Archive for February, 2009

Outdoor Singapore

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 22 2009

There are many charming aspects to the landscape and the outdoors in Singapore. Because of this Singapore has become a major hot spot for travelers looking for a bit peace and tropical island tranquility. And for many, the best way to escape the mundane and hectic world of their day to day life is to enjoy a bit of the great outdoors. One of the greatest attributes and accomplishments of Singapore is the fact that they’ve managed to expand the tourism without losing the quiet charm.

There are miles and miles of Singapore coastline which offers up a myriad of options when choosing beaches to visit. One interesting fact about the beaches of Singapore is that most of them are man made. Singapore only recently reclaimed the land that makes up the edges of the island. Regardless, the sand is white. The beaches are far from city intrusions, by noise, smell and or thoughts of hectic business or traffic jams. This makes for a gentle, otherworldly experience with the backdrops of natural landscapes and greenery as well as the local inhabitants from the animal kingdom.

Although some beaches do have some restrictions, it is always easy to find one that suits your needs and desires. If one wants to swim in the ocean, some beaches are deemed safe for swimming. On some locations a variety of classes and activities are offer such as wind surfing or sailing or scuba diving. On a few sites there are camp grounds, but there are some relatively close five star hotels Singapore offers for those who would prefer more creature comforts. Some of the beaches even have accommodations such as picnic sites and fire pits for those wanting to social with sunset parties or barbecues. Aside from just the coastline of the main island itself, there are the islands. The beauty of the natural world of Singapore is just a heavenly escape from real world pressures and tension and readily accessible from the best Singapore hotels. Some of the best spots in the world are located on the island as well as many to chose from that are not too far away for a quick afternoon adventure.

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Mauritius: Island Paradise

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 21 2009

Discovered in 1507 by Portuguese explorers, Mauritius has long been considered one of the most beautiful spots on earth. It has been compared to paradise by many visitors and famous writers. Mark Twain is even said to have written that heaven was modeled after Mauritius. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand why the island is such a popular dream destination.

The white sand beaches and incredibly blue ocean are just the beginning of the natural beauty of the island. Lazing the day away in the warm tropical sun while watching the waves and sun is just one appeal. The waters around Mauritius offer ample opportunities for swimming, sailing, diving, and other activities. For a unique experience, take a tour in a glass bottomed boat and glimpse the undersea life teeming around the island.

Mauritius was created by a series of undersea eruptions millions of years ago. This has created a bowl shape with mountains surrounding a central plateau. The island is home to lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, glossy lagoons, and virgin forestland. Hiking, horseback riding, and 4-wheel drive tours are great ways to explore the various terrain and natural beauty of the island.

Of course, what island paradise would be complete without modern-day comforts? There are numerous luxury hotels Mauritius designed to pamper guests in every way possible. The island is well-known for the sega music that pulses out of its bars and clubs. The food here is also wonderful, with local dishes featuring Creole recipes or check out the various Chinese, Indian, African, and European restaurants on the island.

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Exploring Bangkok

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 19 2009

One of the best cities to visit is beautiful Bangkok. The capital of Thailand was actually voted the “World’s Best City” and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. With a growing economy and rapid development, the city attracts not only holiday travelers, but an increasing number of businessmen and women. Whatever the purpose of their trip, visitors will find lots to explore in Bangkok.

Although it is considered by many to be an exotic and ancient city, full of historic architecture and landmarks, Bangkok is, in fact, quite modern. There are over 1000 skyscrapers which form a breath-taking skyline while serving as testimony to the city’s position as a major economic and financial center for the region.

The city was once known as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive system of canals or “khlongs.” While most of these have been filled in and paved as roads, a number of khlongs are in use and taking a boat taxi or visiting the floating market in the Taling Chan district provide a unique view of the city.

Since Bangkok is a capital city, it is home to the usual National sites. Here is where you’llf find the House of Parliament, the National Gallery, and the National Museum. Bangkok is also the home of the royal family and their official residence, the Grand Palace. The National Theater is also in Bangkok.

Bankok is known for contrasts. Home to some of the best deals for shoppers (esp. for clothing and locally-produced goods), the best Bangkok hotels offer unparalleled luxury. Food in this multicultural city ranges from local Thai dishes served from street vendors to fine dining restaurants offering international cuisines.

Other things to do in Bangkok include visiting the Bangkok Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art or strolling through one of the city’s many parks. There are also wildlife sanctuaries and zoos offering a wide range of animals, birds, snakes, and reptiles.

For a unique experience, try to schedule a trip during one of the city’s many annual festivals. Some of the more popular annual events include the Bangkok Songkran Festival (a celebration of the traditional Thai New Year) and two international film festivals. The city also hosts huge celebrations honoring the birthdays of the Queen and King of Thailand.

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Chennai: Popular Tourist Destination

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 14 2009

A popular destination with modern tourists is the Indian megacity of Chennai. This is one of the largest urban areas in India and has become a cultural and economic center for the state of Tamil Nadu as well as the rest of India. Chennai was once known as Madras and is the current capital of Tamil Nadu.

Once visitors arrive in the city, they will find a wide variety of lodgings available. There are numerous hotels, hostels, and inns to suit a range of budgets, including some fine 5 star Chennai hotels. There are even a few beach resorts that take advantage of the city’s beautiful beachfront.

As the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the undisputed center of all Tamil culture. Art, dance, theater, and film all reflect the Tamil culture and language. This is most obvious in the Tamil film industry. Affectionately known as Kollywood, it produces Tamil language films for distribution across India and all over the world.

Shoppers will find plenty of place to hunt for bargains. The city has everything from wholesale markets to department stores, from neighborhood markets to shopping malls. Merchandise ranges from antiques to jewellery, from textiles to electronics. Chennai is also a great place to find traditional art and handicrafts from the various regions of India.

The city has a national park within its borders that protects many endangered species and is the home of the Guindy Snake Park. Chennai actually has a number of parks, gardens, and animal sanctuaries that can provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation for an entire family. Families may also want to check out the city’s three amusement parks, its water park, or the various sporting venues across the city.

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Foreign Reserves Decrease in Singapore

Business | Posted by admin
Feb 09 2009

This week it was reported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore that the official foreign reserves of the country decreased to US$ 167 billion in January from US$ 174.2 billion in December.

This is important news as the official foreign currency reserves totaled SG$252.6 billion in January, up from SG$250.3 billion in December.

Also foreign exchange reserves and gold increased to SG$ 251.7 billion from SG$249.5 billion in December. This is in contrast to the reserve position in the IMF which decreased to SG$ 251.7 million from SG$255.8 million in the previous month. Also special drawing rights rose to SG$545.1 million from SG$544.1 million in December.

The countries infrastructure is still developing with growth in office buildings, commercial real estate and boutique hotels Singapore.

The south east Asian stock market has been badly hit recently. Singapore’s economy will be the worst-hit in the region, with the state’s government forecasting a contraction of up to 5 percent, which will be the highest on record.

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New York Comic Con

Entertainment | Posted by admin
Feb 08 2009

The second largest pop culture convention has made its yearly appearance in New York City. Thousands of fans of comics, science fiction movies and television have arrived at the 2009 New York Comic Con. Though not the largest convention in the US, this is the one that takes place in the comic book capital of the world — not to mention the capital for media, publishing and licensing. Instead of bringing the industry to the fans, this is the one Con that brings the fans to the industry. New York restaurants and hotels are braced for the added business which is welcome during the current economy.

Like most Cons, New York Comic Con is a mecca for geeks and fanboys. Offering a huge marketplace throughout the weekend, its the perfect place to find that mint-condition comic book issue to complete a collection or to get the newest fan swag.

With its prime location in New York and sheer number of attendees, this Con can attract big names in the film, television, and comic industries. Interviews and panels feature comic writers, movie directors, and casts of favorite scifi programs. Sneak peaks of upcoming TV shows and movies are shown months before the official release dates, allowing word of mouth to start growing long before even the regular previews are out.

This year’s event features appearances by Adam Kubert (Superman, X-Men), Brian Micahel Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man), and Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, Final Crisis) as well as dozens of other comic book stars. Screenings feature the new “Wonder Woman,” Joss Whedon’s new series “Dollhouse,” and sneak peaks at the upcoming “Watchmen” and “Terminator: Salvation” movies.

Comic Con also features a Star Wars Trivia Contest, a Kids Costume Contest, and a performance by the New York Jedi association. There is also a large charity auction of original artwork put on by the Hero Initiative.

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Phuket Island

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 07 2009

Many people are drawn to the gentle paradise that is Phuket With its white sand beaches, lush rainforest, scenic mountains, and wonderful views of the sparkling Andaman Sea, this Thai island is a true oasis of relaxation and beauty.

Connected to mainland Thailand by a bridge, Phuket is the country’s largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. Visitors can stay at the handful of 5 star hotels Phuket, enjoy the convenience of a beach resort or negotiate to rent an apartment or house from a local. Restaurants on Phuket offer rich, Thai cuisine and feature the seafood one expects to be in abundance on an island. There are also a number of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, for those who want a little variety in their diet.

Phuket is a culturally diverse island, with a population of Malay, Thai-Chinese, Muslims, Buddhists and Europeans. The island has a number of religious and cultural festivals throughout the year which can enrich the vacation experience. Soeme of the more popular events include the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, the Vegetarian Festival, the Patong Carnival, and the Seafood Festival.

The island has several preserves and parks designed to protect the natural beauty of Phuket. Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park features virgin forest, exotic vegetation and several endangered animal species. There are also several beautiful waterfalls in the park. Sirinat National Park. is a marine preserve that includes the coastline where endangered sea turtles lay their eggs every spring.

Whether shopping, snorkelling, enjoying a terrific meal, or simply relaxing on the beach, any visit to Phuket will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

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Visiting Goa

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 01 2009

Colonized by Portugal in the early sixteenth century, Goa is the only state in India that doesn’t reflect a strong British influence. Instead the area’s colonial architecture, customs, and heritage reflects Portuguese culture and style. Despite its previous strategic important, modern Goa is known mostly as a top Asian vacation spot due to its many beaches and its lively restaurants, bars, and night clubs.

Goan beaches offer a seemingly unlimited supply of sun, sand, and surf. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, and parasailing. The restaurants throughout the state offer fresh seafood served with the world famous feni to wash it down.

Visitors can find all sorts of accomodations from five star hotels in Goa to youth hostels, from camping to guest cottages, and, of course, there are numerous beach resorts that put you right on the water. The villages and cities in Goa offer a variety of markets and traditional stores for the tourist who must shop.

Some of the cultural and historic sites in Goa are worth investigating. Bom Jesus Basilica, the Goa State Museum, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception are popular with visitors. For a different experience, visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary or the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

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