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Best of Bali Nightlife

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:53:00 +0000

Nightclubs on Bali and the Gilis draw acolytes from across Southeast Asia. The large numbers of relatively well-heeled tourists and nonexistent licensing laws have spawned an ever changing line up of clubs that book celebrity DJs spinning mixes that are soon heard worldwide. Bouncing from one club to another all night long is a Bali tradition, guaranteeing overheating from the exertion, the mixes, the booze, the companionship or all of the above. Bali’s Kuta Beach is the centre of the scene, Seminyak is a little more classy (though only a little) and Gili Trawangan is the new kid on the block.

Here are some of the best place showing off Bali Nightlife:

Sky Garden Lounge

This multilevel palace of flash flirts with height restrictions from its rooftop bar where all of Kuta twinkles around you. Look for top DJs, a ground-level cafe and paparazzi-wannabes. Munchers can enjoy a long menu of bar snacks and meals, which most people pair with shots. Roam from floor to floor of this vertical playpen, where everybody seems to end up at some point.

Ku De Ta

Ku De Ta teems with Bali’s beautiful people (including those whose status is purely aspirational). Scenesters perfect their ‘bored’ look over drinks during the day, gazing at the fine stretch of surf right out the back. Sunset brings out crowds, who snatch a cigar at the bar or dine on eclectic fare at tables. The music throbs with increasing intensity through the night.

Potato Head

Kerobokan's popular beach club is south Bali's grooviest. Wander up off the sand or follow a long drive off the main road and you’ll discover a truly captivating creation on a grand scale. The clever design is striking and you’ll find much to amuse, from an enticing pool to a cafe and a swanky restaurant.

Chillout Lounge

The name says it all: chill out. Loungers spaced around a large lawn are sheltered from the street thanks to shrubs and a wall. The open-air dining area has long tables with benches. It's the perfect venue for meeting up and planning your night; linger and you can do it under the stars. Best of all the proceeds go to support the Sacred Childhoods Foundation (www.sacredchildhoods.org), a nonprofit that supports programs to help impoverished Indonesian children.

Ubud Palace

Performances are held here almost nightly against a beautiful backdrop in the palace compound, with the carvings highlighted by torches. You’ll see lots of locals peaking over walls and around corners to see the shows.

Tir na Nog

Known simply as 'The Irish', this barnlike place has a sports-bar interior with big screens ideal for international football matches and tasty pub grub (mains 35,000Rp to 80,000Rp). Its shoreside bar is the probably the busiest meeting spot in the island. Jovial mayhem reigns on Wednesday nights when the DJ takes over.

Kecak Dance

Although the performance obviously caters for tourists, the gorgeous setting at Pura Luhur Ulu Watu in a small amphitheatre in a leafy part of the grounds makes it one of the more evocative on the island. The views out to sea are as inspiring as the dance.

Best Things To Do in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 08:50:00 +0000

Bali bombards you with beauty, beaches, and culture. The entire experience feels at once effortless and nonpareil – the apex of tropical living. Sure, the beaches provide a gravity that draws travelers from all over the globe to this tiny Indonesian Island, but the culture brings them back. The lure is as persistent and persuasive as a boiler room hustler. There’s a saying that God lives in the Himalayas. I have a feeling he vacations in Bali.

Interested to visit this paradise? Here are some of the best things to do in Bali:

Bicycle around Ubud

Ubud, made famous by Eat Pray Love, has been the island’s centre of arts, crafts, dance, food and music for many years. Located amongst scenic rice paddies, Ubud was once frequented by backpackers and bohemians but is now the place to be for the island’s designers and glitterati. Many people visit Ubud to be immersed in Balinese culture and it has been a popular destination for spa retreats and yoga holidays. Ubud has some great organic restaurants and cafes and there’s also a sacred monkey forest.

The streets of Ubud teem with culture. A great way to see the town, surrounding artistic villages, and working rice paddies is on bicycle. Start at Monkey Forest and visit with the infamous residents — crab-eating macaques. Mid-day, head over to Goa Gajah, one of Bali’s most unique holy places. To end your day, ride to the village of Petulu. A massive nightly Heron migration is said to be the manifestation of spirits felled in a communist cleansing back in the 1960s. The birds began showing up exactly one week after an especially brutal massacre and have roosted in Petulu every night since. The scene is holy.

No trip to Bali is complete without a stay in Ubud. Some of my favorite Ubud guest-houses are Tegal Sari, Tepi Sawah, and Greenfields. Book early and get a view overlooking the rice paddies. Some great bike tour companies are Bike Baik and Banyan Tree, but setting off on your own trip of discovery is much more exhilarating.

Learn to Surf in Kuta

If the heart of Bali’s culture beats in Ubud, then its hard charging Bintang gripping extremities flail about in Kuta. The scene is all here: bikinis on the beach, clubs that go all night, expat bars, hip travel cognoscenti, and intoxicated Australian high fivers. Depending on the experience you expect to derive from travel, Kuta will either be a place to remember or a place to forget. Perhaps, even a place to remember forgetting. Either way, Kuta does surf lessons brilliantly. Since the Kuta wave breaks over sand rather than coral, new riders do not exit the water grasping for gauze. This provides a perfect arrangement for wide-eyed noobs to pick up the surf game. After a day spent learning your way around a barrel, quench your thirst with fresh fruit drinks and a sunset at KuDeTa.

Kuta Beach is a quick ride from the airport and full of cheap accommodations. Some great surfing schools are Odyssey and Rip Curl School of Surf, though hiring a local guide will likely be cheaper. If you possess some serious skills check out the legendary Ulu Watu break. KuDeTa is a seaside bar and restaurant that draws huge crowds. Get there early to secure a spot for sunset.

Sunset at Tanah Lot

The sea-draped temple of Tanah Lot rises out of the surf like a hazy dream along Bali’s southwest coast. Beneath the waves that crash along the dark temple walls, a pride of banded sea kraits patrol the waters. The snakes guard the temple from evil spirits and harm. (Or so I’ve been told.) Tanah Lot is many things: magical, stunning, unlikely, romantic, and strange. It has a plucked from a dream aesthetic that allows you to believe the lore and have fun with it. A local told me about those sea kraits, and I believed him because the place looks so unreal. It seems to exist on dreamlike terms. Catching it at sunset frames the temple at its most beautiful and surreal.

On a map, Tanah Lot seems close to much of south Bali. Due to the layout of the roads, however, it takes quite a while to get there. It is best to hire a driver. Enjoy the sunset from the beach at low tide or up on the cliffs at a cafe. The nearby markets are a great place to grab some touristy trinkets and cheap art. I once bought 5 Balinese paintings for $27. If you enjoy golfing, then the nearby Nirwana Resort has the best links course in Bali.

Go To The Monkey Temple and Watch Kecak Dance in Ulu Watu

The temple in Uluwatu, down in the south of the island, is home to many many wild monkeys and it’s a great spot for taking photos. Beware though, don’t wear any hats or sunglasses as they’ll steal them from your head!

In the 1930′s, a German artist taught the Balinese a peculiar performance called the Kecak. The dance has no instruments, just vocal chords, about 100 of them. They chant generously and costumed performers dance and act out the Ramayana. While the 20th century German impetus may sound slightly inauthentic, you will hardly care about details as the sun slowly sets beyond the cliffs of Ulu Watu and you get lost in the chant. There is also lots of fire.

The show begins at 6:00pm nightly. Hire a taxi to drop you off at Ulu Watu temple. Once there, follow the crowds to the performance area. It is perched on the cliffs at the southernmost tip of Bali. Your driver will undoubtedly offer to take you to a Jimbaran seafood dinner after the show. Decline this service. It is an expensive tourist trap.

Snorkeling around Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island in the far west is a long trip from almost anywhere in Bali. The remote location augments the pristine experience by discouraging crowds. Much of West Bali is sparsely populated parkland, so it is a departure from the bustling south. In Menjangan, hire a boatman to take you out to the reefs for the day, and prepare to get your mind blown. Snorkeling does not get better than this. The bright reefs and strange fish will tattoo a smile upon your face. At the end of the day, shack up on the beach in nearby Pemuteran. It is wise to stay a night, or three. If you have time, then take a trip into Taman Nasional Bali Barat to view some Balinese flora and fauna.

The drive is over 3 hours from south Bali, so a day trip is way too cumbersome. A great way to experience Menjangan is too stay in nearby Pemuteran for a few nights. The Amertha in Pemuteran grazes perfection. Its secluded location framed by towering mountains and gorgeous villas with private pools is well worth the modest splurge. The amazing house reef full of critters just meters offshore will almost talk you out of visiting Menjangan. Don’t let it.

Road Trip to Lake Bratan

With taxi rates substantially lower than Western standards, it is cheap and easy to hire a driver for a good old-fashioned chauffeured road trip: $50 for an entire day is about average. One of my favorite paths begins in the southern part of Bali and snakes up through the lush highlands ending at the otherworldly Lake Bratan. It takes about 2 hours. The lake is home to the unbelievably photogenic cover-girl temple, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. The mist hangs low, the air is much cooler, and it all feels so right. This is an enlightened place.

Arrange a driver for the day through your guest-house or hotel, or use my favorite driver, the extremely jovial Made Dana (081338719877).

Climbing Mount Batur

The volcanic Mount Batur and surrounding lake provide a proper setting for a gorgeous clamber to the summit. The best time to climb is the morning. Most groups begin their ascent around 4am, hitting the summit at 6 to watch the sun slowly rise over the Lombok strait. Bring a jacket and be careful at the summit. Batur is an active volcano and an unfortunate tourist fell into the cauldron in early 2010.

You can arrange a trip up the mountain with your guest-house or driver. It is not too physically demanding. If you find yourself bit by the climbing bug, check out Mt. Rinjani on nearby Lombok Island. It is beast and takes several days to summit.

Eat Babi Guling at Ibu Oka in Ubud

Babi Guling, or suckling pig, has made a name for itself as Bali’s main course. Many roadside warungs serve the oinkers, but Ibu Oka has garnered some serious praise for its delectable hogs. Anthony Bourdain called it the best. We are in agreement on this point. Just go there, order a combo plate, and find a place in the crowds to hunker down and grub. It costs about 2.50 for a plate, which is a small penance for something with a “best” moniker. Wash it all down with an ice cold fruit drink.

It is hard to miss Ibu Oka in the heart of Ubud near Ubud Market. Just ask around. Be sure to arrive early for lunch; 11 am is early enough. They only prepare a few beasts each day, and once the food is gone… they shut down.

Rafting through the heart of Bali

You will get drenched, and you will love it. Rafting through the heart of Bali thrills the heart and frightens the mind. The rapids shoot you through Bali’s lush interior like a drunken torpedo. The voyage zips passed rice paddies with working farmers and kids flying kites. It feels like traveling through a privileged backstage portion of Bali, and that is a great feeling.

Bali adventure tours near Ubud can arrange your rafting adventure. Like everything else is Bali, just ask your driver or guest-house for arrangements to be made. They will be happy to phone in their commission. Banyan Tree also arranges rafting excursions.

Attend a Buffalo Race in Negara

Water Buffaloes serve many purposes throughout Southeast Asia. They are agricultural tractors, beasts of burden, milk producers, a source of food, and…racing machines. In western Bali, on Sundays, these beasts line up and drag jockeyed chariots around an oval course like cans behind a car. The brightly accessorized water buffaloes grunt around the dusty track while local spectators shout their Bahasa encouragements.

Negara is quite a haul from South Bali, and the buffalo races start very early on every other Sunday during the dry season (July to October) around 7am. To arrive on time, it is best to stay the night prior to the races. Medewi is a nearby surf town with nice accommodations.

Buy something from a Kuta Stall

Whilst many dislike the tourist trap of Kuta, with its stalls selling fake sunglasses, fake DVDs and Bintang T-shirts, it’s still an experience all the same. This bustling network of narrow streets is filled with stalls, budget hotels, cheap warungs, and bikes galore. Walk down a Kuta street and there are bikes buzzing past, cars trying to get through crowds of tourists and people trying to sell things wherever you go. Although it’s heavily built up and designed for tourism, it’s great for budget hotels, cheap surf wear and cheap food. There’s certainly something about the energy of Kuta that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Have a cocktail in The Rock Bar

The Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort in Jimbaran is a stunning bar literally on the ocean, you couldn’t get any closer if you tried. A lift takes you down onto this exclusive bar perched on the rocks where you can enjoy a cocktail as the waves crash against them. It offers one of the best views of the sunset on the island, all to the sound of live jazz.

Try some amazing food from the street stalls

Don’t be afraid to try the food from the Balinese street stalls, I’ve never had any stomach upsets. Try delicious satay, Nasi Goreng, Bakso soup or Babi Guling, which is my personal favourite. People in Bali disagree over where to get the best Babi Guling, but I always enjoyed the Babi Guling served at Pak Malen on Sunset Road just as you turn into Seminyak.

Shopping in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 07:17:00 +0000

Planning to go shopping in Rome? This is one of the important guide if you are planning to go visit Rome. You need to know that Italian sizes are not uniform, so always try on or measure items. If you wear a size small, you may be surprised to learn that the shirt you like needs to be a medium. Children's sizes are all over the place and though they usually go by age, sizes are calibrated to Italian children. (Average size-per-age standards vary from country to country.) Check washing instruction labels on all garments as many are dry-clean-only or not meant for the dryer. When in doubt about the proper size, ask the shop attendants; most will have an international size chart handy.

Value-added tax (IVA) is 23% on clothing and luxury goods, but is already included in the amount on the price tag for consumer goods. All non-EU citizens visiting Italy are entitled to a reimbursement of this tax when purchasing nonperishable goods that total more than €180 in a single transaction. If you buy goods in a store that does not participate in the "Tax-Free Italy" program, ask the cashier to issue you a special invoice known as a fattura, which must be made out to you and includes the phrase Esente IVA ai sensi della legge 38 quater. The bill should indicate the amount of IVA included in the purchase price. Present this invoice and the goods purchased to the Customs Office on your departure from Italy to obtain your tax reimbursement.

Piracy, in any form, is now considered a serious offense in Italy. This not only applies to citizens, but also to tourists visiting the country. According to Italian law, anyone caught buying counterfeit goods—DVDs, CDs, sunglasses, or those impossibly discounted “Fendi” and “Gucci” bags—sold by sidewalk vendors is subject to a fine of no less than €1,000. While the police in Rome enforce this law to varying degrees, travelers are advised to purchase products only from stores and licensed retailers to avoid unknowingly buying counterfeit goods.

Store hours in Rome can be frustratingly fickle, so it's best to remain flexible. Small, family-run businesses may close a few hours for lunch and close one day per week so folks can have a day off. Major Rome retailers in the heart of the shopping district open their doors between 9 and 9:30 am and stay open until 7:30 or 8 pm. Most clothing stores adhere to the general operating hours listed above but close Sunday and Monday mornings. Banks are generally open weekdays from 8:30 to 1:30 and from 2:30 to 3:30. Summer travelers should be aware that most small shops close for two to three weeks just before or after August's Ferragosto holiday.

Shopping in Rome is an art form. Perhaps it’s the fashionably bespeckled Italian wearing Giorgio Armani as he deftly zips through traffic on his Vespa or all those Anita Ekberg, Audrey Hepburn, and Julia Roberts films that make us want to be Roman for a day. But with limited time and no Hollywood studio backing you, the trick is to find what you’re looking for and still not miss out on the city’s museums and monuments—and have enough euros left to enjoy the rest of your trip.

Saldi (end-of-season sales) can mean real bargains in clothing and accessories and occur twice a year in Italy. Rome’s main sale periods run January 7 through February and late July to mid-September. Unlike in many other countries, most stores adopt a no-exchange, all-sales-final policy on sale goods. At other times of year, a liquidazione sign indicates a close-out sale, but take a hard look at the goods; they may be bottom-of-the-barrel or may carry stipulations that preclude the shopper from trying them on first.

These days, many shop-till-you-droppers heading over to the Trevi Fountain may be forgiven for humming that immortal song, “Three Coins in a Cash Register.” Yes, the Eternal City is awash in fountains and iconographic Roman rituals: gazing at Saint Peter’s Basilica through a secret keyhole on the Aventine; putting your hand inside the Bocca della Verità, the city’s ancient lie detector; and tossing that fateful coin over your shoulder into the Fontana di Trevi. All are customs that will buy you a classic photo opportunity, but none will bring you as much pleasure or stay with you longer than the purchases you make in Rome’s appealing and overflowing emporia.

There may be no city that takes shopping quite as seriously as Rome, and no district more worthy of your time than Piazza di Spagna, with its abundance of shops and designer powerhouses like Fendi and Armani. The best of them are clumped tightly together along the city's three primary fashion arteries: Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina. From Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Navona and on to Campo de' Fiori, shoppers will find an explosive array of shops within walking distance of one another. A shop for fine handmade Amalfi paper looks out upon the Pantheon, while slick boutiques anchor the corners of 18th-century Piazza di Spagna. Across town in the colorful hive that is Monti, a second-generation mosaic-maker creates Italian masterpieces on a street named for a pope who died before America was even discovered. Even in Trastevere, one can find one of Rome's rising shoe designers creating next-century nuovo chic shoes nestled on a side street beside one of the city’s oldest churches.

This chapter will help shopaholics choose the perfect souvenir for someone back home, find a vintage poster, choose a boutique for those molto chic Versace sandals, or rustle up truffles. When we’re done filling your bags with memories of Mamma Roma, you can be sure of two things: that you’ll be nostalgic for Caput Mundi long after you arrive back home, and that we will have saved you a few coins—to throw into that fabulous famous fountain.

Nightlife in London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 03:39:00 +0000

London nightlife scene consists of lots of them. As long as there are crowds for obscure teenage rock bands, Dickensian-style pubs, comedy cabarets, and "bodysonic" dance nights, someone will create clubs and venues for them in London. London has become a veritable utopia for excitement junkies, culture fiends, and those who—simply put—like to party. Nearly everyone who visits London these days will be mesmerized by the city's energy, which reveals itself in layers. Whether you prefer rhythm and blues with fine French food, the gritty guitar riff tunes and boutique beers of East London, a pint and gourmet pizza at a local gastropub, or swanky cocktails and sushi at London's sexiest lair, London is sure to feed your fancy.

As is true of nearly all cosmopolitan centers, the pace with which bars and clubs go in and out of fashion in London is mind-boggling. New trends, likewise, emerge all time. In one recent development, the dreaded velvet rope has been usurped by the doorbell-ringing mystique of members-only drinking clubs. Some of the city's most talked-about nightlife spots these days are those attached to some of the best restaurants and hotels—no wonder, when you consider the increased popularity of London cuisine in international circles. Moreover, the gay scene in London continues to flourish. One constant on the nightlife scene is variety. The understated glamour of North London's Primrose Hill, which makes movie stars feel so at ease, might be considered dull by the über-trendy club goers of London's East End. Likewise, the price of a pint in Chelsea would be dubbed blasphemous by the musicians and poets of racially diverse Brixton.

Time was, bars in London were just stopovers in an evening full of fun—perhaps the pub first, then a bar, and off to boogie the night away at the nearest dance club. These days, however, bars are not just pit stops but all-night or all-day destinations in themselves. With the addition of dinner menus, DJs, and dance floors, at many of London's most fashionable bars patrons stay into the wee small hours of the morning. The scene is known for its bizarre blends, its pioneering panache, and its highly stylish regulars. From exotic spaces designed to look like African villages to classic art deco creations to cavernous structures housed in old railway stations, London's bar culture is as diverse as it is delicious.

From renowned comedians such as Eddie Izzard to amateurs who try their luck on stage, in London you'll find plenty of comedy and cabaret acts to keep you entertained all night long.

The city that practically invented raves is always on the verge of creating something new, and on any given night there's a club playing the latest in dance music. Because London is so ethnically diverse, the tunes that emanate from the DJ box are equally varied—an amalgamation of sounds infusing drum and bass, hip-hop, deep house, Latin house, breakbeat, indie, and R&B.

The eclectic music scene in London is constantly becoming more of a mishmash—the electro scene has evolved into the "nu rave" scene, and the constant arrival of new bands adds to the capital's already diverse music scene.

Jazz in London is highly eclectic. You can expect anything from danceable, smooth tunes played at a supper club to groovy New Orleans-style blues to exotic world-beat rhythms, which can be heard at some of the less central venues throughout the capital. London hosts the London Jazz Festival (www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk) in November, which showcases top and emerging artists in experimental jazz. The Ealing Jazz Festival (www.ealing.gov.uk), at the end of July, claims to be the biggest free jazz event in Europe.

Ever since the Beatles hit the world stage in the early 1960s, London has been at the epicenter of rock and roll. The city is a given stop on any burgeoning or established band's international tour. Fans here are both loyal and enthusiastic. It is, therefore, a good idea to buy show tickets ahead of time. The "Gigs and Tickets" section on www.nme.com is a comprehensive search engine where you can easily book tickets online; Time Out is another good source for upcoming shows.

Whatever your pleasure, however your whim turns come evening, chances are you'll find what you're looking for in London's ever-changing arena of activity and invention. Nightlife in London will definitely satisfy your needs.

The club scene here ranges from mammoth-size playgrounds like Fabric and Cargo to more intimate venues where you can actually hear your friends talk. Check the daily listings in Time Out for "club nights," which are theme nights that take place the same night every week, sometimes at the same clubs but often shifting locations. Another good way to learn about club nights is by picking up flyers in your favorite bar.

Source: fodors.com

Shopping in London

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 03:17:00 +0000

Going to London? As one of the great trading capitals of the world, Shopping in London have been known to boast “You name it, we sell it”. Finding and buying the things here can be a delight (the private fitting rooms at couturier Vivienne Westwood) or a trial (mobbed Oxford Street sales on a Saturday morning). No matter where you end up at, you will find plenty to tempt you. You can shop like royalty at Her Majesty's lingerie supplier, track down a leather-bound copy of Wuthering Heights at a Charing Cross bookseller, or find flea-market goodies on Portobello Road. Whether you're out for fun—there's nothing like the size, variety, and sheer street theater of the markets to stimulate the acquisitive instinct—or for fashion, London can be the most rewarding of hunting grounds.

Although it's impossible to pin down one particular look that defines the city, London style tends to fall into two camps: one is the quirky, individualistic, somewhat romantic look that draws on the city's Punk, Mod, and Boho heritage, exemplified by homegrown designers like Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson, Liberty, and Temperley. The other reflects Britain's celebrated tradition of highly tailored classics, with labels like Mulberry, Paul Smith, and Burberry giving them a modern twist. The real thing can be found in the menswear stores of Jermyn Street and Savile Row—there's no better place in the city to buy custom-made shirts and suits. If your budget can't stretch to Savile Row, no problem; the city's chain stores like Topshop, Warehouse, Reiss, and Zara are excellent places to pick up designs copied straight from the catwalk in a bargain.

For buzzy fashionistas, the trick to smart shopping in London is to sniff out the most fashion-forward, on-trend places. Amazingly, the very designers that have revived London's Cool Britannia fashion luster—Beatle progeny Stella McCartney, mad hatter Philip Treacy, and local genius Alexander McQueen—are the ones that have updated the fashion mojo of the new generation of royal Windsors. For her go-to brands, Kate—the new Duchess of Cambridge—likes various High Street stores: Zara, Reiss, L.K. Bennett, and Whistles. But when nearly 2 billion pairs of eyes are watching, the future queen needs a headline-making wedding gown and for that she had the foresight to head to the House of McQueen.

The genius of the late, much-lamented designer was to take a St. Martin's art school foundation and use that skill-set to become a phenomenal dress designer. In December 2011, this truth was spectacularly dramatized in a window of McQueen's Mayfair couture salon (where Kate's bridal gown was created by Sarah Burton) showcasing a ball gown made of white tulle and topped with a bustier composed of a mosaic of real Victorian-pattern pottery, cracked into a hundred tiny pieces. Fashion as fine art. The lucky lady who bagged this paralyzingly high priced number probably exclaimed "I've been framed!"

Apart from bankrupting yourself, the only problem you may encounter is exhaustion. London's shopping districts are spread out all over the city, so do as savvy locals do: plan your excursion with military precision, taking in only one or two areas in a day, and stop for a lunch with a glass of wine or a pint at a pub. If not, there's a good chance you'll wind up losing a few pounds while you race across the city shedding a goodly number of pounds sterling buying up a storm.

So, ready to go shopping in London?

Get To Know Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:03:00 +0000

With its intense humidity, hedonistic nightclubs and hurly-burly taxiing of tuk-tuks, Bangkok is an exhilarating attack on the senses. Sukhomvit's malls and gleaming skyscrapers are just a veneer of modernity for a city firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist beliefs and traditions. Watch saffron-robed monks on their morning alms rounds, clouds of incense rising above the Grand Palace's golden spires, and long-tail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River at dusk to discover Bangkok's underlying sense of calm and the spirit of old Siam.

Things to Do

Open-air massage and fresh coconut juice between temples keeps you cool and calm when sightseeing in Bangkok. Arrive early and dress modestly to seek out the dazzlingly intricate Grand Palace's sacred Emerald Buddha and neighboring Wat Pho's 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Families send colorful dragon kites soaring at the nearby Sanam Luang square, while locals practice morning tai chi in lake-dotted Lumpini Park. Take a long-tail boat along the Chao Phraya River as the setting sun silhouettes palace spires and bell-shaped stupas.

Shopping

Aromatic spices, fighting cocks and every Thai craft imaginable attract shoppers and people-watchers to the 15,000-stall Chatuchak Weekend Market. Rise early to explore the market at its coolest and be prepared for good-humored haggling. Monks in flowing robes drift through atmospheric Amulet Market near the Grand Palace, while locals forage for wholesale food in labyrinthine Chinatown. Sukhumvit's shiny malls and boutiques are the go-to place for designer fashion, leather and a tailor-made silk outfit from Jim Thompson.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Elephants parade past party-mad clubbers and tuk-tuks dart through crowds on neon-lit Khao San Road, where anything goes in the pulsating bars and live music joints. Go-go girls perform in hedonistic Patpong and Soi Cowboy, but few have the supermodel figures to rival the ladyboys at Calypso Cabaret. Silom and Sukhumvit are packed with clubs and cocktail bars, like the 61st-floor Vertigo Bar with its dazzling view of twinkling Bangkok.

Restaurants and Dining

With cooks juggling woks on every corner, Bangkok is all about grazing for street food. Backpackers head for food stalls in Banglamphu's narrow sois, where a few baht buys a sticky pad thai or spicy papaya salad. Choose the Phahurat Indian quarter's teahouses for authentic biryanis and curries or buzzy Chinatown for noodles stir-fried to perfection. The Skytrain speeds you to high-rise Sukhumvit and Silom, where expats and dressy locals go for global cuisine from Middle Eastern to Italian.

Get To Know The Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 06:56:00 +0000

The Maldives are scattered across 806km (500 miles) of Indian Ocean. Their pure white sands are fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Coral reefs and tropical fish -- from neon clownfish to slow-moving manta rays -- thrive in the warm ocean water. Sunset catamaran cruises are de rigueur, as are picnics on uninhabited islands, and decadent spa treatments. Secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within an hour's boat or floatplane ride from the bustling capital -- and a world away from everyday life.

Beaches

No Maldivian resort is complete without its own stretch of private beach and resort size determines how crowded beaches can be in the December-to-April high season. Cocoa Island, in the South Malé Atoll, is delightfully uncrowded as there are just 36 rooms at the resort here. The shallow lagoon is well-suited to snorkeling and kayaking. Ideal for children are the pristine, manmade beaches at One&Only Reethi Rah, carved into small, safe bays with bath-like shallows.

Things to Do

The main island and high-rise capital Malé is home to the National Musuem, where you can gaze at the opulent thrones and ceremonial robes once owned by local sultans. Day or overnight cruises around the atolls include diving or snorkeling the thriving coral reefs. Spas overlooking the ocean have glass-bottom treatment rooms so guests can watch schools of fish during a rejuvenating massage. Most travelers choose one resort and rarely leave the lap of luxury.

Eating and Drinking

As an island nation, the Maldives are best known for bountiful fresh seafood. Red snapper and char-grilled king prawns taste all the better when enjoyed on a candle-lit private beach or in an intimate dining room built over the glimmering ocean. Local specialties are creamy and spicy curries, such as miruhulee boava -- octopus, chili, and curry leaves served with rice.

Nature

The islands themselves are sparsely forested, but a delicate underwater eco-system of coral supports hundreds of species of fish. Giant squirrelfish and colorful bannerfish glide among the caves, overhangs, and soft coral at Banana Reef in the North Malé Atoll. Schools of grey reef sharks congregate at Lion's Head, while whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, swim in the outer reef of the South Ari Atoll.

Best Free Things to Do in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 06:49:00 +0000

Meeting the Natives: Meeting Parisians is one of the adventures of traveling to Paris -- and it's free. Visitors often find Parisians brusque to the point of rudeness, but this hardened crust often protects a soft center. Compliment a surly bistro owner on her cuisine, and -- 9 times out of 10 -- she'll melt before your eyes. Admire a Parisian's dog or praise a window display and you'll find a loquaciously knowledgeable companion. Try to meet a Parisian halfway with some kind of personalized contact. Only then do you learn their best qualities: their famed charm, their savoir-faire -- and, yes, believe it or not, the delightful courtesy that marks their social life.

Attending a Free Concert: Summer brings a Paris joy: free concerts in parks and churches all over the city. Pick up an entertainment weekly for details. Some of the best concerts are held at the American Church in Paris, 65 quai d'Orsay, 7e (tel. 01-40-62-05-00), which sponsors free concerts from September to June on Sunday at 5pm. You can also attend free concerts at Eglise St-Merry, 78 rue St-Martin, 4e (tel. 01-42-71-93-93). These performances are staged based on the availability of the performers, from September to July on Saturday at 9pm and again on Sunday at 4pm.

Hanging Out at Place des Vosges: Deep in the Marais, place des Vosges is more an enchanted island than a city square. Laid out in 1605 by order of Henri IV, this lovely oasis is the oldest square in Paris. In the middle is a tiny park where you can sit and sun, listen to the splashing waters of the fountains, or watch the kids at play. On three sides is an encircling arcaded walk, supported by arches and paved with ancient, worn flagstones. Sit sipping an espresso and people-watch as the day passes you by.

Viewing Contemporary Art: Space is too tight to document the dozens of art galleries that abound in Paris, but the true devotee will find that not all great art in Paris is displayed in a museum. There is a tendency, however, for owners to open galleries around major museums, hoping to lure the art lovers in. This is especially true around the Centre Pompidou, in the Marais. Our favorite galleries in the Marais include big guns Emmanuel Perrotin, 76 rue du Turenne, 3e (tel. 01-42-16-79-79; www.galerieperrotin.com), and Yvon Lambert, 108 rue Vieille du Temple, 3e (tel. 01-42-71-09-330; www.yvon-lambert.com). They display changing exhibits from both Parisian and international avant-garde artists. More traditional galleries are found in St-Germain-des-Prés, many along the Rue de Seine.

Strolling the World's Grandest Promenade: Pointing from place de la Concorde like a broad, straight arrow to the Arc de Triomphe at the far end, the Champs-Élysées (the main street of Paris) presents its grandest spectacle at night. Paris guidebook writers grow tired of repeating "the most in the world," but, of course, the Champs-Élysées is the world's most famous promenade. For the first third of the stroll from place de la Concorde, the avenue is lined by chestnut trees. Then it changes into a double row of palatial hotels and shops, office buildings, and endless sidewalk cafes.

Cooling Off in the Jardin des Tuileries: Parisians head to the Tuileries Gardens to cool off on a hot summer day. The park stretches on the Right Bank of the Seine from the place de la Concorde to the doorstep of the Louvre. This exquisitely formal garden was laid out as a royal pleasure ground in 1564, but was thrown open to the public by the French Revolution. Filled with statues (some by Rodin), fountains, and mathematically trimmed hedges, its nicest feature is a series of round ponds on which kids sail armadas of model boats. Stand on the elevated terrace by the Seine, enjoying panoramic views over Paris.

Seeing Paris from a Bus: Most tours of Paris are expensive, but for only 1.60€ you can ride one of the city's public buses traversing some of the most scenic streets. Our favorite is no. 29, which begins at historic Gare St-Lazare, subject of Monet's painting La Gare St-Lazare at Musée d'Orsay and featured in Zola's novel La Bête Humainee. Aboard no. 29, you pass the famous Opéra Garnier and proceed into the Marais district, passing by Paris's most beautiful square, place des Vosges. You end up at the Bastille district, home of the new opera. It's a close encounter with backstreet Paris and a cheap way to see the city without a tour guide's commentary.

Things To Do in Tokyo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:50:00 +0000

Tokyo, one of the major tourist destinations in the world and is the world's largest metropolis, with 37 million people in 2011. Planning to visit Tokyo? Make sure you know what you are going to do in the city. If you haven't figure it out already, here's some guide of Things To Do in Tokyo for you:

Tokyo Sights

Japan's capital is a city like nowhere else. Shrines and gardens blended with a crowded streets and office buildings. Noodle houses share streets with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shop artsy craft and the latest electronic in the same place; enjoy nightlife with karaoke or sake, even techno clubs and more. Whether you seek traditional or cutting edge stuff, Tokyo will give it for you.

Tokyo Shopping

Tokyo is Japan's showcase. The insane dress styles, dark hardware, and new recreations found here are fit for setting patterns for whatever remains of the nation and maybe other Asian countries, even Europe and America.

A piece of the Tokyo shopping knowledge is interesting to watch, and on Saturday particularly, in districts like the Ginza and Shinjuku, you will recognize the Japanese shopping methodology, which could be downright hot. You'll likely need to fight the temptation to join in the brawl, particularly since a number of the uncontrollably stylish garments and adornments on offer will as of now be "uncool" when you return home. Anyhow shopping in Tokyo can likewise be an activity in tastefulness and refinement, particularly in the event that you look for things that are Japanese-made for Japanese individuals and sold in stores that don't indulge voyagers. With splendidly connected color, offset of structure, and great workmanship, makes things could be dazzling and well worth the cost you'll pay—and some might be truly costly.

Note the care taken with items after you purchase them, especially in department stores and boutiques. Goods will be wrapped, wrapped again, bagged, and sealed. Sure, the packaging can be excessive—does anybody really need three plastic bags for one croissant?—but such a focus on presentation has deep roots in Japanese culture.

This focus on presentation also influences salespeople who are invariably helpful and polite. In the larger stores they greet you with a bow when you arrive, and many of them speak at least enough English to help you find what you're looking for. There's a saying in Japan: o-kyaku-sama wa kami-sama, "the customer is a god"—and since the competition for your business is fierce, people do take it to heart.

Horror stories abound about prices in Japan—and some of them are true. Yes, European labels can cost a fortune here, but did you really travel all the way to Tokyo to buy an outfit that would be cheaper in the designer mall at home? True, a gift-wrapped melon from a department-store gourmet counter can cost $150. But you can enjoy gawking even if you don’t want to spend like that. And if you shop around, you can find plenty of gifts and souvenirs at fair prices.

Japan has finally embraced the use of credit cards, although some smaller mom-and-pop shops may still take cash only. So when you go souvenir hunting, be prepared with a decent amount of cash; Tokyo's low crime rates make this a low-risk proposition. The dishonor associated with theft is so strong, in fact, that it's considered bad form to conspicuously count change in front of cashiers.

Japan has an across-the-board 5% value-added tax (V.A.T.) imposed on luxury goods. This tax can be avoided at some duty-free shops in the city (don't forget to bring your passport). It's also waived in the duty-free shops at the international airports, but because these places tend to have higher profit margins, your tax savings there are likely to be offset by the higher markups.

Stores in Tokyo generally open at 10 or 11 am and close at 8 or 9 pm.

Tokyo Nightlife

The sheer diversity of nightlife in Tokyo is breathtaking. Rickety street stands sit yards away from luxury hotels, and wallet-crunching hostess clubs can be found next to cheap and raucous rock bars. Whatever your style, you'll find yourself in good company if you venture out after dark.

Most bars and clubs in the main entertainment districts have printed price lists, often in English. Drinks generally cost ¥800–¥1,200, although some small exclusive bars and clubs will set you back a lot more. Be wary of establishments without visible price lists. Hostess clubs and small backstreet bars known as "snacks" or "pubs" can be particularly treacherous territory for the unprepared. That drink you've just ordered could set you back a reasonable ¥1,000; you might, on the other hand, have wandered unknowingly into a place that charges you ¥30,000 up front for a whole bottle—and slaps a ¥20,000 cover charge on top. If the bar has hostesses, it's often unclear what the companionship of one will cost you, but you can bet it will cost you a lot. Ignore the persuasive shills on the streets of Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, who will try to hook you into their establishment. There is, of course, plenty of safe ground: you’ll find hotel lounges, jazz clubs, Irish-themed pubs, sake bars, and sedate retreats where the social lubricant flows past millions of tonsils nightly.

Major nightlife districts in Tokyo include Aoyama, Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinbashi, and Shinjuku. Each has a unique atmosphere, clientele, and price level.

Things To Do in Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:31:00 +0000

Planning to go to Bangkok? As one of the best place for tourist to visit, Bangkok offer lots of things to do. Here are the Things To Do in Bangkok for your guide while visiting Bangkok:

Bangkok Sights

The Old City is a major destination for travelers, as it is home to opulent temples like Wat Po and Wat Phra Kaew. Across the river is Thonburi, a mostly residential neighborhood, where you can find Wat Arun. At the northern tip of the Old City is Banglamphu, one of Bangkok's older residential neighborhoods. It's best known now for Khao San Road, a backpacker hangout, though the neighborhood has much more to offer, especially when it comes to street food. North of Banglamphu is Dusit, the royal district since the days of Rama V.

East of the Old City is Chinatown, a labyrinth of streets with restaurants, shops, and warehouses. Farther down the Chao Phraya River is bustling Silom Road, one of the city's major commercial districts. Patpong, the city's most famous of several red-light districts, is also here. Bang Rak is home to some of the city's leading hotels: the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula, the Royal Orchid Sheraton, and the Shangri-La. To the north of Rama IV Road is Bangkok's largest green area, Lumphini Park.

Continue north and you reach Sukhumvit Road, once a residential area. More recently, Thong Lor, farther east along Sukhumvit, has become the "in" neighborhood for those want to see and be seen. The Nana and Asok areas of Sukhumvit are now home to the even busier red-light entertainment districts (Nana and Soi Cowboy) than Patpong.

Bangkok Shopping

Each year more and more tourists are drawn to the Thai capital for its relatively cheap silk, gems, and tailor-made clothes. But there are a slew of other goods worth discovering: quality silverware, fine porcelain, and handmade leather goods—all at prices that put western shops to shame. The already low prices can often be haggled down even further (haggling is mainly reserved for markets, but shopkeepers will let you know if they're willing to discount, especially if you started walking away).

Don't be fooled by a tuk-tuk driver offering to take you to a shop. Shop owners pay drivers a commission to lure in unsuspecting tourists. Avoid getting scammed on big-ticket items like jewelry by patronizing only reputable dealers.

The city's most popular shopping areas are along Silom Road and Surawong Road, where you can find quality silk; Sukhumvit Road, which is rich in leather goods; Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, where gold trinkets abound; and along Oriental Lane and Charoen Krung (New Road), where there are many antiques shops. The shops around Siam Square and at the World Trade Center attract both Thais and foreigners. Peninsula Plaza, across from the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok in the embassy district, has upscale shops. If you're knowledgeable about fabric, you can find bargains at the textile merchants who compete along Pahuraht Road in Chinatown and Pratunam Road off Phetchaburi Road. You can even take the raw material to a tailor and have something made.

Bangkok Nightlife

The city that was once notorious for its raunchy sex trade is now entertaining a burgeoning class of professionals hungry for thumping discos, trendy cocktail lounges, and swanky rooftop bars. There are also stricter rules that limit the sale of alcohol and most closing times now hover around 2 am (although nighthawks can probably find a club or two open until 5 or 6 am).

There are a few notable nightlife spots: the area off Sukhumvit Soi 55 (also called Soi Thonglor) is full of bars and nightclubs; Soi Sarasin, across from Lumphini Park, has lots of friendly pubs and cafés frequented by yuppie Thais and expats; and Narathiwat Road, which starts at Surawong, intersects Silom, then runs all the way to Rama III has trendy new bars and restaurants opening every month.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, Bangkok still has three thriving red light districts: Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy. Patpong is the largest, most touristy, and includes three streets that run between Surawong and Silom roads. Nana Plaza, at Soi 4, is packed with three floors of hostess bars and is considered the most hard-core in terms sex shows and shock value. Soi Cowboy, off Sukhumvit Road at Soi 21, is a less raunchy and an easier-going version of Patpong, though it's still a red light district and so be prepared.

Even though it may not seem like it, live sex shows are officially banned and prostitution is illegal. The government doesn't always turn a blind eye, so exercise caution and common sense.

Short History of The Buckingham Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:46:00 +0000

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster, London and is the primary residence of the British royal family. This palace is a place for state events, for welcoming state guest and one of tourist destination in London. Often in times of joy, crisis or mourning, it also became the center of the community gathered for the United Kingdom.

The building was formerly known as Buckingham House and is actually a town hall built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703 and acquired by George III in 1761, used as a home personally known as ”The Queen’s House “. This building had suffered from the development since it was built, and were first designed by the architects John Nash and Edward Blore. There are also three additional wing buildings of the central courtyard. Buckingham Palace finally became the official residence of the royal family of the United Kingdom since the appointment of Queen Victoria in 1837.

The last addition of the building was made in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, including the front that we often see today from Buckingham Palace. The building is also still sometimes referred to as “Buck House “. Queen Victoria, the first royal family living Buckingham Palace, occupied it since 1837.

The palace interior is dominated by design from the early 19^th century, with the use of bright colors known as scagliola technique and blue and pink lapis, suggested Sir Charles Long. King Edward VII oversaw a partial redecoration in a Belle Époque cream and gold colour scheme. Many smaller reception rooms are furnished in the Chinese regency style with furniture and fittings brought from the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and from Carlton House. The Buckingham Palace Garden is the largest private garden in London.

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

In this building there is a room that is used as a work room of Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family for official state events and banquets. This building is one building that is very popular and visited by no less than 50,000 people per year to attend a dinner, lunch, receptions and official parties of the royal family.

Where is The Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:14:00 +0000

Maldives gain high popularity over the past few years and more tourists are starting to look it up, making it one of the top tourist destination. Ever wonder where the Maldives is? Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. Maldives consists of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring of like atolls spread over 90,000 square kilometers. 99 % of the Maldives is the sea – you can imagine how the lives of those around them beleaguered oceans. Certainly it will be very amazing.

You will find about 200 inhabited islands and about 90 of which are developed as a tourist resort, while the rest are left unoccupied or used by the local community as agricultural land and other livelihood purposes. Do you know that each island in the Maldives has its own coral reef lagoon surrounding the island? The reefs of the island are life with extraordinary kind. Its purpose is to protect the islands from wind and waves coming from the vast ocean around it. Unique structure of reef and channel of the islands making it almost impossible for outsiders to pass without enough information about the water condition.

Most of the people who live in the Maldives embraced ranging from Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and several others. The question where is the Maldives might be answered by showing its location in the map. It is in Asia. However, do you know that the Maldives is the smallest region in Asia? It is one of the areas that known as the Muslims migrated. There are many interesting tourist destination that we can go while in the Maldives. And for a place to stay, we can rely on a variety of luxury resort has to offer. In addition to offering superb views presented by nature, we can also enjoy exotic food, luxurious rooms, spa treatments are fun, and certainly do various activities that super fantastic.

Maldives have tropical climate, sometimes it’s moist and dry. Natural sources such as fish is easy to enjoy at every restaurant as a local dish. As one of the most popular in the world and is able to generate tremendous income due to its popularity, the Maldives is remarkable. In addition to offering fresh air that will bring peace of mind and eliminate stress, you can also do a variety of activities ranging from diving, swimming, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, to snorkeling.

The Maldives is definitely a must visit place for travelers.

Best Bali Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 07:20:00 +0000

Bali is one of islands located in Indonesia, famous for its natural beauty, and of course its beaches. If you ever had a chance or planning to go to Bali, you definitely must visit the beaches. There are several beaches in Bali and we have for you some of the Best Bali Beaches. What are they?

Kuta Beach

Not far from the Ngurah Rai airport, Kuta is one of the most famous and become best Bali beach. Kuta Beach is a white sand beach and popular among surfers. As a popular beach, Kuta Beach gain support by local government, to be developed and maintained. This beach is very crowded during holiday seasons, since it’s one of top international tourist destinations. Not far from the beach, you will find a city with plenty of stores and restaurants.

Sanur Beach

Another famous beach in Bali, but not as crowded as Kuta. This is a perfect place for a family getaway. You can get to Sanur by doing a little trip to the east coast of the island. In addition to the quiet beach, Sanur is also have a shallow area, making it an ideal place to swim. Sanur has a footpath along the road which makes it very popular to use a walk or bike ride in the morning and evening. If you do not like the crowds, then Sanur Beach is the answer.

Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran is an ideal place to get beautiful view of Sunset in Bali. As the sun began to sink on the horizon, we could feel the life of the beach get begins. There are so many restaurants here that offer a variety of dishes from fresh fish with tables that leads directly to the beach. You can choose the type of fish that you like and how to cook while enjoying the sinking sun, listening to some live music. So romantic.

Nusa Dua Beach

This is a perfect place for a romantic getaway, or even a honeymoon. Nusa Dua beach in Bali have some exclusive resort managed by the private sector. Enjoy clean white sandy beach, suitable for diving or surfing.

Lovina Beach

Now this is different from other beaches above, since Lovina is a black sand beach. This beach is going to be a quiet and relaxing place to see the sunset or doing other activities such as diving and snorkeling. Anyway, Lovina Beach is also famous for the dolphins who reside there. Interested to get a closer look at the lives of the dolphin? Hire a boat and enjoy your time in Bali.

There you have it, Best Beaches in Bali you must visit. Got other information about Bali Beaches? I’d love to hear it from you. Let’s share it through the comment box below.

Best Universal Studios Rides

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 04:32:00 +0000

Planning to visit the Universal Studios in Los Angeles? You need to know the best Universal Studios rides you cannot miss. Make sure you got a chance to get to one of these rides:

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

One of the latest 3D attractions you definitely should try on your visit to Universal Studios. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem starts to operate on spring 2014. If you are a fan of the funny and naughty Minions, you will enjoy this ride even more. Get the latest ride from Universal Studios will surely bring us to an experience that is different and more fun.
It is one of the best Universal Studios Rides at the moment.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

One of the best Universal Studios rides which proved much preferred by visitors. On this ride, you will find yourself on the edge of fiction and reality. This ride will give you an epic adventure, using 3D HD fusing and flight simulation technology based on the Transformers movie. You will get to a state of war zone between Optimus Prime and the Decepticons. It’s going to be an amazing experience.

Revenge of the Mummy -The Ride

Do you feel courageous enough? Then try this ride. It will make your heart stop beating, where mummies come to get revenge. They will chase you and this will be a life-changing experience. This ride will take us on a virtual journey in the dark until the speed reaches 45 mph. Dare to accept the challenge?

Shrek 4D

Shrek 4D will make you experience the live action from the movie, including water, fog, wind, and other special effects that make us feel come into play in this fairy tale adventure.

The Simpsons Ride

During the trip boarded the ride, we are offered a funny animation that will provide a stunning visual experience. The Simpsons Ride is driven by energy conversion by combining the ‘on demand’ hydraulic power systems and efficient energy LED lighting fixtures.

Jurassic Park rides – The Ride

This is a ride that will make us gain the experience to meet the ‘life’ dinosaurs as high as 50 feet, a treacherous drop straight down, and the 84 foot death-defying raft plunge. And the best rides last owned Universal Studios King Kong 360 3D is created by Peter Jackson. We’ll get a 3D experience in the world. Our heart will flutter when entering a vehicle, and be prepared to be caught in the middle of a terrible struggle between the T-Rex as high as 35 feet and King Kong.

Those are 5 Best Rides in Universal Studios you should definitely try. Got another ride you love? Let’s share on the comment below.

How To Get To Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:18:00 +0000

Bali is one of island located in Indonesia with a remarkable beauty, where the tradition and culture of ancestors are still held in high esteem by society. Bali is home to a variety of coral reefs, several species of wildlife, charming beaches and of course the incredible natural scenery. Bali attracts the attention of most of the world community – many who come to Bali prove its natural beauty.

Interested to enjoy this paradise and wondering how to get to Bali? Well of course you’re going to need your passport, visa, air tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, cruise reservation tickets, and tickets for the ferry. Other than the obvious, you might want to know a few ways to get to Bali.

By Airplanes

First and the most obvious way to get to Bali is by plane. Bali is an island, with its own international airport. So you can easily find it in the flight schedule. Look for Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. You can get ticket with bargain price by looking through travel websites or ticket sales. If you transit in Singapore, then you can simply take the next flight to the airport of Ngurah Rai Bali. Similarly, if we transit in Jakarta (capital of Indonesia), then we can take a domestic flight direct to Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport.

By Ferry

Ferry ride to Bali are available from Ketapang, Banyuwangi, East if Java, toward Gilimanuk (Bali). The ferry is available 24/7. The ride is about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the weather. From Gilimanuk, you can use bus or other form of transportation to get to the main town in Bali.

By Bus

You can get to Bali by Bus from Surabaya, Yogyakarta or Jakarta. The bus will also need to get to the ferry from Ketapang to reach Bali. Choose a well-known bus company which will guarantees comfort and safety, since it’s quite a ride to Bali. You can by bus tickets at the terminal or travel agent.

By Train

You can get to Bali by train from Jakarta (Stasiun Kota) or Surabaya (Stasiun Gubeng). The trip is about 8 hours. You can get to and from the station by Taxi

By Yacht

This is for you who want to travel to Bali with style. Using a yacht to Bali is the last option for you to get to Bali. There are numbers of cruise lines that travel to various islands in Indonesia. By using such a yacht Seven Seas, Ombak Putih, or Silolano, you can enjoy Indonesian some cuisines, get incredible views, and a spacious cabin. Surely this is a stress-free trip that we can do to go to Bali.

Best Beaches in France

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 07:15:00 +0000

Other than the magnificent architecture, France also known for its beautiful beaches. Make sure you visit some of these beaches while on France. Do you know that France have a coastline that stretches as far as 3,427 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea? No wonder lots of tourists come to France to enjoy the beaches.

So, here are the best beaches in France you wouldn’t want to miss:

French Riviera

The French Riviera located along the Mediterranean coast and is famous for those looking for luxury and glamour. In addition to having an exotic beach, you will also find variety of world-class resorts.

St. Tropez

This beach often referred to as the jewel of the French Riviera because of its coastline glistening like pearls. The beach is dotted with many high-priced yachts, some five-star resort, and certainly a lot of famous people who spend time here.

Sainte-Maxime

Located near St. Tropez, but very much different, it’s a quite beach. You wouldn’t find much crowd here, but they do have varieties of water sport facilities, cafes and restaurants.

Cannes

Cannes is full of restaurants with traditional and contemporary dishes. This is a beach that will make us able to enjoy French food as well spend the time to shop at the famous designer boutiques.

Normandy Coastline

Located next to the northeast of Paris, south of the English Channel, between Brittany and Picardy, this beach has lots of cliffs and very spacious.

Les Salines and Martinique

These two beaches are located nearby to each other. They are best known for its white sandy beaches with palm trees lining neatly. The beaches are very popular for families getaway since it has well-organized water flow system and lifeguard. Enjoy your swim and sunbathing here.

Brittany Coastline

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. This beach is located in the Northwest of France, north of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Biarritz

Biarritz beach is very popular and considered as one of the best beaches in France. You can find a combination of warm water, soft sand; modern transportation and infrastructure resorts are adequate making this beach as a beach that must be visited. It is located just a few miles from the Spanish border and is very famous for surfing and sun bathing water.

There are so many best beaches in France, which has the uniqueness of each ranging from the rugged coast, crowded beaches or some quiet beaches. Pick your choice; enjoy your time in France.

Top 10 Attractions in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 13:05:00 +0000

Paris is known as a city of art and culture with many famous landmarks in the world. In addition, Paris is named as the center of world’s fashion, making it as one of the top destination for tourists from all over the world. Here are the top 10 attractions in Paris you should definitely visit in Paris:

Eiffel Tower

This is the main attraction of Paris, symbol of the city and one of the famous landmarks of the world. The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel and was built in 1889. You will need to spend about 25.5 Euro visiting this magnificent building.

The Louvre

Louvre is the most famous art museum in the world with four spacious galleries. You can find a variety of artwork including the world famous Mona Lisa painting.

Notre Dame

This is one of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in Europe which consists of three floors and is equipped with stained glasses window with medieval designs. You will find 3 kind of portals in it: Coronation: the place where Mary is shown being crowned by an angel, The Last Judgment: where Jesus is described as the world judges, and the Saint Anne which leads to the cathedral.

Versailles

Versailles is a park that open to public and located in the southwest of Paris. This park include at top 10 attractions in Paris that should not miss. To enter, we need to pay some 7.50 euro.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The largest park in Paris is very popular among parents and children as a playground that has a lot of amenities ranging from free puppet shows up merry go round.

Le Marais

Le Marais is the most popular area in Paris that provides variety of large-scale shopping centers. Ever heard the Rue de Francs Bourgeois? This is the place. In short, this is a shopping paradise for you.

Les Carrieres de Paris

This is the burial place of the 18th century which would make us spellbound. You can find collection of bones from 6 million Parisians.

Basilica du Sacre Coueur

This is a church that is touted to save the heart of Christ. The church is located on the top of Montmartre, with incredible views on top.

Place Vendome

Here is the shopping paradise which filled with variety of world renowned brands ranging from Armani, Chaumet, up to Cartier. You can also find the Ritz here. In addition, there are also some of the famous fashion houses in the world ranging from Hermes, Chanel, Cardin, Versace, up to Givenchy.

Musee d’Orsay

Museum with various collections of Impressionist works of art. Formerly, this place is a train station, which is opposite the Louvre – separated by the river.

So, there you have it. Top 10 attractions in Paris you should visit. Got another interesting place you want to share?

How To Get Around in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:20:00 +0000

Paris is one of the top destinations of travelers around the world. No wonder, they do have beautiful scenery. If you decide to go to Paris, you will need to know how to get around Paris. There are several modes of transportation to get around in Paris that we can use and here’s some guide for you:

Metro

Paris Métro or Métropolitain is a rapid transit system in Paris Metropolitan Area, with one of the best and oldest stations in the world. You can find 300 stations connected by nearly 300 km track. The Metro operates from 05:30 to 03:00. They have special ticket for travelers called Le Paris Viste ticket, which will make travelers like us to travel anywhere without limit to all the Paris Metro and bus network. You will need your passport to buy this special ticket. Make sure you grab one of the Metro Map you can get at the stations. Getting around using metro system in Paris is going to make your travel so much enjoyable.

Velib

Velib is a rental bike, which could easily be found at any station. To rent one, you will need to register at the terminal Velib located at one of the station and you can return it at any station. If you decide to get around Paris using Velib, the rental price is about 1 Euro and they usually give out the first 30 minutes for free. Getting around Paris using a bike is really nice if you want to want to enjoy the sight.

Bus

Bus system in Paris is equally good as the metro. Although the metro is much faster, traveling by bus will be very entertaining, since you can see. You can use the tourist metro ticket (Le Paris Viste) or the Carte Orange. Grab a map of the bus at the metro stations or bus shelters to help you get around.

Paris bus operating at 6:30 to 08:30 and some are operating until 00:30.

In addition to multiple modes of transportation choices above, we are also able to get around Paris by foot. It is one of the ideal cities for walk because since there are lots of amazing architectures you won’t find anywhere else.

Well, there you have it: how to get around Paris. Choose what suits you best.