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

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

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

NATAS Fair 2012 - 24 to 26 Feb 2012 @ Singapore Expo

Source: www.flickr.com/photos/goingplacessg/

Its less than 3 weeks to the NATAS Fair 2012. Already searches at Google are trending with the search terms natas fair, natas fair 2012 and pre natas fair. There are many blogs out there featuring the biggest travel fair of the year. Those found in the first page of Google search are the official NATAS website and...

• www.goingplaces.sg/natas-fair/
• www.singapore180.com/events/natas/
• www.diveasianow.com/events/natas/
• sg.tripzilla.com/.../natas-travel-fair-2012...

And all these websites, more or less, are writing about the same stuff i.e. when and where NATAS Fair 2012 is taking place.

NATAS Travel Fair
24 to 26 February 2012
Hall 3B, Hall 4 and Hall 5
Singapore Expo
Opening hours: 10am to 9.30pm

Here, I am going to tell you something different. It's about really cheap air tickets and tour packages to Japan - my favorite holiday destination.

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Promotion at NATAS Fair 2012

One thing I am looking forward to... is the JNTO promotion. There are over 1000 tickets to Japan at very attractive price for grab at the Natas Fair. So if you're thinking of going to Japan, make sure you visit the travel fair early and be the first to sign up for the Japan tour packages.

Here's the 5 things you need to know to get the best out of your visit to this year Natas Fair...

Top 5 Tips to Great Natas Fair Deals

Singapore Airlines Promotion to Male

I know the notice is short but you're still in time to grab the all-inclusive two-way SIA fares to Male (Capital of Maldives) at SGD588!

The "3-Day Only Deal to Male" starts now till 12 Jan 2011, so go to Singapore Airlines to book the seats now if you are planning a romantic trip with your loved ones this year.

Travelling period is between 1 April and 25 May 2012.

For other Singapore Airlines Promotion to Seoul, Hong Kong or London, check out Singapore Airlines Promotion 2012

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/

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Do's & Don'ts at Chek Jawa

Due the oil spill in 2010, most of the flora and fauna of Chek Jawa has been affected. In fact, the marine flora of the wetlands has been damaged and "there is really nothing much to see"! It may take several years for the ecosystem to recover... Let's not do further damage to it.

Here's the tough survivors of the oil spill: fiddler crabs.