Sunday, September 23, 2012

Hong Kong Extravaganza


Hong Kong Macau offers the best of east and west. No wonder it’s becoming the most popular destination of South East Asia. Disneyland, OCT, Madame Tussauds, Casinos, ‘Festival of the Lion King’ – a virtual explosion of Colours, music and amazing talent, shopping and many more attractions…the fun just doesn’t end. Hong Kong is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being both Cantonese Chinese and under a contemporary ex-British influence. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences proclaims itself to be Asia’s World City.

Main Language: Chinese, Portuguese, English

Currency: Macanese Pataca, Hong Kong Dollar

One thing you didn’t know

The name Macau is thought to be derived from the A-Ma Temple, a temple built in 1448 dedicated to Matsu – the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.

 Must Do:

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple or Man Mo Miu is a temple for the worship of the civil or literature god Man Tai n Cheong and the martial god Mo Tai Kwan Tai. The two gods were popularly patronized by scholars and students seeking progress in their study or ranking in the civil examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are several Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong.


Disneyland

Disneyland for a fun-filled day at the theme park. The Hong Kong Disneyland is as happening as its American counterpart. Walking cartoon characters, fun filled rides and delicious food; this is the young Hong Kong’s hang out for unlimited entertainment and fun.



Ocean Park

Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a world class marine life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows that offer guests an experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation. It is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres.  The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train.

How to get there:

Bus 629 from Central Pier 7 or from MTR Admiralty Station, Exit B and alight at the park.


Must Click:

Macau Bridge


A ma Temple


Victoria Peak


Must Eat:

Daa Bin Lou (Hot Pot)


Moon Cakes


Dim Sum


Friday, September 21, 2012

Hangout with Australia!

Sydney is Australia's famous harbor city and thee capital of New South Wales. Explore the harbor, beaches and inner-city precincts of this exuberant city. See dawn break from the top of the harbor Bridge or the sun set on the Opera House. Fine dine along the Woolloomooloo finger wharf or experience theater and dance along the redeveloped wharves of Walsh Bay. Australia's sixth largest city, and the second largest in the state of Queensland, the Gold Coast is where the 'bikini' was born. Along with endless stretches of golden beaches, there are international theme parks, designer boutiques, luxurious spa retreats, world-class golf courses, award-winning restaurants, upmarket bars and lively nightclubs.

Language:- English

Currency:- Australian Dollar

One thing you didn't know:-

The practice of naming hurricanes began early this century when an Australian weather forecaster named tropical storms after politicians that he didn't like.

Must Do:-

Rides- Dream World


Dream World is the Australia’s best and favourite theme park. It is filled with variety of rides, attractions, and shows. There is never a dull moment here. Explore the park, get onto challenging rides, enjoy fun shows and relive your childhood. A unique experience and the best way to bond with your family and loved ones.







Port Stephens Tour

Discover the unspoilt and diverse blue water paradise of Port Stephens. Just north of Sydney, this place offers a relaxed day set amongst the golden beaches, giant sand dunes and spectacular scenery. Cross the Sydney harbor Bridge and tour through the leafy and affluent northern suburbs. Travel over the Hawkesbury River, a holiday hub for boat lovers. Board a luxury cruiser and search for the pods of bottle nose dolphins – watch as they play on the bow waves or even ride the boom net! Be entertained with informative commentary and spectacular scenery of the bay and Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. Experience the grandeur and tranquility of the local desert wilderness, and environmental and historical sights. Travel in modern comfortable 4WD vehicles and encounter the Stockton Bight. The Stockton Bight sand dunes covering an area of over 2,500 hectares along 32 kilometers need to be seen to be believed! While you are here try sand boarding, an experience you won’t forget!

Wildlife World - Sydney Wildlife World


Get up close to Aussie’s animals in the heart of the city. See Rex, the huge crocodile in Kakadu Gorge, walk amongst kangaroos and emus in The Outback, and meet cuddly koalas in Gum Tree Valley, and more! Sydney Wildlife World features interactive displays, inspiring and entertaining daily keeper talks and enhanced walk through habitats including Koala Encounters, The Outback and Butterfly Tropics.






Must Click:-

Sydney Opera House


Captain Cook's Cottage


Mrs MacQuaries Chair


Must Eat:-

Spagetti Bolignese


Fish and Chips


Pavlova

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Oman – A Paradise in the Arabian Peninsula

With its long history and rich culture, Oman, officially known as the Sultanate of Oman is located at the tip of the Gulf Of Oman just across Iran and off the shores of India.  Spread over a vast area Oman is home to a number of historical forts and palaces along with a beautiful flora-fauna and natural beauty.
The capital Muscat is a shy city located on the Gulf of Oman with proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.  There are a lot more things to be done in Muscat.  Muscat international is the only international airport in the country which is well connected throughout the world.

Places to visit in and around Muscat

Dolphin Viewing

Dolphin's !!
Muscat has some of the most pristine beaches located on its coasts.  Early morning drive out to the Marina Bandar located just off the most popular hotel in Muscat – Al Bustan Palace hotel, From here hire an boat for your family or just book a few seats as per your convenience and you are done, for an beautiful view of the Gulf of Oman and the most beautiful dolphins around.  We suggest you go out early in the morning since it’s the best time to spot this magnificent creature. Along the boat ride you shall see the Portuguese built fort, beautiful cliffs and mountains on the outskirts of Muscat.  For the ones who love snorkeling this is the best place, your boat driver shall take you behind the mountains where in shallow corals and fish are found.  Make sure to negotiate this with the driver at the time you book your sea trip.
The other option is a visit to the beautiful islands of Mussandam.  Mussandam is located on the other side of the border and requires to pass through the international border of UAE, do not forget to carry along your passport should you be interested to go to Musandam.  A jetty locally known as a Dhow would take you out towards the Strait of Hormuz.


Sink Hole

Way to Sink Hole.
Recently named as the – HAWAIT NAJIM PARK, Otherwise very famous among the residents as Sink Hole, is just a few Kms from Muscat on the Sur Road and right after a dibab village.  This interesting site was created after a piece of limestone carved in.  The beautiful waters which appear greenish in color are quite cold enough to beat the summer heat.  A picnic spot during the holidays, ensure to bring along your bathing suite, as you are sure to get tempted to swim.  There are change rooms available at the entrance of the park.
Do’s & Don’t for Sink Hole
Whatever, do not just jump into the water, the hole is deep by approx 20 to 40 feet though no official board is posted about the depth.
Make sure u carry enough food and water since there are no shops nearby except a few at the next town / village
Wear comfortable clothes, and shoes / slippers, there is a lot walking to be done to reach the hole up and down
Lastly do not forget to carry your camera in all the excitement!!

Qalhat

Again located on the Muscat Sur highway towards sur, is this beautiful ancient place of Qalhat where you can find an ancient tomb and a underground ancient place, worth a visit for the ancient history lover.

Al Hoota Caves –


One of the most marvelous, fascinating, extraordinary creation of nature, that I can’t put down my words to define the place.   A 4.5 km long lake below the magnificent mountains out of which only approx of 500 mts  which is made open to the public through various means, provides beautiful creations created by dissolution of limestone by acidic water over years and ages, estimated to be over 2 million years old.  Located at the foot hills of the Jebel Shams mountains, the cave has 2 lakes, the smaller one is the northern lake and the other, central lake forming the main part of the cave.

Other activities in and around Muscat -

Jebel Shams and Jebel Akdhar some of the most fascinating mountains in Oman, the temperatures can be a surprise to you during certain seasons which is opposite to the prevailing temperatures in the region.

Turtle Beach:-

Sur, a few hundred kms from Muscat is a beautiful place to watch turtles during the early morning walks and late night walks which are provided by the local resorts.
Nakhal fort / Ostrich  farm Barka are some of the other locations which are within reach from Muscat

Monday, September 10, 2012

Exploring Singapore & Malaysia


Singapore

 Some refer to her as the “little red dot”, but Singapore’s presence in the world today is larger than that. Today, Singapore is a major trading center, located on the tip of the MalayaPeninsula nd on one of the important ocean0based trading, routes connecting South Asia and Far – East Asia. Truly speaking, vacations in Singapore are filled with fun and frolic that never ends. The stunning beaches, skyscrapers buildings, elegant churches, historical museums and many alike easily entice the visitors from all over the globe. The rich heritage, diverse culture, historical landmarks and the cultural events and shows easily entice the tourists and these tempt the visitors to visit this beautiful country again and again.

Main Language: Malay & English              Currency: Singapore Dollar

 One thing you don’t know

20th March 1948 Singapore held its first election

Must do

The Singapore Flyer

Must click

Merlion (Singapore)

Universal Studios (Singapore)

Malaysia

Malaysia, one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia has emerged to be a great holiday destination for the tourists the world over. Malaysia boasts of an endless range of attractions and activities that cater for the cosmopolitan shopper, cultural enthusiast, historical buff and nature lovers. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia in the West and East Malaysia, part of the Borneo archipelago, the country will allure tourists with the shopping experience of its modern cities, the splendor of its cultural arts and natural heritage of rich flora and fauna.

Main Language: Malay    Currency: Ringgit

Must do

Genting Highland


Sunway Lagoon

 

One thing you didn’t know

Oil palm plantations make Malaysia one of the largest producers of palm oil in the world.

Must click

PetronasTowers (Malaysia)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Fiji Delight!


Transfer in Style and for free at Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji

Save, arrive and depart the luxurious Tokoriki Island Resort. Fiji in true Hollywood style, with Tokoriki offering free return seaplane, helicopter, Ocean Charter or South Cruise transfers for couples staying seven or more nights in a Deluxe Beach Bure or a Sunset Pool Villa.
Guests can use a combination of the four transfer options to get them to and from the Resort. Arrive by helicopter and leave by rptivate seaplance, or arrive by Ocean Charter and depart by Halicopter a decision has never been so difficult!
Whatever choice is made transferring to an island resort has never been so easy, with all helicopter transfers departing from Nadi Airport or Denarau helipad and all water transfers departing from Port Denarau, with Tokoriko even supplying complimentary airport transfers to and from Denarau Marina.
This amazing deal is valid for travel from 01 December 2012 to 31 March 2013.
Captain Cook ‘Pamper Me’ Cruise Launched
For the first time ever, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has established an extraordinary four night exclusive indulgent ‘Pamper Me’ Yasawa Island cruise onboard its MV Reef Endeavour.
The four night cruise departed Port Denarau on the 12th June and included special guests including New Zealand fashion experts, Cheryl Polwart and Karen Matich. Giving more flavor to the cruise , the duo were joined by beauty expert, Debra Sadranu, who is the Managing Director of the South Pacafic Academy of Beauty Therapy and the Senikai Spas Fiji.
Passengers had the chance to share life changing fashion and beauty tips and also enjoy visits to Fijian villages, swim at deserted sandy island beaches, snorkel the colorful reefs and experience the warmth and friendliness to local Fijians.

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