|
Last two months, I went
to Penang, which lies off the northwestern cost of Peninsular
Malaysia. It was such a wonderful, thumb-up vacation. I certainly
planned my holidays well, as it coincided with the Penang
International Dragon Boat Festival available only in the month of
June. This event is gaining popularity as seen from the increasing
number of international teams participating each year. Boats bearing
ornate and colorful figureheads resembling dragons and other shapes
create a profusion of color and noise as they power through the
waters of the scenic dam to the finishing line. A carnival-like
atmosphere pervades the festival as spectators urge on their
favorite teams.
Also not to be missed, the delightful variety of Penang food
reflects the different cooking styles and tastes of its multiracial
population. There is a mouth-watering selection of Chinese, Malay,
Indian and Nyonya cuisine to sample, not to mention the irresistible
hawker fare. I really had a wonderful holiday with a full-stomach
trip.
- Tan
Chue Poh, Malaysia
When visiting Beijing
China be sure to visit The Summer Palace. Built as a gift of love
and with an interesting history this is one heritage site not to be
missed. Pack a lunch and spend a few hours here. We went here as
part of a tour but were rushed through and there was so much to see
we left wishing we'd had at least half a day here, likewise the
Temple of Heaven and the surrounding parks. In the parks you can see
locals playing traditional chinese instruments and doing fan dances
and traditional sports. It would have been easy to linger there
soaking up the atmosphere.
Take some snack foods and water bottles
and do it at your own pace rather than on a tour. The forbidden city
was interesting and very vast but if you only have a short period of
time I would rate the Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace more
highly.
We also visited the fabric & silk markets (Not the touristy
ones). Here we found shops with hand-embroidered silks and woven
silks more traditional and nicer than the touristy ones at the
Western markets in Hong Kong. The fabric markets come alive at lunch
time with the stall holders selling everything from Donkey entrails
to fruit and goldfish/rabbits in cages. A city you must visit in
your lifetime.
- Elizabeth Berge, New Zealand
Travelling to Berlin is
easy and economic if you know the way. There are free guide tours
available at the Pariser Platz (in front of Brandenburg Gate or
other nearby places) everyday. You can follow the English or the
Spanish tour group. I personally felt that these tour guides are
really informative. They showed us places of interest and briefed us
on the history of Berlin (it definitely saves me time to browse the
books).
The walking tour will
take about 3.5 hours and bear in mind to take together with you a
sun lotion. For Asian (I believe) does not like to be exposed to the
hot sun too much. I myself got sun burn at the end of the day...You
won't realize this because the temperature is cold and windy and you
are comfortable with such a sunny cold day.
Back to the tour
group...The guides are funny...and showed us information you won't
get in the books...for e.g. Hotel Adlon which has some story
associated with Michael Jackson (find about it yourself) and the
exact site Hitler ended his life. You can also get discount to PUB
CRAWL from him...Overall, it was nice to visit such a historical and
complicated city.
-
Yong
Lai Mun, Malaysia
This tip is in addition
to the Holiday City article called "Things
to do around Sydney Harbour".
First, take a AUD 3 trip on the Monorail, doing at least one full
loop. It will help to get your bearings for the city. Then step off
at Darling Harbour for Sydney's playground - entertainment, bars,
restaurants, IMAX, casino, Chinese gardens, shopping, maritime
museum and aquarium.
Second, in addition to the recommended ferry to the noth-head Manly
beach, catch the AUD 6 ferry to Watson's Bay - it stops at several
jetties on its way to the south head of the harbour (past the rich
Eastern Suburbs), so you can check out the mansions and luxury
boats, before arriving at Doyles Watsons Bay Pub for the best fish
and chips in Sydney, on a sandy beach with views back to the city.
Have a swim (no waves) and take the short walk to the infamous The
Gap lovers leap, to look out over the Pacific Ocean.
- Allan Milgate, OZ
If u happen to visit
Malaysia, make sure u come down to Klang. A 40 minutes drive from
Kuala Lumpur can get you all sorts of local delicacies at such
affordable price. A haven for food, make it a point to visit Klang
every time you are in Malaysia.
-
Joanne
Lee, Malaysia
If you are going to be
anywhere near Scotland, go to the Isle of Skye and WASH YOUR HAIR. I
know this seems a small thing but the peaty water there is so soft
that my hair came out feeling like a baby's. Of course this isn't
the only reason to visit Skye, it is a beautiful otherworldly place
and the home of one of the finest single malt whiskies. The people
are friendly and we had a great stay at the Kiinloch Lodge, home of
Lord and Lady MacDonald.
The lodge is warm and welcoming and Claire MacDonald creates the
most delicious meals. Don't miss dinner. And don't forget to wash
your hair!
- Susan Anderson, USA
If you ever get to the Grand Caymans book the two man bubble
submarine excursion. It is breath taking. You go down over 50 feet,
get a commentary from the diver outside and it is so clear you can
take photos and video. At present it is the only one in the World
operating as a tourist activity. It is expensive ($198 USD each) but
it is worth every cent. Do it !!!!!!!!
When shopping at the major department stores in New York go to their
visitor's Centre first, show some ID that idicates that you are a
tourist and you will get a voucher that allows you 11 to 15% off
most items you buy ( it is basically tax reimbursement scheme ).
Well worth it, especially during the Thanksgiving sales.
- Kerrie Staples, Australia
Always try and order the local dishes you are in for a real treat,
eat the local seafood as it is always fresh and different than
anything you will try in your own country.
- Felice Cohen, Spain & Canary Islands
When travelling to Hong Kong, we have found it more convenient to
stay on Hong Kong Island rather than Kowloon as there are more
sightseeing opportunities there such as The Peak cable car, Stanley
Markets and ferries to outlying islands. By far the best part was
nowhere near the crowds that are in Kowloon.
Also, the best bargains were in the Western District where we
stayed, in the small shops in the main street and small alleys
running off it - far cheaper than the larger shopping centres.
We also found it interesting to go by ferry to Peng Chau Island
where you can walk through small streets (with more local bargain
shops) to the water and view the locals' tenements and speak to the
friendly folk. It's quite pretty there and more unspoilt than other
parts of Hong Kong.
- Jan Geoghegan, Australia
If visiting Berlin and the architecture seems like one endless
stream of 1950's and 60's concrete blocks, then treat your senses to
a trip to the suburb town of Potsdam (actually the capital city of
the Brandenburg region). Just half an hour by S-Bahn to the
south-west of Berlin, you will find this beautiful area, which
recovered somewhat more stylishly from its battering in WWII.
Included is a whole park full of 18th century rococo-style palaces
built by their famous Frederick the Great and later, Frederick
Wilhelm IV (Park Sanssouci). Don’t be too insulted however, when
they make you wear giant slippers over your shoes - the Germans are
proud of their original wood and marble floors and they even get you
to polish it for free as you shuffle round!
Also pay a visit to the Chinese Teahouse within the park. It’s not
really Chinese and you can’t get a cup of tea there, but it is a
beautiful, gold-adorned, Chinese-style summer house designed for old
Friedrich using descriptions from travellers to China to make him
feel like he too had journeyed to foreign climes. A small advantage
to being rich and royal!
- Elizabeth Braun, UK
If visiting Cairns, be sure to complete the 'Kuranda Rail/Sky Wire'
trip. We did the trip going to Kuranda on the train, visiting the
markets in Kuranda, a visit to the 'Rainforestation' including
lunch, army duck ride, aboriginal display etc, then returned to
Cairns on the 7.5km long Sky Wire. This was an awesome day that we
booked through 'Tropic Wings' and we were very impressed with their
organization of this day and was a highlight of our trip.
- Julie, New Zealand
This year we took a tour to Spain, the tour name was "Real Spain" it
was a very good tour . Spain is beautiful and the food is great, We
travel during the Month of May and early April.
- Teresa A. Villanueva, Spain & Canary Islands
last time when I have vacation that time I decided to go to desert
tour in United Arab Emirates, Hatta area. it's really nice n good .
u will really feel good an experience an Arabian treasure n culture
also. I think everybody have to experience it. UAE is a fast
developing country n nice place to visit.
- Sunil, Nepal
When visiting Vietnam, a must see is the highland villages north of
Hanoi, Sapa in particular. Take the night sleeper train from Hanoi
and stay at least 2-3 days. Make sure one day is a Saturday to
experience their markets and spend one day hiring a local guide to
show you the countryside and villages on a not too strenuous day
long walk.
- Debra, Australia
If you are traveling to Switzerland the town of Gstaad is very small
and easy to get around on foot. We stayed a few nights at Hotel
Bernerhof where they furnished bicylcles to ride and we rode to
several different villages close by. They have ski lifts that you
can take up to the top of the mountain all year and the views are
breathtaking with quaint restaurants serving great food. The people
are very friendly.
- Donita Simmons, USA
Re things to do: before heading somewhere check online for
promotional "coupon books" and passes, we were able to do over
triple the things we would have for the same as one full price
admission. There are deals on restaurants, sites to see, entrys to
museums, etc. plus it gives you the chance to try things you may not
have otherwise.
- Jeff Bailey, Canada
If you are eclectic in your tastes for all things musical,
gastronomical and eye catching views of panoramic views, then look
no further than Montreux, Switzerland during the Jazz festival. The
festival runs every summer for two weeks and brings together artists
all over the world. Foods and cultures also meet to present an
unforgetable summer experience.
- Pascal, UK
|
It was nice to ride a
felluca with the fellow friends of Egyptian on the River Nile. The
river was crystal blue and the golden sand (or is it rock?) added
more to its charm. I went with large group of friends and in between
the river, we stopped and started our dancing party. Two boats clung
to each other. The local people sang their native songs and played
the drums. The rests just danced. Some cha-chas, some tangos to the
beats. It was interesting and funny.
At the end of the party,
we were shown around some local-made products. They were popular,
with hand-made beads (made of carved wood) to form bangles or
necklace. We bought some for souvenirs. We enjoyed ourselves and we
would definitely recommend this to all of you.
- Lee Teck Wai, Malaysia
The greatest sight in Milan is the Monumentale Cemetery! It is one
very huge area of large fantastic sculptures. Buy some flowers at
the gate and walk the endless rows of elaborate graves and place a
few flowers on your favourite sculpture.
- Stuart Conger, Canada
The reunited Berlin is a full of fascinating history including the
fairly recent toppling of the Berlin Wall, 15 tears ago this month.
There is a Stazi prison(secret police) where former political
inmates conduct the tours. It is in Hohenschonhausen district.
A very. good idea is to read the book 'Stasiland' by Anna Funder to
understand what's been happening in Berlin since World War II.
- Martyn Colvey, UK
The most beautiful place in the world and the most understated is
the Algrave region in Portugal and the most 'secret treasure' is to
be found at www.winesvidanova.com, quiet, beautiful, the greatest
hosts, pure heaven.
- Ann Edwards, Australia
Since our last visit to
Munich we have been telling friends and others about the places to
visit there. High on our priority list have been the Marienplatz
when the clock and puppets perform and an afternoon or evening at
the Hofbrauhous is not to be missed at any cost!
- Graham Thomson, Australia
Do not miss out on a visit to the Maritime Museum in Barcelona.
Fascinating. Made a change from Gaudi.
- Carol Fielding, UK
When you travel to Toronto, Canada take a trip to Ward's Island,
just a short ferry ride from downtown - a reprieve from the hustle
and bustle of the city without having to drive for hours... We were
amazed to find a variety of things to do and see, the popular
children's attraction Centreville Amusement Park, bike and foot
trails along the beaches.
- John Walsh, Canada
If you are travelling via Singapore airport, and you have 5 hours to
spare between your connecting flights, you are entitled to sign up
for a free 2 hour tour of the city, which includes a 20 minute boat
ride.
-Patricia Kennon, Ireland
When in Oslo, be sure to take a guided tour of the castle on the
waterfront. For a small fee you'll get to take in the whole history
of Norway, access to special castle areas and insights into the
Norwegian way of thinking from some very nice tour guides. Example
of trivia: 2005 will mark the first 100 years of modern Norway. So,
next year will be party, party!! Bonus tip: in the lee of the castle
is an excellent museum of Norway’s experience of WWII. You could
spend a day doing both museum tours or packing them into 2 hours
like I did.
- Martyn Colvey, UK
If you are visiting Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand together
with your children. Don’t miss the Chiang Mai Zoo in the outskirts
of the city. Watch the two adorable pandas who are a gift from
China. In fact you do not have to be a child in order to be
enchanted.
- Anita Hagelin, Sweden
While in Thailand, take a trip to the small pleasant town Chiang Rai
situated between Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle. You can go by
plane from Bangkok or take a cheap and comfortable bus from Chiang
Mai. Don´t miss the BaanChivitMai Bakery just across the bus station
in Chiang Rai. You will be served the tastiest Swedish pastries made
by Thai people together with a refreshing glass of cold water. Of
course you can have various types of coffee or Swedish hot
chocolate. At the same time you sponsor school education for hill
tribe children.
- Anita Hagelin, Sweden
Badrinath Temple in India - the trip to this place is beautiful,
with sights of snow-capped mountains and the river Ganges running
through. The Valley of Flowers on the way is worth visiting as well.
- Deepa Bhatia, India
The idea of being confined on a ship never really appealed to me but
that’s where I was wrong ‘cause when the opportunity came around and
I was boarding the SS Oceanic, little did I know that confinement
was the last thing on the agenda.
The elegant ship left the
beautiful historic port of Malta at 7pm and braved the seas towards
its destinations, which would be Taormina, Rome, Florence, Monte
Carlo & Monaco and Barcelona before heading back to Malta. The 8
days ahead were jam-packed when on land and fun-filled when on board
– there never was a dull moment and never a hungry one either!! The
entertainment provided on board was varied and the staff friendly
and helpful, and above all they always had a smile ready to greet
me, even though they worked long and tiring hours.
Apart from all
this I was surrounded by the glories of the sun, sea and fresh air
plus an additional bonus, a couple of dolphins accompanying part of
my voyage – what more could I ask for!
- Edward Sultana, Malta
Since our last visit to Munich we have been telling friends and
others about the places to visit there. High on our priority list
have been the Marienplatz when the clock and puppets perform and an
afternoon or evening at the Hofbrauhous is not to be missed at any
cost!
- Graham Thomson, Australia
Looking for an unusual spa experience beyond the standard massage
and manicure? Then you can't go past the "Jungle Love" water
treatment at the Tru Spa, in San Francisco California. Taking place
in the unique Tropical Rainforest Room, a full body exfoliation is
followed by a tropical rain rinse and waterfall massage. Only in
America would you experience a waterfall and tropical rain storm in
the heart of the city!
- Susan Miles, Australia
Any visit to Egypt isn't complete unless you've gone to the plains
of Giza and clambered into the world famous pyramids (yes, you can
actually go inside) or at least touched their ancient and awesome
sandstone blocks.
As with any tourist site anywhere in the world, the place will be
have its fair share of souvenir vendors. If you happen to buy an
Arabic (cotton cloth headgear) there, the vendor will put it on for
you. Now, if another vendor beckons you to come hither saying that
you've got it on wrong, kindly decline to have it re-adjusted by him
because firstly, he'll put it on exactly the same way and secondly,
you'll be charged for it.
- Timothy Ching, Malaysia
The pine plantation in Mundaring, and the bush fire damaged area of
the Mundaring Fire earlier this year is an amazing area to see. The
foresters under the Forest Products Commission (FPC) are continually
working so hard to clean up the area -- and a tour of this area will
give people an insight on what the government are doing to work on
the re-generation of the forest and all plantation ---- fighting
bush fire it's a part of Australia's culture -- and to see how proud
the foresters are of the forest is purely amazing.
-Maita Lipnicki, Australia
When visiting Singapore be sure to hop on the MRT and visit all the
wonderful suburbs for the best and cheapest shopping and all the
food outlets. Don't just stay in Orchard Rd or your money will soon
disappear (it is a must you walk up and down orchard rd though).
Don't forget to visit Mustafa's shopping centre, which is open
24hrs, if you cant find something there to buy you have a serious
shopping problem. For wonderful food and cheap visit Clarke Quay
area especially at night, when it is all lit up and the bands
playing it is magical. I have visited Singapore 18 times and will be
back there again in June and cant wait.
- B. Want, Australia
Next time you're visiting PRChina, pay a visit to Zhu Hui which is
right on the border of Mainland China and Macau, just across the bay
from Hong Kong. Zhu Hui is a comparatively small city for China and
is very clean, has tree lined streets, shopping centres, and a
wonderful replica of the Summer Palace. Inside the complex you can
wander through the traditional Chinese buildings, that display
information about the various dynasties. Look at the house the King
built for his Concubine. At the end of the huge complex, you can go
for a swim in the pool or sit down and relax in the beautiful "Tea
House".
- Esther Stafford, China
When planning a vacation to the Philippines around October, do not
miss to include in your itinerary the enchanted island of Camiguin
off the coast of Northern Mindanao. In this small island that boasts
of a few volcanoes you can delight in its white sand beaches, hot
springs, waterfalls, history and culture. Plus, you can enjoy both-
eating the absolutely sweet Lanzones fruit, and taking part in the
Lanzones festival.
- Armand Chavez, Philippines
Stressed out, want to relax, visit New Zealand. Polite helpful
people, quiet roads, no road rage, go to Church of Good Shepherd,
scenery unbeatable, or Lake Takapo for a quiet cruise. You will
de-stress immediately!
- Helen Jenkins, UK
DO NOT miss the magic (music) fountain show in Sentosa island in
Singapore.It is such a fantastic combination of art and science that
if you have not seen it, you have not seen Singapore!
- G. Mruthyunjaya, Bahrain
Lake Wanaka is a beautiful place to stay ,with lots of friendly
B+B's and delightful eateries seving hot home cooked wholesome food
after a day on the ski-slopes not forgetting their most wonderful
log fires . Miss Missies is not to to be missed!
- Marie Condon, Ireland
I rented a bike in Valencia from orange bikes, www.orangebikes.net
Valencia is a great city to see by bike, the bikes were really good
quality, and they gave me routes so that I could explore further
afield. I recommend it for anyone with two legs!
- Rory Campbell, UK |
