Dubai City Of Contrasts

Dubai is the location where ancient and modern civilizations meet. Dubai is the place where you can be gazing at the Architectural craftsmanship that lead to the tall modern buildings and 5 minutes later you can be wondering through the little old side streets at the Dubai gold souk. Dubai is the important MICE destination with modern meeting facilities and deluxe city business hotels where large multinationals and business travelers meet from around the world for fancy exhibitions and lengthy negotiations. However Dubai is also a holiday destination for families with children who enjoy a week at the Jebel Ali or Sheraton Dubai Beach resort.

Dubai is indeed a great travel destination for both the tourist as well as the business traveler. Dubai has so much to offer in means of activities, hotels and infrastructure to name but a few. Kids love Dubai as there are so many great activities held for them each day at either one of the hotels or at one of the tourist’s attractions such as wild water park. Not to worry for mom and dad as they will have ample opportunity to enjoy themselves at one of the many attractions or events held daily. The numerous Dubai tour companies organize a great variety of activities which may include jeep safari’s , snowboarding down the sand dunes or really hitting the ski slopes in the recently opened Dubai indoor ski lodge.

Dubai has reached the Valhalla status of tourism destinations. It will be hard to find any destination around the world which has had such strong growth in tourism income and arrivals and Dubai has even become one of the world wide trendsetters when it comes to travel and tourism. However Dubai knows as no other how quickly a destination can reach the top and how fast a destination can become unpopular among travelers and meeting planners.

Dubai is continuing to heavily invest into the Dubai tourism industry with lots of spending on infrastructure, new Dubai resorts and a whole series of spectacular attractions that are being built currently or are under plans. The soon to be opened underwater hotel is just a sample of what the planners in Dubai are up to.

The continuous investments by the authorities and finance community should normally guarantee its position as of the main travel destinations around the world however there is another side to the success of Dubai.

More and more visitors our expressing their disgust with the big price increases which the hotels in Dubai seem to implement each season. Dubai was never a destination really for budget travelers however some of the hotels are starting to charge astronomical rates for their room. The Dubai hotel owners should not become greedy and arrogant and out price themselves. Many destinations in the past have seen this happen which finally led to a popularity of those destinations dropping rather fast.

Nearby countries such as Oman and Qatar are seeing their popularity among international tourists rapidly increasing and more and more hotels are other facilities are being constructed although both countries have a large number of first class hotels. The other Emirates, with which Dubai forms the United Arab Emirates, are seeing their tourism industries growing at warp speed. Abu Dhabi has a large number of world class hotels and resorts and more are being contracted. The most expensive hotel ever build is in fact the Emirates Palace which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government and is managed by Kempinski. There are more and more great alternatives to Dubai in the region and often at much lower prices so the policy makers should very much consider this.

Dubai has focused all their energy and funds into the tourism industry as one can clearly see. The result is magnificent. However as the oil supply is rumored to dry up soon, it will mean that Dubai has put almost all their eggs into one basket. Dubai will be very dependent on the hospitality and tourism business which can lead to undesirable situations.

Dubai is unfortunately not located in a very stable part of the world. Due to the constant problems that nearby countries have with one and other such as Israel, Iraq, Iran and Syria, it is difficult to predict the future. Unfortunately an event in a nearby country can completely paralyze the tourism business which would be disastrous for Dubai and its work force.

A good example of a destination which suffered deeply as it had only the tourism industry to rely on is Bali. I worked there just before the big financial crisis hit South East Asia during the final months of 1997. The Island of the gods had extremely high occupancies and high average room rates. Many new hotels were being constructed as Bali was a gold mine at that time. It was the playground of the international Jet set. Since the crisis hit in 1997 Bali has never been able to attract meeting planners and the large number of tourists that they were once used to. Many locals lost their source income and a great deal of investors lost their lifesaving. So many hotels have been put up for sale without their being any interested buyers.

Off course Dubai is located in a different region of the world however several ingredients of what caused Bali to disappear as a big tourism player also exist potentially in Dubai. The religious fanatics that hit Bali could shit their sights to other places and Dubai with al its western tourists do stand out a bit. It all takes one such attach and the tourism industry will receive a blow which it might not recover from.

Additionally having spoken to many Dubai travelers as well as people living and working in Dubai, I have compiled a list of items which would be great for improvement and would surely please many visitors.

• Stop the pricing discrimination which charges Arabs and former Soviet Union nations more then western Europeans and Asians. This policy has upset a great number of travelers which don’t have this happen in Qatar or Oman for example.

• Due to so many hotels having opened and being opened in the near future, there is the risk that the quality of the hotel staff could drop. Clients are starting to complain more about the service they receive at the Dubai hotels. The guests often feel that the hotels and their management are somewhat arrogant and not flexible when it comes to solving any problem that clients might have.

• Dubai has one of the strictest cancelation policies of any destination around the world. It is not unheard of that hotels are charging 100% cancelation fee even if the client cancelled a week or more before. The hotels should understand that this will finally become a good reason for travelers not to go. A week at a beach resort can easily cost 3000-5000 USD and if they have to cancel due to a family emergency then that would a ridiculous cancelation fee for the hotel to keep.

• Many hotels in Dubai still have not very generous children’s policies as parents frequently have to pay kid supplement on top of the room charge. The vast majority of destinations that I worked at have the rule that 2 kids under 12 could share the room with the parents as long as no extra bedding was required. A large number of Dubai hotels only require one child to stay in the room and therefore a family with 2 small kids is told to get 2 rooms. This is another sore point for families and which are turning them away as they need to stay with their young kids in one room.

• Dropping visa requirement for certain nationalities. The countries that entered the EU some years ago like Malta and the Czech Republic still require a visa while the other member countries of the EU don’t require one. Also nearby Lebanon and Egypt for example still require a visa which is rather complex for last minute business travel and meetings.

• Finally a point of myself. Dubai seems to be able to make the most amazing buildings, attractions and artificial islands. However, why is the public transport service in Dubai so poor compared to its luxurious hotels and malls. That is certainly one large contrast. Many of the Taxis are charging very high rates and especially those at the airport. Cant some rail network be build between the airport and Dubai and possible even the beach area. Kuala Lumpur builds an excellent rail system when they opened their new airport a few years back. I am certain that Dubai would become an even better tourism hotspot with such as system.

Best Asian destinations for the US dollar – Part 1

With the American recessions underway, it seems that going on a holiday should be put off. But the good news is, Asian destinations are the perfect option for cheap holidays. With a much cheaper rates and expenses compared to other places in Europe, Asia is the best place to relax and enjoy even during an economic slow-down.

Hong Kong

Once part of the British Empire, this small city is boosting with tall skycrapers and upscale boutiques. Shopping is the most common activity in Hong Kong with designer boutiques like Loius Vitton, Ferragamo and Chanel for a cheaper price. Hong Kong also has its own Disneyland and have great services and facilities.

Singapore

For a small nation- state, Singapore is a highly developed country and famous for its cleanliness. Though it is more expensive compared to other Asian destinations, Singapore is still a cheaper choice for the dollar. Gum is illegal in this country and shopping for electronic gadgets is one of the best thing to do while in Singapore. Visit the wonderful Santosa for children and adults and take a picture of the Merlion.

Malaysia

Singapore’s neighbor is also gaining popularity among tourists; most tourists who visit Singapore will proceed to Malaysia which is linked with a bridge. Unlike Singapore, there are many places in Malaysia that are still secluded and unexploited by modernity and also very cheap. Kuala Lumpur has its Petronas Twin Towers which is the most famous landmark in this country. Visit tea plantations or savor its world famous chocolates.

Bangkok, Thailand

You have seen Bangkok in various Hollywood movies. Now is the time to experience what this country can really offer. Shopping is very cheap, go for clothes and interior decorations that are totally unique and great finds. Visit temples, ride the elephants or have the best massage to soothe those aching muscles. Locals can understand and speak a little English and the prices are cheaper.

Maldives

Further south of Sri Lanka and India is a small nation consist of atolls. Maldives is the place for those honeymooners or holiday seekers who want a more peaceful and quite get away. Small huts are situated on the waters and linked with small platforms for that unique and rejuvenating ambiance. Once can see marine creatures like fish and coral reefs from your huts, fishing and scuba diving are also great activities in Maldives. The whole nation is not as commercialized compared to other destinations and the beach and the waters are definitely marvelous.

Macau

Politically part of China, Macau is a mixture of Asian and European cultures. Chinese temples go side by side with Christian churches. This small island was colonized with the Portuguese and at present some residents are descendants of the Portuguese. Macau is also the gambling capital of Asia and can compete with Las Vegas.

Philippines

As an English speaking country and culture close to the Americans, Philippines is the best place to relax on the beach or go for scuba diving. Hospitality in this country is also known world-wide, hence tourists fell at home and well pampered. Skip the capital city of Manila and choose other cities like Cebu, Mactan and Davao.

To end up, there are still wonderful places in Asia like Vietnam, Cambodia and India. But the places mentioned above can kick off your ultimate Asian tour.

Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur

One of the most interesting places to visit in Asia is Kuala Lumpur and one of the major attractions there is the Petronas twin towers. These magnificent structures stand 458 meters tall and have 88 floors. The foundation of these towers stretches 120 meters underground. The towers themselves are made primarily of reinforced concrete and steel with a glass faade. Construction on these towers was finished in 1996.In a building this massive it would seem logical that the elevator system be huge and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. There are 3 groups of elevators that together service all the floors in the building. The elevator cars are two stories, so one story handles the even floors and the other handles the odd floors. These elevators are also specially equipped with a number of safety devices. The one that is the most interested is the way that one elevator can go up beside another elevator and evacuate people from it if it gets stuck or jammed between floors.At the base of the towers there is a shopping plaza called Suria KLCC. It has a large number of shops featuring all kinds of different merchandise. On the 4th floor you will find the petroleum development centre.

Just outside the plaza is the KLCC Park. This park has jogging and walking paths, a wading pool, and a childrens playground. It has a very large water fountain with built in lighting that puts on a fantastic show, as the water blasts high into the air. Getting to the towers is easy. Take the Putra train right to the towers.

A look at the tallest buildings in the world – Part 4

The issue of tall buildings has proved contentious over the years. It is little wonder the whole debate has arisen since it’s fuelled by an undetermined measuring criteria that for years couldn’t decide whether the roof or the spire was the highest point of a building or indeed what differentiates a building from a tower.

The confusing issue led to many quarrels over which building was tallest, and more recently, those debates have been between various countries. For the better part of the 20th century America led the way for tall buildings, structures and towers. But since 1996 (when the Petronas Twin Towers opened in Kuala Lumpur), Asia has competed for skyline space.

The Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), who maintain the definitive guide to super-structures decided on a four-part criteria for measuring and therefore differentiating between tall buildings, towers and structures. This was based on the way the top of buildings were measured. For example, the newly opened Shanghai World Financial Centre has an occupied floor that exceeds the height of Taipei 101’s highest occupied floor, however, both Taipei 101 and Sears Tower are taller based on the height between ground level and their highest point. This is because both Sears and Taipei have antennas on their roofs that further their height. Instantly, you can begin to see where the confusion lies.

The CTBUH tried to simplify things. Therefore they define tall buildings by a four-part criteria first and then on usage determining type. A “building” has to have over 50% of occupied, usable floor space; below 50% and it is defined as a “tower”. Once a building or tower is defined, its height is then measured either to its architectural top, its highest occupied floor, its roof, or to the highest tip.

The CTBUH view the architectural top as including spires and other aesthetic design elements but not antennas, signage or flag poles. This is the most common way lists of tall buildings are compiled. The highest occupied floor has to be continually in-use by patrons or employees. The height of the roof doesn’t take into consideration spires or antennas measuring to the highest roof level, while the highest tip measures to the uppermost point regardless of architectural design, antenna or occupied floor space. We therefore get a few buildings vying for the tallest as they each have individual traits that single them out.

Until recently, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in all four categories

Bufori: Handcrafted cars

I’m in the market for a car. I’m not a petrol head. In fact, cars have never really interested me, much. I’m the typical, female stereotype when it comes to driving. As long as my car gets me from A to B without any hassles and isn’t a petrol-guzzler, that’s all that matters. I generally don’t care about torque, accessories or whatever’s under the bonnet.

That is until recently, when I stumbled on a “For Sale” ad for a BUFORI. I have to admit that it was love at first sight. I was instantly smitten.

As a hopelessly romantic teenager, I soaked up every word of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” believing, like so many other wistful readers, that we were born in the wrong era. I guess the story appealed to the 1930’s “Daisy” in me – those heady, pre-WW11 days of hedonistic pleasure reserved solely for the gratification of the idle rich.

BUFORIs are magnificent cars. They are lovingly handcrafted in the classic styles of a bygone era when motoring was an enjoyable, unhurried and simple pastime.

The BUFORI was conceived in Sydney in 1986 by George Khouri who decided to build his own sports car. His dream was not only realized with the construction of his first car, the “BUFORI Madison,” but George also built one for each of his brothers, Gerry and Anthony. The boys joined forces and a unique and distinct car manufacturing industry was born. In 1990, BUFORI was the only car manufacturer endorsed to carry the “Australian Made” logo. However, in 1992, the brothers were encouraged by the Malaysian Prime Minister, YM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed to relocate their successful manufacturing operation to Kuala Lumpur. BUFORI moved to Malaysia and produced its first Malaysian model (the MK11) in 1999. In October 2008, the Bufori was chosen by Ralph Laurent as an additional drawcard for the launch of his new perfume “Notorious” at various shopping malls across Malaysia. The Bufori La JOYA was also showcased at the Australian International Motor Show in Darling Harbour, Sydney in October this year.

BUFORIs are stylishly similar to American 1930’s coupes, however they are not copies or reproductions of these classic roadsters. Each BUFORI is individually and exclusively handmade with the emphasis on state-of-the-art technology, uncompromising luxury, comfort and driving pleasure. The cars can be tailored to suit the individual specifications and requirements of the buyer and are painstakingly custom built by an expert team of 110 employees.

Experience the Beauty of Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is one of the most wonderful destinations in Malaysia, and is a great way to escape from the hustles and bustles of Kuala Lumpur. Perched at an altitude of about 1822 meters, Cameron Highlands is the largest as well as the most serene of all the hill resorts in the country.

Apart from being one of the most prominent tourist spots, Cameron Highlands is also credited to be leading producer of flowers as well as agricultural produces such as tomatoes and lettuce in the country. No wonder why Cameron Highlands is sometimes referred to as the ‘Green Bowl of Malaysia.’ Located in the northwest corner in the state of Penang, about 300 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands is much favored for its breathtaking scenery, comprising majestic mountain peaks, soothing mountain air, stunning waterfalls, incredible tea plantations, miles of strawberry and other fruit farms, and beautiful flower gardens.

The charm of this hill resort was first discovered by a British surveyor, William Cameron, in 1885. As a result, Cameron Highlands became one of the South-East Asia’s most popular hill resorts during the colonial period. Later, on realizing the healthy climate and the richness and fertility of the mountain slopes, the British planters choose this area to grow tea and agricultural produce. Even today, the hill resort retains its charm and glory of an English Village.

Among the key attractions in Cameron Highlands are:

Rose Center and Rose Valley – Rose center is the biggest of its kind in the country, with a great selection of roses. When comes to the Rose Valley, it boasts of about 500 varieties of roses, such as, thorn less rose, green rose, and black rose. Additionally, a good number of other flowers including gerberas, lily, camellia, honeysuckle, gypsy flower, and much more, can be seen here. Above all, don’t forget to climb atop the peak of the Rose Center to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kea Farm valley coupled with terraced farms.

Butterfly Garden and Butterfly Farm – Both of them are located within easy reach of the Kea Farm. They are a great place to view such rare species of butterflies as the Raja Brooke butterfly, which in turn is regarded as the national butterfly of the country.

Cactus Valley: It boasts of a great variety of rare cactus, among which some are more than 50 years old. A variety of other crops are also cultivated here adopting hydroponics technique, such as strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Honey Bee Apiary Farms: Cameron Highlands is home to a number of apiary farms, of which perhaps the most popular ones are Ee Feng Gu honey bee farm and Habu Bee Farm.

Agrotechnology Park: Sprawling over an area of about 45 hectares, Agrotechnology Park is a botanical garden, with a large species of temperate plants and crops. Modeled on the basis of the British Kew Garden and Agro Dome in New Zealand, the park is worth a visit. It is categorized into several sections such as English Garden, Orchid Garden, Herb Garden, Rose Garden, and Research Center.

Multicrops Central Market: This is a one-stop center to shop all such items as pots, flowers, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Cameron Highlands Golf Course: Situated between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, this is an 18-hole par – 71 golf course. With rolling fairways, delicate greens, and meandering streams, the course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Boh Tea Plantation: Founded by J.A. Russel, a British merchant, in 1929, Boh Tea Plantation holds the distinction of being the largest manufacturer of black tea in Malaysia.

Sam Poh Temple: Erected in 1972, Sam Poh is one of the largest temples in the country. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese Muslim eunuch as well as the admiral of the Chinese fleet, Zheng He.

List of attractions in Cameron Highlands also include a number of strawberry firms such as Kasimani’s Strawberry Farm and Healthy Strawberry Farm; Parit Falls, Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, Robinson Falls, Taman Unc Sam, Time Tunnel, Kuala Who hot springs, and Night Market. Additionally, people touring the destination can engage in a number of activities such as jungle trekking, mountain hiking, shopping, camping, and golf.

In order to cater to the needs of the growing number of tourists to the destination, Cameron Highlands has a number of accommodation options to choose from such as hotels and resorts to apartments and chalets. Let it be of any type, an accommodation choice in the area is replete with almost all that are required to make your vacation enjoyable as well as unforgettable.

Malaysia – Essential Visits

Located in South East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south, Malaysia achieved its independence from British rule on the 31st of August 1957. With a population of approximately 23.5 million (58% Malays, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians and 10% others), Malaysia is rich in differing cultures and traditions. The uniqueness of Malaysia is that all these differing religions live alongside each other in harmony and peace.

You may be asking “What’s there to do in Malaysia?”. Malaysia offers natural beauties in tropical rainforest, scuba diving; Shopping haven in all major cities; Friendly citizens across the country. Whatever you want to do, ranging from being a potatoe couch at the hotel to extreme adventures, Malaysia has it all.

Having said that, I will now point out to you the essential visits that you should take part in order to make your trip whole (in no particular order):

Petronas Twin Towers

Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet), the Petronas Twin Towers is the highest twin towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys and 32000 windows, the towers are connected via a skybridge. You must book your time to access the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featured in the movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting the towers, take a stroll at the KLCC park (20 hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent to the towers and indulge yourself in shopping at the Suria KLCC located inside the towers.

Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)

Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its natural beauty and exotic heritage. Located at the northern part of Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a large variety of culture, people and food within the 285 square kilometres enclave. So diversed, you will be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples and Muslim mosques all within a five minutes walk. Colonial buildings still exist and are constantly being restored to its former glory. When you are at the Pearl of the Orient, you must sample the hawker food found at abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night) and stroll along the beaches of Batu Ferringi.

Sipadan Island

Located on the north-eastern part of Borneo Island, Sipadan is one of the world’s best dive spots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha island. The island was formed from a undersea volcano and is raised 650meters from the sea floor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare reef creatures and the regular appearance of sea turtles. If you are a diver, this is one place that you would not want to miss.

East Coast Islands

On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an abundance of idyllic white sandy beaches. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over to the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself a coconut, relax and enjoy the pounding of the waves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian, Tioman and Redang are famous for their dive spots and family getaway.

Cameron Highlands

This 1800 meters above sea level region is a popular getaway from the tropical heat for Malaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands was discovered by a British surveyor named William Cameron in 1885. This highlands resembles England as old English inns, chalets and bungalows still exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands includes mountain and jungle hikings, tea plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has two golf courses if you are game.

Proboscis Monkeys

Living exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis monkeys have the largest nose amongst all primates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason for the elongated nose is unknown. Another distinctive feature of this unique creature is its pot belly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species and is listed under the IUCN Red List. Visiting these creatures in its natural habitat is well worth the journey.

About The Author

Mij Gnow is an avid traveller who is infected with the travel bug throughout the year. Weighed down by the corporate world to earn a living, Mij continues to write articles in preparation for his future travels.

Mij is also the creator and administrator of Travel Corridor, http://www.travelcorridor.com; a site containing essential visits around the world.

Travel to Malaysia.

Malaysia is a country of striking natural beauty situated in Southeast Asia, with some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in the world. It consists of thirteen states that are divided into two geographical regions that are separated by the South China Sea.

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society and is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Contemporary Malaysian society is mainly dominated by the Malay (local) people, but there is a substantial Chinese, Indian and European minority. The official religion is Islam.

Its year round sunshine ensures Malaysia’s growing tourism and it is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. While it does get torrential seasonal rain, this should not turn you off this paradise. Its rainfall is very seasonal and typical of any equatorial climate.

Travelling by air to Malaysia can be very inexpensive with one of the world’s leading low cost carrier, Air Asia, based there. Once you arrive in Malaysia your luxury holiday immediately begins. The high-speed express will get you into Kuala Lumpur in less than thirty minutes.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, or also known as KL, is an expansive beautiful city with soaring skyscrapers. One hundred years ago Kuala Lumpur was a small mining town attracting workers from China and India. Now it’s fast becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world.

Kuala Lumpur is now well known as a great shopping destination as well as a great night time spot and entertainment hub. Food in Malaysia varies from the different ethnic regions, rice is the most common food source in Malaysia and is often eaten for breakfast.

The landscape of Malaysia ranges from lush rainforests to towering rocky hills. Its rainforests are full of all types of flora and fauna with over 450 species of birds that are native to the islands of Malaysia. There are also over 160 different species of snake. Other wildlife of Malaysia includes bears, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, monkeys, panthers and rhinoceroses. The Orang-utan, which is one of the world’s most endangered animals is also unique to this part of the world.

Malaysia has over 200 tropical islands making it a refuge for all sorts of water sports. Its tropical resorts are full of white sandy beaches and provide a vast paradise, while beneath the warm tropical waters, a unique world awaits to be explored.

Well worth a visit, and located just outside of the capital city are the Batu Caves. These are huge cathedral-like caves accessible by steps. The caves have a one hundred meter tall chamber and have been used as a Hindu temple for more than a hundred years.

There are many reasons for travelling to Malaysia but a few things that you can always count on are: the excellent climate that you get all year round, the peaceful surroundings that you get all year round, and the great value that Malaysia has to offer.

One of the greatest aspects of life in Malaysia, and especially Kuala Lumpur, is that so many people with different ethnic backgrounds live together in perfect harmony with no racial problems.

A first

I have always dreaded the day I am to visit China, I am a avid traveler and has been to many places, but China seems to be placed last on my travel list. My family, friends and acquaintances seems to enjoy it enough, some have even made it their annual travel itinerary. China is huge and it has many attractions to offer. I heard and read many travel stories and saw many pictures of how beautiful China is, how grand, how developed and was told that there were many types of food available from the many provinces that China has to offer, but still, I was skeptical.

Reluctantly, I had to take the opportunity recently as some members of my family who are in Shanghai are relocating back home for good, and if I do not go now, I will regret it. Furthermore, cost of traveling in China is bound to increase with inflation sky rocketing, fuel prices increasing and with the Olympics in the horizon, it will definitely cost more in the near future. The availability of a budget airline plying the route to Hangzhou, China was also a factor in making up my mind to have a go and face the consequences!

This is my first time going to China and I am going alone, independently and on a budget. Visa was not a problem as long as you have an air-ticket booked and paid for. I booked my budget air ticket on-line and my travel itinerary was Kuala Lumpur-Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shanghai and back to Hangzhou for a flight back home to Kuala Lumpur. Mandarin is a foreign language to me, and I know English is not widely spoken, sign-ages in English is almost non existent, I was traveling alone independently and I was really apprehensive. My family said, “why don’t you just take a taxi from Hangzhou to Shanghai, at least we know you will arrive safely!” Well I would liked that but it will cost me a bomb! So I decided to be cost conscious and take China’s D bullet train for all my internal travel in China.

The internet has quite a huge resource on traveling by train and China has many types, the K fast train, the Y express train, in summary the “alphabet” and the non “alphabet” train. Of all the trains, the non “alphabet” trains are the slowest as they stop at every station, whilst the D bullet train is the fastest. Prices are according to type, time and class of train. There are tourist booths available for English speaking tourist, so it was rather easy getting the train ticket, if not, you could always get the hostel or hotel to book it for you.

Hangzhou is a good place to

Temples in Bali

It would be impossible to visit Bali and not see the temples. Mostly because they are everywhere! Bali has been called the land of a thousand temples, and it is an apt description. Temples large and small are dot the Balinese landscape. In fact, there are tens of thousands of temples in Bali, from the simple to the ornate, from the very large, to the very small. There are so many temples in Bali that the government doesn’t even bother counting them. In Bali the word for temple is Pura. Both words are used here.

In Balinese-Hinduism it is believed that the mountains are for the gods, the flat lands are for the people, and the sea is for the demons. (One of the reasons the ancient Balinese did not do much ocean navigation!) It most villages you will find temples for all three. The Pura Puseh is the most important temple, for honoring and worshiping the gods, the Pura Desa will be for the people. This temple is for the spirits that bless and protect the people. The third type of temple, Pura Dalem, is used to appease the demons and to ask for protection from the spirits.

The best time to visit a temple is during it’s festival day. This only happens once per year for each temple, however, there are so many temples that it should not be difficult to find a temple festival. When visiting the temples it is important to show respect. Women should not wear shorts or have bare shoulders. There is a prohibition against blood on sacred ground, so anyone who is bleeding, including women during their cycle, should not visit the temples. Never stand directly in front of the priest, or be at a level above the priest’s head. No flash photography. Kneel when others kneel and in general, try to blend in and do what others do. Men may be asked to wear a sash. These can be rented, but if you are going to be visiting a lot of temples it might make sense to buy your own.

The one temple you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Bali is Basakih. It is often called the Mother Temple and is located high on Mount Agung. It is the most important temple in Bali. There are over 22 structures, some dating back to the 14th century. Located here are shrines to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.

One of the oldest temples in Bali is Pura Luhur Batu Karu. It is located 10 km west of Bedugul. It overlooks a lake which has a temple to the goddess of Lake Tamblingan.

If you like bats you’ll love Goa Lawah Temple. A sacred site for Brahma, the temple is located in a cave filled with bats. It is said the caves may go all the way to Basakih. If bats are not your style you might prefer the Sangeh Monkey Sanctuary. Watch your belongings as you visit this temple surrounded by tall nutmeg trees. The monkeys are sneaky thieves! They particularly like glasses and keys.

So during your visit to Bali, make sure to enjoy the architecture, the sculpture, the festivities, and the sacredness of the Balinese temples.

For more information about vacation in Bali, please visited http://www.baliexoticbreeze.com

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