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Beach Honeymoon

Lazying out in the endless coastlines, soaking in the clear turquoise waters and a sunset dinner cruise is your perfect honeymoon destinations, then here are some beaches that will make you so “AWW”.

Glacier Express – A train to fall in love with

Some of the most spectacular train journeys one can make is in Switzerland. Topping the list is the “Glacier Express”. During this 7 ½ journey, expect to see gorgeous villages, soaring steeples, red sloped roofed houses, brown cows munching away the lush green grass, ice melting into little water falls, green forests and wild meadows. This St. Moritz/Davos - Zermatt panoramic train journey, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass which is 2033 meter above the sea level.

Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant never-say-sleep city. Neon-lit skyscrapers, tightly packed sidewalk, molasses-slow traffic, steam-filled eat outs identifies this overwhelming harbor city. In addition to the Cantonese Chinese and British influence, one can notice a diverse influence from Vietnam to Vancouver making Hong Kong a unique destination

Paris Highlights

Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Adventure Sport: Zorbing down the hill

For Adventure Sports enthusiast, Zorbing is a must do. Simply saying, Zorbing is a recreation activity of rolling down a hill inside a inflated ball. The experience is more like throw inside a washing machine. Though you might think with all the movement inside the zorb, you would end up black and blue, but Zorb is incredibly safe. The Zorbing site was first established in Rotoura, New Zealand.

World Famous Cuisines

The history, climate, geography, religion and culture have a deep impact on any cuisine in the world. The origin and migration of food have in turn influenced the history, culture and culture. For any traveler, tasting the world famous cuisine with its authenticity is indeed a great opportunity. Here are some of the world famous cuisines in no particular order: Lebanese Cuisine, Greek Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Thai Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, French Cuisine, Italian Cuise...

Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malaysia. Show all posts

Kuala Lumpur - "City of Cultual Diversity"

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 11:23 AM TOIP
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KL, the capital city of Malaysia "truly Asia", has transformed from a humble tin mining village to a bustling metropolis This Asian cyber-city retains the historic temples and mosques along with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the Southeast Asia.The most memorable thing in KL is the culture and coexistence of various ethical groups, Malays, Chinese, Indians and the British.
Photo Credits: www.destination360.com
Facts:
Currency: Ringgits (RM or MYR) [1 MYR = Rs. 14.83] rate at the time of blog post
Language: Malay/ Bahasa Malaysia
Time Difference: 2 1/2 hrs ahead of IST
Best Time to visit: Nov-March

Get in:
Visa: Indian Nationals are no logger eligible for visa on-arrival. Valid Tourist visa is required before entering the country.
Flights: Metropolitan cities in India have direct flights to KL. Air Asia is a Major no-frill airlines to Malaysia. Air Asia flies from Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Tiruchirapalli. Air India Express (Indian low cost airlines) also flies to KL from Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.
Boats, Trains and Buses are also available from the neighboring countries of Malaysia.

Getting Around:
Trains, Monorails and Buses are the major mode of transport. KL Sentral is the major transportation hub. Prepaid cards and maps are available at all the stations. Metered taxi is also a very reliable and can be seen at all major sites and stations.

Attractions:
KL is one of those cities which doesn't boost many must-see. The highlight of the city is the people and their life. Most of the visitors spend at least 2 days to enjoy sight seeing, shopping and eating.
1. Petronas Twin Tower
2. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)
3. Aquaria KLCC
4. Menara KL Towers
5. National Mosque
6. Batu Caves
7. KL Railway Station
8. KL Bird Park
9. Petaling Street, Chinatown
10. Cosmo's World Theme Park
Photo Credits: www.destination360.com
Do:
1. If you are in KL during Thaipusum, Hindu Festival, visit Batu Caves to watch the celebration
2. Enjoy shopping and night-life in the KL's Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle covers the busy shopping area of Bukit Bintang, 5-star hotel strip of Jalan Sultan Ismail, The Jalan P. Ramlee party street and KLCC.
3. Chinatown is a haven for shopping and street food.
4. During F1 season, head to Sepang Formula One circuit (50 km from KL)
Tips:
1. If you want an excellent view of the city, head to Petronas Towers. It has a observatory viewing bridge between levels 41 and 42. The tickets to the viewing bridge is free and limited. Reach the tower early in the morning to collect the tickets, there will be a long queue.

Side Trips:
1. Genting Highlands - City of Entertainment. Casino and Theme Park is the mark of the place. The city can be reached in 40 mins by road from KL.
2. Putrajaya - The new Federal Administrative center of Malaysia. Has many beautiful federal buildings. It can be reached by KL International airport Transit.

Langkawi - Honeymooner's Paradise

Thursday, December 30, 2010 9:54 AM TOIP
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Langkawi is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia. Langkawi, located in the Kedah state in the north-western part of Malaysia, is a cluster of archipelago of 99 islands. The clear turquoise water, green mountain ranges, beachfront resorts, limestone caves, mangroves and sandy beaches defines Langkawi.

Langkawi, the Malaysia’s best kept secret, is an ideal destination for Honeymooners. Why Langkawi for Honeymoon?
  1. Low cost airlines like Tiger airways, Air Asia etc. cuts down the travel cost and makes it affordable.
  2. Langkawi has many beach resorts and high-end hotels
  3. Activities in Langkawi is not tiring, hence making the honeymoon days laid back
Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi
 Quick Facts:
Language:  Malay/Bahasa Malaysia
Currency: Ringgit [1MYR=14.5 INR] (at the time of the blog post)
Time difference: 2 1/2 hrs ahead of India
Best to Travel: Nov-March, Apr-Aug (Sunny), Sep-Oct (rainny)

Get-in:
Visa – Indian’s can no longer get visa on arrival. Tourist Visa is required before entering Malaysia.
Flights – There are very few or no direct flights to Langkawi from India. Kuala Lumpur is common transit point. Low cost carriers like Air Asia, Tiger Airways fly from major cities in India to Kuala Lumpur.
Trains & Ferry – Since Langkawi is an Island, a combination of train and ferry travel can be done. The nearest station is Kuah and a ferry should be taken from Kuah to Pantai Cenang Jetty terminal. [Not recommended: Long journey time]

Getting around:
Taxi can be found everywhere and the rates are fixed. Scooters/motorbikes and cars can be hired and it is highly recommended. Rentals can be found near airport, Pantai Cenang shops and jetty terminal. Road conditions are good for driving but children crossing the roads and animals on the roads are common. Helmets and seat belts are mandatory.

Sight-Seeing:
Tours:
Though there is a long list of tours provided by the operators, these are the some of the highly rated tours:
  1. Island Hopping Tour – As the name suggests, in this half day tour you will be taken to few islands around Langkawi. Eagle feeding can also be witnessed in the tour.
  2. Scuba diving & Snorkeling Tour – The full day tour will take you to the Pulau Payar marine Park, where you can snorkel. Snorkeling equipments and food is included in the tour. But for scuba diving you might need to pay extra. Three companies operate the tours, so read the reviews and choose the one you want.
  3. Mangrove & Limestone Cruise – In this half day tour, you can explore the mangrove forest and limestone rock formations. Some tour operators also include Kayaking along the mangrove forests.
  4. Jet Skiing- Many beach resorts rent out Jet Ski to their guest. But if you are not in one of them, jet skiing in the clear blue waters of Langkawi will be a great experience.
Most of the tour operators provide pick-up and drop off to the hotel. Tours booked through hotel include a commission which is quiet hefty. Hence, it’s a good idea to head to Pantai Cenang and book the tour with the operators.
Cable Car to Mount Gunung
Other Activities:
  1. Cable Car Ride & Hanging Bridge – This location will remind of the climax scene of Shahrukh’s Don (2007). It was shot here.From the Oriental Village, take a ride in the cable car to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the 700m high sky bridge for a spectacular view of the islands and the mountains.
  2. Underwater World: Beautiful indoor aquarium.
Get-out:
  1. Penang which can be reached from Langkawi by ferry is a must see historical town
  2. Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city. Since many flights transit through Kuala Lumpur its good idea to stop over and visit the Petronas Towers, Bird Park and China Town.

Beach Honeymoon

Thursday, October 28, 2010 12:49 PM TOIP
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Lazying out in the endless coastlines, soaking in the clear turquoise waters and a sunset dinner cruise is your perfect honeymoon destinations, then here are some beaches that will make you so “AWW”.




In no particular order:
  1. Thailand: Thailand has some beautiful sun kissed beaches, serene islands, colorful culture and delicious Thai Cuisine that attract newly wed couples from all over the world. Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket and Kon Samui islands are the major honeymoon places in Thailand

  2. Langkawi, Malaysia: Langkawi is an ideal destination to start your journey. This archipelago is truly marvelous with its stunning landscape and aquatic and adventure sports.

  3. Bali, Indonesia: Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it.
     
  4. Mauritius: If you are looking for a vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world, then your search ends in Mauritius. A small island, Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 900 km east of Madagascar. Nature has blessed Mauritius with a beautiful countryside, consists of unspoilt beaches, clean aquamarine waters and boundaries of coral reefs.

  5. Maldives: If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate,secluded, and most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best backdrop for all these things. There are endless ways to let the magic of the islands dazzle you on your holiday as a couple.
     
  6. Seychelles: Seychelles is a tropical paradise of outstandingly beautiful granite and coral islands fringed by sparkling white sandy beaches and encircled by coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. In this natural haven, renowned for the friendliness of the people, romance is in the air, making the islands an ideal destination for an unforgettable honeymoon.
     
  7. Santorini Island, Greece: This fabulous island shrouded in myth, is believed by many to be the lost Atlantis and has an exciting history that goes back centuries. Brilliant sunsets and spectacular views of the volcanic islands on the west side, where towering cliffs are crowned by tiny white houses curved into the rock, make it a lover's paradise and a favourite honeymoon destination.
  8. Venice, Italy: From its fabulous setting and architecture to its rich history, art and music, Venice spells romance. You've seen it in films and photos, but the experience of actually being here yourself will exceed your imagination. Its intimate atmosphere, tiny bridges and piazzas, along with the Venetian celebration of love in song, makes this the perfect place to kindle the flame of love and commitment. 
     
  9. Caribbean Islands: The Caribbean, with its perfect beaches and palm trees, has long been a popular honeymoon destination. The azure waters of Barbados, secluded powdery beaches of Aruba, night-life of Jamaica and white sand beaches of Bahamas are the few destinations that will take your breath away.

  10. Goa and Kerela: Our own Goa and Kerala with their beautiful beaches and landscapes, makes your honeymoon not less than any of the above locations.

Where to travel in January?

Monday, October 25, 2010 4:23 PM TOIP
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Why January? There are two possible holidays, 14th (Pongal/Lohri) Friday and 26th (Republic day) Wednesday. Lets make the best use of it. Here are few places that is best to travel in January:

Asia-Pacific: Traveling to China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong kong, Macau is ideal as there will be less rain and the temperature is moderate. Also, during the month of January, Chinese New year is celebrated beautifully with fireworks, lamps, dragons in most places and it is a must-see.


Middle East: Dubai Shopping Festival begins in mid-Jan and lasts till mid-Feb. Turkey hosts the famous camel wrestling show in the third Sunday of January. A ideal time to shop your heart out in Dubai or see some of the places listed in “1000 places to see before you die” in Turkey.
Europe: If icy scenery is your cup of tea, head to Europe. The Ski resorts in Europe is busiest in January. In Sweden, Kiruna snow festival is mind blowing with snow sculptures, reindeer racing etc.

Caribbean: During January, the Caribbean islands are lush green post rains. Since there places are very crowded in December, January is ideal to avoid the crowd.

Maldives: Maldives beaches are a bliss in January, but pricey too.

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