Beijing Trip - May 2009

I just returned from a 7 day trip to Beijing. It was an amazing trip, managed to cramp in probably a month's worth of itinerary into 7 days. Still sorting out my photos, so watch out for my posts in the next few weeks. In the mean time, will share with you some more culinary adventures in Kuching and my recent visit to Mukah for the Kaul Festival.

Kota Kinabalu - Tambunan Highlands

The Tambunan Highlands is about 1 1/2 hour drive from KK Town. It seems to be the forgotten backyard of KK, as not many people go there. There are a couple of attractions here - a Rafflesia Centre and a Butterfly Park, but not many resorts.

To me this area has great tourism potential. The drive from KK is very scenic, and the weather is naturally cool all the time due to the altitude. Imagine waking up to find that you are high above the clouds, the air fresh and cool, and the worries of the world far far away.What a great escape that would be !

The Khan Shatyry Entertainment Center in Astana will become a dramatic civic focal point for the capital of Kazakhstan.

Travel Khan Shatyry Entertainment Center

The Khan Shatyry Entertainment Center in Astana will become a dramatic civic focal point for the capital of Kazakhstan, the soaring structure, at the northern end of the new city axis, rises from a 200m elliptical base to form the highest peak on the skyline of Astana. The 100,000sqm centre’s unique concept - to provide a sheltered environment embracing an urban-scale internal park, shopping and entertainment venue - was developed in response to the harsh climate of extreme weather in both winter and summer. The building will become a lively public space and an unprecedented amenity for the people of Astana which can be used throughout the year.

London EC3N 4AB England

London EC3N 4AB England

London EC3N 4AB England

London EC3N 4AB England

To prevent the birds flying away one of their wings is clipped by the Raven Master. This does not hurt the raven nor does it harm them in any way. By unbalancing their flight it ensures that they don't stray too far from the Tower.

Magical and Majestic South India Tour

Plan a rendezvous with South India to experience the outstanding natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage of the bygone era. With its meticulously carved temples, stunning palaces, exotic wildlife, romantic beaches, mesmerizing backwaters, refreshing hill stations, pilgrimages and delicious food, this destination holds interest of millions of tourists from across the globe.

Kerala

There is a big reason why Kerala is known as 'God's own country'. It is a destination offering heavenly attractions such as enchanting forests, romantic beaches, enticing boat rides and rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages, which makes it a dream-like destination. Each place in this state has its own specialty to offer. The backwater cruises in Alleppey is a big hit with tourists from all over the world.

Karnataka

This state is a perfect blend of deep rooted traditions and modernity. Its cities like Belur, Mysore, Hampi, Halebid and Badami offer a variety of amazing attractions, starting from ruins of the ancient temples to the world famous silk saris. The options in this state are simply boundless.

Tamil Nadu

The fascinating land of Tamil Nadu occupies a special place on the tourist map of South India. The most overwhelming part of the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu is its temples, which are around 30,000 in number. Strewn with interesting legends, some of the temples in Tamil Nadu leave the onlookers in awe with their sheer architectural beauty. As it is not possible to see all the beautiful temples of Tamil Nadu in a single visit, tourists at least must not miss the following ones: Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Kapileshwar Temple in Chennai, Shore Temple and Rathas Temple in Mahabalipuram, Kanyakumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari.

Pondicherry

To experience the French taste in India, visit Pondicherry. Its peaceful ambiance and sheer natural beauty will leave you spell bound. Explore its unique culture, the architectural wonders, historic sites and appealing beaches to make your holidays memorable.

Dubai Towers Dubai is a four tower complex proposed in the city of Dubai

Dubai Towers Dubai

Dubai Towers Dubai is a four tower complex proposed in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The developer, Sama Dubai, intends this to form the centrepiece of The Lagoons, a megaproject located on Dubai Creek which will consist of seven islands. The towers have between 57 to 94 stories[1] and although the heights are not known, it is believed the tallest will top 400 metres (1,310 ft) while two others will rise beyond 300 metres (980 ft).

Burj Dubai Travel

Burj Dubai Travel

Burj Dubai (Arabic: برج دبي‎ "Dubai Tower") is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest man-made structure ever built, despite being incomplete. Construction began on 21 September 2004, and the tower is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by September 2009.

The building is part of the 2 km2 (0.8 sq mi) development called "Downtown Burj Dubai" at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road at Financial Centre Road (previously known as Doha Street). The tower's architect is Adrian Smith, who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) until 2006. The architecture and engineering firm SOM is in charge of the project. The primary builders are Samsung Engineering & Construction and Besix along with Arabtec. Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction manager.

The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US$4.1 billion, and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the CEO of Emaar Properties, speaking at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 8th World Congress, said that the price of office space at Burj Dubai had reached $4,000 per sq ft (over $43,000 per m2) and that the Armani Residences, also in Burj Dubai, were selling for US$3,500 per sq ft (over $37,500 per m2).

By : Wikipedia.com

Borobudur Temple Taravel Gallery

Borobudur Temple Taravel Gallery

Borobudur is a ninth-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.[1] A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.[2] Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the then British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[3] Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.
Source : Wikipedia.com

Borobudur Temple Taravel Gallery

Borobudur Temple Taravel Gallery

Borobudur is a ninth-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.[1] A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.[2] Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the then British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[3] Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.
Source : Wikipedia.com

Memorial in Kuta Beach Bali

Memorial in Kuta Beach Bali.........

we booked on-line for today’s activities (mount cycling and water rafting inc. hotel transfer) for USD58/person (RM197). The starting point for cycling is quite far from Kuta Beach (almost 2-hour journey), going deeper into smaller village. On the way, stop a while, taking photos of volcanic Mt. Batur and its lake and also stop at Local coffee shop trying their coffee (not liking it). We were cycling passing Balinese village with very unique houses. Then, we heading towards Telaga Waja River located approximately 8 kms from Klungkung regency and about 51kms from Denpasar for White Water Rafting. For the rafting, i give 2 out of 5 stars. Not as what i expected. Padas River water rafting in Malaysia is far more adventure and exciting. After rafting, they searved buffet lunch which i in doubt to eat. With empty stomach, we continue our journey back to McDonald nearby our hotel. After filling up, after energy rise from 5% to 85%, walk along Kuta beach watching the exotic mallvellous sunset.
By : Wikipedia.com

Memorial in Kuta Beach Bali

Memorial in Kuta Beach Bali.........

we booked on-line for today’s activities (mount cycling and water rafting inc. hotel transfer) for USD58/person (RM197). The starting point for cycling is quite far from Kuta Beach (almost 2-hour journey), going deeper into smaller village. On the way, stop a while, taking photos of volcanic Mt. Batur and its lake and also stop at Local coffee shop trying their coffee (not liking it). We were cycling passing Balinese village with very unique houses. Then, we heading towards Telaga Waja River located approximately 8 kms from Klungkung regency and about 51kms from Denpasar for White Water Rafting. For the rafting, i give 2 out of 5 stars. Not as what i expected. Padas River water rafting in Malaysia is far more adventure and exciting. After rafting, they searved buffet lunch which i in doubt to eat. With empty stomach, we continue our journey back to McDonald nearby our hotel. After filling up, after energy rise from 5% to 85%, walk along Kuta beach watching the exotic mallvellous sunset.
By : Wikipedia.com

Travel Sanur Beach in Bali Indonesia

Travel Sanur Beach in Bali Indonesia

Sanur Beach Hotel at Denpasar city, Bali, has private beach, you can relax undisturbed by public, and popular for tourist who has more money to spend. The swimming pool is quite good and clean, so you can swim freely as long as you like.

Travel Sanur Beach in Bali Indonesia

Travel Sanur Beach in Bali Indonesia

Sanur Beach Hotel at Denpasar city, Bali, has private beach, you can relax undisturbed by public, and popular for tourist who has more money to spend. The swimming pool is quite good and clean, so you can swim freely as long as you like.