Thursday, May 14, 2009

Visit Japan’s Most Famous Attractions

Japan is full of exotic holiday places. Many of these offers an old world charm and many others are seeped in modern day beauty and industrial adventure. Those who travel to Japan instantly make out that it’s a different paradise altogether. Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and others mark the island fare of Japan.

Tokyo is the biggest trip puller. It is the capital and most densely populated region of Japan. Shinkansens or bullet trains travel at an enormous speed in Japan. You can board on them for some real fun. Ginza is the perfect spot for those who look for quality shopping ventures. Yokoso Japan or welcome to Japan is the call of government tourism promotion board.

Shinjuku is unbelievable. It is a district full of towers and skyscrapers. Shibuya and Harajaku express no-holds-barred teen culture. They are just as prominent and as big crowd pullers as any.

Witness the exquisite charm of Ooty in South India

Ooty is framed with the perfect climate round the year. It is the most famous hill station of South India. Ooty sits on the Elk Hill. It has retained its charm through a few ancient structures.

The most important travel sighting is Ooty Lake. It was created under John Sullivan, the first collector of Ooty. It is an artificial lake surrounded by parks.

Botanical Garden, inaugurated by the Madras Governor when India was not independent,
has a great floral collection.

There is a beautiful rose garden too that has around 20000 rose plants. The panoramic sights from the hill plateaus are wonderful. A sweet little racecourse sits on the hilly slope. People who go for Ooty trip like the idea.

At a slight distance from Ooty, you get Doddapetta Peak, Kalhatty waterfall and Pykara Lake. It also hosts a very prominent Mudamalai wildlife sanctuary, a place replete with deciduous forests and herds of elephants.
Ooty or Ootacamund or Udhagamandalam is a picturesque place ideally suited for holiday.

Taking a Look at Bahama’s Tourist Attractions

Bahama dots the Greater Antilles and along with the entire Hispaniola and vast sub-stretches of Caribbean, Bahama forms a tract of incredible beauty. Cruises ply through Bahama and they bring an atmosphere of utter revelry to the holiday crowd. A Bahama trip is replete with grand sea cuisine. It has an ethnic flavor that haunts the tourists irrespective of whether they travel on ports or cruise.

Grand Bahama islands and New Province islands mark the main attractions of a Bahama trip. Nassau and Inagua islands create their own magic. There is a large aquatic expanse that is filled with marina fauna and flora. Also, you can plan various excursions like Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Such excursions can also be customized in Bahama.

Bahama offers azure water and silvery stretch of rock less sand. Oscillating coconut trees add to the charm. Do not miss out on San Salvador if you are in Bahama.

Best Tourist Spots in South Korea

South Korea is a highly developing south Asian country. It has many rising cities, the most significant ones being its capital Seoul, Jeju and Busan. There is a plethora of landmarks in these cities and outside too.

Insa Dong is the prime place in Seoul to make your start. It is a historic promenade. Namdaemun market is a gift for shoppers. Gyeongbokgung Palace has a medley of museums and sites. Leeum Samsung museum of Art has a great collection of artifices. Seoul Tower provides breathtaking view from top. These places are all in Seoul.

Busan has a few good travel places too. Kyuongsung University and Pukyong Univ. Station have town center plaza. Beomeosa Temple is a great religious site. Busan aquarium is also a reasonable spot.

O’Sulloc Tea House Museum is an art house of tea. Seongup, Cheongion Waterfall and Hamdeok Beach are other bright holiday spots in South Korea. Jeju Folk Village brings traditional variety to the South Korea trip.

Places to See on Your Holidays in Brunei

There are two nice cities in this Arab country – Bandar Seri Bagwan and Temborung. These two cities are rich in tradition and have some greenery to boast even when Arabia is laden with deserts.

Labi Rainforest has a great overgrowth of canopied trees. Peradayan Forest reserve is a nice sanctuary for the lions and wild animals. You can get a holiday ride though in covered jeeps. Pantai Sera Kanangan is a beautiful serenading beach. These attractions are placed in the capital city of Brunei.

Temborung has its own share of places worth visiting. While Temborung River gives options for boat rides, Temborung National Park is a mint of greenery with suitable picnic spots. If you wish and dare to be in a real forest, you may try a trip to Wasai Kandal.

There are oil refineries and auditoriums to keep you happy. You can also try the exquisite cuisines of the wonderful country while you travel here.

Tourist Spots to Hit in Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is a nice little place to spend your holiday. You can stay away from the din of urban life and yet get all facilities available. There are top line resorts to stay in. Science museum, trails, parks and theaters are available. But what really shape this place are the beaches that lie across its coastline.

Redondo Beach Pier is a shelter for the trip makers. Here you can have a look at the glorious ships lined up. There are ferries, jetties and wonderful beach food arrangements.
The two beaches that take your heart away are Torrance State Beach and Redondo State Beach. While the former is a privately owned beach and gives good sighting of the classic ocean, the latter is a bit professional. You may take your snorkeling and scuba diving tools for the travel and relish the wonderful natural infrastructure that we call Ocean.

Just spend your precious time in the timeless Redondo Beach.

Getting a Good Deal with villa rentals in Nice, France

Nice is an impeccable place in terms of tourism virtues. Nice, located in France is perhaps just as good as the country itself. Great many Timesharing villas have blossomed in Nice. Nice gives an opportunity to holiday in peace through many villas rented out to hospitality industry.

People have bought villas at a premium price because they know that booming tourism industry can allow them to rent out the villas to hospitality industry. Such villas offer almost all modern day facilities and are connected to a strong feeling of old world charm too. A few have modular kitchens extending to the gourmet area and others have centrally heated swimming pools.

You can get best deals with villa rentals in Nice through travel agents. They often focus on bulk deals but at the same time can get the deals customized for niche clients. All you need to do is to pack your bag for the Nice trip.

oolest Tourist Destinations in Boston

Boston is not short of attractions for holiday seekers of all age. There are parks, restaurants, malls and auditoriums.

Freedom Trail is a beautiful mix of four separate trails that make greenery immortal. Fenway Park is another example of the same. North End has a gamut of top-notch restaurants lined up. Boston Public Garden is a must-see and must-be for all. Samuel Adam’s brewery adds a delightful variety to the touring plans.

There is the informative Museum of Science and Boston Duck Tours. There is an island to provide you joyrides on the ocean and take you to an impregnable Castle Island. It is a superb travel destination.

You can make a tour of all and sundry on Urban Adven Tours. Boston Gliders Segway Adventures dishes out just that: Adventure. New England Holocaust memorial is a tearful creation. There are wonderful live action theaters too like Shear Madness. For the gay fellows, Jacques provide just the right atmosphere of a trip.

Top 5 Philippine Vacation Destinations

Philippines, a peninsular country in South East Asia, it has got great place to make holiday crowd happy. However if one has to shortlist on the top five places, he may find it hard.

The Mindanao is the main island in Philippines and is famous for its beaches and ‘sandscapes’. It is naturally gracious. Mindanao, a southern Island in the country is smaller than Luzon and represents the improvement in Philippines in industrial field. These two places head the travel destination choices.

Manila, the capital city is steeped in culture and has great downtown. Trip makers find their tastes completely fulfilled here. Cebu is the oldest city in Manila and shines in architectural beauty.

The Boracay will complete the picture with a blend of greenery and rivers. These five places are great vacation spots in Philippines. Philippines has these places coupled with the beautiful ocean to provide beaches, and the country rocks. There are many more places to visit in the country.

Top tourist spots in Zurich

If you have always been fascinated by Switzerland and its majestic mountain range, the Alps, then you will like what Zurich offers to you. It is because this largely German-tongued province is located in the heart of Switzerland. The place holds great cultural importance. It is also home to some wonderful architecture and scenic expanse. All holiday goers who decide to make a trip to Zurich must remember to take a little souvenir out of its rich history.

Lenin’s House in Spiegelgasse is seeped in history. Lenin lived here in 1917. Many of the artifacts establish facts related to his way of living. The Rietberg museum in Ziter Park was made in 1857. In about 150 years, the place has lost

none of its Neo-classical theme. Those who travel to Zurich shall not miss either on the Zurich Zoo. There are more than 2000 animals on ready display in Zurich zoo.

Hottest tourist attractions in Rome

Many contest that Rome was born before gods. Now this may be an exaggeration but it is certainly a pre-historic city. It is proverbially a city of Seven Hills. Roman coliseums are one of the favorite course materials of history books. Rome has not taken the march of time lightly though; this is why it has created a lot of places rooted in modern travel adventure.

Rome is full of churches. Artistic magnificence can be felt quite clearly in these places. Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel is a work of art. St. Peter’s museum took almost 200 years to get completed but what has come out is a sheer delight for holiday seekers. Paintings by Raphael and Michelangelo dot the scene.

Vatican city houses the Pope and it’s the smallest independent country in the world. Trip-makers are also advised not to miss the Trevi Fountain. It was built 19 years before Anno Domini started.

Feel the spiritual charm in Buddhist monasteries of Nepal

Nepal is a Hindu kingdom but it has let Buddhism flourish in its expanse. Buddhist monasteries in Nepal are called Gompa. These have a completely spiritual environment and bring an effusiveness of purity. Serene moments can be gathered merely by going through the Thangkas, collections, artifacts and paintings. Those who holiday to Nepal must travel to the monasteries to feel the difference that the trip might make in their lives

Nepalese Buddhist Acharyas had been in constant touch with the Indian Buddhist monks. Together, they ensured that the monasteries led to perfect spread of the religion. Both the countries have a secular outset and have never objected to the spread of this religion. Perhaps this is because the religion exudes peace and does not believe in useless caste and creed equations.

Buddhist monasteries are used for furthering the doctrines of Buddhism. Teachers are highly respected and they talk about various philosophies of Lord Buddha including the Eight Fold Paths. A lot of positive spiritual connotation ca

Tips For Visiting Holland in Summer Holidays 2009

Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemborough form Benelux nations. The Netherlands is also called Holland. These places are almost symmetric to the seacoast and offer a very low altitude. Those who travel to Holland know about the wonderful ports that it offers.

The most mesmerizing holiday aspect is adventure. Holland trip ranks highly in this regard. Holland offers you terrific cycle routes. The floral shows of Holland are as big. Tulips and bougainvilleas are a source of delight to the eyes. If you are looking to visit Holland this summer, keep near the coast. You will find beautiful sea breeze and zephyrs blowing across your face. Also go for the flower exhibitions and other trade shows.

You can choose from the various budgeted and the lavish hotel accommodations. Holland is pleasantly infested with culture. Vincent Van Gogh had his roots here. The man has lent notability to the country.

Top tourist attractions in Cuba

For years, this beautiful country known for its sugar production and cigars was out of bounds. The communist misadventure kept this Hispanic beauty away from common eyes. Raul Castro is making all possible endeavors to bring it in global limelight and Cuba as a travel spot is making hay.

A Cuban Cruise is always a delightful experience for those who seek holidays. It cuts across the Greater Antilles and touches down on the Caribbean. Vieja district in Havana has already been allocated the World Heritage Site status. For those benttowards a study of history, places like Museo de La Revolucion and Plaza de laRevolucion are must-see. Needless to mention that this place seeped in communism and history has a lot of museums too.

Varadero spans a large number of resorts. It provides the modern facet of this otherwise ancient-looking country. Santa Clara and Remedios are a few other cities that bring the best of Cuban beauty to us. They make for great trips.

Famous tourist spots in Jaipur - Pink City

Jaipur has won the heart of many trip makers through its visual brilliance. The resplendence is measurable via the many palaces and forts in the area. Yes, the temperature can be a traumatic issue but if the breeze is blowing perfectly, then there is nothing that can keep you from quality travel.

City palace has combined the beauty of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture to the core. Gardens and courtyards dot the complex. Jantar Mantar is among the five observatories of Sawai Jai Singh. It is a living testimony to the astronomic brilliance of olden India.

Sawai Pratap Singh had built Hawa Mahal. It is an enthralling piece of architecture. Many paintings, coins and artifacts create a perfect chord in the hearts of history seekers. Jagat Shiromani and Moti Doongri temple are another few pieces of excellent architecture. So, temperature aside, Jaipur can be a great blast.

Tibetan village in Sichuan turns into famous tourist spo


The picture taken on March 24, 2009 shows a beautiful view of Jiaju Tibetan Village in Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze in southwest China's Sichuan Province. With only 160 households, the Tibetan village has been a famous tourist attraction in recent years. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Best Travel 101


Any form of traveling requires a certain amount of preparation - thorough or otherwise - from your end. A good preparation is one of the best ways in making your travel - be it a vacation or an official business trip - successful, and of course enjoyable.

Especially if you are a jetsetter and have been sent to other parts of the world for meetings and conventions, then you are probably a master on travel preparation already. If you've made so much use of your travel wallet, then packing up is no daunting task for you.

Regardless, it doesn't hurt to have a review on some travel tips. Here are a few simple suggestions in keeping the endeavor of packing up more enjoyable:

1. Put all your essentials in one "container."

Especially if you are travelling abroad, then your passport, your plane ticket and your travel wallet are your most important companions. Without them, you are not going anywhere. Thus, to ensure that you will not forget any or all of them, then keep them together. Also, keep them in a very accessible compartment of your hand-carried bag so you don't have to rummage among your stuff come inspection or security check time.

2. Research regarding your destination.

This is automatic but this tip means more than just knowing about your hotel, the locality's tourist destinations and your travel itinerary. This is also about the little things: those that seem useless.

You surely will be using chargers - may they be for your iPhone, your laptop or your mp3 player. It's quite a small thing but to be able to charge your gadgets, you need to know if your plug would work in your place of destination. Otherwise, bring an adaptor. Sometimes, the appropriate adapter can only be bought in your place of destination. When this is the case, then you'd need to stuff up your travel wallet.

3. Bring your toiletries, but in small amounts.

Some travellers bring their 500ml lotions or 200ml shampoos when they fly. This is actually not practical as this - first and foremost - defeats the standard of travelling light. Sachets are specifically targeted for travel so use them. They are fairly priced so you don't need to empty the contents of your travel wallet just to be able to keep your luggage light.

4. Of course, travel light.

Yes, over and over again, you've been advised to travel light. And this is not just practical for you (because your bags will not be heavy); this is practical for your travel wallet too (because you don't have to pay for excess baggage).

For instance, if you will be housed in a hotel, then don't bring towels and house slippers. If you're not so particular with the brand of your toiletries, you can even do away with them as most hotels provide them for free.

Travel is always something fun and exciting. It is a chance for you to see the other parts of the world and to experience other cultures. Thus, to make it stress- and hassle-free, you need to have good preparation. Prepare for your travel and prepare to be wowed by both nature and culture!

History of the Pearl Harbor

A History of Pearl Harbor

According to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the day of the attack at Pearl Harbor is �'a date which will live in infamy'. Just as the date has lived on, so has the site of the horrific attack on the United States that prompted the United States to join in World War II. To understand the importance of this must-see destination on Oahu and the tour provided there, it is important to understand the history surrounding it.

In 1931, Japan started their quest to create an Empire in Asia; to achieve this goal, Japan attacked China in 1937, later advancing to Thailand and the Philippines. The United States, Netherlands, and Great Britain did not agree with Japan�'s plan of action, and decided to take action of their own, freezing Japanese assets in each respective country, and cutting off raw materials Japan needed for war production. The US continued to press Japan to stop their hostile actions, but Japan would not surrender. On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, believing the US Fleet there to be the only threat against them. Over 1,000 servicemen lost their lives that day.

One of the most notable sights to see in Pearl Harbor is the USS Arizona Memorial, one of the major features of the Pearl Harbor Tour. Completed in 1961, this 184-foot structure is built upon the sunken hull of the battleship, containing three main sections, including the shrine room that has the names of all of the servicemen who perished aboard the ship during the attack.

Pearl Harbor is the site of an event that changed the course of the United States, and brought the country into World War II. Take the Pearl Harbor Tour and experience that infamous day first-hand -- it is an experience that will not soon be forgotten

Best Camping Safari Adventure in Tanzania

Imagine being right in the heart of the wilderness with a camping safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Samantha Riechter and her boyfriend Thomas Beck, German tourists, agreed that a camping safari in Tanzania brings an unforgettable up-close and personal experience of the African bush.

At the break of dawn, the two trek near the Crater's rim while the shifting colors of the morning sun illuminate the acacia landscape. The savannah is bright red, then orange and finally settling to a golden hue as the grassland comes to life. They begin their day by taking a short walk just to awaken their spirits. Upon their return, a full English breakfast is served in the open under a morning breeze. Soon, they embark on a morning game drive, where they are treated to the rich tapestry of habitats teeming with wildlife and exotic birds. Samantha can not believe the immense wildlife especially the rarely seen black rhino.

They soon return to the campsite at midday for lunch under the shade of a Baobab tree. A tasty meal with fresh vegetable and tropical fruit is served. After, a siesta is as welcoming as a gaze over the seemingly endless plains sprawling for miles on end. Soon, it will be time for an exciting afternoon game drive. The game viewing is abundant with lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes and giraffes just beyond their wondering eyes. Under the dazzling colors of sunset, they return to the campsite holding hands intimately, where they take a warm shower and wait for another Tanzania safari adventure.

Juma, the Tanzanian safari cook anxiously awaits their arrival at the dinner table immaculately set next to a crackling campfire underneath the brilliant canopy of stars. While they dine on a five-course safari cuisine, gazelles make their way to a favorite watering hole while curious baboons sniff the aroma of the rich Tanzanian coffee in another adventurer's cup. After dinner, an evening of stories and tails are shared by the flickering campfire as relationships cement and memories forged forever in wilderness. As night falls, Samantha and Thomas casually head to their tent for a well deserved rest.

While Samantha drifts off to sleep under the canvas tent, Thomas hears a lion's roar and a hyena's mating call in the distance. He's not startled, as a ranger stands guard throughout the night. Samantha was already in slumber land after a long day's walk. As the whispering wind blows, tenderly brushing the tents Thomas is gently lured into a deep sleep. The midnight coolness punctuated with the occasional echo ushers in the wee hours of morning. After a peaceful night, the terrain begins to slowly come to life again, as the two awaken for a new day of discovery.

Samantha and Thomas begin this new day by exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot, as they walk beyond the campsite, taking time to observe the small wonders, such as spiders, ant lions, and dung beetles. Led by a qualified ranger, the two embark on a walking safari taking them to the Ngorongoro Crater's edge. Here, they are astounded by plentiful game drinking at a nearby lake. Like the day before, they undoubtedly witness another black rhino in distance while prides of lions that include the magnificent black-manned males roam the grasslands just before the acacia filled hills. They also observe lots of colorful flamingos and a variety of other exotic water birds around the lake on the crater floor. Along the way, a hearty al fresco brunch is served under a shady tree, followed by a short siesta in a hammock.

There's no better way than a camping safari in Tanzania to experience the true essence of the African wilderness. Like Samantha and Thomas, if you befit a adventurous person who respects nature and wants to experience the African bush in its unique environment, arrange a tailor-made Tanzania camping safari in the unspoiled, untouched reaches of northern Tanzania.

10 tips Family Holidays in Europe

European holidays proffer a potpourri of destinations for holidaymakers to enjoy. Families can expect to have a fun-filled, memorable excursion should they decide to take a European holiday vacation. Here are some tips to make your vacation a success.

1. Make a trip to Paris, the city of love. Paris has always enchanted the true-blooded ancient art inclined families. If you happen to be one, head straight to the Louvre, a place revered by medieval art history lovers. Apart from housing the legendary 'Mona Lisa' it has an enormous collection of 18th century masterpieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to an assortment of other collectibles. It is a good idea to get the "Museums and Monuments Card" from the tourism office for unlimited visits if you plan on visiting museums and art galleries during your stay.

2. To give your children a special treat, include Disneyland Park, Paris in your travel itinerary. This is your chance to enjoy adventure and action packed rides at the park that are fun for the whole family. Children can get to meet celebrated Disney characters and watch the magical cinematic illusions at the Walt Disney Studios as well.

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the tower over the Cathedral, is an original and architectural masterpiece. It has fascinated voyagers since long due to its mysterious design. This is certainly a must see place cultural, historic and architectural indulgence is on your wish list.

4. Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Titlis in Switzerland. Apart from seeing the country's highest mountain peak, you can also take in a variety of breathtaking scenes from 10,000 feet above sea level. The ride lasts for 45 minutes and is very enjoyable.

5. If you want to mix art and religion with some pleasurable sight-seeing, the Sistine Chapel in Rome is an excellent option. A celebrated work of art, it showcases the exceptional aesthetic proficiency of Michelangelo.

6. Enjoy the Amsterdam City canal cruise and witness marvels of Dutch history and culture. The cruise offers travellers a view of the famed historic canals and old cities situated on its banks along with some visually captivating scenery. Dinner is also served aboard these cruises apart. Musical Cruises are also available for those who love music.

7. The kids are guaranteed to love this one. A visit to the chocolate factory at Hanau is a must when you are travelling with young children. Get a firsthand account of delicious chocolate being churned out and sample some of the best varieties of these dark treats.

8. Take a trip to Innsbruck and the Swarovski Crystal Factory (Wattens, Austria). Here you can shop for rare and exquisite pieces of crystals apart from witnessing the making and polishing of the crystal artwork.

9. If you are planning to rekindle some romance, Venice beckons you. Take your partner for the famous boat ride over St. Marks Square and enjoy the magnificent sights of roman architecture in the form of the Basilica, Ducal Palace and the Bridge Of Sighs.

10. Nature lovers will enjoy the Rhine Falls, a massive waterfall situated in Zurich. You can also take the cogwheel train to the Jungfrau peak and visit Interlaken (situated between two lakes), the picturesque town where numerous Bollywood films have been shot

Romania and the Myth and Origins of Dracula?


Bram Stoker's original version of Count Dracula's life takes place in Transylvania, a region of Romania. A young solicitor, Jonathan Harker, is invited to Dracula's castle to provide information and the contracts for the Count's new acquisition, an estate in England. The story continues as Jonathan's fiancée and her childhood friend are pursued by the Count, becoming his victims as a now-returned Jonathan and his compatriots attempt to stop the reign of terror.

While this original story has become the basis for several movies, a few cartoons, a children's television show puppet, and on a very basic level the character on a box of kids' cereal, does the character of Vlad Dracula have his origins in anything but his author's mind? Ask almost anyone who has heard the literary version and you will get the same answer - absolutely yes. And some people think the fictional version is less evil and bloodthirsty than the real-life man that inspired the vampire tale.

Deeply seated in Romania's past is the story of Vlad the Impaler, a Wallachian blueblood and one of the most controversial figures in the country's history. Also known in Romanian records as Vlad Tepes or Vlad Dracula (which translates as "Son of the Dragon, referring to Vlad's father's title which was given to him in 1431 when he was accepted into the Order of the Dragon, an anti-Islamic knighthood), While of Wallachian blood, he and his family had been exiled to the region of Transylvania when they were ousted from rule by an opposing faction.

After years of war with the Ottoman Empire, Vlad was placed as Prince of Wallachia, where he continually warred with invaders and opponents to his rule. Dying in 1476 at approximately 45 years old, he has left behind stories and images that continue to haunt the world. Atrocities committed to memory and written down by German and Turkish warriors, as well as his captors during his relatively brief imprisonment in Turkey include torturing and killing small animals, nailing hats or other badges of office onto people's bodies, and the mutilation of unfaithful or unchaste women.

However, Dracula is most famous for his tendency to execute almost anyone who stood in his way, disagreed with him, cheated customers, or just generally didn't fit his ideals by impaling them on stakes and leaving them on display. There are well-documented anecdotes of warring factions arriving at a town after Vlad the Impaler, only to find thousands of men, women, children, and even infants suspended on stakes - sometimes head-down, sometimes head-up - with Vlad's soldiers feasting among them.

Tourists to modern-day Romania are often directed to Bran Castle on the historical border of Romania and Wallachia, where Vlad the Impaler was rumored to have lived (most likely it was where he was imprisoned for a few days as opposed to have resided); other sites in the region include a restaurant in Sighisoara which used to be a house where Vlad did in fact live for a time, and the citadel in the same city which offers a glimpse of living conditions in his era. While there is not much else still in existence to prove that Vlad Dracula was indeed the inspiration for Bram Stoker's legend, one has only to speak to the Romanian people to know that the legend has soaked into their culture, as sure as his victim's blood soaked into the ground so many years ago.

Popular Tourist Destinations in South West


London isn't the only place to go in the UK. There are so many other things to see, as well, because the area has such a long history and a rich culture. In the South West UK there are a lot of popular tourist destinations, including Bath. It's a very popular city, and with good reason. There are many things to do there, no matter what kinds of things you and your travel companions like. The baths, of course, are something to see, but there is more.

The natural beauty of the area around the city is one of the things that keep people coming back again and again on their holidays. The city itself has a lot of history to it, and the people are friendly and happy to help a traveller who might not be sure where to go and what to see. There are museums for Asian art, Victorian art, and fashion, among other things, and there are great restaurants and pubs for you to enjoy as well as the many concerts and festivals that Bath has to offer each year. Along with that, though, you'll need somewhere nice to stay. No one wants to go to a great place and be unhappy with his or her accommodations.

It can prevent you from enjoying your holiday as much as you would otherwise, and that can be unfortunate and ruin a lovely trip. When you're looking for an accommodation in Bath, consider what you actually want and need in a place to stay. Are you looking for luxury and opulence? Want something clean, casual, comfortable, and inexpensive? Interested in camping? No matter what kind of accommodation you want, there are choices out there for you, which is part of what makes the Bath area - like much of the UK - so welcoming to travellers.

By booking ahead you can get the best rates, too, and that will help you have money to do more things while you're there. It's a great way to see more of the area you're taking a holiday in without breaking the bank. It's important to remember that Bath has a tourist season just like most other places, so if you want to make sure you get the right accommodations for you, booking ahead is recommended for that reason, as well. It can also give you an opportunity to talk with the booking agent about what kinds of things you might want to do and see while in Bath, leading to a better holiday experience.

Borobudur, The Biggest Temple in 8th Century

Who doesn't know Borobudur temple? this Budhist's temple has 1460 reliefs and Budhist statues in it. As one of the most World Wonder Heritages, Borobudur temple was build using +/- 55.000 m3 of stones. It heights from bottom to top before renovation was 42m and became 34,5 after renovation due to the bottom of this temple was used as a stronghold and it wides between 123 m.

Borobudur is a temple which rise out and founded on Menoreh hills. It stretch out from East to west, side by side with Merbabu Mountain & Merapi mountain on East, Sumbing Mountain & Sindoro Mountain on west and also Menoreh hill is spread out on north west. Meanwhile, north side (Magelang city) is surroundings by Telomoyo Mountain and Ungaran Mountain. It's describe about whole spirit to honour Ing Gusti (letter from Dr. Beda Scramm to Mamoque). Choosing an exact location was combining from logical and universe. Epygraph approach was inspired from many ancient inscriptions which still exist.

The bottom of borobudur was called KAMADHATU, as a symbol of human who strict with their passion. The next Four steps was called RUPADHATU, as a symbol of human who already release from passion but still strict with things. Budha statue was put in this level / steps . Therefore, three steps above where Budha was put in a hole statue called ARUPADHATU, as a symbol of human who already free from passion and things. The highest level called ARUPA, symbol of heaven where Budha lives.

Every steps / levels had a beautiful reliefs which show us how expert the creator made it. This reliefs could be read squencely if you walk following clock period (Left way from entrance). Borobudur reliefs tell us about a legendary fairytale, RAMAYANA. Therefore, there is a relief which show us the condition of the people at that time. For example, relief about farmer activity which reflected of agricultural system progress. Sailboat reliefs representated voyage progress where concentrate in Bergotta (Semarang). The whole reliefs reflected Budha's teachings. Therefore, this temple was made as a education media for people who wants to learn Budha's teachings.

Nobody knows when exactly this temple was build. There's no written evidence. To determine Borobudur's age, considered to it plain pattern from 8th Century . Since it built in 8th century, Borobudur history was rise and sink.

From ancient inscription in 842 BC, Casparis summarized that Borobudur full name is Bhumisambharabhuddhara, means "Mountais of ten levels from Bodhisattva goodness." With Gunadharma as an architect. Not less from 500 books was written by Indonesian and foreign sculptor about Borobudur, unfortunately there's differ opinions between archeolog and sculptor. When Borobudur was build, who made it and how long the holy hill for Buddhist was used. Was it dissapear, burried by persons or another reasons? All this questions are still looking to get an exact answer through history evidence.

One thing that unique, this temple obviously has an interesting architecture formation or mathematicsly stucturized. Each section of foot, body and head has proportion 4 : 6 : 9. Stupa's placing also has their own meaning. In addition, there's some reliefs was considered has relation with astronomy. It makes Borobudur become a historical evidence which attractive to be observed. One of this theory cold be seen on site

Sunyaragi Garden, Sophisticated of Ancient Architecture

Sunyaragi garden is a beautiful water garden with sophisticated jetting irrigate technology. This garden is woke up in the year 1703 by Prince Kararangen or with other name is Prince Arya Carbon. Sunyaragi garden came from word ”sunya” meaning silent and ”ragi” meaning physic or raga. This garden reside in power of Keraton Kasepuhan.

This composition construction represent a water garden. From rest of existing inheritance, it’s seen result of human being culture at its epoch which very sophisticated and unique. It should have been see until today if there’s no trouble and get treatment periodically.

Marginally, Sunyaragi Garden’s complex which is located in this Brigjen Dharsono Cirebon roadside divided into two shares that is cave building and guesthouse. Part of guesthouse provided with gallery, cubicle, bathroom, religious service space and encircled by garden completed with pool. Cave medium building curve like mountains, equipped by underground link tunnel. Outer of its complex have reef and cloud motif. The outside gateway’s door is in form of Bentar temple and external door is in form of Paduraksa. Entire rooms were fulfilled by immeasurable relief.

This Old building is still visited until today in many people, because its situation right across especial wayside. It’s parking area wide enough, the frontage garden get a new touch to take a rest for tourists. There also built a stage or culture podium for the staging of Cirebon’s arts.

Kuala Lumpur Tourism

Lake Toba is a volcanic lake with the size wide approximately 100km x 30 km in North Sumatra, Sumatra, Indonesia. In the middle of this lake there also a volcanic island called Island Samosir that make this lake more unique. Fresh and cold atmosphere, charming and beautiful view, with mountain encircling make it wonderful.

Lake Toba became of important tour target in North Sumatra besides Hill Lawang and Nias, attract domestic tourist and also from abroad. It’s very easy to reach this place, from Medan you can go to Parapat in less then 4 hours. Parapat location is about 185 kilometer from North Sumatra Capital city. It is a suburb area in Lake Toba. There are so many lodgings and hotels in Parapat, some of them have provided swimming pool facility and jacuzzi.

Besides the natural beauty in Lake Toba , where estimated exist since 73.000-75.000 year ago (estimated to represent result of newest super volcano eruption), we can also boating to Island Samosir to see former Batak epoch king custom house as well as king’s grave in Tomok region. Golf Course also available in this island.

Samosir island itself surroundings by mountain, where as far as we can see we’ll find mountains. It makes the weather very chill, considering that Samosir island is located in highest place between 700 “1.995 mdpl. It’s really a wonderful view and suitable to release yours exhausted after works.

Kuala Lumpur Tourism

or the formalities, every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid international visa or a similar travel document. Foreign nationals who require a passport must apply and obtain it in advance at the Malaysian Representative Office prior to entering the country. The types of visa that are issued by the Malaysian Government are: Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa. Also, you need to fulfill customs requirements and health regulations.

KL is adept at reconciling the old with the new, the vintage with the contemporary. From the charm of the mature to the potpourri of the present, Kuala Lumpur has observed a colonial façade as well as the ambience of modernity. The structure of the Sultan Abdul Samad building blends most intimately with the tall freestanding wonder of the Petronas Twin Towers. Surely, there is more to the countenance and feature of KL than what merely shows.

Tourism Attractions in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Tower (KLCC)
The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers was designed by Cesar Pelli and Associates and currently houses Petronas Corporate Headquarters.
It is currently the 2nd most tallest building in the world after Taipei 101 in Taiwan. The Twin Towers symbolises strength and grace using geometric principles typified in Islamic architecture. It is located at the former Selangor Turf Club, a 100-acre site in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle.

Petaling Street
Petaling Steet is a famous market in Chinatown, and it's a place that never sleeps. It is a great place for locals to get some goods at bargain prices and certainly an eye-opening experience for tourists. Looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, CDs and more? Then Petaling Street is the place for you. It is easy getting to Petaling Street as numerous bus companies service the area.

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) is appropriately named because it was at this place on August 30, 1957 at midnight, the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country's history upon gaining independence from the British rule. The flag raising ceremony was held at the very spot where the 100-metre high flagpole now stands.



The best part about this gamma world city is that it has maintained equilibrium between its own culture and modernization. Literally Kuala Lumpur is speckled with offbeat skyscrapers and avant-garde shopping malls. Still it has no shortage of old quaint shop houses which strike a chord of its past. On one hand where you see the world's tallest twin building of the Petronas Twin Towers, you can find its rich Craft Complex on the other hand. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is acclaimed to be only city in the world which has dense forests in its precincts.

Machu Picchu, The Lost Town

Machu Picchu (”Old Mountain” in Quechua language; often also referred as “The lost Inca Town”) was a Inca pra-Columbus ruins location which is located in mountain region at height around 2.350 m. Machu Picchu located in the Urubamba valley in Peru, it’s about 70 km northwest of Cusco. This archaeological site have already forgotten by international world, but not by local society. It’s found again by archaeologist from Yale Hiram Bingham university on 24 July 1911.

Machu Picchu as an ancient town which attracted archaeologists. It was build by the most powerful Inca’s controller called Pachacutec Yupanqui in year 1440 Century which representing symbols of community and dedication. Some researcher believes Machu Picchu was a Pachacutec mausoleum, because there were some buildings arranged in layers gold. Some other researcher theorize Machu Picchu was “Ilacta“ or town to take control the economics of conqueror regions and to protect Inca’s aristocrats.

Another theory, Machu Picchu as a “villa“ for Inca’s magnifiers, at the same time as ceremony place perception of astrology and season. Mount Siluet (Huayna Picchu or “young mountain“) which reside in Machu Picchu background show Inca people nose which see to sky.

Located in the middle of mountain area, Machu Picchu is most beautiful creature of Inca’s Empire. More than anything else with building exist in surrounded. In this place, there are 200 buildings. Most of them in the form of resident house. But, there also a number of temple, depository warehouse, and other public building. All of them were still in the form of square stone which represent the last Inca’s periods.

Some unique matter exist in Machu Picchu was the existed buildings seen unity with nature. Like stone formation used as building construction, graven stone, water’s stream through a channel from stone, and temples which stand above steep bank.

To reach Machu Picchu we there’s two ways to go there by train and by foot. By fringing River Urubamba, we could use train from Cuzco town (170 km south Lima capital of Peru) then continued by using special bus to go to highest. It’s about 450 meters and 13 hairpin (blind turning). This is way of which may be spelled fastest and pleasant. Moreover, we could also walk by following famous traditional route known as a Footstep Inca.

Possibly, this site is the most recognized symbol from empire of Inca and have been showed as world Heritage site from UNESCO since year 1983 at the same time become the most of object attention due to generated damage by tourism.

Romanticism in Venice, The water city

VENICE have epithet Love Town besides Paris of course, surely we can have a romantic atmosphere there. Otherwise, Venice resident skillful to make handicraft, becoming one of the tourism attractiveness.

Choose month of April-May to visit Venice because that is a springtime where the weather not cool enough and suitable weather for tourist from tropical state and avoid to visit Venice in summer – on month of July - August-- besides its weather extremely hot and high level of tourist’s density, smell of Venice river because of sunshine’s effect and air humidity. Most Indonesian people choose October to go there because that is a winter time where snow falls down at that moment.

Venice is easy to reach from another Italian town whether by car, bus or train. We can directly take water bus from Ferrovia Santa Lucia station, otherwise the bus stop and the biggest parking area which is located in Piazzale Roma across directly with water bus station. There is also an airport in Mestre, it’s about 10 kilometers outside the town, and also Venice Mestre’s station, which is the last dot of Venice majors cart route where connected this city with Treviso, Padova, Parma, Bari, Milan until Zagreb.

Venice split by especial river called Canal Grande. Its function is very important because it’s like a main road for Venice resident. The Great street of Venice length around 3.5 km and encircled by ancient buildings and palaces from 13th up to 18th centuries. It is dressed of mixture between Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

We can rent a gondola, Venice famous boat rolled by an oar, (or water bus for cheaper cost’s) to enjoy the beauty of Canal Grande. Gondola is the most chosen transportation by tourists to fringe the beauty of Water town which built since IX century. Why it called Water town? It’s because of Venice was built from 118 archipelago and it has 180 canals. This exotic town facing Adriatic Sea connected almost by 400 bridges!! What an extraordinary.

Basilica San Marco is the main target of the tour in Venice, Santo Markus town square "Piazetta in San Marco" representing one of the symbol of Venice’s beauty. Its location is flanked by Palazzo Ducale "Ducale Palace", library and south of Balisika Santo Markus also its view straight to Bacino in San Marco "Saint Mark’S Basin". This town square became mute eyewitness all religion activity and social of Venice since hundreds of year ago, such as Santo Markus corpse arrival procession, execute malefactor, and departure expectation of navy in Bacino, San Marco up to boat carnival (Regatta) and mask festival (Venetian Mask).

Behind all its beauty, in fact this town is disappeared threatened also, due to every 10 years, this town progressively sink some centimeters. Unhappily till now there’s no one have earned to save this town from the destruction threat. In fact, there are some geologists and engineers told them to increase the land surface as high as 30 centimeters which purposed to avoid this city sink from floods threat and overflowing water. However, it is possible still require to be awaited by its result.

Venice native is known very friendly and esteem the meaning of town history, therefore, we must not to destroy or defile this town. Native have measure up to within call with family and have to feel hand in glove familiarity characteristic. Every lunch time or even supper is the moment to gather and become a kind of small celebration to family. It can waste the time more or less then 2 to 3 hours because it’s always interrupt with discussion between family so that no wonder all governance office or even shops are closed at that hours.

There are a lot what we can see in this town. Sestieri is a especial division of Venice which dividing this town become 6 canton, that is Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco and Costello. Later, there are a lot of restaurants in the river side which transparent and clean, so that we can enjoy a view while we enjoy the food. In the other hand, there are some crafting factories that we can visit and see they making it at the same time. We can buy the craft for the souvenir.

Not left behind the famous bridge which make people wondering that is Rialto bridge. Around this bridge there are luxuriant hotels as well as luxuriant restaurants. There also The Bridge of Sight, Academia Bridge, and Scalzi Bridge.