Jetstar 1 for 1 Promotion

Jetstar 1 for 1 promotion is back again and the booking starts today till 9th December 2011 (Friday).

Jetstar Asia Singapore celebrates its 7th Birthday by letting you taking a friend for FREE to many of fantastic destinations like Hong Kong, Bali, Bangkok! I found out two return tickets to Hong Kong only cost SGD316.

Okay, what's the catch? Well, you have to observe certain travel periods and you must book your flights by 9th Dec (Fri)!

So, what are you waiting for?

Khone Phapheng Falls, Southern Laos

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xile/5728182734/

Located on the Mekong River in southern Laos near the border with Cambodia. The Khone Phapheng Falls are the largest in Southeast Asia and they are the main reason that the Mekong is not fully navigable into China. The waterfalls are characterised by thousands of islands and countless waterways, giving the area its name Si Phan Don or The 4,000 islands.

Angkor Wat Sunrise

 

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shihengcheong/6295383658/

The third time in 14 months to visit Angkor Wat. Finally, got an Angkor Wat Sunrise that I'd satisfied with.

The reason Angkor Wat is a popular attraction at sunrise is because it is oriented to the west.

For many years it was thought to be a tomb as it faced west, but it has since come to light that it was dedicated to Vishnu, not Shiva, and the west is sacred to Vishnu.

Musée du Louvre

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6263692690/

A HDR shot of the inside of Musée du Louvre, Paris, France. Fantastic arches and geometric pattern flooring.

Mona Lisa Captured!

Mona Lisa Captured, Musée du Louvre (Photo:Flickr/GoingPlaces.SG)

Trolley Case or Backpack?

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6239660631/

Going to Europe on a shoestring? Are you deciding whether to use a trolley case or a backpack?

It is really a bad idea to use a trolley case if you are going to travel by the metro or subway because escalator are not so common. You will have to carry your weighted trolley case up and down flights of staircase either to get to or from the train.

Duty Free Shopping at Changi T3

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6171712384/

Arriving at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 and planning to buy the latest MacBook Air, iPad or iPhone?

You can buy your favorite Apple gadgets duty free and save the 7% GST at...

iStudio@Changi Airport Terminal 3
#02-54 Departure/Transit Lounge
Tel: +65 6241-9220
Opening hours: 6am to 1am daily

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6171750236/

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6171712500/

Backpackers... You Can Travel Light

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/teller/4289078025/

Backpacking in Southeast Asia... island of Thailand. Actually, it's OK to travel light, wear t-shirts, shorts & sandals and leave your sleeping bags and camping gears at home.

The Best Dim Sum in Hong Kong

Photo: Flickr/Chika Watanabe

Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Restaurant was started by a chef who used to work at Four Seasons. It offers Four Seasons-quality dim sum at one tenth the price. We had to wait one hour to get in for lunch.

Prague

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rueike/6092734390/

Read the article on Prague by Benjamin, did some search on Flickr for photos and told myself... I gotta visit Prague.

When is the next Natas Fair?

Now that the Natas Fair at Singapore Expo is over, exhibitors are already looking to generate even higher revenue at the next Natas Fair 2012. According to the local newspaper report, the recent Natas Fair 2011 generated a record breaking S$100 million worth in sales.

The Natas Fair 2012 starts on 24 and ends on 26 February 2012 from 10am to 9.30pm at the Singapore Expo, Hall 4 and Hall 5.

Natas Travel Insurance Promotion

"Pay less and travel safe" - Citibank, partnered with ACE Insurance is offering a 50% off on single trip travel insurance premiums.

The offer is from now till 29 Aug 2011.

Visit the website for more information: https://www.citibank.com.sg/gcb/insurance/safetravel.htm

ACE Insurance has a wide array of plan options to choose from - giving you attractive cost savings on Couple plans or coverage for unlimited number of children under the Family plan.

Stanley Market

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leokan/4007495025/

Stanley market is a tourist attraction in itself. A strategic stop on your way to Stanley beach.

Reichow's Weaver

Photo: Flickr/Anita Ritenour

Ploceus baglafecht reichenowi seen in the gardens of Gibb's Farm, Tanzania.

Boracay Lobster Meal

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirrorfloor/5337618362/

This may not be the "best way" to devour a lobster.

Beside the sea sports, sun bathing and sandy beach, you definitely have to try the lobster when you visit Boracay island, Philippines.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobysimkin/4978523141/

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackbone/483748623/

Reebonz City - 5D4N Phuket Escape

You don't have to be torn between vibrant Patong Beach and serene Surin Beach.
Reebonz City offers an irresistible 5D4N Phuket Escape package that fulfills all your needs.

The 5D4N Phuket Escape package @SGD390* includes:
- 2 nights' stay in Lanai Deluxe Room @ Manathai Resort (Surin Beach)
- 2 nights' stay in Superior room @ Andakira Hotel (Patong Beach)
- Welcome drink upon arrival
- Daily American Breakfast
- THB 1000 dining voucher @ Savoey Seafood
- Round airport transfer
- One way Transfer from Manathai Resort to Andakira Hotel

*Price qouted is for 2 pax

Grab this offer fast before the promotion ends in the next 4 days:
http://www.reebonzcity.com/event/5d4n-phuket-escape

Kiyomizudera Temple - 清水寺 - Kyoto

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shihengcheong/5237619917/

One of the most popular temples in Kyoto, Kiyomizudera (清水寺) is most photogenic during the autumn months. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast and we were in a hurry to visit as many temples as possible to make full use of the full day tourist bus pass.

Goddess of Mercy - Kyoto

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shihengcheong/5238215782/

The lighting was too harsh. So the only way is to correctly exposed for the blue sky and put the Goddess of Mercy statue in the silhouette.

Singapore F1 Tickets - UOB Promotion

Want to get exclusive Formula 1 Grandstand tickets at two prime viewing areas - Republic Grandstand and Stamford Grandstand at a discount?

Good news for UOB card members! UOB has secured exclusive grandstands at this year's 2011 F1 Singapore Grand Prix.
• UOB Grandstand @ Republic: S$988 (3-Day Ticket)
• UOB Grandstand @ Stamford: S$598 (3-Day Ticket)

The savings are around 14.3%-16.8% as regular prices for Republic & Stamford Grandstand are S$1,188 and S$698 respectively. Tickets are limited, so act first!

Thế là từ bây h chúng ta sẽ xa nhau, Huyên sẽ nhớ mọi người lắm lắm ...

Photo: Flickr/Huyên Bôbe

Vietnamese lass? in traditional dress. The roses on her hair makes her look cute!

Patong Beach, Phuket

Photo: Flickr/William Cho

This is where the Tsunami hit a few years back. It was an unexpected tragedy and still remembered by many till today.

FIS Alpine Ski Worldcup - Yongpyong, Korea

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/the4to/119375926/

FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in Yongpyong Ski Resort, Korea. Photo from Flicker by Herbert Photography.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/6030711841/

Marina Bay Sands is the world's second most expensive casino and also the largest atrium casino has 1,000 tables and 1,600 slot machines. Yet, Singapore citizens and permanent residents have to pay a $100 levy to enter the casino.

Blue Moon in Singapore

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shihengcheong/5383721440/

A clear blue sky in early morning. A rare sight for a city dweller living in the eastern part this tiny island, Singapore.

Namsan Village by Lismel

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lismel/6005952507/

The Namsan Village in Seoul is a fake village that has been build to show what villages looked like some 400 years ago.

A Special Moment by DMac 5D Mark II

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dmacs_photos/6032816762/

A photographer gets ready to shoot as the sun sets over Jeju Island, South Korea.

The Best Fish Amok in Siem Reap

Probably the best fish amok in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The fish is very fresh and delicious. The spices used make this traditional Khmer dish taste very refreshing and different from those you could find at "top rated" restaurants near the Old Market and Pub Street area which cost twice as much.

The owner of the restaurant is ethnic Chinese and being a Teochew , he really knows how fish should be cooked.

Father's Restaurant at the Center Market, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Opening hours: 9am to 9pm.

Website: www.fathersrestaurant.com

**The Father's Restaurant has moved to near the Old Market at 239 Street 9 and less than 5 minutes walk from Pub Street. View map: //goo.gl/maps/UR37Y

Asia's Tourism Double-digit Growth

It wasn't surprising to read about "Asia's Tourism Boom" in The Straits Times, the original article by Adrian Addison (AFP). In fact we expected it. The question was: "Increase by how much?"

In a nutshell, more Asians are traveling within Asia. The Chinese and the Indians were among the largest groups of traveller and holiday makers in the region.

"Over 70 million people went to Southeast Asia, 12 percent up on 2009, with Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines all ratcheting up record growth."

Asia's Tourism Growth in 2010

What was surprising is the who's who in the top positions. Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Taiwan in the top 3 position was a surprise to me. I expected Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.

Here's a chart taken from The Straits Times article:

It was interesting to note that:

"Indian travellers to Singapore, for example, travel in an average group size of four against an overall average of 2.9 people and spend on average 5.8 days there against a total average of 4.0 days."

Now, we know why Mustafa Singapore is making good business.

Oshino Hakkai Dragon Spring Water

Oshino Hakkai is one of the National Treasure of Japan, and 100 best water of Japan. Nestled in the rural village in Yamanashi prefecture Japan, Oshino is renowned for the subterranean spring water of Mount Fuji. This cold spring water is used to brew beer and make the delicious Oshino buckwheat noodles.

Mount Fuji viewed from Oshino Hakkai

We were walking from our ryokan, Inn Fujitomita to Oshino Hakkai when the cloud cleared and revealed the snow capped summit of Mount Fuji.

Oshino Hakkai is made up of eight spring water ponds of ice cold water from the sacred Mt Fuji, and have long been revered as Springs of the Gods.

Egypt: No One Interested?!

Nice booth and great display BUT I think this is the most deserted place at Natas Fair 2011. The Egyptian Revolution 2011 which started about a month ago on 25 Jan 2011 is scaring away every tourist to visit Egypt's 5,000 years of history and civilization, pyramids and the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo.

Click Natas Fair 2011 to see more photos.

NATAS Fair: Promoting Indonesia Tourism

Gorgeous ladies promoting Indonesia tourism at the NATAS Fair in Singapore. This is the most popular travel fair in Singapore and are visited by ten of thousands of people looking for the travel deals.

Click NATAS Fair 2012 for the latest information.

Tohoko - Trip to a Snowy Wonderland

We only had 4 days in Tohoku for the snow and onsens(hot springs). In retrospect, it was an ambitious plan to try to experience both autumn leaves and winter snow in one trip to Japan.

We started off with Mt. Fuji then Kyoto for autumn leaves. Tohoku was the second leg and Tokyo would be our last leg for shopping at Harajuku(Burberry Blue Label Flagship Store) and Shibuya.

The entire Japan Autumn/Winter trip took us 13 days and we probably travelled over a thousand km on the Shinkansen.

It was late November and we were very lucky to get lots of snow at Hanamaki and Tazawako.

Taenoyu Onsen, Tazawako

Hotel Hanamaki

Mitsui Outlet Park, Sendai

Siem Reap Nightlife

So what do you do in Siem Reap after visiting Angkor Wat?

You go to Siem Reap city where you can find the Pub Street near the Old Market and the Siem Reap Night Market.

The Siem Reap night market was my first stop. After one full day of walking through 9 temples, my feet were arching! I decided to try out the foot massage at the night market. After the 60-min massage, I felt a lot better.

Then it was time for dinner. I walk around the Old Market area and found a restaurant with a name in Chinese. The taste was good and the price - cheap.

Dinner was rice with lots of curry and fried tofu...

and Angkor beer!