Beauty in Gangwon

Posted by on March 27, 2012 No comments


East Asia is a really magnificent place with numerous attractions that will always keep you occupied.
Some of the countries located inside this region of Asia are North Korea, South Korea and Hong
Kong. Asia is blessed with beautiful nature and a colourful and diverse community and you will
surely be enchanted with the good qualities that Asia have. One of the many general attractions that
you can find in East Asia is its national parks.

These national parks are made to preserve the nature and take care of them for the future
generations. There are a lot of national parks inside East Asia but the best of them all is Seoraksan
National Park. This park is located inside South Korea and it is popular around the world for its
various attractions and picturesque views.

Seoraksan is located inside Gangwon which is a province inside South Korea. It is also the most
north-eastern province of the country. Most of the land here are mountainous. In fact, only less than
a fifth of the land inside Gangwon is flat. Despite its mountainous feature, Gangwon is still a suitable
and perfect home for around 1.5 million South Koreans.

Seoraksan National Park is dubbed as the most loved mountains inside South Korea. This is because
the National Park has a ‘double personality’ that are both favourable to the people here. Seoraksan
National Park is divided into two parts, the inner and the outer. The outer part of Seoraksan will
show you the muscular side of the mountain, where you can see fantastic cliffs which even experts
in hiking can have a problem. There are also a couple fountains to see at the other side of Seoraksan.
On the other hand, the inner part of Seoraksan will enchant you with the various natures that
you can found. Different seasons can yield different experiences while exploring the inner part of
Seoraksan and this also makes the park special.

Because of its uniqueness and its significant to the country’s ecological stature, the park was
declared as a Biosphere Reserve in 1992. Not only known for its nature, Seoraksan is also known for
a couple of man-made structures. One of them is Gwongeumseong Fortress which is located near to
the peak of Seoraksan Mountain. This fortress is still sturdy and strong even though it was built more
than 700 years ago. If you are able to visit this fortress, make sure that you climb the walls here
and see the sceneries around the fortress. You will surely be stunned with the beauty that you will
experience.

If you are planning for a visit to Seoraksan, you can stay at any hotel in Gangwon. Make sure
that you have prepared the essential clothes for your trip to Seoraksan as the wind can get a little
chilly here. A vacation to Seoraksan will surely be a vacation that you will remember for your whole
lifetime.

Naypyidaw, The New Capital Of Myanmar

Posted by on February 9, 2012 No comments


Naypyidaw is the new capital city of Myanmar, replacing Yangon in November 2005. It is located in Central Myanmar alongside other famous cities like Bagan, Mandalay and Magwe. As the name of the city is quite hard to pronounce, it is more known as NPT. It is around 300 kilometres north from Yangon and it is still currently under a massive development phase to increase its reputation as the new capital. It is expected that most of the development will be finished in the year 2012. The rapid development pace of the city also makes it one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

The city is divided into a couple of zones, which is perfect for an organized city development. The zones are named after its uses, like the Residential Zones, Military Zones, Ministry Zone and Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone will be the suitable place for you to book a room. It is located at the city outskirts and there are currently eight hotels inside this zone. These hotels are mostly villa-style hotels located on the hills of Naypyidaw.

While you are here, you will surely see the golden pagoda that overlooks the whole city. It is known as the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a structure built the in the modern era that was completed just years ago. It is a really grandeur pagoda which imitates the architecture of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. This pagoda is built mainly because of the belief that it will protect the city from any disasters and calamity. Inside the pagoda territory, there are other attractions like gardens, Buddha statues, museums and also an archive for religious artefacts.

There are a lot of parks inside Naypyidaw and the most famous park will be the Ngalaik Lake Gardens. It is a small water park in Ngalaik Dam that receives its first customer in the year 2008. It is located just 15 minutes’ drive from the Naypyidaw city centre and it has attractions like water slides, natural resorts and a beach. It is a perfect place to see the beauty of nature in Naypyidaw with small children and close friends. It is also a favourite place for locals who want to run from the hectic life in the capital.

Even though Naypyidaw is still being developed, it has already exhibit some personalities that can make it a great capital for Myanmar. Once Naypyidaw is fully developed, it will surely be a beautiful place that can help develop Myanmar into a whole new level.

Visiting Mandalay, Myanmar

Posted by on January 27, 2012 1 comment


Myanmar or known as Burma in the past, is a really beautiful country in its own way. Some of its neighbors are Thailand to the south, China to the north and India to the west. It was once under the territory of the Indian Empire during the 19th century and it finally being divided from India in the year 1937 with a separate government. Myanmar is a battlefield during the World War and countless lives were lost during the battle. The infamous Death Railway that killed 80,000 lives also left a big scar in Myanmar. A lot of cities were burnt and one of the severely damaged cities in the country is Mandalay.

Mandalay is located inside the central part of Myanmar. Despite the horrific damage that it received during the World War Two, it recovered at a great pace and now it is the economic hub for Myanmar. It is the second largest city in Myanmar and most of the development projects were done around the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is the walled city within Mandalay which was built in the middle of the 19th century. The reason why this palace was built is really strange and mythical, where a prophecy has stated that a palace must be built in Mandalay to prevent disasters. Despite the belief, Mandalay was massacred during the World War Two and the Royal Palace was almost completely destroyed. It was then rebuilt after the war because of its historical and cultural importance to its former grandeur and you can spend a lot of time exploring this place.

Aside from the Royal Palace, another place that captures a lot of traveller’s attraction is the Mandalay Hill. It is the best place to see the beauty of Mandalay from the top. You can also see the panorama here from the pagoda located at the foot of the hill. It has the perfect view of Mandalay and its surrounding beauties. It will be a hard journey if you try to reach the top of the hill by foot, just hire a private pick-up truck and you can reach the hill easily without much sweat.

Despite its bitter past, Mandalay has recovered to become a lively city that plays an important part in the development of Myanmar. The Mandalay Hill and the Royal Palace are not the only tourist attractions in Myanmar; you can explore other places as well when you reach this place. Mandalay is a great place to visit with your family and friends during the school holiday.

Photo courtesy of Greg Walters

Buddhas in Bago, Myanmar

Posted by on January 24, 2012 No comments


Myanmar is one of the many exotic countries in South East Asia. As like other countries in the region, the population of Myanmar is diverse and comprised of a couple of races. Most of the people in Myanmar speak Burmese but you can also here some other languages like Hindi, Tamil and also Chinese. Myanmar is a country with three distinct seasons; the hot, the cold and the rainy season. The best time to visit Myanmar will be during the cool season which is from November to February.

Myanmar’s culture is heavily influenced by Buddha, where a lot of temples and structures here are built using the Buddhist architecture. One of the main cities where you can see these architectures is Bago. Bago is located inside the Irrawaddy region which is a popular region for tourists and travellers that visit the bigger cities like Yangon, Pathein and Twante. To get into Bado, it will be best that you book a flight into Yangon International Airport. From Yangon, you can literally go to all destinations inside Myanmar. You can choose to go to Bago by taxi, bus or train. The cheapest will be by bus but the one that offers the best experience will be taxis because you can choose to stop at the many attractions along the way when you want to.

As being said before, Bago is a really popular place for Buddhist architectures and structures. A lot of pagodas can be seen here in Bago. Pagodas are tower-like structures with multiple eaves that gradually decrease in size as you go upwards. Shwemawdaw Pagoda is one of the many pagodas inside Bago. Also known as the Golden God Temple, it holds the record as the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. It is a really old structure because it is built almost a century ago (which is in the 10th century).

Two other known pagodas inside Bago is the Shwethar Iyaung Pagoda and Kyaik Pun Pagoda. Shethar Iyaung Pagoda is believed to be built around the same time as Shwemawdaw Pagoda which is in the year 994. It has the second largest Buddha statue in the world at 74 metres in height which is a majestic structure that beautify the pagoda. Kyaik Pun Pagoda in the other hand is known as the Four Seated Buddha shrine because it has four Buddha statues seated on different positions. If you come to Bago, you must visit these three shrines because they are the best attractions you can find in this city.

Photo by Tanenhaus

Visiting the History in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Posted by on January 21, 2012 No comments


Uzbekistan is located to the central part of Asia. With a total area of 400,000 square kilometres, some of its neighbouring countries are Afghanistan, Tajikistan and also Turkmenistan. In general, Uzbekistan is divided into several regions. Each of them has their own specialty and the biggest region among all is the Northen Uzbekistan. This country can be said as a hidden gem among the many countries that ends with ‘tan’. This is because Uzbekistan is really beautiful and perfect for those who love to have a walk in the past. A lot of historical monuments and buildings can be found around Uzbekistan for those who love old history.

Uzbekistan’s climate can be harsh for those who are not prepared. The summers here are long and hot while the winters are just mild. Because it is located to the central part of Asia, it does not received a lot of weather influence from seas. However, this does not mean that Uzbekistan does not have any fun places to visit. Perhaps the most popular city in Uzbekistan is Samarkand.

This city is founded by Alexander the Great hundreds of years ago and it is a popular tourist spot. Samarkand is derived from two words, ‘asmara’ and also ‘qand’ which means ‘rock’ and stone fort’ respectively. This is because the city is an important fortress under the rule of Alexander the Great. The importance of the city is reflected by the many beautiful buildings located in Samarkand’s city centre. This is why the city centre is declared as an international treasure by UNESCO.

One of the many attractions at the city centre is the Registan Ensemble. This place is formerly a city square during the Alexander the Great’s days and it is a place where the townsmen gathers and do businesses. It has been rebuilt several times but it still retain the original architecture of the Registan Ensemble during the old days. This place is great for those who love to sit at the bench and marvel at the grandeur that the Registan Ensemble provides.

There are also many mausoleums around Samarkand. One of them is Gur Emir Mausoleum. Gur Emir is the conqueror of Samarkand and he is feared for his ruthlessness. It is said that he once built a pyramid out of the skulls of those he ordered to be killed. The mausoleum is also the palce where the largest piece of jade in the world is stored. Some other mausoleums inside Samarkand is the Al Buxori Al Bukhari Mausoleum and also Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi Mausoleum.

Visiting the Former Capital of Laos

Posted by on January 12, 2012 No comments

Laos is one of the few places inside South East Asia that is not really a favourite place when it comes to travelling. This is because the country is considered as a third world country because of its low average wage and the people’s quality of life. However, Laos can actually be a pretty decent holiday spot if you know where the good things are located.

First off, we must first know a little about the country. Laos is a quite mountainous country with no access to any coastal lines. Some of its neighbours are Vietnam, Thailand and China. The world first knew about Laos when it can be found in the old manuscripts during the early 14th century. The founder of Laos is known as Lane Xang and it is a troubled land because of the conflict with the Siam (now Thaland). Even though Laos is small, there are almost 50 different ethnics living inside the country. Most of them practices Budhha and you can see its presence by the many temples being built around the cities.

Laos has a place that is declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The award is given to any places in the world that holds great significance and remembrance to history and culture of the world. The place that is given the honour is Luang Prabang. It is the former capital city of Laos and it is located to the north side of Laos. You can get into this place by any means of transport like flights, cars, buses and also trains.

The one thing that you must not miss while you are in Luang Prabang is the Alms Ceremony. During this ceremony, monks will be collecting alms of rice from kneeling villagers during dawn. This is a ceremony special to the monks that has devoted themselves for their faith and beliefs. It is fascinating to see the many warm hearts that are kind enough to spare some food for these monks.

After the ceremony, you can then go visit the landmark of the city, the former Royal Palace. The palace, known as Haw Kham, is now a national museum that not only displays pieces of history but also held many art shows and dances. After enjoying the shows, you can then proceed to other interesting places around Luang Prabang. Some of them are Phou Si, Vat Xieng Tong and Vipassana Temple.

Laos may not be one of the most advanced countries in South East Asia but it is still a great place that has a lot of interesting places and attractions. If you come to Laos, make sure that you share the joy by inviting your friends and families to come along!

Swimming in the Dead Sea, Jordan

Posted by on January 1, 2012 No comments

Dead Sea Jordan
One of the many magical places around the world is located in Asia. This place is a sea that is known for its beauty and its magic. It is also said that if you come to this place, you will be able to float and swim even though you do not have any knowledge about it. This is because you will automatically float if you have a swim into the sea. This sea is known all over the world as the Dead Sea.

It is interesting to say that the Dead Sea is the lowest point in the world and it is accessible from two countries, Israel and also Jordan. If you are in Jordan, you can come to the Dead Sea by travelling from either Amman or Aqaba. The best way to come to the Dead Sea is by renting a car. By doing so, you can come and go to the Dead Sea without the need to wait for the public transports or pay the high taxi fees. It is estimated that the trip will be around three to four hours. It may be long but it is truly worth the hard work.

After you reach the sea, you will surely be amazed with the beautiful sceneries that the place has to offer. You may also realize that there are no sea creatures like seashells can be seen on the shores. This is because the Dead Sea is too salty to become a habitat for the creatures of the sea. This is also what causes your body to float easily, where it is a phenomenon known as hypersalination. There are also other activities that can be done here except for just floating around. While you are here, you can also have a therapeutic sunbathing at the Dead Sea. You can just take the mud of the Dead Sea and put it on your whole body. The mud is really rich in mineral and it is believed that they have a lot of medicinal benefits.

After some time at the Dead Sea, you can also visit the many attractions located nearby. The historic Mount Nebo is a must visit place while you are nearby. This is the place where you can see the panoramic view of the Holy Land and the Jordan River. It is located just 20 minutes from the dead sea and you can also hire a tourguide here to bring you around for a very cheap price. Some other attractions that you can visit is the Jordan River, Dead Sea Museum, Lot’s Cave and also Hammamat Ma’in. In a nutshell, a visit to the Dead Sea will be a really unique experience that can keep making you come back for more.

Beaches, Parks and Islands in Yeosu, South Korea

Posted by on December 26, 2011 1 comment

Yeosu, South Korea
South Korea is a really peaceful and calm country. It has a homogenous community where almost all of the people here are ethnically Korean. Perhaps the biggest minority ethnic in Korea is the Chinese with the total number of less than 1% of the total population here (around 30,000 people). It is one of the most visited countries in the Asian region and there are millions of people come into the country for a holiday. The climate here is really appropriate for tourists from any part of the world because there are no extreme weather conditions like snowstorms or draught. However, South Korea is located on the place where earthquakes are commonly happening but it is quite rare for a really big earthquake to happen here.

While you are in South Korea, it is best that you wear anything that suits you. This is because there are no clothes restrictions in this country. However, do wear the right clothes during the right season. Nobody wants to catch a cold because they are wearing shorts during winter, right? Not only that will harm your body, your precious vacation will also be sacrificed.

One of the most picturesque places in South Korea is at Yeosu. It is located inside the South Jeolla province and it is the most suitable place for those who love to take pictures. This is because you can see a lot of breath-taking sceneries here. Yeosu is a coastal city so you can see that the ports and beaches here are so beautiful and clean. It is also known for its parks which are a really great place to visit during the evening. Not only you can see the blooming flowers and old, big trees in these parks, you can also see how the Koreans spend their evening.

In Yeosu alone, there are more than 300 islands that can be visited and if you want to explore them, take the island hopping tours here. You will be guided to some of the most beautiful islands in Korea and you can also see a lot of animals at the seas and also at the islands. A vacation to Yeosu will be a great one for any tourists that come to this city. For those who are interested to come to Yeosu, make sure that you consult the nearest travel agent to your place to know more on South Korea. It will be a great start for those who are preparing to come to this beautiful country.

Legoland Malaysia – Another Tourist Attraction in Asia To Be Opened

Posted by on December 21, 2011 No comments

Remember my recent exclusive review of the Johor Premium Outlet (JPO)?. Well, the excitement in the southern state of Malaysia is yet to complete without its latest theme park that scheduled to be opened end of 2012.Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia is a 76-acres family oriented theme park and packed with over 40 rides and attractions. You may find LEGO experiment centers, dry and wet parks that include roller coasters. The point of attraction of the Legoland is the MINILAND – a scale 1:20 famous Asian landmarks built from over 25 millions of LEGO bricks, the same LEGO pieces that you may find in the Toys ‘R’ Us.

You may choose your preferred motorized rides in the Lego City or try the roller coasters in the Land of Adventure. But you may need to be ready to get wet as some of the rides involve wet parks!. And for those who love the historical world, enjoy the Lego Kingdom where you could find ‘warriors’ defending their castle from enemies.

Once opened, it will be the 6th Legoland in this planet besides Windsor (England), California (USA), Guenzburg (Germany), Florida (USA) and the origin of LEGO, Billund (Denmark). Legoland Malaysia will be the first country in Asia to have this world class theme park. Located in Johor, Malaysia, it will be another point of attraction for kids and parents to experience the world of imagination and creativity.

For more information on LEGOLAND Malaysia, visit www.legoland.com.my.

A Holiday in Busan, South Korea

Posted by on December 12, 2011 1 comment

Busan, South Korea
South Korea is located to the southern part of the peninsula where it shares with North Korea. Most of the lands to the north of South Korea are mountainous but the southern lands are flat and suitable for civilization. Even the capital city of South Korea, Seoul is located to the southern lands. The climate in South Korea is distinguished by the four seasons which are the spring, summer, autumn and winter but it is open for tourists all year. The winter here is quite cold so for those who want to have a vacation here will need to prepare the right attire when you are outside. However, some cities and towns located near to the shorelines may not receive snow. This is thanks to the warm winds that are coming from the sea that prevent snow from forming.

One of the most visited places in South Korea is Busan. This metropolitan city is also known as Pusan and it is located to the shorelines of the southeast region. It is the second largest city behind Seoul and it is also the second most visited city behind the same city. Busan is known for its shorelines but those who love to go to the mountains can also do their activities here. It is because Busan also has mountains at the south part of the city. You can see a lot of world class resorts lining up the shorelines and each of them are really beautiful with their own unique themes. Those who are holidaying with a tight budget can also find affordable hotels and resorts in the city as well.

As a coastal city, it will be a shame if you do not try the seafood cuisines here. Visit the many seafood restaurants here and indulge on all the delicacies and food that you will receive. You can choose from lobsters, fishes, oysters and also crabs to satisfy your taste buds. It will be a really exhilarating vacation in Busan, South Korea.

For those who want to visit this coastal city, you must know some of the basic tips to make sure that your vacation here went smoothly as planned. You must really take care of your belongings here especially at the airport because the atmosphere are quite hectic and there are a really big crowd at the airport, leading to a great confusion. You must also be considerate while you are visiting the temples by avoiding to wear tight and revealing clothes.