Best of Australia

Australia is a natural wonder country with beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rain forests.

This country is the sixth largest country in the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometre.

Based as 'Best of Australia' , I will be talking about the famous tourists spots.

Dolphins at Monkey Mia


http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/11/16/MonkeyMia_wideweb__470x339,0.jpg

To visit Monkey Mia (located north of Perth) for seeing and feeding dolphins is definitely an amazing experience that you'll never forget. The most important thing is that dolphins come frequent and visit this place without any traps. This place is a must visit for those dolphin lovers out there !



Bondi Beach



Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia, located at the east part of Sydney. This beautiful beach usually very crowded during the summer time, most visited by surfers and tourists from all over the world !

Bondi Beach is very tolerant such as topless sunbathing is common. Also, gay and lesbian couples displaying affection can be seen daily.



Uluru



Uluru is considered sacred by aboriginal people and is part of the Kata Tjuta National Park, it's a sandstone rock formation located in Northern Territory. Also known as Ayers Rock, this huge roch has approximately a circumference of 9 km and its color varies according to the position of the sun! How cool can that get ?!

This rock also has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings.

SINGAPORE !

Well, besides talking about other countries, I will be taking time now to showcase Singapore in just 8 facts that we all MAY not know about Singapore. This might just prove educational not only to Singaporeans but also to foreigners interested about the Lion City.


1) Singapore is one of the only three surviving city-states in the world.
The other two being Monaco and the Vatican City.

2) The Singapore Flyer is 'the world's tallest and largest observation wheel'.
Located in town, everyone should give this flyer a shot !

3) Our land keeps on growing.
Our land area was 581 square km in 1965. It is now about 699 square km, thanks to land reclamation.

4) If you're Singaporean, you are also a citizen of the Commonwealth.
Technically, we Singaporeans are actually allowed to vote in British parliamentary elections. Now, how cool is that ?!

5) Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world
With a total land area of only 682.7 square kilometers. The USA is about 15,000 times bigger.

6) Swimmer Ang Peng Siong was ranked world number one in the 50m Freestyle in 1982.

7) Night Zoo
The world's first night zoo, is located non other than in Singapore ! Night Safari !

8) Lions never lived in Singapore.
So the name Lion City, derived from the Sanskrit Singa Pura, is a misnomer. Sang Nila Utama probably saw a tiger, or was smoking something strong.

Stone Throw

Just a stone throw away, Kuala Lumpur also known as 'KL', Malaysia is very much like Singapore. From the city's bustling streets, nightlife, and sightseeing, KL is the focal point of Malaysia.


FOOD

KL is also a food haven with many different races and cultures. It is not hard to find a place to eat with a variety of local favourites such as Hokkien Mee, Ikan Bakar (Barbecued fish) and curry noodles for you to savour. Dominated by the Chinese, Indian and Malay cooking, there is also a wide spread of international dishes to suit the locals and tourists.



SHOPPING

Very much alike to our very own Bugis Street, Petaling Street is a MUST GO when you arrive to KL. In this 'place that never sleeps', you can practically find everything ranging from clothes, toys, shoes, electronic gadgets, gems and traditional herbal medicines. Restaurants are also plentiful within the vicinity. I feel that going to this area, you are guaranteed to atleast spend on something. This place is also infamous for its pirated products.

Tips :

• It is said among the locals that the best food and shopping is all at night
• Drink lots of water while shopping as bargaining can definitely be quite tiring !
  

All about Travelling

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Well, besides just sharing my priceless experience, I'd love to take a moment to share with you guys on some useful tips for packing i encountered along the way!

1. Rolling Technique

Trust me when i say this but somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. The clothes will also get less wrinkled. This technique definitely works for shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses.

2. Toiletries

If you are staying at a middle or high class hotel that will offer complimentary toiletries -- use them! Don't bring your own big shampoo and conditioner bottles to the hotel and then stuff the hotel ones in your luggage to take home. If you don't use them on the road, you'll probably never use them at home.

3. Plastic Bags

It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags also comes in handy.

4. Tags

Remove old destination tags on your luggage to avoid confusion. Instead, you can tie a coloured ribbon or write your name on a tape and paste it on your luggage so you can easily identify it on the conveyor belt.

5. Medicine Box

Pack a small first – aid kit of over the counter medicines equipped to deal with small health hazards. A tube of antiseptic, pills for migraines, headaches and stomach upsets are essential. Contact lenses are also equally important.


6. Mix n Match

To play safe, Choose dark (black, dark blue, purple, green, dark red) or neutral (all browns and shades of gray) colored clothing, so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won't be too apparent. Try to stick to two or three colors, so that all your clothes mix and match.


7. Wear your heaviest clothes

One way to free up extra room in your luggage is to take the largest, heaviest jacket and the bulkiest shoes you'll be bringing and wear them onto the plane. This may be a little uncomfortable, but it will definitely give you a lot of extra room in your luggage that might have been taken up by the bulky clothing.


8. Pile them on!

According to GoEurope, rolling more clothes together is even better! Quoted by the website, "Bigger radius means even fewer wrinkles."

With all being said, I hope the next time packing comes in easy!

Last Paradise

Welcome to Phi Phi islands, Thailand !

Knowing it is an island popular for its marine activities, i just had to go there !

First off to get to Phi Phi Islands, you have to take a short a short 45-minute ferry journey from Phuket. Upon reaching my destination, i was taken aback upon those fine, white sandy beaches and breathtaking rock formations rising from the vivid turquoise waters that surrounded the islands.




Scuba Diving :

It was my first time ever scuba diving.. As my friends and i got in the water, small groups of shallow beach fish would surround us and follow us where we went at the start. However, when diving further away, Wrasse, parrot fish and the occasional grouper seemed to fill the seas. And to our surprise, the experienced divers of the island told us Leopard Sharks would often frequent around ! That however,did not prevent us from enjoying the marine life!

Below are a couple of pictures for you readers to have a feel of my experience!






Cliff Jumping :

From 6 to about 16m and a 'Hit' among tourists, Cliff Jumping is definitely not for the faint-hearted. As i can remember before i was about to jump, I WAS TOTALLY FRIGHTENED ! "What If.." and many other negative thoughts started kicking in my mind. Thankfully, there are people around to teach you a thing or two before and while jumping. Even though i do not have a video of myself jumping, i feel this video below is close enough.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTVItzerZHk


The Beauty & Uniqueness of Phi Phi islands :

Even according to Phi Phi Phuket, it is quoted "Destinations this beautiful are often reserved for those that can pay dearly. That's not the case here; Phi Phi has something for every budget. You might be surprised – that perfect beachfront room costs less than you expect" I sincerely believe that is a fact as everything there is affordable and natural. Peaceful & laidback.


Here's a unique way of lifestyle :P

Finally a video to end off this beautiful adventure of Phi Phi Islands- Maya beach


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SoMzucvWWWw

A Love Affair

Bali is a land that seems to have a magnet at its very heart. I'm sure it may sound absurd but i feel that the moment you go to Bali, you will DEFINITELY want to go back there. Maybe its Bali’s beauty, maybe the friendly people.. The 'last paradise' is also known for it's peaceful lifestyle and perfect waves for surfers


Hotel :

The hotel i stayed, Nikko Bali Resort in Nusa Dua was mesmerizing.
This hotel assures Serenity – a secluded beach retreat with private cabanas and sun loungers.


Balcony view from hotel room

However there's always a price to pay for room service..
Guess what was the prices for the meals below ?


Close to 80 Singapore dollars!!

• Every kind of restaurant imaginable, from local Indonesian cuisine, to Mexican, Persian, Italian, Greek, you name it - it's all here in Bali! And all for a very decent price. So, EAT OUT!
  
  

Attraction :




The Uluwatu Temple is one of the most spectacular temple in Bali with just 6000Rupiah (90cents SGD) to get in. This temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings.

However, once you make your way to the end of the temple, Chances are..

you're probably having the time of your life.

And just at the right spot, you get to experience the breathtaking sunset..

People of Bali :

The local people are among the kindest and friendliest people you will find around and, despite the rampant development due to tourism, they treat foreigners with genuine kindness. They are also guaranteed to ask..

1) 'What your name?
2) 'Where you from?
3) 'Where you stay in Bali?

I feel this is very heart warming as you are sure to feel welcome wherever you go in Bali.

Now, it is not hard to see why tourists like the Australians and Singaporeans love visiting Bali.


You can learn more about Bali over at Lonely Planet-Bali such as getting around and its history.

Bonjour !

The capital of France, PARIS, is one of the most fascinating and romantic cities in Europe. Also known as the 'City of Light', the beauty of Paris is so overwhelming that sightseeing is an endless pleasure. I went there for vacation last year and would love to take you around the places i went !


Main Attractions :



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Eiffel Tower as we all already know, is one of the most famous structures in the world ! Everyone around the city of Paris will EVENTUALLY see the tower as it stands 81stories high. It is generally agreed by the locals that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best. This tower also features restaurants.

• Did you know, It took a year and a month just to build the Eiffel Tower. (From April 1888 - May 1889)

The Musée du Louvre or simply The Louvre took my breath away upon realizing how BIG this museum is! There are many categories of paintings such as the Spanish, English as well as the French artworks.

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From the inside of the museum

Only 9 euros!! Equivalent to Singapore 15.50 dollars.
It's really worth every penny!

The famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da vinci.

Spartans with Leonidas in the middle!
But its not like what we saw from the movie '300', This one.. they're naked !

• Did you know, Blockbuster movie The Da Vinci Code starring Tom hanks was filmed around paris especially in the Louvre Museum.
  
  
  
  Finally...
  
  
  
  Next stop..
  Le Galeries Lafayette! Or like how i love to say it, the Orchard Road of Paris!
  Why? Simply because almost everything can be found here. If you were to ever go to Paris, visiting this place is a must to witness how big this department store really is! Lost in paradise? Perhaps..
  
  
  
  Two important lessons i learned in Paris, France :
  

• Learn the basics of the french language as not everyone can speak English. Also what i noticed was that even if you can't speak proper french, the effort is enough to capture the hearts of the Parisians.
  
  
• Explore the city by walking. Never take the expensive cabs (Very much like Singapore). The plus-point of this is also that you get to venture how beautiful Paris buildings are.
  
  
  
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlF22oSslNM&feature=player_embedded
  
  Before i go, I'd love to take this opportunity to talk about this video.
  Despite being a perfume advertisement, it truly shows how Paris live up to it's name, the 'City of Light'
  

You can also visit Paris Icann or Paris World for more details and information.

Ps. Feel feel to drop your opinions/comments at the tagboard ! :)