Thursday, September 30, 2010

Food in Kuala Lumpur


images-4_thumb1Don’t we all just love food, and the Malaysians are no exception. Infact the best part of travelling is trying out different cuisines. Kuala Lumpur has so many different cultures living together in harmony that the variety you can get with regards to food is amazing. How does one decide what to eat, where to eat? Choices are so many that it can easily confuse a traveller. It depends on the kind of food you want to eat. In Kuala Lumpur, Malay food is most commonly available since it is the biggest race there. You don’t have to worry about budget, you can eat fairly well for fairly little.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A Shopper’s Delight Kuala Lumpur


images-4_thumb1Kuala Lumpur offers visitors a variety of shopping opportunities for both traditional and modern goods, for amazing cultural souvenirs and products.  As the cultural centre of Malaysia, KL has a wide range of complexes, markets and shops that enable you to shop for local arts and crafts offering value, variety and convenience. At the same time, as a modern and sophisticated city, designer brands are widely available in expansive shopping malls and centres along with the latest electronics, fashion accessories and jewellery. There is a bewildering range of shopping establishments including modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, hypermarkets, shopping arcades, specialty stores, handicraft centers, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets. Among the items high on the shopping list of tourists are pewter, batik, duty-free items, electrical products, pret-a-porter attire, sportswear and handicrafts.  A novel experience for overseas visitors is the night markets or 'pasar malam' which begin their trading activities in the late afternoon.

Colours of Kuala Lumpur


download_thumb1Kuala Lumpur is a very interesting place. The three dominant cultures are from the Malays, Chinese and Indians, who form the majority of Malaysia’s population. Although majority of Malaysians are Muslims, the three dominant cultures bring three languages, religions, culture and amazing food into this region. Sizeable community of Sikhs and Eurasians add and compliment the harmonious mix of cultures. Past trading with the East and West has made Malaysia a multi racial country, making it a potpourri of sorts.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Art Scene in Kuala Lumpur


download-2_thumb1Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of artistic flair - right from the galleries to artists to performing arts to music, it is truly a treasure trove of Malaysian art. Although the artistic community is small and not comparable to those in Paris or Venice, it is nevertheless growing as can be testified by the many art galleries, art centres and performance arts bodies that have sprouted over the last five years in Kuala Lumpur. Within Kuala Lumpur are a number of very impressive art galleries.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur


images-11_thumb1Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for tourists coming to Asia. English is spoken and understood, making it fairly easy for tourists from all over the world. KL, one of the most vibrant and bustling cities of Asia, is blessed with natural as well as man made attractions. The tourist attractions are very diverse too, from stunning waterfalls, rainforests, beaches to pulsating nightlife, architectural marvels and entertainment.

Some of the must see sights of KL are listed below.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Truly Kuala Lumpur


images-5_thumb1The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is fondly called KL, and is the largest city in Malaysia. It is the Malaysian center for economics, business, finance, insurance, real estate, media, arts and culture. Rated as an alpha city, the only global city in Malaysia, is an International shopping destination too. It is the 5th most visited city in the world. KL is a mix of cultures including the Malays, Chinese, Indians and Eurasians. The slogan used by the tourism board is “Truly Asia”, because it truly blends the modern with the historic, its temples and mosques with the skyscappers, malls and bustling streets. Istana Negara, the official residence of the Malaysian King is also in KL. Kuala Lumpur is a Malay term which translated means muddy confluence, named so because it is located between the confluence of Klang and Gombak.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Shop Non Stop in Bangkok


images_thumb1Bangkok has developed into the most popular shopping destinations in South East Asia. The obvious reasons are there is a wide variety to choose from, goods are extremely reasonable and the quality is decent enough for the price. Tailor made clothes, gems, silks and handicrafts are the main shopper’s delights in Bangkok. Most shops are open till 10 PM but the night markets carry on till later. Fakes of branded products can be bought at a fraction of the cost. Most people in Bangkok speak English, and you have to remember to bargain. Never pay what they quote. Street stalls will have lower prices than the shopping centres and malls. Though sometimes cheap prices may reflect in the quality. If you have never been here before, you'll want to know about where to shop.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Smorgasbord in Bangkok


 

download-6_thumb1Bangkok is a food heaven and one of the reasons why many tourists flock to Thailand. It is a sensational culinary journey and taste experience that will be sure to delight your taste buds, and very affordable too. Food is an integral part of Thai culture. Apart from renowned Thai cuisine with its blend of spicy, sour, sweet and salty, the smorgasbord includes every other famous type of cuisine found in the world. Eating options are limitless, 24x7. Great value-for-money food courts, riverside eateries, Thai-style dining in antique teak houses, dinner cruises and trendy restaurants are only some of the options available. And if you're in the mood for fast food, you can count on finding any of the big brand chains in Bangkok too.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Bangkok Culture


images12_thumb1Bangkok, Thailand is a veritable "melting pot" where all nationalities and cultures live harmoniously together. Thai culture is a highly interesting mixture of the many Asian cultures that have permeated the region throughout the centuries including Chinese, Indian, Malay and Indonesian culture are all seen in modern Thailand. The culture is made up of many different aspects, and whether they be language, music, religion, food or architecture; all have a particular notion that signifies their Thai origins. It is a country with rich history and refined tradition.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Art Scene in Bangkok


download2_thumb1Thailand’s contemporary arts scene has expanded steadily since the turn of the millennium with new commercial galleries regularly appearing across the Thai capital. Strong Buddhist influences exist even today. While today’s generation of artists are more personal and reflective in the art they produce, there remains an undeniable drive toward a more spiritual, and ostensibly Buddhist, path. Colourful Thai Art includes beautiful Thai classical dance and music, Thai traditional costume, architecture, Buddhism, all of which can be widely seen everywhere in Thailand.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sights and Sounds of Bangkok


download3_thumb1Bangkok has many breath taking sights though at first glance, Bangkok appears to be a huge concrete jungle. However, in between the skyscrapers, elevated highways and shopping centres are some of the most beautiful temples and monuments. Bangkok is a charming city that will impress you by its exotic blend of tradition and modernity.  Representing a very individualistic genre of architecture the "wats" are renowned for the images of Buddha that they house. Each wat warrants a special visit simply because of the manifestation of architectural brilliance.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Bangkok, The City of Angels


images8_thumb1Bangkok is the humming capital and primary city of Thailand. Known as Krung Thep in Thai, meaning City of Angels. Though the first impression of Bangkok with its congested traffic, naughty nightlife and excessive heat could turn you off, but its here that you will find amazing Buddhist temples, shrines, canals, busy markets, traditions and acts of kindness. So, of the famous and infamous, the best feature of the city is the intermingling of opposites. Some say you either love it or hate it. Getting around in Bangkok is easy with metered taxis and the Tuk Tuks are a unique riding experience. The population of Bangkok is made up of mainly Thai Chinese.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Shopper’s Paradise Seoul


images-11_thumb1Korea is a shopper’s paradise. You can find great deals for shoes, bags, clothes, leather goods, silks, antiques etc. In a short time, Korea has reinvented itself by overcoming its troubled past. It balances history and traditions while embracing the new conveniences. Tourists are often delighted by Korea’s fantastic shopping malls and department stores as well as traditional markets. Department stores have fixed prices while you can get good bargains with the street vendors such as Namdaemun and Dongdaemun markets.

Taste of Korea


images-3_thumb1When people think of Korean food, they think of Kimchi. Kimchi is a Korean staple side dish accompanied with every meal along with rice. A visitor in Korea will be surprised with the 100 varieties of Kimchi available. There is a wide array of food to choose from. Korean food includes rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meat. Their food is very spicy and some of the main ingredients they use to flavour their dishes are sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, jeotgal ( bean paste), and red chilli paste.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Art in Korea


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 Despite Japanese and Chinese styles of Art influencing Korea, due to cultural and geographical reasons, Korea has its own unique art culture. Noted for its calligraphy, pottery, music, basketry, metal works, bronze works, jade carving, antique furniture, Celadon pottery, hanji paper etc. , marked by use of bold colours, decoration and natural forms.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Culture and Customs of Seoul


images64_thumb2If you're a tourist traveling to Seoul for the first time, it's advisable to be aware of the prevalent customs beforehand. Just like other far eastern countries like China and Japan, Korean society is dictated by manners stemmed from Confucianism. Though South Korea, most especially Seoul, has been adopting more modern ways of thinking in the past years, the customs and attitudes have at the core, remained the same. A discerning tourist always needs a proper guidance to a city so that he can explore the nuances of the place he is visiting.

Sightseeing in Seoul


images74_thumb2Sightseeing in Seoul is magical. If you take a ride that side of the world and leave in a hurry, you will always be craving for more. The beautiful attractions leave you unfulfilled if you haven’t had the chance to see it all. Sightseeing in Seoul, therefore, offers you the glimpse of an eternity that we should like to stretch out over the whole of time. The most charming feature of Seoul is the gathering of millenniums - high-rise buildings towering above ancient temples, oasis of quiet gardens encircled by shining skyscrapers, and splendid palaces hosting traditional ceremonies as they did centuries ago.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Seoul - Soul of Asia


250pxSeoul_SK_thumb1The capital city of South Korea is bounding with energy and love. Their vitality is infectious. It is a city of contrasts with its parks, architecture and galleries. Seoul ( pron. SOUL ) is the largest city in South Korea and one of the largest cities in the world. It is considered a global city and is one of the world’s top ten financial and commercial centres. It is economically powerful and has a technologically advanced infrastructure too. The name Seoul has originated from a Korean word meaning Capital City. Occupied twice during the Korean War, the city has been revived like a phoenix and its real miracles unfold even currently.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Shopping in Singapore!!!!!


images94_thumbShopping is second to food as a national pastime. You can shop till you drop!! The malls, department stores, boutiques which are exclusive and pricey but for bargains too there are stores galore. The annual Shopping Festival takes place from June to July. There is a wide range of products which are marked down to make it a truly wonderful experience for all. The bargains are genuine and value for money. In fact, if you want antiques and rugs, the best time is the Great Singapore Sale.

Food’s Paradise Called Singapore


images_thumb1Food in Singapore is considered a national pastime. The cuisine reflects its ethnic diversity and makes it a cultural attraction. It may be a small country, but for a first time visitor, the choices available can be a real eye opener. The various cuisines available are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranaken, Japanese, Korean and Thai influences. Food in itself has been promoted as an attraction for tourists by the Singapore Tourism Board. The government organizes the Singapore Food Festival in July to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. The diverse types of local food, the international cuisine and styles, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year has made Singapore a food paradise.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Culture and Customs of Singapore


 

images84_thumb1Most of the people of Singapore are descendants of immigrants from the Malay Peninsula, China, the Indian sub-continent and Sri Lanka. While they have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans, many still retain their customs, practices and festivals in a mix of the modern and the traditional. The diverse population of immigrants celebrate their own unique cultures that integrate with each other to present such a unique cultural diffusion that make Singapore what it is.  

Singapore Arts


 

images44_thumb3Art is the expression of the culture of a people. Culture is the embodiment of total achievements like values and shared expressions that are realized through the people’s common efforts towards building up of common civilized society. Singapore, a land of varied art and culture, observes several events and occasions throughout the year.

There are many art forms which are acclaimed as symbols Singapore’s identity. These include theatre, dance, music, martial art, mythology, spirituality, religious festivals, sculpture, architecture, painting, choreography, kite making, food recipes, etc. Despite Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature and global influences, its arts and culture scene bustles with ethnic influences. The city remains uniquely Asian, a total haven for art junkies.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Sightseeing in Singapore


zoo3Despite a lack of natural resources, Singapore has capitalised on the energy and skills of its inhabitants to make it a tourist mecca. Singapore will keep you coming back for more. The first impression you get of the city is of man’s achievement. The beautiful airport, Changi, one of the best in the world, The world’s biggest man made fountain at Suntec City, the Night Safari, world’s first night zoo, the world’s highest man made waterfall at Jurong Bird Park, The Science centre, Snow city, the cultivation of plants at the Botanical Gardens. All a marvel which can amaze and astonish you beyond words. While there is lots to do and see in Singapore, we will go through the popular sights and must visits.

Uniquely Singapore


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Singapore. A beautiful tropical island city state, south of Malaysia and north of Indonesia. A medley of cultures living in harmony. A fascinating blend of The Chinese, Malay and Indian being the prominent cultures, ethnicities and cuisines. This is considered one of the most popular and enjoyable cities in South East Asia. Fantastic food, famous street food, vibrant nightlife, shopping, beautiful parks, plenty of sights etc. are what make Singapore the special city it is. The Merlion is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot of Singapore by the Singapore Tourism Board. This is the most frequently used figures for souvenirs as well. The word Singapore means Lion City.