". In 1956 Roger Vadim arrived to film Brigitte Bardot in Et Dieu Créa la Femme. The international cult of Tropezian sun, sex and celebrities took off – even the 1960s hippies who flocked to the revamped Mediterranean Mecca of liberation managed to look glamorous – and the resort has been big-money mainstream ever since.

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Bordeaux, France

2009-08-19T15:12:00.006+07:00

Bordeaux, France, an elegant western city 580 km southwest of Paris and near France's Atlantic coast, is the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region. More than that, Bordeaux has some of France's best 18th-century architecture and a major fine-arts museum. Go for an impressive walk along the river near the Quai de la Douane (Customs House Quay). The city is a walker's paradise, especially in the compact center, where the only transportation is an electric tram.

Long a bastion of conservatism, Bordeaux has loosened up considerably. The Gironde itself has been totally transformed, with an esplanade of shops and restaurants replacing old river warehouses. Downtown, visitors should be sure to traverse Rue Charlotte, a shopper's nirvana.

While you're in Bordeaux, visit some of the nearby wineries, many on the grounds of beautiful chateaus. (Calling to make an appointment is recommended, especially for the famous-name vineyards.) Most are open all day, except for a two-hour break around lunchtime. Note that they will be very busy around harvest time, August and September. The local tourist office publishes lists giving details of all the wineries and chateaus in the area.

Bordeaux is the fifth largest city in France. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest urban entity to be so honored.

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Riviera-Nice, France

2009-08-19T14:52:00.004+07:00

The capital of the Riviera and fifth largest city in France, NICE scarcely deserves its glittering reputation. Living off inflated property values and fat business accounts, its ruling class has hardly evolved from the eighteenth-century Russian and English aristocrats who first built their mansions here; today it's the rentiers and retired people of various nationalities whose dividends and pensions give the city its startlingly high ratio of per capita income to economic activity.

Their votes ensured the monopoly of municipal power held for decades by the right-wing dynasty, whose corruption was finally exposed in 1990 when mayor Jacques Médecin fled to Uruguay. He was finally extradited and jailed. Despite the disappearance of 400 million francs of taxpayers' money, public opinion remained in his favour. From his Grenoble prison cell, Médecin, who had twinned Nice with Cape Town at the height of South Africa's apartheid regime, backed the former National Front member and close friend of Jean-Marie Le Pen, Jacques Peyrat, in the 1995 local elections. Peyrat won with ease, and, re-elected in 2001, he has lately made no secret of his desire to have the new public prosecutor, Eric de Montgolfier – who made his reputation fighting white-collar crime and political corruption – removed from his post, before his investigations into the Riviera underworld put yet another city magistrate into prison.

Politics apart, Nice has other reasons to qualify it as one of the more dubious destinations on the Riviera: it's a pickpocket's paradise; the traffic is a nightmare; miniature poodles appear to be mandatory; phones are always vandalized; and the beach isn't even sand. And yet Nice still manages to be delightful. The sun and the sea and the laid-back, affable Niçois cover a multitude of sins. The medieval rabbit warren of the old town, the Italianate facades of modern Nice and the rich, exuberant, fin-de-siècle residences that made the city one of Europe's most fashionable winter retreats have all survived intact. It has also retained mementos from its ancient past, when the Romans ruled the region from here, and earlier still, when the Greeks founded the city. In addition, its bus and train connections make Nice by far the best base for visiting the rest of the Riviera. Book Nice Hotel Here

Paris, France

2009-08-19T14:24:00.005+07:00

Long considered the paragon of style, Paris is the most glamorous city in Europe. It is at once deeply traditional – a village-like metropolis whose inhabitants continue to be notorious for their hauteur – and famously cosmopolitan. While such contradictions and contrasts may be the reality of any city, they are the makings of Paris: consider the tiny lanes and alleyways of the Quartier Latin or Montmartre against the monumental vistas from the Louvre to La Défense; the multiplicity of street markets and old-fashioned pedestrian arcades against the giant underground commercial complexes of Montparnasse and Les Halles; or the aristocratic wealth of the grand quarters against the vibrant chaos of the poorer districts.

At times, Paris can feel inhumanly magnificent, the arrogance of its monuments encompassing the chilly pomp of the Panthéon, the industrial chic of the Eiffel Tower and the almost spiritual glasswork of the Louvre pyramid. Yet it also operates on a very human scale, with exquisite, secretive little nooks tucked away from the Grands Boulevards and very definite little communities revolving around games of boules and the local boulangerie and café. And even as Paris's culture is transformed by its large immigrant and gay populations, even as extravagant new buildings are commissioned and erected, many of the city's streets, cafés and restaurants remain remarkably, defiantly unchanged.

In the great local tradition of the flâneur, or thoughtful boulevard-stroller, Paris is a wonderful city for aimless wandering. Relaxed quarters such as the vibrant Marais, elegant St-Germain and romantic Montmartre are ideal for street-browsing, shopping and café-sitting, and the city's lack of open space is redeemed by beautiful formal gardens, by the pathways and pavements that run beside the River Seine, and by endless hidden or unexpected havens. And everywhere you go, historic landmark buildings and contemporary architectural wonders remind you of the city's pride and grandeur – and stop you getting lost.

There are over 150 art galleries and museums in the city – few of them duds – and an uncounted number of cafés, brasseries and restaurants lining every street and boulevard. The variety of style and decor is hard to beat, ranging from ultra-modern fashion temples to traditional, mirrored palaces, and from tiny bistrots where the emphasis is all on the cooking to bustling Vietnamese diners. After dark, the city's theatres and concert halls host inventive and world-leading productions of theatre and dance, while many classical concerts take place in fine architectural settings, particularly chapels and churches. Above all, Paris is a real cinema capital, and the city's vibrant cultural mix puts it at the forefront of the world music scene.

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The Amazing pool-river of Angkor Village Botanical Resort

2009-08-14T17:43:00.007+07:00

Hotels have been mush rooming from the beginning of this century in Siem Reap/ Angkor. Sadly architectural quality and the respect of the environment have hardly been on the agenda of builders. Nevertheless two hotels stand out.

Angkor Village Hotel and Angkor Village Resort.

The name "Angkor Village" was until now famous for its Boutique Hotel located near the old colonial market. A traditional village of wooden architecture style built like a maze, where visitors enjoyably loose their orientation. In addition, lotus ponds, lush vegetation, graceful decoration of antiques, local handicraft and high quality Cambodian cuisine has made Angkor Village since 1995, The place for those wishing to discover or rediscover or rediscover Khmer Authentic culture.

In order to meet the demand from increasing and demanding customers, the owners-architects have built on the outskirt of town but close to the Archaeological Park the new Angkor Village Resort.

Similar to Angkor Village Hotel, the Resort also users the traditional wooden architecture but on a more grandiose scale. Entering the main section of the building you find yourself surrounded by moats. This is not looking any more like traditional housing but rather like Angkorian Palaces with their huge pillars, sevral roofs faces, inner atriums, etc. There you will not only find the entrance hall but also the Indochinese cuisine restaurant "Le Jardin", the lounge bar, the business centre, etc.

Walking further, you will discover the huge botanical garden where on more than 200 meters an amazing pool river is winding through the garden. It constitutes the uniqueness of this resort in Indochina. Rooms are pleasantly distributed along the pool river, only a few meters separate the terrace of the rooms from the private beaches dotted along the water strip. Numerous tropical plants, small wooden bridges crossing the pool river, arbours and salas make it a unique place for strolling and resting in Siem Reap.

The complex also includes a "Spa Village" where you can enjoy traditional massages after a long exhausting day visiting the Angkor temples.

Of course besides their traditional graceful decor, the rooms offer all modern amenities such as: LCD TV, internet access, WIFI, etc.

Swan Valley Vineyards, Perth

2009-08-13T19:13:00.013+07:00

I found myselves in Perth for business rather than leisure, but tempted by the glorious weather that Perth enjoys almost all year round, I decided to stay the weekend and explore. some Aussie friends suggested I spend Saturday in the Swan Valley Vineyards sampling local wines and cuisine - sounded good to me!

Having similar scenery to more famous wine regions to the south such as Margaret River, but without the lengthy drive, the Swan Valley is just right for a day trip out of Perth. By car, it takes less than half an hour to get there. If you plan to taste lot of wine, there are alternative options to driving, including guided river cruises, which shuttle you from one waterfront vineyard to the next (A$75-A$175). You can also hire a driver for the day, or opt to cycle through the area if you're feeling motivated.

My friends offered to drive us to some of their favourite spots on the wine trail. I were greatful for the personalised tour, as the massive 32-kilometre loop is filled with a multitude of choices, including over 40 wineries, a chocolate factory, bed and breakfasts and cafes. There is a visitor's centre in the historic town of Guildford, where the region begins. Here you can pick up a self-guided tour map and get suggestions on what to visit. Luckily, it's hard to go wrong as every establishment has its own charm.

Suggested Stops:

There are several types of wineries in the area, from family run boutiques to large, well-known institutions. Even some of the biggest ones are still run by descendants of the original owners who came from Europe to Australia in the 1800s, so be prepared to imbibe some history with your wine.

I decided to visit a range of places, starting with Oakover Estate, a small operation with a laid-back, family-orientated atmosphere. After sampling some of the excellent Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay that the area is known for, I sat down to an alfresco lunch on the terrace. As I ate my delicious sage roated chicken and potatoes, I took in the beautiful surrounds. There were couples, families and groups of friends all enjoying each other's company amidst rolling vineyards. Oakover is informal enough for a casual gathering, but still manages to make you fel elegant. Another of this boutique genre is the Upper Teach Winery. We didn't have time to go there, but we were told it was outstanding.

I highly recommend the Sandalford Estate, which is much grander in scale. In fact, it's one of the Swan Valley's leading tourism facilities, offering extensive winery tours, wine-appreciation classes, outdoor concerts, and dining. Its vineyard is truly impressive and the grounds are immaculately kept, providing the perfect place for a romantic stroll in the sun. Unlike some of the smaller wineries, whose winers can be purchased only from the cellar door, Sandalford's three ranges of wine are available in stores, restaurants and hotels all over the world. This is a good place to visit if you're interested in learning a large wine outfit operates.

Another worthwhile stop, especially with kids, is Whiteman Park. This conservation area is home to a myriad of tree and plant species as well as native animals, such as kangaroos and reptiles that roam free in their natural habitat.

When you're had enough wine and wildlife for one day, I suggest making your way over to the Margaret River Chocolate Company, where you can watch chocolate being made, binge on free samples and purchase all sorts of goodies. This is a dangerous place for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Village for kids

2009-08-11T19:13:00.015+07:00

Phuket's a great option for a holiday or even a wekend, and if your're looking for a resort with a lovely beach to take the family to, why not give Club Med Phuket a whirl? Your kids will be well entertained and you'll be able to have a real break.

The hotel is situated in Kata Bay, in the southwestern part of the Island. It has 64 new deluxe rooms and nine suites in modern Thai Style with high pavillions and curved wooden roofs that perfectly complement the surroundings.

There is now even more fun for youngsters wuth the launch of the Village for Kids. Aimed at children aged between 2 and 11 years old, it sits alongside the exciting Club Med baby programme and Junior's Club Med, which is for 11-17 year olds. It is set aways from the main part of the resort, so that adults can enjoy peace and quite, and parents can relax knowing that their children are supervised at all times by a team of highly qualifed Club Med staff.

Something for everyone

The Village gives children a special place of their own, with the opportunity to try novel activities and make new friends. There is a playroom for each age category, equipped with age-appropriate toys and gadgets, creative games, DVDs and other activities.

A range of indoor activities, such as puppet theatre shows and gym programmes, will keep toddlers happy for hours. The new petit Club incorporates afternoon nap rooms. For slightly older children, Mini Club Med has outdoor swimming-pool as well as an outdoor playground and an indoor playroom. The pool is named by a Club Med lifeguard and friendly GOs (Gentle Organisers) are there to supervise and co-ordinate group activities and games.

The children's safety and security is of the highest priority and childproof gates have been installed with magnetic locks. Because of the danger of excessive sun exposure, a protective canvas shades both the toddlers' shallow swimming-pool and the the Mini club Med swimming-pool.

All-day refreshments

To help you live your holiday at your own pace - which includes choosing when and what you would like to eat and drink - Club Med has added an "all day bar and snacking" feature to its package. The snacks available include local food, fresh salads, fresh fruits platters, burgers, pizzas, chips and cakes. From the bar you can order solf drinks, hot drinks, branded spirits, wines, cocktails and local drink specialties. Sounds Good????

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Discovery Singapore!

2009-08-04T19:08:00.012+07:00

Singapore has a lof of attractions to offer to its visitors: from the numerous nature parks to the museumes and colonial reminders monuments and building, you may find for sure something for you.

Sentosa Island:

Sentosa is Singapore's premier island resort getaway with multi-faceted appeal, teeming with events all year round. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel and retreats. Sentosa Island, which is hugely popular with both locals and tourists alike, is Singapore's mega theme-park on an island. You can find some nice hotels in Sentosa idelly located close to beaches, golf courses and attractions.

Outlying Islands:

Beside the theme-park delights and luxury hotels of Sentosa Island, Singapore has several outlying islands that are less developed and less crowded. They're great places to swim, sunbathe or even set up camp amid peaceful and natural surroundings.

Nature Parks:

The first of its kind in the world, Singapore's renowned Night Safari offers you a chance to view nocturnal animals from all over the world, at close range and as close to their natural setting as possible. A visit to this unique safari is highly.

Colonial Reminders:

The Singapore River, which cuts through the hearts of the city, was for many decades the main astery of trade and commerce for the British. Today, the stately Victorian and neo-classical Roman structures still stand proudly along the river banks, but they jostle for space with the many concrete-and-glass skyscrapers that have shot uo in more modern times. Start your Imperial jaunt at Raffles Hotel (nearest MRT is City Hall, not Raffles Place by a long shot). This is where One stayed if One was an Upper Crust Coloanial and Capitalized Too Many parts of speech in the old days. Elegant, expensive, full of tradition and expensive.

Chinatown:

Singapore's Chinatown is a unique mix of old Peranakarn-style building, cosy tea-houses, traditional medicine and herbal shops, colourful night markets, sleek renovated offices and trendy restaurants and bars. In this charming quarter, right next to the high-rise Central Business District, you could spend your afternoon haggling over the price of antiques and your evening in the newest and happest restaurant in town. Chinatown still proudly bears the heritage of its evenful past, but it's also quick in assimilating the new and trendy.

Museumes & Galleries:

The Singapore History Museum at Stamford Road, traces the evenful history of Singapore from the 14th century to the modern day. It is hused in the historic colonial-style National Museum building, which was built in 1894 after a suggestion by Sir Stamford Raffles.

Place of Worship:

Singapore is a place where you have a total freedom of following the precepts of your religion. The 3 main monotheist religions, Christian, Islamic and Jewish, plus the main Asian religions - Buddhism, Taoism - have their places of worship in the City of the Lion.

Relaxation@Putrajaya Shangri-La, Malaysia

2009-07-29T23:20:00.010+07:00

Here's a hotel that's pretty serious about being at one with nature in any way that it possibly can. In fact, this crescent-shaped hill-top hotel is not only a "hotel within a park", it's also a "park within a hotel" with skylights aplenty and floor-to-ceiling windows that embrance natural light, nature-themed guestrooms and suites and even a small indoor stream! There's more, specifically in the form of a spa that looks to the skies for inspiration.

Zodiac signs just got a bit more fun, not to mention a whole lot more relaxing at the hotel's unassumingly named Health Club & Spa; no bad spells to worry about here! The Zodiac rituals are, as you would've guessed, treatments that are personalised according to your Western zodiac sign after a consulataion. And complementing these treatments are specially blended signature oils, herbs, flowers, incense and colours that are deemed to work best for you. For instance, if you're Capricorn, the essential oils used in your treatments would be pine, cedarwood, lavendar, lemon and petgrian; your colours would be dark brown and green; your flowers and herbs - lavender. You can also find out the perfect tea for you, the part of your body that needs most attention, and even a recommendation as to which of the other zodiac signs are most compatible to yours.

A nice intro to this spa experience would be The Zodiac Ritual. This pressure point massage uses a potent combination of Asian and Western techniues to energise and restore strength. You have a choice of 45, 90 or 120 minute sessions. But if you'd like to take your experience beyond the massage, one of the Zodiac Serenity Packages will work like a charm. The Star Indulgence package includes the Black Rice Polish with delicious rose and citrus essences, the Aromatherapy Foot Bath, and the Relaxing Touch Therapy Massage that uses light-as-a-feather gentle pressure. Or how about the Water Tranquility package? This comprises the Aromatherapyis Foot Bath, the Malay Salt Bath, the Foot Reflexer (which is akin to reflexology), and your choice of massage (there's a whole list to choose from, such as Lomi-Lomi, River Stone, Traditional "Wat Poh" and Malay "Urut").

If the sky is the limit, then you've got to go all the way with the aptly named Ultimate Zodiac Journey. This massive package provides ultimate relaxation by requiring about five hours, for it consists of (count them) the Aromatherpy Foot Bath, your choice of scrub, the Herbal Island Elixir (which uses nutrient-rich seaweed extracts for a smoother, tighter, whiter skin), the Salt Bath, your choice of massage, and finally, the Serenity Facial that deeply cleanses and hydrates with essential oils and herbal essences.

Whether or not you believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are indeed ruled by the stars and planets, the Zodiac treatments will most assuredly leave you feeling recharged and rejuvenated. And that itself will probably make a believer out of you.

Visit Kangaroo Island

2009-07-14T20:57:00.023+07:00

Kangaroo Island is the place where you can quietly ‘go bush' and see native Australian animals and birds as they were meant to be seen. In the wild. Kangaroo Island is a true wildlife sanctuary. Owing to its isolation from the mainland, the Island has suffered less from the impact of European settlement and retains more than half of its native ‘old-growth' vegetation - a vast area of some 2,250 square kilometres. Similarly, the Island has been spared the damage done by foxes and rabbits, ensuring the integrity of native bushland.

Result? Animal and bird populations have thrived. Today, more than one-third of the Island isdeclared Conservation or National Park and it has five significant Wilderness Protection Areas. So Kangaroo Island continues to be a special and protected place. "There really aren't enough adjectives to accurately describe the beauty of Kangaroo Island. In fact, words can almost spoil the moment. Even photos don't do this wildly gorgeous destination justice". Isaac Bober, Symmetry, Australia. Sea-lions basking on white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalypts, pelicans soaring over shimmering lagoons...

Kangaroo Island is a pristine wilderness - a place that has offered protection to substantial populations of native Australian animals, a place of beauty and a place of escape. Kangaroo Island is also big and surprisingly diverse. If you traverse its 155km length you'll find soaring cliffs, dense forest, towering sand dunes, wetlands and massive arcs of bone white beach. But just because it's wild, don't underestimate the welcome...

Some 4,400 folk live here, most of them primary producers, many of them descended from Islanders who have farmed the land and fished the seas for generations. Naturally enough, being surrounded by fertile lands and rich waters, Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia's finest gourmet foods. Gastronomic adventurers should get ready to be amazed by the likes of freshly caught King George Whiting, sheep's cheese, marron, a unique variety of honey and an exciting range of varietal wines.

As if this isn't enough on your plate, you'll also find rich histories, a thriving arts community, and a range of accommodation options ranging from outdoor swags to lighthouse keeper's cottages to super-chic retreats. While some things never change - friendly people, cool breezes, uncrowded beaches and geological wonders - each season brings new life and spectacular changes in landscape colours. Experience and enjoy it...

The City of Adelaide - South Australia

2009-07-13T22:28:00.019+07:00

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a civilised and calm city, that is home to around one million people. It is divided into two parts, Adelaide and North Adelaide, separated by Torrens River. A diverse range of landscapes surround the city, including green parkland, the Mount Lofty Ranges and coastal beaches.

Adelaide's city centre has been well planned and is made up of a grid of streets and various squares. Being only one mile square makes it extremely accessible. The main street (King William Street) runs directly from north to south of the city through Victoria Square, which is at the heart of the city.

Finding somewhere to stay in Adelaide is a breeze. Hostels are plentiful, as are apartments, motels, hotels and several bed and breakfasts.

There are many options for accommodation, either in the heart of the city or alternatively on the coast, or amongst the wonderful landscape in the Adelaide Hills. Prices vary greatly depending upon what you are looking for, but you are guaranteed to find something just right. If you feel like staying in one of the suburbs or are venturing further afield check out the South Australia hostel directory.

Adelaide Arcade is a beautiful shopping experience with an exciting atmosphere.

Located just off Rundle Mall in the Adelaide city centre, this olde-worlde arcade has more than 100 specialty stores on the ground floor and balcony level.

The Adelaide Arcade was built in 1885 using more than two million bricks, 50,000 square feet of glass, ornamental cast iron and marble slabs flanking the entrances. Wander through the Adelaide Arcade's museum, which showcases its colourful history. Set up on the balcony level of Gay's Arcade, there are artefacts, photographs, newspaper clippings, trinkets and even an accordian that plays the official Adelaide Arcade Polka.

The museum houses stories, surprising facts and figures, pictures and articles from years gone by and colourful artefacts from the construction period. The museum adds to the charm and history of the arcade and is open during the arcade shopping hours. There is no charge to wander through - just spend some time.

See the Adelaide Arcade's distinctive coat of arms at its entrance - the result of a competition when the arcade was being built. At the time, Australia did not have a proclaimed coat of arms. The arcade's version is still similar to Australia's official one in a few respects, with a kangaroo and emu on each side.

South Australia's renowned chocolate makers, Haigh's, has a shop here and there's also plenty of friendly cafes and coffee bars. There's a wealth of fashion, from Adelaide Hatters and Bonnie's Wigs through to menswear, silk fashion and shoes stores. You'll find all manner of services including the One Hour Hem Stop Shop, shoe repairers and the Shaver Shop. And you're sure to find the right button at the Button Bar, or right battery at the Battery Bar.

West Beach

Only 15 minutes drive east from the city and you're at the coast, hosting modern beach resorts from West Beach, heading North. West Beach is full of attractions from its wonderful beaches to its adventure playground and nearby golf course.

Grange and Henley Beach are great places to eat out, offering traditional as well as stylish cuisine during the day and the evening. West Beach also features a number of shops and open play areas within West Lakes as well as several accommodation places.

Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur

2009-07-13T20:01:00.021+07:00

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing place for one to visit. During your stay here, you may see endless amount of action in this city because of the busy atmosphere around the place you stay. Nearly all hotels are surrounded by shopping arcades and there is plenty to see.

The National Zoo And Aquarium

The first place that you should visit is the National Zoo and Aquarium. The National Zoo is located 13 kilometers north-east of Kuala Lumpur is the National Zoo, which has many different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The aquarium too is impressive with its enormous collection of marine life and other and freshwater species. Both sites are open to the public between 9am and 6pm all week.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

This is another place you must visit, which is located at Jalan Hishamuddin. It has a remarkable Moorish-style terminal that architect A.B. Hubbock designed. It has the modern facilities that travelers find a convenience.

This includes: air-conditioned waiting halls, snack kiosks, money changing booths, souvenir shops, restaurants, a tourist information counter.

At walking distance from the terminal is the Malayan Railway Administration Building. It also has been designed in the same manner leaving its impressive traces of British colonial rule. The administration Building is linked to the train station by an underground passage.

Central Market

The central market in Kuala Lumpur is also another place to check out for its beauty. It used to be a wet market more than 50 years ago, and today it is an emblem of Malaysian culture. The market is not simply a place where things are bought and sold, but is in fact a major location where demonstrations and activities take place, such as batik painting, fortune telling, shadow puppet plays, glass blowing, dance classes, and art classes. This is so well known for its activities and designs that it was awarded the Coronation Architecture Design Award in 1953.

National Library:

This library is located at Jalan Tun Razak. It has a magnificent is blue in color and was made with the concept of a tengkolok (Malay headgear). The library is a recent structure in Kuala Lumpur; it opened in 1982. It has a collection about Malaysia by Malaysian authors in addition to historic Malay manuscripts. If you want to visit this place, you may do so between 1Oam and 5pm everyday except Monday.

Petaling Street:

This street is the center of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, and it still maintains the traditional atmosphere it had in its genuine form. One well-known tradition in the older days was for vendors to spread out their items on the street at night. Though one may purchase any kind of stuff available, it must be said that the night market holds a treasure of the visitor that does not cost anything. This means that just experiencing the sites and sounds is more than a treat this place has to offer.

Merdeka Square:

The Malaysian flag was first hoisted at this place in 1957. Giving the place its due respect, it has the tallest flagpole in the country with the Malaysian flag hoisted on it.

Masjid Jamek:

One of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Mosques is Masjid Jamek. It is situated at a point where two rivers (Kelang and Gombak) converge. It is often said to be the birth place of Kuala Lumpur.

Taman Tasik Perdana

This is Kula Lumpur’s most well-known park. It has a variety of recreational facilities. In addition to this there are also the Bird Park, the Hibiscus Park, the Orchid Garden, the Butterfly Park, the Deer Park and Memorial Tun Razak.

KL Tower:

Another must-see is the third highest telecommunications tower in the world; the KL Tower, which was completed in 1995. It has a bird’s eye view of Kuala Lumpur and other areas.

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur Hotel

2009-07-13T09:15:00.013+07:00

A haven of warm elegance and gracious hospitality, the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur features 468 guestrooms including 30 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city skyline.

Hotel facilities include four new and vibrant restaurants and bars, Spa and Fitness Centre, The Executive Club, and 15,000 square feet of function space with the dedicated service of an Events Team. Guests on the Executive Club floor are accorded signature amenities and exclusive privileges that include the service of a Personal Butler. Frequented by highly discerning international travellers, the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is located at the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, the city’s premier business and shopping district. Steps away from the hotel is the trendy Bintang Walk, a half kilometer stretch offering an outstanding variety of food and entertainment outlets, as well as major shopping malls with over 3,000 shops and the newly acclaimed Pavilion complex adjacent to the hotel.

Frequented by millions of foreign travelers there are plenty of different kinds of Hotels in Malaysia. The Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most promising Hotels in Kuala Lampur in Malaysia. The Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the ultimate name in hospitality in the Malaysian capital's commercial centre.

The Location of Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is in the Jalan Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur.

The Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, the premier business and shopping districts of the city.

The international airport of Kuala Lumpur is only 45 minutes drive from the superb Location of Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The Location of Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is also close to the bus terminal and railway station.

Sightseeing places that can be conveniently accessed from the Location of Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur are Petronas Twin Towers, The Menara Kuala Lumpur, Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Butterfly Park, Deer Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden and many others.

You can choose from a host of 468 well maintained and beautifully designed rooms in Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Pick from any of the Standard Room, Regent Deluxe Room, Regent Club Deluxe and Executive Suite Room in Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

All the rooms feature open windows and balconies from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the city and its surrounding.

The Room Facilities at Millennium Hotel in Kuala Lumpur include private bathroom, hairdryer, direct dial phone, voice mail, modem data port connection, air conditioner with self control, internet, TV with satellite connection, radio, fridge, mini bar and comfy beds and many others.

An island in Guangzhou?!

2009-06-13T11:17:00.008+07:00

Guangzhou is an enormous city with a metropolitan population of more than 12 million. Surprisingly, away from the clutter that dominates much of China’s third most populous city, there is a small island hidden away from the outside world. At just 27,000 square meters, Shamian Island is tiny, but it is one of the most charming places in Guangzhou, perfect for taking a break from city life or for romancing that special someone.

The island was originally, in the nineteenth-century, the only place that European and American traders were able to do business. As a result, the enclosed space is a pleasant reminder of colonial European architecture and culture. There are a number of quiet avenues set against rows of historic houses, a few hotels, lots of trees and some quality restaurants. There isn’t a whole lot to do, but it’s a tranquil place at which to waste away a day.

One interesting set of attractions are the bronze statues scattered across the island depicting life in Guangzhou during various periods. They are a history lesson in themselves. Wandering round the island you can almost feel what it must have been like to live there in years gone by. The White Swan Hotel is worth a look too. It’s a great place to stay, and it also has an old English bookshop with stacks of books about China.

The real draw of the island is the buildings. They are all different, and each has a unique story to tell. A metal plaque adorns every building, giving information about the history of the island.
This is a haven away from the smog and noise of areas nearby. You can explore it all in a day, and it’s fantastic because you can just walk around without ever getting tired. Pay Shamian Daijie Park a visit too, and be amazed at one of the prettiest green spaces in all of Asia. Some may find Shamian Island a boring place because there isn’t much to engage those with a restless spirit, but if you are looking for something short, sweet and serene, this is it.

Most of the buildings are used as offices and apartments, and there are a number of gardens that are perfect for a picnic. It has Valentines Day written all over it. While Guangzhou is rushing along at 100 miles-per-hour, Shamian Island is sauntering along at tortoise-pace with no interest in catching the hare.

If you’re a Western couple wanting to adopt a baby this is, apparently, the place to do it, although regular non-adopting couples are welcomed with equal affability.

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China Hotel

Guangzhou Hotel

Skate the night away

2009-06-13T10:35:00.007+07:00

Have you ever been to a skate-a-thon? You know, one of those events where people skate around a car park for 24 hours for charity. Skate-a-thons are not cool, but what is cool are mass skates where thousands of people turn up just for the hell of it; and that’s precisely what happens in Paris every Friday, as anything up to 28,000 skate-a-holics take to the streets for a skate-by-night along the City of Light’s beautiful streets. Now if that doesn’t sound like an adventure then we don’t know what does.

The skate is organized by Pari Roller, a group that claims to have no political, religious or profit-making motivation; they just want to skate, and anyone who is competent enough to skate, brake and turn is invited to come along. The group seeks to encourage people to skate for fun, to skate as a means of transport, and to skate as a sport. They’re skate-crazy. This is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people in Paris, and it’s a rare social occasion with so many people in the city.

The organizers are very philosophical about the Friday Night Skate, trying their best to combat all attempts to commercialize the event. They see it as an expression of freedom and a sign of independence from the outside world. The ethos of the skate has remained the same since its conception; just skate and enjoy it. Being the largest skate in the world, this is one of the most exciting attractions in Paris.

The route changes every week. You’ll need to be pretty fit to complete it, as it averages a whopping 30 kilometers. Each week’s route is published the day before the skate, and there are even ambulances and police on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly. They aren’t kidding when they say they take this seriously. The group relies on donations from skaters and membership fees. All members receive an insurance package specifically designed for skate-freaks.

The course is purposely demanding, with a number of obstacles, cobbles and steep slopes, so you need to be a proficient skater to get involved. Pari Roller recommends, but does not insist, that all skaters wear protection, and in fact most people do anyway.

The three-hour skate starts at Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, between Montparnasse office tower and Paris-Montparnasse train station. The nearest metro station is Montparnasse Bienvenüe. Skaters should arrive at 9.45 p.m. to leave at 10 p.m.

Cyclists, skateboarders, people on scooters and regular walking folk are asked to stay at the back of the enormous procession to avoid accidents. Novice skaters are invited to the beginners’ event held on Sunday afternoons, starting at 2:30pm at Place de La Bastille/Boulevard Bourdon. This is the ideal opportunity to get some practice in before taking to the road for the real thing.

Pari Roller places a great emphasis on safety. With a lot of potential for people falling over or crashing into lampposts, all skaters are asked to listen to the organizing staff. If you aren't too great at skating, you might be asked to leave the procession if the staff thinks you could endanger other skaters. Don’t take it personally.

So skate-a-thons are out, but the Friday Night Skate is definitely in. If you are in Paris this is certainly worth checking out. Get involved if you can skate, or just wave the riders by as they make their way through the streets of Paris.

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Paris Hotel

France Hotel

Amusing yourself in Osaka

2009-06-13T10:20:00.007+07:00

Amusing yourself in Osaka
How’s the child in you doing today? Fancies escaping? Osaka is a great city, the third largest in Japan, with a population of 2.7 million people. It is the perfect place for kids both young and old to let off steam as there are a number of state-of-the-art amusement parks vying for a place on your itinerary. The museums and parks can wait until tomorrow, because we’ve got rides, rides, and more rides to get through today!

Universal Studios is similar to the one in Florida, with many of the same rides and attractions, but this one is choc full of Japanese tourists looking for thrills and spills. If the locals love it then there must be something good going on. A one-day studio pass costs 5,800 yen for adults, 3,900 yen for children; pretty expensive, but you get a lot of yelps for your yen.

Next we come to the grandfather of Japanese amusement parks, Expoland. For 30 years, this popular theme park has delighted countless visitors with it’s more than 40 rides and more than 20 restaurants. It’s not quite Universal Studios, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. An adult one-day pass costs 1,100 yen, while the children’s option goes for 600 yen (1,300 and 700 respectively between March and June).

If you are a freak for videogames then you will love Sega’s Joypolis. Not only does it have a great name, but it houses a number of ultra-hi-tech attractions that will have your gaming thumbs twiddling in anticipation. This is an amusement park with a difference. Admission is 500 yen for adults, and 300 yen for children aged up to 14 years. Use of most of the attractions is not included in your entry pass.

Rinku Park is our final stop-off for the day. It’s less a theme park and more a place where there are a few rides and a food court. There’s no point in forsaking one of the bigger parks for this one, but if you’re in the area and fancy a bit of a giggle and a few scares here and there, Rinku park will suffice.

Festival Gate first opened ten years ago, but Japan’s recent lull in tourism has meant that attendance levels became increasingly low and the park was forced to close last year. This is a great shame because the place was heaps of fun, and it had one amazing rollercoaster, the Delphis Coaster.

With the artsy and cultural attractions safely put off for one day, you can afford a bit of time to relax and let your hair down. Theme parks are great fun, so there’s no need to feel guilty for visiting them. Life doesn’t always have to be filled with productive and rewarding activities; sometimes it’s all about the rides!
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Japan Hotels

Dining@Le Meridien KL, Malaysia

2009-06-12T14:00:00.016+07:00

Al Nafourah
A contemporary oasis with private silken dinner tents, Moorish arches, ornate paintings, and richly woven carpets lend an enchanting ambience scented with spices. After the feast, intriguing belly dancers perform and flavoured tobacco is available. Serve Middle Eastern (Tunisian, Moroccan, Lebanese, and Turkish Cuisine) Cuisine.

Conservatory
Conservatory is lounge and bar with live entertainment style at the soaring atrium next to the lobby is ideal. The floor-to-ceiling glass panels, shaded by gorgeous sheer curtains, provide verdant views while guests enjoy the innovative cocktails and some a light snack or a tête-à-tête.

Latest Recipe
Latest Recipe are all day dining with live cooking of unique gastronomic delights awaits with a menu of international specialties showcasing Indian, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Western favourites. The restaurant seats 140 people, including a private dining room for 16 people. Setting Contemporary with natural lighting and lake/garden view

Patio
Adjacent to the freeform pool, Patio provides panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur city skyline, landscaped garden, and pool. Invigorating cocktails and snacks are served and flavoured tobacco may be drawn from bubbling hookahs on the terrace.

Prime Steak Restaurant
Prime Steak Restaurant “Prime Grill, Prime Wine, Prime Time” defines Prime’s dining experience. Fine imported steaks are served and complemented by an extensive wine selection. An innovative private dining room for 10 offers a personal view of the kitchen.

Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur

2 Jalan Stesen Sentral,

Kuala Lumpur 50470

Malaysia

Phone: (60)(3) 2263 7888

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

2009-06-12T11:57:00.012+07:00

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur enjoys a strategic location in the city, connected directly with the sophisticated KL Sentral railway hub. Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysia's capital city, is a centre for cultural activities and appreciation of arts, as seen in the historical National Museum, spacious Philharmonic Hall and innovative National Theater. Hence, discover all the contemporary attractions and historical charms of KL through your stay in Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, which can be reached by a short train journey from the airport or any point in the city.

The Le Meridien offers 11 sophisticated meeting rooms, creating the perfect venue for events. Meanwhile, energize your body at our outstanding fitness center or take a dip in our distinctly refreshing swimming pool. As you retire to your well-appointed guest room, enjoy the modern amenities and breathtaking panoramas from the windows which will stimulate your senses and give you an exhillirating atmosphere.

The Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur is just minutes away from famous places in the city, such as the Mid Valley Shopping Center, Merdeka Square and Central Market. Take a jog around the lush greenery of the Lake Garden where gentle streams meander or marvel at avian creatures along winding pathways of the world’s largest bird park. An unforgettable fusion of glittering skyscrapers and enthralling sights await you from the Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur.

Breakfast @ Latest Recipe, Le Meridien, Kuala Lumpur

2009-05-29T18:27:00.015+07:00

Lively live-cooking with unusual gastronomic delights and interactive chefs are just some of the daily activities at Latest Recipe. Experience this culinary adventure on level 5 of Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur.

Considering the fact that the hotel’s chefs have been winning awards since its opening and most recently conferred ‘The Most Outstanding Hotel Team & Overall Champion’ by Culinaire Malaysia 2007, one can only expect the best culinary offerings from this talented team.

At Latest Recipe, diners can indulge in popular dishes that are prepared ‘a la minute’ (which means ‘in a minute’ literally) with personalised and individual servings of Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Western delights. Just watching the chefs in action as they dish out freshly cooked and piping hot food is enough to sharpen appetites for more good things to come.

Unlike the usual buffet restaurants, there are no bulky chafing dishes in sight. Instead, the food is presented in cast iron pans, woks, chinaware or served in individual portions. Fans of Indian cuisine will revel in the Tandoori chicken, lamb, prawn with naan and other North Indian specialties. Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and many more exotic Japanese dishes are served daily.

Dim Sum baskets are piled high next to piping hot noodles and fragrant stir-fries at the Chinese section whilst authentic BBQ seafood lines the Malay open kitchen. Desserts are a feast to the senses with decadent sweets including the Chocolate Fountain and the ever popular Teppanyaki Ice-Cream.

Pan Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur Airport

2009-05-25T10:46:00.015+07:00

Being the capital city of Malaysia, the city of Kuala Lumpur is considered to be the center point of cultural, commercial and transportation locations. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city consisting of huge population following varied range of culture, religion, language, dining options and architectural styles. The city of Kuala Lumpur offers various interesting tourist spots to the guests coming from all over the world. There are parks, famous architectural structures and many more to be added in the list of attractions. You will not be disappointed during your trip to this city. If you are confused is selecting a suitable hotel, we can help you out. Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur is a five star hotel ready to host you with complete warmth and care.

It is one of the finest hotels in Kuala Lumpur, located adjacent to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. Majority of the foreign travelers who prefer to remain close to the airport, find Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur to be the best place to seek accommodation.

Having a prominent place amongst the first class luxury hotels in Malaysia, Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur is situated in a convenient place just at a stone-throw distance apart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur lies within one hours' driving distance away from Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

Not only the easily reachable location from international airport, the hotel management has kept its amenities and facilities equivalent to international standard. Being in Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur, you will experience the elegance of hospitality. There are all kinds of provisions available within the reach of the guests. That is why the super luxury hotel is chosen by foreigners who are in a trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Experience the sophisticated luxury, being in one of the well furnished rooms of Pan Pacific Airport in Kuala Lumpur. You can have complete privacy along with total comfort which is going to make your stay in this hotel nice and memorable.