Explore the most spectacular caves in Thailand

Decorated with the brilliant toned sanctuaries and immense places of worship of Buddha, Thailand is nation honored with perfect shorelines, rich culture and inviting subjects. Supplementing the wonderful amalgamation of the over a significant time span, stand these superb Thailand caverns which add to the magnificence of this Asiatic heaven.

Tham Khao Luang

Amidst the beautiful beaches and scenic beauty, rests the Tham Khao Luang cave which is one of the best caves to visit in Thailand. Just like many cave temples in the country, mystically this cave was also converted into a temple by King Rama V in honor of his predecessors.

It is an impressive cave stuffed with stalactite. Accessed via an array of steep stairs, this cave shrine is Rama IV's favourite. Deep inside the cave, there is supposedly a rock formation of Jesus on the cross. The central Buddha figure is sometimes illuminated by the sunlight glow that enters through the skylight.

Tham Lot

Another heaven for the experience searchers is the Tham Lod buckle which is arranged scarcely 40-minutes from south of Pai in Sappong. These holes hold incredible archeological significance for the teak boxes cut by the Lawa individuals, which are the reminiscents of thousand years. There are two different ways to investigate the buckle which requires the assistance of a specialist control.

Crazy Horse Cave

For the adventurous junkies, the crazy horse cave is the best place to start the caving journey. This cave has sheltered the live features of Stalactite and Stalagmite formations complementing the wide range of flora and fauna. A quick training session is given which is followed guided excursion through the caves.

Tham Chiang Dao

Explore the wonders of the limestone temple caves in Chiang Dao. There are over 100 caves in the complex that extend over 10 kilometres into the mountain range. Many of the caves have shrines, statues and Buddha images. There is a small entrance fee and to explore deeper into the caves it is expected that you hire a local guide to lead the way. Chiang Dao is also famous for its hiking trails.

Viking Cave

If you have ever wanted to feel like a part of a pirate crew then this place is perfect for you, although many people feel cheated because local operators sell this off as an entire day event. You are only allowed to view this cave from afar while the boat drives by.

Phi Hua To Cave

Locally known as the “big-headed Ghost cave”, this ancient place is one of the famous caves in Krabi. Located just close to the Than Bok Khorani National Park, these limestone caves are surrounded by Mangrove forests, while the interiors are adorned with prehistoric paintings.

Mae Lana Cave

Extended over a district of 12 kilometres in length, the Mae Lana buckle is viewed as the longest traversable collapses Thailand. There is a waterway framework inside the give in which is required to be secured by bamboo pontoons, much the same as local people. Not at all like different hollows, this one needs an expert manual for investigate the in-profundities of the give in.

See more: Explore the mysterious caves in Asia

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All you need to know about Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

Taiwan is brimming with incredible natural scenery yet few locations captivate the tourist masses quite like Sun Moon Lake. Regardless of the fact that it is a relatively new landscape there are many myths and legends relating to the mountains surrounding the lake.

The discovery of the lake

In Thao legend, hunters of the tribe one day spotted a white deer, followed it and the chase led them to the lake. The hunters were so impressed by the landscape with its lush greenery, fish-filled waters, and abundant wildlife that they decided to relocate to the lakeside. The countryside became theirs and they still live there to this day.

Lalu Island

At the heart of the lake lies Lalu Island. This is a sacred ground for the Thao tribe yet it is only in recent years that it has been recognized as such. During Japanese rule the island was renamed as Jade Island then again, later, as Guang Hua. The island originally split the lake into two distinct shapes, one resembled a sun while the other a crescent moon. This is believed to be how the lake got its name although there are other stories that claim it was due to the colors of the lake water.

The local government built a marriage pavilion on the island in 1978 and for many years, annual group ceremonies took place there. It may have seemed a touch insensitive to the local Thao tribe who believed that their most revered ancestral spirit resided on the island.

However, after an earthquake in 1999 (known locally as the 921 earthquake) the landscape shifted resulting in much of the island sinking and the destruction of the pavilion. The island has since been recognized by the government as sacred ground and locals insist that only members of the Thao tribe can now set foot on it.

The Sun Moon Lake legend

While the deer hunting legend is told by many tribes (not just the Thao) there is another legend that is especially popular among tourists. This legend tells of how the Thao were one day working their land when they heard a massive boom before the sky went dark. The sun had disappeared but they took comfort in the fact that the moon would soon come to offer them light. However, when the moon came out that night the same thing happened and the world was left in utter darkness.

A young couple took it upon themselves to search for the sun and the moon and after a long hard trek they came to the lake. There they saw two dragons playing with the sun and the moon. Before they could do anything they noticed smoke coming from under a rock. They moved the rock and followed a passage to find an old lady that claimed the dragons had forced her to live there cooking their meals.

After hearing this the couple were worried that they could not defeat the dragons but the old lady had an idea. She told them of the golden axe and scissors under Ali Mountain which when thrown in the lake would kill the dragons instantly.

They found the axe and scissors, threw them at the dragons and won back the sun and moon but unfortunately they didn’t have the strength to put either back into the sky. The old lady then informed them of the powers of a dragon’s eyeball. Apparently once consumed, you would have the strength of that dragon and so the couple ate an eyeball from each dragon. They soon became giants and with their now superhuman strength, the couple lifted the sun into the sky using a palm tree. When the sun began to work properly they did the same with the moon.

It’s easy to see why this legend persists and why tourists love it so much.

Things to do

There are many things to keep you occupied during your time at Sun Moon Lake. Take a boat trip across the lake or a cable car trip up to the aboriginal theme park. For many though, the chance to rent a bike and ride around the many cycle paths is the best way to see and appreciate the local scenery.

See more: Where to buy decorations for Christmas in Taiwan

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The best cultural experiences in Indonesia

A trip to the Island of the Gods, or Bali as it is more commonly known, is not complete without experiencing its spiritual and cultural attractions. While loud and lairy backpackers are best sticking to Kuta, there are plenty of historical UNESCO sites in other parts of this Indonesian archipelago that lure travellers looking for a more authentic Balinese experience.

Visit the art galleries

Jakarta’s diversity extends well to the bustling art scene. Different inspirations and stories are depicted through various artworks, media, and style. From classic to contemporary, public museums to private galleries, the best artworks in Jakarta serve as blueprints of the nation’s culture and history. If you are interested in Indonesia’s history of art, visit the National Gallery and be awed by 1,700 impressive artworks from different eras. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN) is the newest and popular addition to the scene, showcasing contemporary arts from Indonesia and around the world.

Explore the Trimurti at Prambanan Temple

Built in the 9th Century, Prambanan is a series of temple shrines dedicated to the expression of God as the creator, sustainer and destroyer. A staggering 47 meters high, this unique Indonesian temple was once covered by the jungle and lost to ruin until an adventurous Dutchman re-discovered the temple in 1733.

Visit Prambanan for a crash course in Indonesia’s grand and complex architectural wonders! Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Prambanan Temple is a historical site frequently compared to Angkor Wat.

Explore the Jakarta Old Town

Once one of the most prominent neighbourhoods during colonial era, Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old Town) is a slice of history in the bustling metropolitan. The area is packed with old government buildings and trade centers kept alive as museums and heritage sites. From riding a colourful bicycle through Fatahillah Square to taking pictures inside the quirky Rumah Akar, you can conveniently explore the Old Town’s highlights just by strolling around the area.

Discover the Cannibalistic Past of Indonesia’s Batak Tribe in Lake Toba

The Batak people are another of Indonesia’s many tribes, concentrated around Lake Toba in Sumatra. Lake Toba was the site of the earth’s last super-volcanic eruption and makes for a fascinating visit. Throughout Indonesian history, the Batak people were among the fiercest warriors. Today, they continue to practice a patriarchal clan culture emphasizing lineage and marriage. Visit Samosir village to discover their unique homes, which are shaped like boats and decorated with fertility symbols.

You will also learn about their past, during which some tribes would eat the flesh of their enemies to ingest their soul and increase their own strength in the process. Make sure to sit in the stone chairs of the tribal council and experience the unique culture of Sumatra for yourself.

Visit Ubud

Ubud is without a doubt the main cultural hub of Bali. The list of historical and cultural attractions here is endless, ranging from the Sacred Monkey Wild life sanctuary to the stunning Botanical Gardens. There is also the plethora of museums, restaurants and markets displaying traditional arts and crafts for travellers to take in. And of course, Ubud Palace.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

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Hokkaido traditions that only locals can understand

With its long winters, rich history, and indigenous population, the northern island of Hokkaido has a distinct culture, unique to that of the rest of Japan. We take a look at some of the holidays, special events, and traditions that make Hokkaido truly one of a kind.

Strawberry and Pork Festival

While most people don’t typically associate one with the other, the small town of Toyoura in southern Hokkaido is famous for two things: strawberry farming, and pork. Apparently, the local government decided to save time and celebrate both products at once, and thus the Strawberry and Pork festival was created. Aside from the obvious dining options, the event also features live performances and marching bands.

Ubagami Shrine Festival

This 3 day parade dates back nearly 400 years and is one of Japan’s oldest festivals. Local residents carry various mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets, the oldest of which was built in Osaka in the year 1694. The festival also features traditional musical accompaniment mainly performed by flutists and drummers.

Otaru Snow Light Path

Located just an hour’s drive from Sapporo, this beautiful port city already has a reputation for being something of a fairytale, but the real magic happens around the first two weeks in February. For 10 days, the entire city is lit up by lanterns and miniature snow statues, creating a beautiful and calm winter wonderland.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Drawing in over two million tourists per year, this now legendary festival of ice and snow was started by a group of high school students in 1950. Participants can join sporting competitions, ski and snowboard events, ice sculpture exhibits, and even a beauty contest where the winner is awarded the title of “Ice Queen”.

See more: The most breathtaking regions in Hokkaido, Japan

Source: Internet

Christmas in Asia: the must-visit destinations in Singapore

Christmas vacations have become a trend now. And there are many destinations around the world that celebrate this festival with all glit-and-glam. If you are planning to visit Singapore during Christmas holidays, you will be glad to know that this country has some wonderful celebrations hosted on various venues. Check out some of the stunning places to visit where you can witness celebrations of Christmas in Singapore, at its best.

Orchard Road

Hands down, the best place to marvel at pretty Christmas lights and take selfies with reindeer in Singapore is Orchard Road. Sporting a new theme every year, Singapore’s busiest shopping street is also its most dressed out at the holidays.

The best-decorated portions of the road stretch from the forum on the west side of Orchard to Orchard Gateway in the east. Make a night of it by walking the full length of the road, admiring the creative Christmas displays, and dropping inside the malls to see who gets bragging rights for the biggest and best Christmas tree!

Christmas Village

This glitzy European-inspired Christmas Village makes its debut this year alluding to the theme of “Endless Wonders”. There are more than 25 pop-up stores with exclusive brands such as Haagen Dazs, Starbucks, SK-II, Tiffany & Co. Live bands and carollers will also stage daily gigs, boosting the festive spirit as you indulge in retail therapy and a slew of amusement rides. After feasting on delicious Yuletide treats and shopping for artisanal gifts, swing by Hitachi’s Santa House and snap a selfie or two with Santa. This is one of the best Christmas celebration in Singapore.

The Season of Joy 

Located at the Capitol Kempinski Hotel on Stamford Road, The Season of Joy is open 6-24 December 2019. Admission is free. Expect all sorts of festive fun with an 8-metre tall Christmas tree, a skating rink, photos with Santa, and 50+ booths offering up Christmas goodies, mulled wine, and holiday gifts and games. While you are out this way, pop on over to CHIJMES where you will find an Instagram Wonderland, perfect for keeping your holiday selfie game going strong.

Christmas Wonderland

Foodies, this one is dedicated to you! Savour, in partnership with Christmas Wonderland, is hosting Singapore’s premier gourmet festival that will delight even the most sophisticated of gourmands. With delectable cheese tasting and a decadent selection of specially selected hams and turkey to whet your appetite, you can certainly have a sampler of what Christmas is going to taste like. Acclaimed celebrity chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants will be present to showcase their culinary masterpieces for an elevated dining experience. Wine and dine until you are absolutely full and contented!

See more: Do not miss these beautiful islands when visiting Singapore

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Visit the best neighborhoods of Taipei

Visitors to Taipei often find themselves confined to their hotel’s neighborhood or the city’s most famous attractions. But Taipei is so much more than amazing temples, museums, and the one-time tallest building in the world. Here are five of the coolest neighborhoods to spend an afternoon away from the tourist masses.

Tianmu

Formerly home to United States Armed Forces personnel, Tianmu is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods and has the largest expatriate population in the region. It’s in this neighborhood that Taipei’s most famous international schools have their campuses and despite the high rents and house prices, it remains one of the most sought-after addresses in the city. Close to Beitou and Yangmingshan National Park, the area is also a melting pot of both local and foreign cultures.

Ximending

The weekend haunt of many of the city’s teenagers, Ximending is a shopping area and an interesting cultural experience rolled into one. Home to a huge number of shops catering to the fashion requirements of Taiwan’s younger generation, it’s not uncommon to see outfits that look like something from a cosplay convention on the neighborhood’s many pedestrianized streets.The area is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, cinemas, and even Karaoke clubs. There’s so much to do and see in Ximending that it’s a neighborhood well worth visiting.

Shida

Once home to one of the city’s busiest and most famous night markets, Shida neighborhood has quietened down in recent years due to complaints from the locals that live there. It is still a great place to find something to eat or take a walk through, visiting the small boutiques and stores that line the narrow alleyways.The proximity of the university and student halls of residence mean it’s a predominantly student crowd that visits the neighborhood and gives the area a multicultural vibe.

Gongguan

Just a short walk from Shida lies the neighborhood of Gongguan. It’s another student area but is much more vibrant than its quieter neighbor. Countless food stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants line the network of tiny streets and lanes in the local nightmarket. Like Xinmending, there are also plenty of places to eat out, a few bars (there’s even an Irish bar here), and two cinemas. Like Shida, the proximity of the main campus of NTU (National Taiwan University) lends the neighborhood a feeling of diversity.

Daan

Home to the city’s largest park, Daan is a district that has a reputation for housing some of Taipei’s best and most interesting restaurants. It’s here that the many locals and expats spend their Saturday and Sunday afternoons relaxing in one of the many cafés and restaurants on Yongkang Street.

The district is also home to a number of trendy bars serving the latest craft beers. But it’s quite possibly the many sights and sounds of Daan Park that makes this one of the most pleasant areas in the city.

See more: Things to do when traveling to Taipei, Taiwan

Source: Internet

Where to go shopping in Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, being a historic center of trade, can also be considered as a shopper’s paradise. The city offers a variety of shopping, from upscale malls with international brands to small stalls offering the best local products the island has to offer. And since it is almost the holidays, what perfect timing to know where to go to find the best bargain and shopping in Cebu.

Robinsons Galleria Cebu

One of the largest Robinsons shopping malls outside of Manila, Robinsons Galleria Cebu contains over 300 stores across 6 floors. While exploring the mammoth shopping complex, you will find boutiques, stores, restaurants and bars, including international brand-name stores such as True Value.
Naturally, there is also the Robinsons Department Store and Robinsons Appliances. The entertainment section of the complex is no less impressive, containing a 6-screen cinema. All of this is conveniently found just a stroll away from the Port of Cebu.

Ayala Centre Cebu

The six-storey complex, Ayala Centre, is an up-market mall with international street-fashion brands like Armani Exchange, Guess, Lacoste, Esprit. This is one of the major spot for clothes shopping in Philippines. The mall has two supermarkets, a modern department store, cinemas, health spas, restaurants and other stores.

Unitop

Unitop Enterprises Inc. is a store that sells almost everything and anything under the sun (except for grocery and food items). There are three branches here in Cebu, one in Osmeña Blvd., in Mandaue, and in Lapulapu. The store sells household essentials, kitchen items, electrical appliances, small furniture, decorations, clothing and other fashion items, toys, gadgets, and a whole lot more. Although some would question the quality of the products being sold here, it really is a one-stop-shop for all your needs, sold at a low price.

SM City Cebu

SM City Cebu is a huge shopping mall, easily among the biggest in the city in Philippines. The 4-storey complex comprises a large department store, a supermarket, over 500 shops and restaurants, cinemas (including an IMAX theatre) and a fully computerised bowling centre.

Many people come here to buy electronic items such as digital cameras, smartphones because of the unusually low prices. Even so, you will also find plenty of fashion, fragrances, healthcare items and food, among other items. The stores and brands tend to be around the mid-range, with a few big-name standouts also available.

Carbon Market

The Carbon Market has been operating for over 100 years and still offers great prices on a staggering range of goods. The wares available at this local market range from fresh meat and vegetables to clothing, home décor and religious items.

The market is relatively big, though you can hire a horse carriage to take you around. Also, there are food stalls and restaurants serving inexpensive local dishes until late afternoon. Large parts of the market are under metal roofing and, with little air circulation, it can get very stuffy and sweaty, especially in the midday heat – make sure you keep well hydrated!

See more: How to spend 2 days in Cebu, Philippines

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Reasons why you should visit Dubai during winter

Dubai residents wait for winter all year long. Indeed, those three months of the year are the most anticipated and enjoyed ones, with people talking about winter year-round and counting down the days. After all, Dubai takes on a new face during this season, which makes the entire city one of the best places to visit during winter.

Temperatures are actually bearable

Anyone who lives in Dubai will complain about the weather at least 10 times a day during summer. After all, temperatures rise as high as 50°C (122°F), making it impossible to be outdoors without dehydrating. However, winter in the city has weather that is not only bearable—it’s actually delightful! People will find any excuse to be outside during winter in Dubai and take advantage of the brief period of time when the city has a breeze and comfortable temperatures.

Winter is beach season

Beach season is an exciting time all around the world. People simply love tanning and enjoying the sea water. However, in Dubai, that is done during winter. Since it’s too hot outside during the rest of the year, this is the season to work on the perfect tan. For those who are looking for a winter destination that does not involve coats and gloves, booking a trip to Dubai will guarantee that they’ll only have to pack swimsuits.

New Year’s in Dubai is a blast

Dubai is known worldwide for its New Year’s festivities. There is no shortage of ways to spend New Year’s Eve (NYE) in the city. Whether one wants to spend it on the beach or in a luxurious hotel watching the Burj Khalifa fireworks, one thing is for sure: New Year’s in Dubai is always fun. People start planning their NYE months in advance, picking the perfect dress—yes, the weather is perfect to wear short dresses, with no need for jackets and such—and choosing the best venue from which to view the epic fireworks.

All the best events take place in winter

Dubai is big on events. They can focus on fitness, fashion, music or food, and they are a way that the city keeps its residents and visitors entertained year-round. However, most of the best and biggest events actually take place in winter. Anything from the biggest concerts in town to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship takes place at the beginning of the year when the weather is good enough to be outside.

Winter is camping season

For those looking for any good reason to be outside, camping is a fantastic way in which to enjoy the weather and make the most of the cooler temperatures. People in Dubai will commonly head to the desert in order to camp, where the temperature drops even lower. It gives them a real chance to be cold, something that is very rare in Dubai, with the exception of air conditioning.

See more: Best desserts you should try in Dubai

Source: Internet

Must-visit amusement parks and theme parks in Korea

If you thought Korea was only great for shopping, you are wrong. Korea is home to a large number of amusement and theme parks, and even consists of some of the world’s best attractions!

Everland

Everland is the first family park in Korea, and holds over 40 exciting rides and attractions. Along with the thrilling amusement park, Everland also includes Safari World and Herbivore Safari (featuring white tigers, tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and more), Caribbean Bay (one of Korea’s coolest water parks), Everland Speedway (the first ever racing track in Korea), and so much more! You can also enjoy the many festivals that take place there each year.

Daejeon O-World

Daejeon O-World might be modest but it does know how to show a good time. This quaint and folksy amusement park has a zoo of its own, perfect for your children who want to hang out with animals. The existing Zoo Park and Joy Land are both known as the Flower Land, a massive and ambitious project that is said to cost 40 billion won. Daejeon O-World is perfect for those who want to take the perfect Instagram photo since it has different gardens that are worth a spot on your feed.

Imsil Cheese Theme Park

Imsil Cheese Theme Park is exactly like it sounds, an entire theme park devoted to cheese. Expect cheese-themed rides, a cheese experience centre where you can learn the secrets of cheese-making, buildings shaped like giant cheese wedges, and oodles of cheesy food to eat. Imsil was the first place in South Korea to produce cheese, as recently as the mid-1960s, and today is the country’s major producer.

Cheese is now an important part of South Korean cuisine, and much-loved all over the country. The Cheese Theme Park celebrates the region’s cheese-making history and provides an informative and entertaining day out. There is also a shop where you can stock up on Imsil cheese and related goodies.

KidZania Seoul

Looking for a good time for your kids? Visit KidZania when you travel to Seoul. This park is built to bring joy to both kids and adults who are kids at heart. This place is perfect if you want your kids to experience different professions, let them act on it, and maybe develop their dreams in the process.

This immersive amusement park has different facilities. Let your kids save pets at the “Vet Clinic” or build their delicious donuts at the “Donut Shop.” They can even become crime investigators or television reporters! Hone your kids’ imagination at KidZania.

Lotte World

Lotte World is a must-do for every traveller in South Korea! Holding the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest indoor amusement park, Lotte World Adventure is home to heart-pumping roller coasters and captivating shows. Be sure to visit Magic Island as well, which comprises an artificial island on Seokchon Lake. Surrounded by water, the outdoor park offers a whimsical fairytale atmosphere, complete with an enormous enchanted castle as well as more than a dozen thrilling rides and attractions that are suitable for all ages.

The Lotte World Hotel and a large shopping complex is located adjacent to the amusement park, offering great fun for families, friends and couples alike.

Shinhwa Theme Park

Shinhwa Theme Park is a one-stop shop for those who seek to widen their imagination and find adventure. It is a fully integrated adventure land in Jeju Island complete with parks and hotels and even casinos. Shinhwa Theme Park has three zones that every adventurer needs to see.

Rotary Park is perfect for those who love anything that is steampunk. Oscar’s New World has Inca and Maya civilization inspired design and rides. Meanwhile, the Larva Adventure Village offers great characters that every child will love. Shinhwa Theme Park will be your favorite if you love world building and animation. Do visit it when you drop by Jeju Island.

Read more: Most beautiful coastal cities in South Korea

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