Posts Tagged ‘Visit’

You must visit to Hong Kong

Hong Kong features a diverse mixture of characters as a result of long British occupation and a great Chinese influence. As a state of China, Hong Kong provides a good introduction to who ever wants to know more about China without entering the mainland plus a venue for more attractions with western culture and Asian spirit.

1. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. The museum is open from 10:00am-6:00pm daily except Thursday (public holidays not included).

2. Hong Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA.

3. Victoria Peak – Soaring 1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.

4. Lantau Island – Travel Hong Kong and take a cruise around the waters of Lantau Island and watch pink dolphins that only live in this waters.

5. Ocean Park – Travel Hong Kong and visit Ocean Park. This is one Hong Kong attractions where you and your kids will have a great fun. The park is one big oceanarium containing Lowlands Gardens where pandas live, goldfish pagoda and butterfly house are located, Marine Land where atoll reef and shark aquariums are found, and Headlands amusement park where you can go and take a ride with cable cars and roller coasters.

6. Water World – Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.

7. Middle Kingdom – A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.

8. The Central district – If you travel to Hong Kong because you love to shop, you better go to the central Hong Kong district where big shopping malls and several Western designer and signature boutiques are located.

9. Lamma Island – If you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.

10. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Sha Tin) – Located at New Territories, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery features Buddha in different poses and colors.

11. Hong Kong Space Museum – See what’s in store for you in the future at Hong Kong Space Museum. The complex offers hundreds of displays ranging from telecommunications, robotics, energy, computers, and physics with hands on experience that will keep you interested.

12. Wet Market – In Hong Kong, everything is fresh. And when they say fresh, they mean it. If you happen to travel Hong Kong to visit a friend or someone you know, come along when they go to wet market where the freshest among freshest seafood are for sale

Visit Hawaii And Marvel At The Soaring Cliff’s And The Kalalau Trail

The Island of Kauai, the oldest Hawaiian island at what scientists calculate to be over five million years old, is graced with remarkable, natural beauty, none more so apparent than along the stunning Napali Coast on the island’s north shore. It is no shock that Kauai is termed The Garden Island. This unforgiving and exotic coastline overlooks panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is a amazing place to experience nature in all its glory.

Huge velvet green cliffs, towering high into the sky, cascading waterfalls plunge into deep, narrow valleys to be met by the cool blue of the ocean. Such is the splendor of the Napali Coast that it has been used as the setting for many Hollywood films such as Jurassic Park 1, 11 and 111, Raiders of the Lost Ark and King Kong. You can retrace the steps of the famous, along the 11-mile long Kalalau Trail but with the surroundings changing throughout the seasons, don’t expect to identify any sets. The Kalalau Trail has many naturally incredible views to keep you coming back to experience the seasonal transformations.

Knowledgeable and resilient hikers can take the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast which winds across five valleys and ends on the isolated Kalalau Beach but it is worth noting that many hiking clubs rate the Kalalau Trail as one of the most tricky hikes. It also involves an overnight hike but if you can take the pace, you will be well rewarded with magnificent views over the coast and in to the rain forest. The temperature and humidity are things that hikers must be equipped for on the Kalalau Trail.

The trail rises to its highest point of five thousand feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai. From there you can look down upon the azure blue ocean. You come closer to water a little further down the Kalalau Trail when you have to take good care crossing the Hanakapia`ai Stream. A rope is provided at the spot for your ease and security. From here you can take an alternate route along the Hanakapia`ai Falls Trail if you wish to experience the 100 feet high waterfalls, it is well worth the diversion. Other attractions include the view into Pali from the Waiahuakua Valley but these, and the climbs along the Kalalau Trail, are not for the faint of heart.

Other ways to experience the splendor of this coast are by a boat tour or on a kayaking trip. You can kayak in and out of Kalalau beach, which is the official end of the Kalalau trail. Alternatively, visitors can take a breathtaking helicopter tour along the Napali Coast and to the Wailua Falls and through the magnificent 3,500 foot deep Waimea Canyon, named by Mark Twain as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.

Kauai itself offers more miles of beach than any of the other Hawaiian Islands – 90 miles in total. The area of Po-ipu has a number of top beaches and is also home to the monk seals which are in danger of extinction. A pleasurable afternoon spent is to drift up the Wailua River on a boat trip which takes you to the fern covered Fern Grotto and to soaring waterfalls. The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a must for wildlife enthusiasts – here you can see migratory birds, seabirds and Humpback Whales, monk seals and spinner dolphins can also be seen from Kilauea Point.

Tourism in Venice, Visit the City, Holiday and Traditions

Venice is considered one of Italyâ??s most beautiful cities. The city of Venice really abounds with traditions and must-see places.

As first thing we have to highlight the famous Venice Carnival: it is a great feast, among the most ancient ones of the city, that after so many years, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire staying in the various Venice hotels. Another ancient tradition is the the Sensa Feast-day, it is celebrated in May during the period of the Ascension. During this day it is celebrated the symbolic wedding between Venice and the sea, to recall all the victims of the navy fleet.

Among the most important events, there is of course the Venice International Film Festival, that takes place every year in September and it is located at the Cinema Palace. Also the Historical Regatta is a feast that attracts a lot of tourists as well as the Redentore Feast-Day, which is organized on the third Sunday of July. Among the most important Venice musical events, we need to recall â??Venice playsâ?. Every year the city turns itself into a romantic musical set full of sounds and magic. One venetian tradition is also the so-called Palio of the Ancient Maritime Republics. The four involved cities (Genoa, Pisa, Amalfi and Venice) in turn organize various events to commemorate the historical events of Middle Age. Also on the 25th of April, public holiday in Italy for the Liberation of our country, it is twice holiday in Venice. In fact Venice celebrates also St. Marcus day, the patron saint of Venice. Regarding the tour and the offers for Venice, they are especially dedicated to visit the beauties of one of Italyâ??s most romantic cities. Letâ??s start from the Canal Grande, the famous waterway that all venetian people call â??Il Canalazzoâ?.

After this, there are many bridges to see, all well-known and famous. These are for example the Academia Bridge, the â??Ponte degli Scalziâ? (the Bridge of the Barefoot), the Rialtoâ??s Bridge, the Constitution Bridge, inaugurated in September 2008. In the tourist tour a nice walk on the beautiful St. Marcus Square canâ??t miss, this is the only square of the city. The St. Marcus Basilica and its bell tower are wonderful and very suggestive. The bell tower is the highest of Venice, almost 97 meters. At the top of the bell tower, people can admire the famous statue of the Archangel Gabriel, famous for its height, almost 3 meters. The visual effect of the statueâ??s wings, which move in the wind, is really magic.

Another symbol of the city of Venice is the famous Clock tower, recently restored, that with its tolls beats the hours thanks to the two giants known as the so-called â??two Moorsâ?, they became black because of all the signs of time, so now they look older and aged.

An obligated visit is at the Giudecca island, especially known for its really original fishbone shape. Here, where we can find and book where to sleep in a Venice hotel, we can also visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and the Redentore Basilica. Another obligated step is also the other three islands, all of them of a exceptional beauty. We start from the island of Burano, which is famous thanks to the lace manufacture, laces are still designed according to an ancient technique coming from the 16th century; then the island of Murano, very famous for the glass manufacture. Being able to admire with your own eyes these inimitable manufacturing techniques that can create this unique objects is a real fairy tale. In the end you have to visit the island of Torcello, that every year attracts thousands of tourists.

Back to Venice, you should take a walk in the middle of the square, have a coffee in one of the numerous cafés under the porticoes and obviously take a trip on a gondola, these things can complete a perfect day spent in Venice.

By Michele De Capitani with support from hôtels venise for any information, please visit hotel centre de venise or for more info visit hotel a venise italie .

 

 

Top 5 Must Visit Places in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, containing thousands of islands. The country is a collection of many different local places of interest. Tourism in Indonesia is highly developed, including a wide range of tourist destinations, and excellent luxury hotels and hotel packages.

The selection of places to visit is vast, including many fascinating and unique sites and areas of interest. Indonesia is a big place, and the tourist is confronted with infinite possibilities of combinations of places to see and things to do.

This is a selection of five of the best and most dazzling of Indonesia’s tourist paradises:

Java

Java is the main island of Indonesia, in terms of population and development. It’s also one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the world. There are some extraordinary things to see in Java:

Borobodur Temple, the ancient Buddhist Mahayana monument. This is one of the great classics of Buddhist art, with no less than 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Prambanan Temple, the Hindu Temple near Yogyakarta, a masterpiece of Hindu workmanship 47 metres tall, the equal of its Indian equivalents.

At the western tip of Java is the volcano Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa”.

Sumatra

Sumatra is Indonesia’s big western island. It’s a very diverse place with many different environments and a priceless wildlife heritage which trying hard to survive the strain of modern times. Sumatra retains much of its ancient heritage and culture. It’s common to see ancient ways of life and fishing boats next to new four wheel drives and sleek modern power boats.

Bali

Bali, one of the world’s legendary tourist destinations, is the global traveler’s classic must see destination. Bali resorts are famous for their high quality, particularly in the Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas of the island.

People don’t just “like” Bali, they love it. Each beach and resort has its own admirers, and the regular visitors come back many times. Bali’s reputation is based on a mix of its natural beauty, the fabulous holiday lifestyle, and a personal affinity. Everyone has “their” personal Bali. It’s one of the few places in the world where tourists care as much as locals about preserving the natural charm of the region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo, is the big northern island, a wild area famous in colonial times for its wild jungles and their fierce inhabitants, the Dayaks. This is a truly incredible, magical place. You can see orangutans in their natural environment, go on river cruises up wild rivers, trek through one of the world’s great jungles, and see a real traditional longhouse and the famous Dayak dragon.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is the large, island with four big peninsulas east of Kalimantan. The island is divided into North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi. This island is famous for its diving experiences. Sulawesi has a range of marine environments, including beautiful beaches. Inland, it has fabulous Lake Linow, and an active volcano, Mt. Soputan.

Indonesian holidays combine all the best elements of tourism; Excitement, exotic places, and real luxury.

A Visit to Koh Tao With an Interview in Mind

Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is not a big island; indeed it only covers 21 square kilometers. It is situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the western seaboard coastline, and it only takes about one and half hours to get there by high speed catamaran from Chumpon.

The majority of turtles that the island was famous for have moved away, and now it is known as one of the major dive sites in Thailand.

There is only one major road on the island, straddling the eastern side of the island, connecting the northern communities with those in the south. Other than that, you will need to take care when traveling around as most of the other roads are dirt tracks.

I find that the best way to get there from Bangkok is by train to Chumpon and then the catamaran. All in, the one way cost is only about 1,200bt and you can buy both tickets at Hua Lampong railway station in Bangkok. Depending on the connections, it takes about twelve hours to get to the island from Bangkok

Recently I went there to meet up with my mate Shane and Sao, his lovely wife. Sao runs a business supporting the dive industry on the island, and concentrates on renting out DPVs. For the uninitiated, DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles) are normally used for diving and snorkeling and can go to a depth of 30 meters

Shane has had a number of business ventures in the U.K. and Portugal. I wanted to find out from Sao what she had learnt from him, and also, what her experience was of running a business in Thailand mainly catering to foreigners.

Allan – Ok, Sao, just how much have your learnt from Shane in running a small business?

Sao -   Well, it was quite a novelty moving to such a small island, learning to dive and then starting the underwater scooter business. It has been an interesting learning curve, and I am lucky that generally all the people I have to deal with are all in all a friendly bunch.

Allan – What is the market like for DPVs on the island at the moment?

Sao – We are lucky that most of the dive schools on the island are happy to use our services, and frankly, diving with a DPV is great fun!!

Allan – What has been your most frustrating business moments on the island?

Sao – Getting parts for the Seadoo DPVs. Despite the fact that Seadoo is a household name in the water sports industry, we normally have more broken machines than working, and getting spare parts is a nightmare. At the moment 70% of our DPVs have broken down and we have waited nearly a year for spare parts. We are hoping that Seadoo can get their house in order and we can get back to offering the best service available.

Allan – And what is your favorite part of the job?

Sao - Getting out there and talking to people every day, and best of all hearing that our clients have had a great time with the DPVs

Allan – What advice would you give to someone starting a small business in Thailand?

Sao – If you plan to start a business offering goods or a service, make sure you can rely on your suppliers. The buck stops with you. !

As I have only been to Koh Tao a couple of times, I also thought that it would be good to get Shane’s ideas on what to see and do on the island.

Allan – I know that Koh Tao is famous as a dive site, so what else would you recommend to do and see during the day?

Shane—There is not a great deal to do on the island except water sports and chilling out, but we do have a mini golf and a bowling alley, paintball, rock climbing and of course water skiing, wakeboarding, and snorkeling.

A round the Island snorkeling trip makes a great day out, available with various companies for around 650bt, stopping in five different bays around the island, but do remember the sun block!!!

(MELT offers a round the Island trip for 650bt, including fins, mask, refreshments/soft drinks, tire riding and a boom net.

Allan – Anything interesting to buy on the island, e.g. to take home as presents?

Shane – Nothing much is produced in Koh Tao and most things come from the mainland, However, Avalon offer large range of aromatic and massage oils, toners and various natural beauty products not readily available everywhere. Free advice is available from Andrea (Avalon@suthep.com).There is also an up and coming U. K. clothes designer recently arrived on the island – Nikki Noodles can design and personally tailor clothes for ladies at a fraction of European prices.

Allan – Where would you recommend eating? 1. Tasty and not expensive. 2. Excellent and not too expansive?

Shane – There are lots of places on Koh Tao to eat and drink. Eating and drinking establishments on Koh Tao have been opening at an alarming rate in the last couple of years

For myself, I enjoy a relaxing drink after diving at the Safety Stop in Mae Haad, where Western and Thai food is available on the menu. Brian, the owner from South Africa, also makes a mean Biltong (dried beef.). South African style!!

Dirty Nellys, the Irish Pub in Mae Haad, offer a western menu and a tasty pint of Guinness with live music some evenings. Choppers, in Sairee Village, also have live music some evenings, have large screen TV’s and show most sports events. Opposite Choppers is ‘Morava’, an up-market restaurant offering their speciality of fondue. Just down the road is Papas Tapas, offering an extensive menu of very tasty tapas dishes. Portabello offers a range of main courses including pizza and pasta, and there is also Brother Restaurant which has fantastic steaks.

There are so many places on Koh Tao to eat drink and be merry, it is probably easiest just to list a few places to try.

Chopsticks, in Mae Haad, has authentic Chinese food and is also a nice change from Thai food. The house speciality is dim sum.

The Golden, which is between Mae Haad and Chalok Ban Khao, has an all you can eat Korean Barbeque for 139bt.

Safari – Mae Haad – Great Steaks and pizza and pasta also available.

La Matta – Mae Haad. Pizza & pasta, takeaway and delivery available

Café Del So l-Mae Haad – great breakfast.

Zest – Mae Haad – for a great sandwich/baguette and delicious coffee; a perfect start to the day!!

Farangos – Mae Haad and Sairee Village – pizza and pasta.

Blue Wind Bakery - situated on the beach in Sairee – homemade bread and a very varied menu. It also has accommodation available at a very reasonable price just meters from the beach.

Shalimar Indian Restaurant – Sairee Village – authentic Indian cuisine in a walled garden surround. Reasonable prices with curries to die for.

Noori Indian Restaurant – Sairee Beach. Situated right on the beach next to the Lotus Bar, Indian food incorporating some of the best naan breads I have ever tasted.

Lotus Bar – Sairee Beach – if you are under 50, this is a ‘Must Go Place’ and a starting point for the night life; meters from the sea, and a place to warm up before going on to the late night dancing a little bit further down the beach.

Sun & Moon bar is a 1st floor bar in Mae Haad at the dockside, and a great evening place. It has a playstation 3 and free Wi-Fi is available for their customers, plus a balcony to relax on as you watch the sunset. A cocktail as you ‘watch the sun go down’. is what makes the holiday. A perfect place to just do it! Loads of information and advice on Koh Tao is also available. Just ask at the bar staff, and, if they cannot help, then ‘They Know Someone Who Can!’  – Simon on 0810789963

Allan – And how about where to go to party after dark?

Shane – After Dark Parties!!! There is always the beach, and most of the late night places are on the beach; sit on the sand enjoying a drink, or get up on that dance floor and show everyone what John Travolta didn’t do!!!  The late night places are all in the same area, and some are open whilst the others shut. There is Maya, In Touch, Moov, one of which is open every night. Then there is the Castle on the way to Chalok Ban Khao that has a party every couple of weeks; well worth the wait!!! But don’t expect to get much sleep. The party at the Castle is an event!!!!

Allan – Finally, what should you not do on the island?

Shane—Simply, Two Things.

1. Avoid drugs. The penalties are harsh. Whilst in Europe a marijuana joint is a minimal legal infraction, in Thailand, generally, the penalties are over the top, and a joint can cost you a couple of thousand US dollars.

Class ‘A’ drugs will definitely put you in prison for many years to come.

2. Do Not Use the front brake on your motorcycle . There is so much sand on the road that if you use the front brake, you will most likely lock the wheel and fall off.

Any damages to the rental bike and you have to pay over the odds for repairs, so be careful when renting a bike, and always check for previous damage!

Johnny from Chopsticks offers the ‘Rent A Wreck’ Rental service – ,john_stafford75@yahoo.co.uk – has older bikes which work well but may not look pretty. Cosmetic bike injury he tends not to charge for!

To the uninitiated Koh Tao is a wonderful Island to visit; relaxed, friendly and somewhere you have to visit before you die. !!!!!

With the question and answer session over we retired to Sairee Beach for a few well deserved beers. A big thanks you to Shane and Sao for a wonderful insight to life on Koh Tao!

Shane and Sao can be contacted on 085 791 4610 or 084 840 5997 if you are interested in hiring a DPV, or indeed want to know more about Koh Tao.

Need to book some dives, find accommodation? Give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

And finally, as usual, a big hello to my friends at the Thailand Web Zone, www.thailandwebzone.com, which is a new Thai social networking and Thailand community site. Share information in Thai forums and Thailand articles, meet people, share photos, music and video, find & submit information on Thailand travel. Make new friends from all over the world! For those readers who have not visited TWZ, go have a look now!

asean_al