Category: Asia

Explore Chinatown – Everything about Chinatown Singapore

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Based in Singapore, Chinatown is a major attraction for foodies. Apart from the best restaurants in the city, it also has other tourist attractions. Prominent among them are street markets, popular temples, and shopping destinations. Once you come here, following your arrival in Singapore on a Singapore visa, you can indulge in many interesting activities.

The more you explore Chinatown Singapore’s top attractions, the more amazed you will get. Its exciting possibilities will leave you spoiled for choice. At the same time, they will also thrill you to the core. To better plan your trip to this destination, you must know about the things that you can expect here. Read on to know more about it in detail.

Things to do in Chinatown Singapore

No moment passes by without thrill and excitement due to the overwhelming number of activities in Chinatown Singapore. By planning your schedule, you can take part in the majority of these activities.

Whether you wish to spend a shorter or longer duration of time here, including the below-mentioned activities in your itinerary will make your experience of being in Chinatown Singapore both pleasant and memorable.

1. Explore the Top Restaurants in Singapore

In Chinatown Singapore, you will find food for every price point. The rich variety of restaurants is what makes it possible. From outdoor diners to street food, this destination provides all kinds of food options for its visitors. In a nutshell, the atmosphere of the place remains wonderful with a wide range of restaurants.

The top Chinatown restaurants in Singapore include the following:

  1. Jing Hua Xiao Chi: Do you wish to soothe your taste buds with dumplings and noodles within a tight budget? If yes, there’s no better restaurant for it than Jing Hua Xiao Chi in Chinatown. Apart from dumplings and noodles, you can also order red bean packages, gyoza, and xiao long bao here.
  2. Yum Cha: In the literal sense, the meaning of this restaurant is “drink tea”. Yum Cha promises memorable dining to its visitors with dishes like spicy lamb racks, champagne pork ribs, and fried beef noodles. The menu of the restaurant also consists of other special dishes.
  3. The Cafes and Restaurants of Duxton Hill: Duxton Hill offers a custom restaurant and cafe experience to foodies. Along its three-lined lanes, there are some quirky cafes and independent boutiques.
  4. Tipling Club: This visually pleasing restaurant is the one-stop destination for those who wish to enjoy the best cocktails in a bistro-style setting. Apart from cocktails, you can also enjoy desserts here.
  5. Latteria Mozzarella Bar: As the name suggests, this bar-cum-restaurant specializes in preparing and serving Mozzarella. In addition, it also serves southern-style dishes and dishes made from Italian soft cheese. 
  6. The Coconut Club: Adorned with modern and bright interiors, this colonial super house is popular for its tea, coffee, and nasi lemak. The latter is Singapore’s spicy chicken dish that is eaten with peanuts, anchovies, and coconut rice.
  7. Maxwell Hawker Center: This food center in Chinatown boasts a collection of more than 100 stalls that serve tempting dishes to satisfy the hunger of passionate foodies. Both locals and tourists turn up in this venue for chicken rice, tian tian, and other mouthwatering cuisines in authentic Singaporean flavor.

2. Unleash the Shopper in You: Go on a Shopping Spree at Chinatown’s Street Markets

Temple Street, Terengganu Street, and Pagod Street are dotted with stalls and shops. In these venues, you will find all kinds of items that you wish to buy. The smells, sights, and sounds of these areas will give you the authentic experience of being in Chinatown. Don’t miss out on shopping for your preferred items for the best Chinatown shopping experience.


If you feel hunger pangs, you can try out durian fruit with pizza and ice cream on Temple Street. In this street, you need to head toward Mao Shan Wang to get the flavor of these delicacies. On the other hand, Terengganu Street is the ultimate destination for frozen yogurt drinks and bubble tea in Chinatown. In addition, you can also visit one of the aforementioned restaurants to get Singapore’s local cuisines and street foods in their authentic flavor.

3. Check out the Popular Tourist Attractions of Chinatown Singapore

The length and breadth of Chinatown may be dotted with shops and stalls. However, there’s more to it for tourists and those shops and stalls. After eating and shopping, you can consider taking a look at some tourist attractions nearby.


The prominent tourist spots wherein you can pay a visit include Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Keong Saik Road, and the Pinnacle at Duxton Skybridge. To add more to your fun element of exploring different places on a Singapore tourist visa, you can also visit Ann Siang Hill, Everton Park, Telok Ayer Street, Singapore Musical Box Museum, and Masjid Jamae.


Without a plan in mind, exploring these tourist attractions in Chinatown can be next to impossible. To avoid any confusion or eleventh-hour hassle, choose your tourist spots carefully based on the duration of time you wish to spend exploring the tourist attractions of Chinatown.

Conclusion

By now, you may have come to know about the exciting things to do in Chinatown Singapore. While you can also consider other activities, the ones listed above are the primary options you can consider upon visiting Chinatown. You must try them out, especially if you visit the destination for the first time. Whether you go to restaurants or shopping centers, plan your trip to systematically include the aforementioned activities in your itinerary.

Top Reasons To Visit Cambodia

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Source: Sasin Tipchai on Pixabay

With a turbulent history, Cambodia made the headlines up until 1999 for all the wrong reasons. The nation was either at war with itself or a foreign (sometimes both!) power since the 1940’s. It was only after the assassination of Pol Pot – one of the world’s most evil mass murderers and dictators – that the country knew peace after 60 years of virtually non-stop war. 

Sadly, today that mind-boggling amount of time at war still leaves a legacy, with land mines and unexploded ordnance still remaining a problem in rural parts of the country. Though through war crimes tribunals putting on trial the last surviving members of the nation’s genocide in the late 1970’s, and the passage of time at relative peace, Cambodia has reconciled with the dark history and moved on into the 21st century with optimism about the future and rediscovering it’s former glorious past ancient history with the Angkor temple ruins. 

Phnom Penh

The kingdom’s capital admittedly does look a little rough around the edges, but do not let that deceive you: Phnom Penh is still worth a couple of days, if not only to get a sense of how this nation’s dark recent history continues to have an impact on it’s people, and it will certainly give you a sense of how just how resilient and enduring the people are. 

S-21 is a sobering experience to say the least: It was formerly a school prior to the Communist takeover of the country by a faction known as the Khmer Rogue, who killed around a  third of their own people in only 4 years, in which they turned it into a prison and torture camp for political dissidents. Many of the torture implements can be seen in the rooms and cells and an audio guide describes things like the photos of captives taken by prison guards as you walk around the complex.

It is highly recommended that after this, you head 45 minutes drive out of the city to a place known as “the killing fields”. This is where the prisoners were taken after being tortured and forced to sign confessions and were often executed in the most barbaric ways imaginable in order for the Khmer Rogue to save bullets. Methods of suffocating victims through tying plastic bags around their heads or clubbing them to death were not at all uncommon. 

Perhaps the most striking monument to this appalling tragedy is the Skull Stupa that has skulls of victims spiralling from the ground to the top spire of the stupa, erected as a memorial to the dead Some of these skulls are clearly the skulls of children, and some show head trauma indicating they were clubbed until skull fractures caused fatal brain damage, while others still show bullet holes. 

But Phnom Penh is not all doom and gloom. Today it is modernising at an incredibly rate and the Royal Palace located in the Riverside District devoted to virtually all the tourist infrastructure showcases Cambodia’s brighter history as a regional superpower, with nightly traditional Cambodian dancing. Riverside is also home to a buzzing nightlife as well as hundreds of restaurants and eateries.    

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is located about 4 hours drive west of Phnom Penh and is considered by most to be the much more appealing of the 2 cities. Interestingly, the ethnic and linguistic make up of Siem Reap is mainly Laotian, rather than Cambodia, and the local friendly and welcoming culture is certainly testament to Laos’. 

But of course, Siem Reap is most famous for being the gateway to the Angkor Ruins. Not Just Angkor Wat – the most famous temple ruin – but the whole Angkor empire, which is scattered over some 100kms of pretty rural and jungle Cambodian countryside. Indeed, every year that passes, dozens more temple ruins are discovered, and it is strongly recommended you go for the 3 day passes, as 1-day passes don’t even allow enough time to scrape the surface! 

Of course it’s impossible to list even 1/10th of the temples and palaces that make up the ruins of this lost empire, but the travellers favourites always seem to be Angkor Thom, which was featured in the movie Tomb Raider some years ago,  as well as the Bayon, which is a temple that features the four faces of Vishnu carved into each side of the upper towers.

Angkor Wat is of course sensational too, but to avoid the crowds go at first light to make sure you are first there. If you are lucky, guards will allow you access before official opening hours, in which you will then be able to climb to the top centre tower and have a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding jungle as the sun rises above it. Book a cheap flight to Siem Reap to explore this amazing area for yourself! 

Sihanoukville

Finally, The coastal town of Sihanoukville is worth a mention. About 3 hours south of Phnom Penh, it lacks the world class snorkelling and diving of Thailand and Indonesia, but offers up 5 different white sand beaches each with a different flavour, plus the opportunity to go to nearby Koh Rong island to get a glimpse of what Thailand’s islands were like back in the early 1990’s: Little visited, pristine and lacking any infrastructure and loud bars pumping out dance music until the early hours. 

So, although Cambodia still sometimes gets negative press based largely around a troubled past it is moving faster and further away from, ignore this. If anything, it is worth just visiting for the Angkor ruins which are unlike nothing else in the world.

Visit Kochi to feel the Wonders of the Old World

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The first European colony in colonial India, Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese from 1503 to 1530 and operated as the seat of power till then. This jewel of the Arabian Sea was an important spice trading center from the 14th century on the west coast of India, a tradition which exists till now. Kochi is home to a lot of historical monuments like the St. Francis Church built in 1503 is the oldest European church in India or the Pallipuram Fort which was also built in 1503 and still exists, earning it the title of being amongst the oldest existing European forts in India. Kochi is the personification of the saying ‘old is gold’.

How to reach Kochi

The first and foremost way most people look for is air travel and Kochi, with its Cochin International Airport (which is the world’s fully solar energy powered airport), is responsible for both the international and domestic flights. Availing tickets from far off places like Dubai to Kochi flights, New York to Kochi flights, Toronto to Kochi flights and more are easy.

Roads connect Kochi to its neighboring cities and states with ease since it is a node on the north-south corridor of the national highway system

Kochi is serviced by 4 major railway stations, namely the Ernakulam Junction, Aluva and Tripunithura, Ernakulam Town and Edapally and Kalamassery.

Things to do in Kochi

Surely people would love to explore the city and find out where they can entertain themselves in ways which are uniquely Kochi. So here’s a small compiled list:

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Everyone must have heard how these are only seen in Kochi apart from in China. What’s so special about fishing nets that it deserves a special mention? Well, these fishing nets are fixed in land and have to operate by a lift so that fishing can be done. Not to mention that these are proof of once good ties between China and India.
  • Dal Roti: People from North India would surely love this place, as the name suggests and to its merit, earning a name as a restaurant serving North Indian food is not easy in a South Indian state. This place, with its laid-back ambiance and wooden tables, is popular for its parathas and Kati rolls. If anyone wants to experience homely, delicious, North Indian food then this is the place to go.
  • Elephant Training Centre: The unspoiled village or Kodanad is where the stranded baby and adult elephants are trained. Most hotels are successful in arranging trips to the village but if a more intimate experience is on the mind then going before eight will be advisable since then visitors will be able to lend a hand in giving a wash to the elephants. Watching these big animals roll around like babies is truly a pleasure to watch.

Kochi is a place which is rich in spicy aroma and old world architectural charm, combined with hospitable people. Visitors will enjoy getting soaked in the cultural and historical aura of the place.

Take the Road Trip of a Lifetime: Wayanad Guide

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Kerala is immensely popular for the holy trinity formed by Munnar, Kochi, and Allepey, thrusting Wayanad into the shadows. This is a good thing as it saves the place from experiencing a tourist stampede.

The area experiences decent tourist traffic with great hotels in Wayanad, but it is still considered as an off-the-beaten destination in Kerala. Are you thinking of a road trip? Then, Wayanad has the perfect balance of sports, hiking, adventures, and sightseeing to make the trip a once in a lifetime event.

The Travel Basics

One of the very first things you should know before you set out to Wayanad is that it’s not a town or a city, it is actually a northern Kerala district. The area is largely covered by forest and is located in the southern end of Deccan plateau.

In addition, you also need to know that visiting Wayanad means that you will be visiting either Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta (Wayanad’s capital) or Mananthavady towns. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be able to sample all that Wayanad has to offer you in a single weekend. So, carefully choose what you really need to see and do!

Planning Your Trip

Unless you intend on visiting the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, you should make Kalpetta your base. Kerala and Karnataka State Government buses can take you there from Bangalore and Mysore. There are no airports in Wayanad district, but you can use those in Kozhikode or Bangalore.

One of the best things about Wayanad is that it offers visitors an excellent local network of buses that are both frequent and very cheap. In fact, you can visit just about any tourist destination on public transport – the perfect solution for the solo backpacker.

Top Attractions in Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is what can be considered as Wayanad’s gateway town, and the best location to stay if you intend on visiting the Mathunga Wild Life Sanctuary. The town’s name means the place where the king stationed his ammunition and army. Some of the top things to do and see in Sulthan Bathery include:

  • The Jain Temple
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Edakkal Caves

Kalpetta town offers you a bittersweet symphony of life that includes attractions like:

  • Chembra Peak, which looks over the Wayanad territory – but you’ll need permission and tickets from the forest department
  • The Banasura Dam, which also happens to be India’s largest earth dam and number two in Asia

Mananthavady town is home to Paskhipatalam, which is a protected forest area as well as a sanctuary for several bird species. The park is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is only 8km from Thirunelli, allowing you to enjoy two activities in a single itinerary item. Trekking reveals sweeping views of the Nilgiri hills as you pass through clear water streams, wild grass, and pristine forests.

The Thirunelli temple is another noteworthy ancient place of worship attraction in Mananthavady that features Kerala architecture. According to the locals, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, and it’s also an important pilgrim center in northern Wayanad.

Locals believe that taking a dip in the close by Papanasini river takes away all your sins while freeing you from any karma debts you have. Literary translated from Sanskrit, the name Papanasini means the destroyer of sins.

Conclusion

Wayanad is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of rural Kerala with waterfalls, woods, and wildlife. The vast mountains covered in mist, blue lakes, unending green meadows and wild forests make Wayanad a true “God’s own country!” In addition, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a break from the fast pace of city life.

White Sand And Blue Sea – What To See And Do In The Maldives

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The Maldives – just the name conjures up images of white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters that stretch on for as far as the eye can see and decadent coconut drinks, all enjoyed simultaneously as you kick back on the vacation of a lifetime. Sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it? But aside from beaches, what else is there to do in the Maldives? A surprising amount you will be excited to know! Here is a roundup of some of the island’s most favourite, famous and enjoyable activities and excursions that will have you beaming from ear to ear as you while away your days in this exotic island locale. We can almost guarantee that after reading this you will be rushing off to book your ultimate Maldives holiday.

Beaches

This one probably goes without saying, but beaches are probably the biggest draw as to why people come from around the world to visit the Maldives. With stretches of white sand beaches that seem to go on for miles coupled with the seclusion that some of the country’s most remote islands provide it’s no wonder that this is one of the most ideal locations for honeymooners looking to get away for some alone time. The beaches all across the Maldives offer both white sand and turquoise seas, almost reminiscent of those images conjured up by such classic tales as ‘Treasure Island’. One of the most popular activities for visitors to any of the islands in the Maldives is to arrange a private picnic on one of these secluded beaches, usually available from your hotel if you ask. Aside from picnics, the beaches in the Maldives are generally ideal for just kicking back with a good book and sunbathing with the occasional dip in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean to cool off.

Sunset Cruises and Other Boat Trips

Nothing quite beats the feel and experience of taking a traditional Maldivian boat, known as a Dhoni, on a sunset cruise over the open Indian Ocean. Watch as the turquoise of the waters and the white of the sand give way to twilight shades of oranges purples and deep hues of pink. If you’re lucky, you may catch the sight of a pod of dolphins swimming alongside your boat. Some cruises may come with dinner options, so check ahead to see what suits you and your budget best. This is ultimately one of the most luxurious and enjoyable experiences you can have in the Maldives – just you and the open waters as the day gives way to the shades of night.

If boats are really your thing, you can also get away and out on the water with fishing trips to try your hand at a little deep sea fishing. This enjoyable sport will see you possibly landing some great catches including tuna, wahoo, sailfish and barracudas. Oftentimes you will get to barbecue up your catch with the fishermen once back on shore for a truly enjoyable experience. Nothing quite beats whiling away the hours on the deck of a beautiful boat out on the Indian Ocean with like minded people all hoping for a taste of the fish that call these pristine waters home. Snacks, drinks and the like are normally included in the price of a fishing trip and most can be arranged through your hotel.

Diving and Snorkelling

Beaches mean diving and snorkelling and often the two go hand in hand. Even if you aren’t a diver you can often catch a ride on diving boats to dive sites to snorkel at with a slew of divers looking for adventure. Qualified divers will find that the Maldives have a huge array of underwater delights to see and experience including turtles, moray eels and even shipwrecks. Yes, shipwrecks! There are a number of wrecks that you can dive that are found at a variety of depths so if you want to experience all of the wrecks you should be qualified to descend to around forty to fifty metres for best results, with most wrecks being at a depth of around twenty metres plus. The Maldives Victory and Kuda Giri are two wrecks that are located off the Male atoll and have good coral with decent fish life. For better fish life, check out the wrecks of the Liffey and Utheemu 1 and 2 off the coast of Kudahuvadhoo Island.

Not qualified? No problem. Many dive centres and resorts can take you on fun or introduction dives which means you have a qualified instructor/guide with you the whole time to check up on you and ensure you’re safe, so you just have to sit back, relax and watch the imagery float on by.

Snorkelling on the other hand is an easy activity even the kids can do if you’re travelling with family. All you need is snorkel equipment in the form of a mask and breather and away you go. Some people use fins but they aren’t necessary. In many cases you can rent this equipment from your hotel for a nominal fee for day use (or longer) or some may provide it free of charge on snorkelling trips and the like. Snorkelling is a great way to explore the reefs and marine life without needing to get deeper in the water on a dive or feeling pressured to get qualified just to enjoy the things the sea has to offer.

As a general rule of thumb, the Banana Reef in the North Male Atoll is one of the best reefs for beginner divers as well as snorkelers of all levels. It’s rich with sea life and corals and is just an all around great spot for those who want a lazy snorkel with lots to see.

The Cultural Side

Even if you’re on a luxury holiday at one of the Maldivian prestigious resorts it can be a great opportunity to get off the resort for awhile and explore the real life side of this unique, beautiful and welcoming island chain. There are a number of so-called “home islands” or “local islands”. It’s on these islands you will find the real heart beat of the country, set amid working towns and villages with real people who make this place their home. It’s in these places you will find great dining opportunities to try dishes of all kinds from breakfast to dinner and beyond. Dance the night away to the Boduberu – a traditional local musical experience that can be found in amongst those who live here.

So if you’re looking for the ultimate island experience with lots to take in amid luxury resorts offering everything from boating trips to fishing, beach picnics to spa days, you can rest assured that you will have the experience of a lifetime exploring this gorgeous part of the world for whatever reason brings you here be it a family vacation, a couples getaway or a honeymoon.

 

Planning to Visit Igatpuri? Know Best Travel Tips that You Must Follow

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Igatpuri is a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Igatpuri is a land of hills and Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre. Tourists visit from around the world to explore the natural beauty of this hill station. If you are a photographer and nature admirer then Igatpuri is totally a place for you. Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Camel Valley, Ashoka Waterfall and Dhamma Giri are some of the major destinations in the town of Igatpuri.

When should I visit Igatpuri?

A lot of tourists visit Igatpuri throughout the year. Although, the monsoon is considered as the best time to visit Igatpuri as during this time weather is quite wonderful. During monsoon season, the entire region of Igatpuri turns green. Winter is also a pleasant time to visit Igatpuri. People avoid visiting in summer season as summer is quite hot in the town of Igatpuri.

How can I reach the town of Igatpuri?

Igatpiri is located at the distance of about 120 km from Mumbai which hardly takes 3-hour by car. Mumbai, Aurangabad and Pune are the nearest airports to Igatpuri town. From the airport, various transportation facilities are available including local bus, taxi and train to reach the destination that is Igatpuri.

What are the best resorts in Igatpuri where I can stay with my family or friends?

You can check online various best resorts in Igatpuri for a luxurious and affordable stay.  You can also look for hotel or homestays. Taloli Tents Resort, The Grand Gardens Resort, Mystic Valley Resort, The Herb Farm and Manas Lifestyle are some the best hotels or resorts recommended by the travel experts and located in or near the town of Igatpuri. It is wise to book your stay beforehand so that you do not face any problem later on in getting a stay of your choice.

What are the places in Igatpuri that I must explore?

Camel Valley:

The Camel Valley is located near the Bhatsa River Valley in the town of Igatpuri. The major appeal of this camel-shaped valley is the waterfall which gushes down from a height of around 1,000 ft. The valley offers an astonishing view. The valley looks more beautiful during the season of monsoon. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture this scenic place which offers wonderful views.

Bhatsa River Valley:

Bhatsa River Valley is a picturesque place which has much to offer to the visitors who visit from around the world. At the end of Thal Ghat, this river valley is aesthetically located. The hills, the shining foliage, the woods and the river make it a must spot for visitors. Photographers and nature lovers cannot afford to miss this place. Bhatsa River Valley is in very close proximity to Camel Valley. Do not forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful shots.

Dhamma Giri:

Dhamma Giri is one of the major attractions in the town of Igatpuri so you can not afford to miss it. The large Golden Pagoda is the entrance for Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre which you can easily spot from a far distance. This world’s largest meditation center was founded by S. N. Goenka. Dhamma Giri is surrounded by the Sahyadri hill range. The Vipassana International Academy offers 10 days course and the course is offered free of cost. The meditation techniques benefit your mind, body and soul. These techniques taught by Buddha in India 2500 years ago. The Vipassana Centre is open all days of the week.

Ashoka Waterfall:

Ashoka Waterfall is a season waterfall located at the distance of around 13.5 km from Igatpuri town. The waterfall is surrounded by the dense forest and also known as Vihigaon Falls as it is located in the Vihigaon village in Thane district of Maharashtra. The waterfall is cascading down from an altitude of about 120 feet into a pool. This is a must visit place for rappelling, hiking and bird watching. This place is known for many shots of Asoka film, starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. This is an ideal spot for a picnic for spending some quality time with your family or friends.

Conclusion

Igatpuri has much to offer to the tourists who visit from around the world. This is a must visit place for the nature lovers. Don’t forget to take your camera for capturing wonderful memories of Igatpuri.

Browse best resorts in Igatpuri; you will get a long list of various resorts. Make sure that your resort is in close proximity to the major attractions in Igatpuri so that you do not have to incur a lot of time and money in reaching your destination. You can choose any of the resort as per your affordability and time. Also, book your resort as soon as possible.

Have a wonderful trip to the town of Igatpuri!

What to Do In a Day Trip To Bangalore?

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Bangalore or Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is a melting point of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Nowhere else in South India will you find such beautiful hangouts, warm people or such pleasant weather. Palaces, art galleries, cafes, theatre, pubs, parks, malls – Bangalore has it all. If you’ve already done your Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking, then all you need to do now is decide how many of these places below you’re going to visit in a day:

  1. The Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The Lalbagh botanical garden, which literally means ‘the red garden’ is spread over 240 acres. This garden was created by a very famous ruler of old Mysore, Hyder Ali. The garden is a home to diverse tropical plants, aquarium and a lake. The main attraction the botanical garden is the glass house. This one has been modelled after London’s crystal place and is designed by John Cameron. The botanical garden hosts annual flower shows on two national occasions – one being republic day and the other is on Independence Day. This lush and expansive garden is an ideal place for the peace-seeking city dwellers and tourists alike. The garden is very picturesque making it a perfect location for all the photography enthusiasts. The garden is open to public every day from 6am to 7pm. Entry is free between 6 to 9 in the morning and 6 to 7 in the evening.

  1. Nandi Hills

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is the place to be. Located 60kms from the Bangalore city, a drive to Nandi is indeed very rejuvenating. The climate here is delightful, and it’s a favourite among both young and old people. The best time to visit Nandi is before sunrise. The view from the hill is mesmerising and is the best view of the sunrise in Bangalore.

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

For all the astronomy enthusiasts, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is the best place to be. The planetarium has these shows daily:  ‘dawn of the space age’, ‘our solar system’ and ‘Mars-the red planet’. Apart from these daily shows, the planetarium hosts various workshops, lectures, exhibition for activities for both students and teachers. Arrangements of telescopes in the open area of planetarium are made for the public to use. The planetarium also hosts special workshops for the physically challenged students.

  1. The Bannerghatta Biological Park

This National Park was established in 1971 in order to meet the demands of eco-tourism and conservation. Ever since, it has been home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Bannerghatta national park is located 22 km away from the Bangalore city and is spread over an area of 104 sq km. The park has various units like butterfly park, Children Park, the zoo, a safari and rescue centre. These units provide a unique learning experience for both adults and children. A wide range of wildlife – elephants, leopards, jackal, fox, sloth bear, spotted deer – are easily spotted here. For all the nature and photography enthusiasts, this national park is definitely a treat.

  1. Cubbon Park

The city of Bangalore is popularly known as the garden city. Cubbon park- the lung space of the city is spread over 300 acres of land. The design of the park is aesthetically very appealing. The statutes of famous personalities and the rich flora found will amaze you. Cubbon Park does not only get the attention of tourists but also the residents of Bangalore. Nature lovers, botanists, peace lovers and fitness enthusiast frequently find their way to Cubbon Park. The park has other major attractions like the museum, library, tennis academy, toy train and the second largest aquarium in the country. It is home to more than 6000 trees.

Now, all there is left for you to do is to find an agent to do a Mumbai to Bangalore flights booking (which shouldn’t be hard at all). You can also buy a flight ticket directly at the airport counter and come to Bangalore for at least a day to see for yourself what the hype is all about.

Have some fun in the Bangalore style!

The best events and activities for expat families in Singapore

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Moving to Singapore with your family is a chance to truly immerse yourself in a culture that is vibrant, ever-changing and brilliantly unique. There is so much to see, do and learn, making the city a popular choice for expats. And for good reason: Singapore ranks second in the Safe Cities Index 2017 (beaten only by Tokyo). In 2014, Bloomberg highlighted its healthcare system as the most efficient in the world, citing it as the place that healthcare costs go furthest (most expats choose to take out global health insurance). Here are a few of the incredible events and activities that expat families can visit and take part. We hope this inspires you to make the most of your new home.

Delicious events for food lovers

The annual Singapore Food Festival is a must for expat families. Since 1994, the Singapore Tourism Board has held the festival to show off the city’s diverse culinary culture. Entry is free, which is ideal for large families with lots of hungry mouths to feed! It is a great chance to sample local delights and multicultural cuisines – from abacus seed (yam gnocchi) and kimchi popiah (spring rolls) to rojak (a local salad with fruits and vegetables). If your kids are finding it hard to settle into their new home, or you just want to keep them engaged with the local culture, then exploring the different stalls and dishes of the Singapore Food Festival might bring back their appetite for the city.

Festivities that show off Singapore’s multicultural character

Chinese New Year is an annual celebration that you absolutely must experience in Singapore. From bright red lanterns and gold money cats lining the streets, to spectacular dragon processions and delectable smells of oriental spices wafting from the city’s restaurants, Chinese New Year is a treat for the senses. It’s also an important part of Singapore’s culture, as the Chinese community makes up more than half of the city’s population. Singapore does not do the celebration by halves: the annual River Hongboa takes place on board a floating platform with colourful fireworks and Chinese zodiac lanterns. The Chingay Parade involves sparkling dancers, wondrous dragons, magnificent stilt walkers and vibrantly decorated parade floats.

The Hindu festival Thaipusam is also an important date in Singapore’s cultural calendar, and is a spectacle for people of all ages. It’s a two-day festival that begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and finishes at the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple. The colourful procession travels just under three miles and is an amazing glimpse into the traditions of the Hindus, who prepare spiritually for one month on a strict vegetarian diet. The most committed devotees put skewers through their tongues (which can only be done once the mind is free from material longing and the body is exempt from physical pleasures) and carry spiked kavadis (altars). Others balance wooden kavadis on their shoulders with flowers and peacock feathers, and some simply carry a jug of milk.

Colour, sound and sensation!

Whether you’re living in Singapore with your baby, toddler or teenager (or family members of all ages), you might also enjoy a trip to Sentosa to see the Wings Of Time performance. This is an outdoor night show set against the backdrop of the sea that features lasers, water displays and music. While little ones will no doubt be mesmerised by the bright colours and dancing lights, older children may enjoy the magical story. It is popular with tourists and expats alike who want to escape to a fantasy world for the night.

Staying healthy

There are many ways to have fun and stay healthy in Singapore. From yoga and meditation classes to jogging and going to the gym, there are a lot of widely available fitness options. For kids, there are plenty of swimming pools to splash around in and parks where they can let off steam. As a treat, attractions like the water park Wild Wild Wet are popular for families that want a fun day out that involves lots of exercise and fresh air. Combined with a healthy diet – high-protein, low-fat foods with lots of fibre are widely available in Singapore – it’s possible for all the family to stay fit and healthy while living in the so-called ‘garden city’.

Fun family learning

While you’re getting settled into your new lives in Singapore, consider educational trips to boost your children’s confidence about going to school in a new country. The Science Centre is a popular trip for expats as there are lots of interactive exhibits to inspire budding young scientists.

For parents who want to teach their children about the local culture, the Singapore Discovery Centre could also be worth a visit. It has information about the birth and development of the city, galleries that highlight unique Singaporean quirks and an exhibition that explains the vision for the city’s future. All this makes the Discovery Centre a truly educational experience that could help expat families to feel more in tune with their new home.

These are just some of the exciting events and activities in Singapore that you and your family can explore. From food and culture to science, history and entertainment, you should be able to find activities to inspire family members of all ages and help everyone settle into their new life abroad.

Traveling Southeast Asia

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A first-timer’s guide on what to take

Before traveling anywhere, you’ll need to do some research on what to pack. Chances are the climate, culture and amenities are all going to be completely different to what you’re used to at home. If you’re heading to Southeast Asia, here’s a basic guide to what you’ll need as a Westerner.

Medication

A couple weeks before you leave, you’ll almost certainly need to start a course of anti-malaria tablets, which you’ll also take throughout your stay.

You’ll also want diarrhea medication – tap water might be ok depending on where you are, but your body will take a while to adjust. Even if you don’t drink tap water at all, a bad curry could have you man-down for a couple days. Pack the meds and hope you don’t need them.

Clothes

Most of Southeast Asia is hot and humid. Pack loose, comfortable clothes – shorts and t-shirts are probably best, a swimsuit is essential. Take your sneakers for the days when you’re doing a lot of walking, as you definitely will. Flip-flops and comfortable sandals are also on the must-pack list.

Also bring a raincoat or poncho – at some point you will get caught in the rain. When it rains there, you don’t always get much warning. This is another reason why you should pack lightweight, quick drying clothes so that you won’t run out if a couple pairs get wet. The same goes for shoes.

Toiletries

Tissues, tissues and more tissues – you’ll be hard pressed to find a public restroom with toilet paper. You can pack tissues or toilet paper beforehand or buy on arrival, but they’re likely to become one of your most prized possessions, at least after your first encounter with the bum-gun.

Bug repellant. Mosquitoes are pretty prolific and probably bigger than the tiny nuisances you’re used to. Take bug-spray or a stick of repellant and don’t forget to use it.

Deodorant, preferably an antiperspirant. You’ll still sweat but you’ll feel a little more comfortable and you won’t smell quite so bad.

Planning

Hang onto your notebook, phone – whatever has your trip plan in it. If you need to contact places you’re staying or people you’ve made travel arrangements with, it’s your go-to method for planning. If your accommodation falls through, or you’d just rather not have to worry about it, consider renting an RV from a reputable website.

What not to take

Valuables – camera, ok, diamond necklace, not ok. Anything you can’t replace, don’t take with, you’ll survive without it.

Don’t take anything across the border that you didn’t pack yourself. I recently heard a horror story of a woman whose ‘friend’ asked her to collect some books while she was in Taiwan. The books were a ploy to smuggle heroin out of the country and she spent 16 years in jail – in Taiwan.

Even if you don’t speak the language, struggle with the currency and can’t sleep because of the heat or the bugs, it’ll be an amazing experience. Take lots of pictures, eat strange food, meet new people. Dive into the culture and come home with some amazing stories.

6 Best Hot Springs in Japan You Need to Visit

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With over 3,000 hot springs, Japan is the undisputed land of amazing hot springs. Locally, they are called onsen and it is one of the most indulgent ways to pass your time when in Japan. Eager to experience the best the country offers? Here are some of the best that you should not miss.

  1. Takaragawa Onsen

Located in Gunma, Central Honshu, this riverside hot spring is considered one of the best in Japan. The clue is in the name – Takaragawa means “treasure river” – and it indeed houses a wealth of beauty.

The outdoor onsen has four slate-floored pools that are a few hundred meters from Tone-gawa. The water is alkaline and is believed to aid in treating fatigue, nervous disorders, and digestive problems. All the pools are for mixed bathing except a single ladies-only bath. The setting is enchanting, surrounded by a forest, pathways, wooden huts, and statues.

  1. Kiroro

Enjoy a hot spring bath in this onsen situated in Kiroro Town. Large and surrounded by nature, this is a caldera hot spring that comes from Akaigawa Village. It presents an utterly relaxing experience as you soak in a wonderful tub of hot bubbling water. The views are so mesmerizing you will forget the passing time.

  1. Hakone Yuryo

Only three minutes from the Hakone-Yumoto station, this is a beautiful outdoor onsen that is embraced by forests. The pools are large and shaded by trees, allowing bathers to feel close to nature.

  1. Oedo Onsen Monogatari

There is no need to go far to find a worthwhile hot spring in Tokyo. Check out this inner city onsen in Odaiba Island. The setting is super cool since it’s located right after an Edo period town.

Moreover, there are a slew of activities that can be done here. On top of the list is the hot spring, of course, but you can also go for massages, spa treatments, restaurants, relaxation rooms, and various shops. You can opt to stay here for an entire day and never get bored.

  1. Kinosaki

If you are truly crazy for hot springs, there is no better place to be than the town of Kinosaki. Located in northern Kansai, it offers the best onsen ryokan experience. There are seven public baths and numerous onsen ryokan. Most of the hotels have their own baths to indulge in but nothing should stop you from going onsen-hopping in the many public baths in town.

  1. Lamp no Yado

Hidden in the Noto-hanto peninsula in Central Honshu, this sanctuary is as secluded and indulgent as a hot spring can get. From the seaside, a country road leads to a narrow path that opens to a switchback hill that you climb on foot. It sounds like a lot of work but it’s all worth it as the onsen is to-die for. The private outdoor pools are stunning and the view of the Sea of Japan is unrivaled. While the trip may be a bit costly, it is certainly well-spent once you’ve experienced its beauty.