Geographically speaking, Boracay is part of the municipality of Malay in the province of Aklan, which is located in Panay, one of a cluster of islands that constitute the central section of the Philippine archipelago.
Boracay can be reached from Manila by daily flights on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Seair and Pacific Air. Caticlan is nearer the island, but the airstrip is short and narrow, and only the smaller planes of Asian Spirit, Seair and Pacific Air can land on it. The larger aircraft of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines fly to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. From Caticlan it takes about 15 minutes by boat to Boracay; from Kalibo, an hour and a half by bus plus the 15-minute boat ride.
A city as small as Singapore can be toured in just three days, many would say, but to see all the highlights and get beneath the skin of this charming place definitely warrants a longer stay. A tour planned around the major districts allows one to appreciate its history, people and rich cultural diversity in an optimal period of time. Here is the best of Singapore not to be missed.
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From the outside, the Burj al-Arab architecture looked liked it was carved out of a painting by Picasso. Its style was so contemporary one would wonder how it could stand so sturdily on soiled seas. Dubai’s ingenious work of art was compelled the world to raise the usual five star ranking to a shocking seven just so that its beauty and majesty could be given justice. There are 202 duplex suites in the hotel. Each suite, no matter the class, has a floor- to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the Persian Gulf. Another first for the over achieving Burj al-Arab is the fact that at 321 meters (1,053 ft), it is the tallest building to be used as a hotel alone. It stands on a man made island, 280 meters (919 ft) from the popular Jumeirah beach. This fact alone continues to flabbergasts tourists all over the world. Burj al-Arab is connected to the rest of Dubai through a private bridge. The Arabs, without a doubt, outdid themselves this time through the Burj al-Arab architecture.
Phnom Penh is a lovely, laid-back old city. Once the jewel of French Indochina, it still has a particular crumbling grace and beauty not found in other Asian capitals. It is divided up by a few major thoroughfares—Monivong and Norodom Boulevards going north-south and Pochentong and Sihounouk boulevards going east-west. These, along with major wats, markets and monuments, form the skeleton of Phnom Penh from which the city grows. Whether you are off to explore cultural highlights, take in the nightlife, eat a hearty meal, or just find a place to sit and watch the bustle of the city, most places can be found if you know the nearest landmark.
Shanghai’s relatively small city center makes it easy to navigate. It consists of two basic districts, Pu Xi (western town) and Pu Dong (eastern town), which face each other across the Huang Pu River. As a general rule, Pu Xi embodies “Old Shanghai” and Pu Dong represents “New Shanghai.” This is characterized by the stark contrast of the modern and historical architecture that like on either side of the river, namely the early 20th century architecture of the Bund on the Pu Xi side and the most conspicuous modern architecture of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the
This little corner of paradise is 25 km southeast of Don Sak .. where the car ferry departs for Ko Samui.
A series of beaches nestled among the limestone and shale mountains of Northern Nakorn Si Thammarat province offer the lover of quiet beauty a great destination.
And beaches are not Khanom’s sole attractions.
The primary attractions might be the area’s simplicity. No go-go bars, no discos. And no touts, hawkers or hookers. You can ride a bicycle around Khanom and the locals will smile and wave.
If you are staying in Tokyo for more than a few days, a wonderful way to get a taste of the real Japan is to stay in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which couldn’t be more different than the usual Tokyo hotels. There are a few Ryokans to be found in busy Tokyo (in very unexpected places!), but getting out of the metropolis makes all the difference – especially if you have views of Mount Fuji! Most importantly, it is highly recommended for those needing some serious rest and relaxation.
Hakone, with it’s close proximity to the capital is a great choice, also because it offers unparalleled views of the majestic Mount Fuji. Just half an hour away by train (try the famous Shinkansen or bullet train!), lovely Hakone is part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, with picturesque mountains, lakes and hot springs.
There are several ryokans to stay in Hakone, the most famous (and expensive) being the Gora Kadan, pictured above,which offers sweeping views of Mount Fuji and a large onsen or hot springs. Taiseikan is another good option, is more secluded and has its own tram, which is fun if you are bringing the kids along. It also boasts the oldest spa in Hakone, which is a mere 600 years old!!
Ruins have always been a source of awe and inspiration to us – the mere fact that ancient civilizations were able to make such breathtaking structures without the use of modern technology is enough to blow our minds.
One such example is the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It has a rich history, being originally constructed as temple and city capital complex for King Suyaverman II in the earth 12th century. Over the years, it has been used by various religions, becoming home first to Hindus (who dedicated the temple to Vishnu), and then to Buddhists, who now use the temple. What sets Angkor Wat from all other Khmerian structures is its elaborate designs and bas-reliefs which portray numerous guardian spirits that adorn its walls, seemingly to protect the whole city. Angkor Wat is a major source of pride for Cambodia, and is the country’s biggest tourist attraction.
Bangkok Thailand is one of the youngest cities in Asia having only been established in 1767 after the Khmer ransacked the nation. The King established a headquarters on the banks of the river till the capital Bangkok was established in 1782. The city used to be a maze of canals with its residents living mainly on houses that floated on bamboo rafts. From there on and into the 1980’s when the country benefited from the rapid development of many Asian countries was only the time when Bangkok started to get paved roads and dry land for the construction of developments all over the city.
Today, the main city center has evolved as one of the fastest developing city’s in Asia that is currently moving outwards into the surrounding areas fro development. Amidst the many skyscrapers and modern buildings are the many temples and of course the Grand Palace which showcases the heritage and culture of the people of Thailand. Though still in contact with the rest of her neighbors, the country of Thailand has fared a bit better than Burma and Laos which have managed to remain in the control of her socialist roots that have prevented the influx of modern development and culture. Thailand is a place to go if you want to see the mix of religion and culture that is so close to each other one cannot escape the utter beauty of the land.
From Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the 7,099 islands that makes up the Philippine Archipelago offers a wide variety of sights, sounds and tastes that would provide interest even for the wary traveler. Up North in Luzon, the provinces of Ilocos and Vigan give people a view of majestic Spanish churches all made during their 300 year reign on the country. In Vigan, the town center has been restored to it’s original look as a Spanish town for all tourists to see. These old Spanish churches hold some very interesting relics from the past such as antique figures made of ivory, silver and gold. Behold the silver guilt altar of Vigan that used to grace the main church now housed in a museum a walk’s distance from the town center. In the hustle and bustle of Manila, we find Intramuros, the Spanish made fort where the center of the Spanish Aristocracy in charge of the colonizing forces once ruled from. See the wonders of the thick walls and restored buildings of days gone as you get to see dances and events that showcase the rich heritage of the place. See the area where Jose Rizal was jailed and executed as the country’s defiant voice against the rule of foreigners.
See the relics of war in Corregidor where the Philippinnes was lost and regained from the Japanese with Gen. Mc Arthur’s words, I Shall Return!, famous words as he fulfilled his promise to American and Filipino forces as he left when the country fell into Japanese hands in 1941.
The country is wide and varied, with all the conveniences of modern life. From isolated and pristine beaches to idyllic towns with people who speak many dialects but share one common trait, that smile that is for all to behold as you go to the Philippines the “Pearl of the Orient”.