Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji immediately stands out from the subdued earth tones commonly associated with traditional Japanese temples. Its upper floors are covered in gold leaf, creating a brilliant contrast against the surrounding pine trees, mountains, and water. Depending on the season and weather, the pavilion transforms dramatically. In autumn, fiery red maple leaves frame the building. In winter, snow resting on the dark roof makes the gold appear even brighter. During calm mornings, the reflection on the pond creates a nearly symmetrical scene that feels almost painted rather than real.

Despite its beauty, Kinkaku-ji was not originally built as a temple. The structure began as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the powerful shogun of the Muromachi period, in the late 14th century. After his death, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple according to his wishes. Over the centuries, Kinkaku-ji survived wars and political upheaval, becoming one of Kyoto’s enduring cultural treasures.

However, the pavilion visitors see today is not the original structure. In 1950, the temple was destroyed in an arson incident that shocked Japan. The current building was reconstructed in 1955 with careful attention to historical detail. While technically modern, the reconstruction preserves the spirit and appearance of the original Golden Pavilion so faithfully that most visitors would never realize it was rebuilt.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Kinkaku-ji is its architectural layering. Each floor represents a different style of Japanese architecture. The first floor reflects the elegant style of aristocratic residences from the Heian period. The second floor incorporates samurai-style elements, while the third floor adopts the design of a Zen Buddhist hall. This blending of styles gives the pavilion a unique visual identity and reflects the cultural transitions occurring in Japan during Yoshimitsu’s era.

The surrounding garden also deserves attention. Walking paths guide visitors around the reflective pond, revealing new angles of the pavilion at every turn. Small islands, carefully placed stones, and manicured trees create a landscape designed to inspire calmness and contemplation. Unlike some larger temple complexes in Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji’s route is relatively compact, making the experience feel focused and intentional rather than overwhelming.

Visiting early in the morning is often the best way to appreciate the temple peacefully. Crowds can become heavy later in the day, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Even so, there is a reason millions continue to visit every year. Kinkaku-ji is not simply famous because it is covered in gold — it is famous because it captures the balance between nature, architecture, and history in a uniquely Japanese way.

For travelers exploring Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji represents more than a postcard photograph. It is a place where historical legacy, artistic craftsmanship, and quiet reflection come together beside the still waters of a mirror pond. Whether seen under bright sunlight, autumn leaves, or falling snow, the Golden Pavilion leaves an impression that lingers long after leaving Kyoto.

The Eiffel Tower

Constructed from 1887 to 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower is easily the most popular and most photographed tourist attraction in the world. Named after Gustave Eiffel – the engineer whose company both designed and built the tower, it is the tallest structure in Paris as it stands at 324metres (1.063 ft.). The Eiffel Tower is so popular that there are always very long lines of people trying to get into the tower to get a feel of the place. The Tower also has a few amazing restaurants with a spectacular view that is open to tourists. This, however, might be difficult to access on demand because of the large number of tourists the site receives. The best (and probably the only) way to enjoy a meal at any of the restaurants within the Tower is to book a table months before.

The Notre Dame Cathedral

This is the most visited monument in Paris as it sees about 12 million different people every year. It is a medieval Catholic church located on the Île de la Cité Island. It is very popular for being the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation in 1804. Regarded widely as the epitome of French Architecture, it also gained more popularity in 1831 when Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame was published. The cathedral has a free entry policy and commands awe because of a lot of its features including its huge and very colourful rose windows.

The Louvre Museum

Covering an area larger than 70,000 square metres, the Louvre Museum is the most visited museum in the world, receiving millions of visitors every year. It contains thousands of different artifacts that include Egyptian antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures from the Middle Ages and even Oriental pieces. The museum has so many different pieces that it is impossible to view them all in one single visit. The museum is housed by the Louvre Palace which was a royal residence for hundreds of years. The museum was opened in 1793 and is accessed through the beautiful glass pyramid in the courtyard. Currently, the museum’s most famous object is the Mona Lisa which was painted between 1503 and 1505 by Leonardo da Vinci.

Arc de Triomphe

This is a monument commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate the victory of the Battle of Austerlitz in 1806. Today, it celebrates many different victories and has the names of hundreds of generals and great victories engraved on it. Beneath the arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which serves as a symbol to all the fallen, unknown and unidentified soldiers who gallantly fought in many different battles. The arc was designed by Jean Chalgrin and has a panoramic view of Paris as it stands 50 meters high, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. It also overlooks the Champs-Elyseés
which is widely regarded as the most beautiful avenue in the world. The Arc de Triomphe is open every day and is a must see in Paris.

Château de Versailles

The palace was originally a hunting pavilion but under the orders of King Louis XIV, it was transformed into what it is today. It is a very large structure consisting of terraces, buildings, and beautiful gardens. It has very lavish decorations, ornaments, and furniture and will easily wow anyone who sees it. Apart from the outstanding gardens, the palace is also very popular for its Hall of Mirrors. This hall contains over 300 mirrors that line the seventeen arches to give it its signature look. The palace is a symbol of wealth and elegance and is a jaw-dropping monument.

Place de la Concorde

Located at the east end of the Champs-Elysées, the Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris. It is beautiful but also a very busy place with an intersection that has a lot of heavy traffic. It is also famed for being the scene of a few notable executions including King Lous XVI and Marie Antoinette, during the French Revolution. Standing at the centre of the square is the Luxor Obelisk given to France by Muhammad Ali Pusha the Ruler of Ottoman Egypt. Popularly known as the City of Lights, Paris is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you make it to Paris, book a cruise on the Seine River at night, to see the amazing city and all the lights. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Gahoe Museum

In addition to permanent and special exhibitions, the Gahoe Museum also operates the Folk Painting Workshop where visitors can learn folk painting.

How to get there

Get off at Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2. Go straight about 500m to arrive at Gahoe Museum on the right.

Heunginjimun

History

Heunginjimun was first built by King Taejo during his fifth year of reign (1398) to protect Hanseongbu, which historically housed important government facilities. It was renovated during the reign of King Danjong in 1453 and was newly built in 1869 during the sixth year of King Gojong’s reign in 1869.

Characteristics

Heunginjimun features a hipped roof which has five front compartments and two side compartments on a two-storied building. The thin and weak bracket system supports the eaves and is excessively decorated, reflecting the architectural style of the late Joseon period. Outside of the fortress is the half-circle shaped Ongseong, a small wall, to protect the gate and to compensate the weakness of the target from multiple invaders. It is the only gate among Seoul’s eight gates to have Ongseong.

Today

As of 2018, the area around Dongdaemun known as Dongdaemun Market has grown into one of the largest shopping center in South Korea, popular to both locals and foreigners.

Construction of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a major urban development landmark designed by Zaha Hadid, started in 2009 to renovate what used to be Dongdaemun Stadium (an amateur baseball park) and was officially inaugurated on March 2014. This landmark, also called the DDP, is the centerpiece of South Korea’s fashion hub and has since became a popular tourist destination and has been one of the main reasons for Seoul’s designation as World Design Capital in 2010.

How to get there

Heunginjimun is located at the intersection of subway lines 1 and 4, at Dongdaemun Station (동대문역). The gate is within easy reach of exit 1 or exits 6–10 of this station.

The partnership would double the number of apartment units under Ascott’s award-winning brands from 804 to 1,600 by 2022.

Mr. Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited, said: “Ascott’s alliance with CLI in the Philippines builds on the strategic partnerships we have forged around the world to accelerate Ascott’s growth globally. Leveraging Ascott’s global network and strong hospitality expertise, as well as CLI’s well-established reputation in the Philippines, the partnership will allow us to gain access to a pipeline of quality projects in the country. This will fast-track our expansion and strengthen Ascott’s leadership position as the largest international hospitality player in the Philippines. Having leading industry players choose to partner with Ascott speaks volumes of the value we bring to our partners. We are confident that Ascott will exceed 80,000 units in 2018 and expand to 160,000 units worldwide by 2023.”

CLI’s serviced residence projects with The Ascott Limited include the 180-room Citadines Cebu City in Base Line Center, the 250-room Citadines Paragon Davao to be operational by 2021, the 180-room lyf Cebu City in Base Line Prestige set to open in 2021, and the newly launched 200-room Citadines Bacolod City that will open by fourth quarter of 2021. The Citadines brand caters to independent travelers who want flexible services, while its newest lyf brand is designed by millennials for millennials, with co-living, collaborative concepts.

CLI Chief Executive Officer Jose Soberano III said the sites being eyed for the new Ascott properties will include Mactan Cebu and the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Dumaguete.

“The tourism industry in the VisMin region is flourishing and government infrastructure projects are complementing the area’s rapid growth,” he said. CLI and Ascott, he added, “have decided to combine our areas of expertise in order to provide properties that will address the specific needs of each market.”

Singapore-based The Ascott Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international serviced residence owner-operators with more than 500 properties in over 130 cities spanning more than 30 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its portfolio of brands includes Ascott, Citadines, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection and lyf.

In the Philippines, for 18 years, The Ascott Limited is the largest hospitality player with 20 properties offering over 4,300 units. These include seven operating properties and 13 projects under development in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Bacolod. Of this, 1,085 units are in VisMin; out of which, 804 units or 74 percent is CLI’s.

Located in the Diamond Hill area, Nan Lian Garden is built in the Tang Dynasty style and occupies an area of about 35,000 square meters (3.5 hectares). Every rock, hill, body of water, trees, and timber structure has been placed according to specific rules and method of Tang style. The garden is designed in a one-way circular route manner. By following this route visitors will see two water ponds (the Lotus Pond and the Blue Pond), a lot of trees, the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection connected by two Zi Wu Bridges, the Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery, the Pine Path, a souvenir shop, a vegetarian food restaurant, a Chinese tea house, and a multi-purpose function room.

In addition, Nan Lian Garden is adjacent to the Chi Lin Nunnery by a bridge and is surrounded by the high-rise buildings. Together with the Nunnery they form one of the most impressive sites in Hong Kong.

Nan Lian Garden

Blue Pond and Pavilion Bridge

Nan Lian Garden Pavilion of Absolute Perfection

Nan Lian Garden Pavilion of Absolute Perfection

Chi Lin Vegetarian Restaurant

How to get there

Take the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and get to the Diamond Hill MTR station (Kwun Tong Line). Get out of the station through Exit C2 and follow the signs. About five minutes walk.

Admission is FREE.

Address: 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
Tel: +852 3658 9366
Website: www.nanliangarden.org

Relax, Party and Dine this Holiday!

Beef Loin with Mushroom and Red Onion

Treat your family to a Southeast Asian expedition with A Dazzling Christmas, the delightful dinner buffet on Christmas Eve at Seasons restaurant, for only Php 950.00 per person. Bring your kids as well as they will surely enjoy the Christmas Kids’ Corner, filled with fun activities and goody bag treats from our generous partners. Families and big groups will also have a fantastic Christmas with the Dine 5, Free 1 promo.

Coconut Panna Cotta with Red Beans and Gula Melaka

Suit up your most glittering outfit and welcome the sparkling 2018 with a bang! Join us for a night of dance, songs, drinks, and food with Sparkle On! The Manila Pavilion’s New Year’s Eve Buffet and Countdown for only Php 1,200 per person.

Anticipating the Christmas break? Set your most-awaited holiday staycation anytime this December with the Relax, it’s Christmas room promo. Pleasure yourself with a relaxing experience away from the Christmas rush and get a free consumable Php 1,000.00 voucher for all the Hotel F&B outlets.

Seafood Risotto with Asparagus and White Wine

Want to make it all-out this 2018? Why not avail the all-in New Year’s Eve Countdown Package and give joy to you and your loved ones with an overnight room accommodation, with New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet and Sparkle On! New Year’s Eve Countdown passes for three (3), breakfast buffet for two (2), and a 20% discount voucher for all F&B offers. Book a sparkling year-end for as low as Php 8,300.00.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning and make the holidays brighter with Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino!

Iceland isn’t that far actually

It takes less than a three hour flight from European capitals like Brussels, Paris, or London, or a five hour flight from the North American continent. So it’s kinda fair to say that Iceland isn’t that far. There are plenty of direct flights heading towards the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. Best news is, that tickets are well-priced in contrast to the high prices a few years ago. Reason enough to finally make that trip.

The Midnight Sun

Since Iceland is located high in the North, just below the Arctic Circle, during the summer months, nights are bright with 24 hours of daylight from mid-May to late July. The midnight sun offers a big advantage if you want to maximize your stay. With many hours of daylight you can explore the biggest attractions of the country in a small number of days. Even better if you can find popular and unique tours in Iceland.

The Northern lights

If midnight sun is an advantage to travel to Iceland during the summer months, the Northern lights are a pretty good reason to spend your winter holiday in Iceland. The northern lights or aurora borealis as they are often called are a spectacular natural wonder commonly seen in the period between September and mid-April. Witnessing the mystical green lights dancing high up in the clear sky are an event that easily will become one of the highlights of your life. Your chances of actually experiencing them increase when you head out of the capital.

Aurora borealis over Kirkjufell, Iceland (Joshua Earle on Unsplash)

Geothermal Baths

With the many unspoilt mountain and glacier streams, combined with the volcanic activity, Iceland has wide range of natural pools and geothermal baths are found all over the country. The most popular ones are located in Landmannalaugar, but let’s not forget the Blue Lagoon just outside Reykjavik.

Wildlife

The oceanic waters around Iceland provide ideal conditions for several species of whales. Over the years, Iceland has gained a reputation of being Europe’s whale watching capital. Most whale watching trips start from Reykjavik and they promise a 99% chance of spotting minke whales, harbour porpoises or whale beaked dolphins. If you travel along the northern coastline of Iceland, you might even spot a humpback whale as well. Despite being much smaller in size, there is another popular creature to be found on the seaside cliffs, the puffin. This colorful small bird is Iceland’s ambassador and is one of the most popular bird species for photographers.

Puffin in Latrabjarg, Iceland (Nicholas Kampouris on Unsplash)

The Silfra Fissure

How many places do you think there are where you can see the continental divide? Exactly there is only one and it’s located in Iceland. The Silfra Fissure is situated a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik in the Þingvellir national park, one of the country’s must see attractions. This national park in the south-west of the country has a great geological significance. It’s the only place in the world where you dive between two tectonic plates. If you aren’t certified to dive, you can snorkel and experience the fissure as well.

Icelandic Volcanoes

Seeing the great force of what’s on the inside of our planet is a phenonemon on anyone’s list. I know it was on mine. The reason why you can travel to Iceland is because of volcanic eruptions. Nowadays, most of the Icelandic volcanoes are still active. However, it’s not very likely that you will experience a volcanic eruption during your stay, still you can go on a volcano tour and see the volcanic force that has created Iceland to begin with.

Snæfellsjökull (Axel Kristinsson)

Huge waterfalls

We already mentioned the many glacier and mountain streams to be found in Iceland. In some cases these streams end up in huge waterfalls falling down from steep rock faces. The Icelandic waterfalls offer some of the best photo opportunities for amateur as well as professional photographers. Svartifoss, Godafoss and Skogafoss are some of the most renowned falls in Iceland, but our personal favorite is without doubt Gulfoss.

It’s even perfect for a short-break trip

The great thing about Iceland is that you don’t have to spend much days in the country to have some amazing views. Since most of the best tourist attractions are located at a close distance to Reykjavik, you can make a short trip to Iceland and still have seen some of the best things. The famous Golden Circle is a popular touristic route of 300 kilometers, showlighting three of the most popular natural attractions of the country. Since the route starts at Reykjavik, it can be done as a long day-trip (especially with the aid of the midnight sun!)

It’s great to have adventures!

I like adventures. I really do. And Iceland is one of the most adventurous destinations in the world for sure. Vatnajokull, Seljalandsfoss, Eyjafjallajökull.. just trying to pronounce these Icelandic landmarks right offers quite a challenge, the country offers even more. Trekking in the Icelandic Highlands, diving between continents, exploring ice caves, horseback riding, river rafting, elf hunting (look it up!) or hiking on a glacier. Iceland offers a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities. It’s one of my favorite destinations, and I’m sure it will be yours too.

This Indian community is an eclectic mix of traditional culture, fast-forward modern living, and beautiful surroundings. Powai is a place of education, entrepreneurship, and fun! If you’re lucky enough to visit Powai, follow this travel guide to help you get started.

About Powai

Powai is a neighborhood with the Indian metropolis of Mumbai. The area is located on Powai Lake, which is the source of its name. Powai is a modern masterpiece, filled with lovely neo-classical architecture, bustling streets, and plenty to do.

If you want to experience the best of India’s past and present, put Powai on your travel bucket list.

Things to Do

There’s a lot to do in Powai! You’ll find plenty of things to keep yourself entertained all day long. Check out these Powai attractions:

• World of Bollywood Tours. Take a Bollywood tour! Many Bollywood films were shot in Powai. You can hop aboard a tour bus to see where your favorite films were made. Sit back and relax as you ride through Powai’s most famous streets.
• Learn to Cook. Learn to prepare Indian-style meals! You can take a cooking class in Powai to hone your kitchen skills and add to your meal repertoire. Who doesn’t love Indian cuisine?
• Visit a Mall. There are several great shopping centers in the Powai area, including Oberoi Mall, Phoenix Marketcity, and R City Mall. Browse the stores or try one of the unique mall experiences, like Snow World Mumbai or Flight Fantasy in Phoenix Market City!
• Attend a Festival. Every year, people pour into Powai for the Ganesh Charturthi festival. Join them to the see the traditional visarjan processions!

Things to See

Powai has many interesting sights that you won’t want to miss! Many of these are historic locations, while others are modern movie sets. The quintessential Powai experience includes both! Here are a few must-see places in Powai.

Suvarna Temple. The lovely Suvarna Temple complex pays homage to a variety of gods. Diverse Powai is home to people of many religions, and the purpose of this temple is to honor all of them in order to promote peace and harmony.

The Film City. The Film City, or “Dasaheb Phalke Chitranagri,” is a fun place to visit! This huge studio has the capabilities of shooting just about any type of film. Filmmakers from all over the world come here to use the many floors and outdoor settings. Do you recognize any?

Powai Lake (munnasingh/Wikimapia)

Powai Lake. Last but not least, be sure to visit Powai Lake. Gaze at the reflection of the city skyline, or take a stroll along the shore. On the banks of the lake, you can spot notable buildings, including the Renaissance Hotel, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and the main manufacturing hub of Indian multi-national conglomerate Larsen & Toubro.

Where to Eat

No trip to India is complete without a good meal! Wondering where to eat in Powai? Try these restaurants.

For Indian Food: Dam and Curry
For fine dining: Trendz-the Lalit Mumbai
For drinks: The Finch
For lunch: Summer Garden

Curried Sweet Potato with Mushrooms and Red Rice (Summer Garden)

If you’re in the Mumbai area, be sure to spend a few days in Powai! This neighborhood is an excellent place to experience the best of India’s food and fun. What will you do?