Destination China

China is a destination of such epic proportions that we can barely scratch the surface here.

With three major regions, China stretches from the mountainous west, to the desert plains of the Mongol Plateau to Manchuria in the northeast. The largely low-lying eastern region consists of the valleys and floodplains of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, through to the coastal plains of the Pearl River in the south.

It is hard to bypass (and one certainly shouldn’t!) the nation’s capital for over 3000 years — Beijing — as China’s premier tourist destination. The architectural masterpiece of the Forbidden City, the equally impressive Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs, the Temple of Heaven… and of course, the most famous of all — The Great Wall of China, built during the Ming Dynasty’s reign to fortify China’s northern border and today one of the most visited sites in all the world.

For contrast, Shanghai is one of Asia’s fastest growing and most modern cities. A centre for commercial trade with the west during the 1800s, by the 1930s it was both famous and infamous as a cosmopolitan world city. Today soaring skyscrapers overlooking the Bund are testament to Shanghai’s influential economic position.

And beyond the obvious, there is also Xian, once an ancient capital on the Silk Road. Xian is most famous for the discovery of its Terracotta Warriors – over 7000 warriors and horses have been excavated from a site first discovered by a group of peasants who uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby in 1974.

Then there is Guilin, the Yangtze River, Zhouzhuang, Zhengzhou, Xiamen, Lhasa and so much more. A country certainly worthy of more than one visit, and with so much choice perfectly positioned to suit every requirement.

China — a country so vast, a history so rich and a culture so profound… Home to over one billion people, China is a mysterious and fascinating nation with an incredible array of iconic historical sites, traditions and civilisations that date back many thousands of years, breathtaking country landscapes and futuristic cities.

Destination Hong Kong

Hong Kong. In our opinion, Asia’s most dynamic city. A place where ‘East meets West’ is more perfect a description than any other place on Earth, where the old sits comfortably alongside the new, encompassed within the most vibrant harbour the world has to offer.

Hong Kong is a sophisticated metropolis of more than six million people sharing an area of about 1,100 square kilometres, more mobile phones and pagers than you can imagine, and soaring skyscrapers that draw your eyes ever upwards.

Savour a thousand contrasting tastes, with dining experiences world renowned, or satisfy your hunger for style in the shopping capital of the world. Whether it’s Stanley Markets or the designer boutiques of Nathan Road, on offer is an overwhelming array of goods to suit any budget. With a vibrancy like no other, this is a city driven by the dollar. Hong Kong is the financial centre of Asia and the pursuit of business is central to all facets of life. This business hub has resulted in a distinctive collage of skyscrapers, of daring architecture, that forms a spectacular backdrop for one of the world’s wonders – the cityscape by night, seen from across Victoria Harbour, with Hong Kong’s mountain-perched buildings seemingly forming a curtain of crystal lights.

And also a diversity – from the bustling city centre to a peaceful countryside. Walking trails from the summit of the famous Peak offer a green view of Hong Kong that few are aware even exists. Repulse Bay, on the southern side of Hong Kong island, features picturesque beaches. Aberdeen is a sheltered bay that is home to a fleet of fishing trawlers and to glitzy floating restaurants. Trolley cars, ferries and subway trains are central to an efficient public transport system that assists visitors in discovering the delights of Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay or Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. (And we still believe you just can’t beat the Star Ferry for one of the most spectacular ‘tours’ in the world!) Portuguese-settled Macau is just a short boat trip away, offering yet another diverse experience.

And of course, Hong Kong continues to grow... yet more investment sees new restaurants, venues, and products released every month as expansion pushes into the outlying islands. Hong Kong is an ever-evolving world class destination, and one that certainly warrants more than one visit. Once, in Hong Kong, is never enough…

Central Asia Travel Guide

The Central Asia travel guide includes countries such as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The countries are positioned between Europe and Asia. The region is dominantly Muslim. Most of the countries were once part of the Soviet Union. Central Asia is becoming more accessible for travelers and tour companies are set up in the region.

Transport

The main transport hub is Tashkent and it has an international airport. It is best not to arrive in the city at night. There are flights into other countries such as Kazakhstan. The area can also be accessed by train. There is a bus system which can be unreliable.

Safety

Check for political tension in countries before arriving. Afghanistan has been the site of political unrest and there is a possibility of kidnappings and riots. It is, however, possible to travel the regions if you do research on the current situation before leaving and heed any travel warnings. Do not walk around alone at night and don't travel with large amounts of money. Men and women should dress respectfully and revealing clothing should be avoided.

Language

Many variations of the Turkish language are used. Mongolic languages are also spoken in some areas. Iranic and Russian languages can be heard in some regions.

Attractions

The area has a rich history and there are many buildings showing remarkable architectural design. The ancient fortress located in Nurata is a note worthy site. In Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, you can see the Chirchik River and the Golestan Mountains. When in Central Asia no trip is complete without a trip to a bazaar. Join in with the hustle and bustle of the bazaar searching for treasures among the abundance of goods. Bazaars are the perfect place to find souvenirs and special gifts. The Chimgan region also offers hiking and sporting activities. The Silk Road is an ancient trading route through Central Asia and many cities formed around this route. Religious sites include mosques which are magnificently designed and decorated. Bukhara located in Uzbekistan has its origins in a Persian civilization founded in the 6th century B.C. In Bukhara there are remarkable historical sites and beautiful examples of Islamic art.

Delhi Travel Guide

Delhi is the best tourist place in india. For many travellers, the first experiences in Delhi set the tone for their judgement of the city. Delhi is best known for tourist place as well as historical place.

Located on the banks of river Yamuna, Delhi consists of New Delhi (the national capital) and Old Delhi.It is home to over 15 million of people and India’s third largest city after Kolkata and Mumbai .

New Delhi was built by the British and that is reflected in its architecture. All roads in New Delhi lead to the India Gate which is a memorial to the unknown soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Towards and along Janpath, you’ll see the international and 5star hotels, impressive buildings built to house the governmental departments, the foreign embassies and museums such as the famous National Museum and the Nehru Museum and also famous for the place Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. New Delhi is also the place where the new big international businesses are concentrated and extended spacious residential areas are located as contrasted with the swarming life in Old Delhi.

The southern parts of Delhi i.e. South and South West Delhi, are the most up-coming and prosperous areas in Delhi. The Qutub Minar and Siri Fort besides many a ancient monuments and Gumbads are there in South Delhi. The Humayun’s tomb which is adjacent to the South Delhi though is in the New Delhi area is very much there in Delhi. The wife of Humayun built the tomb for her husband and it is and it served as inspiration for the Taj Mahai in Agra that was built later. It can easily take up to four days when you want to see all the sights of Delhi.

Main market, near the Delhi railway station is the perfect example of this dualistic nature. On the one hand it is prepared for travellers and offering western life in a nutshell when it comes down to shops, pubs, royal accommodation and nightlife facilities. On the other hand, it still has its street vendors, beggars and pollution.

Old Delhi is over 2500 years old and was the captial city of the Mughal empire. It is dominated by the grand bazaar of Chandni Chowk and by the Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India. You will be impressed by the stillness of this place as soon as you leave the ant-hill of narrow streets, vendor stalls and rickshaws and carriages fighting for a place on the road behind. It offers some excellent views of the city as well. Another popular sight is the Old Red Fort that dominates the horizon with its minarets. Although it is in a rather neglected state, it still is an excellent place to wander around and breath in the atmosphere of the old emperor’s days.

Most people arrive at Delhi Airport that is still quite some distance away from Main Bazaar, the main budget accommodation area in New Delhi. Make sure you take the travel time in consideration when you have to catch a plane. It can be reached easily by taxi but roads can be very crowded during daytime. Delhi is connected perfectly to all other major cities in India and trains run pretty much on time. At the train station, there is a special office for foreigners upstairs to make reservations. The staff make is accurate, friendly and quick and this is certainly a smart idea when you’re planning to make one of these at-least-taking-twenty-hours train trips.

For traveling in Delhi though had created a furore in many a route and their commuters but gradually the same problem is being adhered to by different government agencies. The introduction of the Metro Rail is a dream come true for many a commuters for many a routes. Though it will take some more time to come out totally to save on the traveling times, but as on date the people in the city roads travel much faster than any other metropolitan city in India.

For any traveller to Delhi he can opt the Metro Rail to cover a lots of distance per day. The individual can board the metro rail from the India Railway's network at New Delhi or Delhi Railway station. One can visit Connaught place, Delhi University, Shahdara, Rohini, Dwarka, Chandni Chowk, Pragati Maidan, Karol Bagh, Raja Garden like central areas. In the near future the Delhites can commute from any part of Delhi to the other. Courtesy : Prasanta Varma, Delhi. Besides the Metro, the MRTS and other ways of commuting are coming to Delhi.

10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Temple of Preah Vihear
Most people come to Cambodia to bask in the glory of one exquisite point of interest: Angkor. Indeed, while the 400 km² site is superlative, a singular temple to Shiva on a Dangrek Mountain cliff is a UNESCO gem as well. Visit Angkor, without question, but make time for the remarkable Temple of Preah Vihear.

Angkor Wat – Photo credit
Town of Luang Prabang
A former royal capital in north central Laos, the Town of Luang Prabang is a vital confluence of architectural styles. The city of 100,000 people preserves a vast network of traditional temples and palaces but also unfurls a flourish of European colonial landmarks. As a result, Luang Prabang is a jewel of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Luang Prabang and Mekong River – Photo credit
Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape
A long title for a UNESCO World Heritage inscription perhaps, but Vat Phou is long on charm. The site as a whole refers to a complex of Khmer temple ruins that date back as far as the 5^th century. A vital Champasak province refuge of Theravada Buddhism, this area at the base of Mount Phu Kao is lush and inimitable.

Champasak, Laos – Photo credit
Historic City of Ayutthaya
For over four hundred years, the old city of Ayutthaya was the nexus of royal power in Thailand. The second major capital of Siam was left in ruins by Burma in the late 18^th century but as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rules supreme once again.

Photo credit
Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns
The zenith of the Sukhothai Kingdom, from the 13^th to the 15^th century, was a phenomenal era of expansion for Siam. All of the inherent glory from this major period in Thailand’s history comes together in three heritage parks: Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet Si Satchanalai.

Sukhothai, Thailand – Photo credit
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
The discovery in 1966 of relics from 2,000 B.C. in in Nong Han, Udon Thani Province, Thailand, was a spectacular find in the world of archaeology. To date, no site in Southeast Asia compares with what Ban Chiang tells us about the cultural, social and technological evolution of ancient people in the area. The scope of objects found at the vast excavation site is unimaginable.
Complex of Hué Monuments
Vietnam makes a strong appearance on the UNESCO list with the brilliant Complex of Hué Monuments. Forget beach resorts – come here first when you visit Vietnam. Vibrant Hué, home to over 350,000 people, is incomparable and the network of Nguyen Dynasty landmarks that dot the cityscape form a formidable cultural attraction.

Photo credit
Hoi An Ancient Town
For a time the premier harbor city in Southeast Asia, Hoi An still evokes the distinctive charm of a dynamic cultural and commercial hub. Once a congregation point for Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Indian, French, Spanish and Portuguese merchants and traders, the city of 150,000 now lures international tourists throughout the year. Hoi An Ancient Town is simply unlike any other place in Vietnam.

Photo credit
My Son Sanctuary
The venerable complex of desolate shrines and monuments in Quang Nam province, not far from the city of Da Nang, is a significant holdover from a bygone era in Vietnam. For close to 1,000 years, until the 13^th century, My Son was a vital expression of Indian Hinduism and the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

Photo credit
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi
A new inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010, the spectacular city of Hanoi now has another claim to fame. Built in the 11^th century, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a major Nguyen Dynasty cultural and strategic complex. Close to some of the best hotels in Hanoi, the site is a vital and active excavation site and archaeological work in progress.

Hanoi side street – Photo credit

Macau Travel Guide

Macau is a wonderful city to stroll around. If you’re feeling energetic you could walk to almost all of its sights in one single day (the entire territory covering 7 sq mi/17 sq km). We loved the feeling we got roaming the hilly winding streets and the back alleys. Although the European-style architecture and plazas are unusual for this part of the world, you would never mistake Macau for Lisbon.

The territory’s most famous landmark is the Church of Sao Paulo (circa 1600). All that remains is the facade—the rest of the church was destroyed by fire in 1835. However, it’s worth climbing the imposing set of stairs to view the ruins up close, especially at night when the lit-up city is spread out below. Farther on, another set of stairs leads to the Citadel of Sao Paulo do Monte where you can still see the cannon that helped repel the Dutch invasion of 1622. The view of the city and countryside is fantastic.

If time permits, visit the temple of the Goddess A-Ma as well as Lin Fong Temple. Then see the old Protestant cemetery where early non-Catholic settlers and traders are interred (an ancestor of Winston Churchill is buried there). Visit the Lou Lim Ioc garden, but only if you’re not going to see any of the large formal gardens in China. Restoration Row in northern Macau is an interesting area of 1920s buildings restored by the government. Take a walk down the Praia Grande to see some of the older buildings including Government House and the Macau Governor’s Residence (built in 1849).

At night the main entertainment revolves around casinos jai alai and horse racing. It’s also possible to make day trips into China by passing through Macau’s symbol the 'Barrier Gate'.

Jai alai has now been banned as it is too dangerous.

South Asia Travel Guide

The South Asia travel guide encompasses an area which stretches from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. Tropical islands such as the Maldives also form part of the region. Countries situated in South Asia include Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Asia is densely populated and has been the site for political conflict. Each country is unique and boasts a variety of attractions, making this a fascinating region to visit. The diversity of the area reflects both extreme poverty and astounding beauty.

Climate

The majority of South Asia has a tropical climate. Monsoon season generally falls in summer. Winters usually have a low rainfall. As this is a diverse region there are differences in climatic conditions from country to country. The Himalayas have a completely different climate to the rest of the region. Visiting the Himalayas during summer offers a respite from the heat.

Language

There is a diverse range of languages and India, in particular, has many different languages. Hindi and Urdu are spoken by many people. Most well-educated people speak English. It is possible to get by with English in most big cities and tourist areas.

Attractions

With so many things to do in South Asia there is no time to be bored. In India a popular activity is to go trekking in the Himalayas. Camel safaris are a good way to explore the desert and enjoy an experience of a life time. For peace and quite visit a meditation center or ashram in India. Goa boasts a famous nightlife and party lovers flock to Goa from all over the world. The beautiful beaches are the perfect backdrop for parties. In Pakistan there are magnificent mosques that are must sees when touring the region. The mosques are not only beautiful buildings with historical significance but they also offer insight into the culture of Pakistan. White river rafting, canoeing and water sports are other activities that tourists can enjoy in Pakistan. Skiing is possible and the Karakoram Range has skiing resorts. In Nepal you can buy Tibetan crafts from Bodnath Stupa. It is also possible to hire a hot air balloon or to go hang-gliding. The conditions in the area are good for rafting and there are rafting facilities.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikipedia

A short guide to Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Consisting of 41 inhabited islands and 16 uninhabited islands, Okinawa has the only sub-tropical climate in Japan and as such is a major tourist destination for the Japanese, but not many foreign visitors make it to these shores.
The name Okinawa means “rope in the open sea”, a fairly apt description of this long stretch of islands between mainland Japan and Taiwan.

From the northern end of the chain near Kyushu to the southern end near Taiwan, Okinawa’s major islands are:

Okinawa Island — the largest island in both size and population, featuring administrative capital Naha
- Ie - an upheaved coral reef island with only one village and an estimated population of about 5,000 inhabitants
- Ikei - a great secluded island getaway with some of the best beaches
- Hamahika
- Kume - often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Ryukyu Islands
- Kerama Islands — a cluster of tiny islands between Kume and Okinawa
Daito Islands — specks in the sea hundreds of kilometers to the east
- Kitadaito — the easternmost island in the prefecture
Miyako Islands — tourists are usually most interested in the natural monuments found here
- Irabu — the “other island” of Miyako
- Miyako — by far the largest of the three main islands that make up the group
- Shimoji — very close to Irabu, but not quite as large
- Tarama — known for its August festival
Yaeyama Islands — closer to Taiwan than the mainland
- Hateruma — the southernmost inhabited point of Japan
- Hatoma - the smallest of the Yaeyama Islands, barely 1 kilometer in diameter
- Ishigaki — the hub of the Yaeyamas, with spectacular beaches and manta rays
- Iriomote — jungles and the mysterious Iriomote wild cat
- Taketomi — small island off Ishigaki, known for a carefully restored Ryukyu village
- Yonaguni — the westernmost point of Japan, with mysterious ruins and hammerhead sharks
- Kuro — tiny island mildly famous for having (way) more cows than people

Most people come to Okinawa for the sun and beaches. Even in midwinter, when mainland Japan teeters around the freezing point, temperatures rarely dip below 15°C in Okinawa. For more adventurous types, the vast yet almost uninhabited island of Iriomote is covered in dense jungle.
Cultural attractions are rather more limited — Japanese colonization and World War II did a regrettably thorough job of eliminating most traces — but two standouts are Shuri Castle in Naha on Okinawa Island, and the carefully preserved village of Taketomi in the southern Yaeyama Islands.

The main attraction in Naha is the Shuri Castle, the former seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom, built in the Okinawan gusuku style. Completely destroyed during World War II, the present buildings are reconstruction from 1958 and 1992.

The town of Itoman lies south and southeast of Naha, and has several attractions:

- Himeyuri Peace Museum 671-1 Aza-Ihara, Itoman, 098-997-2101, (in Japanese). 9 AM-5 PM. Students from two women’s schools, together called Himeyuri, were mobilized to work as field nurses during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. This memorial museum documents, from a personal perspective, their lives before and during the battle, in which many of them died. Exhibits are labeled in English, and the museum is a worthwhile visit. Â¥300 (discounts for high school students and younger)

- Okinawa Peace Park has several memorials relating to the Battle of Okinawa. To get there by bus, take bus no. 89 from Naha bus terminal, change to bus no. 82 at Itoman bus terminal, and get off at the Heiwa-kinendo-iriguchi stop.

- Okinawa World 1336 Maekawa, Tamagusuku village (by bus No. 54 or 83, get off Gyokusendo-mae stop), 098-949-7421, (in Japanese). 9AM-5PM. The major attraction at this theme park is Gyokusendo Cave, 890 meters long, with some interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. Above the cave is a touristy village with performances of traditional dance, shops selling crafts and snake liquors, and restaurants. Separate admission is required for the habu snake exhibition which includes a snake and mongose show. Cave and village ¥1200, add ¥400 for snake exhibition

Kitadaito, literally “North Great East”, is the northern half of the Daito Islands, with a population of under 700 (approximately 500).

The outer part of the island is made of precipitous cliffs, while the inside is flat plains. Here you may want to see Cape Makkuro, the easternmost point of Okinawa.

The Yaeyama Islands are about as off the beaten track as it gets in Japan, but each has its own distinct character. Ishigaki has some spectacular beaches and Iriomote is the only island in all Japan with authentic jungle and mangrove forests, while tiny Taketomi is known for its carefully maintained traditional Ryukyu village.

Thanks to the pristine coral reefs that surround practically all the islands, scuba diving is the number one sports activity. Ishigaki is known for its manta rays, while Yonaguni’s star attractions are hammerhead sharks and underwater ruins.

Even with just a snorkel and mask, it’s possible to see a good assortment of tropical fish and other marine life among the reefs just a short distance from the beaches. The best spots are probably Nakamoto Beach on Kuro Island and Star Sand Beach on Iriomote.

Iriomote is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands. Around a third of the island is designated as the Iriomote National Park, the only national park in all of Okinawa. The park’s most famous denizen is the Iriomote wildcat an endangered creature found only on this island. Alas, the critter is nocturnal and very rarely seen. Other more readily viewable flora and fauna include the giant mangrove trees known as sakishimasuo-no-ki, a range of water birds, and lizards, including Japan’s largest lizard, a skink, reaching up to 2 feet in length.
On the west side of the island, the longest river in Okinawa, Urauchi River is running deep inland through dense mangroves and often likened to a little Amazon. The views can be quite spectacular, especially on a still morning. Cruises up the Urauchi River are probably the most popular activity on the island. ¥1500 per person, the exact schedule changes daily but departures are frequent (every 30 minutes or so) in the mornings. Cruise commentary is Japanese only, but an English-language summary leaflet is provided. The departure point is near the Urauchibashi bus stop.

At the end of the 8-km cruise you can disembark at Gunkan-iwa Rock and trek for half an hour through the jungle down a well-trod path to a viewing pavilion with views of the Mariyudu Waterfalls. Another 10 minutes from here the trail descends to the upper level of the falls, and still 5 minutes onward it reaches the Kanbire Waterfalls. The cross-island trail starts from here. You can also canoe your way up the river. Canoe rentals from Â¥800/hour, or take a guided “eco tour” with boat transfer upriver for Â¥6000. On your way back, pop into the little museum on the second floor of the cruise pier building, featuring a selection of stuffed and mounted big bugs and crabs including the scary-looking yashigani. Free.

On the east side of the island, accessible from Ohara is Nakama River. Much the same as Urauchi, except that instead of waterfalls the trail at the end leads to a giant mangrove tree said to be the largest and oldest in Japan. 70-minute cruises from ¥1,260.

Okinawa is subtropical and even in winter temperatures rarely drop below 15°C, making the area a popular winter getaway, although it’s often cloudy and usually a little too cold for sunbathing. Spring, around March and April, is an excellent time to visit if you take care to avoid Golden Week at the beginning of May. The rainy season starts early in May and continues until June. Summer in Okinawa is hot and humid but still one of the peak visiting seasons, while September-October brings a succession of fierce typhoons. November and December are again good times to visit.

[Photos: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki & A section of the Mariyudu Waterfall on Urauchi River, Iriomote. By jpatokal. CC Some rights reserved. Text partly derived from Wikitravel. This post is released under the CC license]

World Wine Tour 2010 Travels in Asia

We are really grateful to our intrepid World Wine Tour 2010 friends Anja and Georges who have supplied the following overview and photos about their wine travels in Asia earlier this year. They are travelling through the world of wine, collecting donations of the best bottles they encounter en route to sell next year at an auction in Napa in aid of the Lao Rehabilitation Foundation.
Asia, perhaps the most interesting up and coming market for just about every industry, is also moving fast with wines, as both consumer and producer. And although it’s one continent, the four countries we visited – China, Vietnam, Thailand and India – diverted in their ways of attracting wine tourists. Differences abounded, but overall we found three words that linked together all the wineries we visited. All three words happen to start with the letter ‘E’.
China – Big distances and big potential
For us, on our ‘World Wine Tour 2010,’ China turned out to be not too difficult for arranging appointments with wineries, but if we were just tourists passing through the area, we imagine it might be quite a different story. So, making an appointment in advance is advised! Of the three wineries we visited, only one had a cellar door facility; one was quite a trek to reach and is only for the highly devoted; and the third was a bulk producer, more interesting for our project than for its charm. Some wineries would provide private functions, but weren’t set up yet for public visits, as known in the more established wine worlds.

The Museum at Dragon Seal Winery

Our top pick for wine tourism was Dragon Seal Winery, the oldest in China and the one which had a great cellar door in the center of Beijing. This ease of access meant you could jump into any taxi to take you there, and after sitting through half an hour of bustling capital city traffic you were ready to try their wines and could also explore a rewarding museum of Chinese winemaking. Dragon Seal was the dream of a French missionary as long ago as 1910, and now offers a tasting of its noble grape varietal productions made in French style. Overall, Dragon Seal seemed to us to be the best bet for any wine tourist heading to the Far East. What’s more, we heard from its managing director that the company was planning to move  the winery and cellar door facility from Beijing city to the site of the vineyards, which happen to be right at the foot of the Great Wall of China. Sounds like it couldn’t get more tourist friendly!
For a more authentic taste of China, we recommend a visit to Grace Vineyards. Located in central Shanxi province this winery has chosen a great location to build its beautiful French chateau-style winery. The wines were the best we tried in China, and the people working there were wonderful. The only draw back may be that you only reach this blissful place from Beijing after 4 hours of train to get to the Shanxi province, and then another several hours of car ride to reach the vineyards. Luckily, they offer limited accommodation on site, though it might require some advanced planning to arrange.

Anja and Georges at Beco Dalat

Vietnam – Challenges in Dalat
Vietnam was the second country in Asia we visited as we continued our mission to find those exotic wines. The wines we found easily, but to find the wineries was a bit more complicated! Over the entire country, in every restaurant and hotel you will be able to buy the biggest Vietnamese wine brand: Vang Dalat. Unfortunately getting an appointment to visit them was impossible as no one we contacted through email or on the phone spoke English. We even managed to actually arrive at the winery via taxi, but the result was similar: guards in front of a security gate shaking their heads …
Our Vietnamese wine quest did not go unfulfilled however, as we managed to find another significant producer called Beco Dalat. Perhaps not surprisingly, Beco Dalat is in the same region of Vietnam as Vang Dalat, namely Dalat. This province is a place of anomalies; pine trees rather than palms, and fruits and vegetables of all types rather than rice. The region and city are seen as the ‘France of Vietnam’, with rolling hills and houses built by French aristocrats from the colonial days. During our visit to Beco Dalat, we had a tour through the winery, all well equipped and getting ready to harvest.  The traditional grape varieties were just imported a few years ago and so production today is mainly of plum juice blended with table grape juice (which are often boiled prior to fermentation to improve quality). The winery had a great outside terrace where you could enjoy different wines, and with Dalat becoming a tourist destination in its own right, wine tourism is not far behind!
Thailand – Wine Tourism Surprises

PB Valley Winery in Thailand

Thailand, the country of smiles, had the most wonderful surprises for us, both in terms of quality and hospitality. Just three hours from Bangkok, you can find the beautiful Khao Yai National Park where tigers may be spotted, and great wineries can provide you shelter! Not too many tourists have discovered this amazing holiday spot (beaches seem to be the primary attraction in Thailand). Our first visit brought us to the Village Farm Winery (about one hour away from the park), whose name doesn’t disappoint. Not only located between farms of all kinds (mushrooms etc), Village Farm has a farm-like setting itself. With wooden cottages and vineyard cats and dogs running around, you’ll feel like you’re completely immersed in the farm lifestyle. There is also an onsite restaurant offering simple and delicious locally grown foods that go well in accompanying the wines. Sited even closer to the Khao Yai National park (just behind the hills) we found PB Valley Winery, another winery also geared towards tourism with onsite chalets and a bar-and-grill restaurant of German inspiration. Jump on a bike and you can take a break near their lake while sipping on your great Thai wine!

Sula sparkling wine

India – Exploring the Nashik wine region
Our last Asia-Wine-Discovery stop was in India, a vibrant and colorful country with many different faces. The major wine growing region of the country is situated in Nashik, just three hours by train away from Mumbai. Nashik is also a city with holy river water, and walking through the market in town can offer you countless hours to lose yourself and your thoughts. For those seeking to visit wineries, there are already over 40 spread over the region, with more to come thanks to the Maharashtra government’s initiative of creating a ‘wine park’ with winery equipment available to lease for grape growers.
As everywhere, not all these wineries can be seen as equal, but a great place to start (and perhaps the best at catering for a wine tourist’s visit) is at Sula Winery. This winery offers amazing hospitality with facilities far above the norm in the Nashik region: extensive wine tastings available; a balcony view overlooking the Nashik Lake, and two onsite restaurants plus accommodation. Most wineries in Nashik make wine from a large variety of grapes, some reds being made through public demand. But, it is whites such as Chenin Blanc that are more suited to the climate, which lends itself more easily to this grape, which is used to create a delicious sparkling wine!
So what were the three ‘E’s? It is fair to say that each country is at best ‘Emerging’ both as a wine market and a wine producer, and much work still needs to be done for a winery to succeed in sales to its own countrymen. This has resulted in quite a similar approach in each of the four countries focused on Education. Wineries want their fellow countrymen to drink local wine, and need to convince them of their quality first (if not just to drink wine in the first place). This offers outsiders a great opportunity to jump in and learn as well, taking advantage of the refreshing ‘Enthusiasm’ taking place in these new latitudes. Emerging, Educational, and Enthusiastic are perhaps the best words to describe the Asian wine regions, just beginning to flourish. Now may very well be the best chance to catch these giants in their infancy and the experience of a visit will be unforgettable!
You can read more about these wineries and the ongoing travels of Anja and Georges on the World Wine Tour 2010 blog. Wine Travel Guides will be supporting World Wine Tour 2010 in helping Anja and Georges plan the itineraries for their wine tour in Europe at the end of this year.

TRAVEL BALI | BALI TRAVEL GUIDE

There is a sure sorcery in Bali. The longer a single stays, a he/she is fascinated by a glimpses of beauty of a island as good as by a desirable comfortable people.
Bali is indeed exceptional. Bali presents a complicated paradox, an ancient, normal multitude which is still incredibly alive as good as vital. Bali is so lifelike which we could be fooled in to meditative it was a embellished backdrop; rice paddies outing down hillsides similar to hulk steps, volcanoes soar by a clouds, a timberland have been sensuous as good as pleasant as good as beaches have been lapped by comfortable H2O of Indian ocean.
Since an unequivocally old time, Bali is means to drew ostracise artist, bard as good as escapists from all over a world. Indonesian supervision has taken critical stairs to refurbish confidence for traveller as good as tourism sectors.
Despite a militant bombings, Bali stays an delectable destination, maybe even some-more so given a comfortless events have marked down a series of tourists. It seems which no area of a universe is defence from militant activity, as good as there is no genuine reason to consider which Bali is reduction protected than Madrid, New York, or London. Having pronounced that, beware of pick-pockets, income sell scams as good as all of a common annoyances.
Introduction
Bali, The island of a gods, is sanctified by goes, flashy with pleasing countryside, rice terraces, outlandish beaches, holy temples, erotically appealing cultures as good as many more. Bali island embody of province, regency, encampment as good as Banjar(sub-village).
There is a sure sorcery in Bali. The longer a single stays, a he/she is fascinated by a glimpses of beauty of a island as good as by a desirable comfortable people. Bali is indeed exceptional. Bali presents a complicated paradox, an ancient, normal multitude which is still incredibly alive as good as vital.
Bali is so lifelike which we could be fooled in to meditative it was a embellished backdrop; rice paddies outing down hillsides similar to hulk steps, volcanoes soar by a clouds, a timberland have been sensuous as good as pleasant as good as beaches have been lapped by comfortable H2O of Indian ocean. Since an unequivocally old time, Bali is means to drew ostracise artist, bard as good as escapists from all over a world. Indonesian supervision has taken critical stairs to refurbish confidence for traveller as good as tourism sectors.
It’s critical to know which pacific Balinese acquire caller tenderly with good hospitability so, a revisit to Bali is still full with majestic amenities enthralled in an unequivocally old note upon a pleasing island paradise.
History
Bali is a customarily island in Indonesia, which enjoyed reduction undeviating note continuity. Bali was isolated, left to go her upon approach nonetheless Dutch couple arrived in Sanur beach upon 1900 as good as assigned it. As a result, Bali is a customarily area of Indonesia which stays ‘Hindu’ with alloy of inland as good as Indian cultures which took place over a thousands year ago.
It has been found which Bali has been inhabited given early antiquated times. Bronze age began in Bali prior to 300 B.C. Hinduism widespread a change around 400 A.D. followed by Buddhism in 500 A.D. After Japanese function in Second World War from 1939 to 1945; Bali became an Indonesian operation yet was means to say a own singular culture.
Climate
Bali is amazingly sanctified by inlet . Lying inside of a slight rope of a tropics, where soppy as good as dry deteriorate tumble rounded off in to change upon condition which both competent rainfall as good as prolonged duration of sunshine.
When to go
April to October is a cooler dry reason as good as is a many appropriate time to revisit Bali. Rest of a year is some-more humid, cloudier as good as has some-more sleet charge yet we can still suffer prohibited day.
July, August as good as early September is a busiest month as many traveller revisit in these months.
Accommodation as good as prices competence be aloft in there season.
Many Indonesian additionally revisit Bali around Christmas. Outside there times, Bali has couple of tourists.
How to go By Air
Most general flights from Europe, America, Australia as good as many Asian countries fly to Bali. You might additionally get unchanging done during home flights to as good as from vital cities inside of indonesia.
By sea
You can get unchanging newcomer ferries journey vessel from Java as good as Lombak.
Local transportation
You can find cars as good as taxies job we by observant ‘transport, transport’. Normally motorist knows many denunciation as good as can action as a beam to you. Buses as good as bemos have been found as internal transport. They substantially take we anywhere we wish to in yet solemnly due to trade as good as have been infrequently overcrowded.
Bicycles have been permitted yet recollect Kuta, Legian, Denpasar have been complicated trade area. You can additionally get a automobile upon hire. The rented association will assistance we acquire a permit. It is not endorsed to expostulate during night generally highway to Gilimanuk where packet embark to Java as good as lorry drivers have been notories to overtake.
The many appropriate approach to kick trade in Bali is to in by air. You can licence helicopters as good as even a packet as good as good as if we have been a inlet amatory chairman afterwards i suggest we to travel as we can suffer beauty in a widen of your breath.
Places to revisit South as good as West of Bali
1. Sanur Beach as good as Kuta Beach
Sanur, 10 kilometres to south-east of denpasar during a lagoonside finish of a fruitful renon-kepaon-legian rice crescent, was once an enclave of fishermen as good as holy Brahman priest, some-more critical for a demons as good as sorcery than a scenic delight. Kuta beach is good well known for a white sand, as good as a food call to capture surfer to float upon it. From here we can additionally see a pleasing sunset.
2. Uluwatu
A bulbous member fans out form a Bukit Peninsula, once a competition drift of Denpasar’s rajas. Geologically as good as climatically this area is mediterranean-a dry, often empty plateu fibbing good upon tip of sea level. The horse opera as good as south shoreline is rimmed with sharp, projecting cliffs, site of uluwatu temple- a high place to watch sunset.
3. Tanah Lot
Here we can find a church upon a vast mill customarily offshore, a conspicuous church of Tanah Lot. One of Bali’s many critical sea temples, Tanah Lot church is built atop a outrageous rock, surrounded by a sea. Build in a 16th century, Tanah Lot’s rituals embody profitable of loyalty to a defender intoxicating beverage of a sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in a tiny caves during a bottom of a hilly island have been believed to ensure a church from immorality intoxicating beverage as good as intruders. 4. Other enchanting place in this areas
Taman ayun temple, Bali Museum, Monkey timberland during Kedaton, The Palace of Kerambitan
Places to revisit Central of Bali
1. Ubud
For many years, ubud has been a mecca for unfamiliar as good as internal artists who suffer a beautiful ambience in this have been of bali. Although Ubud’s categorical streets is right divided lined with emporium offered all demeanour of paintings, carvings, weavings as good as bric-a-brac, a surrounding villages as good as panorama have been as desirable as ever, as good as many artists gladly acquire visitors in to their home or studio.
Ubud currently expands to alternative arts. You should not be astounded to run in to a immigrant who happens to be vital in Ubud, meditating or essence acid for his subsequent book or communication collection.
2. Goa gajah
Most of bali’s unequivocally old stays as good as artifacts have been to be found in a slight segment restrained by dual holy rivers, a Pekerisan as good as a Petanu. Crossing a Petanu stream immedietely to a easterly of Peliatan upon a highway to Bedulu, a puzzling Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is customarily manifest upon a revoke side of a road.
The Cave’s gaping mouth is fantastically forged with leaves, rocks, animals, waves as good as demons, as good as when it was detected in 1923 these figure were assumingly in error for an elephant.
3. Other enchanting place in this areas
Celuk a core of a china smith, Mas a core of timber carving, Batuan a core of a mill carving, Sukawati a place of Art Market, Peliatan place of a dance performing, etc.
Places to revisit North of Bali
1. Mount Batur
A beautifull towering which fibbing upon a revoke land, finish with a own lake. This palce have been unequivocally charming, as good as a good place to outlayed your time during a holiday. Across a lake there is a unequivocally singular encampment name Trunyan.2. Other enchanting place in this area such as : Lovina Beach, Air saneh, Bedugul,etc.
Places to revisit East of Bali
1. Besakih, Holiest church in Bali
The towering highway north from Klungkung climbs up for about an hour by a little of Bali’s many fantastic rices terraces, flitting by multiform villages upon a approach to a island’s holiest spot, Pura Besakih temple. With a large rise of towering Agung, a Balinese Olympus, as a backdrop, a broad, stepped slab terraces as good as slender, forked black pagodas of this 60 church formidable have been wise chateau for a gods.
2. Klungkung
The Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali, where Balinese kingship draws a red blood line, sat in Klungkung. It is a oldest dominion upon a island, as good as a Raja a many exalted.
The roof of Kertha Gosa (Royal Court of Justice), built in a 18th century, displays a single of Bali’s masterpieces. Much similar to Michelangelo’s The Creation upon a Sistine Chapel, a murals execute a low mark of ruin as good as a rewards of heaven, elaborated in thousands of panels of wayang style. The floating pavillion, garden, as good as lotus ponds have been a pointer of a former excellence of this kingdom.
3. Other enchanting place in this areas
Kamasan place which furnish bullion as good as china work, kertagosa, Karangasem Palace, Tenganan Village, etc.
Mountain Climbing
Climbing Gunung Batur (1,717 meters) in Bangli District is a single of Bali’s many celestial experiences. The morning from a tip is awesome. To find report upon rock climbing Batur, in a encampment of Toyabungkah during a bottom of a volcano demeanour for a pointer CV. Jero Wijaya Tourist Service, P.O. Box 1, Kintamani 80652, Indonesia, run by we Made Suarsana. He can insist a geologic story of a mountain, uncover we a little glorious maps of a area, as good as prepare guides to a top. The beam price includes eggs as good as bananas baked in a bubbling fissures during a summit, yet your beam should be disheartened from enchanting in this environmentally polluting practice.
Bungee-Jumping
Australian-based A.J. Hacket Company invites we to knowledge a consternation as good as fad of jumping off a 44-meter-high building scored equally to a hulk rubber band. The platform, done in Australia, overlooks a single of southern Bali’s many fantastic beachfronts.
A veteran organisation will take we by a preparations, afterwards it’s up to you. Or as a spectator, lay behind as good as relax, take a swim, have a splash during a pool club or a snack, as good as customarily watch a jumpers. You can additionally float a lift to a observation height yet jumping, as good as take in Bali from a brand brand new perspective-views widen from a northern volcanoes to a surfing beach of Ulu Watu. On a transparent day we can see Java.
Two alternative companies have emerged: Adrenalin is located to a south upon a Kuta-Legian line, as good as Bungee-Bali offers Bali’s tip as good as customarily rapids jump.
Paragliding
Based during breezy Bukit Peninsula’s Bali Cliff Resort, a competent professionals of Water world, suggest direction as good as tandem glides for those wanting to try it first. One of a many appropriate locations upon a island to take off. No precipice jumping involved, customarily a peaceful zephyr to lift we off a ground. It’s simpler than it looks, as good as upon a transparent day you’ll see Bali from a brand brand new perspective.Golf
The glorious march in Middle East as good as a single of a world’s tip 50 is a Bali Golf as good as Country Club in Pancasari circuitously Bedugul customarily north of Lake Bratan. Judged fifth in a universe for technical pattern as good as service, this 18-hole championship march facilities high trees as good as flowering plants in rebellious colors separating a grand, breathtaking fairways.
Pony Rides
It’s a long, flattering expostulate down rough nation roads to a Pony Tour trickery low in Tabanan Regency for this full-day guided round tour. Horses concede we entrance to an area customarily 3 kilometers west of Tanah Lot, nonetheless roughly all unblushing by traveller development. After a reserve speak you’ll get a 5 notation roving doctrine to consider your knowledge as good as find a befitting mount. You might be led or float unassisted. Helmets have been permitted as have been ponchos if it rains as good as a fanny container to lift valuables.
The word “pony” is used given it sounds safer, yet these have been essentially late racing horses from Java as good as Sumba.
Surfing
Bali’s roller is universe class, with energy as good as speed allied to Hawaii. Surfers who have gifted waves from Santa Cruz to Baja explain which Bali’s roller is higher to any along a United States’ West Coast. Drawn by a surf, thousands of Californians, Japanese, Australians, as good as Brazilians arrive any year to exam themselves upon Bali’s critical tubular waves. International as good as veteran surfers sight upon Bali for a esteem income upon a competition circuit around a Pacific. Bali’s Annual Surf Championships have been reason during Suluban, not distant from Jimbaran, yet a logistics of a Bukit Peninsula have it formidable to reason large events similar to a Quicksilver Pro contest.
Surfing
The many appropriate surfing spots have been swarming during a dry season, yet given there have been so many a gifted call supplement is regularly means to find his own retreat. Pride of place goes to Uluwatu as good as circuitously Padang Padang upon a Bukit Peninsula, which get swells topsy-turvy in storms in a Indian Ocean during a soppy season. Snorkeling as good as scuba diving
Bali is a scuba, spearfishing, as good as snorkeling center, critical in in between scuba divers for marinelife, glorious visibility, as good as marvellous dropoffs. Six hundred km of seashore as good as countless offshore islands suggest a far-reaching operation of snorkeling as good as diving locations. Your options embody a single of many operators charity snorkeling as good as diving trips or stick upon an comprehensive package which sails to dive sites around Bali as good as islands to a east. If it’s not monsoon deteriorate (Oct.-April), equate upon comfortable pleasant waters around 80c F.
Snorkeling is an glorious as good as protected wake up for children. Abundant marinelife can be enjoyed upon a reefs off Sanur, Nusa Dua, Lovina, as good as Padangbai-all permitted by boat. Snorkeling can be enjoyed anywhere there’s scuba diving-if an area has good coral reefs, there will be snorkeling rigging for rent.
Scuba diving is some-more expensive, often requiring land or sea float to a many appropriate dive locations. The many appropriate diving upon Bali is from around 5 to twenty meters, yet during a soppy deteriorate storms might revoke visibility. Drift diving was done renouned upon Bali given techniques were indispensable to house a low currents surrounding a island. Other H2O sports
If you’re unequivocally in to H2O sports, stay in Nusa Dua, Sanur, or Tanjung Benoa, Candidasa upon a coast, or Bedugul in a plateau of Tabanan Regency. Dozens of sea competition agencies line Sanur’s categorical street, charity waterskiing, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, as good as franchised sailboats. Windsurfing
Along with typical surfing, windsurfing is gaining good popularity; see brightly colored sails jump over waves off Kuta, Sanur, as good as Candidasa. Jul as good as August have been a many appropriate time to windsurf. Ideal breeze quickness is fifteen km/hour, as good as we can windsurf all a approach from Sanur to Serangan Island. Sanur Wind Surfing Centre, substantially offers Bali’s many appropriate service.
Swimming
The safest areas to float have been a coral lagoons adjoining Sanur, Nusa Dua, as good as Candidasa. Kuta as good as Legian exaggerate glorious bodysurfing with intelligible H2O as good as top-to-bottom tubes. For your own safety, float customarily in in between a red as good as yellow flags, never after sunset, as good as do not float deeper than your physique length. The undercurrent off Kuta/Legian is intensely fraudulent as good as unpredictable.
One of Bali’s nicest, slightest good well known beaches for swimming is during a airfield finish of Kuta in Tuban. Virtually all of a luxury-class hotels, as good as a flourishing series of small, tolerably labelled hotels, have swimming pools, open to roughly everyone.
Festivals as good as Events
Apart from a common horse opera calendar, a Balinese additionally make use of dual internal calendars, a Hindu saka as good as a wuku. The wuku calendar, which is used to establish legal holiday dates, uses 10 opposite sorts of weeks in in between a single as good as 10 days long, all regulating simultaneously! The intersection of a assorted weeks determines portentous days. It’s unfit to work it out yourself: when we arrive in Bali, go to a traveller bureau as good as ask which festivals as good as celebrations have been entrance up. Try to get to during slightest one.
The Galungan Festival, Bali’s vital feast, is reason via a island as good as is an annual eventuality in a wuku year. During this 10-day duration all a gods come down to earth for a festivities as good as barongs (mythical lion-dog creatures) saunter from church to church as good as encampment to village. The final as good as many critical day of a legal holiday is Kuningan.
Nyepi is a vital legal holiday of a saka year – it’s a final day of a year, as good as customarily falls towards a finish of Mar or a commencement of April. The day prior to is set in reserve as a day of catharsis opposite a island. The night before, immorality intoxicating beverage have been noisily chased divided with cymbals, gongs, drums as good as fiery torches. On Nyepi itself, everybody stays sensitively during home, creation no noise, regulating no lights as good as you do no cooking. The thought is which when immorality intoxicating beverage descend, they have been fooled in to meditative which Bali is void as good as leave a island in assent for an additional year.
Public Holidays
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- February – Idul Adha (Muslim legal holiday of sacrifice)
- Feb/Mar – Muharram (Islamic New Year)
- Mar/Apr – Nyepi (Hindu New Year)
- Mar/Apr – Good Friday
- Apr/May – Ascension of Christ
- Apr/May – Hari Waisak (Buddha’s birth, note as good as death)
- May – Maulud Nabi Mohammed or Prophet Mohammed’s birthday
- seventeen August – Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan (Indonesian Independence Day)
- September – Isra Miraj Nabi Mohammed (ascension of a Prophet Mohammed)
- Nov/Dec – Idul Fitri (the finish of Ramadan)
- twenty-five December – Yuletide Day

25 killer things to do this summer

Looking for something to do this summer? Places to get away to? Ways to spend a vacation? We've got you covered

Summer is here, spring is gone. In many places it's hot. Really hot. Not surprisingly, we look to the beach for some relief from the sun, or look for the sun after a long winter's hibernation behind a desk. Well, time to strike out a bit and use up some of that vacation time you've been squirreling away. Here are some suggestions that should get you salivating for a little summer fun.

1. Chill out on one of Hong Kong's beaches

While Hong Kong's beaches might not be quite up to Bali or Vietnam levels of awesomeness, they still provide a pretty damn nice way to spend an afternoon. The best overall Hong Kong beach is probably Shek O. While it can get crowded with nearly 4,000 people visiting Shek O Beach on weekends, its still big enough to absorb the crowds without making things too uncomfortable. Take bus 9 or the red minibus from Shau Kei Wan MTR.

2. Lounge on Vietnam's finest beach -- Jungle Beach

Vietnam’s finest beach is hidden about an hour north of Nha Trang on a remote stretch of the Hon Khoi Peninsula. The boundaries of air and water are indistinct in the crystal sea, where night swimming with bioluminescent algae is on the regular activities list. The most intriguing views from this unique bamboo cabana homestay are the troupes of Black-shanked Douc Langurs, one of Indochina’s rarest primates.

3. Go super luxury at one of these Thai resorts

Thailand has dozens of supremely luxurious resorts that will easily allow you to spend a month’s salary in a single night if you want to, from pool villas overlooking the Andaman Sea to tiny boutique hotels so exclusive they don't even want you to have heard of them. But hey, you've seen one run-of-the-mill luxury villa, you've seen them all. If you’re looking for some next level pampering and opulent surroundings, check out these extraordinarily fancy digs.

4. Take off on a golf getaway

Whack a ball on a course in the Himalayas, play a course at an UNESCO world heritage site in Siem Reap, Cambodia, or enjoy the five star treatment like the former French Colonialists in Vietnam. Golf is a sunshine sport, so get out there while the gettin' is good.

5. Have a romantic tropical vacation at Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, Tahiti

Yes there are a lot of beaches on this list, but hey, it is summer time and Le Taha's golden beaches, turquoise water and perfume of native vanilla plants in one of the prettiest resorts in French Polynesia make Le Taha a great place to go for a "hot" summer getaway. Resort activities range from diving and snorkeling to jet-skiing and whale watching.

6. Have a long luxury weekend in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang’s hip restaurants and buzzy bars are no longer a secret, but the town -- along with its surrounding caves, waterfalls, jungle and Mekong river villages -- is yet to be discovered by the masses. Languid and laid-back, its intimate scale is ideal for a long weekend. Read more about Luang Prabang.

7. Picnic in Hong Kong

Many Hong Kong country parks have rest areas that are ready-made for picnics. So if you're living in or visiting Hong Kong this summer, pick a day where it's not raining and thaw out those air-conditioner frozen limbs in the sweet, humid Hong Kong sunshine.

8. Dive in Pulau Redang, Malaysia

Heaven underwater? Sounds cheesy, but apparently this place is as close to perfection as it gets for diving. Redang Island (locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang") off the east coast of Malaysia, is one of those places where you'd expect a shiny-chested James Bond to come dripping out of the waters and stride down the sands for a martini.

Fine white sand, clear blue waters and colorful marine life -- it's almost a cliché of the Blue Lagoon type tropical paradise, but it's real and it's just a short ride or flight away from Singapore. Stay at Laguna Redang Island Resort -- a beautiful expanse of classic buildings, filled with wooden structures and lush greenery -- which offers various packages to visitors, of which numerous snorkeling trips are included.

9. Experience Japanese summer culture at Enoshima

Enoshima is a core sample of Japanese summer culture, a mini-mountain of rock, stone and wood rising steep and green from the Shonan surf. It is one of Eastern Japan's favorite summer destinations, visited by families, courting couples and visitors to the area looking to get away from the beach for a while.

10. Sleep on a beach in Goa, India

Or relax with the Goa hippies, or eat out at the numerous restaurants or motorbike through the countryside. Goa has your summer fix. If the heat proves too much, there's always the air conditioned confines of a five-star hotel to cool you off after a day of biking.

11. Go native -- Tibetan style -- in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou, Tibet is home to a pristine national park chock full of Alpine lakes and waterfalls located in northwest Sichuan province. Many tours equipped with flag-bearing guides depart from Chengdu by bus (11 hours) or plane (one hour) and after the trip, return to the originating city. But you can ditch the flag and tour guides and get to experience the real Jiuzhaigou by participating in home-stay programs.

12. Visit one of Asia's next gen tourist hot spots

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

The Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam, China's Hainan Island, Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and Marinduque in the Philippines are all up and coming tourist hot spots. They're also amazing summer destinations, each for unique reasons.

13. Surf in Hainan, China

Speaking of Hainan, why not go surfing? Hainan Island, sometimes called, perhaps generously, “China’s Hawaii,” is a growing tourist destination off the country’s southern coast, just east of Vietnam. It’s famous for hosting Chinese beauty pageants, but is also home to a small but growing community of surfers -- both Chinese and foreign. Each November, Sanya, the island's capital, hosts the second annual Surfing Hainan Open.

14. Relax like a rock star at Amanpuri Resort in Phuket

Make no mistake about it, a visit to Aman Resort's Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand is an eye-opening experience. Vacation like a rock star this summer at Amanpuri.

15. Escape on an affordable last minute getaway

Party hard in Dubai or conquer a mountain in Japan among other things. Living in Asia affords many destinations close at hand. Some affordable, some not so much.

16. Dodge military ordinance and hit the beach at Sarushima Island, Japan

Sarushima is the rock that guards the entrance to Tokyo Bay, otherwise known as Monkey Island even though there's not one primate to be found. What makes Sarushima a hot commodity to Tokyoites is that its located 1.7 km off Yokosuka, and is the only bit of land in the bay that does not have cliffs and beaches made of concrete.

17. Explore Laos all along the Mekong River

Mekong River, Vietnam

The Mekong River is a one of the great rivers of the world, weaving the countries of China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam into a web of interdependent ecosystems and indigenous cultures. The Mekong’s meandering journey through Laos is one of the most pristine, diverse and accessible routes along the entire river.

18. Kick back on one of Asia's most idyllic beaches

Life's a beach, and in Asia there's a whole lot of good living to be had. We've researched and uncovered the top beach destinations to be found in the region. We've even broken them down into three categories -- secluded beaches, action beaches and local flavor -- so all you need to do is decide exactly how much coastal paradise you can handle.

19. Get minimal at Koh Kood, Thailand

Thailand’s Koh Kood is possibly one of the very few places that can live up to the myth of the unpeopled Asian beachy paradise. It’s got the necessary props -- a rainforest, quaint fishing villages, coconut plantations, snorkeling spots, and a population of less than 2,000. It’s also sufficiently out-of-the-way. Getting there requires an hour’s plane ride from Bangkok’s Trat airport, or a train and boat expedition from Bangkok. The Koh Kood experience is like taking a step back in time: minimal electricity, scarce Internet access and few cars. The accommodation on the island ranges from wildly expensive resorts to homestays.

20. Hammocks a-plenty at An Bang Beach, Vietnam

Hoi An beach, Vietnam

Coastal old town Hoi An in Central Vietnam is best known for its bespoke tailors’ shops, excellent beaches and fresh seafood. Most tourists head to Cua Dai beach at the end of Cua Dai road, some four kilometers out of town. Although it’s a lovely spot, it can become crowded and is prone to police surveillance.

An Bang, a beach at the end of Hai Bai Trung street outside town, is a great alternative. It’s mostly a hangout for local holiday makers but recently foreigners have opened a few beach shack bars. There’s good food, hammocks a-plenty and the odd film night at these locations. The watering holes can get blown away during the violent storm season, but rest assured -- they’re usually rebuilt in a flash.

21. Enjoy the surf at Lombok Kuta, Indonesia

Lombok, the large hill-humped island to Bali’s east, boasts bountiful jungles and awe-inspiring volcanoes. The further south one ventures, the drier the land becomes. But it is the swells off the craggy coast that draw visitors to Kuta, a sleepy seaside village frequented by surfers looking to tackle some of Indonesia’s best breaks.

22. Cool off on the beach in Port Dickson, Malaysia

The attraction of Port Dickson is not so much the town itself, but the 18km of nearby beaches against a backdrop by palms and banyan trees. Kuala Lumpur isn’t missing much, but one thing it lacks is a beach to cool off at. The only sandy beaches close enough for a day trip are the ones that stretch out along the coastal road south of Port Dickson.

23. Get Naked in the Moganshan Hills

Early last century, wealthy foreigners living in Shanghai went to Moganshan to lounge away the summer in stone villas, play tennis and swim in the municipal pool. Today, Moganshan is making a comeback, thanks in part to Naked Retreats, a collection of restored farmhouses. (Don't be fooled by the name -- any nudity should probably be confined to your bungalow.) Upon arrival, guests are taken on a 'decompression walk' and encouraged to spend a few minutes in awe of the scenery. Activities include cycling, bass fishing and mountain hikes. Visitors can wander through dewy tea plantations and bamboo forests, or swim in a reservoir to the buzz of cicadas. Accommodation is basic -- the wooden floors creak and there's no air-conditioning -- but bungalows come with Western-style kitchens, flat-screen TVs and wireless Internet.

24. Explore the hilltop tribes of Vietnam by motorbike

Despite breathtaking mountain scenery and a rich diversity of hill tribe cultures, Vietnam’s Central Highlands remain one of the least 'tourorized' areas of Southeast Asia. This region of pine tree forests, waterfalls and coffee plantations is far from the coastal beach resorts where most tourists flock, and this remoteness is all part of the charm.

25. Camp out in the Great Wall of China

There's nothing better to refresh the lungs and reinvigorate the spirit than a trip out of the city and into the wilderness. Hikes along the Great Wall are a relatively simple option, easily accessible from Beijing, and can be done leisurely over several days or in a power-trek over just one or two days.

Tel Aviv Travel Guide

Tel Aviv is the most modern and westernized place in Israel. Jerusalem is the official capital (although not internationally recognized as such) and the religiuos capital, Tel Aviv is the party capital (almost officialy recognized). When you walk the streets at night you can hardly imagine you are in the holy land.

Sidewalk cafes give the city a decidedly European flavor, expecially in the areas with Bauhaus buildings. Shopping at the enclosed Dizengoff Center is pleasant.

Tel Aviv is also the business center of Israel, and has the largest percentage of young people.

Jaffa is the old arabic part of Tel Aviv. It is much older (Tel Aviv was founded in 1909) and is now some sort of the Quartier Latin of the city. Although it has many small and trendy boutiques it still retains some of its flavour as an arabic city.

The best reason to come to Tel Aviv is to have a good time, the nightlife is great, there are good restaurants, there are so many shops, the beaches aren't bad and there is always something going on.

A good place for trendy shopping would be Sheinkin street; Kikar Hamedina is known for its upscale (and expensive) shops; and Azriely center, Ramat Aviv mall and Dizengoff center would answer all your shopping mall needs. Alternatively, you can check out Shuk HaCarmel, a large street market held daily on Carmel St.

Bazel and Rotschild streets have the best coffee places; Allenby, Lilienblum streets and the Tel Aviv port is where you'll find all night parties and bars; and you shouldn't miss the beach - for sunbathing and babe watching.

Manila Travel Guide

Metropolitan Manila on the whole has officially 6 million inhabitants (unofficially 9 million) and it is one of the most exhausting cities in Southeast Asia. Don't expect to get any rest, for that kind of thing you need to take a plane or shuttle boat from manila Bay to one of the smaller islands.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and was founded on June 24th, 1571 on the harbor now known as Manila Bay on the east coast of Luzon, the Philippines largest and most northerly island. It is the second largest city in the country with a population of 1,581,000 trailing second behind Quezon City with 2,173,000. Manila started out as a humble village and has grown to become the governmental, commercial and educational center of the nation.

The heart of old Manila can be found inside Intramuros - meaning "within the walls," a well cared for 15th century original Spanish settlement. The fort and St. Augustine Church still are good examples of colonial architecture. Old ruins damaged by WWII still stand across the landscape while modern edifices dart the distant skyline. An outstanding example of colonial architecture is the Manila Cathedral, the third to be built on site and whose tower and dome can be seen miles away. Eateries specializing in savory local cuisine as well as international tastes are conveniently located within the walls. While a golf course encircles the entire ancient settlement.

The Sunset at Manila Bay is also one of the most spectacular in the world. It can be enjoyed along Roxas Boulevard where one can take a leisurely stroll and arrive at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Here Fine Art, Western and Eastern music and dance meet in the likes of the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Ballet Philippines, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. There are convenient trains called the LRT, LRT2 and MRT railways for people to get around the entirety of Metro Manila, or try your luck like a local and enjoy the adventure, history and thrill of a Jeepney - the quintessential Filipino transportation.

Taiwan Travel Guide

A Taiwan travel guide will tell you all about this island which is located off the southeastern coast of China. Though Taiwan is an independent republic, it is in constant dispute with the mainland China which considers Taiwan as a part of its territory. Taiwan is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with 23 million people in 36000 sq km of area and is a highly industrialized nation. There are many lush forests and mountains on this island of Taiwan.

Getting There

The international airport in Taiwan receives flights from all over the world and is well-connected to Europe and the United States. One can also get there by sea from some of the islands of Japan. Tourists staying in Taiwan for less than thirty days are granted a visa for that period, as long as passports are valid for over six months. Extended stays requires a visitor to apply for a tourist visa for a period of sixty days. Accommodation is easily available in hotels that cater to tourists.

Places to Visit

The main cities in Taiwan are the capital, Taipei, and other cities like Taichung and Tainan. Taipei is surrounded by hills and has three rivers running through it. It is a very modern city and is home to one of the tallest buildings in the world. This is TAIPEI101 which rises to 1671 feet in the very modern city that Taipei is.

Yangmingshan National Park is one of the places in Taipei worth a visit for tourists. The surrounding areas around Taipei have a lot of pagodas and temples that predate Western civilization. Natural regions in Taiwan that attract a lot of tourists are the Hsitou’s bamboo forests, Sun Moon Lake, Jade Mountain and Taroko Gorge. The beaches around Taiwan are great for water sports and the fine beaches and coral reefs an added attraction. And, you can also gorge on fresh seafood made in the local style.

Tainan is one of the oldest cities in the region and has many ancient architectural splendors that are worth having a look at. It is considered a major cultural city and its traditional observance of ceremonies and other festivals are considered tourist attractions. Chihkan Tower is an ancient site that goes back to the 17th century. It also has a museum that contains Dutch area artifacts. The Matsu temple here is over four hundred years old and is favored by those looking to get married. Anping Fort, Guanzi Hill and the Chigu Salt Mountain are other tourist attractions.
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Taiwan is situated about 160 kilometers off the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland, and between Korea and Japan in the north and The Philippines to the south. The island has always been known as one of the most beautiful in the Pacific. The Portuguese called it Ilha Formosa , which means "The Beautiful Isle". With its mountains that rise up high above the green-forested foothills, its terraced flatlands and coastal plains and basins and foremost with its friendly generous people, it's almost "paradise" (if you overlook the widespread environmental devastation caused by rapid development).

It is not just the breathtaking scenery with waterfalls, lakes, hot springs or misty hillsides that make Taiwan well worth a visit. Pagodas and temples build on a culture that goes back beyond the beginning of western civilization. Next to nature and tradition there's also the modern Taiwan with skyscrapers that almost reach into heaven, with their feet firmly planted in a chaotic stream of traffic. Whatever you're looking for, you can probably find it in here.

If you visit the capital city of Taipei, even if you're just passing through take a day or two to look around and to visit the Yangmingshan National Park. Other major cities are Taichung and the industrial city of Kaohsiung. Sidewalks are poor, but the streets are clean, if not somewhat disorganized.

The most beautiful natural regions are Central Cross-Island Highway, the Hsitou's bamboo forests, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting National Park and the Yushan National Park and of course there's Yushan (Jade Mountain), Alishan and Taroko Gorge.

If you think you have seen the whole island you also have to discover the Penghu Islands, off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. Ancient temples, picturesque farms and windswept fishing villages, friendly people, fine beaches, coral reefs, and rugged coastlines are just a few keywords to get your attention. This is a great place for all kinds of water sports and don't forget to try the fresh seafood!

Indonesia Travel Guide

Overview

Barong sculpture © Ingeborg Mehus

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising of five main islands and a multitude of smaller archipelagos, with about 17,000 islands strung across the equator.
A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed it with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes.
Unfortunately it is this very diversity of ethnic groups and religions that has put a country of such exotic natural resources to the test. Racial divides and fierce religious hostility, government corruption, uprisings, economic negligence and, more recently, terrorist attacks have been frequent blights on the Indonesian fabric of society. But it is also these diverse cultures that have given the country a splendid heritage of traditions and art, and for centuries it has been a magnet, constantly drawing thousands of people to its shores despite its turbulent nature. Its position along the Pacific 'ring of fire' contributes to its uneasiness; the country is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


Indonesia offers something for everyone. Sumatra has an untouched wilderness and a diversity of wildlife, highland tribes and unique architecture, wonderful resort-lined lakes and quaint hilltop towns. Java features steaming volcanoes, astonishing historical monuments, a sprawling capital city and traditional dance, music and art. The image of paradise is epitomised in Bali, an island of artistic people and elegant temples, stunning scenery, palm groves, beach resorts and diving. Further east, Komodo is the home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.


It is a land of vigorous colour, of tensions and upheaval, but also of festivals and dancing, golden sunsets and friendly white toothy smiles.

New South Wales Travel Guide

My favourite state - love it because it encorporates some of the most beautiful beaches, beautiful bushland and bushwalking opportunities, the gorgeous Sydney harbour scene, and the Blue Mountains area is colder and the air is fresher there.

Sydney's Opera House is not the only reason why one should visit this marvellous city. The Sydney harbour area with the famous Harbour Bridge, the 'Rocks' area (the place where the first settlement took place) and Chinatown are only a few of the other places worth a visit. To the east, some of the fines beaches of NSW can be found. Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte are excellent beaches, not only for sunbathing but also for surfing. And just when you think you've already seen the best when it comes down to waves, set off for Byron Bay at the nothern tip of NSW, also better known as 'the surfing Mecca'.

The Blue Mountains and the Snowy Mountains, both part of the Great Dividing Range, are located in NSW. The Blue Mountains National Park is an excellent spot to do some bushwalking, whether for a short trip or for a several days' walk, and this is only one of the many NSW National Parks. The Snowy Mountains offer the perfect places for skiing and when the snow melts again, there is always the possibility of a wild water rafting trip, not to mention bushwalking and mountain treking into areas offering some of the most unique and beautiful plants and wildlife in Australia.