Historical sites to visit in Southeast Asia

Glimpses of Southeast Asia’s recent colonial past and its ancient civilisations can be seen everywhere, even in the most developed and modern cities. Singaporeans sometimes flock to the ruins of Italy and Greece without realising that there are plenty of historical sights in their own backyard.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Photo: Flickr/Mike Behnken

Arguably the most famous site on the list, Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple pyramid is a representation of the universe, as the Hindu Khmer understood it, complete with oceans and mountain ranges.

Among the site’s many temples is the must-see Banteay Srei, a relatively small temple completed in 967. Made of finely carved pink sandstone depicting scenes from Hindu epics, it is a photographer’s dream.

Fly to Siem Reap on Jetstar. Alternatively, fly to Phnom Penh and take a bus to Angkor for $15.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Photo: Flickr/Trey Ratcliff

Going to Borobudur now might be a bad idea, considering the recent eruption of Mount Kelud, which forced the Buddhist monument to close for several weeks. However, when it reopens, visitors will once again have an opportunity to bask in the splendour of the site.

The site boasts more than 2,600 well-preserved tiles and panels that depict Buddha’s life and parables from Buddhist texts, and a huge complex with several platforms, symbolic of the different levels of Buddhist cosmology.

Fly to Yogjakarta on SilkAir for $400 return, and take an inexpensive taxi to Borobudur.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Photo: Flickr/Mark Fischer

Hoi An was one of Vietnam’s busiest trading centres in the early 15th century. It is the only ancient Vietnamese town to have been properly preserved and visitors are treated to views of architectural styles from the period. It is through Hoi An that Christianity is believed to have entered Vietnam in the 17th century.

There are several must-see sights here, such as Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old house with a guided tour, and the Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, an intimidating space filled with large dragons and fountains.

Fly to Da Nang on Vietnam Airlines (via Hanoi) for $255 return, and take a taxi to Hoi An for $20.

Malacca, Malaysia

Photo: Flickr/Christopher Chan

Undeniably the most-visited spot on our list, Malacca is a hotspot of historical sites, while still retaining its appeal to cosmopolitan visitors who flock there for its food and shopping opportunities.

The city’s most famous historical district, the area surrounding the Dutch Square, is home to The Christ Church, the Stadhuys, and the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower.

For more information on Malacca, read this list of the 10 free things to do in Malacca. For travel information, read this guide on getting to Malacca from Singapore.

Various sites in Singapore

Photo: Flickr/William Cho

It would be unfair to have a list of some of the most interesting historical sites in Southeast Asia without mentioning the sites in Singapore, which the Republic’s Government has made an effort to conserve and protect.

Such sites include Reflections @ Bukit Chandu, a museum, which commemorates one of the most important battles in the Battle of Singapore in early 1942, and the famous opium dens of the early century. Other less-known places include the Civic District Trail, which explores the historic birthplace of modern Singapore.

For more information on historical sites in Singapore, visit YourSingapore.com

10 Things You Must Do in Shanghai

Photo: Flickr/Aaron D Feen

I landed in Shanghai Pudong, anxious as to how I was going to spend the next five days. Shanghai didn’t seem to have many ‘must-see’ destinations, the way other cities like London and Paris do.

However, my short trip there proved me wrong. There’s always something to do, eat and see in this bustling city. Here are ten things I recommend every traveller to try at least once (some are worth doing twice):

1. Shanghai Maglev train

The first thing you should do in Shanghai is simple: hop on its futuristic train to the city from the airport. In just 8 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Shanghai. The train travels at a dizzying speed of 430kmh, so don’t be surprised if you feel a little disoriented or uncomfortable for the ride. It certainly prepares you for the excitement of your upcoming trip.

Single ride tickets cost 50 yuan. For more information, click here.

2. Bathhouses

Welcome to Shanghai, where the grime and grease of the city inevitably stick to you. To refresh and reinvigorate your senses, stop by one of the many bathhouses in the city. My choice would be New Star, which boasts three large pools for women, one for men, a cold plunge pool and a rainforest shower. Its special features are on its second floor: heated and cooled huts, large relaxation rooms and massage and scrub services.

New Star is located at No.1 Lane 258, Jinhui Nan road (金汇南路258弄1号).

3. Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant

If you’re feeling peckish after your bath, head to one of Shanghai’s iconic skyscrapers, the Oriental Pearl Tower, for a unique dining experience. Most people only ‘dine’ at this restaurant, however, for its view – overlooking the magnificent city, it’s a photographer’s dream. Do not expect quality food or service – they are nothing more than mediocre.

Photo: Flickr/Chloe Fan

4. Jesse Restaurant

For real food, head to Jesse (Lao Jishi) 吉士酒家, a popular and affordable eatery on Tianping Road. The menu is comprehensive and lists all kinds of dishes. Do not be thrown off, however: keep your eyes on the goal, in this case, Jishi’s famous carp head. This dish might be visually unappealing, but close your eyes and enjoy what some called China’s best seafood dish. Other must-try dishes at the eatery include its braised pork with bamboo shoots and crab with vermicelli sheets.

Jishi is located at 41, Tianping Road (天平路41号). The nearest MTR station is Jiaotong University （交通大学站), 5-min walk to the restaurant.

Photo: Flickr/Gary Stevens

5. The Bund

The Bund is a must-see for anyone who grew up looking at pictures of Shanghai in the encyclopaedia. This iconic waterfront boardwalk has changed little over the years and still retains its carnivalesque atmosphere. The walk is perfect if there’s a light breeze blowing and gives you a chance to look at all kinds of Shanghainese: the rich, the fashionable, the cunning, the ambitious. Not to mention the splendid views of the harbour and the 1920s style architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Photo: Flickr/Weijie

6. Vue Bar

After jostling through the crowds of the Bund, head for a relaxing drink at this swanky bar (pronounced ‘view’), located on the 32nd and the 33rd floors of the glamorous Hyatt on the Bund. Curl up on a cosy daybed while nursing a martini and enjoy the views of old Shanghai, fighting to stay alongside the concrete and glass of new Shanghai.

Vue Bar is located at Hyatt on the Bund, 199 Huangpu Road.

7. Art along Moganshan Road

Art is Shanghai’s latest obsession and hip galleries have sprouted all over the city, especially along Moganshan Road. The area, once home to a stretch of warehouses, now boasts some of China’s best contemporary galleries, including ShanghART. Moganshan Road is also the ‘workspace’ of top Chinese artists such as Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi.

Photo: Flickr/Tzejen

8. Dongtai Road

Dongtai Road is the place to go if you’re going to pick up a piece of memorabilia from China’s colourful history, especially its Cultural Revolution. Stores in the area sell everything from second-hand books to antique tea sets, and nifty insects such as crickets and grasshoppers. Quite a colourful street, indeed.

9. Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai’s zoo is decent; located 35km from the city centre, it is home to 200 different kinds of animals from around the world. Highlights include the giant panda hall, crocodile island and kangaroo zoo. However, the zoo does not have much air-conditioning, and do not expect it to be litter-free. Finish your trip with a ride up the zoo’s ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the entire park.

The zoo can be easily accessed by subway.

10. Shanghai’s Apple Store

Forget the crummy Apple store in Wheelock Place and stop by Shanghai’s beautiful designer store before heading home. The world’s most profitable Apple store is encased within a glass cylinder and is a popular tourist attraction by fans and detractors of Apple alike.

Lower Ground 2nd floor, IFC Mall, No. 8 Century Avenue, Pudong (浦东新区陆家嘴世纪大道 8号, 上海国金中心 IFC 商场). The nearest subway is Lujiahui Station.

Photo: Flickr/Simon Q

Travelling by Train in Taiwan

Photo: Flickr/Jiadolol

Singaporeans love Taiwan for its affordability, famous street food, beautiful scenery and shopping variety. Many packages offer trips, however, only to Taipei. There’s a lot more to Taiwan than just Taipei, so why not check out other popular Taiwanese cities like Kaohsiung, Keelung, Hualien and Taitung? These cities are easily accessible from Taipei by train, both conventional and high-speed.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung (高雄) is a great city to go to for cheap food and great shopping.

Zipping to Kaohsiung was made easier in 2007, when a high-speed railway link with Taipei was completed. The trains run every 15 minutes and the journey takes a total of 1 hour 40 minutes. Passengers have the choice of travelling unreserved economy, economy or business and tickets begin at S$60.

Photo: Flickr/Joe Lewis

The train stops at the New Zuoying station (左營車站), which is located near the northern outskirts of Kaohsiung. Complete your journey by hopping on a taxi, bus or the MRT (red line).

Check out the Cijin (旗津) District near the harbour for some fresh and delicious seafood. To get to Cijin, take a merry ride on a ferry – if weather permits, be sure to cycle around Cijin (you can rent a bike from the ferry terminal for a few dollars) and enjoy spectacular sea views. Also, hop off your bike and take pictures at the Cihou Lighthouse (旗后燈塔) and Fort, which have both undergone massive restoration work.

Photo: Flickr/Debbs

Keelung

Hop on a train from Taipei to Keelung (基隆) on the Tze Chiang express train (自強號). Keelung is famous for the Miaokou Night Market (庙口夜市). Its cuisine revolves around seafood, and some must try items at the market include baked crabs and fishball soup. (Read here for Taipei Night Market.)

A special feature of Keelung is Lovers Lake, located near Dawulun Mountain. This is a romantic and scenic spot, with full amenities. Many guys still propose to their girlfriends here, so those looking for a beautiful place to pop the question might want to consider it.

Other attractions in the city are mostly historical – there are plenty of forts to keep history buffs coming back for more.

The Scenic East

Taiwan’s eastern railway line offers some of the most breathtaking views of the country. Although the train is not high-speed (it’s often referred to as putongche, 普通车, which means very slow), you’re guaranteed a refreshing and relaxing experience.

The train passes through Fulong（福隆) (famous for Fulong lunchboxes – a tasty treat of pork, rice and vegetables) and chugs alongside cliffs, harbours and villages.

Photo: Flickr/Yusuke Kawasaki

The route passes Jiaosi (礁溪) – Jiaosi is famous for its hot springs and attracts a large number of tourists every weekend. Taiwan’s tourism board named it one of the country’s top 10 small tourist towns in 2012. Accommodation is affordable and aplenty, so consider spending a night here.

Yilan（宜蘭）City is another spot worth considering, especially for foodies. The city is famous for its smoked duck and other local delicacies.

Other scenic routes include the Neiwan Line (內彎線), which passes the crystal clear Youlou river, the Pingxi Line (平溪線), which passes the towering Shifen waterfall (十分大瀑布), and the Jiji Line (集集線), which is alongside the Big Jiji Mountain. Special travel tickets for these lines can be purchased from major railway stations.

5 Places To View Mount Fuji

One of the highlights when visiting Tokyo is to see the Japan's icon - the mighty Mount Fuji. Fujisan (富士山) is Japan's tallest mountain at a height of 3,776 metres tall and it is beautiful because of it nearly perfect symmetrical volcanic cone. I was lucky to have spotted the snow-capped Mount Fuji several times during my 14 days trip to Tokyo by Singapore Airlines in late May 2013. Some of the scenic views I've had to pay for and planned for, others were simply caught by full surprise.

Alright, I shall reveal where you can get a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

1. Check into Yamadaya Hotel

Yamadaya hotel is situated near Lake Shoji and has a great view of Mount Fuji right before it. Almost all the rooms can see Mount Fuji when the sky is clear. According to the hotel owner, the best time to watch Mount Fuji is during winter season (Dec - Jan) when sky is blue but the temperature can be freezing cold at minus 10 degrees. How cold is negative degree weather? I can't imagine. But I'll definitely return to Yamadaya Hotel for its authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine and scenic views of lake shoji and Mt. Fuji during Spring or Autumn season.

Price: Room rate for 1 Japanese room with two meals (two persons) - 19,400yen

2. Visit Fuji Shibazakura Festival

It's Shibazakura (Pink Moss or Moss Phlok) blooming season in late April to May. For flower lovers, a visit to Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Fuji Motosuko resort is a must where you will witness about 80,000 blooming red, pink and white flowers filling up 6 acres of land. For crazy flower fanatic like me, I visited the place twice. First time, the place was raining and my mood was foul. I returned to the park the next day and I was rewarded with good weather and a glimpse of Mt. Fuji as a perfect backdrop for the pink moss. Wow… the view was simply stunning.

Price: Entrance fee to Fuji Shibazakura Festival - 500yen per adult

3. Kawaguchiko Bus Station

It is the bus station where you take local buses to visit Fuji Five Lakes like Saiko (西湖, Western Lake), Lake Yamanaka (山中湖), Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖), Lake Motosu (本栖湖) and Lake Shoji (精進湖). We spotted the cloudy Mount Fuji at the bus station by pure chance.

Price: Free

4. Lake Yamanaka

We moved from Lake Shoji to Lake Yamanaka (山中湖) and stayed in this cozy hostel - Hotorinite Hotel. The hotel owner gave me a free rental bike to ride and I cycled along the Lake Yamanaka in an evening. To my surprise, I saw some white swans resting near the lake and the mysterious silhouette of Mt. Fuji.

Price: Free to visit Lake Yamanaka

5. On the Plane

This has to base on sheer luck. The SQ girl told me that she flies the route from Haneda, Japan to Singapore regularly and out of 10 months, she probably has seen a clear view of Mt. Fuji from the plane once or twice.

Price: Priceless...

Hong Kong Harbour Light Show

Hong Kong Harbour by ShutterPlus+

Visited Hong Kong in December, the weather was cool but the sky was cloudy during our stay there. Waited 4 nights before this picture of Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights was finally captured.

The Search for Good Food - S'poreans' Favorite Past-Time

Hong Kong Central by ShutterPlus+

We didn't get to visit Lan Kwai Fong in the evening. However, we found a very good Wonton noodle shop at 77 Wellington Street (麥奀雲吞麵世家) not far from the famous Yung Kee Restaurant where we had dim sum and the delicious roasted goose.

The “Flying Roast Goose” at Yung Kee Restaurant

Stayed at the Less Crowded Part of  Hong Kong

We decided to avoid the crowd in Kowloon and booked hotel rooms at Hong Kong island. However, hotels near to Central and Admiralty MTR stations are too expensive for our budget. After more research and consideration, we found cheaper room rates at the 60 West Hotel near Sheung Wan MTR station. We stayed there for 4 nights and were quite happy with the spacious room, free WiFi and the convenient location.

Marina Bay Singapore Skyline

Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay by Calvin Shi

A spectacular photo of the Singapore skyine at dusk. Colour play of light and signature shapes created by Marina Bay Sands and Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay.

Labrador Park Sunset

Labrador Park Sunset by Calvin Shi

Labrador Nature Reserve or popularly known as Labrador Park is located near the southern tip of Singapore island. This is one of the most scenic place to watch sunrise and sunset. Beside seeing school children coming here for their science class field trip, you may also see couples in wedding gowns having their photo shoot here.

How to Get There

Take the Circle Line and alight at Labrador MRT Station, use Exit A.

Nearby Attractions

Berlayer Creek, Bukit Chermin Boardwalk and Alexandra Garden Trail.

Hotels Near Labrador Park

Fragrance Hotel - Royal

Fragrance Hotel - Viva

Hotels near Sunway Lagoon

I have to admit, whenever I'm at Malaysia, the billboard on Sunway Lagoon never fails to catch my attention. For some reason, it reminds me of a certain amusement park song. Fans of Freddy Cannon might know that I'm referring to Palisades Park.

Photo: Flickr/Squallwc

Not One but Five Themed Parks

The attraction has not one, but five themed parks! Water-loving people should stop at the Water Park while families should not miss the Amusement and Wildlife Park. Love horror and getting scared? Well, Scream Park is the ultimate choice. For daredevils, check out the Extreme Park for some adrenaline pumping activities!

Avoid the Traffic Jam, Stay at Hotel Near Sunway Lagoon

Dynamic, fun and loud, Sunway Lagoon is located at Petaling Jaya, about 30-minute drive from KL city centre if you were lucky not to be caught in a traffic jam. So it is a good idea to book a hotel room near Sunway Lagoon or Sunway Pyramid shopping centre because saving you travelling time and cost, you could get better hotel deals here than in KL.

Photo: Flickr/Tomomi Sasaki

Hotels nearest to Sunway Lagoon

The Villas @ Sunway Resort
True to their name, this hotel gives off a mystique vibe. This villa is ideal for people who want a quick getaway to solitude. Of all facilities, the outdoor pool definitely stands out by a mile. Rates start from USD298. A 5 minute drive to Sunway Lagoon, The Villas @ Sunway Resort offers shuttle services. Do note that children below the age of 12 are not allowed in the villas.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa
Modern and classy, this resort features magnificent facilities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. With 439 rooms in total, rates start from USD97. Likewise, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa is a 5 minute drive to Sunway Lagoon and also offers free shuttle services.

Sunway Pyramid Hotel @ Sunway Resort
Like the hotels mentioned above, Sunway Pyramid is also located at Bandar Sunway. That said, visitors should be able to get to Sunway Lagoon in 5 minutes tops. Simple furnishing with great views, rates are from USD69. Also offers shuttle services.

Hotels with Family Room

Best View Hotel Sunway Metro
Modest looking and with minimal designs, Best View Hotel Sunway Metro features 30 rooms in 3 rooms. A 3 minute drive to Sunway Lagoon, rates start from USD30. Unfortunately, the hotel does not offer shuttle services. Best to take a taxi if you were to visit Sunway Lagoon.

Hotel D'New 1
A 7 minute drive to Sunway Lagoon, Hotel D'New 1 features 33 rooms in 3 floors. Clean and modestly looking, the hotel offers free WiFi access in public areas. Rates start from USD39. Bear in mind that shuttle service is not provided.

Budget Hotels near Sunway Lagoon

Sun Inns Lagoon
The hotel offers quality budget rooms for people with cash. A 5 minute drive to Sunway Lagoon, rates start from USD20. Facilities such as laundry services are available; however, this is a different case with shuttle bus services.

Sun Inns Mentari
Similarly a 5 minute drive to the amusement park, Sun Inns Mentari has a total of 115 rooms. WiFi is free to use and rates start from USD24. Since shuttle service is not provided, it is advisable to take a cab.

Budget Terminal Closure on 25 Sep 2012

The Budget Terminal at Singapore Changi Airport will be closed on 25 September 2012 at 2am. The following airlines will be operating from Terminal 2 after the closure of the Budget Terminal.

• Berjaya Air
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Firefly
• Mandala Airlines
• Southeast Asian Airlines
• Tiger Airways

Traveling and Your Old, Familiar Pillow

I was researching for topics to write and came across "The 50 most inspiring travel quotes of all time" by Lola Åkerström via MatadorNetwork.com. It was interesting to read what people of different generations and cultures thought of traveling.

Here's my top 3 favorite travel quotes:

1. “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang
2. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
3.  “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

Go read it and share your favorite travel quotes.
http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/50-most-inspiring-travel-quotes-of-all-time/