Scuba diving in Cuba is unforgettable event, for beginners and experience divers

Scuba diving in Cuba

Scuba diving in Cuba

Scuba diving in Cuba is unforgettable event, for beginners and experience divers.

Chinese New Year Cookbook Giveaway !

Chinese New Year is coming soon, and I'm in a generous mood. I have 2 copies of a unique book on Sarawakian Food to give away. The book is bilingual - in Chinese and English. It is a Chinese centric production, so the English translation is not always up to scratch. But I think it is the only book to feature food and recipes from some of the oldest and most established restaurants and hawker stalls in Sarawak. It is quite amazing that the author Vincs Huang - a popular local celebrity and foodie, managed to get access to some of the oldest and most secretive kitchens in Sarawak, and even to convince them to part with some of their recipes.

To join simply send an email to borneoboy1@gmail.com with the title "Entry for CW's Food & Travel Cookbook Giveaway", include a short writeup on your most interesting food experience. Pictures welcomed. The contest will be open until 28th February 2010, and I will notify the winners after that. Please don't forget to give me your postal address so I can send the books by snail mail. The winners' writeups will be featured in my Blog.

Oo... Ha ! Favourites of Sarawak !

The cover of the book. Those at the back are not included in this contest !


Inside is in full colour with lots of great photos and interesting content.


Do send in your entries. You may send in as many as you like, with different writeups. The more the merrier.

Note: Open to Malaysian and also overseas participants.

Malaysia Beaches,Langkawi the Most Romantic destination

Langkawi’s islands and the adjacent beaches are a few of the most dazzling places in Southeast Asia in Malaysia. This is one of the finest places you can opt for picnic with your love. White sand gleaming in the glow of the stifling sun, pleased by the light wind as gulls and eagles wave in the skies, for sand and surf, which Langkawi has to offer.

This small island never wonder be celebrated the most excellent beaches among outing crazies. The beautiful sweeping seashore, sandy bays, warm water and its vegetation all leads to in a dreamy day.

Kuching Shopping - The Spring Shopping Centre

For a very long time Kuchingites have been longing for a proper shopping centre - like the ones in KL. That wish was finally fulfilled with the opening of The Spring in January 2008. It remains the largest shopping mall in Sarawak, with a floor area of over a million square feet. Now 2 years later, the shopping mall has matured and is about 90% occupied. A new cineplex MBO just opened on the upper floor of the complex and it has the latest 3D theatres.

The anchor tenant of The Spring is Parkson Grand which is gigantic - it rivals their outlets in KL. There is also a huge Padini Concept Store, and my favourite - Factory Outlet Shop where you can get nice T-shirts at a bargain. There are also lots of food outlets. The better ones are Silhouette - an up-market pasta and pizza joint, Secret Recipe, Kluang Station and Sushi King.

The layout of the shopping centre is modeled after megamalls in New Zealand and Australia. Most of the shops are spread out on 2 levels, with a cross-shaped atrium promenade in the centre. Promotional events are organized regularly in the generous atrium space.

The food court with quite a wide selection of stalls.


The developers must have been a bit nervous in the beginning as the crowd was a bit thin the first few months after the opening. Now the place is doing roaring business especially during the festive seasons. Kuchingites have finally taken the bite - and they like it !

The fountain on Burj Dubai Lake is more than a visual spectacle that adds to the aesthetics of Downtown Burj Dubai. It is an engineering marvel and wi

The fountain on Burj Dubai Lake is more than a visual spectacle that adds to the aesthetics of Downtown Burj Dubai

The fountain on Burj Dubai Lake is more than a visual spectacle that adds to the aesthetics of Downtown Burj Dubai

He Burj Dubai Lake is spread over 30 acres, and water filling using de-mineralised reverse osmosis treated water, is currently in progress.

The designers of Bellagio, California-based WET Design will be the fountains architect and designer. The design is being developed by a team of professionals from Turner Construction International (Project/Construction Manager) and other international specialists.

Expected to be operational by early 2009, the fountain will add to the varied leisure and entertainment attractions of Downtown Burj Dubai. Many describe this part of the city as the ‘new soul of the city.’ The flagship mega-project of Emaar Properties, Downtown Burj Dubai has a development value of AED 73 billion (US$20 billion) and is one of the most sought-after residential and commercial destinations in Dubai.

The 'Big Buddha', Samui's most popular attraction sits 15 meters tall and is a monumental landmark on the islands north coast

Big Buddha

Koh Samui is a popular boutique island that is favorite to many travelers of all kinds. Situated in the lower gulf of Thailand it offers that 'coconut' feel and boasts some of the best beaches and resorts in the country. As the name suggests this tour will take you around the island to see a number of the highlights and attractions Koh Samui has to offer.

The 'Big Buddha', Samui's most popular attraction sits 15 meters tall and is a monumental landmark on the islands north coast. Grandpa and Grandma Rocks (or locally known as 'Hin Ta and Hin Yai') are natural rock formations that raise indulgent chuckles from those who go to see them. Namuang waterfall and Nathon town are just a some other examples of the places you will visit on this tour.

Koh Samui is a popular boutique island that is favorite to many travelers of all kinds

Koh Samui is a popular boutique island that is favorite to many travelers of all kinds

Koh Samui is a popular boutique island that is favorite to many travelers of all kinds. Situated in the lower gulf of Thailand it offers that 'coconut' feel and boasts some of the best beaches and resorts in the country. As the name suggests this tour will take you around the island to see a number of the highlights and attractions Koh Samui has to offer.

The 'Big Buddha', Samui's most popular attraction sits 15 meters tall and is a monumental landmark on the islands north coast. Grandpa and Grandma Rocks (or locally known as 'Hin Ta and Hin Yai') are natural rock formations that raise indulgent chuckles from those who go to see them. Namuang waterfall and Nathon town are just a some other examples of the places you will visit on this tour.

Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbor, characterized by the Landmark Tower

Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbor, characterized by the Landmark Tower

While visiting Japan's largest city, Tokyo, it is quick and easy to pay a visit to the country's second largest metropolis as well: Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, lying south of the capital. The main reason for visiting Yokohama is to marvel at its futuristic new city center, and perhaps take a stroll through Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama's Chinatown, entered through four colorful gates and teeming with restaurants and shops, was developed after the city became one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade after generations of isolation ended in 1859. Chinese traders flocked to the city, establishing a cultural neighborhood. Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbor, characterized by the Landmark Tower, rising to 971ft (296m). Visitors can ride to the tower's observation deck in the world's second fastest elevator, traveling at 41ft (13m) a second, for a view that on a clear day stretches as far as Mount Fuji.

Tourism to the city of Yokohama is very easy. there are so many beautiful places

Tourism to the city of Yokohama is very easy. there are so many beautiful places

While visiting Japan's largest city, Tokyo, it is quick and easy to pay a visit to the country's second largest metropolis as well: Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, lying south of the capital. The main reason for visiting Yokohama is to marvel at its futuristic new city center, and perhaps take a stroll through Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama's Chinatown, entered through four colorful gates and teeming with restaurants and shops, was developed after the city became one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade after generations of isolation ended in 1859. Chinese traders flocked to the city, establishing a cultural neighborhood. Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbor, characterized by the Landmark Tower, rising to 971ft (296m). Visitors can ride to the tower's observation deck in the world's second fastest elevator, traveling at 41ft (13m) a second, for a view that on a clear day stretches as far as Mount Fuji.

The lure of the Galapagos Islands Cruise

Galapagos Luxury Catamaran

Giant Galapagos tortoises meander distant highlands, and prehistoric marine iguanas sun themselves on black lava rocks along the shore. Flightless cormorants and tiny penguins dart through the waters while graceful red-billed tropicbirds screech across the sky. In the company of a Galapagos naturalist guide aboard a luxury Galapagos cruise, you set out to explore remarkable island ecosystems as you inch past lounging sea lions, scout for breaching whales offshore and pink flamingos in hidden lagoons. The volcanic Galapagos islands sit about 650 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. At first, they appear to be desolate. Yet, these rough and rocky isles are home to wonderfully strange and abundant wildlife. As Charles Darwin some 200 years before us, we marvel at the highly adapted creatures found nowhere else on earth.

When it comes to arranging distinctive Galapagos tours and Galapagos cruises, there is no substitute for the in-depth knowledge offered by the experienced staff at Big Five Tours & Expeditions. Galapagos tours and cruises begin right here, at Galapagos.com. Learn more about this remote yet surprisingly easy-to-reach destination from the comfort of our luxury Galapagos cruises.

Kuching Travel - Sheraton Four Points

Besides The Pullman, the other international hotel to open in Kuching recently is Sheraton Four Points. Actually Four Points was opened about 5 months earlier then Pullman, even though it had started construction much later. Granted, it is not as tall a building as The Pullman, but the speed of construction was still impressive.

Being a Sheraton franchise, a high level of quality in finishing and service is to be expected. On the whole the lobby and F&B outlets do not disappoint. Designed by ZDR from Kuala Lumpur - the overall look is modern, chic and colourful. The all-day-dining cafe called The Eatery is huge - the biggest in Kuching at the moment. There is also a lobby lounge next to the reception, and a casual cafe serving coffee and light snacks. One great thing is the Starwood Privilege Card is accepted at this hotel, so you get the usual great discounts.

While the overall impression is quite positive, the quality of finish might have suffered due to the speedy construction. There are rough edges here and there, and parts of the basement carpark still looks like a construction site. Reviews of the rooms have also been mixed - generally it s not the design but the quality control. Hopefully the hotel can get these sorted out soon.

The hotel is cladded entirely in a glass curtain wall.

The lobby is very spacious.


The huge all-day-dining cafe - The Eatery.


The casual cafe.


With around 400 rooms, the Sheraton Four Points is located just 5 minutes from Kuching International Airport. It is very convenient for business people on a short trip. Though not far from Kuching town centre (about 10km), with the rush hour traffic we get nowadays it can still be a hassle getting around at the wrong time.

Sentosa Island was a separate island from the main island state of Singapore

Sentosa Island was a separate island from the main island state of Singapore

Sentosa Island was a separate island from the main island state of Singapore

Sentosa Island was a separate island from the main island state of Singapore. The island is very close to Batam. This is where all the entertainment center is located. Similar to that in Jakarta Ancol. There are so many attractions, entertainment, dining and beaches. On holidays, many tourists and local residents who visit the beach on the island. Beach clean and very comfortable

Shopping experiences in Singapore, Bohemian bargains at Holland Village

Bohemian bargains at Holland Village
Holland Village and the nearby Holland Road, Holland Avenue, Holland Close and Holland Drive, got its name from Hugh Holland in 1907, an early resident in Singapore who was an architect and an amateur actor.
Over the years, it has evolved into what has been dubbed the “bohemian enclave” of Singapore.

Popular with expatriates and the young generation, the village is surrounded by tall residential apartments. There is even a static windmill planted in the centre of the village. The shops here represent the old and the new, funky and traditional, quirky and ordinary.

Mingle with local residents sipping coffee at the traditional kopi-tiam (local coffee shops) or watch the world go by in the alfresco Coffee Bean cafe. From 6 pm onwards, the street takes on a nocturnal vivacity of its own as diners start patronising the many restaurants there.

At the open market, you will find made-in-Asia wearables, trinkets and Crocs footwear. In the air-conditioned comfort of the Holland Village Shopping Centre are some fantastic finds from all over Asia – arts & crafts, carpets, antiques, fashions and footwear for large sizes, optical wear, home furnishings and more. The key newsstand in the Village carries newspapers and publications from the main financial capitals of the world.

Lim’s Arts & Living stocks exotic home wear, furnishings and accessories. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are looking for Asian influenced gift ideas. For brilliant framing artistry and framed gift ideas, visit Framing Angie Art Gallery. Take home a piece of your Chinese zodiac sign in an ornate frame!

Shopping hours are generally 10:30 hours to 21:00 hours.
The nearest MRT station is Buona Vista and from there, board SBS Transit 200.

More Shopping in Asia:
Thailand Shopping: Bangkok Shopping, Pattaya Shopping, Hua Hin Shopping, Chiang Mai Shopping, Phuket Shopping, Koh Samui Shopping, Krabi Shopping
Malaysia Shopping: Kuala Lumpur Shopping, Penang Shopping, Langkawi Shopping, Malacca ShoppingHong Kong Shopping
Indonesia Shopping: Jakarta Shopping, Bali Shopping, Bintan Island Shopping
India Shopping: Mumbai Shopping, New Delhi Shopping
More Asia Shopping: Beijing Shopping, Shanghai Shopping, Hong Kong Shopping, Singapore Shopping, Hanoi Shopping, Saigon Shopping, Siem Reap Shopping

Shopping experiences in Singapore, Department stores on Orchard Road

Department stores on Orchard Road

Pristine malls line this bustling one-way street in Southeast Asia’s shopping capital. Swathes of shoppers barely feel the day’s humidity as they glide between air-conditioned plazas. Drop in at Tangs, a local Singapore institution with its luxurious cosmetic hall next to Orchard MRT, or the Far East Plaza for cut-price tailoring and electronics.

Kuching Travel - Kuching Waterfront Lodge

It has taken a long time, but Kuching is finally coming up to speed on developing interesting alternatives to standard hotel accommodation. You've seen Basaga Residences in my previous post, now I am introducing another nicely done boutique hotel which is located right along Main Bazaar - one of the oldest streets in Kuching. The location can't be beat - it is right in the historical part of town - close to India Street, Gambier Street, the Kuching Old Courthouse, etc. It also faces the Kuching Waterfront - a 1 km stretch of beautiful riverside promenade which is great for an evening walk. There are also some of the best eating places in Kuching dotted around here, so you wouldn't have any problem satisfying your food cravings.

The Kuching Waterfront Lodge is more of a B&B then a hotel. It has shared male and female dormitories, and also private rooms with attached bathrooms. Converted from an old shophouse, the front facade has been completed remodeled - but it is good to see that they have retained much of the character of the shophouse inside. There is an open courtyard right in the middle, and the overall ambiance is not lacking in old world charm.

Due to the shophouse location, some of the rooms do not have windows. The rooms are a bit small and basic in terms of decoration - but nevertheless clean and comfortable. For the price they are charging, this is very good value.

The lobby occupies the entire front section of the shoplot. Antique decor and terra cotta tiles give it an old world charm.

A front balcony looks into the Kuching Waterfront.


The Kuching Waterfront Lodge is the type of accommodation I like - full of character, nicely located, reasonably priced and run by friendly people. If you don't need 4 or 5 star hotel luxury, this could be the place for you. Check out their web site here - Kuching Waterfront Lodge.