Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Its beautiful winter in Harbin

executive summary by darmansjah

Ice and Snow City. This is the nickname pinned on a city on the northern tip of China, namely Harbin. When cities like Beijing and Shanghai you've often heard and can be visited at any time throughout the year, unlike the case with Harbin. The city became a popular destination when winter arrives.



Given its location on one of China's northern tip, you can imagine the temperature in Harbin is cooler than other cities in China. In fact, the temperature may reach about -36 degrees Celsius in winter. Eventhough  cold, Harbin has an unforgettable charm. Just visit Sun Island Snow Sculpture Park. Here, and could see the ice carvings shaped building world famous skyline. In addition, there are various forms of decoration made of snow is very beautiful.



TravelerGuidance.Blogspot.Com revolves around, tourists can watch the ice festival in the region carving Sun Island Park Show Scultpure held once every year. The festival is usually held at about mid-December to January and has a different theme. For example, in 2010 and ice sculpture festival theme is Disney cartoon characters.



Surely it would be a special experience when you see chunks of ice are carved into interesting shapes by local artists. The cold was as if expelled, would beauty admiration changed the contours of ice that form a stunning masterpiece. Just prepare any heavy clothing and enjoy an ice sculpture festival in Harbin.



However, not only that. The uniqueness is not only limited to Harbin ice and snow. A church which combines western culture (Russia) and the feel of the east (China) stand upright in Harbin, which is the Church of Santa Sophia. The architecture of the church is somewhat unique lure the attention of anyone who come to Harbin. Do not forget to immortalize yourself in a camera during a visit to this place together TravelerGuidance.Blogspot.Com



To prepare for the cold winter temperatures in Harbin, a good idea to take a moment to shop for special clothing in winter Yaxiu Market in Beijing. Besides shopping, and also can be at once visited the Bird’s Nest National Stadium, the stadium was built and made famous as the location of the event at the Beijing Summer Olympic Games in 2008 and earlier.


Other elegance

Not only a compelling Harbin. Shanghai also has its own charm. The city dubbed the Manhattan of Asia is a modern city, known as the skyscraper buildings. One is the Oriental TV Tower, Shanghai's iconic. Other destinations in Shanghai is The Bunds or Shanghai Tan on the banks of the River Huang Pu and Yu Yuan Garden or the Garden of Happiness. This park is the only park located in the heart of Shanghai and one where the legacy of a governor in the Ming Dynasty.



In Shenyang, and may visit the Former Residence of Zhang Xue Liang. As for Zhang Xue Liang was one of the Chinese fighters in the past. Here, you can see that his home was still awake and well maintained as well as studying one fragment in China story. Shenyang also you can go to Mukden Palace and the Qing Dynasty Street.


Other destinations that are not less attractive is the Puppet Manchurian Palace. Initially these attractions is the palace of Emperor Pu Yi, last emperor of the Qing Dynasty who became a puppet emperor of Manchuria power. From here, you will get a glimpse into the history of the kingdom of China under the leadership of the nation Manchuria. Interested in visiting China? Do not miss Harbin!

Tourism Info | Hong Kong

Asia Destiantion that should not be overlooked
Executive summary by Darmansjah

hongkong sky line

There are many reasons why Hong Kong has always been a favorite destiansi throughout the year. First, HongKong is known as a shopping destination with a relatively affordable price. In fact, prices of goods in Hong Kong cited cheaper than Singapore, Bangkok, Malaysia and Korea.

repulse bay

Second, the temperature in Hong Kong, despite having four seasons, somewhat not too hot and not too cold, but cool, with temperatures ranging between 18-25 degrees centigrade. Third, although it has joined with China in 1997 after the British government out of power. Hong Kong is a region that has its own autonomy.

victoria peak

No wonder, everyday there are two languages ​​are used, namely English and Chinese. Signpost also use these two languages. For tourists or visitors, this greatly facilitates in finding direction.

victoria park

Official currency is the Hong Kong dollar. However, its advantages, Hong Kong also accept U.S. dollars, euros, and renminmbi (RMB or yuan, Chinese currency).

Madame Tussaud wax museum

Not just a tourist, business-wise, Hong Kong was fairly profitable. Not infrequently, Hong Kong became the location of event meetings between businessmen from the West and the East because of its location is quite strategic.

avenue of stars

If the center of the leisure traveler in Hong Kong,visiting City Tour through the Avenue of Stars, Repulse Bay and Victoria Park, Madame Tussaud wax museum, and Jewelry Workshop. One more tourist attraction that is not less interesting is the Ocean Park. Here, visitors can enjoy exciting shows at the Ocean Theatre. The Grand Aquarium, Symbio, Emperors of the Sky, Pacific Pier, and the Sea Jelly Spectacular.
Jewelry Workshop

Ocean Park


Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Hong Kong Disneyland

Want to try a different sensation lunch? You should try the Jumbo Floating Restaurant. Meanwhile, visiting Hong Kong Disneyland is mandatory when they travel to Hong Kong. At Disneyland, along with loved ones, you can enjoy the thrill of Main Street USA, Tommorowland. Your trip is guaranteed to be exciting.

Other Destinations

In the meantime, if you take a tour of the Opera-TravelerGuidance.Blogspot.Com, the trip is not only struggling in Hong Kong, but can proceed to mainland China. There are a number of other places that will shelled charm. For example, Shenzhen. Here, you can shop as much in Lohu Shopping Mall, enjoy the unique Window of the World (miniature famous buildings in the world), or watch her ​​beautiful dancers in traditional Chinese flock Chinese Culture Village.


shenzhen
Window of the World


Lohu Shopping Mall

Chinese Culture Village

When the journey continues to Zhuhai through Panyu area, you can visit the Kwan Im Statue, Lotus Hill, and Baomo Garden (Judge Bao haven whose stories ever filmed and aired in the countries of asia). Meanwhile, in Zhuhai yourself, watch traditional dances that unique and interesting Yen Yuen Sun Zin Show.

zhuhai
Panyu area

Kwan Im Statue
 Lotus Hill
 Baomo Garden
No less interesting with Hongkong, Macau has a number of cool destinations. Call Na Cha Temple, Fisherman's Wharf, Temple of A Ma, Ruin of St. Paul, Penha Hill Chruch, and the City of Dreams to watch Dragon Treasures Show. Coupled with the experience of staying at the Venetian Hotel which resembles the interior city of Venice in Italy. Surely your trip more memorable and unforgettable.


Na Cha Temple
Fisherman's Wharf
Temple of A Ma
Ruin of St. Paul
Penha Hill Chruch
City of Dreams


Venetian Hotel

Wait what? Immediately plan your trip with close friends or family at the end of this year in Hong Kong. New Year's Eve fireworks will welcome you in Hong Kong.


Family Vacation Spots in the end of the year

By darmansjah

Vacationing at the end of the year became one of the so awaited moment, whether it's for leisure, contemplate, or just freshen up. Choice of destinations is also very diversity, which all can be selected according to their money and time available.

Entering the new year for many people life is like opening a new sheet. Planning prepared and stocked expectations. Not surprisingly, many moments that make the new year as an opportunity to contemplate, but it's a milestone for ceremony and start something new. Therefore, it is natural that people want to pass the second turn of the year with a special.

For those who do not have a long time, indeed vacation options become more limited. However, that does not mean the transition can not make New Year's night was special. Looking for a place of entertainment in the city or go to destinations that can be reached in a short time an option that can be traced. For the citizens of Jakarta, for example, if you do not leave the restaurant or coffee, can also go to Bali can be completed in about 1.5 hours by air.

Not only can party and cheer all night long, here too one can enjoy the other attractions that offer a quiet, beautiful nature, or a variety of culinary delights. Not only from within the country, Bali also becomes an increasingly attractive destination and destination by foreign tourists.

AirAsia said that Bali is one place that 'high demand', much in demand by the passengers, as well as Singapore. The similarity of the two places are close proximity as a tourist destination. Bali and Singapore are the proverbial 'one stop shop' which could accommodate various needs, ranging from business to leisure.

Singapore

Besides Bali, Singapore became an attractive destination in the eyes of tourists Indonesia, especially at the end of the year. Not Just for the sake of shopping and culinary affairs, this island country also offers a number of tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by all family members.

 

Sentosa Island, for example, where the former small fishing village has now become an exciting playground, including Universal Studios is now a new icon for Singapore's new tourism. Or, to Little India are often targeted by those who favor ethnic goods, with a variety of accessories and clothing typical of India that can be obtained at affordable prices.

Singapore promises the culinary world was a pleasant experience through cuisine, such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, carrot cake typical of Singapore, as well as the typical black pepper crab in Singapore.

Singapore and Bali are very eagerly, for each flight filled an average of 80%, which AirAsia provide for the route from Jakarta to Bali and Jakarta-Singapore each of six flights per day, and may be added, at the high seasons.

The Trulli of Alberobello

The Trulli of Alberobello

 


Executive summary by Darmansjah

In southern Italy there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Alberobello. Unlike other rural parts of Italy, this village offers a unique architectural charm that you can not find in other areas. Is Trullo, house of limestone with a conical roof, which makes the Italian village in the valley is special. Trullo was originally created as a storage place with thick walls to protect contents from weather extremes. Currently having an estimated 1500 Trulli Alberobello, which is still well preserved, although some have converted as restaurants, shops, and hotels for vacation.


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

10 Easy Trips

Traverse Japan on foot, take a train ride in Saba and go diving in Qiandao Lake
Executive summary by Darmansjah



Nakasendo, Japan
the nakasendo way brings one past atmospheric old towns and up close to the Japanese way of life

Why Go Now?
For the budget conscious, getting from Kyoto to Tokyo can cost as little as US$55 for an eight-hour bus ride. For the time-strapped, the Shinkansen shortens the journey to a mere two and a half hours. But for the nostalgists, consider taking a 12-day walk from the cultural epicenter of Japan to the bustling capital.

The Nakasendo, literally translated as “central mountain route” was a popular and important ancient highway during Japan’s feodal period, which connected Kyoto to Edo, or modern day Tokyo. Stretching over 530 kilometres, the Nakasendo passed along Lake Biwa, over the mountains at Sekigahara, across the plains north of present-day Nagoya, close to the southern Japanese Alps, across the plain between Matsumoto and karuisawa, and down to the Kanto plain surrounding present-day Tokyo to Tokyo’s precedessor, Edo.



Join Walk Japan on its innovaive Naksendo Way, a fully-guided, 12-day walking tour that goes along the most enjoyable, scenic and best-preserved parts of the old highway. Explore the Nakasendo on an intimate level as the tour allows one to stay in delightful local inns, dine in family-run restaurants, bring you closer to the Japanese and their way of life.

How Do I Make It Happen?
Walk Japan is the pioneer of off-the-beaten-track walking tours in Japan, while they also provide walking tours such as the Kunisaki Trek, Shogun Trail and Kysushu Expedition. Nakasendo way still remains its bestseller (walkjapan.com).



Jetstar Asia (jetstar.com) and Singapore Airlines(singaporeair.com) fly direct from Singapore Changi Airport to kansai International Airport, while Malaysia Airlines (malaysianairlines.com) files direct from Kuala Lumpur. Trains and buses run regularly from the airport to Kyoto.

The screen in Kyoto offers just 13 guest frooms, each stylishly designed by 13 different local and international designers (from US$200; screen-htel.jp)

Yangon, Myanmar



Why Go Now?

Yangon celebrates The Full Moon Day of Thadingyut, the Lighting Festival of Myanmar. This auspicious festival happens from the 11 to 13 October this year.






The lighting Festival is the second most popular festival in Myanmar after Thingyan (New Year Water Festival). It celebrates the descent of Buddha from heaven after he preached the Abidharma (the most difficult of Buddhist teaching ) to his mother reborn in heaven.



During the festival, groups of youths can be seen waling with candles and gifts in their hands to pay respect to their elders. This act (Kadaw in Burmese) is not just a form of paying respect, it is also practiced to cultivate a person’s spirituality. The aged-old tradition is observed in reverence to the Buddha, his laws (Dharma), the monastic community (Sangha), parents and teachers.





Although the locals reat the festival very seriously, it is by no means a sombre affair as a carnival atmosphere engulfs the entire nation. Expect to sedd acrobatic street performers, colourful dance troupes and makeshift stalls invigorate the dusty streets of Yangon.



How Do I Make It Happen?

Fly direct to yangon from Singapore via Silkair,Myanmar Airways International (maiair.com) and jetstar asia, Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, and Myanmar Airways fly direct to Yangon from Kuala Lumpur).

Park royal Yangon is located in the heart of the city and set amidst the country’s rich cultural heritage. Each of the 267 rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly appointed, with premier Orchid Club rooms offering additional amenities and exclusive privilages (from US$72, parkroyalhotels.com).


Melbourne, Australia

Why Go Now
The Melbourne International Arts Festival, from 6 to 22 October, promises to be a trully international festival, with major presentations from regional and international artistes. The 2011 edition presents 15 world premiers and 13 Australian premiers in a program of 52 shows, events and projects.

Kick off the festival with subversive Russian art collective, AES+F’s Angels-Demons. Parade, who will take over the streets with an arresting and playful scuptural spectacle.

Don’t miss Ganesh versus the Third Reich, a singular production from the intrepid Back to Back Theatre, formed in 1987 by an ensemble of actors with disabilities.

Round off your visit by catching the world finest singers assemble with The Black Arm Band for a one-night-only performance (melbournefestival.com.au).

How Do I Make Ait happen?
There are five direct flights from Singapore to Melbourne. Take your pick from Qantas Airways (qantas.com.au), British Airways (britishairways.com), singapore Airlines, Jetstar Airways and Emirates (emirates.com). AirAisa and Malysia Airlines offer direct flights from Kuala Lumpur.
Metcard gives you unlimited and flexible travel between metroplitan tranis, trams and buses. A one-day travel card costs US$7 (metlinkmelbourne.com.au).
Art series-The Cullen is a boutique hotel sitated in the entertainment district, an ideal place to stay if you want to soak up the festive vibe (artseries.com.au/cullen).

Sabah, Malaysia


Why Go Now?
After its maiden voyage in early July this year, The North Borneo Railway featuring the British Vulcan Steam Engine takes visitors to Kota Kinabalu on a journey into nostalgia three times a week. The vintage steam locomotive is one of the few functional locomotives left in the world that is fuelled by wood. The train, the last of a fleet of locomotives that has plied the tracks through Borneo since the 1880s, has a capacity of 80 passengers accommodated in five colonial-period carriages, each with a capacity of 16 passengers, and named after a town along the journey-Papar, Kinarut, Tanjung Aru, Putatan and Kawang.

Throughout the journey, you will be able to take in the sights and sounds of the countryside, paddy fields, mangrove jungles and pristine coastal beaches as the train chugs along the tracks.

How Do I Make It Happen?
The steam train is scheduled to run every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and is prices at US$85 for adults and US$50 for childdren between the ages of two and twelve. Th ride is complimentary for children below two years old (info@northborneorailway.com.my).
Sutera Harbour Resort is a tourism development project spread over 384 acres of prime sea-front land and consists of the five-star The Pacific  Sutera Hotel, the award winning the Magelian Sutera Resort as well as the Sutera harbour Marina, Gold & Country Club. It is only five minutes away from Kota Kinabali City centre and 10 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (from US$90; suteraharbour.com).

Bangalore, India


Why Go Now?

The capital city of the southern Inidan state of Karnataka, Bengaluru or Bangalore, is one of Indias’s most vibrant and modern cities. Visitors will be amazed by Bengaluru’s unique fusion of new-scheool, hi-tech sensibility and old-school aesthetics.

October is an opportune time to visit Bangalore as the weather is invigorating and because it heralds not one but two festivals-Dusserha (6 October) and Diwali (26 October). Begin your pilgrimage with the Bull Temple. Built in the 16th century by Kempegowda, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi. There are many interesting sights to behold at the temple. Spend a weekend to see the typical marriage processions, car baptisms (to ward off the evil eye) and multifarious bards belting the latest Bangalore tunes in and around the temple.

The city is a good place to do some shopping. Pick up incense, silks, authentic tribal jewellery, brass and copper ware, soapstone statues, aromatic sandalwood and rosewood carvings and lacquer work.

 after visiting the bull temple in Bangalore, check out the colourful markets for about of shopping

How Do I Make It Happen?
Fly direct from Singapore to Bangalore via Silkair and Singapore Airlines. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia service direct routes from Kuala Lumpur
Sheraton  Bangalore Hotel’s 230 guest rooms and suites combine classic and contemporary designs in a comfortable setting. Sweeping city views from the health club, pool, and spa contribute to great spaces for re-energising your body and soul (starwoodhotels.com).

Phuket, Thailand


Why Go Now?
From 27 september to 5 October, Phuket celebrates the bizarre Phuket Vegetarian Festival. While the name Vegetarian Festival may not have you jumping off your couch in excitement, this herbivorous shinding is much more than meets the eye. In fact, its is the most exciting and idosyncratic tradition of Phuket province.

The origins of the festival are unclear. Legend has it htat the festival was brought to Phuket by a wandering Chinese opera group who fell ill with malaria while performing on the island. In response, the troupe decided to adhere to a strict vegetarian diet and pray to the Nine Emperor Gods to purify the mind and body upon recovery, a celebration was held in honour of the gods as well as to express their happiness at surviving what was, int hte nineteenth century, a fatal illness.

During the performances of religious rites at the temples, priest conduct varius kinds of dangerous acts to show the power of their gods an to rid followers of their bad luck. Acts include walking barefoot across a strecth of ground paved with burning charcoal and cutting, striking or piercing parts of the body with sharp objects, among other death-defying theatrics.

How Do I Make It Happen?
Thai AirAsia, TigerAirways (tigerairways.com), SilkAir (silkair.com) and Jetstar Asia fly direct to Phuket from Singapore. Qatar Airways, AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines fly direct to Phuket from Kuala Lumpur
Set in an exclusive area of Patong pacific Light Hotel offers comfortable and spacious accommodation for a relaxing holiday. The hotel features a tropical landscape to enhance its warm ambience (US$40; pacificlighthotel.com).


Ningaloo Coast, Australia


Why Go Now?

The Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia has been given the highest level of international recognition with its inscription on the World Heritage List because of the striking natural landscapes of Cape Range and Ningaloo Reef’s biological diversity.

The listing covers an area of 604,500 ha and means the area ranks alongside sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, Egypt’s Pyramids, Yellowstone national Park, Stonehenge and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the most beautiful and accessible coral reefs in the world. Its is ranked seventh on the world’s list of coral reef biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and second in terms of the number of species found within a limited range. Together, Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year, taking up the golden opportunity to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, dugongs, turtles, humpback and other whales, rays and sharks, as well as many rare and diverse plants and wildlife found within Cape Range.

How Do I Make It Happen?
The closets airport to Ningaloo Coast is Learnmonth Airport in Exmouth. A shuttle transfer is available, but should be booked in advance. Skywest Airlines and Qantas both fly to Learnmonth from Perth Airport.
Novotel Ingaloo Resort provides a fantastics base for you to enjoy the natural beauty of Ningaloo coast and offers direct access to the beach. Depending on your needs, both apartments and buangalows are available (from US$300; novotelningaloo.com.au).

Qiandao Lake, China


Why Go Now?
Take a dive in the QiandaoLake and discover the Lion City, the Chinese equivalent of the ancient city of Atalantis. Qiandao Lake is a man-made lake located in Chuan’an County, Zhejiang, China. At the foot of the Wu Shi Mountain lays an ancient city known as Shi Cheng (Lions City), built in Dong Han period. The valley was flooded in 1959 to create the lake for the Zin’an River Dam project, submerging the ancient Lion City to its tragic fate. It was named “Lion City” because of the Five Lion Mountain that sits just behind the city.

Big Blue dive operator (big-blue.com) based in Shanghai, runs weeekend trips twice a month to the lake and has started to uncover parts of the lost city. September would be the ideal month to visit the lake before the arrival of winter.

Qindao Lake also offers many above-water attractions for non-diving travellers. The Plat Blossom Mountain is the best part of Qindao Lake, named after five conjoined mountains. It resembles a plat blosssom and has gained fame for tis resplendent natural scenery and perfect environment.



How Do I Make It Happen?
There are hourly buses that connect Qiandao Lake with the provincial capital, Hangzhou. AirAsia X files direct to Hangzhou from Kuala Lumpur. Direct flights from Singapore to Hangzhou are available via jetstar.
Take a bus from the West Bus station in Hangzhou directly to Qiandao Lake The Trip lasts for approximately three hours and cost somewhere between US$8 to US$10. the buses run frequently (about one every hour) between the two places.
1000 Island Lake Greentown Resort Hotel is located in Qiandao Lake Town. It features a swimming pool, three dining options, rooms with a fully-equipped kitchen and free internet (86 0571 6508 8888).

Siam Reap, Cambodia


Why Go Now
Take advantage of low visitor numbers during the short and sharp showers of September and October and visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, where the flourishing seasonal fauna adds another dimension to this majestic ancient temple.

The sight of the grand monument towering over the landscpae is breathtaking at any time of day though locals suggest that the first trip to Angkor Wat should be made in usually around 1 to 2pm. If you are able to pull yourself out of bed, sunrise at the temple is definetely a highlight of any journey to the lonely kindom.

This is also the time of year for the P’Chum Ben Festival (the Cambodian variation of the seventh month festival), during which respect is paid to the dead via offerings left with the monks at temples. Celebrated on the 26 to 28 of September this year, P’Chum Ben is a uniquely Cambodian festival not to be missed.

How Do I Make It Happen?
Direct flights from Singapore to Siem Reap are available from Jetstar and Silkair. AirAsia and Malaysian Airlines offer direct flights into Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur Airport.
The Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor in Siem Reap has extensive facilities for both the business traveller and those wishing to simply take in the sights and pamper themselves. For those wanting to unwind, there is the famous Raffles’s Amrita Spa, which offers treatments that combine the best of western technologies and eastern therapies (raffles.com).

Kaohsiung, Taiwan


Why Go Now?
Cool, breezy and easy – three words that succinctly sums up Kaohsiung at this time of the year. Go early in September to avoid the tourist crowd and feast on sumptuous street fare found along the backstreets of Yancheng. And if you have some spare cash in hand, why not buy yourself a hand assembled bamboo bathtub at the end of Wufu 4th road in Yancheng.



Catch a ferry to Cijin island a firm favourite among locals for its wide variety of delectable seafood at unbeatable prices. Cijin Island is also a great place to walk, bike or swim. Don’t miss the Matsu TempleKaohsiung’s oldest shrine and the lighthouse, from where you get a panoramic view of the island.


If you’re in a mood for love but can’t quite afford the time for a trip to Paris, then make your way to the Unconditional Love River for a quiet and romantic evening walk. The riverbanks are line up with open-air cafes and peaceful little parks where you can rest or have a drink.

How Do I Make It Happen?
China Airlines files direct from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to Kaohsiung.


Stay the night at The Royal Lees Kaohsiung at No.105 Wufu 1st Road. The Royal Lees runs about US$100-US$150 per night. Hotel staff are proficient in English and attentive to detail. The hotel iw well maintained and in a nice district.


Kaohsiung MRT (krtco.com.tw) opened in 2008, with two lines. The Red Line runs from north to south, offering a handy route from both the THSR Zuoying station and the airport into the downtown core, while Orange Line runs across the city from the Port of Kaohsiung in the west to eastern suburb of Daliao. The Metro Line is clean and offers a convenient way to quickly move within the city.