Category: Asia

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Adventure Asia Itinerary

48 hours in Kuala Lumpur

The vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur is the Capital of Malaysia, famed as “Garden city of lights” across the world. The beautiful city is rich in culture, heritage and has prosperous past and present. It is one of the loved destinations among the traveling freak due to its exotic nightlife. The charming city offers the blend of modern and traditional landscape and sights. A quick stopover of around 48 hours will let you see most of the things, which can capture your heart for its hospitality. Malaysia is a place, where you get a close-up of wildlife within the vicinities of the city.

We have planned a trip, which is suitable for a common man to enjoy Kuala Lumpur in a span of 48 hours without wasting much time.

Day 1 in Kuala Lumpur

After arriving in the city, it is the best idea to cover places which fall in proximity to avoid wastage of time in traveling to remote destination. There are numerous places to have fun and to check out for adventure within the city limits. This article is an attempt to guide you all through your journey to Malaysia.

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas twin towers are sky-kissing building, which is one of the tallest towers in the world. This tower is the best example of perfect architecture, standing still at the with the height of 452 meters. The towers are designed with an inspiration of Islamic architecture and popular for its steel and glass usage all around.

 

Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower

The Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower is one of the most recognizable towers and a popular landmark in the nation. The tower is visible from every part of Kuala Lumpur.

Petaling Street

After lunch, Enjoy the shopping in one of the well-known shopping streets “Petaling Street”. A one-stop street for shopping. The ideal time to visit the place is after sunset to enjoy the exotic nights light and jeweled street with colorful lights.

Jalan Alor

After Shopping,  you can head towards Jalan Alor, a food street, which is famous for its delicious mouth-watering traditional cuisine. The travelers enjoy the variety of street food is the cheap and reasonable price. Get full return on your investment!!

Day 2 of Kuala Lumpur

On the 2nd day in Kuala Lumpur, plan for the sightseeing across the city and places nearby. Day 2 focuses on temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and valleys around the city.

Batu Caves

Kuala Lumpur’s most visited places and frequented tourist attraction is Batu. It has a beautiful Subramanya Hindu temple along with three important caves.

Elephant Sanctuary

A drive from Batu caves to elephant sanctuary is a great way to connect back to culture due to its greenery around the sanctuary and meeting majestic elephants along the way.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

A 60-hectare lake garden dedicated to birds for its habitat. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park has been reputed to have most rare birds in the world and is the largest park for birds in the world.

Fahrenheit88 Mall

Fahrenheit 99 Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world with 5 floors of shops with all kinds of varieties of products. It is the right place to shop Isn’t it?

Sky Bar

The sky bar is located on the 33rd floor of Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The bar is glamorous for its interiors and a cocktail lounge with swimming pool. Great views of the Kuala Lumpur city with an excellent variety of cocktails available

Heli Lounge Bar

Heli Lounge bar is located on the helicopter pad and is on the 36th floor of the building. The bar comes with both nightclub and a cocktail bar with an excellent view with an open top.

Unfolding the hidden chapters with the Canopy Walkway tour!!

The Canopy Walkway tour offers you to explore the folded chapters of Kuala Lumpur.This travel package provides travelers to stroll through a Malaysian Rainforest and witness the alluring landscape and scenic views around. During your walk through shady trails of arboretums, you will encounter more than 30 different species of bamboo.

Travel Tip

Malaysia is the best travel destination for travelers in all seasons. Being close to the equator it has tropical climate all through the year. The weather is generally hot and humid, but it can rain anytime, making the weather more suitable for travelers. The month of May to June is considered the ideal time to visit yet travelers can plan the trip to Kuala Lumpur anytime, there is no such cool season.

Kuala Lumpur is the best holiday destination for you, if you’re looking for the place where you can get everything, starting from natural landscape, temples, monasteries and vibrant nightlife, Kuala Lumpur has the whole package.

Don’t skip  The Chettinad Banana Leaf Rice !!!

Don’t skip to witness the magical trick of fireflies at night!!

 

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Asia

The underrated destinations in Asia: 5 travel ideas

Planning to travel to Asia? Rest assured that there’s plenty more to see than just the typical destinations. Avoid the hotspots and choose somewhere more left-field – here are five potential destinations in Asia to consider that is particularly underrated.

 Krabi, Thailand

For a beach holiday unlike any other, Krabi is the ideal destination. It’s often skipped over by tourists and travelers, the secluded beach town out of the way of the country’s center. Railay Beach is arguably the highlight of the area, with an abundance of sights to discover, from the turquoise waters to the various caves and jutting limestone cliffs setting the scene.

And then there are the things to discover inland, too. The Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is a wondrous part of Krabi, complete with the Crystal Lagoon and an abundance of unique wildlife to be discovered. Or consider scaling the Khao Khanab Nam mountains for unparalleled views of the surrounding land.

 Kolkata, India

Although many travelers flock to the bustling, energetic Dubai when in India, consider the quieter and less-traveled yet equally as exciting Kolkata. This city is criminally underrated, a hub full of art, architecture, and culture to be discovered – it’s a very different side to India than many may expect

Awash with intellect and creativity, Caroline Eden references how Kolkata is known as “the most soulful city in India” – there’s even some world-renowned festivals here to experience, from book to film. The locals are friendly, the food delectable and the aura one of luxury and relaxation.

 Kyoto, Japan

When traveling in Japan, many tourists flock to Tokyo ­– understandably, what with the city being a hub for energy, technology and futuristic advancements that effectively put it miles ahead of anywhere else in the world, let alone Asia. But consider its lesser-visited little sister – Kyoto is just as, if not even more intriguing.

Steeped in history and culture, Kyoto has an abundance of things to discover – temples are frequented here, with the majestic Kiyomizu-Dera being perhaps the best of the bunch. Head to the city center to find cherry blossoms lining the wistful streets, with geisha commonly strolling through Kyoto in the evenings to add to the allure.

 Palawan, Philippines

 There’s no denying the Philippines are considerably underrated as a travel destination despite their prime location in Southeast Asia. Palawan is the highlight of the country; glistening waters, sandy beaches and an abundance of natural wonder are just some of the reasons why this archipelago should be atop your bucket list.

There are plenty of peculiar, unique features of Palawan to discover, too. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is just one of them, where you can sail into a cave and discover an underground river with an abundance of wildlife and rock formations that together create a whole new world.

 Okinawa, Japan

 Back to Japan, and there’s a part of the country that goes missed by many travelers – you’d be surprised to stumble upon it considering just how much of a secluded paradise it truly is. Okinawa consists of beautiful islands, turquoise waters and a warm climate year-round, making for a unique beach holiday.

The locals here are laidback and welcoming, ready to show you a good time – the port towns here in Okinawa are as energetic as they are relaxed, and you can pretty much get whatever you want out of them. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you’re in luck – from scuba diving to sailing, the fun is to be had on the water.

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Asia Foodie

10 best Vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong

If you are a vegetarian on a trip to Honk Kong thinking that you won’t get anything but salad to eat, we have news for you. Everyone has a misconception that Chinese food must include all sorts of meats and non-vegetarian ingredients. But there are plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes that Hong Kong has to offer and I am rounding up a list of 10 best restaurants so you don’t go hungry and know where to find the right place. You can try varieties of dumplings and fresh vegetarian food that will tingle your taste buds and satisfy your tummy.

  1. Pure Veggie House

Address: 3/F Coda Plaza, 51 Garden Road, Central, 2525 0552, www.topstandard.com.hk

Like the name suggests, you won’t get anything fresh and pure vegetarian food here. It is the perfect place to try Buddhist delights and other Chinese cuisines. They serve up to 18 signature dishes made especially for Buddhist tastes. So instead of looking for a mainstream restaurant, try something different like “Mock meat”. They even have a menu for Jains with no onion or garlic.

  1. Khaana Khazana

Address: Location: 1st Floor, Dannies House, 20 Luard Rd, Wanchai, Hong Kong Island; MTR: Wan Chai | Exit C or A1, O’Brien Rd to Jaffe Rd entrance

See, you can be in Hong Kong and still enjoy delicious Indian food. Get all Indian cuisines get served to you with a homely feeling. The special highlight would have to be Paneer Tikka Masala and “Gulab Jamuns” for dessert. But beware, one meal here might make you homesick.

  1. Chi Lin vegetarian

Address: Long Men Lou, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill

3658 9388

The ambience of this place is indescribable. You can enjoy the view of cascading waterfalls while tasting sumptuous Chinese meals. The restaurant is popular among both tourists and pilgrims and they have beautifully prepared dishes such as cashew nut soup, vegan spring rolls and beetroot salad.

  1. Grassroots Pantry

Address: 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, grassrootspantry.com, 28733353

Grassroots Pantry serves you fresh organic healthy food. The plant-based dishes made in an Asia-inspired technique give a whole new name to healthy and delicious eating. Don’t forget to try the gluten-free cinnamon rolls along with blueberry cheesecake.

  1. Veggie SF

Address:  Veggie SF, 10/F, 11 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3902 3902

This is a place where you can enjoy American or international food with blue walls and wooden benches creating a cool vibe.  Try the Lentil burger or go for international cuisines like Italian lasagne.

  • Kung Tak Lam

Address: 10/F, World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay 2890 3127

This one is a Northern Chinese restaurant. Their speciality is in mock meat with the most delicious dish being sweet ‘n’ sour pork. Also, their Shanghainese cold noodles are a delight. They do pay attention to presentation and you would want to click an Instapic before digging right in.

  1. Lock Cha Tea House

Address: G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, Hong Kong Park, Admiralty, 2801 7177, lockcha.com

Get the authentic Chinese experience with vegetarian Chinese cuisines. They have an option of more than hundred teas and if you are looking for light snacks, they have many varieties of dim sums. If you are visiting on the weekend, you will also get to enjoy the Cantonese Music programme.

  1. Ahimsa Buffet

Address: Shop B, G/F, Wah Hai Mansion, 10-16 Fort Street. North Point

2528 2368

Yep, a vegetarian buffet in Hong Kong for just 68$. Unbelievable, right? The dishes are meat free and mainly Asian, which is why the place is growing popular day by day. The most popular of them being dim sums and bean curd rolls.

  1. Thai Vegetarian food

Address: G/F, 28 Nam Kok Road, Kowloon City 6153 7421

Enjoy authentic Thai food like glass noodles, fried rice and curry but with plant-based ingredients. They offer great vegetarian Thai food that is true to its roots. Another pro is that they are cheap.

  1. Bookworm Cafe

Address: Bookworm Café, 79Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, +852 2982 4838

This one is a popular spot for travellers and one of the best breakfast options for vegetarians. The peaceful ambience, the aroma of books and coffee, classy decorations just makes this the perfect hangout spot. Do try their bean burgers!

There you go. Enjoy meat-free dishes and a healthy lifestyle even while traveling. Since Hong Kong is the ‘It’ spot for tourists and also a frequent visit by Buddhist and Jain pilgrims, it is not that hard to find vegetarian food here. All you need to worry about is the crowd. But hey, you can always give street food a try, right?

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Asia Itinerary

48 hours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the perfect place for a quick international getaway where you can find breathtaking views, shopping centres and great food and culture. This is a place where you can find the blend of international and local features.  But if you have limited time and still wish to enjoy all the wonders Hong Kong has to offer, you better find a good itinerary and stick to it. Here’s a guide to spending 48 hours in Hong Kong:

Day 1

Get some breakfast at The brunch club since they have smoked salmon that is to die for.

Take a Hike

Walk across the trail of Wan Chai. The walk will take approximately two hours and includes architecture and culture. So, you will get to know of the country’s rich history for free. Afterwards, you can explore Causeway bay and see the largest library in Hong Kong. There are many local retailers and malls here too for the shopaholic in you.

Tian Tan Buddha

One of the islands of Hong Kong Lantau has a 34-meter long giant bronze statue of Tian Tan Buddha. Another specialty of this statue is the cable car ride to get there which is a scenic journey on its own.

Lunch

Go to Landmark Mall since it is the most popular shopping centres with famous brand names. You can also find restaurants nearby for lunch. Or you can always have lunch at the fook Lam Moon restaurant in Wan Chai.

See the view

The view from Victoria Peak at dusk is breathtaking and that vantage point provides the most incredible view of Hong Kong skyline. Afterwards, spend some time exploring shops and buying souvenirs. Also, see the wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s. Settle for street food as a light dinner.

Day 2

Breakfast with Dim sums

Dine like the locals at Tim Ho Wan and enjoy the dumplings and sweet barbeque pork buns. Go early to avoid crowds and feel like a local eating on those black plastic plates.

Walk in a park

Based on the Jiangnan gardens of the Quing Dynasty, Kawloon Walled city Park on Tung Tsing Road is a beautiful spot with a rich history. The pavilions and pathways are a wonderful sight with a fascinating history. This park is set up over a once densely populated city that worked without any government control. The place was once filled with opium dens and unlicensed practitioners.

Museum

The next stop should be the Honk Kong’s Museum of History. Located on Chatham road south, it shows you the geological and cultural history of Hong Kong. You can also visit the Hong Kong Maritime Museum at Central pier 8.

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

This is a chain of restaurants spread all over Hong Kong and you are sure to come across an outlet during your trip. If you stop by for lunch, do try their fried rice with shrimp along with chicken dumplings.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Ride the star ferry to reach Tsim Sha Tsui which is the ‘Shop until you drop’ place of Hong Kong. Dine at Jimmy’s Kitchen since they offer various cuisines from English to Chinese to Indian.

Late Night Party at Lan Kwai Fong

End the day with a couple of drinks and good music to sway to. The Hong Kong experience would be incomplete without glimpsing its nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong.

That does it, folks. An exciting and completely fulfilling itinerary for spending two days in Hong Kong. Another tip would be to save money on transport and food by buying an Octopus Card right away after arriving. In the end, just have fun.

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Asia Culture Festival

When Shopping and Travelling goes Hand in Hand in these festivals

Do you want to feed the traveler as well as the shopaholic in you at the same time? Time to plan an overseas trip according to the following shopping festivals that are some of the best ones held around the world! The savings from the heavy rebates are surely going to make your travel worth the expenditure and definitely not a big hole in your credits cards .

When attending such festivals it is recommended you carry a Forex Card or Debit card rather than cash.

Dubai Shopping Festival

Organized for the first time in 1996, Dubai Shopping Festival has been going on since then annually for about a month from January to February every year. Congruent with its slogan ‘One World, One Family, One Festival’, people from all around the globe go there to experience the extravaganza. It is famous for grand product launches, sports and cultural events, huge discounts and several music concerts, and it has something to offer for every age group. Electronics, perfumes,  gold, carpets,  spices, textiles, cosmetics, dry fruits, gold jewelry, watches, clothes, and leather are the things to look out for in this shopping carnival.

Hong- Kong Shopping Festival

In tandem with this shopping festival, the Hong Kong Tourism Department holds a tourism festival which makes it a perfect opportunity for foreigners to satiate their traveling as well as shopping appetite. One can get a good bargain at the shopping festival which goes on annually from June to August. A range of entertainment events like the traditional lion and dragon dances and fireworks shows take place along with the sale of a variety of products like cosmetics, diamonds, apparels, handbags etc . at discounted prices.

 The Singapore Sale

Organized by the Singapore Retailers’ Association, the Singapore Sale takes place in June and July. This festival is not all about shopping; it comes with rebates as high as 70% on beauty and wellness deals, hotels, restaurants and drinking places too.  Only at this time of the year is shopping in the late hours of the night allowed. Therefore, electronics, beauty and wellness deals, apparels, optical, food, beverages, toys, and watches are the things to seek during the sale period.

Cannes Shopping Festival

Also called as Palais des Festival, Cannes Shopping Festival draws well- known fashion experts and elite people from all around the globe for 4 days to Cannes in April.  Celebrity designers use this platform to showcase their latest work, so it is a great opportunity for fashionistas from corners of the world to grab designer clothes and accessories at discounted prices.

 Istanbul Shopping Festival

Turkey gives a tough competition to the much acclaimed Dubai Shopping Festival by organizing its own in Istanbul every year which offers unmatched deals and a wide range of products in a plethora of malls and streets. During the festival, apart from the shopping malls, historical places too close late by 2 hours than usual. Music concerts, street performances, fashion shows, etc. take place along with it. High-quality textiles, silk scarves, organic cotton, fabrics and linen, art and antiques, jewelry,  handmade shoes, ceramics, furniture and hot Turkish labels are some of the items that are not to be missed in the shopping carnival.

Start planning your budget now, and satiate your shopaholic’s nerve.!!

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Asia Itinerary

Bangkok, the city of dazzling temples and spectacular palaces

For decades, people have always considered Bangkok to be the heaven for single men who are on a constant hunt for sensual massage parlors and the strip clubs that seem to be there on every other corner. Seldom do we come to hear about the natural beauty and a tourist paradise that this place is.

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok may very well be one of the busiest cities in Asia, courtesy of the tourists who crowd the place almost every time a year. But don’t let the flashy nightlife, shopping sprees; those naughty massages fool you because there is much more to the city. The place boasts a huge number of temples and religious places, busy markets and places to spend some nonflashy calm nights at, Bangkok offers way too much.

How to Reach

The city of Bangkok is served by two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport, both of which are located about 30 km from the city center. It may take at least three hours to connect between them, as they are far-off from each other and one can expect congestion on the roads.

The cold season is the best to visit the place, given the fact that this is one of the hottest cities in the world.

Places to Visit

Rattanakosin- Often called the Old City; this is one island you should not be missed at all. It is the center of religious culture of the city. There are hundreds of temples and monuments to see in there.

The Grand Palace – Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace on the banks of Chao Phraya River is one must see the sight. The Grand Palace is a splendid building and one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bangkok. A blend of Thai and European architecture, the Grand Palace which had remained the erstwhile residence of the Kings of Siam is used till date for royal ceremonies. It is a complex of several buildings, halls, gardens, and courtyards.

Dusit Palace- Built by King Rama V, this is a must visit place located in the Dusit district. The leafy and beautiful area pretty much reminds of the European designs and architecture. The place is huge which may take you at least a day to go over it.

National Gallery- Also known as the Queen’s Gallery, it happens to be one of the most famous art galleries spread across the city. Located on the Siam Square, it is nearby the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre which also is a great place to have a peek into the artistic scene of the country.

Lumphini Park- Lumphini Park located in Silom is the biggest park in the central part of the city. The park offers you a great way to release the stress that has to build up after a hard party night or a full tiring day shopping around.

Things to Do

Chatuchak is one of the most popular markets in Bangkok which brings together everything buyable under one platform, right from used vintage sneakers to baby squirrels. The area is home to more than 8000 market stalls.It’s a place where you can shop till you drop. If I advised reaching here early, ideally around 10 am, to beat the crowds and the heat.

The River of the Kings, the Chao Phraya River rambles its way right through the heart of Bangkok. The best way to allure this Bangkok attraction is through a river cruise or by renting a boat and carrying on the travel at your own speeds. Longboats can be rented from different piers and kids are sure to have a frolicking time.

Restaurants

With so many restaurants and street vendors offering Thai food, Bangkok is a foodie’s heaven. Bangkok is a cool and hip little place offering outstanding Thai food!

Street food in Bangkok is flavorsome, quickly delivered and super economical. You can usually relish a feast for fewer than 150 Baht!

Here are a few you should try

    1. Mezzaluna is a truly extraordinary fine dining restaurant, located inside the iconic golden ‘Dome’ at the top of the lebua hotel.

  1. Issaya Siamese Club Proudly located in the middle of a luscious green garden, this 100-years-old house host as wooden verandah and old fashioned staircase which right away sets a romantic mood, making it just the right place for duo dining.
  2. Le Du Restaurant – Le Du, located in the now fine-dining haven of Silom, offers highly creative cuisine by two youthful Thai-born chefs who have won over words of praises for their imaginative techniques and approaches.

The most booked places to Stay

  1. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
  2. Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
  3. Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
  4. SO Sofitel Bangkok
  5. Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri
  6. lebua at State Tower
  7. Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
  8. Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
  9. Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
  10. Banyan Tree Bangkok

It takes some good observant eyes to see the city in a whole new light and the few who have done it, have nothing but praises for the city.

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Adventure Asia Rejuvenate

Bandung-The perfect love for nature starts here

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. The city is nicknamed as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have flowers in abundance. Visitors can take a flight to Bandung from the major cities of Indonesia and can get to Bandung by plane through Bandung Husein Sastranegara Airport.

All full of the volcanoes and the craters formed due to the years of existence, the Bandung city is a bittersweet mixture. The other side of the city belongs to the wildly beautiful green landscapes, the tea plantations, and the beautiful people all around. The city is known locally to be among the most beautiful cities in the country along with being known as the third largest city in Indonesia. The people here are all cultured and elegant. Winters are especially suitable to visit the place. The chilly wind will give you goosebumps as you move forward to explore more of the city with your naked eyes.

Here are some reasons why one must never miss a trip to the place whenever they can-

Have a walk into the live crater- This experience is something really uncalled for, but once you have it, you feel the electricity running through your nerves. Tankuban Perahu is the name of the volcano located at closer to the city of Bandung. Up on the crater, there are ample stores where you can buy the artifacts to make the journey more memorable. The white smoke constantly erupting out of it may be frightening to you but also is a fascinating feeling. Don’t miss that at any cost!

See Dusun Bambu- The very relaxing park at the feet of the mountain is a very happy go lucky kind of place. The picturesque valleys around the park compel you to just lie down and stare at them for hours. And if the soft music is on, you want nothing else. The valleys all around echo peace and tranquillity and this must be the last place before you take off from the city.

Food at the Peak- This one restaurant is the most famous one in the city and the most favorite one of the tourists. All the national cuisines along with the popular international ones are served here in all their deliciousness. The live bands play music as you sit in the beautifully lit place along with your loved ones enjoying the fascinating food and drinks.

Witness the Saung Angklung Udjo show- The happiest place in the entire city is this! The Angklung is a local musical instrument made of bamboo and produces some great sounds which are enchanting and seductive for the ones listening to them for the first time. The music show takes place almost every day and everyone should visit it once at-least.

Kawah Putih- Literally translated as White Crater, Kawah Putih is one of the most interesting things about the city that may be the sole reason to visit the place. The land engulfed in whiteness is surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes and opens all the senses. From the beautiful lake to the photogenic trees surrounding the area, the place is just perfect.

These are enough reasons to give the Indonesian city of Bandung a try. Indonesia may not be a very popular destination at present, but the land of volcanoes is still one of the most photogenic Asian countries to not miss.

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Asia Beaches

A string of three miniscule desert islands, Gilli Islands are known for their laidback feel and unique appeal

Bali, in the past few decades, has become a mecca for the backpackers who leave their homes in search of a foreign exotic and mysterious land. Bali fits the bill perfectly and the Gilli Islands located nearby, are just mesmerizing. As the tourist’s number is increasing every year, the place is getting more and more traditional but still, for the sightseeing purposes, you still need to walk on your feet, for there is no motor vehicle allowed on this land, consisting of three wonderful islands.

Get in

There are no airports in Gilli Islands. The nearest airport is in the mainland Lombok located in Bali. So, in order to reach the Gilli Islands, reach Bali first, do some sightseeing such as visit Uluwatu, Bali’s most important sea temple. You can also visit the Ubud Art Market to find beautiful silk scarves and handmade woven bags. In the end, take a boat ride to Gilli Island

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Things to do

There are no motorcars allowed on the island. In order to cover longer distances, you need to book a horse cart. They are available for rent all over the island.

So, let’s see what is about the Gilli Island that impresses the tourists most.

Scuba Diving- Water Sports are religiously practiced here. There are pretty good diving spots around the island which are pretty good for the diving purposes and makes you feel alive underwater among all the beauty scattered around in form of colorful fishes and other sea creatures.

Free Diving- There are many different places on the islands which train the tourists on the free diving and if done correctly, it can prove to be far more enriching an experience than, done under supervision, scuba diving.

Yoga- The locales are known to be ardent yoga followers. Doing Aasans in the middle of such pristine land is nothing short of magnificent. Join the yoga classes and learn to be fit and healthy inside out.

Surfing-Although there are not many places for the surfers on the islands but the tourists can be seen here and there trying their hands at it. The ocean is a bit calmed down to make it not so ideal for surfing.

Party

Gili Trawangan is most suitable and has always had the stigma of being the party place. There are big party nights happening on Mondays at Blue Marlin, Wednesdays at Tir Na Nog or simply known as the Irish Pub and even on Fridays at Rudy’s.

Horseback ride

Horse rides may not be a preferred activity for everyone but suitable for families or couples. Riding along the beach at sunset and partly in the water is a great activity suited to more practiced riders. Stud Stables there have experienced guides and well-kept horses.

Visit the night market

Gili Trawangan night market is the main dining spot where you can eat well and cheaply. The night market opens just before sunset daily at the market square in front of the boat pier on Gili Trawangan. It’s impossible to miss the variety! The local warungs there sell various specialties such as fresh fish, seafood, Sate of all kinds, various rice and noodle dishes, grilled corn on the cob and much more.

Relax- This may seem a bit irrational, but one of the best experiences on the island is that it makes you relaxed down to your core. Relaxation is one key factor, combined with yoga and the pristine virginal nature, feels like heaven.

Sightseeing

Turtle sanctuary- Sanctuaries has been set up in the islands to preserve the endangered species of turtles. Along with it, some beautiful species can also be seen in their natural habitat roaming around in the well-established sanctuaries.

Sunset on the hills- Gilli Trawangan Island has a few hills that give out a great panoramic view of the area and the visual of sunset is amazing. Do come here.

Eat

Taste the amazing seafood and other Asian cuisines in the places like Ana Cafe, Juku, Karma Kayak and Manta cafe.

Stay

There are hotels for almost every budget option. Some affordable options could be Pondok Lita, The beach house, and Gili Villas.

Although, every time a year is the best time to give Gilli islands a visit, between June to September is considered the best. So, now you know what to do the next monsoon!

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Asia Travel Trends

10 Days Itinerary for Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country with varied terrains and you need sufficient time and information to ensure you make most of your Vietnam experience. During one of our #ghoomophiro trip, we curate this itinerary for us. Hope you enjoy this Vietnam trip too. In our 10 days’ trip, we tried to experience all facets of Vietnam starting from Halong Bay to Mekong Delta. The country is an abode of nature and will quickly make you feel if you are in heaven.

Days 1-3: Saigon and the Mekong Delta

Saigon is popularly known as Ho Chi Minh City. A walk in the city will tell you the story of rich colonial past. You can roam around the museum, tunnel network. This will let you understand the life of Vietnamese closely.

Only two tunnels are opened. Post this, heading to Mekong Delta is a great idea, where you can experience world’s best floating markets. The best part is the items being sold in these markets are freshly grown in nearby places. The Mekong is also known as rice bowl of Vietnam. The place lets you view the greenery. While you are cruising the delta, you can witness the rich biodiversity and also enchant yourself with the Vietnamese culture, as everything around you from water sound to countryside view echoes Vietnam.

Days 4-6: Hue and Hoi An

Next day, take a flight to Hue, which was once upon a time an imperial city and now one of the UNESCO sites. Located on the bank of Song Huong- Perfume River; Hue is around 700 km from southern Hanoi. It is a must-see place for history buffs. Hue Citadel, Emperors Tombs (There are several tombs of ancient emperors around the Perfume River. Few of them includes Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh)

Pagodas (Thien Mu Pagoda is the most popular pagoda. With the symbol of the octagonal 21-meter-high tower, the pagoda is the perfect combination of artificial architectural work and picturesque nature. Other pagodas are Tu Dam, Tu Hieu, Huyen Khong).You can also

You can also sunbathe in the beautiful beaches of Thuan An and Lang Co beach. One can also enjoy the hot springs hot springs namely Thanh Tan in Phong An, Phong Dien, which can rejuvenate you after a tiring day.

If you are into shopping, then Spiral Foundation is the place, an organization that sells eco-friendly crafts produced by deaf and mute artisans. Hue still maintains its conservative tranquility and this adds to the beauty of the place.

Hoi An Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port. It is a city cut by the canals.  Its streets, countryside reflects the influences from history and give a picturesque view. You should not miss hitting the beach, trying the street barbecue and spending time at a homestay. This will definitely enhance your experience. Do not miss to explore the place on the bicycle tour.

Days 7-10: Halong Bay and Hanoi

Flying from Danang to Haiphong, you can drive through pleasant farmland to reach the Halong Bay. The place is famous for its 1600 islands that form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Experimenting an overnight cruise to view these beautiful islands is indeed a great plan. The place is also another UNESCO Heritage Site.

Now is the time to wrap up the trip with the visit to capital city Hanoi. Highlights of the city include Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Water Puppet Theatre, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son, Dong Xuan Market, Ba Vi National Park, and Hanoi old quarter and opera house.

Needless to say, Vietnam is an exceptionally idyllic vacation spot and brings you close to nature. While you are packing for your upcoming vacation to Vietnam, do not miss to apply for Vietnam Visa to avoid last minute rush.

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Asia

Where to eat Indian food in Jakarta

Indian food has a variety of dishes all spiced up and delicious. There is no shortage of restaurants that serve Indian food in Jakarta but in terms of taste and quality, I have compiled a list of the best places to eat Indian Food in Jakarta.

Let’s take a look:

Ganesha Ek Sanskriti

Address: BRI II Building, Jl Jend Sudirman Kv 44-46

Ph no: +62215719415

Address 2: Kemang Square Lt 2, Jl Kemang Raya No 5

Ph no: +62217196837

Ganesha is the top restaurant in Jakarta for Indian food. With its ethnic interior and branches spread in two different places, it not only offers a homely feel but also a variety of North Indian and Tandoori dishes. Their menu is divided into non-vegetarian and vegetarian items and everything is delicious. So you can order anything and it will turn out to be delicious

Kinara

Address: Kemang Raya No. 8-B

Ph no: +62217192677

Though it may be a little pricey, the food is definitely worth it. Also, the overall ambience of the place gives off a good vibe. They have a rooftop area for parties but even the main dining area is no less than royal.  My recommendation is to go for the Sunday brunch and get some free juice and lassi. The brunch starts from 11 am onwards. Otherwise, get ready to loosen your pockets.

Queen’s Tandoor

Address: Permata Plaza, Jl M H Thamrin Kav. 57

Ph no: +62213903286

This is one of the oldest and well-established restaurants that is known popularly for its fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisine. It also offers a wide variety of Indian food such as South Indian Dosa. You can also try their signature dish that is raan-e-bahaar, a mildly spiced lamb leg. You can trust Queen’s Tandoor to only serve you quality dishes made from fresh ingredients.

Koh-e-noor

Address: jl Rasuna Said C-22, Pasar Festival GF.03-04 Jakarta Selatan

Ph no: +62215276531

Koh-e-noor is one of the less pricey restaurants. The interiors are decorated with Indian paintings and ornaments giving it an ethnic look. You should try their naan, banarasi Dum aloo and do not forget the delicious Jalzeera. That is just what I found the most delicious but you can also pick one of the many things from the menu. In fact, there are also options for Vegans. The service is fast, there is a variety of Biryanis that you can try and this is one of the places that you will find yourself returning too. It is one of the places that will give you all you desire in terms of tasty food without burning a hole in your pocket.

Man aur Tan

Address: Jl Prof. Dr. Satrio Casablanca Kuningan (6th floor), Jakarta Selatan

Ph no: +622130040888

Address 2: Merlynn Park hotel Lantai 5, JL KH. Hasyim Ashari, No. 29-31

Ph no: +622130026888

It is a clever wordplay on Manhattan hotel. But this is one romantic restaurant and you can take your loved one there for a special date. The royal ambiance of the restaurant will make them feel like a king or queen and you shall be treated majestically while enjoying the deliciousness of North Indian cuisines. The staff may be Indonesian, they greet you in an Indian way making you feel at home.

Some more suggestions would be D’Bollywood, Samy’s Curry, Eastern Promise, Spicerack and Frontpage. That wraps it up. These are the most fantastic restaurants that will serve authentic finger-licking good Indian food that will make your stomach happy and your heart sing.

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