A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Set among green rice paddies and fruit plantations in a peaceful valley on Penang Island, Balik Pulau is a great place to escape the maddening traffic of Georgetown for an afternoon or longer. Although Georgetown and its famous food may steal much of the spotlight, Balik Pulau rarely fails to charm visitors looking for a little local culture in Penang.
To go by Jim Croce, “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape; you don’t spit into the wind; you don’t pull the mask off that ol’ Lone Ranger.” And to go by recent events in Myanmar, you don’t take the Buddha’s image in vain.
While a growing number of tourists want to discover why “it’s more fun in the Philippines”, the questionable reputation of its capital Manila puts many of them off the idea of flying in. The city has faced challenges, including a designation as the “world’s worst airport”, safety concerns, and an ineffective public transport system that can deter potential visitors. However, if you’re crafting a Philippine itinerary that avoids Luzon Island and focuses on the beauty across the archipelago, you can still access the best of the Philippines by following these tips.
If you only have enough time to catch one fiesta in the Philippines, then time your trip forCebu’s Sinulog festivalon the third Sunday of January.
TheManila American Cemetery and Memorialin the Philippines honors the American and allied servicemen who died fighting the Japanese in World War II. The Cemetery offers repose to soldiers who died in the Pacific theater, which included the Philippines, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands.
Southeast Asia is full of romance – and you don’t have to go far to find it. It all depends on what the imaginative, amorous traveling couple requires from their trip. Whether you’re seeking a magical backdrop for a wedding proposal, a cozy corner for some alone-time, or an exhilarating adventure to solidify your romantic bond, this region has it all.
For hundreds of years, the walled city of Intramuros was Manila: the nerve center of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, home to several thousand Spanish colonists, their families, and their Filipino servants.
Using your cellphone in Singapore shouldn’t be an expensive proposition; particularly if you own a GSM phone that is compatible with the 900/1800 bands. It is essential to learn about cellphone roaming in Southeast Asia for detailed preconditions. Buying a prepaid SIM card from one of Singapore’s mobile companies enables you to stay connected and keep friends and family updated on your adventures.
The Singapore Flyer looms 540 feet high over Marina Bay in the island-state of Singapore – it’s the world’s biggest observation wheel, built with a lot of superlatives. Guests “fly” in the Singapore Flyer within its 28 bus-size air-conditioned capsules. Each ride takes 30 minutes to complete, finishing a single revolution at a stately 0.78 feet per second. For now, the Singapore Flyer stands as the largest observation wheel globally, surpassing the London Eye in size.
Throughout Southeast Asia, the term “monsoon season” typically denotes thes southwest monsoon, a period when prevailing winds blow from warm equatorial seas, bringing significant rainfall and storms. This season typically begins in May or June, peaks between August and October (typhoon season in Vietnam and the Philippines), and concludes by November.
Often the most iconic and beautiful buildings in a city, mosques are a constant sight throughout one’s travels in Southeast Asia. Skylines across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei are punctuated with the tall minarets and curving domes of mosques, and the mesmerizing wail of the call to prayer resounds throughout cities five times a day.
From Indonesia to Thailand, Southeast Asia is home to numerous regions rich in unique cultures, stunning landscapes, delectable cuisines, and warm hospitality. Below are eight remarkable locations that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
These cheap airlines dominate over 50% of Southeast Asia’s airborne travelers, making budget travel accessible and convenient.
Permanent Art Exhibits in Bali’s Most Artistic Town
The White Sand Dunes just outside of Mui Ne are one of Vietnam’s charming geological oddities.
There are seven known royal tombs in Hue, six located southeast of the Hue Citadel on the other side of the Perfume River, and a single tomb on the same side. Among these royal tombs, three are particularly popular due to their well-preserved condition and ease of access. These include the tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh.
Brasilia is a planned city known for its unique architecture and green spaces.
Explore Salvador, a major Brazilian city on Bahia’s coast celebrated for its rich colonial history and vibrant culture. The old city, Pelourinho, is a must-visit destination packed with colorful architecture, lively music, and delicious cuisine.
Chile’s beaches have so much to offer. With 2,580 miles (4,300 km) of coastline stretching from the northern border with Peru to the Strait of Magellan, Chile features a diverse array of wild and rocky cliffs, islands, coves, protected bays, and numerous beautiful beaches. However, south of Region VI, the coastline becomes increasingly rocky and fragmented, limiting traditional beach activities.
Baños, Ecuador, is a breathtaking tourist destination known for its beautiful scenery and natural hot springs. Despite past volcanic threats, it remains a popular spot among both locals and international visitors.
