Visit ASEAN Countries Guide

Vacation in Philippines

2008-08-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

A vacation in the Philippines is almost not fair- most tourists don’t have enough time to visit all the places they’d like, and definitely won’t have the time to explore the many attractions the Philippines holds. For those on a limited time schedule, there are a few attractions that shouldn’t be missed at all costs.

One of the first attractions to take advantage of is the world renowned diving locations found in the Philippines. These locations are famous for their vibrant waters that are teeming with all sorts of exotic marine life. Most dives are usually fairly cost effective, meaning tourists won’t have to spend all of their recreational money on a few dives into the beautiful waters of the Philippines.

If a more extreme event is desired, there are many cliffs in which to go rock climbing on. Rock climbers from all around the world value Philippine cliffs, as they are situated on some of the most scenic property in the world. And because the Philippines has many types of terrain, beginners and experts alike will be able to find a challenge among the many cliffs decorating the land.

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Best time to visit Thailand

2008-08-19T18:53:00.001-07:00

Thailand's monsoons arrive around July and last into November (the 'rainy season'). They can be uncomfortably, unpredictably sticky. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June.

By far the best time to visit is from February to March when the weather is kind and the beaches are at their finest.The peak seasons are August, November, December, February and March, with secondary peak months in January and July.

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8 interesting places in Bali, Indonesia

2008-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Denpasar

The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.

The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on.

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New Long Term Pass card

2008-08-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is introducing the new Long Term Pass (LTP) card - for all foreigners residing in Singapore on a long term Visit Pass, Student's Pass, Employment Pass and Dependant's Pass.

The card seeks to replace the Visit Pass endorsement in the passports of all long-term stayers.All card holders will be required to produce their LTP card during immigration clearance when leaving or entering Singapore. If they decide to ever leave the country for good, they will have to surrender their LTP cards.

The cards are similar in look and feel to the NRIC cards held by citizens and permanent residents of Singapore, but are green in colour (see sample below). They are also equipped with similar security features.

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Direct flight from Hanoi to Nagoya

2008-08-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) launched its direct service from Hanoi to Nagoya, the third biggest economic hub of Japan, on August 12, announced the carrier.This is the parnering route between the Vietnam Airlines and the Japan Airlines.

The direct flights linking Hanoi and Nagoya will be offered on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on A321 Airbus with 183 seats.After an inaugural ceremony held in Nagoya at 10h30 (local time) in co-operation with the Japanese side, VNA’s plane with nearly 160 passengers on board for Flight No VN967 began its travel from Nagoya to Hanoi.

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Spheredivers Homestay, Mabul Island Sabah, Malaysia

2008-08-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Spheredivers Homestay provides accomodation for Divers and Non Divers. Diving packages varies upon guests request whether to dive in Sipadan Island or hunting for small critters around Mabul and Kapalai dive sites. As for snorkelers, its all free to snorkels around Mabul Island.

They also provide Discovery Scuba and PADI/SSI Open Water courses to guests, not to mention other courses from Advanced to Dive Master courses by our most experienced Instructor(PADI/SSI) Situated in Mabul Island, Spheredivers Homestay and Scuba Diving is among the Bajau people houses who lives on stilts.

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AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manado

2008-07-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

AirAsia is to launch flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manado, a province in Indonesia, with three direct weekly flights from 12th September 2008.

Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi is the main gateway to the Indonesian archipelago comprising of Minahasa, Bolaang, Mongondow and the island of Dangihe Talaud.

Scuba diving and snorkeling on the nearby island of Bunaken are the most popular attractions. Other places of interest are nearby Lake Tondano, Lokon Volcano, Klabat Volcano and Mahawu Volcano.

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White Sandy Beaches in Malaysia

2008-07-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

Just the sight of a long, soft, sandy beach fringed by clear azure water and lit up brilliantly by the tropical sun is enough to put many people’s minds at ease with a heavy sense of peace. Malaysia beaches act as such catalysts catapulting thoughts of home and work far into the distance.

Things to do appeal to many kinds of people who enjoy doing absolutely nothing to enjoying many water sports and beach activities.

A great place for relaxing is the Mine Malaysia Palace Beach Spa. Though located in the bustling capital center of Kuala Lumpur you will feel as though you’re a million miles from everything during your Malaysia holiday.

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The Singapore Sun Festival

2008-07-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

The Singapore Sun Festival is back! Touted as Singapore’s Premier Music and Lifestyle Festival, it is bringing in over 250 international artists and celebrities in more than 90 events in 10 days to celebrate the art of living! Performing artistes include Kiri Te Kanawa, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir.

And of course, there will be visual arts events, film screenings, literature workshops, Wine & Cuisine stuff, and of course, Wellness events, comprising of yoga workshops.

Visit www.singaporesunfestival.com for more details

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Speaking Thai today

2008-07-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

For those of you that want or need to speak the language of love in Thai here’s a small dictionary of Thai love phrases that are sure to impress and excite your new Thai girlfriend. I guarantee she will be amazed and impressed. If you’re having trouble with pronunciation you can ask her for help too which will help to make your relationship more concrete.

Beginning Your Relationship
I am single. (pom yung sot)
You are very beautiful. (koon suay mak mak)
You are very cute. (koon na-ruk mak mak)
I like your smile. (pom chorp roi yim kong koon)
Can I see you tomorrow? (proong nee jer gun dai mai) - For yes the reply is “dai” and for no the reply is “mai dai”
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Simple itinerary to visit Vietnam

2008-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - The Old Quarter

Walking around Hanoi is similar to walking around Bangkok – you don’t know where to look first. You need to have every sense working overtime to keep up with its pace. The noise of the traffic, the smells from the foodstalls and the constant view of people and moving frantically around you will do nothing else but astound you upon touching down for the very first time.

The best known area of the city among travellers is the city’s Old Quarter, an area divided up into 36 different streets. In the 13th Century when the area established, each street designated to one of the 36 trades practised in the city. Some of these streets include Bat Dan meaning wooden bowls, Gia Ngu which means fishermen, and Hang Trong which stands for drum. Today there are over 50 streets in the area.

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Kinabalu Park, Malaysia

2008-07-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

The Kinabalu Park covers a staggering area of 754 sg. km (300 sq.mile) from the Park Headquarters area all the way to Poring Hot Springs 40 km (25 miles) away and northwards to Mandalon, almost reaching the Kudat Hoghway. It is bigger than Singapore Island!

Established as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise is blessed with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones, from the oak, rhododendron; the coniferous forests, to the alphine meadow plants and to the stunted bushes of the summit zone. Kinabalu Park has probably one of the richest flora collections in the world.

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Pramuka island, Indonesia

2008-07-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Pramuka island is parts of thousand islands - Jakarta. This area has about two thousand residents and is a good conservation for the hawksbill turtle, one of six types of sea turtles who reside in.

For more information, the hawksbill turtle is protected by Indonesia government. Beside Pramuka Island, these few islands near here has served as places to breed for hawksbill turtle.

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Go-Go Bar scam in Thailand

2008-07-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

You are walking along Patpong Road and some pathetic looking tout invites you to an a go-go bar upstairs performing ping-pong, darts and horny snake shows. You are told a beer is a 100 baht, but when you get the bill it is for 1,500 (tout downstairs forgot to tell you there was a huge cover charge).

The scammers in there are violently dangerous, don’t get into a fight (a Japanese guy was murdered a few years ago in one of those bars). Tell them politely that you need a receipt to get your money back from the company (entertainment expenses).

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10 reasons to visit Vietnam

2008-07-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Being one of the most charming capital cities in Asia where past, present and future are all bended so well in one single place, Hanoi truly deserves a several days stay. And, make sure you go these places to have best experience of Vietnam's capital city.

1. Ho Chi Minh complex, visiting his Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and his old houses. The Mausoleum is where the body of the greatest president of Vietnam is kept in a glass coffin. The Presidential Palace is a beautiful French building that was originally built for the French General Governor of Indochina, later on Ho Chi Minh worked in the building.

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6 reasons to visit Vietnam

2008-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

Most people think of Vietnam as a war. But the old history has all gone. Now peace and safety resides. It's opening to the world as a friendly and exotic place on earth to be.

So why don't you think of coming. I'll name some of the reasons why you should:

1. She's a new place. It's not touristy like in Thailand and many places you go, people got stunned by your appearance.

2. She's safe and friendly. The majority of people in Vietnam are farmers, pure farmers. Many of them have never learnt of much apart from the village they were born in. Naturally, they're almost all friendly and safe to be around. Moreover, the communist government does a good job in ensuring securities all over the country. Nothing of a crime has happened to tourists for the last decades.

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Bromo Mount, Indonesia

2008-07-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Bromo have known by all of visitor of the worlds. They come to Bromo to watch the sunrise. The visitor also can look down to the crater that full of its smoke, and feel the cold of the air, is probably could only be done in Bromo.

Our eyes will also completed by the sea of sand that the way to reach Bromo’s peak. The main gate to the sea of sand and mount Bromo is through Cemorolawang. This is the most crowded visiting area, espesially on holidays.

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2 cities in Malaysia are World Heritage sites

2008-07-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Malacca and Penang rejoiced as they celebrate the inscription of their state capitals as World Heritage Sites.
Malacca:
The World Heritage Site covers:> St Paul’s Hill civic zone with St Paul’s Church, Porta de Santiago (A Famosa) fortress and Stadhuys complex,
> Residential and commercial areas of Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk) and adjacent streets, including Harmony Street, and> The Malacca River.

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Phrae, Thailand

2008-07-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

General Information An old and important community of Northern Thailand, Phrae was founded after Chiang Mai had been established as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom. With one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the country, it is located on the banks of the Yom River, 555 kilometres from Bangkok.

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Makan Sutra, Singapore

2008-07-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Apart from Newton Circus hawker center that is well know to everyone inside and outside of Singapore, there is another nice hawker’s center in Singapore that is less crowded and has almost every Singapore’s signature food and drinks. That is the Makan Sutra which is located just beside The Esplanade, or behind the Marina Square shopping center.

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Sedona Hotel is Top Indonesia Resort

2008-06-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

Sedona Hotels International calls for triple celebration as Hotel Sedona Manado was awarded Indonesia’s Leading Resort while Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay were nominated Myanmar’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2008.

Hotel Sedona Manado winning this award on its first nomination within two years of operations is remarkable. Mr Vincent Tan, Senior Vice President of Sedona Hotels International said “We are honoured to receive this award which signifies the international travel industry recognition of Hotel Sedona Manado as Indonesia’s Leading Resort. We are committed to continue contributing to Indonesia’s travel and tourism industry and to raise Manado’s profile on the global tourism scene as an attractive dive and leisure travel destination.”

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Free wifi in Bangkok, Thailand

2008-06-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

As of Thursday, half a million Bangkok-ians will have access to 15,000 access points throughout the Bangkok metropolitan area. The municipal administration are attempting to alleviate some of the strains caused by rising fuel prices by allowing people to conduct business and transactions over the internet. This pilot program will run 1 year and each access point will allow people to connect to a blazing 64kbps pipe.

Though slightly better than dial up, one has to wonder how much bandwidth anyone will actually get. Nonetheless, this is a step in the right direction and should give WiMax a run for its money since this service is being offer for free.

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Gearing up to Philippines

2008-06-29T04:18:00.001-07:00

Getting Ready for Your Trip to the Philippines.

Let’s assume you’ve done your regular prep-work: made provisions for paying your bills back home + having the means to monitor all your banking activity online, clearing out your credit cards, securing your travel documents, securing your home and pets, having a medical exam + getting the necessary vaccinations if you need it, putting your memberships on hold, dealing with all your mail for the duration of your vacay, etc.

Pay special attention to:

Appropriate Clothing. The Philippines only has two kinds of weather, really: hot weather, and rainy weather. It’s a tropical country, which means you can get away with a single layer of clothing for the most part- a simple t-shirt and jeans, for example. You might still want to keep a coat with you if you feel cold. Or if you want to pack light, you can go ahead and just buy clothes when you get there.

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World Islamic Tourism Conference in Malaysia

2008-06-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Malaysia will host the inaugural World Islamic Tourism Conference and Expo 2008 here in October this year.

The forum will include participants from 57 countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and provide a platform for Islamic tourism industry players to strengthen cooperation and forge closer economic ties.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said that immense tourism business potentials could be tapped from this huge Islamic market at the four-day event scheduled for October 8-11.

Cuc Phuong, Vitenam

2008-06-29T04:14:00.000-07:00

Consecrated in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong, 120km south of Ha Noi and under the administration of Ninh Binh Province authority, spreads its land area of 22,200 hectares into the territory of Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh Provinces.

The terrain of Cuc Phuong includes a valley of 25km in length and 10km in width flanked by forested limestone mountains in the northern part of the Truong Son Range. The mountains around the national park rise up to 636m above sea level and surrounded by vast areas of forested plain. The mountains of Cuc Phuong National Park are of karst and marine formations which are estimated of 200 million years old. There are a myriad caves in the mountains of Cuc Phuong and some archaeological artifacts found in the caves show that Human Beings started inhabiting here some 7,000 – 12,000 years ago.

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Singapore Food Festival 2008

2008-06-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

This July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is back for the 15th year to charm your taste buds with its unique blend of local food. From Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice to the chili crab, sample the ten must-try local favorites of Singapore for the best experience of Singapore food and culture.

Tourists get an exclusive invitation to sample the best of Singapore's local food. Specially held in conjunction Singapore Food Festival, tourists can savor the best of Singapore's local delights, at one go. Upon arrival, simply present your passport at the Singapore Visitor Centres to obtain a Singapore Sampler Voucher, that entitles you to taste our local delights.

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Suntec City Mall, Singapore

2008-06-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Suntec City Mall is a shopping centre in Singapore, located within the Marina Centre subzone of the Downtown Core Planning Area. It also offers a club house called the Suntec City Guild House located on the fifth storey. The large size of the mall boasts some 360 outlets spread over 3 floors in an L-shaped configuration.

If you visit there, don't forget to have a photograph of the Fountain of Wealth, which Suntec claims to be the largest fountain in the world; this claim has however been contested, with Fountain Hills in Arizona also claiming the title which the Guinness World Records has recently withdrawn the "Largest Fountain".

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Da Nang, Vietnam - Full of culture and history

2008-06-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

Da Nang is the third largest city in Viet Nam, after Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi, and it is the largest in the Central region. It has an area of 1,300 square kilometers and a population of 1 million. The city’s Hoang Sa district is an archipelago consisting of 18 islands.

Da Nang’s cultural history dates back only 300 years; It was settled by Vietnamese long after the North. Highlights for visitors include the Museum of Cham Sculpture and the ancient pagodas of Hai Chau Pho Da Long Tho.

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Malaysia Airline offer web-check in

2008-06-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Long queues at airline check-in counters will soon be a thing of the past as Malaysia Airlines offers a convenient, hassle-free option - web check-in.

Part of simplifying the air travel process through the Passenger Services System where Malaysia Airlines is investing RM400 million over the next 10 years, the new web check-in option is currently available for travel on its Malaysian domestic sectors and can be done worldwide.

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Use taxi in Bangkok, Thailand

2008-06-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to get around, if not always the quickest, is by the aircon taxi. These come in quite a few different colours though the green-yellow and red-blue ones are the most common.

Bangkok has thousands of taxis, and finding one at any time is never a problem. The occasional exception to this is during a monsoon season downpour. By international standards they're very cheap too, the flagfall rate is 35B (0.85 US$ approx) including the first 2km and it's 5B/km after that.

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Miri, Sarawak

2008-06-09T05:58:00.001-07:00

Miri, the second City of Sarawak, is situated in northern Sarawak, close to the Sarawak-Brunei border on the legendary island of Borneo. The City has grown phenomenally since oil was first discovered in the early 1900s, burgeoning into the modern and dynamic business, commercial and educational centre it is today.

It is also the stepping-off point to many of Sarawak's world-famous national parks such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu, Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park and Loagan Bunut National Park, as well as other major tourist attractions. A state-of-the-art Marina attracts the international yachting community, and divers who are keen to explore the ‘under water jungles’ below.

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5 Must Visit Places in Singapore

2008-06-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

1. The Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is among the most visited tourist destination in Asia. If travelling with kids, this is one of the must-visit spots on the island. The Singapore Zoo is been much acclaimed for its open landscape and spaciousness where in the animals live in enclosures simulating that of their natural habitat.

The zoo is filled with exotic animals like white tigers, polar bears, and Asian elephants etc. In addition, the Singapore Night Safari is one of Singapore’s premier tourist attractions. The Night Safari is the world’s first such attraction. Experience wildlife on a 45-minute tram ride or take one of the three Walking Trails to get a feel of the park in eight geographical zones covering forty hectares of forested park.

The sight of watching over one hundred different species of nocturnal animals (including leopards, lions and tigers) is simply amazing and something you will remember always.

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Kedonganan / Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia

2008-06-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

Kedonganan Bay or Jimbaran Bay will be interesting for people who would like to enjoy fresh seafood with beautifull panorama of sunset, Beeing a part of legendaris indian ocean jimbaran bay offer you a complete activites of seafood product.

It is about 3 kilometers south of Bali International Airport ngurah Rai. The fishing village of Kedonganan. At the northern part of the beach could be seen a traditional fish market and great number of anchoring “Jukung” or traditional fishing boat which present an interesting view. To experience sailing around the gulf here by traditional sailing boat give us the picturesque image of west Bali’s cresent beach.

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10 To Do in Thailand

2008-06-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

It’s not hard to understand why Thailand has become such a hot name when tourism is the topic of discussion. After all, Thailand is very rich in terms of its culture as manifested by its various museums and temples. At the same time, Thailand has a lot to brag about with its natural resources. These are two large factors which bring tourists from all over the world into Thailand.

1. Bangkok’s Canals

Bangkok, Thailand is known for its open canals. This is used for various open water activities, and you can find floating houses here, which will certainly make you wonder how do these houses remain floating? At the same time, you can also shop in Thailand’s open canals, indeed a very bright and original way to do your shopping.

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Visa Requirement to Philippines

2008-06-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay

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Travel warning for Indonesia lifted

2008-05-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

The US State Department has lifted its travel warning for Indonesia, reflecting improved security and paving the way for closer ties between the two countries.

The Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to create an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia, carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks in Indonesia between 2002 and 2005, dealing a severe blow to the country's tourism and trade.

Following the bombings, the Indonesian authorities worked closely with foreign allies to arrest militants and step up security.

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Duck Tour in Singapore

2008-05-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well when u visit a place, u want to see it with a difference, right!!

In Singapore there is something called as a Duck Tour !! A duck ??? where did that come from ?? It is a Boat, a Bus, a DUCK! It is the 1st and only amphibious theme tour attraction in Asia.These Duck tours offer both city and harbour tours without changing the vehicle.

Its amazing, you keep going in the road and suddenly u are in the water. A unique kind of boat on big wheels.

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Thai Culture that you need to know

2008-05-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to come and visit Thailand, it's good to come with the knowledge of what's culturally acceptable or not.Generally, the Thais are very polite.

If you offend them in any way, they won't tell you and but instead say, "Mai pen rai' or it's okay even if they're already offended.

Here's a compilation of the things you can do and must not do during your stay or visit.

1) Show your respect towards the Royal Family.
The Royal Family is very well respected in this country, therefore as much as possible, don't comment anything may it be good or bad about them. Don't ask controversial issues about them from the local people. It'll greatly offend them and neither talk to you about it.

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Culture and Customs of Vietnamese

2008-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

What you should do when meeting Vietnamese at the first time? These are some general notes which help you to be polite with Vietnamese culture and people.

Greeting People
Most of the Vietnamese in urban areas no longer bow when they meet each other. In formal gatherings, at religious place, and sometimes in the country areas, one may see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. This is not practiced to any extent in everyday life in Vietnam as it is in neighboring Thailand.

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Single Visa Policy for ASEAN

2008-05-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

To boost tourism in the region, the Philippines and Thailand have agreed to urge the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt a single visa policy for tourists traveling within the 10-nation bloc.This was one of the understandings firmed up at the Thursday meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

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Malaysia Top 5 Medical Tourism in the World

2008-05-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

Malaysia is among the world’s top five medical tourism destinations for medical tourists and foreign investors, reports online investment news source Nuwire Investors. Selected based on the quality and affordability of medical care and receptiveness to foreign investment, Malaysia came in third behind Panama and Brazil, and was followed by Costa Rica and India.

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Sabah public transpotation information

2008-05-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

By Road
Taxis are available from the airport into the capital city and major hotels.
Overland journey by bus or car is easy to arrange between Kuching (Sarawak), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam) and Kota Kinabalu. Passports are stamped at all the borders.

By Rail
Borneo's only railway service in operation is in Sabah. It runs from Tanjung Aru railway station in Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort and Tenom. The journey to Beaufort takes less than 2 hours, and to Tenom about 5 hours. The ride by railcar through the Padas River gorge to Tenom is particularly interesting to visitors.

By Ferry

Ferry Schedule

Kota Kinabalu to Labuan

8.00am (Daily)
1.30pm (Mon - Thur)
3.00pm (Fri - Sun)

Labuan to Kota Kinabalu

8.30am (Mon - Thur)
10.30am (Fri - Sun)
1.00pm (Mon - Thur)
3.00pm (Fri - Sun)

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Night Safari in Singapore

2008-05-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

As the sun sets, a different world comes to life. At the Night Safari, you can look a rhinoceros in the eye, hear the howls of a pack of striped hyenas or watch giraffes glide serenely across the plain in the still of the night.

This premier night zoo houses over 900 animals of 135 exotic species in eight zones re-created to simulate geographic zones like the Southeast Asian rainforest, African savanna, Nepalese river valley, South American pampas and Burmese jungle.

Strike out on your own along the walking trail or relax in a tram ride - whichever you choose, Night Safari is a wild adventure not to be missed.

Winner of the Tourism Awards 2004, 2003, 2000, 1999, 1997 and 1996 - Leisure Attraction of the Year.
Open
6.00pm to midnight (daily)
Last ticket sale: 11.00pm

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Jakarta, Capital city of Indonesia

2008-05-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest part of Java.Jakarta has been called a study in contrasts: traditional and modern; rich and poor; spiritual and wordly stand side by side in this bustling metropolis.

Among the 8 million people who call Jakarta home, one find representatives of the many diverse ethnic and cultural groups which shape Indonesia, a reminder of the nation’s motto: ‘Unity in Diverse’. You may have to search high and low in this multi-cultural collage to find one of the proud ethnic Jakartans, called "Orang Betawi".

Their language. Betawi Malay, has two variations, conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang form spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

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Boat cruise at Ayutthaya, Thailand

2008-05-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Boat trips to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Thai lifestyle along the Chao Phraya River, the Pa Sak River and around the town island of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are available. A long-tailed boat can be chartered at the pier in front of Chanthara Kasem National Museum, Pom Phet Pier, and Wat Phananchoeng Pier. The fare depends on the route and duration. There are also boat tours provided by:

1. Ruean Raprong Restaurant Providing a river tour around Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Starting from the restaurant, there are 3 routes available: 1. Around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya; 2. To Bang Pa-In Palace, and 3. To Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre. The boats are in service during 9.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m. daily. Service charge inclusive of food and beverage for a tour around the town of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is 320 Baht/person for a group of 10 – 30 persons and 300 Baht/person for a group of more than 30 persons.

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Nightlife in Hanoi

2008-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hanoi night club- vietnam nightclubs

1. Apocalypse Now5C Hoa MaTel: 9712783

2. Boss Night ClubFortuna Hotel 6B Lang HaTel: 831 3333

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Thailand is top budget travel

2008-04-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

Thailand is set to top the budget destination charts this year, with South Africa and Egypt in hot pursuit. According to research by the Post Office, the cost of trips in the eurozone is increasing having been overtaken by the US which has become the seventh cheapest destination on the list of 16.

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Laos - Must Visit Country

2008-04-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Laos is unique in that for a socialist country it has opened its doors to tourists. Since the latter part of the 1990s, Laos has been happy to welcome visitors from all over the globe. The reason behind their campaign to attract tourists, “Visit Laos” was because the economy was in a downward spiral and it was thought that tourism dollars would help to boost the economy. Lucky travelers can now experience the wonder of the sights and sounds of Laos.

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World's first Bats monitoring in Deer Cave, Sarawak

2008-04-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is on a three-day visit to Sarawak, the other Malaysian state on Borneo Island, today launched the world’s first digital remote-controlled bats monitoring system at Deer Cave, one of the many caves within the Mulu national park.

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Events in Surabaya Indonesia

2008-02-13T02:00:00.000-08:00

Reog Ponorogo

Performances where the dancers carry a very heavy, ornamented tiger head with peacock feathers. This dance depicts a fight between a tiger and two noblemen on horseback.

Kerapan Sapi (Bull Races), Madura

This is very popular sport and spectacle is held regularly at least twice a month at Bangkalan on the island of Madura, about half an hour by ferry from Surabaya. Bull racing is a great event in Madura especially the annual races for the islands championship which are usually held by the local administration after the harvest time in September and October. The finals are held at Pamekasan capital of the island, once a year. Special races can be organized, given three days advance notice.

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Broadband in whole of Langkawi

2008-02-13T01:58:00.000-08:00

All areas in this popular resort island will receive wireless broadband access when the installation of 90 transmitters are completed in June.

The RM4 million Langkawi Digital Multimedia Island project would be begin after the Chinese New Year.Presently, only Pantai Cenang and Kuah have access to wireless broadband services.

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Koh Chang Thailand

2008-02-13T01:57:00.000-08:00

Koh Chang is an exotic island resort in Thailand which is obscured by its more famous counterparts, the island resorts of Phuket and Koh Samui.It is the third largest island in Thailand behind Phuket and Koh Samui respectively.

However, the obscurity of this island is waning as more and more people are getting to know about this island's tourism potential and are making a beeline this relatively quieter and unspoilt Thai island resort.

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Laos Top destination for 2008

2008-01-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

The International Herald Tribune has voted Laos as the Top destination for 2008 beating Lisbon and Tunisia.Laos is shaping up to be Indochina's next hot spot.

Ancient sites like the Wat Phou temple complex and the capital city of Vientiane are drawing culture seekers.Luxury teak houseboats are cruising down the Mekong.

And global nomads are heading to Luang Prabang to sample the Laotian tasting menu at 3 Nagas (www.3nagas.com) or hang out by the infinity pool at the seriously upscale Résidence Phou Vao (www.residencephouvao.com).

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Learn speaking thai..

2008-01-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

Of course if you visit Thailand you want to know some basics about food to help you get what you want to eat. The list below gives you a little simple vocabulary for food:

Meat & Fish

Gai = chicken
Moo = Pork or pig
Nua = beef (and meat generally)
Plaa = fish
Poo = crab
Gung = prawn or shrimp
plaa meuk = squid/octopus

Fruit & Vegetables

polamai = fruit
appen = apple
strawberry = strawberry
Dtaengmoe = watermelon
Saparot = pineapple
Mameaung = mango
Turien = Durien
Pak = vegetables
Mercated = tomato
Man Falang = potato
Kawpoht = corn

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Plan your trip to Philippines

2008-01-08T19:53:00.001-08:00

General Info

Filipinos often use their eyes, lips, and hands to convey a wide range of messages. Raised eyebrows and a smile indicate a silent "hello" or a "yes" in answer to a question. Fixed eye contact between men is considered an aggressive gesture. The proper method to summon somebody is with a downward wave.

Filipinos place great emphasis on polite language and gentle conversation. Voice tone is always soft and gentle, and direct questions should be avoided. Filipinos value their self-esteem, so never criticize or argue with them publicly.

Most men, when so provoked, will fight for the preservation of their pride or self-esteem. Avoid topics such as politics, religion, corruption and foreign aid. Filipinos enjoy conversations about their families.

What to Wear

People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women is light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in.

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Dalat, Vietnam

2008-01-08T19:50:00.000-08:00

At first glimpse, hilly and cool Dalat feels like a foreign country: locals go about in sweaters, berets and Sunday suits, and mist hangs over hilly neighborhoods with French villas lost in the mist.

That it’s so different is why it’s long been a place for French colonials, Vietnam kings and communist-era honeymooners have come to escape Vietnam’s heat and hassle.

In the last 15 years or so, guidebooks have put Dalat at par with other itinerary staples as Nha Trang and Hoi An, but to be honest not all visitors are equally swayed by its gentle green mountains, brisk temperatures and quirky take on what tourism means (like the ‘Dalat cowboys’ offering pony rides or the dream-like tree/cave hotel with red-eyed kangaroos in rooms you can tour all day).

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Great hotel discount for 2008 Malaysia F1 race

2007-12-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

In conjunction with the coming 2008 Malaysian Formula One Race, The Saujana Kuala Lumpur is offering special rates on all of its rooms and suites.

Starting now, travelers to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia can avail of the discounted rates when they book any of the rooms and suites at The Saujana KL Hotel for the period of March 19 to 23, 2008. The 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix is scheduled on March 21 to 23, 2008.

These special rates are inclusive of Continental breakfast and evening cocktails at the hotel’s Bayu Lounge. The hotel is only 45 minutes away by car from the Sepang International Circuit – the venue of the Formula 1 Race 2008.

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Christmas in Singapore

2007-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

The magical extravaganza ‘Christmas in the Tropics’ returns to Singapore from 17 November 2007 to 2 January 2008 with a host of exciting events including festive performances, entertainment events, shopping specials, concerts and dance parties, as well as the popular brilliant display of lights at Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

A key favourite of the annual Christmas in the Tropics celebration is the Christmas Light-up, themed “A Fairytale Christmas” this year. Scotts Road and the Orchard Road stretch from Tanglin Road to Plaza Singapura and the Marina Bay area from Hotel Rendezvous to Raffles Avenue will be transformed into a bewitching Crystal Forest decked with magnificent chandeliers, magic harps, glittering jewels, dazzling lights in red, gold and white, and even a magical carousel.

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Cambodia - Latest South East Asian Tourist stop

2007-11-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

Cambodia is witnessing a resurgence as a South-east Asian tourist destination. And its not just the temples of Angkor that are fuelling this, although the complex is noted for being one of the great archaeological sites in the world.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is like any modern bustling Asian city, but is visually striking, being on the confluence of two rivers and with its wide boulevards and colonial buildings that hark back to its French colonial history. Indians will feel right at home with the pedalled rickshaws that still ply the streets. You can revisit the ghosts of the ousted Khmer Rouge regime by visiting the Killing Field of Choeung Ek, and the Tuol Sleng, Pol Pot’s torture centre.

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Ilocos Norte, Philippine - The best of culture and nature

2007-11-14T16:05:00.000-08:00

Long before the coming of the Spaniards, there already existed an extensive region (consisting of the present provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union) renowned for its gold mines.

Merchants from Japan and China would often visit the area to trade gold with beads, ceramics and silk. The inhabitants of the region believed to be of Malay origin, called their place "samtoy", from "sao mi toy, which literally meant "our language".

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Thung Buatong, Thailand - Wild Sunflower field

2007-11-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

Thung Buatong (Wild Sunflower Field) is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mae Hong Son Province. Its significant character is the area is largely decorated of yellowish wild sunflowers, located on high mountain where you can see scenery of vivid wild sunflower mountain range. The weather is cool throughout the year and there’s fog covered in the morning.

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Travel guide links - 14 November 2007

2007-11-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Sam presents Hiking the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff Arizona. Surfer Sam. posted at Surfer Sam and Friends, saying, "Hiking the Grand Canyon, an Arizona vacation. Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, five friends, five days and a taste of Eden."

Sagar Satapathy presents Travelhacker » Top 100 Blogs for Vacationers posted at Travelhacker.

Andrew Erickson presents Taking the Long View - Are You In Business? posted at WebSite Werx.

Mary Jo Manzanares presents Winchester Mystery House: 38 Years & Still Not Finished posted at Flyaway Cafe, saying, "It's not just for Halloween!"

travel

Andrew Edgington presents Cyprus Villas with Private Pool An Ultimate Luxury posted at Cyprus Informer, saying, "Explore the wonders of Cyprus using this greay blog as your guide."

zenofeller presents Xenophillia - zeno globetrotter posted at zenofeller.com.

Sagar presents Sensual Vacations: 25 Kinky, Fun and Sexy Getaways posted at Travelhacker.

Kristie presents Lithuania - The Food & Drinks posted at Norway - An American In Oslo.

Charles H. Green presents Ruining Trust by Taxing Mistrust: the False Negatives Scam posted at Trust Matters, saying, "Be careful what credit card you use when using. Mastercard, for example, tends to think that overseas charges are fraudulent and will block them, again and again."

beta mum presents Dreaming of Lapland posted at Keir Royale, saying, "topical piece re day trip to Lapland"

Lucy Baldwin presents 5 Things I Learned From Moving 17 Times posted at Moving Help Central.

Sagar presents Top 25 Vacation Destinations Where a Nerd Can Get Laid posted at Travelhacker.

Kristie presents Lithuania - Kaunas posted at Norway - An American In Oslo.

Christopher Michael presents Seeing the Sites posted at Travel Europe- where to go, what to see and how to get there, saying, "This article contains a useful list of websites for those who are planning or are on a trip to Europe"

AJ Block presents Using Public Transportation in Santiago posted at The Real Santiago, saying, "For anyone visiting Santiago, Chile, this guide to getting around the city is a must."

Charles H. Green presents Americans, Travel and Rushing to Judgment posted at Trust Matters, saying, "Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." Yet only something like 20% of Americans have a passport. Absurdly few of us speak another language—usually poorly at that. But we could use more of the perspective that experience and contact with the world brings."

Christine presents French cinema, French Cafes, French People: Living in France, Strasbourg posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France, saying, "A day in the life of an expat living in France."

Meg presents Fabulous! Festival - Travel Edition posted at Une femme d'un certain age, saying, "If a blog carnival linked to another blog carnival would the fabric of space-time rip -- or just make a fabulous dress? We at the Fabulous! Festival had a great turn out for our travel edition. I'm submitting this on behalf of the edition's host, Deja Pseu. (I'm the festival maintainer.)"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of !# travel guide, tips, maps using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: travel guide, tips, maps, blog carnival.

Beware of passenger bag theft

2007-11-13T15:53:00.000-08:00

Travelling with valuables is never a good idea, especially if you fly through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Police have just busted a ring of baggage handlers who were expert at stealing from people’s baggage in their care. Here’s more from the Jakarta Post.

Arrests made in theft of plane passenger bags

TANGERANG, Banten (JP): Security officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have busted a ring of thieves responsible for stealing valuables from passenger luggage.

“So far, we have arrested a total of 25 suspects comprising 21 baggage handlers who work for Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia and Batavia Air. We also arrested four people suspected to be buyers of the stolen goods,” airport police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Guntur Setyanto said Thursday.

Top 5 Thailand hidden Paradise

2007-11-13T15:50:00.001-08:00

Thailand is considered a tourist spot that everyone would like to experience. Large amount of tourists all over the world know about prominent tourist spots i.e. Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi (PP Island) but in actuality, Thailand still has many hidden paradise waiting to be explored as follow.

1. Pattaya – The true nature can be found at Koh Lan, which is 7.5 kilometer from Pattaya. You can get there in 45 minutes by regular boat and 15 minutes by speedboat. North Pattaya beach and Central Pattaya beach have many facilities. South Pattaya , however, is colored with the night life's activity.

2. Koh Samui – The best way to travel to Koh Samui is by speed boat from Lomprayah Catamaran Company. Lomprayah offers less expensive service than taxi for hire and service provided by the hotel directly. Nevertheless, if you have no problem with fund, you should hire a taxi because this would create job for the locals.

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Traveler guide blogger.. we want you!

2007-11-05T04:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the one and only travel blog network for Asian countries. With recent development such as Air Asia X flying to London, Australia and China and more institutional investors investing in hotel in this region, I anticipate more and more people will come and visit this region, South East Asia. Even, Lonely Planet predicted Asian is hot destinations for 2008.

Realising this, I would like to invite bloggers from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and other South East Asia countries to take this opportunity to have travel blog on their own countries.

Since people who come to this region normally hopping from country to country in this region, having a travel blog network that interlink with each other will be able to provide the comprehensive and up to date information about tourism in the countries.

The following blogs are interlink with each and up for grab by interested bloggers. 100% of revenue from each blog goes to the bloggers themselves. I don't take any cut from there. The reason I do it is because I would like to attract more traffic. I have been blogging for 6 months for http://whymustvisitmalaysia.blogspot.com/ and the revenue is increasing by day. So, I have reserved the following blogs under this blog network:

http://whymustvisitthailand.blogspot.com/
http://whymustvisitsingapore.blogspot.com/
http://whymustvisitindonesia.blogspot.com/
http://whymustvisitvietnam.blogspot.com/
http://whymustvisitlaos.blogspot.com/
http://whymustvisitcambodia.blogspot.com/

If you're interested, please email directly to me at kzainul at gmail dot com. I am also open for any further suggestion.

Why Must Visit Singapore blog launched

2007-11-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Why Must Visit Singapore. This is a one-stop blog that talks all about Visit Singapore. This blog is part of Why Must Visit Asian Countries network that comprise of Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

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Tourism Malaysia launched digital brand ambassador

2007-11-03T10:23:00.001-07:00

Tourism Malaysia today launched the availability of Siti, its new digital brand ambassador to help it achieve the goals set under the Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Siti is a Windows Live Agent that will enable Tourism Malaysia to engage more powerfully with consumers on the digital front and reach more than 285 million Windows Live Messenger users across multiple markets worldwide - anywhere, any time, on any device.

Why Must Visit Asian Countries blog network launched

2007-11-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

With all latest exciting development around Asian countries now, I am sure there are a lot of people who are planning to come to Asian Countries.

Therefore, a one stop information for all latest travel guide and tips about these countries is needed. Understanding this need, I am proudly launch this first ever blog network on travel guide and tips to Asian countries.

Why are our information is latest and reliable? Because the bloggers are local. Each country is blog by their own local blogger. Who is the best person to advise you unless the local themselves..