Singapore visitors are always treated to a long list of surprises whenever they visit this amazing city.  For one, the list of things to do in Singapore seems endless.  There is always something new to enjoy, explore and discover.  No need to spend your entire time lounging in your superb hotel like the Conrad Centennial Singapore.

Try to get in touch more with nature by visiting the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.  Reaching the reserve is quite easy. All you have to do is board the TIBS 925 coming from the Woodlands Bus Interchange/Kranji MRT Station. This particular bus will bring you directly to the entrance of the park during Sundays and  Public Holidays. On different days, the bus will bring guests to the Kranji Reservoir parking area.  Guests who alight at the Kranji Reservoir would have to walk for around fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the entrance of the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

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Posted in Attractions, Singapore |

If you want to relax after work or touring in Japan, why not try an Izakaya? Izakayas are drinking establishments which also serve a substantial amount of food as compared to a bar or snack shop. The name means “I-”, which means to stay over, and “zaka-ya”, or sake shop. It suggests that customers may stay in the premises after buying sake. Izakayas are also called Akachochin (red lantern), as these paper lanterns are commonly found hanging in front of these establishments. These places are important venues for socializing, where men drink sake and beer after work; tens of thousands of these shops operate in Tokyo alone. Some izakayas are starting to appeal to the female and student population by serving cocktails within posh interiors.

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Posted in Food, Japan |

Another much-anticipated colorful festival will be taking place in the Philippines this month.  This festival is none other than the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival.

The Pahiyas Festival is an annual event that takes place every May 15. It is well attended by people who come from different parts of the Philippines and visitors from all over the world. This festival is held in the historical town of Lucban in the province of Quezon. Lucban is approximately located 160 kilometers from Metro Manila if via Lucena City. If coming from Sta Cruz, Lucban is only 133 kilometers from Manila.  There are tour packages that are offered during the the “Pahiyas Season” and some agencies organize travel groups in hotels along Roxas Boulevard like at Aloha Hotel Manila.  Travel time can last anywhere from two and a half hours to three and a half hours.  Because of this town’s popularity, the Department of Tourism of the Philippines has given the prestigious honor of “Cultural Heritage Site” to Lucban.

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Posted in Events, Philippines |

Corregidor is a tadpole-shaped island at the mouth of Manila Bay, making it a natural site for erecting a fortification in defense of the bay. It once served as an initial checkpoint for visiting ships during the Spanish-era and may have functioned as a correctional facility for criminals of that time, hence the translation of its name as “Island of Corrections”. Its most recent use came during World War II, when American and Filipino defenders battled the invading forces of the Japanese Empire. Today, Corregidor stands as a testament of heroism during those terrible days of conflict.

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Posted in Attractions, Philippines |

There is always something different to see and experience in Hong Kong. The standard Hong Kong itinerary would usually include one or two visits to amusement parks, food trips, and endless shopping sprees. Others prefer to just catch up with some rest and relaxation in any of the fine hotels in the city like the BP International Hong Kong which is located at Hong Kong Island. But there is another interesting attraction in Hong Kong that visitors must make time to see and visit. I am referring to Jumbo Kingdom.

If you find yourself at the south side of the Hong Kong Island then it will be quite easy for you to find Jumbo Kingdom, which is located at the Aberdeen Harbour. Coming from the other parts of Hong Kong, you would have to make your way to the Central MTR station and take bus numbers 70 or 75 from the Exchange Square that will bring you to the Shum Wan Shuttle Ferry Pier. You can also catch the bus at the Admiralty MTR Bus Terminal and this will bring you directly to the Aberdeen Shuttle Ferry Pier. The bus ride will not cost you more than HK$ 10.

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Posted in Attractions, Hong Kong |

The beautiful Phi Phi islands, located in Thailand, can be found between the islands of Phuket and the mainland on the Andaman Sea coast side of Thailand. Originally the home to a large majority of Muslim fisherman, Phi Phi Don - the main island, later developed into a coconut plantation.

Image Credit: stoicviking

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Posted in Thailand |

Jakarta, the vivacious capital city of Indonesia, is a favorite destination among thrilled visitors not only in Asia but in other parts of the world.  The culture is so rich with history and Indonesians are known to be people who give so much importance to their traditions.  Those who would like to catch with some rest and relaxation can do so while staying in any of the available hotels in the city.  One great example is the Allson Residence Hotel Jakarta.  But aside from immersing one’s self in this city’s unique way of life, tourists head over to Jakarta to do a bit of shopping.

There are various malls to visit in Jakarta.  But for those who would are budget conscious, there are other shopping options, of course.  One can visit the dry market or head to wholesale markets.  One of the famous wholesale markets in Jakarta would have to be Mangga Dua or Two Mangoes in English.

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Posted in Indonesia, Things to do |

As a major harbor city in South Korea, Incheon is blessed with beautiful beaches and numerous nearby islands available for visits. It is especially accessible from Seoul due to its proximity with the capital and the fact that the subway systems of both cities are linked. All of this gives visitors to the city plenty of things to do, from island-hopping to
heritage tours.

• Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Jayu Park: Jayu (freedom) is the first western-style park in the country, surveyed by a Russian named Sabatin back in 1888. It is made famous by the statue of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, as well as the 100th anniversary bronze tower commemorating the amity between South Korea and the US. During springtime around April, Jayu is covered in cherry blossoms, which is celebrated with military parades, a wedding festival, and other activities. Near the park is the country’s first modern meteorological observatory, built by the Japanese in aid of the Russo-Japanese War. If you stay in the park until dusk, you can enjoy the sea which gains a reddish tint at sunset.

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Posted in Asia, Korea, Things to do |

If Buddhists believe they will be reincarnated until they reach Nirvana, then why is there a Buddhist hell? It turns out that hell for Buddhists is a place for purgation before being reincarnated, where sinners spend an unbelievable amount of time being tortured by demonic entities. If you want to see what Buddhist Hell looks like, go to Thailand. Specifically, there’s a temple near Bangsaen Beach, just 90 minutes away from Bangkok, where scenes of sinners in the afterlife can discourage young and old from leading a life of transgressions. It is called Wang Saen Suk, and it is the largest hell garden in Thailand.

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Posted in Attractions, Thailand |