Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah in Malaysia, has a lot of surprises in store for all its visitors. A trip to Kota Kinabalu will not be complete without taking time to visit one of its tourist destinations, the Poring Hot Springs.

You will find the Poring Hot Springs at the southern end of the Kinabalu Park. “Poring” is a Kadazandusun word for the bamboo species that is abundant within the area. This exotic place is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away of the Park’s Head Quarters which is around 2 hours driving distance from most Kota Kinabalu hotels. 

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Posted in Attractions, Malaysia, Things to do |

Everyone knows what sushi is. Ask anyone what sushi is and you’ll probably get an answer of a description of an image of a small block of rice with fish on top. But there so many kinds of sushi aside from the generic image people have in their minds.

So what exactly is sushi? Sushi is vinegared rice, usually topped with other ingredients. There is a wide range of ingredients from fish, seafood, vegetables and meat. The most common ingredient present in all sushi is the sushi rice. Sushi rice is made of Japanese rice that has been mixed with vinegar, sugar and salt. The essential quality of sushi rice is its stickiness. It has to be just right. Too sticky and the resulting rice would be gummy. Not sticky enough and the rice would be too dry. Nori is another item that is commonly found in sushi. Nori is dried seaweed. Quality nori is usually shiny and dark green in color. The different kinds in sushi comes from the different fillings, toppings, the condiments used and the way these ingredients are put together.

Nigiri-zushi

The most common kind of sushi. This type consists of an elongated mound of rice that is shaped by the hands, served with a slice of topping and a bit of wasabi. This type is usually served in pairs.

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Posted in Food, Japan |

If there’s anything that Singapore has contributed to world culture, its the food. This island-nation, a harmonious blend of three ethnic groups and one european culture, has created a perfect storm of cuisine, where any visitor could spend every day sampling a new taste treat for a year and still encounter something deliciously new each time. In fact, back in 2006, food and beverage spending by visitors accounted for more than S$1 billion or about 12 per cent of overseas visitors’ total expenditure.

The very savvy Singapore Tourism Board has celebrated the city’s gastronomic leanings every July for 15 years with the Singapore Food Festival. This year, the Board is co-organizing with food consultancy group Peter Knipp Holdings (PKH) to bring more than 40 events to this year’s festival, including the opening activity in Lau Pa Sat (”old market” in the Hokkien dialect), A Dish for Every Week at Suntec City, The Sentosa BBQ, and a Major League eating competition on July 27, a first for Asia. What’s more, foodies can enjoy outdoor jazz, mobile musicians, demonstrations, and even a fashion show. If Singapore is internationally recognized as a food paradise, then consider the Food Festival as the annual Rapture.

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Posted in Events, Food, Singapore |

From bustling markets, to monstrous mega malls and buzzing nightlife, Manila will have your heart racing for more! With its blend of American and Spanish influences, and well spoken English, the Filipino locals will surely not disappoint with their accommodating and friendly nature.

It takes a while to get used to Manila but those who persevere will find that it’s a unique city with a lot of personality and character. Let this magical city inspire you with its own sense of charm and energy.

Bellhop Picks:

High-end: InterContinental Manila

Mid-range: Somerset Olympia Makati

Low-range: Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites Manila

Read more about other attractions in our Philippines guide. See what fellow travellers have to say in the Philippines tales section.

Posted in Spotlight |

Melbourne, The second largest city in Australia, Melbourne has a passion for sports, good coffee and a razzle dazzle of cultural events.

Bellhop Picks:

• High-end: Amora Riverwalk Melbourne
• Mid-range: Victoria Hotel Melbourne An All Seasons Hotel
• Low-range: Kingsgate Hotel Melbourne (The)

Read more about other attractions in our Australia guide. See what fellow travellers have to say in the Australia tales section.

Posted in Spotlight |

No other city is as vibrant and alive as Hong Kong which thrives to a different beat from sun up to sundown.

Bellhop Picks:

• High-end: Marco Polo Hotel Hong Kong
• Mid-range: Eaton Hotel Hong Kong
• Budget: Bridal Tea House

Read more about other attractions in our Hong Kong guide. See what fellow travellers have to say in the Hong Kong tales section.

Posted in Spotlight |

Release that romance by sharing a scuba dive or a zesty meal with your loved one in Guam! Surrounded by the North Pacific Ocean and Philippine Sea, Guam enjoys world renowned diving conditions in serene blue waters. Be consumed by the dance, festivals, cuisine and fantastic shopping that this island offers.

Bellhop Picks:

• High-end: Westin Resort Guam, Tumon
• Mid-range: Holiday Resort & Spa Guam, Tumon
• Budget: Days Inn Guam Tamuning

Posted in Spotlight |

Exhibiting remnants of 7 ancient cities, is the capital city of India, New Delhi. Immerse yourself in the intense culture that Delhi has to offer through its many attractions, including shrines, temples and museums.

Bellhop Picks:

• High-end: Grand Hotel New Delhi
• Mid-range: Hans Plaza Hotel New Delhi
• Budget: Hotel Rahul Palace New Delhi

Read more about other attractions in our India guide. See what fellow travellers have to say in the India tales section.

Posted in Spotlight |

From castles to shopping malls and business districts, Sendai is vibrant and fast paced but this bustling city also boasts the name of “City of Trees” for its tranquil parks, the Hirose-gawa River and the beautiful zelkova trees that border the city’s streets.

Bellhop Picks:

• High-end: Hotel Monterey Sendai
• Mid-range: Koyo Grand Hotel Sendai
• Budget: Chisun Hotel Sendai

Read more about other attractions in our Japan guide. See what fellow travellers have to say in the Japan tales section.

Posted in Spotlight |

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park of Kota Kinabalu is a marine park that is made up of a cluster of five idyllic islands namely: Palau Manukan, Palau Mamutik, Palau Sapi, Palau Gaya and Palau Sulug.

There are also tours that are being offered by various travel agencies. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is labelled as the Island Hopping Tour and rates range from RM 100 (US$ 31) to RM 150 (US$ 46 ). The most expensive tour would include the following: Entrance Fee, Port Fee, Boat Fee, Land Return Transfer and even a buffet BBQ lunch at the island of your choice.

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Posted in Beaches, Malaysia, Things to do |