A Visit to Natural History Museum London

If any of London's museum put in a nutshell the Victorians' visitors for education and passion for going through and classifying valuable information, the natural History Museum is the one. Yet, in spite of its substantial size, the layout is easy to master. It segregates between the "life" galleries, starting from Cromwell Road, and the "earth" galleries, beginning from Exhibition Road.

One of the museum's supreme delights is the way it puts on superb high-tech exhibits alongside beautifully kept Victorian-style arcades filed with fastidiously labeled cabinets. Many of the latter are found in quiet by-ways of the museum, but one of the assortment recognize its value both by children and adults alike is the wood and plaster model of a blue whale, which has been the centerpiece of the Mammals section since it was built in 1938.

Other Key attractions:

- Investigate basement: Here kids can touch, measure, weight and analyze under a microscope a variety of specimens. A team of kind assistants is on hand to help. There is also an open-air section where children can inspect pond life close up.

- The Jerwood gallery: This house a superb compilation of oils, watercolors, drawings and prints. Some of which are the primary illustrations to scripts by famous 19th century explorers.

- Mammals: As well as displaying an amazing array of taxidermy, the galleries contain sobering statistics on the rapid rate at which species are becoming obsolete.

- Human Biology: This section is conducted with interactive exhibits: you can test your reminiscence and senses or be tricked by optimal illusions.

- The Darwin Centre: The world-class center for scientific analysis and a storage area for millions of specimens, with guided tours and "meet-the-scientist" sessions.

- Earth's Treasury: This brings to show the planet's beauty, displaying rocks, micro-organisms and minerals twinkling in the gallery's  semi-darkness.

- The Wildlife Garden: There is an introduction session with tour twice daily in spring and summer. This luxuriant spot is a refreshing way to put an end to a visit.

Websites To Surf Before You Go Out There!

If you are the type of changing your mind at the last minute or if you determine to go for holidays on a whim - the net is the ultimate tool.  Luckily for all of us, with the new technology information superhighway - really comes and putting the world of travel squarely in your hands. It's a wild, wide and wonderful world out there in www-ville!

Background, blogs, stories, culture, personal recommendations, places - so much more information about destination that we have ever had in the past - are all now available within seconds. For those who truly love to fly check out Google Earth and find out more about your destination before you arrive, such as accomodation you've booked and its nearest shopping paradise, beach, internet café, tourism extractions, etc…all in 3-D.

The information about websites below is correct at the time we when to print: however please note that this can and do change often. As a precaution, please check websites are still live and current or at least regularly updated before you go, especially if you are planning on using them while you are away.

Some of these sites are US-based so if you are doing bookings or costings online please bear in mind with the currency rate of exchange. You should double confirm and note all prices as you go so don't get any unpleasant surprises.

Booking from internet is the most common use of the net but general browsing can really fire the thoughts and get you thinking about places that may not even be your radar yet. Surf the net before you even choose a destination or prepare an itinerary and you may end up with a completely new set of travel plans.

One way to ensure you get the information you need is to forward a bunch of websites links directly to your hotmail or other email account so you can access them in a more convenience way while you are away. Photocopy or print out relevant pages online and guidebook sources. Bind them together in a small folder that you keep in your hand luggage, or altenatively store it in your hand phone.

Consulate information is the best checked on websites first to avoid unusual hours or close on public holidays that you may not be concern of. Special attention to be given for local weather, breaking news, and travel warnings information that may affect travelers before departure.

Food Stuff - What to eat and what not to eat during travelling

Being healthy and staying the way really comes down to a couple of things when you're during traveling:

a. Choosing Where To Eat Wisely
b. Knowing What Not To Eat
c. Washing Your Hands frequently (and before taking any meal)

When you are traveling, having a meal can be lay bets as you can't always check the sanitation of each establishment. As a rough rule of thumb I check the cleanliness of the interior and make a general judgment based on the 'feel' of the place I also check how busy is it is as it will have a bearing of food turnover, giving me some signal of freshness of the food.

I never choose salad unless I am in the restaurant of top hotel. I peel fruit, eating only things like pineapple, oranges, banana and papayas, which need peeling.  Hot and fried stuff or boiled things are best as any sickening bacteria that may be present are mostly killed in cooking process. I avoid poultry eggs, dairy and certainly all meat if I am in hot countries. So that leaves dumplings, noodles dishes, couscous legumes, vegetables and curries with hot soup, etc. Principally if it's fresh veg, boiled, fried or super hot, and it's not meat or dairy, you should be fine.

Drinking water that is not pure is one way to seriously disrupt your journey. All drinking water should be bottled, fresh and more importantly to be sealed. Don't drink 'old' bottled water that's been placed on the floor of the public transport for a day or two, even if it's yours. Bacteria multiply quickly and that can be dangerous to your health.

Take a bottle of mineral water with you when you leave on your day's sightseeing and drink frequently and regularly. Buy clean bottles as frequent as possible - only refill a small and portable bottle from a big one a few times before you replace the bottle entirely

Never drink from a tap and do not drink unfiltered water. If you are trekking, water should always be fully boiled, and have purification tablets or iodine. Your tour guide should be able to explain how to boiled and drink the water safely along the tour.

It is also recommend to clean your teeth using bottled water to avoid any suffers from upset stomach and ruined birthday plan.

Visit to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul

 

For a enlightened exploratory opener, embark on your tour of Seoul at the central and historical Deoksugung Palace, the Palace of Honorable Longevity, whose entrance faces City Hall Plaza. Deoksu is not the oldest of the surviving palaces - it was built as a country house toward the end of the 15th century, but it is significant for its role at the unpleasant end of Joseon dynasty. King Gojong, who was forced to step down in favor of his son Sunjong in 1907, lived in retirement and died here in 1919 after having seen his country annexed by the Japanese in 1910 and his family's empire snuffed out after 500 years.

Among the most conspicuous composition on the palace grounds, regularly open to the public, is a statue of Sejong, the great 15th century King who authorized scholars to develop a distinctive Korean writing system, different from the traditional Chinese characters, and officially promulgated it in 1446. There is also a majestic audience hall and two astonishingly European-style stone buildings, with Ionic and Corinthian columns designed in 1909. These buildings are used to house the Royal Museum, exhibiting items once used by the royal court. The palace grounds offer a welcome relief from the modern buzz, especially in the autumn when its passageway of gingko trees in ablaze in gold.

Visitors to Deoksu Palace are often amazed to find themselves in the middle of odd-looking, weapon-carrying soldiers marching to the beat of huge drums and elongated trumpets. This is the ceremony of the Changing of Palace Gate Guards (at 10-11.30am & 2-3.30pm), performed much as it was when kings and queens lived and ruled behind palace walls more than a hundred years ago.

What to wear when travelling

You might have already planned in your mind what you will wear on the plane and while you are traveling in general. If you dress up a bit to travel it seems to make your passage that much smoother. Check-in staff will smile a bit brighter, the all-important customs and security people seems to be more cordial, flight attendances don’t mind to go the extra mile for that blanket or refreshment that you request. When you appear well groomed and crisply turned out, even if you are only wearing jeans and a nice shirt – it speaks volumes. When you appear scruffy, it conveys the message that you don’t really care and you can’t really deal with it. A good basic outfit consists of:

• Well-cut, clean , comfortable and cozy jeans and pants (not super tight)
• Sweater or pashmina draped around neck or shoulders
• Good, simple earrings and watch
• Minimal make up and freshly washed hair, clipped back up in a ponytail
• Nice and restful flat walking boots.

….and what not to wear

• Tracksuits
• T-shirts with inappropriate message or obscenities
• G-strings (you bend over a lot when you travel and these always ride up)
• Messy, extreme-colored hair
• Too much cheap jewelery
• Tons of makeup

In short, to be a good traveler, you fly under the radar. Dressing quietly but well is a good habit, drawing nothing, except the attention you want.

Eat in Korea

Korea have great pride in and an continuing love concern with their own cuisine. It's not special to hear a middle-aged businessman pride on that he only likes Korea food. And the variation between most Korean dishes and those favored by Westerners is as different as the Korea language and English. But there is some hope for those who simply cannot get used to the pungent smell of Gimchi. There are many western chain restaurants in Seoul (and a few in Busan and Daegu, but good luck finding one elsewhere), and there are a few independently owned Western restaurants. These restaurants cater to a younger Korean clientele, upper-class Korean families, and foreigners.

The best hotels have fine western restaurants and good Japanese and Korea restaurant; though they are pricey by Korea standards. But visitors to Korea really should try to break the language barrier and experience Korean food. There is little doubt that Korean restaurants offer the best worth and the tastiest meals in Asia.

Below is a list of types of restaurants you are likely encountered in Korea.

a. Barbecue meat restaurant
Beef and pork ad short rib are marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds, then char-broiled.

b. Raw fish restaurant
Fresh raw fish is served sliced with a soy sauce or red pepper sauce. Other kinds of fish dishes such as maeun tang (hot pepper soup of fish, soybean curd, egg, and vegetables)are served.

c. Noodle restaurant
Noodle dishes are the specialty but so are easily prepared rice dishes. Some of the popular dishes are Momil guksu -buckwheat noodles served with a sweet radish sauce; odeng guksu - wheat noodles topped with oriental fishcake in a both; and Japchae -rice vermicelli stir-fried with vegetables and meat slices.

d. Steamed rice restaurant
A bowl of rice is served with a variety of gimchi, parboiled vegetables, fish and soup (usually made of soybean taste) - the basic Korea meal. Other simple dishes, such as naengmyeon and bibimbap are often on the menu.

e. Japanese restaurant
Complete with sushi, sashimi and tempura are all over Seoul, and are common in the southern port of Busan.

Spend a weekend ride at Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Shaped like a boomerang, Pulau Ubin is situated just off the north-eastern corner of mainland Singapore. The 1020 hectare island was once a cluster of 5 smaller one separated by tidal rivers, but the building of bunds for prawn farming has since united these into a single island. Two small island, Pulau Sekudu (Frog island) and Pulau Ketam (Crab island) , lie to the south side of Pulau Ubin.

Ubin is largely of a series of undulating, granite hills. In the early days, granite mining supported a few thousand settlers. Much of the original vegetation was also cleared for the cultivation of rubber and crops like coffee, pineapple, coconut and jasmine. Nowadays, abandoned granite quarries remain as picturesque residue of Ubin's memoirs, while grasslands and forests have recycled to cover up the ruins of the past.

Ubin provides a much-needed escapade from the hustle and bustle of city life in Singapore. Its natural and rustic charm draws about 250,000 visitors each year. The idylc settling is ideal for outdoor activities.

Rent a bicycle, or bring your own, to visit villages scattered round the island. Ride through the rubber and coconut plantations, or pause at fruit orchards, perhaps you will chance upon a few durians or mangosteens.

Bring your tents and head out for beach campsites at Jalan Jelutong, Mamam and Noordin. Try your hand at fishing, or gaze at the myriad stars of Ubin's night sky. For a more comfortable stay, try the lodge and resort in the island. Facilities such as an assembly area, seminar room and workroom are available for booking. Feel free to contact the NParks Helpline at 1800-471-7300.

If you like being close to nature, join the guided tours and discover Ubin's amazing diversity of plants and animals.

Taiwan Night Markets

When one thinks of Taiwan, one unavoidably reflects of night markets. There are a few famous and the visitors like the most are namely Shilin, Huaxi, Roahe and Tonghua night markets. You can ramble while shopping and at the same time enjoy yummy food in these markets. These are an especially remarkable variety of local eats (called 'xiaochi'). Prices are reasonable and portions are pretty small, hence you can visit from stall to stall tasting as many as you wish.

Some of the typical and representative foods are intestine and oyster pancakes,danzai noodles, milk fish rice porridge, fried oodles, fishcakes, hot grass jelly, and cuttlefish soup etc. Xiao Chi also includes a variety of desserts, such as sweet tofu pudding, milk tea with tapioca and papaya milk, and these are popular among women. The prices are low, but the food quality is as good as high class restaurant served.

In fact, you can distinctive the choice of foods by their unique aromas. Each night market has it own unique atmosphere and its own exclusive food products and local civilization, which will enrich your knowledge in the travels.

Every day, the crowds start flowing into the market as the street lights are turned on. Two years back, the public-health program was launched by the authority to promote the use of eco-friendly chopsticks. Hawker booth staff are also encouraged to wear color uniforms to eliminate hygiene issue and enlightening the overall visual appearance of the markets.

Visit South East Asia - Information Good to Know

When to go
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia fall entirely within the tropical zone, these countries have a hot and humid climate all around the year, with temperature hovering around 30 celcius and rarely dropping below 25 celcius. Visitors that keen to lie around on a beach or keen to join in adventure sports should avoid the monsoons. The rainy season have an effect on the west coast of the peninsula between mid April and October.
 
On the east coast and the Malaysia Borneo, the monsoon falls between November and end of February. It is worth timing a visit to coincide with one of the country's major festivals, such as the Rainforest World Music Festival. Chinese and Hindu festivals in Singapore take place at the beginning of the year (i.e. January and February).

Visitor Information 

Anyone plan for a visit to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will find useful information on the official website of Tourism Malaysia (www.travelmalaysiaguide.com), Singapore Tourism Board (www.stb.gov.sg) and Indonesia Tourism Board (www.indonesia-tourism.com). The website provide details of festival, interesting places, resorts and hotels. The tourism boards, aided by their resourceful network of local and offshore offices, offer a wide range of pamphlets on the most attractive tourist destinations. For East of Malaysia, both Sabah Tourism Board (www.sabahtourism.com) and Sarawak Tourism Board (www.sarawaktourism.com) have detailed websites. Most hotels operate daily tour arrangement while backpackers' lodges are generally provide outstanding sources of local information.

Social Customs
The majority of the South East Asia populations is conservative, but travellers will find most social customs adaptable and generally easy to comply with. Loud behaviour is considered rude. As a rule, do not point at someone or substance using the index finger; instead imply with the thumb or the whole hand. Also note that in Muslim community it is considered bad-mannered to touch people with the left hand or on the head. Public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are also frowned upon. Topless sun-bathing and nudity on beaches are prohibited.

Before entering a Muslim home, visitors should take their shoes off. Never relieve yourself to food without it being offered first and avoid having the meal with the left hand.

While most modern cities have an advance outtook in terms of fashion,  Muslim women still dress conservatively. Attention must be taken to dress appropriately, with arms and legs covered, especially when visiting rural areas, temples, mosques, and other religious place. In the some Muslim countries, Non-Muslim women may be forbidden to enter mosques according to the local rules and regulations.

Premier Holidays in Malaysia

Malaysia have an amazing range of attractions for visitors, offering experiences and activities that appeal to all tastes. Malaysia's national parks, with their superb landscapes and unusual animals, are a magnet for nature lovers, while its islands fascinate divers eager to explore the mysteries of the deep. The major cities of this territory, particularly Kuala Lumpur, offer the chance to see historical monuments, witness cultural shows, shop for local crafts, and sample the delights of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cookery. This page present the highlights of some of the Malaysia's most captivating destinations.

Historical City of Malaysia "Malacca"
Malacca is famed as the place where the memoirs of Malaysia formed. Filled the events of the past, Malacca is not unlike a large museum brimming with artifacts, walkways, handicrafts, buildings, corridors, and gardens. It is a story of legendary sultans,  heroes and princes and also the tale of war, of downfall and of independence.
Key itinerary include Cheng Hong Teng temple, Jonker Street,  A' Famosa, Dutch Square.

Putrajaya - Garden and Intelligent City
Putrajaya is a city with a forethought and heritage for the country's present and future initiations. Sprawling over 5,000 hectares Putrajaya possess numerous attraction. Putrajaya Lake is also the venue of the F1 Powerboat World Championship. Modern infrastructure include Putra Mosque, Prime Minister's Office, Government complex and Prime Minister's Residence.

Port Dickson - Fun in the Sun
Port Dickson is the most well-liked beach in Negeri Sembilan has an almost unbroken shoreline up approx. 20km. Its sunny beaches, lined by Tall Palm and Coconut Trees and shady Casuarinas are washed by the Gentle Waves of the Straits of Malacca. It is interestng to learn about ostriches while having fun at the Ostrich Farm. Enjoy a spray in the lovely water of delight in the sea activities.

Magical Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is well known as "City of Entertainment". The one stop destination of adventure, fantasy and excitement, set amid cool misty mountain lures  guests by the droves for is non-stop entertainment. Genting Skyway is the longest cable car in South East Asia. With over 15-million visitors, visit Genting Highlands annually. For children, don't miss the indoor and outdoor theme park in the highlands.

A 'Famosa Safari Malacca
The 150 acres A 'Famosa Animal World Safari is an amazing wildlife safari that is come to more than 100 of the wild species from the animal empire. The safari pride yourself on exciting rides where visitors can view the creatures at close distance. Whereas the A Famosa Water Park offers a variety of games and water sports programmes such as boating, canoeing, wave surfing and water skiing.

Green Bowl of Malaysia - Cameron Highlands
There is a lot to see and so in the Cameron Highlands. The largest Malaysia's highlands resorts situated 1,500 meters above sea level. Feel free to walk through lovely small villages and charming strawberry, honey bee and butterfly farms or pay a visit to  Tudor styled country inns and tea plantation, this resort will hold your interest with its bucolic charm.

Hot Springs in Taiwan

Taiwan is rich geothermal resources. Several types of springs can be found, including cold springs, hot springs, turbid springs, and seawater springs. Hence one can enjoys various types of natural springs without leaving Taiwan. All the hot spring spots are coordinated with the activities of Taiwan Travel Year.  Therefore many tourist routes with special offers are arranged.

Natural landscapes, culture, arts, and tourism are linked with local features. Diverse hot spring journeys, accompanied with famous products, health-preservation food, bath houses, and scenic spots, are certainly worth visiting.

While enjoying the therapeutic effects of the springs, you can also enjoy the scenery. Hot springs houses along the Tang Gin Highway and Taichung suburbs are recommended.

The exceptional combination forms an incredible scene of Fire-water in one, attracting thousands of tourists from different part of the world to Guanziling each year. Guanziling’ water also helps treat neuralgia, skin disease, and gastrointestinal illness and is also said to be helpful for curing alleviating exhaustion, skin allergies, and beautifying the body.

Taiwan Sihchongsi’s (四重溪) famous Hot Spring is located a convergence of snaking rivers. The water is carbonic acid and lime, with temperature of 40-50 degrees,; it can be sed in drinking, bathing, treating neuralgia, gastroenteritis, skin disease and boosting the metabolism.

10 Popular Local Food in Singapore

Singapore’s filled with a plethora of restaurants and hawker centers that offer different dining experiences. Delicious and extremely economical local food can be found in everywhere island wide. All you need to do is grab a fork or some chopsticks and take your tastebud on a unique culinary tour.

Below are some of the recommendations that even locals can’t get enough of. Try these out..!

1. Char Kway Teow

Flat rice noodles stir fried with sweet dark sauce, eggs, bean sprouts, chives, Chinese sausage, prawns or sliced fish cake an cockles.

2. Chilli Crab

Crabs cooked in a chilli and tomato gravy, served with fried bread rolls. Dunk the bread into the gravy for a uniquely Singapore taste.

3. Fish Head Curry

A whole fish head cooked with okra, eggplant and tomatoes in a spicy curry. Best served with steamed white rice and ice-cold lime juice.

4. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Steamed chicken accompanied by rice cooked in chicken stock. Served with cucumber slices, minced ginger, chilli sauce and dark soy sauce.

5. Laksa

Rice noodles in a spicy coconut broth with fresh cockles, bean sprouts and sliced fish cakes.

6. Murtabak

An Indian pancake stuffed with minced mutton or chicken, pan fried to a chewy, crunchy texture and served with spicy curry.

7. Nasi Lemak

Steamed white rice accompanied by a variety of Malay meat, fish, vegetables and curry dishes.

8. Rojak

A salad of fruits, vegetables and fried crullers tossed in prawn paste and sprinkled with peanuts.

9. Satay

Skewered meat grilled over coal fire. Served with rice cakes, onions, cucumber and a spicy peanuts gravy.

10 Bak Kut Teh

Chinese soup consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in herbs and ingredients such as mushroom, fried tofu puff for hours.

Discover Chinatown Singapore during Chinese New Year

One of Singapore’s oldest ethnic districts, Chinatown has so much to offer those craving culture. Only in Chinatown you can find a unique bend of new and old, as remnants of its colorful past still and old traditions still endure. The best times to visit Chinatown are when any of a myriad of Chinese festivals are taking place and the streets are awash in a kaleidoscope of color, lights an special shopping deals.

Here, Chinese merchants and craftmen still hawk their wares in quaint pre-war shop houses, from delicate bales of silk and gold jewellery to traditional crafts. One place worth visiting and don’t miss is China town street Market were a dazzling array of stalls selling traditional Chinese goods like calligraphy, opera masks and food open by late morning till evening.

Chinese New Year symbolizes a new beginning for the Chinese and is one of the biggest and most widely celebrated festivals in Singapore. Immerse yourself in the entire Chinese Culture experience and soak up the festive hustle and bustle simply by walking through the streets of Chinatown which will be lit up with spectacular fairy lights, bustling Lion Dances, cultural performance and festive street bazaars where you can find traditional culinary treats like cookies, roasted meats and Chinese New Year ornaments.

Eat in Hong Kong - Cantonese Food

The majority of Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong are Cantonese, this is not unexpected since most HK Chinese are originally from Guangdong Province. Among Chinese, Cantonese cuisine is considered the finest, since years back, number of Chinese emperors have recruited Cantonese chefs to prepare food for them.

Cantonese food, which is noted for food preparation with high quality (usually either steamed and stir-fried), is known for its fresh, delicate flavors. Few drop of oil and few spices are normally used in order to retain the natural flavors of the various ingredients, this also mainly due to Cantonese are sticklers for freshness. For those who are particulars about cholesterol, Cantonese food is highly recommended. On the other hand, those with active taste buds may find it rather insipid.

Most of the Cantonese like seafood, hence one of the best choice offers in a Cantonese restaurant is fish. It is preferable to steam the whole fish prepared with fresh ginger and spring onions, but equally good are slices for good fish types such as red mullet, sole and bream.  While enjoying the fish, Cantonese believe it brings bad luck to turn a fish over on the plate, so the proper thing to do is to eat the top part of the fish, lift the bone in the air and then extract the bottom part of the fish meat with your chopsticks. Other well-liked seafood choices include sea cucumber, abalone, squid, shark fin, shrimp and crab.

Another famous Cantonese dish is dim sum, which means "light snack" but whose Chinese characters literally translated as "to touch the heart".  Traditionally, dim sum is taken as breakfast, brunch and lunch, and with Chinese tea. In Hong Kong it is very common to use in Sunday family outings, where family members are gather together for chit-chat and enjoy the food altogether. The dim sum consists mainly of finely chopped meat, vegetables, shrimps, crabmeat that wrapped in thin dough and then either boiled, fried, steamed or braised. Therefore Dim sum includes steamed spareribs, fried spring rolls, fishbal, and dumplings.

Many Cantonese restaurants offer dim sum from since early in the morning until late afternoon, in 70s it served from trolleys wheeled between tables, and the waitress shouting out the name of the dim sim in her trolly, but nowadays just as often available from a written menu. The trolleys are piled high with steaming bamboo baskets, so ask the waiter to let you peek inside. If you like what you see, simply let the waiter knows. For big restaurants,  they can offer up to nearly hundreds different  kinds of dim sum.  The cantonese favourites are cha siu bau (barbecued pork buns), har gau (steamed shrimp dumplings), shiu mai (reamed minced pork and shrimp dumplings). A serving of dim sum usually consists of two or four pieces on the bamboo basket and cost about HK$20 - HK$30 per dish.

If u would like to have some special and light supper, try congee, which is a rice porridge usually topped with a meat (can be chicken, fish, pork, crab, shrimp or vegetable). Most of the Hong Kong traditional eating outlets specialize in congee and "wun tun meen" - a bowl of noodle soup with fresh shrimp dumplings. You should not miss it!

Experience Batik Painting in Asia

Batik is not just another piece of painted cloth. It is an art piece of its own. Batik is heritage art that is now recognized as official wear in some South East countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. It is also an outstanding piece to be worked into a trendy fashion piece.

The word batik is derived from the word 'ambatik' that means 'a cloth with little spots. The suffix 'tik' represent little drop, dot or to make dots.

There are quite number of Batik galleries at the central of Kuala Lumpur, Jadi Batek Gallery is one of the largest batik and handicraft center among the rest. Here, skilled artisans trained in the fine arts of customary batik painting create masterpieces, each piece with a unique tale and typescript.
                        

Ever so versatile, batik paintings are even made into shirts, scarves, dresses and handbags. Each piece being a fashion statement traditionally or even contemporary. Batik is a gripping piece of art. The gallery conducts presentations and also offer batik workshops for the visitors to have a first hand familiarity at batik painting. Visitors are treated to a visually and practically exciting experience of seeing how a piece of plain fair cloth can be transformed to an beautiful piece of batik.

Instead of just buying ready made batik pieces, visitors have a chance to bring home their own masterpieces to share with their loved one, an inspirational experience that is offered exclusively to the visitors.

Beyond batik, Jadi Batik Gallery also houses an collection of souvenirs ad local made handicrafts that to delight any visitors. Indeed, the gallery is truly Malaysian offering every visitor an inspiring experience and convenience for shopping in the city.

Riding All The Way

Many tour cyclist set off with a determination to cycle all the way, except when certainly unavoidable - usually ferryboat to cross over seas or rivers. Indeed first timers often assume it ought to be done this way, that they've somehow cheated themselves and betrayed the greater cause should they take the train or a bus when a perfectly ride-able road exists. On this view the ride is an act of distillation; it's just you, your bike and the world. Recognize this as a not uncommon over-adventurous reflex to the routine and predictable life you may be leaving behind; you are up for it and want to get your teeth into a challenge!

In the car-dominated country the environmentally assenting activity of cycling as full-time transportation encourages a certain passion which might turn your back on any form of engine-powered aids. It's something that more experienced riders get over once they realize it's not necessarily about riding, its' about traveling. It doesn't mean you have to hail down a local farmer in a pickup every time a stiff climb or an irritating headwind presents itself it merely recognizes that a bicycle's great advantages includes its natural flexibility - and that one of the better lessons gained on the road is flexibility.

Riding it all is challenging stuff indeed; the downside of this kind of dedication is clear: a fair amount of uneasiness and even threat at times - heading out of owns on hectic motorways or through run-down shanty-towns, riding in excessive of warm and cold, unable to catch up with the favorable seasons for tour.

Lashed to a bus roof, in a downpour or on a ship or aircraft, you can cut out a busy or borning stretch or have a chance to acquainte with some locals and so enrich your live through. Travel gives you the freedom to find your own style as a process of self-discovery, and that is ofen easiest done in the company of strangers where you can re-think up yourself as the miles unroll.

If your have more time to spare, you might want to ride every inch of the way. Otherwise, you will have a lot more fun and get further if you press 'fast-forward' once in a while. The key point is: it is your ride, not someone else.

Exploring Hong Kong

Most visitors think of Hong Kong as mainly an exotic shopping destination. In the past decade, however, Hong Kong has revved up its sight-seeing prospective, opening new city parks and refurbishing older ones constructing community art spotlights, expanding museums or developing new hubs, and reprogrammed sightseeing tours intentionally to give an impressive outlook to the visitors.

Although some attractions closed after the handover, new ones have opened or are work in progress, including own Disneyland by 2006. On the other hand, if all you want to do is hiketramp or lie on any of the coastline, you can do that too.

If you really want to explore Hong Kong, do stay at least 5 days to a week. As the city is so compact and its transportation is so well-organized, you can go anywhere without any issues.

The 4 main activities I would recommended to every visitors to the Hong Kong are:

- Get into the Star Ferry to across the harbor

- Take the Peak tram to the top of Victoria Peak for a romantic, spectacular night time view of Hong Kong, ablaze with glittering lights.

- Ride one of the rickety old trams on Hong Kong Island

- Take a ferry to one of the outlying islands
Nothing can beat the excitement of these four experiences, or give you a better insight into the essence of Hong Kong and its people. What's more, they're all incredibly cheap.

If you still have spare time to walk around, think about taking a night stroll at Tsim Sha Tusi waterfront. It stretch from Star Ferry terminus all the way through Tsim Sha Tsui East, with very romantic views of a lit-up Hong Kong Island across the choppy waters. Best of all is the nightly "Symphony o Lights" between 8 to quarter past 8, when an impressive laser and light show is projected from 18 buildings on Hong Kong island.

The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is very safe at night, as it has lots of people. As for Victoria Peak, I have walked it alone several times in the night, but to be honest, it's probably would be better to accompany with someone else.

Will come back to you more about an introduction of yummy food in Hong Kong.

KL Bird Park

The World's largest Free-flight stroll-in Aviary formally opened in 1991. Located within the peaceful and scenic Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, it is only 15 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur city hub.

Rambling approximately 20 acres of grassy valley landscape, the park is divided into 4 different zones and is home to over 3,000 birds of 200 local and foreign bird species.

The main characteristic that distinguishes KL Bird Park from any other bird parks is its model of free-flight. Toward the main entrance of KL Bird Park is as if you are stepping into an huge bird cage, where visitors will have a chance to have a closer watch proximity various bird species living together as a perfectly balanced society in this semi-natural environment.

Park highlights include:

Love of Aviary: As you walkthrough this first aviary, you will be filled with overwhelming sensation of hospitality as you witness pairs and pairs of gorgeous Lovebirds lovingly grooming each other.

World of Parrots:The minimal aviary is specially planned to accommodate various species of parrots in our collection consisting of cookatoos, lories, macaws and parakeets.

Hornbill Park: The wonderfully landscaped Hornbill Park is the homeland to our majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill, one of the largest hornbill species in the world.

Bul Bul Land: As you put your feet up on one of the par benches, you couldn't be able to block yourself from imagining that you are in an 'oasis' overflowing with a huge crowd of garishly colored birds.

Flamingo Pond: Catch a glimpse of Flamingos gracefully sun-bathing in a wonderfully landscaped pond completed with an attractive man-made waterfall.

Don't forget to have a drink at Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe, a dining experience to satisfy every discerning enjoymenmet. Located right inside the Hornbill Park of the Bird Park, the eating corner offers a wide variety of local and western cookery, each finely prepared by their skillful chefs. The unique architecture of wooden Malay Kampong house and its crafty interior creates the perfect ambience for your dining pleasure.

Planning and Preparation for a Holiday – A "Remember List"

For the majority people the excitement and pleasure of the holidays starts with the planning and preparation phase. Checking the brochure again for x times, chatting romantic sunsets, choosing which brand is the best sun tan lotion and skin moisturizer, buying a new swimming custome, are all exhaustively enjoyable and indeed 'part one' for the holiday itself.

You most likely already consider it to some extent, the following valuable tips would help you more in planning your holiday. Get them right, and your holidays will be a success, however get it wrong your vacation program will be...

Most travellers fail to remember something when they go on holiday, but not many forget something important like their passport and tickets, or put out of your mind to turn off the bath tap. If you disregard something, it is usually just an annoyance but it can have a greater impact.

As soon as you know you are going away on vacation or a business trip, initiate to compile a "Remember List". That is, a list of the things you have to do or bring. They may not be as vital as your significant or driving license, but forgetting them will be irritating.

A few sample for your remember list may be:

- spectacles

- Address of your relative John who lives out there, as you will visit him as promised

- Prescription sunglasses

- Any prescribed medication that you are taking regularly

- Your herbal tea, or you won't be able to get to sleep at night.

You can also add other things to the list, that to prompt you what not to take.Use this list to capture everything that comes to mind and will be a factor towards you having a really good holidays or worry-free business trip.

In the weeks before your oversea vacations, keep a small notepad along with you. Make a note of anything that comes to mind, things to leave, stuff to bring, things to do etc. You never know how vital the issue you think about may be, so you don't want to risk forgetting something that may be crucial to your enjoyment of your holiday (such as travel insurance).

Central Market – A Center for Malaysia Unique Culture, Arts and Crafts

One of the impressive pleasures of being in Kuala Lumpur, in noteworthy Central Market, is being able to enjoy our local cookery and delicacies at the food court and a wide range of restaurants and food outlets serving authentic Malaysia food.

A multiplicity of local cooking delights are served at Malay Tea House, Ginger Restaurant, Old Malaya Café, Precious Old China, Oldtown White Coffee, Annexe Nasi Kandar and Secret Recipe.

The history of Central Market goes back to 1888 when the location was a wet market selling vegetables, fish and meat. Afterward, when the market continued to expand with Kuala Lumpur's growing inhabitants, a everlasting structure was buit to house all the vendors. In the 1930's, the building was extended to have the modern Art Deco façade that we see today.

Apart from yummy food, The Central Market of today boasts colourful interiors with a extensive range of shops modeled after conventional houses, each selling crafts in place of various Malaysian cultures.

Stroll along streets with theme such as Jonker Street, Malay Street, Blue Mansion, Straits Chinese and Little India. There is also the Art Lane where you will find portrait artists and batik painters practicing their art.

If you have time, you may also like to catch up the recurrent showcase of folk and classical dances presented by different race groups of Malaysia. There is a free cultural performance on every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

The Central Market Annexe, which located just behind the Central Market building and houses a compilation of diverse galleries including the Annexe gallery which was launched in early 2007 as a center for contemporary arts, complementing the more traditional Central Market. It hosts all manner of art form and expression and has attracted projects that are experimental, multidisciplinary and socially conscious.

Jetlag Tips During Travelling

Everyone have an individual complex internal biological clock that tells our bodies what they should be doing, for instance getting ready to wake up, eat or sleep. If you take a trip gradually around the world, your body has time to regulate to the slightly time zone, however as when you travel by jet plane, your body would getting a shock as when if your biological clock says at 5 morning UK time, but when you get off the plane the world around you rapidly demands you to comply with the local timeframe.

Such jetlag confusions differ from case to case - some people are not susceptible to jetlag. Their body chronometer seems to be able to deal with being adjust after flights to different time zones, however some travellers seems to be able to keep up a steady body clock system, and take no notice of the local time around them.

Some suggestions to tackle jetlag in a better way:

• Have a few good nights' rest before your flight. Being exhausted before you travel exaggerates the effects of jetlag for travellers. Eliminates the night entertainment if possible.
  
• Plan to dress in something light and loose for the flight. You will almost certainly be stumped in economy class seats for long hours. Don't exacerbate the situation by wearing packy and tight clothes to further strangulate your internal organs.



• In the same way, wear roomy slip-on shoes if you can. Your feet will distend during the flight so unless you want to constantly loosen the laces, wear slip-on shoes that will enable you for the slight swelling.



• Keep eye care in your mind too. Dehydration, dull air and commonly poor air quality are not encouraging to the wearing of contact lenses. Think about wearing a pair of cheap spectacles for the flight and recovery period after the flight.



• Work out will help in keeping your body operating suitably during the flight. You should take every chance to stretch your body and legs, or take gentle exercises in a corner where it does not disturb crew or passengers, this helps to keep your body functioning during the flight. Some studies proven that exercising in a little while after arrival expedite the acclimatisation process.



• Before a long distance flight, some travellers would adjust their rest patterns to suit their destination time zone. For instance, they go to bed a few hours earlier or later every couple of days so to facilitate the variation between their biological clock and their destination clock zone become lesser and hence make it easier to get by.
  

Health precaution during travel – water & food

Many visitors suffer food poisoning while in oversea. The problem isn't the water and food, it's the bugs and microorganisms that are swimming in it, or climbing and breeding on it. Local inhabitants have usually built up a natural immunity to the infections, so they easily shrug off any bacteria and virus. A tourist can arrive to the desired place to visit, take one sip of water and then be so ill from an infection that they spend the rest of their holiday in bed.

Holiday ailments like the infamous "Delhi Belly" is not inevitable. If you follow some simple rules on hygiene, food and drink, you are greatly reduce the risk of suffering from these infection.

Bear in mind that in fact simple infections that case diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and ultimately to significant complications. Little children and the elderly are exceptionally susceptible to dehydration.

You should be able to avoid the usual stomach upsets by taking some straightforward precautions:

a. Closely observe basic hygiene rules. Clean your hands when you have been to the washroom and before you eat and handle food. Make sure you use good quality soap and a clean towel.

b. Any raw food is potentially contaminated. Do not purchase raw food that is exposed to the touch in shops and wet markets. It is also exposed to flies some other insects. Don't buy it, use it or eat it.

c. If you want to risk eating salad, wash it by yourself, using clean boiled an cooled water and boiled water.

d. Remember that hot food served on dirty containers and with dirty cutlery, or drinks made with local water, can all infect you.

e. Ice is water would be another probable contaminated item, so avoid ice cubes and an ice made desserts for you or the kids. They could be made with unhygienic water.

f. Similarly, avoid ice cream and yogurts. They could be swimming with risky bacteria.

g. Even if you can't see into the kitchen, if the rest of the place is overrun with flies, the kitchen most likely will be too. Find somewhere else to eat.

h. Observe how clean were the waiter's hands when he handed you the food you ordered.

Dreamland Tour In Jakarta

Visit and touring in Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or known as 'Ancol Dream Land".
It is Jakarta's all-in-one amusement park located on the waterfront in north of Jakarta. Ancol is also known as the city's only substantial beachfront, a great place for fun at the Bay of Jakarta.

Ancol Art Market - Located in the Ancol Dreamland area, it is an open-air art market likely shopping place where you will be most tempted to purchase something. Items include antiques, handicrafts, potters, and paintings. With quite number of artisans working on site, it is a paradise for souvenir seekers and art lovers.

Sea world - It is a high tech advance huge aquarium exhibiting the distintive and diverse tropical marine life found throughout the surroudings waters. Ramble through Freshwater World area, you will see charming tropical fish and corral reefs, and get affable with marine life at the Touch pool. The visitor would enjoy a theatre screen movies about the underwater world in the Antasena Tunnel, a walk-through acrylic tube that gives first hand experience of life under the sea.

'Fantasy world' is a joyful theme park that bringing the tourists into the fascinating worlds of advanced science and technology entertainment. Choose your own play at this theme park. It offers Roller Coaster, Wild and Wet, Giant Wheel, and many other recreations in the park.

Planning A Cruise with Your Family

Cruises have become greater than ever popular with families, including intergenerational gatherings: parents traveling with kids, parents and siblings. The lines are responding with youth analysts and supervised programs, fantasy playrooms, and even computer game rooms to keep the kid entertained while their parents relax. At night, most cruises offer babysitting. Some of them offer reduced rates for kids, though it's crucial to note that most lines discourage passengers from infants.

Do ask whether a supervised children's plan will be offered when you plan to cruise. Usually such plan are only carry out if there are a certain number of interested on board. Depending on the program, the youngest children may cavort in toy- and game- such as masterminds, listen to music, and go on treasure hunts; older ones have options like crafts and arts, PSP games, pool games, and monolpoly etc; and teenagers can mingle at teen parties or hang out at the video arcade. Many mega-ships have shallow kiddie pools, wherby the kids can have fun around the pool.

A family of four can share a cruise cabin that has bunk-style (i.e. double decker) third and fourth berths, which pull out of the walls just above the pair of regular beds. A standard cubicle with four people in it will be cramped. When you figure out, however, how little time you'll spend in the cabin, it's doable. The apparent incentive to share one cabin is the price: regardless of children or adult, the rates of third and fourth persons sharing a cabin with two full-fare passengers are usually about half the regular rate. In some occasion there are special deals and further discounts. If you can affordable, please think about booking a suite, some of which have a pullout couch in the living room. The suit brings more comfortable to the family members. For those families have few older kids can always consider booking two separate cabins with connecting doors. If you require a crib, please ask them to reserve one for you as when you book your cruise.

Some suggestions for your family cruise:
1. Alert younger children about the danger of failing overboard. Please make sure they fully aware not to play on the railing.
2. It would be good if your kids know their cabin number and what deck it's on - the endless pavement and doors on the megas look exactly alike.
3. When in port, do arrange a meeting spot - if your teenage child to go off on his own, pick a meeting point that easy to find, either on board on or land, and meet there well before the departure time to ensure no ones is still ashore.
4. Pack basic first-aid supplies plus any prescriptions your doctor may suggest, as well as thermometer.

Travel in Asia

The truth is that Asia has something for everyone. It's really just a matter of deciding what you're after. The low prices (outside Japan, Hong Kong, Bhutan) make most activities and journey financially feasible for visitors on the lowest budgets. Surprisingly though, much of Asia is still relatively untouched by the travel circuit, and if you're willing forego the comforts of the backpacker infrastructure, it's yours to discover.

Key attractions to recommend are: Angkor Wat (Cambodia), Great Wall (China),Himalayas (Nepal), Taj Mahal (India), Varanasi (India).

The timing: In northern Asia, spring (mid Feb - May) and autumn (mid Aug - Nov) are ideal, summer can get stifling, but the harsh winters (mid Nov - Feb) make travelling the most uncomfortable. Which is fine, because that's great time to be in Southern Asia, the India subcontinent in particular. In Nepal, September to December is widely regarded as the best trekking season, but October to November is so popular that the crowds can easily disrupt the enjoyment and make it more like a weekend queue for the Louvre. The famous monsoon of India could keep you hot and drenched from June to September, but it is not as severe as in Combodia, Loas, Thailand or Vietnam.

Cost: Asia has the cheapest and most expensive countries in the world. Outside the most expensive cities, where you can probably find dormitories, you'll be able to save funds by sharing a double room with someone.

Air Transportation: Some domestic flights are surprising cheap, so before you head off to bus station for another long hours journey, consider taking a peek at some local air fares. You may decide it's worth the extra US$20-US$70, or whatever the difference may be. For instance, from Bangkok, you can fly nearly anywhere is Asia for about US$75-US$200. Domestic one-way tickets in China cost US$100-US$300 and in India about US$200.

Visa: Laos. Philippines and Vietnam are the countries requiring most travellers to get a visa for a one-month stay or longer, but double check with embassies. Sometimes this differs when arriving by air or overland. Nearly all countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months from your date of entry, and that you have proof of onward travel and/or sufficient funds to finance your stay and your trip home. Usually, a major credit card will help demonstrate this.

8 Important Tips in Travels

We love taking trips, whether it’s a short road trip, or a longer expedition by air to some far-away exotic place. But all too habitually we fail to plan in advance for the journey and the result turns frustration and wind you up.

1. The most obvious thing to check on before setting off on a overseas visit is the state of the local weather where you are approaching. You don’t want to arrive in a thin shirt if it’s snowing, and end up to pay with extra cost to get those required in the foreign country.

2. When you change money, ask for some small bills or loose change. Petty cash will come in handy for tipping and public transportation. Consider keeping the change separate from your larger bills, so that it's readily accessible and you'll be less of a target for theft.

3. For road trips, get the right maps and plan your route thoroughly. Everything won’t go exactly as planned, but at least you’ll have much fewer nasty shocks.

4. A trip to a huge shopping mall will suffer from a lack of careful planning. Some malls are so big and therefore planning is important. Get a list of all the meeting points and a map of the location, as well as opening and closing times, before setting off.

5. Never ever make a joke about bombs or terrorists near security at an airport. In a few cases whereby some tourists have making fun jokingly mentioned they have a small bomb or shooting gun in their case as end up that their luggage is being thoroughly inspected. Later at the police station they deeply regretted their foolishity.

6. If you are travelling with children, bring along their recent photos with you. If a child gets lost or during emergency, the photo will prove invaluable in helping to locate your child again.

7. Be clear in your mind that the medical and travel insurance coverage you have is adequate for you and your family members before departure.

8. If you lose your passport, notify the local police station nearby immediately. The officer will help you arrange a visit to the nearest consulate of your home country as soon as possible to have the passport replace.

Giving Can Overcome Language Differences during holiday trip

I recently had to take a trip to France. This is my first time to pay a visit to this European country. Understand from friends that I may have a tough time to communicate as majority of the population are non-English speaking resident. However, I didn't have it as bad as it could have been. Many of the people I met regardless in business or private meet that spoke English as a second language. What amazed me was how patient and helpful those that couldn't speak English were to me.

I was able to go where I wanted and get what I needed especially come to food ordering with relative ease. It didn't matter if we spoke different languages because we worked out other ways such as body language to communicate.

Contrast that to some experiences I have witnessed in some Asia countries whereby non-English speaking people intentionally ignored or dealt with without any patience.

Do you want to make the world a better place by doing even little things? My recent trip to France was proof that you don't have to speak the same language to help anyone. The next time you see someone that visiting us from another country, go out of your way to smile and greet him or her. Spend time finding a way to offer them if they appear to need helps. I am sure and trust you will make their day better and yours as well.

Safety Tips for Budget Travelers

1) Learn the basics in the local dialect before you arrive. Don't expect that people will speak the language that you are familar. English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you need to be sure. You should always get a few "common local words" in mind before your arrival. "Hello", "Please" and "Thank you" won't take more than five minutes to learn, no matter what language.

2) When arriving to a new destination, keep to your original plan and stay in the boarding house that you have decided on. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.

3) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more exclusive airport taxis and be certain that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting at the road side.

4) When traveling from your lodge to the airport, recommended get a taxi recommended by the hotel.

5) Study the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

6) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night. This can just go harm in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and safety measures at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

7) Travel with company with someone if possible. Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?
8) Keep your valuables out of the sight. A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very arduous for a thief to make off with your valuables.

9) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. In most of the hotel, there is a safe deposit box to allow the guest to keep their valuable belongings.

10) Stay away from going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist is unfamilar with. Seek local advice or take a guide.

11) If planning on going to market districts, crowded streets, celebrations etc. don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something pricey keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be cautious when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

12) When leaving places late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your lodging is. Outside most tourism places you'll find a street vendor selling groceries. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

13) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry and necklace.

14) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap, and place it in the safety place. Please make sure the envelope should not be tempered when you are back.

15) When putting your bag down on the floor, for a drink or taking a short rest, bear in mind to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also put this belonging in your mind! This is nothing new and special - tourists tend to forget their belongings in the shop and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, in most of the time, it's gone!

16) If the pavements are really congested, especially in the night, walk in the road.