Short Stay in Bali

If I were staying in South Bali, I would get up and go for a walk north on this fantastic beach that runs from the airport in the south past Legions, Kuta, and Seminyak, and beyond for at most another five km. This clearing of sand is buffeted by the type of surf that put Bali on the chart for backpacking boarders in the nineteen sixties. Get involved in a volleyball game with some locals, rent a bench or chair, take surfing lessons, buy a beer from one of the numerous vendors or get a massage from one of the veteran masseuses, it is a rather mellow sight that stretches as far as the eyes can see.

Moreover, let's say that you must get from Seminyak to Kuta quickly, using the beach route is the fastest and most attractive route to getting there as of yet. In the afternoon, I would go to one of the many great Seminyak restaurants for lunch, later I would go to one of the numerous clubs spontaneously. If I were staying in Ubud, I would get a room and simply chill out. I might stir to go for a walk through the river valleys and rice fields, but I would soon return and stay by the pool. I would absolutely make time to wander the streets checking out some of the great little shops, which seem to emerge like mushrooms after the rain. In fact, at night, I would go to watch one of the enchanting dance performances provided all over town at venues. After that, I would go out and eat alfresco at a fine neighborhood restaurant. Grab a shot of Cappuccino and get ready to drink in some fresh air. Then, take a leisure walk along the breezy paths of South Bali.

On the next day, I would make my way to Pura Tanah Lot ("Temple of Land in the Middle of the Sea"), one of Bali's most famous sea temples, for a fascinate sight, especially at sunset. Tanah Lot temple stands on a rocky island just off the south west coast of Bali. The temple itself was told to be guarded from evil by the sea snakes stays in the caves below.

The temple itself is not reachable to tourists, however good views can be had from a variety of hotspot nearby. Visitors especially gather on the verandas in the vicinity to watch the glow of the sunset behind Pura Tanah Lot. Of course I would not miss this.

Pristine And Delightful Chiang Mai

My morning begins at the café with a mug of steaming coffee, brewed from Arabica beans which are roasted locally and a plateful of French toasts. After a leisurely read of the Bangkok post and observing the local monks on their morning rounds for alms, I am ready for an interesting ride on my bicycle to investigate the old city's surrounding moats that date back 150 years. I go past Pratu Phae which has brick remnants that are restored, and enter the cultural heart and geographical center of Chiang Mai.

Making an initial stop at the monument of the Three Kings, I offer my respects to the fathers who founded the Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai. Then I ride on to check out the latest exhibits of culture and art of northern Thailand. These are preserved in a provincial hall dating back to 1924, which itself is an architectural masterpiece of post colonial Thailand. If I find the need to still indulge in fine architecture, I would head for the quadrangle in the old city which has about 33 Buddhist temples of historic importance. I am always inspired by the Chedi Luang which houses the monument with the tallest stupa, and also the exquisitely carved panels in wood of Wat Tao.

Later I will make a stop for lunch at either Heuan Phen or Si Phen where I would get a taste of the sausages of Chiang Mai accompanied with a flaming dip of green chilies. Scooting randomly through winding and narrow lanes called Soi, I will get a marvelous taste of the street life in Chiang Mai. I will get to observe young housewives busily hanging laundry, backpackers from Europe trying to find a guesthouse, giggling school children and the ever-present noodle vendors. When the heat and peak of afternoon traffic gets too much to handle, I am going to pack my bike on the back of a truck taxi which is locally called the sawngthaew, and head for the Doi Suthep's lower slopes which are to the city's west. I am looking forward to enjoying a cool Singha at the restaurant called Huay Kaew which has an excellent view of a beautiful waterfall that tumbles off rocks shaded by trees.

In the evening, warm the body with a 2 hours Thai Traditional Massage at Chiang Mai Oasis Spa, a Thai Herbal Hot Compress on the stomach and back finishing with an Aromatic full body oil massage. High recommend to this wonderful service and such a lovely place, you will be pampered like never before and totally relaxed, that worth for every Thai Baht paid.

Seoul - Exploring The True Colors Of The City

You cannot enter the soul of Seoul if you do not encounter its unique drinking and eating habits and mix with the locals who are not any less unique. You can start the day in Namdaemum with a breakfast of spicy-cold noodles, surrounded with all kinds of sounds that are inseparable with the Korean eating customs: a belching woman on the left, a shopkeeper shouting welcome or rather, 'Oh so seyo,' in front and maybe some old man noisily slurping down his bowl of noodle on the right. Koreans in fact have a unique audible and personal relationship with food. For a different color of Seoul, you can however head to the district of Apgujeong, the most happening entertainment and sopping quarter of the city. An out-and-out commercial center, it is still steeped in an exclusive Korean beauty.

One can then make his way to Samwon Garden. The restaurant is famous for its barbecue preparations and you will like your piece of meat there. And when the stomach is full and content, it is time to check in to one of the many bathhouses that dot the city. On the Myeong Dong street is located the bathhouse Hurest Well Being which is a nice one to take your bathe in as it is a big one and does not stay overcrowded in the afternoon. After an hour or so rotating between clod and hot tubs, you will feel rejuvenated and will be rearing for more. The healthy feeling of thirst will swoon upon you and you will probably like to sit at a quiet pavement chair placed outside one of those many shops lining the Myeong Dong street. Just as you quench your thirst with some tasty vital fluid, you may get to see a gaggling bunch of college students approaching you. Invite them for a drink and you will surely enjoy the happy chatter together. And as the day slowly spins out, you will wait eagerly for the surprises awaiting you the next day.

Recommend to pay a visit to Korean Folk Village, which located at Gyeonggi province. The village presents with the traditional culture of South Korea. Do enjoy the Korea folk performance, wood craving, sculpture garden, art gallery and understand why amethyst and Ginseng are one of the most popular products in Korea by foreigners. One more thing, you should try out the yummy traditional foods that sold in the market place. Don't miss it!

A day in Beijing and its surroundings

Beijing is an interesting place that you will never run out of new things to see.  There are many historical places and it is also rich in culture.  I could ride my bike around and drop by a simple nearby store where I can eat breakfast that serves local dishes.  I will go sightseeing and enjoy the surroundings.  I was able to visit the Forbidden City.  Then pass by the Gate of Heavenly Peace where Tiananmen Square is close by.  I can find a variety of things being sold there.  Right now it is all about the propaganda-era posters.

In the square area I managed to witness a huge display of kites and it ended before the Arrow Tower. I can not fully enjoy this experience without seeing myself on the wall walk.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Mongol hordes tumble down the city.  They did distribute lamb hotpot to the people.  I am glad they did because I have something to eat later on that day.

Later I managed to visit Liulichang St to look for souvenirs I can bring home.  It will be convenient for me to head there since it is on the way to the Summer Palace.  It is peculiar to go there at this time knowing the fact that it is a huge place and they close early in the summer which is (6pm in the evening).  Even though it is closing time, they do not force anyone to leave.  I was able to stay long enough to enjoy the sun set at the same time finish my alcoholic beverage near the Kunming Lake.  It was the best experience I could ever ask for.  It is one of the most relaxing places in the world.  There is no other place like Beijing.

Have fun at Menteng Indonesia

One of Jakarta's most pleasing historical inhabited closed societies, Menteng today still reveals the original early 20th century Dutch apparition for the region. Glossy modern houses coexists with traditional majestic homes along restful tree-lined boulevards, offering Jakartans and tourists alike a glance into a previous era with some of the pleasures of its gentler pace of life. There is much to explore in Menteng, from its chronological buildings and antiques marketplaces to its stylish eating shops and sole retail outlets.

Music at Taman Suropati
This eventful little park is located in a horseshoe of spectacular and well-preserved 1920s houses that are now home to Jakarta's administrator and several ambassadors. It is famous for its statues by artists from  Asean countries. On Sundays or public holidays, it drawn courting couples and picnicking families, with artists selling their works, provisions vendors hawking gado gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) or fried tauho (bean curd), and street performer entertaining the crowd.

Come on a weekend and you'll find young musicians making sweet music with their violins, violas and cellos - and shows appreciation to Pak Ages, who organizes free melody lessons for kids. 

Bargain at Jalan Surabaya
Jalan Surabaya is an establishment in Menteng, and no antique collector or flea market buyer visiting the city should give this a miss. Small, orderly shops sit in a row along this one-way avenue, offering everything from brassware and stranded china to classical instruments and leather tools. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by some light-hearted bargaining. Don't be astound to see workers squatting on their tenderloins a few meters away, shamelessly ageing the wares with shoe polish.

My favourite stall is number 109 where you'll find Pak Tizar using photographs of real people to make scary realistic stiff puppet replicas or wayang kulit. Ask to see the photos of the puppets presented to public figures, regulators, and even US President Barack Obawa.

Historical Malacca

A place steeped in an old memoirs, Malacca was once a trading post of flavors with dealers arriving from all places of the world. Malacca has a colorful olden times with her originator, the Melayu sultans, followed by interference from the Portuguese, Dutch and the Chinese, thus creating a very miscellany of different communities.

Journey to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia passes charming plantations of oil palms and rubber estates, dotted with occasional villages. The tour to Malacca should begins at the river-mouth, once called as the "Venice of the East". The presence of appealing looking wooden boats laden with mangrove logs and charcoal for barter goods is a reminder of a business being practiced centuries ago.

Tourists are recommended to take a stroll through the narrow Heeren Street and view fine old Dutch buildings from the 17th Century.  Do visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage Private Museum, the only of its kind in the country. A guided tour the  heritage of the Peranakans, a unique culture born of a fusion between Malay and Chinese traditions.

Walk along Jonkers Street which is noted from its antiques shops. Visitors should continue with a stroll on Harmony Street to see Kampung Kling Mosque, an old mosque with Sumatran architecture. Then move on to Cheng Hoon Teng temple, founded by Kapitan China Lee Wei King, a escapee who fled from China during the Ming Dynasty. Next, please then drive to see the Christ Church, the red-hued Malacca Dutch Square, and the unmistakeable Studhyus (one used as the home for the Dutch Governor) which serve a memory of the Dutch power in Malacca during the old days.

Pay a visit to Padang, Merdeka to see the remaining memoir of a Portuguese fort called A 'Famosa with Porta Santa as the presented gateway of the fortress. Get to climb up St. Paul's Hill to explore St. Paul's Church, a roofless property where lays a statue and empty burial chamber of St. Francis Xavier.

Before leaving Malacca, do drive around Bukit China (the Chinese Hill) to see the largest inherited burial graveyard of the early Chinese of Malacca out of China.

The Old Batavia Sideseeing Trip in Jakarta

Jakarta starts its memoirs in the 14th century as a little quay city and today become a lively metropolitis. Old Batavia's center point is the 'Kota' area now. Kampoeng the Old Batavia Tour present the distinctiveness of Jakarta with diverse blends of civilization and traditions.
Some fascinating attractions illustrate as follows:


Kota Intan DrawBridge

In the 18th Century, Kali Besar areas was a very modish suburban neighborhood along the great canal of Cilliwung river. At the north end of the Kali Besar lays a small 17th Century Dutch drawbridge, the last in the city, called the Kota Intan Drawbridge.

National Museum

The National Museum, built in 1862, is the best museum in Indonesia and is reputedly one of the finest in Southeast Asia. The museum has an huge compilation of cultural objects of the different ethnic categories - model houses, musical instruments , costumes, various fine bronzes from the Hindu-Javanese period, as well as many attractive stone pieces picked up from Central Java and other temples.
There's also superb display of Chinese stoneware dating back to the Han empire which was almost entirely stored up in Indonesia.

Sunda Kelapa Harbor

This more than 400 years old waterfront area was a very important link to the markets of the outside world for the 15th Century kingdom. Since then this port has belonged to the Portuguese and Dutch. The harbor is still one of the most crucial calls for sailing vessels from all over places in Indonesia, that serves as an central point of exchange of shipping goods to and from the outer islands. This is one of the finest attraction in Jakarta.

Glodok

Glodok is the heart of Jakarta's China Town. It is now hawkers, banking, entertainment and trading center. Visit to Petak Sembilan Chinese Temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Developed in 1650, it was on the earliest center of worship for the Batavian Chinese.

Fatahillah Museum

Built in the 16th century, the museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is probably one of the most solid reminders of Dutch rule to be found in Indonesia. It provides the historic background of Jakarta through a display of maps and antiquities, including porcelains and furniture. 

Built in the 16th century, the museum is housed in the ancient town hall of Batavia, which is perhaps one of the most firm reminders of Dutch rule to be found in Indonesia. It grants the historical background of Jakarta through a pose of ancient artifact and maps, including ceramics and furniture.