Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asia. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

BOROBUDUR TAMPLE

Borobudur is a ninth century monument which is a legacy "Syailendra dynasty" that follow Mahayana Buddhism, is located in magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. This square-shaped monument consists of six platforms topped by three circular platforms, and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. there is one main dome, which is located in the middle of the top, surrounded by 72 Buddha statues sitting in the hollow Stupa.

Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year in Indonesia celebrates Buddha "Waisak" the monument, and Borobudur in Indonesia is one of the most visited tourist attraction

BOROBUDUR STUPA
BOROBUDUR STUPA

Raja Ampat Beautiful Island

Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world—an incredible 75% of all known coral species are found in the surrounding seas.
The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world.

The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease —threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience to threats, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection.


The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to protect Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people. Raja Ampat includes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands. The archipelago is part of an area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.

Uniqueness under the sea

The Raja Ampat Islands are found off the coast of Papua, Indonesia, in one of the remotest areas of the world for scuba diving.


Pygmy Seahorse

Pygmy Sea Horses which were once thought to be rare, are common here and of different varieties. Seen along with the sea horses are pipefish and flagtail pipefish.

Many colorful flat worms, nudibranchs and sea slugs dot the reef. Flashing File Clams are named for their unusual bioluminescence that streaks along the edge of there mantle. They are found here.

The Raja Ampat Islands gives us the opportunity to see an abundance of marine animals seen in few other places in the world

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Coral Raja Ampat

Monday, November 23, 2009

Cambodia Happy Travel : Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia. Its a great city still undergoing lots of development with lots of places to visit and sights to see as the city is divided into two banks of the river. Getting into Phnom Penh is easy via direct flights from all the major neighbouring cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and others.
In the last five years especially, the number of businesses and restaurants catering to tourists has exploded, and Phnom Penh offers just about anything a much larger and more developed capital could. Phnom Penh is also the stop-over point for many tourists venturing to the northern town of Siem Reap which is the gateway town to Angkor Wat.

The main sights in town include Wat Phnom from where you have great views over the city, the Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace complex, where you can see the emerald Buddha and a Buddha made of solid gold. The National Museum is also worth a visit. Other sights include the Phnom Temple, the Orchid Garden, the central market and a 15th-century pagoda or you can take a boat ride on the Mekong River to see the floating villages and a crocodile farm.
On The Riverfront, take a romantic stroll or cycle along Phnom Penh's Sithowath Quay to enjoy the breeze and the view of the busy life of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. The water level varies greatly depending upon what time of the year you visit and is at it’s highest at the end of the rainy season in October. The sunrise can be spectacular over the river in front of the Royal Palace. There are also regular 2-hour cruises during the day which are particularly pleasant if combined with lunch or dinner and sunset on board a cruising restaurant.

You should try and visit at least one traditional market while you are in Phnom Penh. The two best known are The Russian Market and the Central Market. The Russian Market is not so centrally located but is the best for souvenirs, curious and silks and the vendors seem more realistic in their expectations. The 1935 art deco-style Central Market is architecturally interesting but is geared almost entirely to the tourist who doesn’t have time to venture further afield and the vendors are most aggressive. More exclusive shopping can be found along Streets 178 and 240 where there are a number of elegant boutiques and galleries displaying contemporary Cambodian art, fine silks and sculptures.

There is a host of fine dining opportunities in Phnom Penh. Most restaurants, ranging from small, family run affairs to 5-star luxury venues offer excellent traditional Khmer cuisine and this should not be forgotten when faced with the plethora of western food delights on offer in the city. Given Cambodia’s history and relationship with France, it is not surprising to find that some of the most elegant venues are French, with food and wine reflecting that relationship. There are a number of excellent Chinese restaurants in Phnom Penh, ranging from places near the Central Market offering noodles and dumplings for $1 a plate to the fine dining experience offered at the Inter Continental Hotel. There are a number of Dutch, Australian and American style restaurants around the city if your favourites include steak, burgers, chips and salads. For lovers of Mediterranean-style food should seek out the streets lining and just behind Sisawoth Quay offer a variety of styles to suit every budget.
Whether its a snack, a casual meal or a bedtime dessert, Phnom Penh's fine bakeries beckon. The traditional French baguette is available on virtually every street corner. A large expatriate community ensures that in more sophisticated (and expensive) venues, you can purchase wonderful baked delights such as muffins, croissants, pastries, doughnuts, cakes and tarts.



Phnom Penh is the heart of the Cambodia's nightlife. Providing a good balance of fun and safety it's a pleasant change from the hectic Bangkok scene. The recent explosion of bars in the city offers greater choice than ever before. In the late evening though, do take precaution as not to be wondering in the alleys and out of town areas unless escorted.

Last but not least, do ensure that you bring along enough US currency as it is widely used in the capital for almost everything including fees for visiting places of interests to dining.

Some of the major attractions are:
  • Independence Monument
  • National Museum
  • Royal Palace and ‘Silver Pagoda’
  • Wat Phnom
  • Choeung Ek Memorial (The Killing Fields)
  • Toul Sleng Genocide Museum
  • The River Front
  • Central Market
  • Russian Market
  • Old Market

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Chao Phraya river


Located on the banks of Chao Phraya river, Bangkok (or called 'Krung Thep' by the locals), is a thrilling paradox. This Thai capital while maintaining old legacy open to welcome new things with full enthusiasm.

After becoming the capital for more than two centuries, Bangkok in the last 20 years have witnessed many changes. Skyscrapers forming a new view of the city, the Skytrain split town with fast trains, and subways have also been available to take residents on the move.

Options for shopping, dining and entertainment are also increased, ranging from the typical to treat the art of dance and music tradsional, to the international entertainment.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Agra, The Chosen City for Taj Mahal


Agra was the chosen city of the Mughal emperors during the early years. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babur, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the River Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson, raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens. Shahjahan embellished it with marbled mosques, palaces and pavillions of gem-inlaid white marble. Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Singapore Zoological Garden

Travel In Songapore, Singapore Zoological Garden


In its lush jungle setting, Singapore’s renowned ‘open’ zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages. Special attractions include Children’s World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sealion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway. Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favourites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sealions. Among the zoo’s many endangered species is the world's largest colony of orangutans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Singapore Attractions Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park






Southeast Asia's largest bird park Jurong BirdPark is home to over 8,000 birds of 600 species from all over the world. Highlights include the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills and South American Toucans, and the world's second largest penguin exhibit. Daily shows include Breakfast with the Birds (9am- 11am), Birds 0f Prey, Penguin Feeding Time and the JBP All Stars Birdshow. Allow half a day to visit the main attractions.

Singapore Tour


Singapore is the most fascinating country in South east Asia which offers great sights and attractions of Singapore. It has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday. While in Singapore, take a tour to Sentosa Island, view the giant Merlion in Sentosa to know about the rich history of Singapore. The city has an array of tour destinations such as Chinatown, Orchard Road, Parliament House, Raffles Hotel, Singapore River, Supreme Court and City Hall and lots more alongwith 63 small islands within its territorial waters.

A tour to Singapore also showcases an interesting blend of traditional Chinese, Malay and Hindu cultures that have established themselves on this wonderland. It offers visitors an extensive range of attractions from cultural, natural to culinary delights. Other tour excursions in Singapore include the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, which is the largest Bird Park in Asia.

Singapore Sightseeing
A multi-cultural destination with a rough history, Singapore has much more to offer than shopping and skyscrapers. In Singapore, you will find a lot more than a globalization such as the beautiful temples, vibrant markets, natural beaches, lush green forests, colorful festivals, dazzling nightlife and exquisite cuisine which would probably leave you wishing more on a vacation tour to Singapore.

City Day Sightseeing Tour
It is always an excellent idea to take an escorted full day sightseeing tour to Singapore. It will give you an excellent overview of the city and where the main tourist icons are located. Comfortable footwear and clothing is essential while exploring the city. The following places are must to visit on a day tour:
Bird Park
Botanic Gardens
Chinese Gardens
Catch Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to get an overview of the island.
National Orchid Centre
Sentosa Island
Zoo
Night Sightseeing Tour
Grab the chance to take the family on a Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour through the jungle. There you will spot nocturnal animals in their natural habitat, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers. Then take the plunge to follow a walking trail with your guide to see the animals at closer quarters. At the Singapore Zoo there is also the option to enjoy dinner at the Ulu Ulu Safari. Restaurant.

Excursions
The tourists can also visit Malaysia, which is just in north of Singapore. Across the border from Singapore is Johor Bahru, the visitors can halt andshop there. Only a six hour bus ride from Singapore is Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the world`s tallest buildings, the Petronas tower. They are a magnificent work of art. Only an hour ferry ride away from Singapore is Bintan. Bintan is part of Indonesia and is a beach resort. During the excursion, you can also visit Bali from Singapore which is very near to the city and also part of Indonesia.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Doha - Port of Al Ruwais




Before the advent of oil, the main revenue source in Qatar for many centuries was derived from pearl diving. Throughout the country, one can find monuments to the pearl industry, and one particularly spectacular one can be found at the old port of Al-Ruwais. There you can also see a number of beautiful old open-air mosques.