Thursday, May 15, 2014

Kashmir, India.



In India, miles of concrete dominate the crowded urban landscape. But in the remote northern region of Kashmir, the summer capital of Srinagar is dominated by Dal Lake, a glistening heart that gives the city its slow and steady pulse. Here, life’s pace is set by the spade-shaped paddles of the colourfully painted shikaras (canoe-like boats) rather than the chaotic movements of frenetic tuk-tuk drivers.

For centuries, Kashmir has been one of the most highly coveted areas of the Asian continent, regarded as paradise on Earth by the Mughal kings who holidayed in the valley, nestled between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Mountains. But for much of the second half of the 20th Century, periodic war and political strife have kept visitors from heaven's gate. Most of Kashmir's population is Muslim. Hindus also live in the region and the main language of Kashmir is Kashmiri.

Things to do:

1. Gondola


Take a deep breath and feels the excitement when you're in the gondola. This gondola will serve you a beautiful view in Gulmarg, one of the place in Kashmir. Once you're at the top, you'll fall in love with their natural beauty and their mountains fills with snow and cloud. This Gondola will take you up above 15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. 

Official website of Gulmarg Gondola: Click here

2. Drink the Kashmiri Tea - Namkeen Chai


Like the rest of the country, tea in Kashmir is more of an obsession than a beverage, serving as simple refreshment in the afternoon, fuel for a political debate or a catalyst for business. But instead of the typical milky-brown, sweet and spicy chai found in the rest of the country, Kashmir prefers milky pink namkeen chai (salt tea), which uses local green tea leaves, almonds, pistachios, cardamom, salt and baking soda, giving it a characteristic pink colour. The clear yellow kawa uses the same green tea, nuts and cardamom, but is brewed without milk and with sugar and saffron, for which Kashmir is famous.

3. Dal Lake


Your travel will not complete in Kashmir if you're not going to Dal Lake. While  Srinagar’s streets have a vibrant character synonymous with the rest of India, the only sounds that stir Dal Lake are those of a paddle hitting the water, an echoing call to prayer, or the occasional salesman pitching his freshly-picked apples or kaleidoscopic arrangement of flowers as he floats by in his shikara.

4. Alpather Lake



Located in Gulmarg, tthe Alpather Lake is a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. The lake lies across the Apharwat peak. The adventure tourists can take the one-day and thirteen km trip to the Alpather Lake from Gulmarg.

5. Pahalgam


The town of Pahalgam in the state’s northwest, 95km from Srinagar, is a hub for rafting and trekking, as well as a launching point for the Hindu pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra in July and August. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus make this challenging five-day, 16km trek to Amarnath Temple - a shrine in a cave nearly 4,000m high, and one of the holiest in the religion - to see an ice stalagmite inside.




Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia.


Mabul Island is a small island off the south-east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. The island is known as one of the best muck diving destinations in the world. The island is covered in palm trees and fringed with fine beaches. It is a famous diving spot for divers, both international and local alike, and is well known as the macro diving paradise. 

Mabul is populated by an interesting mix of Malay fishermen and Bajau sea gypsies, and it is always a pleasure to see the colourful boats of both ethnic groups return from a day on the surf. And the “floating” resort of Singamata, a hotel built on the shallow waters, is an immensely relaxing place where divers and non-divers alike can appreciate the beauty of one of Borneo’s best collection of off-shore islands.

Things to do:

1. Scuba diving


Known as their one of the best diving spot in world, Mabul offers approximately 2 square kilometers of reef with over 10 dive sites for Scuba divers to explore. Unlike Sipadan which is home to large pelagic species and huge schools of fish, Mabul is known for its unique and seldom seen critters. On a Mabul dive you will see snake eels, juvenile batfish, flamboyant cuttlefish and mimic octopi. Look again closely at the reef and you may see nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and harlequin shrimp. Dive sites include the Eel Garden, Gurnard Point, Lobster Wall, Nudibranch Center, Panglima Reef, and Ray Point. However the most notable sites are the Coral Reef Garden, Paradise, and the Seaventure Platform.

2. Snorkeling


Your travel will not complete in Mabul Island if you're not try one of this activities, scuba diving or snorkeling. Those who are afraid to diving, snorkeling is the best choice. This activity also suitable for children. While you're snorkeling, someone will coach you and keep you safe. 

3. Seafood in Mabul Island


In the morning a fishermen came to sell fresh crabs and lobsters for a low prices. The 'local chef' also help visitors to select fresh lobster and fish from the fisherman coming by, and cook for you the fresh sea foods for a small fee. One of the resorts here do not serve any seafood in meal because the management support sustainable fishing in the area.

Credit picture taken from: Here






Mount Fan Xi Pan, Sapa, Vietnam.


Surrounding Sapa are the Hoang Lien Mountains , nicknamed the Tonkinese Alps by the French. These mountains include Fansipan, which at 3143m is Vietnam's highest peak. The summit towers above Sapa, although it is often obscured by clouds and is occasionally dusted with snow. The peak is accessible all year to those in good shape and properly equipped, but don't underestimate the challenge. It is very wet, and can be perilously slippery and generally cold. Do not attempt an ascent if the weather is terrible in Sapa, as limited visibility on Fansipan could be treacherous. 

The summit of Fansipan is 19km from Sapa and can be reached only on foot. The terrain is rough and adverse weather is frequent. Despite the short distance, the round trip usually takes three days, some very fit and experienced hikers do it in two days, but this is rare. After the first morning you won't see any villages, just the forest, striking mountain vistas and perhaps some local wildlife such as monkeys, mountain goats and birds. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance. There are no mountain huts or other facilities along the way (yet), so you need to be self-sufficient. This means taking a sleeping bag, waterproof lent, food, stove, raincoat or poncho, compass and other miscellaneous survival gear. Hiring a reputable guide is vital and, unless you are a seriously experienced mountaineer, finding porters who will carry your gear is also strongly recommended. Weather-wise the best time for making the ascent is from mid-October to mid-December, and again in March, when wildflowers are in bloom.

Official website of Vietnam: Click here








Fairbanks, Alaska.


Those who are admire the rare and mystical event, Fairbanks in Alaska is one of the best place to go. This is the most reliable spot to see the 'aurora borealis' or known as 'northern lights'. Fairbanks is geographically under the 'aurora oval', where auroras are seen most frequently. Alaska is one of the best places on earth to see the northern lights – colorful bands of light that dance in the dark night sky. Travelers from all over the world come to Alaska each winter to see this stunning display and take advantage of other winter experiences like snowmobiling, dog mushing, skiing, festivals and sporting events.

Things to do:

1. Northern Lights Viewing Tours 



One of the most activity that tourists come to Fairbanks is because aurora borealis or northern lights. Every year, all tourists from all over the world come to Alaska to have this experiences. View the magnificent Northern Lights displays from a heated log cabin high above Fairbanks, far away from any city lights are one of the best activity. It's not a wasted time when you have to spend your whole night to see this great creature. 

2. Snowmobiling


One of the best activities at Fairbanks and do not miss the beautiful view. You can do this activity with your familiy members, friends or your love one. One of the challenges activity that can make you laugh and tired. 

3. Chena River State Recreation Area


Renowned as a wilderness hot springs spa, Chena is also the name of the river that flows northeast of Fairbanks. The SRA features several campgrounds along the road that parallels this northern river. Famous for its grayling (catch-and-release only) in the river, several nearby ponds are also stocked with keepers. The Chena River region is equally alluring for campers who enjoy paddling through the river’s Class I-II rapids. Wildlife abounds, but black and brown bear sightings are rare and seen mostly in the backcountry. Moose are more common as they feed in the ponds and sloughs along the entire length of the Chena River.

3. Kodiak Bear, Alaska


When your're visiting Alaska, the one of the adventurous activity is you can see the Kodiak Bear. Alaska has brown and black bears. But, the best bear safety is avoidance. Learn as much as you can before you visit/camp in bear country.

*The video below are not from Alaska. It's from Sequim, Washington. 




Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia.


A clear blue sky above, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across. Rolling green hills, covered luxuriantly in thick vegetation, interspersed with high, rocky cliffs. Calm, clear waters, tinted by the colorful corals beneath its surface, and alive with the movement of a hundred species of marine life. Last, but not least: a stretch of soft sand, but not white, not black, but PINK!

One of the '7 Pink Beaches in the World', Pink Beach on Komodo Island is famous for its beautiful pink sand. This color is a mixture of sand from white calcium carbonate and the bright red skeletons of organ pipe corals, which are relatively abundant in certain areas of Komodo National Park. Other pink sand beaches are found in some of the eastern bays on Komodo Island, as well as in southern Padar. Komodo National Park is the real wonder of the world.

The island is famous not only for its heritage of convicts but also for the unique fauna which roam it. The Komodo dragon, the world's largest living lizard, takes its name from the island. A type of monitor lizard, it inhabits Komodo Island and some of the smaller surrounding islands, as well as part of western Flores. Javan deer also inhabit the island, though they are not native. Other fauna include buffalo, civets, cockatoo and macaques.







*A few points to keep in mind, is that this is an uninhabited island, and it also is the natural habitat of the Komodo Dragon. If you see the creatures roaming the coast or in the water, be sure to keep a distance. Komodo Dragons are excellent swimmers and are even capable of swimming inter-island. Komodo Dragons are wild animals that could be potentially dangerous to people, so it is not recommended to visit this beach without the help of an experienced guide or ranger.

Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan.


Games? Maid Cafe? All kinds of electronic appliances and devices in the world? Where you want to search this kind of things? Maid cafe, games, and advance electronic appliances/devices are really synonyms with Japan. So, at Akihabara, you'll get it all.  Akihabara, known affectionately as Akiba, is one of the most well-known electronics districts in Japan. Yet, its popularity has led to a lot of redevelopment in recent years pushing out a lot of the smaller more specialist shops which attracted people in the first place, and replaced it with mammoth all-purpose electronic stores.

It is absolute that Akihabara is the largest town collecting all kinds of electronic appliances and devices in the world. The products at the very top of technology are always abundantly available here. 
In Akihabara, there are quite a lot of staff members who master 20 languages of the world. Communication here can be going on smoothly without any problems. Customers can easily purchase the overseas model products. 

Things to do in Akihabara:

1. Retro Games? Get it at Super Potato スーパーポテトレトロ館秋葉原店


Super Potato isn't really a shop, it's more like a video game museum where you can buy stuff. The store is actually from western Japan, but its Akihabara shop is the centrepiece and it has been visited by countless Japanese celebrities. Want a Japanese Famicom? Or how about a Dreamcast? Japanese PC Engine Games? This cramped, multi-storey shop is packed with them, like some great gaming repository. Prices here run on the high side, but the old game consoles and games are in great condition.

Super Potato website: Click here

2Yodobashi Akiba: Biggest electronics store ever


If you get bored of looking at electronics, Yodobashi Akiba also offers a place to make suits and grab some grub. The largest shop in Tokyo's largest electronics chain, Yodobashi Akiba towers over the competition The nine-story mega complex - festooned, of course, with an equally gigantic super-cute mascot character - dominates the skyline on the east side of Akihabara station.

If you have time to visit only one electronics store in the area, you couldn't hope for a more target-rich environment. From cameras to computers to home electronics such as televisions and washing machines to Otaku stuff like toys and model kits, this is Akihabara at its most highly concentrated.

Yodobashi Akiba official website: Click here

3. Tokyo Anime Center 


Akihabara is sacred ground for Japan’s famous “otaku” (anime and video game fan) culture. The Tokyo Anime Center is located in Akihabara UDX, the core facility inside Akihabara Crossfield that serves a central role in the area. Many events, such as exhibitions, voice actor talk shows, screenings of anime films, and public radio broadcasting are held at Tokyo Anime Center in the UDX Building. There is an anime shop where anime character goods and original goods are exclusively available. You can experience post-recording as well (note: scripts and instructions are in Japanese only). In addition to anime-related information, you can get maps and detailed information on Akihabara. There is also a bulletin board on which famous guests, talents and voice actors have autographed that is a must-see.

Tokyo Anime Center official website: Click here

4. Nagomi : The 'little sister' cafe



Can you imagine Tokyo without Maid Cafe? There's a lot of Maid Cafe in Akihabara such as Cure Maid Cafe, Schatz Kiste: 'Akihabara Culture Café' and Cos-cha: Back to school. But, for those who want to experiences a little bit different from be serve by sweet and kind maid, this is the place. The maid in this cafe will serve you by their rude and bossy mood. This is known as 'Tsundere'.

Tsundere is, it’s a female character type that alternates between tsun-tsun (cold and cranky,combative) and dere-dere (sweet and affectionate)– usually turning soft only when she’s alone with her romantic interest. This personality type is so prevalent in manga and anime culture that the term Tsundere was coined as a necessary point of reference. The maid will throw serious attitude at the customers only to turn sweet on them before they leave.

In this cafe, the girls dress in frilly outfits and call you "big brother." Depending on their mood, they can be kind and sweet or rude and bossy, or both - an icy-hot.Sometimes they bully you for an hour and then cry when you leave. Score some conversation time with tabletop games for ¥500.

5. Gundam Cafe


This miniature Gundam theme park-like café isn’t just for hard-core Gundam fans looking to discuss the latest Gundam news – there’s also plenty here for both those who have only just started cultivating an interest in all things Gundam, as well as tourists from overseas who might be looking for more insight into the Japanese world of anime. Visitors will find at least one of the female staff members dressed in a uniform styled after one of the female Gundam characters, and there is even a corner of the shop dedicated to selling themed products ranging from ningyo-yaki (sweets filled with bean jam baked in the shape of a Gundam) right down to special Gundam coasters.

Ningyo-Yaki
Official website of Gundam Cafe and how to get there: Click here.

How to get there: 

Click here for Access map of Akihabara







Phi Phi Island, Thailand.


Phi Phi consists of six small islands 46km south of Phuket. Fine sandy beaches give way to soaring limestone cliffs to form spectacular scenery. Add crystal clear water, a refreshing lack of roads, plus a laid-back lifestyle, and it's easy to see why Phi Phi is one of southern Thailand's most popular destinations.

The smaller, uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh is a big tourist attraction. Surrounded by sheer limestone walls dotted with caves and passages the island's shallow blue-green lagoons and coral gardens are a snorkeler’s paradise. The island also has two magnificent beaches, Loh Samah and Maya Bay – used as a location for the Hollywood film The Beach.

Longtail boats make the many secluded beaches around Phi Phi Don accessible. Diving and snorkeling at Laem Thong and Hua Rah Ket is excellent. Many dive companies offer all-inclusive trips. In room after room, some of the most famous paintings in the world are side by side.






How to get there:

Definitely by the ferry or speedboat.

The ferry is by far the most popular method of reaching the islands. Ferries take about two hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The top deck of the ferry doubles as a sundeck, which is great for those who want to tan. The lower decks feature air-conditioned rooms and drinks and snacks are available onboard. The ferry terminal is a one-hour drive from Phuket Airport and Krabi's is 30 minutes from Krabi Airport.

Private speedboat transfer is the next most popular way of getting to Phi Phi. Basically, it's a private charter of a speedboat so departure and drop-off points are a little more flexible and you can go right up to the front of your chosen resort which can save a lot of time.


Paris, France.


For both art lovers and lover lovers, ranking the City of Light as the best in the world in both categories may sound cliché, but the heart wants what the heart wants (and is always right). Walks along the Seine, tree-lined boulevards and cobbled lanes, a swoony stop at the Musée Rodin, or a simple glass of red in a cozy bistro all add to l'amour Parisienne. When someone asked about 'Romance Place', the Paris is not excluded. With their 'Eiffel Tower' and known as their one of the 'Leading Cities of Fashion', Paris is one of the right place to go. 

The picnic-perfect Place des Vosges, one of Paris's oldest and most beautiful squares, surrounded by elegant 17th-century mansions in the Marais quarter, shown that this city is full of romance. When you go to this place, make sure that you can speak or learn basic French because most of the France people will not speak English if you speak English with them.

Things to do in France:


1. HintHunt - "Live Escape Game"



Ranked number one in Trip Advisor attractions when you stayed in France, this is one of the best activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family members. This game is Asian origin and  this game makes a team face a conundrum to solve, a sine qua non condition to escape the room in which participants are locked. Located in an old leather shop near the Pompidou Center, HintHunt Paris is currently offering one puzzle in 3 different rooms.

Click here for official website of HintHunt Paris

2. Parc de la Villette free open air cinema


Why not enjoy the warm summer evenings with a film under the stars?. Sitting in a deck chair or lying on a blanket, both of which are available to hire, you can see great films from around the world in the Parc de la Villette in the North East of Paris. Every July and August, families, couples and groups of friends gather on the lawn with picnics to watch films on the giant screen. These film screenings are free of charge, and many of the films are in English.

Click here for official website of Parc de la Villette. 

3. Love Wall


Still, Paris being the city of love, it's no surprise that this mural that features "I Love You" scrawled in hundreds of different languages, draws countless visitors looking for an opportunity to capture a smoochy holiday snap. The wall is the brainchild of Frederic Baron, who began collecting I love yous in 1992 before teaming up with artist and calligrapher Claire Kito who drew the mural. It's not far from the gleaming white Sacré-Coeur Basilica, an iconic Parisian attraction that can also be visited for free.

4. Eiffel Tower


One of the most recognizable structures on the planet, the Eiffel Tower underwent a major facelift in 1986 and is repainted every seven years. It welcomes more visitors than any other paid monument in the world - an estimated 7 million people per year. Some 500 employees are responsible for its daily operations, working in its restaurants, manning its elevators, ensuring its security and directing the eager crowds flocking the tower’s platforms to enjoy panoramic views of the City of Lights.

Click here for more details and booking the tickets in Eiffel Tower.

5. Musee d'Orsay


Museum and Art? Yes!! Musee d'Orsay is not to be missed, even if you "know nothing" about art.  The museum boasts the best collection of Impressionist paintings in the world.   In room after room, some of the most famous paintings in the world are side by side.

Click here for more details about Musee d'Orsay 

Milan, Italy.


'Mona Lisa' or 'la Gioconda', the laughing one painter, Leonardo da Vinci are from here. Milan. Listed in top 20 'Most Visited Cities in The World in 2013' by Forbes, you'll fall in love with Milan, Italy. Who love arts or fashion, this is one of the best place for you. 

Milan was the Western Roman Empire's capital for a short but significant 109 years. Its position at the top was reconfirmed by Napoleon in 1786, when he declared the city his centre of the Cisalpine Republic. Rome was chosen, some say arbitrarily, as Italy's capital in 1861. But for most northern Italians, Milan is the country's heart. Milan is Italy's business capital, home to the country's stock exchange as well as its renowned fashion and design industries. But while people work hard, they play hard too. Whether you're up for eating or drinking, football or shopping, Milan excels at recreation.

The city of Milan has been famously known for fashion, especially because of all their famous fashion designers. Fashion designers like the Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Gucci makes their country be in the top for sure.

Things to do in Milan:

1.Feast your eyes on the Last Supper


The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie is arguably the greatest painting of the Renaissance, capturing the dramatic moment at which Jesus reveals one of his disciples will betray him. It's so realistic that you can imagine the shock, amazement and hostility of the religious followers. The work is testament to a troubled history. Paint started peeling away in Renaissance times, when the wall was used for target practice. In the 19th century it was a backdrop to the French invasion and nearly got destroyed in the Second World War. It's a miracle that it has survived. But thanks to a restoration the fresco can now be seen in full colour. Make sure that you reserve a timed, 15-minute slot in which to visit the masterpiece.

2. Scale the Duomo



The Duomo of Milan is an amazing sight. Stretching up high above the piazza del Duomo, it's the third largest church in Christendom. A staggering 3,500 statues and 135 spires adorn the marble structure, which has a Baroque and neo-Gothic façade, as well as five bronze doors carved by different artists. It's no wonder that it took 500 years to complete and building work continues today. To appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, take the lift to the roof, from where you to get a breathtaking view of the Alps on a clear day.

3. Bag the latest styles at the Rectangle of Gold


Milan is a haute couture powerhouse, where fashions jump from catwalk to clothes rail in weeks. But unlike the sprawling district in Paris, Milan's boutiques fit into one square, bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea and via Montenapoleone: the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Rectangle of Gold). Designer named stores include Armani, Chanel, Missoni, Prada and Versace. Even if the price tags are out of your budget, you can spend many a happy hour admiring the window displays. And if you can only just afford €500 on a pair of Miu Miu boots, rest assured: the shopkeepers will gladly accept plastic.

4. Explore the labyrinthine Castello Sforzesco


Castello is an exhibition hall with Paleolithic history of a furniture models. Throughout the fifteenth century, it was home to the distinguished court of Ludovico Sforza, supporter of Leonardo da Vinci. Storehouse highlights the Museo d'arte e Scienza, with showcases on Da Vinci's life, the Palazzo d'arte, a fabulous showcase for plan that was once home to the Triennale,  the Pinacoteca di Castello, and many others.

5. Have a Venice experience in Milan


It may not be Venice, but Milan is still a city of canals and a quiet cruise on its still waters throws light on historic gems. Navigli Lombardi organises a tour that takes in the ancient wash houses of vicolo dei Lavandai and San Cristoforo, the Scodellino bridge and the old Darsena port. Built in 1603, this port sits at the confluence of two canals linking Milan with the Ticino and Po rivers, and now hosts a sedate trade of riverside shopping, dining and drinking. As the canal stretches across the city, you'll find boutiques, antiques restorers, bookstores and nightspots lining the banks and side streets. Navigli Lombardi runs full days out in June and July, with return transport to Gaggiano, lunch and afternoon bike hire (€45). Tickets can be bought at Studio Mitti, an artist's shop opposite the boat's dock, by telephone or on board.

*Click here for more information about ticket to have experiences like in Vanice.