Archive for the ‘Craft’ category
Finding Romance in Bangkok
December 27th, 2009The year tens of thousands of travelers interrupt over in Bangkok. Every year also, tens of thousands of fortunate people make their way overseas on romantic holidays, for honeymoons, or just to reconnect with their partner. If you and your partner will find yourself in Bangkok, we have some admirable romantic facilities for you, only notes from the airport. Whether Bangkok is your worst destination, or just an agreeable diversion before you again board on a flat journey, you can enjoy its exotic sights and sounds in luxury, lacking risking getting astray!
When you are on a romantic journey, the small niceties can genuinely make your experience memorable… Sometimes for good reasons, sometimes for bad! We have all experienced the strain that trek can put on us as couples, when there is upstart moreover you know around to give you some perspective.
When you are looking for a romantic airport lodge in Bangkok, go for something where ritual is a focus – like The Oriental In Bangkok. They say that their ‘constant joy is in providing guests with our legendary rite’, and with features like secretive butler mass in every room, it shouldn’t be hard for them to make you and your partner feel exclusive. There are ten restaurants on place, so if you have a condensed halt in Bangkok, or you are austerely looking for convenience, the Oriental is a great scale.
Le Normandie restaurant on-site is a favorite of Her Royal Highness, the Queen of Thailand. The house is speedily on the stream, making for some great views to take in, snuggled into your partner’s arms. There is also an opulent spa located across the waterway and accessible by the hotel’s personal craft – sheer indulgence!
The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is one the most conveniently located airport hotels in Bangkok. Airport facilities sanctuary’t a space on the gorgeous quarters, minute five-star cookery, and luxurious views at the chattels. The two of you can get hot and humid with the Novotel Suvarnabhumi’s public of the art condition pinpoint, and then relax in design together with a press in house, from trained, world-legendary Thai work practitioners. This airport hotel in Bangkok has four restaurants and two bars, with fare delightfully exotic sushi, sashimi and teppenyaki, to traditional Thai cookery, so you can experience your host country more copious.
The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is another romantic hotel in Bangkok with a great spot, one of Bangkok’s best airport hotels. It has a lovely opinion of the golf course, an embrace physical compare to the lively cityscape, and is also within walking void of the plays and product name shops. The hotel is undergoing an extensive renovation, so if you are planning to break at a Bangkok airport hotel in the next year, the Grand Hyatt Erawan will be a good choice, with its newly remodeled aptness pinpoint, tennis courts, spa ability, and outside assemble.
Finally, one of Bangkok’s newest and finest hotels is the Peninsula Bangkok. It freshly won a ‘World’s Best Hotel’ present, with painless access to Bangkok’s custom and shopping districts and 35 action away from Don Muang International Airport. All this luxury will be at your fingertips, on your next excursion to Bangkok.
Why Travelers Love Princess Cruise Ships
December 26th, 2009Princess Cruise Ships cover one of the broadest ranges of ships on the seas. From large to small, Princess has it all. But with eighteen ships to choose from in the Princess line alone, deciding which ship suits you can be quite a job.
Princess has several very popular ships that are small—at least, as compared to some of their other ships. The Pacific Princess (670 passengers), Tahitian Princess (670 passengers) and Royal Princess (710 passengers) all offer the great service of Princess Lines, but with a more intimate feel.
Princess calls these smaller ships “small ship feel, big ship experience”. The Tahitian Princess sails in the South Pacific, to Hawaii, French Polynesia, and yes, Tahiti. The Pacific Princess sails to a much broader range of destinations including Alaska, Asia, Australia and Europe. The final smaller ship, the Royal Princess, sails in southern Europe and South America.
One of the newest Princess cruise ships is also the largest. The Crown Princess, christened by Martha Stewart in June of 2006, is 951 feet long and can cruise with an amazing 3,080 passengers. She has 14 passenger decks and over 1500 rooms. Sailing primarily in the Caribbean and northern Europe, the Crown Princess lives up to her name with a putting course, an ice cream bar, and even an art auction.
Many of the larger ships offer unique activities. Princess is the only cruise line to offer three distinct age-appropriate activities for youngsters. Princess Pelicans is for the youngest set and offers t-shirt coloring and other arts and crafts, pajama parties and kids-only dinners.
Shockwaves is for the tween crowd. Scavenger hunts, movie and video games, and “Science on the Seas”, which was developed in conjunction with the California Science Center will keep this age group busy and entertained. Remix is the program developed for the teenagers on board. Remix teens get their own (alcohol-free) lounge area, evening dance parties, teen formals, and the only Teen Makeover program with skin and makeup tips.
On certain ships the offerings go even farther, with the Jr. CHEF Sea Program. Children get to go into one of the actual shipboard kitchens and prepare simple dishes. On Alaska cruises, the ships offer the Junior Ranger/Teen Explorer program which explores the delicate ecosystems of Glacier Bay and the Alaskan wilderness.
The range of activities for adults is even broader. Of course the choices vary by ship, but some possibilities include: swimming or sunning by one of the numerous pools; ScholarShip @ Sea, where you can take short classes; a well-stocked library for your reading pleasure; or the Sanctuary, an adults-only escape area with light meals and beverages, spa service, and attention to your every need.
At night there are Broadway-style shows, dancing, parties and movies. Of course there are also numerous bar and lounges where you can enjoy a drink—alcoholic or not—and the company of friends or that special someone.
No matter how much activity or relaxation you’re looking for, Princess cruise ships can undoubtedly fill the bill. Start planning your getaway today.
On Location Sep 08 – Turkmenistan
December 25th, 2009I visited Turkmenistan in 1986. What has changed since then? The country’s oil and gas reserves have helped it develop its infrastructure. Brand new ministry buildings, of white marble and glass, and often referred to as the “palaces” are much in evidence in Ashgabat (Ashgabad). Wide new roads and parks have been built and each major town has a brand new theatre. Inter city roads are new and with little traffic, the airline is efficient and operates Boeing aircraft whilst the new train stock has come from China who have an excellent rail system of their own. Hotels in the major centres range from perfectly adequate to good.
Many people transit Turkmenistan en route between Iran and Uzbekistan. However, the country has a lot more to offer. Arts and crafts are still important. Each region produces its own style of carpet. Women still knit socks and embroider their own clothes and scull caps. National dress is still worn by them. In the countryside old men can be seen wearing their woollen hats that look like curled up lambs upon their heads.
Agriculture is still very important. Cotton or “white gold” is a cash crop. Delicious fruits; melons, pomegranates, tomatoes and vegetables; peppers, cucumbers and onions are sold by the side of the road or in the sprawling bazaars that each centre has. Many towns have one major market that operates once or twice a week. The largest, and said to rival the Kashgar Sunday market in western China, is the Tolkuchka Sunday market in Ashgabat. Not only is produce sold but carpets, jewellery, clothing, household wares, cars and livestock including goats, sheep and camels. It is fun and chaotic and a “must see”.
Most people visit the major centres of Ashgabat and Mary (to see the ancient cities of Merv) where there are good hotels. An additional visit, if in Mary, should be made to the Margush region to see Gonur Tepe. Only discovered in the 1970’s by the Greek archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi it is accessed via sand desert roads. It failed when the Oxus River, now called the Amu Daryr, changed its course in the Bronze Age.
Ashgabat has a magnificent National Museum, a carpet Museum, displaying the world’s largest hand-made carpet and a number of monuments relating to the country’s independence. The Arch of Neutrality has a golden statue of its last president, Nyazamov, on the top. It revolves so that he is always facing the sun. There are still many reminders of the Soviet Union including apartment blocks (complete with massive satellite dishes outside almost every window), mosaics and check points ! In the north of the country, a short distance from Nukus in Uzbekistan is Konye Urgench, a vast cemetery with some impressive mausoleums and the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
Away from the major centres one must be prepared for a far more basic existence, either camping or staying with a local family. My personal highlights included visiting Dhamla and Yangikala. Dhamla is a 5/6 hour drive from Ashgabat including 3/4 hours through the Karakum Desert, the third largest in the world. The village of about 500 people is set in an oval shaped valley devoid of trees. Surrounding the village are sand dunes and small saxaul trees. There is no electricity, no gas and no telephones. The children are happy to see you and there is no begging or shirt pulling, truly refreshing. In the early morning the animals; goats, sheep and camels are let out of their enclosures. They return in the evening and are watered and milked. All the family take part in looking after them. Fermented camels milk takes some getting used to. Bread is baked in earthen ovens. Felt making can be seen in the warmer months.
On Location Nov 08 – Turkmenistan
December 24th, 2009I visited Turkmenistan in 1986. What has changed since then? The country’s oil and gas reserves have helped it develop its infrastructure. Brand new ministry buildings, of white marble and glass, and often referred to as the “palaces” are much in evidence in Ashgabat (Ashgabad). Wide new roads and parks have been built and each major town has a brand new theatre. Inter city roads are new and with little traffic, the airline is efficient and operates Boeing aircraft whilst the new train stock has come from China who have an excellent rail system of their own. Hotels in the major centres range from perfectly adequate to good.
Many people transit Turkmenistan en route between Iran and Uzbekistan. However, the country has a lot more to offer. Arts and crafts are still important. Each region produces its own style of carpet. Women still knit socks and embroider their own clothes and scull caps. National dress is still worn by them. In the countryside old men can be seen wearing their woollen hats that look like curled up lambs upon their heads.
Agriculture is still very important. Cotton or “white gold” is a cash crop. Delicious fruits; melons, pomegranates, tomatoes and vegetables; peppers, cucumbers and onions are sold by the side of the road or in the sprawling bazaars that each centre has. Many towns have one major market that operates once or twice a week. The largest, and said to rival the Kashgar Sunday market in western China, is the Tolkuchka Sunday market in Ashgabat. Not only is produce sold but carpets, jewellery, clothing, household wares, cars and livestock including goats, sheep and camels. It is fun and chaotic and a “must see”.
Most people visit the major centres of Ashgabat and Mary (to see the ancient cities of Merv) where there are good hotels. An additional visit, if in Mary, should be made to the Margush region to see Gonur Tepe. Only discovered in the 1970’s by the Greek archaeologist Viktor Sarianidi it is accessed via sand desert roads. It failed when the Oxus River, now called the Amu Daryr, changed its course in the Bronze Age.
Ashgabat has a magnificent National Museum, a carpet Museum, displaying the world’s largest hand-made carpet and a number of monuments relating to the country’s independence. The Arch of Neutrality has a golden statue of its last president, Nyazamov, on the top. It revolves so that he is always facing the sun. There are still many reminders of the Soviet Union including apartment blocks (complete with massive satellite dishes outside almost every window), mosaics and check points ! In the north of the country, a short distance from Nukus in Uzbekistan is Konye Urgench, a vast cemetery with some impressive mausoleums and the tallest minaret in Central Asia.
Away from the major centres one must be prepared for a far more basic existence, either camping or staying with a local family. My personal highlights included visiting Dhamla and Yangikala. Dhamla is a 5/6 hour drive from Ashgabat including 3/4 hours through the Karakum Desert, the third largest in the world. The village of about 500 people is set in an oval shaped valley devoid of trees. Surrounding the village are sand dunes and small saxaul trees. There is no electricity, no gas and no telephones. The children are happy to see you and there is no begging or shirt pulling, truly refreshing. In the early morning the animals; goats, sheep and camels are let out of their enclosures. They return in the evening and are watered and milked. All the family take part in looking after them. Fermented camels milk takes some getting used to. Bread is baked in earthen ovens. Felt making can be seen in the warmer months.
Yangikala is also remote. Nobody lives here. Eagles soar overhead staying motionless on the warm air currents above the ridges. The reason people come here is to see the extraordinary stone. Layers upon layers of different coloured rock, eroded by wind and rain, make for a visual wonderland. The peace and quiet is amazing. No people and virtually no traffic. Camping on a ridge one can see the occasional lorry headlights in the distance as they pick there way across the terrain.
Nearer to Ashgabat, but still requiring an overnight stay, is the village of Nokhur. Many of the houses are built of stone and the cemetery is unique in so far as most headstones have a pair of mountain goat horns on them. A walk in the village is peaceful and gives an insight into village life, a total contrast to Dhamla. Silk weaving is carried out in the village.
On Location Oct 06 – Tajikstan
December 23rd, 2009Tajikistan, a land-locked country of 7 million people borders China in the East, Afghanistan in the South, Uzbekistan to the west and Kyrghyzstan to the North. Described as being 93 % mountains and 100 % adventure they’re not far off the mark.
Currently only one Western airline, Turkish, offers a scheduled service once a week to Dushanbe, the capital although it can be easily accessed by road or air from Tashkent, Bishkek, Almaty and Moscow.
Whilst Dushanbe itself has wide, paved tree-lined roads and solid Soviet era buildings for the arts, higher education and the government, the same cannot be said for most of the reset of the country. Suffering a civil war between 1991 and 1996 has meant that development has lagged behind its neighbours. This certainly contributes to its magnetic appeal and adds to its charm.
Accommodation is on the whole in local guesthouses or home stays. I found this to be a great way to meet with local people and get much closer to understanding their culture than is often possible in other countries. There are three distinct ethnic groupings. In the South and East the people are primarily Tajik although many Uzbeks live in the border areas. In the middle are the Pamiris, a friendly mountain people who rely on raising cows and goats and growing wheat and potatoes in the valleys. In the East live the Kyrghyz, the men easily recognised by the felt hats, Kalpaks, that they wear.
The South and West are humid, hot and flat with parts of the lower valleys dotted with trees. In contrast, the centre and East are often described as a moonscape. There is little habitation, people live in small villages or yurts, felt tents, during the summer tending their herds of goats and yak. The landscape is completely treeless and stunning. The light and its direction create a spectrum of brown, yellow and orange with shadows growing and retreating with the movement of the sun.
Tourism has barely touched this part of Central Asia, evidenced by the almost complete lack of souvenirs, t-shirts or postcards with the exception of hand-made locally produced Pamiri and Kyrghyz crafts.
Have I put you off? Hopefully not. It is not for everyone but for those prepared to forgo some creature comforts…give me a call.
Vietnam Southern Charm!
December 22nd, 2009Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
floating marketExplore Vietnam’s southern wonders on this luxurious journey into one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating regions. You’ll begin your laidback adventure exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and taking in its many striking contrasts. Fabulously delicious restaurants vie for space with street vendors selling remarkable wares, while the city’s local markets are juxtaposed against charming colonial architecture. You’ll soon discover that Ho Chi Minh is filled with intriguing sites and a fanciful history to match, dating back to the Angkor era when it was named Prei Norkor by the Cambodians before being renamed Saigon under the Nguyen emperors who claimed the city. But although Ho Chi Minh’s name has changed over the years, much of its stunning architecture and quaint way of life remains unaltered.Once you’ve finished your journey through this colourful city’s many wonders, you will be escorted through the green and tranquil Vietnamese countryside to the legendary Mekong River to spend the night aboard the charming Song Xanh Boat. Taking in traditional villages and the hustle and bustle of the river on the way, the pampering continues when you arrive at the stunning Victoria Hotel in the heart of the Delta, a luxurious way to end a journey filled with a wealth of tastes and experiences.
Day 1 – Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (L,D) On arrival you will be welcomed by your tour guide and taken by private car to the luxuriously appointed Park Hyatt Hotel. Spend the day relaxing poolside with cocktails or take one of our highly recommended Ho Chi Minh City tours. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the stylish Mandarine Restaurant, where the decor is classically Vietnamese with fine artwork displayed on two open-plan floors.
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City (B,L,D) Today your Vietnamese experience begins with a Tai Chi or Qi Gong session in a spa retreat housed in a colonial French villa. Then we’ll take you to the Chinese quarter of Ho Chi Minh City, Cholon, for a private ’street’ food tour with an Australian expatriate chef. Tour lively An Dong Market, which is teeming with exotic and wonderful produce, to get the inside scoop on Vietnamese cuisine. In the afternoon kickback and relax or do some shopping at some of the city’s trendy boutiques, art galleries or ‘antique’ street.
Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (B,L,D) Depart for the Mekong Delta, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the ‘Song Xanh’, modelled after a traditional sampan, the boats small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. You’ll enjoy a gentle cruise from Cai Be to Sa Dec as part of a leisurely exploration of the Mekong River and its hidden treasures before gliding onto Can Tho.Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat.
Day 4 – Mekong Delta (B) Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Be Floating Market, you’ll take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong’s banks. After paying a visit to the colourful floating market we’ll take you to the luxurious colonial-style Victoria Can Tho Resort, situated on the banks of the Mekong. Enjoy an afternoon of free time lounging by the pool, or as an optional extra indulge in spa treatments.Overnight at the Victoria Can Tho Resort.
Day 5 – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City (B) Today you travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, where your private car and guide will be at your disposal until it’s time for us to say ‘bon voyage.’ Depending on the time of your flight, your private car will transfer you to Ton Son Nhat Airport for international flights or a domestic extension.
Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 NightsTour Operates: Year Round / On DemandTour Price:On request
For an accurate quotation please sendEmail us
Creating Unique Touring ExperiencesAll the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveller. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a tour to your individual specifications.
Vietnam is rich in culture and tradition. There is a warmth to the people and the layers of culture are diverse. Inspiring landscapes are around every corner. With passion, we pride ourselves as being your guide to experiencing the unspoiled Vietnam at your own pace and style.
Unique, Educational, Responsible, Inspiring, Cherished?The way travel should be!
Top 10 Places to Travel to If You Have Lost Your Job
December 21st, 2009OK, so you have been made redundant and lost your job. First of all, relax, don’t blame yourself. The global recession has hit every one and you are not alone. Official figures show that over 2 million people in the UK are now unemployed.
Instead see this as a blessing to finally get to do some of those things you have been dreaming of doing for so long. But before you jump head first into a new business adventure, take some time of to reorganise and get what you are owed. Remember if you are terminated from your job, most of the time you are due some compensation. Also see what grants and benefits are available. Once you have a nice little surplus on your bank account, why not take the opportunity to finally see the world. Take a look below at the top 10 places in the world to travel to if you have lost your job and need to recharge your batteries:
1. Lhasa, Tibet
Despite the troubles with Chinese domination, the capital of Tibet is still a place of timeless tranquillity and spirituality. The perfect place to recharge and gain inspiration. This ancient city was once the heart and soul in Asia, and that spirit can still be found there. Must see is the Potala Palace that looms over the city.
2. Otavalo, Ecuador
The worlds largest market of hand made crafts is a display of colours, life and spirit, as local Indians gather to trade their crafts.
3. Taj Mahal, India
This great monument to earthly love remains one of the worlds true wonders.
4. Angell Falls, Venezuela
The highest waterfalls of all the world are also incredibly scenic. Get there in a canoe up the river, remarkable!
5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
A free reserve where baboons and rhino’s roam free among the lush backdrop of the African nature.
6. Tikal, Guatemala
This ancient Mayan city is now in ruins, but it is still in remarkably good shape and will really make your imagination run wild.
7. Placencia, Belize
Perhaps one of the last undiscovered gems even among backpackers. This sandy peninsula offers total relaxation at the beach.
8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
No need to say more, the Galapagos Islands hold both amazing wildlife and a symbolic value as the inspiration for Darwin’s work.
9. Pak Ou, Laos
25 km from Luang Prabang is the ancient and magnificent caves of Pak Ou. These caves have been used by devout Buddhists for hundreds of years.
10.Kampala, Uganda
The last place, but not least, is the mountain gorilla habitat of Kampala, Uganda.
Taking a trip to any of those places will be an experience which will last a lifetime. You will come back with so much energy and inspiration. These things help shape us as human beings and give us a new perspectives on life. Once home get yourself some wonderful matt laminated business cards to give out to your network which have been enriched by the great places which have inspired you to move on with your life and start afresh.
Buffalo tours of pottery town, Vietnam
December 20th, 2009Among the tourist sites surrounding Hanoi, the Bat Trang pottery village with 500 or more years of history, is an ideal place to visit, attracting a large number of people from the city and foreign tourists. Slow and steady: Japanese visitors enjoy a buffalo cart tour around the pottery village.
Just 14km from central Hanoi, the village is easily reached by motorbike the most popular transport means in Vietnam.
If youre too lazy to drive yourself or are not game to sit on the back of a xe om or hired motorbike, you can catch a bus at Long Bien Bus Station.
This way takes three times as long, but its so cheap! Tickets only cost VND3,000 about US$0.10. The bus will take you to the village pottery market, where more than 100 stalls present tens of thousands of ceramic and pottery products.
The items include fine celadon from an ancient tradition and other great examples of ceramic arts and crafts. The high quality porcelain is decorated with dragons and phoenix, flowers and images of people and landscapes, all reflecting daily and spiritual activities in Vietnam.
Visitors can spend several hours just browsing among the endless little shops, each with different wares produced in a different family kiln.
According to the head of the market management board, Tran Quoc Viet, the market welcomes a large number of visitors every weekend.
A group of middle-age women look happy with heavy sedge bags containing pottery products they bought in the market.
“Although my family has every household product, sometimes I and other neighbours call each other and go to the village. Its the way we unwind,” a woman cheerfully said.
For these women, beautiful ceramic objects, mostly at surprisingly affordable prices, are the main attraction. “Ive bought a charming vase with the lotus motifs for just VND20,000,” another woman said.
Thuy Linh, a grade-10 student, said she sometimes went to Bat Trang with a group of her friends. “Unlike other people who usually buy ceramic household products, we only pick up cute stationary or ceramic jewellery,” she said.
“Ive just bought a black-and-white Japanese Monokuro Boo pig, plus a keyholder with the ceramic initial L, the first character of my name, carved on it. My friend bought a wind chime and a cute piggy bank,” she said.
Theres more than just searching among the stalls, tourists can also experience pottery artists a work on the spinning wheel, painting objects when they dry or loading up the kilns.
Visitors can also make their own cups, dish, bowl, vase or animal and they will receive the finished, fired product within a few days. Many villagers offer this service for VND10,000 to 30,000, depending on the size of product. “I relived my childhood when fiddling with a piece of clay,” said Tuan Nam, a first-year student.
Recently, a new and relaxing way to see Bat Trang has been offered. A buffalo cart takes tourists around the village.
According to Nguyen Minh Hai, director of the Minh Hai Ceramic Company, who offers this first-ever service in the village, most who tour the village this way felt relaxed and interested because they could view the scenery at their leisure.
“The idea of using a buffalo cart to carry tourists was initiated when I went to Japan looking for business opportunities for our products. I realised the buffalo was easily recognised as a symbol of Vietnam a rice producing country. So why not use farm animals to transport tourists around the village?” he said.
Before starting their cart journey, tourists are shown the way ceramic products are made in a workshop. Teams of young men and women work on production lines, baking, sanding and painting.
A journey around the village, a distance of about 2km, takes an hour. The price ranges from VND50,000 to 100,000 depending on the duration of the tour and how many stops are made. There are two buffalo carts working in the village, providing tours for about 100 visitors a day.
Like other villages in the north, the village hold its main festival in the second lunar month. This year, this fell in March. During the three-day festival, many traditional activities were held in and around the village temple, situated close to the steep banks of the majestic Hong (Red) River.
Among the various ritual activities held during the festival, the most important is a boat procession by village elders and monks to the centre of the river to collect the purest flowing water.
Before they set out, the boats made offerings to ask the Water Genie for permission to take the water.
The water was then scooped from the river by two prestigious elders, brought to shore and then paraded around the village before being taken to the communal temple.
Source: Viet Nam News
Related sites:
City Guides in Vietnam
Hanoi tours
Bali Travel – 20 Things That You May Not Know You Can Do In Bali
December 19th, 2009Here is a starter list of 20 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali:
1) Bird Park; You don’t need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung – open 08:00 – 18:00 daily)
2) Cruising; Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)
3) Bali Dance Performances; Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.
4) Designer Shopping; No, I am not talking about the fake originals’ that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.
5) Diving; Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI Youth Scuba’ courses for ages 5+.
6) Dolphin Watching; Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south.
7) Fishing; Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)
Elephant Safari Park; Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don’t forget to do the elephant safari ride.
9) Jet Skiing; Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).
10) Go-Karting; Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.
11) Golfing; A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don’t miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali’s great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.
12) Helicopter Tours; Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)
13) Horse Riding; Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)
14) Kite Boarding; Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.
15) Monkey Watching; Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest – Ubud)
16) Mountain Cycling; If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)
17) Paragliding; Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.
18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee); Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.
19) Surfing; If you’ve come with your board you’ll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)
20) Temple Ceremonies; Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)
Travel to Indonesia – A Country of Thousands of Beautiful and Exotic Islands
December 18th, 2009Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.
Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian’s from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.
Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.
Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.
Kota This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.
The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.
This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.
The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.
Jakarta History Museum This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.
It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.
This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the
Dutchman “Daendels” plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp
Fine Arts Museum Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp
Gereja Sion This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.
Sunda Kelapa Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.
Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.
Maritime Museum This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.
Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.
National Museum This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.
The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.
National Monument This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.
Lapangan Banteng Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man “Daendel” to replace those buildings torn down.
