In central Doha, Al-Koot Fort is an interesting destination. Designed to keep an eye on potential thieves at neighbouring Souq Waqif, even the fort’s mosque was built with this aim in mind – it has no roof or walls!

Local Islands
Ishat Island is located in the south-east of the country. Northeast of here is Schra’o Island, a haven for egg laying turtles and multitudinous sea birds. Hammocks cap off the relaxed feel for tourists. The island is a three hour speedboat ride away from Doha.

Fishermen and scuba divers alike will be drawn to Haloul Island, with its coral reefs and accompanying coral fish. Closer to Doha, Al-Saflia Island and nearby Alia island are small tourist islands, and just 15 minutes from the capital by boat.

For those that get a bit queasy with boat rides, rest assured that Qatar also offers around 500 kilometres of sandy coastline on the mainland.

Doha
The heartbeat of Qatar is Doha, the capital of 1 million residents, and 80 percent of the entire nation’s population. The city’s name itself originates from the Arabic, meaning “The Sticky Tree”.

The Museum of Islamic Art does not just house moving artworks, it is an amazing artwork itself. Its’ cubelike figure, matched with Islamic style curved archways, cuts an imposing presence in Doha’s skyline, as it sits on the water of Doha Bay.

The Corniche, Doha’s waterfront promenade attracts walkers, runners and rollerbladers to its relaxing 7 kilometre path along the shorefront of the Arabian gulf. Grassy areas and palms make a pleasant spot to enjoy the scenery, and maybe a picnic.

Don’t miss “The Pearl”, an ambitious artificial island building project akin to Dubai’s manmade sandy islands and luxury housing.

Desert Safari
Qatar is home to an inland sea, in the middle of the desert. It makes a great day trip for a swim and picnic. Tour operators can get you there by 4WD. The journey itself is an adventure all it’s own, as you climb up and down 60 metre high sand dunes along your picturesque way. The inland sea itself, known as Khor Al Adaid, laps the shores of both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Camels, sand skis or an overnight stay can add another dimension to your visit.

One of the hotels Qatar can be chosen from those on offer in Doha, or possibly at one of the outposts of the Qatari peninsula.

Top 4 Must-Visit Places in Qatar is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Castles

Al-Jalai fort, built by a Portuguese captain in the 16th century, occupies an eastern post on Muscat Harbour and overlooks Al-Alam Palace. It is twinned with Al-Mirani fort on a western post, both forts being used as defences during the Portuguese’s 60 year occupation of Oman, until their ousting by Omani forces in 1650.

Nakhal castle’s striking presence sits atop a rocky hill, and is believed to pre-date the Islamic era. Ar-Rustaq castle meanwhile, was added on to Persian ruins, and sits in an attractive valley of palms. Other Omani castles Sohar, Nizwa and Bahla are also worth visiting.

Archaeological sites

Excavation work has uncovered evidence of civilisations as old as several centuries BC. These discoveries dot the Omani landscape, with finds of jewellery, writings, statuettes and other artifacts attesting to the advanced nature of these societies. Samhuram and Qurum are two of many examples. Additionally, the 3000 year old bee-hive shaped stone Bat Tombs have been UNESCO listed.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Mountains provide the backdrop to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, recently opened in 2001. The towering minarets that surround the main dome roofed structure dominate the skyline from the surrounding city. The main minaret stretches 91.5 metres into the atmosphere. After 6 years of construction, the mosque not only holds 20,000 worshippers, but also an Islamic studies centre, library, meeting and conference hall. Beautiful stone arches and arcades link the different sections of the mosque, and the paved courtyard covers a huge 24,400 square metres.

Beaches

Muscat is home to several popular beaches. Qurum beach offers picnic areas, shade under palm trees, and jet ski rental nearby. Marjan beach, also known as Turtle beach might give a lucky visitor a sighting of a feeding turtle. Coral and fish can otherwise be seen by snorkellers, close to the shore. Bandar Jissah also caters to snorkellers, and children, with a playground nearby. The rockpools here can be explored at low tide.

Located in the north of Oman, As-Sawadi island features beautiful white sand beaches, a range of watersports as well as diving, snorkelling and turtle watching.

The Dhofar coast features valuable inlets that provide sanctuary to 200 species of migratory birds and local fish species. The rich vegetation has also contributed to this area becoming a protected environmental region.

Wadis

Wadis, or valleys, that fill with water only after rainfall, are a feature of the Omani landscape. Wadi Darbat, in the Dhofar region is a popular example, with its waterfalls, green vegetation and caves making it a popular scenic spot. It is also vitally important in providing subterranean water supply to Dhofar.

Deserts

The Middle East is synonymous with deserts, and Oman is no exception. “The Empty Quarter” is the largest desert in the world, spanning not only Oman, but also Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen. This huge region covering 1000km by 500km contains the world’s richest oil bearing area, but to this day remains unexplored in parts.

Having booked in to one of the luxury hotels Oman, sample this tantalising mix of cultural, historic, modern and leisure activities.

Top 6 Must-Visit Places in Oman is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Ad-Diriyah
Beautiful desert sand coloured buildings or deep reddish brown walled remains greet the visitor at Ad-Diriyah. This settlement is believed to have been founded in the 15th century AD. Several villages later consolidated as Ad-Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi Royal family, and became an important point on pilgrimage routes. Revival of Islam in the area increased the town’s importance around the 18th century as scholars and merchants were drawn to the area. Ad-Diriyah became the centre of power for a large part of the Arabian peninsula. Some of the palaces have been beautifully restored, contrasting with the weathered walls of other structures that capture the historic feel of the area. After the Saudi conquest of Mecca and Medina the retaliating Ottomans attacked and destroyed much of Ad-Diriyah, in the Ottoman-Saudi war of 1811-1818. The capital later moved to Riyadh. The Saudi government founded the new town of Ad Diriyah in the 1970s, which lies in close proximity to this ancient town.

Jeddah
Jeddah is both a modern city, and Saudi Arabia’s second largest, and a historic city from ancient times. Historic Jeddah is housed within this modern city of 3.4 million. Over recent decades, local authorities have worked to preserve many of the buildings in Jeddah’s historic precinct. Ottoman art and Arabic designs are in evidence. Enchanting narrow laneways were designed as such, to provide shade and block out much of the sun’s heat. A bustling modern city has sprung up around the old town, so one can mix a bit of bargain hunting in the old souks with upmarket boutique shopping on fashionable Tahlia Street. Jeddah is also situated on the Red Sea, making it a popular retreat for Saudis seeking a retreat from the desert heat. Jeddah also gives access to Red Sea marine life and offshore coral reefs.

Look for hotels Saudi Arabia as your base for exploring this central part of the Arabian peninsula.

Top 3 Must-Visit Places in Saudi Arabia is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Everyone has their own personal China experience. The human history of China is no less impressive than its staggering array of historic sites, places to see and things to do. This is a country with more true stories than fiction.

China has a very well organized, efficient tourist industry, with luxury hotels and hotel packages throughout the country. There’s a vast array of fascinating places and experiences for visitors, including:

The Great Wall

The Great Wall, stretching across the north, stunned the first Europeans to see it. This is one of the real Wonders of the World, still astonishing as an engineering achievement.

The Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains, or Huang Shan, are the mountains which drove China’s artists to centuries of work, trying to capture their beauty. These are archetypal Chinese landscape mountains, set in a pristine area in southern China.

Xian

Xian is the former capital of ancient China, and home of the famous Terracotta Warriors. This is where the early Silk Road trade began. It was one of the world’s first planned cities, an elegantly laid out masterpiece of architecture.

Shanghai

This huge, sprawling city sits on the ancient Pearl River’s mouth, a testimony to the rise of new China. Prepare to be dazzled, and also prepare to visit a city which takes second place to none for innovation and fascination. Resort accommodation in Shanghai is also the absolute top level of the industry, not to be missed.

The Three Gorges

The Three Gorges dam on the Yangtze is China’s biggest engineering project in recent times. As an achievement, it ranks alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal of ancient times.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road was a complex trading system which linked the ancient world. It was the original form of global trade. The Silk Road is now known to have been one of the primary means of the spread of ideas and culture throughout the world.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a huge complex in the heart of Beijing created to radiate power and to impress any onlooker. It still does, and visitors are treated to a site of pure Chinese culture which is unrivaled in its magnificence.

Yangtze

The Yangtze is one of the world’s biggest rivers, the river which helped to create and expand Chinese civilization. This is China’s ancient lifeline, providing food and transport for trade along the river.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are an avenue of monuments to the Ming Dynasty’s rulers. This was one of the all time greatest of China’s dynasties, and its legacy persists in all parts of Chinese life, a dearly loved part of the Chinese culture.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a former residence of Kublai Khan. The Summer Palace contains a lot of the best and most fascinating aspects of Chinese art and design.

China never fails to impress visitors with its elegance, culture and natural scenery. China gets a lot of returning tourists, who just have to see more of one of the world’s true treasures.

Top 10 Must Visit Places in China is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Malaysia has boomed in recent times, developing a modern nation from a colonial past. This is one of the world’s great ancient and modern trade route countries, with resort accommodation and luxury hotels catering for the business community as well as the tourist industry.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the showpiece of modern Malaysia. The Malaysians are justly proud of this big modern city, largely developed after the colonial period. “KL” is the usual start point for a Malaysian holiday, and if you want to start off with a real eye opener, a good look around Kuala Lumpur
will reward you.

The sights and contrasts of Kuala Lumpur are unforgettable. Near the famous Petronas Towers are still some reminders of the past. Malaysia’s diverse mix of cultures also provides a huge range of sights and sounds, including Chinatown, Putrajaya, Little India, and even religious caves.

There are many beautiful parks and gardens in the Lake Gardens, a favorite place of the British colonial social set in Kuala Lumpur. Near the giant Petronas Towers, a tiny deer, the size of a house cat, called a mousedeer or “kancil”, lives protected. The 20 hectare Kuala Lumpur Bird Park contains real birds of paradise. There’s even a Butterfly Garden, with 120 species.

Sabah

Sabah is a wonderland, with everything including the island which hosted the first “Survivor” TV show. There’s a world packed into this place, including a choice of fabulous beaches, and truly unique shopping on Gaya Street Sunday Markets, and that’s all practically within sight of your hotel. The famous orangutans and the rest of the natural environment aren’t far away, either. You can see why so many people love to explore Sabah’s green paradise.

Gunung Mulu (Sarawak)

The World Heritage Gunung Mulu Caves in Sarawak are the world’s longest. These caves are the true caver’s sort of place. The cave system is so complex that even the website needs 4 different links to regional caves to provide pictures of it. The Southern Hills, Hidden Valley, Gunung Api and Gunung Benarat caves are also set in some fantastically beautiful scenery, typical of Sarawak’s diverse natural world.

Pahang

Pahang State could have been designed as a tourist resort. It has brilliant beaches, offshore islands, dazzling resort accommodation, a national park and a wildlife reserve, mountains, forests, and that’s just in one sentence. Pahang’s assets are stunning. The South China Sea on its coast has hypnotized visitors for centuries with its fabulous beauty. Pahang is also 48% forest, and a mere 11% is urban. Aesthetically, that’s good news for any tourist, a place where you can really go on holiday from the rat race.

Malaysia contains a truly surprising combination of tourist attractions. The country is unique in its range of sites, activities, and the best in tourist luxuries.

Top 6 Must Visit Places in Malaysia is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

The selection of places to visit is vast, including many fascinating and unique sites and areas of interest. Indonesia is a big place, and the tourist is confronted with infinite possibilities of combinations of places to see and things to do.

This is a selection of five of the best and most dazzling of Indonesia’s tourist paradises:

Java

Java is the main island of Indonesia, in terms of population and development. It’s also one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the world. There are some extraordinary things to see in Java:

Borobodur Temple, the ancient Buddhist Mahayana monument. This is one of the great classics of Buddhist art, with no less than 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Prambanan Temple, the Hindu Temple near Yogyakarta, a masterpiece of Hindu workmanship 47 metres tall, the equal of its Indian equivalents.

At the western tip of Java is the volcano Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa”.

Sumatra

Sumatra is Indonesia’s big western island. It’s a very diverse place with many different environments and a priceless wildlife heritage which trying hard to survive the strain of modern times. Sumatra retains much of its ancient heritage and culture. It’s common to see ancient ways of life and fishing boats next to new four wheel drives and sleek modern power boats.

Bali

Bali, one of the world’s legendary tourist destinations, is the global traveler’s classic must see destination. Bali resorts are famous for their high quality, particularly in the Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas of the island.

People don’t just “like” Bali, they love it. Each beach and resort has its own admirers, and the regular visitors come back many times. Bali’s reputation is based on a mix of its natural beauty, the fabulous holiday lifestyle, and a personal affinity. Everyone has “their” personal Bali. It’s one of the few places in the world where tourists care as much as locals about preserving the natural charm of the region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo, is the big northern island, a wild area famous in colonial times for its wild jungles and their fierce inhabitants, the Dayaks. This is a truly incredible, magical place. You can see orangutans in their natural environment, go on river cruises up wild rivers, trek through one of the world’s great jungles, and see a real traditional longhouse and the famous Dayak dragon.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is the large, island with four big peninsulas east of Kalimantan. The island is divided into North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi. This island is famous for its diving experiences. Sulawesi has a range of marine environments, including beautiful beaches. Inland, it has fabulous Lake Linow, and an active volcano, Mt. Soputan.

Indonesian holidays combine all the best elements of tourism; Excitement, exotic places, and real luxury.

Top 5 Must Visit Places in Indonesia is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Kuwait is extraordinary. There are so many places to explore that it really does take some time to even figure out where to go first. The cosmopolitan nature of the place and the ultra modern city belie the hidden treasures of the country and the natural environment. Hotels in Kuwait and luxury accommodation are synonymous. This is a place where you can really feel like you’re on holiday. There are so many attractions in Kuwait. These are a selection of some of the famous attractions:

Kuwait City

Kuwait City is the obvious major area for exploration. This isn’t a big place, but there’s a lot of fascinating things to see and do. In this area you will find markets galore, beaches, elegant architecture, and the genuine Kuwaiti culture. Kuwait City and the surrounds are very well organized for getting around. You can travel easily and comfortably, sampling the many different charms of the city. Most travelers take their time, exploring each of the Kuwait City’s multifaceted and fascinating districts.

Failaka Island

Failaka Island is the most popular tourist destination in Kuwait. This is another of the Middle East’s heirlooms. It was inhabited during the Stone Age. The ancient Greeks settled there. It was an ideal trading port for trade between Persia and the western Middle East.

National Museum and cultural heritage sites

Kuwait’s heritage is long, and it’s a true revelation to see how far back the region’s history goes. The National Museum of Kuwait, Bayt Al Badr and Sadu House are three must see sites for cultural interest. These three sites embody the painstakingly saved history of Kuwait, including the National Museum’s pieces which survived the recent destruction by the Iraqi invasion. Bayt Al Badr is a time capsule reflecting the traditional lives of the Kuwaitis. Sadu House is dedicated to traditional Bedouin Sadu weaving, the basis of the creation of traditional desert fabrics.

Sharq Mall

Tourism and shopping go together, and Kuwait has a lot of good shopping. Sharq Mall is Kuwait’s best known upmarket mall, a huge places with many different types of store.

Islands water sports and yachting

For a desert country, Kuwait has a lot of its fun based on the sea and luxury accommodation to match. Kuwait’s islands form ocean the backdrop for a range of water sports including:

• Water-skiing
• Jet skiing
• Windsurfing
• Power boating
• Yachting
• Scuba diving
• Diving
• Island trips and picnic outings
• Fishing

Kuwait is the sort of place where you can pick a dozen things to do in a day. All of these incredible places to see and things to do are literally within half an hour of your hotel.

Top 5 Must Visit Places in Kuwait is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Things to do

This is a country for the true traveler-explorer. If you’re the adventurous type who also doesn’t mind having some luxury hotels and resorts handy, Oman has everything you could want. You can spend a long time here, just enjoying yourself. Decide what you want, then do it.

Places to go

Middle East fans will tell you that it’s like exploring a new world. That’s a pretty good description of the experience. Oman is the sort of place where even just planning the trip is fun.

Sohar

Sohar is in the north, on the coast. It’s the classic Arabian peninsula scene, a dazzling desert and a blue sea. Sohar is a very modern city, highly developed, but retaining the elegance of the true Gulf cultures. The history of this area goes back 5000 years! It’s the sort of place where you really want to go sight seeing, and checking out the incredible mix of the very old and the ultra modern.

Masirah

If you want elegance, unspoiled beaches and great resort accommodation in the middle of a wildlife reserve, you need to see Masirah Island. This is a true “desert island”, beautiful, peaceful, and the sort of place where a holiday really feels like a holiday. You can go sailing on ancient seas, or just lap up the comfort, food and tranquility to your heart’s desire. This is the sort of resort island where you simply have no choice but to enjoy having the time of your life.

Ancient Oman

Oman is definitely a must see place for the culture enthusiasts. The history of Oman becomes more incredible the more you find out about it. Oman was part of the Frankincense Route, a sort of latter day version of the Silk Road. Evidence of human habitation dates back thousands of years. There are ancient forts, cave buildings, and museums full of items that have had archaeologists flocking to Oman for a century or more.

The Castles of Oman

Oman’s many castles are justly famous. They’re true representatives of their times in history, and as places to visit, they’re breathtaking. Oman’s castles are the real thing, the story of the region in its most unambiguous form. These castles are the living proof of the real story of the Middle East.One of Oman’s castles, Nakhl Castle, is so old that it’s believed to be pre-Islamic, over 1000 years old. This is a big, businesslike military fortification, remodeled over centuries, with all the trappings of The Arabian Nights.

Put all these places together, and you’ll find you’ve created one of the best holidays you’ve ever had.

Top 4 Must-Visit Places in Oman is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

Vietnam is also one of the oldest, most diverse cultural mixes in Asia. Vietnam has a fascinating 2700 year history which has shaped its character. Every part of Vietnam has an incredible story to tell.

Many of Vietnam’s regular visitors have their favorite places, tours and journeys. It’s that sort of place, a preferred destination. Some people even do bicycle tours of the whole country, on a regular basis.

Luxury hotels in Vietnam have helped promote its tourism internationally, and have created a high standard of service and amenities. Resort accommodation of various kinds are also of a very high standard. In Vietnam there’s an endless choice of incredible beach resorts and the equally stunning mountain and inland hostels.

Hanoi

Hanoi is now a modern, bustling city with excellent accommodation, luxury hotels and resorts. That appearance is slightly misleading. It’s also an ancient city, and has a history that predates many Western nations. Hanoi tour packages are creative and imaginative and do justice to the past and the present. (Also check out the Ha Long Bay tours from Hanoi. Ha Long Bay is another gem in Vietnam’s north.)

Danang

Danang is another of the older cities in Vietnam in the central part of the country, and it’s something special. Danang has both incredible beaches and a backdrop of mountain and an inland area which is a trip in itself. Resorts in Danang are world class, and it’s a good place to base yourself for exploring Vietnam.

Not to be missed are the Marble Mountains, a place near Danang, an area of five marble and limestone mountains named after the traditional elements, fire, air, earth, water and wood. It’s also the home of brilliant sculpture, and if you’re looking for value you’ll find it there.

Hoi An

Just south of Danang is Hoi An. This place looks like it’s part of China, and its cultural history includes Chinese, Cham, and the Sa Huynh (Yellow Sand) people. This was part of the Champa Empire, early Vietnam’s southern neighbor.Hoi An, like Danang, has excellent resorts. This is a very peaceful place, with both modern facilities and a traditional environment.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the old southern capital, has an astonishing history. It shows with every step through the city. The architecture, a mix of French colonial and modern, with an always interesting overlay of the indelible Vietnamese characteristics, is a tour of itself.

The Mekong

This is also the Mekong delta zone, where you can find the popular Mekong River with the big, famous, and irresistibly likeable riverboats. The giant Mekong River is justly famous for its own culture, a true international river running through six countries with a culture dating back for millennia.

Vietnam is truly loved by its regular visitors with superb resort accommodation and facilities. One trip there, and you’ll see why.

Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a stunningly beautiful, almost addictive place. Its great reputation is based on the fact that tourists (and locals) can’t get enough of its endlessly fascinating moods and brilliant, unforgettable water worlds. It’s the Louvre of the ocean, the Sistine Chapel of the sea.

Sydney

Sydney is a big bustling city with an energy and vitality you can only find in a truly cosmopolitan culture. Sydney’s famous attractions are only part of the story.

The city itself has many features within walking distance of a city hotel:

• The Harbor and Circular Quay
• Chinatown
• The Chinese Garden
• The Rocks
• Darling Harbor
• The Australian Museum
• The New South Wales Art Gallery

Within an hour’s travel, you can also find some true Australian icons:

• Bondi Beach
• Manly
• The Balmain waterfront and Balmain
• Glebe markets
• The Blue Mountains
• The Norman Lindsay Gallery
• Sydney’s two huge national parks, with the unique local fauna and flora

Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s second city, full of places of interest. Melbourne has a vibrant night life, art and cultural scene, with both local and international arts on show all the time.

Within an hour of the city you can find:

• The Mornington Peninsula
• The Yarra Valley
• Phillip Island
• Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary
• National Gallery of Victoria

The Outback

The Outback inland is often called “the real Australia”, because it’s untamed, and has defeated many attempts to settle it. The Outback has deserts, wetlands, mountain ranges, vast scrublands, grasslands, and a full spectrum of Australia’s wildlife.

You have a lot of choices in outback tours:

• Explore Kakadu, the northern inland wetland paradise
• Try your hand at gold or opal mining
• Say hello to 4 metre crocodiles (preferably from a safe distance)
• Explore the Nullabor
• Explore Broken Hill, the original home of Australia’s mining industry

Uluru

Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is a sacred site to the local Aboriginal people, and it has become a symbol of the Outback to the society as a whole. Uluru is also a place of extreme variety, an artist’s dream of aesthetics. This is the real inland, a tough country that must be respected as well as appreciated.

Daintree Forest

The Daintree Forest in Queensland dates from a time before the eucalypts and other modern Australian flora took over the continent. The Daintree is an incredibly beautiful place, in which every tree, bird and animal tells a story of ancient times.

Tasmania

Tasmania is best known for its wildlife, but it’s quite unlike the rest of Australia. This is an ancient, stunningly beautiful island which has also preserved some of the world’s natural treasures.

Australia is one of the easiest places in the world to tailor your trip the way you want it to be, with hotels in Australia pampering you all the way. Take a break and have a ball!

Top 6 Must-Visit Places in Australia is a post from: Holidays & Accommodation Tips