7 reasons to visit Brunei

Brunei Darussalam on Borneo Island offers rainforests, some of Asia’s most beautiful mosques and almost a complete lack of tourists. But sadly, the tiny Sultanate does not register on most travellers’ radars. Here are the reasons to visit Brunei and why you should put it on your Southeast Asian itinerary.

1, Brunei is far from touristy

Brunei may not have the allure of other more popular travel destinations in Asia but one thing you can be sure that it is absolutely not touristy. You can explore the city of Bandar Seri Begawan on foot or visit attractions without literally rubbing elbows with other tourists. A lot of people may find this a disadvantage but come to think of it, this also means no opportunistic individuals like taxi drivers or tour operators who prey on unsuspecting tourists. Plus, the attractions will not be crowded and there will be no one to ruin your best shots of a mosque or the Sultan’s palace with perfectly timed photobombs.

2, Brunei is supremely safe and clean

Brunei is an amazing destination hardwired for solo travelers and for those traveling abroad for the first time. Not only does it exude a peaceful charm, but it is supremely safe as well, making it the perfect destination for folks traveling solo. As a matter of fact, the crime rate in Brunei is so low that you can explore its capital freely, even solo at night. What’s more, the consumption of alcohol is illegal for Muslims and strictly restricted for non-Muslims, meaning you are less likely to bump into drunken people behaving disorderly in Brunei.

3, Food is awesome in Brunei

The food in Brunei is a mix of Indian, Malaysia, Singaporean, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisines. Must-try food during your visit are nasi goreng, ayam penyet, roti, kolo mee, chicken laksa meehoon, nasi katok, rending, and assam pedas.

Brunei has an emerging food scene so you will not have a problem finding good halal or non-halal restaurants and eateries.

4, An affordable cultural experience

It has no secret that the Sultan of Brunei bathes in wealth and lives a well-documented opulent lifestyle. But he also makes substantial investments into the country. As a result, many of the attractions and museums (at the time of writing in 2018) are free. Water taxis to and from Kampong Ayer typically cost B$1 ($0.66) too.

5, There are plenty of attractions in Brunei

They say there is not much to do in Brunei for foreign travelers. But, guess what? There are dozens of places to visit, fabulous sights and incredibly fun things to do in Brunei for Pinoy travelers. From photography connoisseurs to casual sightseers, Pinoy travelers will love the country’s collection of attractions and diversions, including Kampung Ayer, Sultan’s Palace (Istana Nurul Iman), Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkia Mosque and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque.

Additionally, the country has a handful of treasure troves that will give you a deeper insight of its history and culture, including Malay Technology Museum, the Brunei Museum and Regalia Royal Museum.

6, Shopping is the favourite pastime in Brunei

Because nightlife is close to nonexistent in Brunei, shopping is arguably Brunei’s favourite pastime. There are markets, malls, and shopping centres to satisfy your retail therapy needs. Not to be missed during your trip to Brunei is the shopping scene at Gadong, the commercial centre in Brunei that is about 5 kilometres away from Bandar Seri Begawan. Check out the ‘The Mall,” an eight-storey shopping and entertainment complex.

7, Good location

Another one of our top reasons to visit Brunei relates to its location next to Malaysian Borneo. The tiny slither of land lies sandwiched between Sarawak. Buses connect Miri to Bandar Seri Begawan within two hours. Daily flights pass between cities in both Sabah and Sarawak. Visitors can take the ferry from Bandar Seri Begawan to duty-free Labuan too.

See more: Visit the most stunning mosques in Brunei

Source Internet

Top must-visit destinations in Kunming, China

Kunming is the economic and cultural center of Yunnan Province and a portal to Southeast Asia and southwest China. A large number of travelers have been attracted there to enjoy its spring-like climate and spectacular scenery.

Stone Forest

Kunming Stone Forest, Shilin in Chinese, is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the 'First Wonder of the World', it is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. An old local goes that if you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.

Dianchi Lake Scenic Area

The Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is located in the southwest part of Kunming City. Dianchi Lake is, beyond question, the center of the resort. There are numerous attractions along the lake captivating tourists. Among these are the Yunnan Nationalities Village, Grand View Park (Daguan Park), White Fish Park (Baiyukou Park), Haigeng Bank, Kwan-yin Hill, Western Hills Forest Park, temples and pagodas. Towns, big or small near the lake provide visitors with an opportunity to experience customs of the local people.

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

Green Lake Park, aka Cuihu Park, situated almost in the city center and facing Yunnan University, is one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming city. It is at the foot of Luofeng Mountain and on the west side of Wuhua Mountain. Green Lake itself occupies 15 hectares (37 acres) in the 21-hectare (52 acres) Green Lake Park and used to be a part of Dianchi Lake, but has become an independent lake now because of the water level decreasing of Dianchi. Now the park is for daily leisure and playing with seagulls in winter for locals and travelers in Kunming.

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Yunnan Provincial Museum is located in the east section of Guangfu Road in Guandu District. As a comprehensive museum, it has rich collections of more than 200,000 pieces. For tourists, the museum can help them to know Yunnan's history and the rich ethnic culture; for history lovers, its rich collections give them the opportunity to better understand Yunnan and the ancient Dian Kingdom's (278 - 115BC) historical features as well as bronze culture.

Western Hills

In the western suburbs of Kunming lies Western Hills. They are also called 'Sleeping Buddha Hills'. From a distance, they have the appearance of a giant sleeping Buddha. They have also been given another name - 'Sleeping Beauty Hills' for the hills as it looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water. You can see the outline of her face, chest, and legs clearly.

Grand View Park

Daguan, which means 'the grand view', is the most befitting name for the Daguan Park and the Daguan Pavilion, which are on the terminus of Daguan Road in the southwest of Kunming city.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple, also known as Tongwa Temple, is the largest copper temple in China. As part of Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony), it's located on top of Mingfeng Hill (Singing Phoenix Hill).

World Horticultural Expo Garden

Sitting in the northeast suburbs and about 6 kilometers (3.8 miles) from the city center of Kunming, the World Horticultural Expo Garden is a venue for the 1999 Kunming International Horticulture Exposition. It is a first-class Daguanyuan (Grand View Garden), which has typical Chinese and local Yunnan characteristics. The World Horticultural Expo Garden is about 218 hectares (nearly 540 acres) in area, with vegetation coverage reaching 76.7%, including gradual slopes of 120 hectares (about 300 acres). And 10% to 15% of the garden is covered by water. Gardening works of many domestic and foreign places are on display here.

See more: Best attractions to visit in Guangzhou, China

Source: Internet

Top destinations in Thakhek, Laos

Thakhek is a town in central Laos. Coming to Thakhek, tourists will definitely be in awe of the natural beauty hidden in this small town.

Konglor Cave

The highlight of the trip, Konglor Cave is tucked 41 km inside the main the loop down a mostly paved road. Up to three visitors can fit in a motor boat with a driver to explore the 7.5 km water-filled cave. Step out onto dry land to see the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites illuminated with electric lighting. The rest of the journey is in the pitch black, so bring a headlamp or rent one from the ticket counter. Wear shoes that can get wet, as you’ll be ankle deep in water getting in and out of the boat!

Song Sou Waterfall

Just across the bridge past the Nam Theun 2 Visitor Center is a dirt path with a little sign pointing to one of the most peaceful places to spend an afternoon: Song Sou Waterfall. This waterfall has cabanas to enjoy a picnic while taking in the mountains and babbling water. An on-site bar and restaurant offers food, drinks, a pétanque pit and hiking.

Tham Nang Aen Cave

Tham Nang Aen is a cave 20 km down Route 13 from Thakhek. Highly accessible with cement walkways and ramps, this cave is illuminated with colourful lights and alters. The cave’s name means “Sitting and Flirting” and as a constant cool breeze blows from the cave’s mouth, it’s a great place to do just that. Tham Nang Aen is 1.5 km long and contains a lake. Rowboat rides are offered for visitors and an outdoor restaurant is open in the dry season.

Nasanam Waterfall

Nasanam Waterfall is accessible off Route 8 near the road that leads to Kong Lor. The waterfall is 3km from the road. The first kilometre can be done on a motorbike but the rest of the path is a challenging hike up boulders and across streams through the jungle. Look and listen for birds and frogs. A natural swimming pool at the lower falls offers a cooling break. Continue to the upper falls or just admire the cascade (more brilliant in the wet season) from afar.

Mangkone “Dragon” Cave

Mangkone Cave is right off Route 8 and has a new restaurant and coffeeshop, gift shop, and guest house. Pay a nominal fee to walk through the cave. Navigate around the lake, under a very low-hanging ceiling and into a spacious and well-lit cavern with coloured spotlights shining on impressive rock formations. A second entrance can be climbed up to and out at the back of the cave.

Buddha Sculptures in the Rock

Along a particularly scenic stretch of Route 1E just north of the Nam Theun 2 Reservoir, giant buddha sculptures have been carved into the cliffs on the side of the road. People leave offerings of food, drinks and candles at the feet of the statues. Be careful on the curves and park as far to the side of road as possible if you decide to stop for a closer look.

See more: Top awesome places in Luang Prabang to visit

Source: Internet

Visit the cutest places in Seoul, South Korea

Renowned as a shopping capital and a country with numerous historical wonders, Korea does not conventionally pop into mind when you mention the word ‘cute’. Dispel this myth, for here are our top picks on where you can find Seoul at its pinnacle of cuteness.

LINE Store

Brimming with an immense galore of LINE merchandise up for grabs, the LINE store at Ehwa definitely comes in at the top of our list of cute places in Seoul! Be sure to drop by this Instagram-worthy store when you’re shopping in Ehwa, especially since it’s only a short distance from the main fashion street. This place is virtual reality-come-true with the LINE characters from your chat app morphing into irresistible keepsakes!

I couldn’t stop gushing over the array of merchandise available! Pose with the stars of the show, a life-sized Brown or Cony that welcomes you upon your entrance.

The most arresting feature of this store is the quaint brick wall that hits all the right notes in the visuals department, displaying rows of Brown bears dressed in a plethora of outfits. And if you can’t get enough of the charm of this store, there is a little booth in which more LINE plushies await to greet you… This has got to be the epitome of cuteness, hands down!

Address: 59 Ehwa Women’s University Road, 56-136 Daehyun-dong Level 1, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 서대문구 이화여대길 59 대현동 56-136 1층)

Teddy Bear Gallery

The child within each of us can never resist cuddly teddy bears, what more a whole gallery of them! This slightly obscure find within the N Seoul Tower is not to be missed the next time you’re there.

With teddy bears in all shapes and sizes, this is a haven if you’ve got a soft spot for cuddly plushies and collectors’ items! Go ahead and purchase your favourites, because some of these teddies are truly rare and unique. Now you know that the locks of love and observatory tower aren’t the only attractions at N Seoul Tower!

Address: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가) )

Ihwa Mural Village

Tucked in a secluded area, this humble yet extraordinary residential area is worth the trek up Naksan Mountain – it’s a tourist paradise where modernity and tradition meld into a harmonious concoction. We were surprised to find shops selling intricate costume jewellery, a plenitude of souvenirs, and even a few cafes brewing the whole range of coffee beverages!

Be dressed in your best; you will definitely want to look as gorgeous as the hand-painted murals which are pure artistry. Besides posing for your #ootds against the murals in the village, you can also enjoy the tranquillity of this place away from the bustle of the city.

Address: Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 이화동)

Yeouido Hangang Park

If you’re visiting Korea during spring, don’t miss out on chilling at Han River Park. This is the time to behold flowers in a riot of vibrant colours here. You can literally take your time to smell the roses! Prepare your selfie stick for the highlight of the park — the cute “I Seoul U” sculpture that lends itself to enhancing the aesthetics of your Instagram feed.

Have a languid evening lounging on picnic mats with food and drinks purchased from the street food stall nearby and give yourself an auditory treat as you listen to the buskers perform. The refreshing breeze and panoramic views are sure to liberate you from all your troubles. Cheers!

Address: 330, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 영등포구 여의동로 330 (여의도동))

Souvenir shop at Anguk Station

Still find yourself short of souvenirs for your friends and family back home? Suppress that sigh and make a beeline for this little souvenir shop near Anguk Station! Souvenir shopping was unbelievably fun for me when I stumbled upon this trove of delights.

This lovely shop is a cavern housing an amazing variety of souvenirs — from themed handmade dolls decked primly in hanboks (the traditional Korean costume), to gold-plated bookmarks that depict icons of Korea such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace. There are also purses made from rich textiles, novelty keychains, elegant fans adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy paintings. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. We assure you that your friends and loved ones will simply adore you for these souvenirs!

How to get there: Walk to the shops near Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2

See more: 7 reasons why you should visit Seoul once

Source: Internet

Top destinations in Uzbekistan

Shifting from being a strategic goal to a cultural hotspot, Uzbekistan’s architecture and cuisine brings the 10th century into the 21st. Discover some of the hidden gems of this vast and fascinating country with these recommendations.

Samarkand – The Shah-i Zinda

The Shah-i Zinda necropolis, the most famous of such complexes in Central Asia and one of the most photogenic, is less visited than the Registan to the south west. The Timurid decorative work is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship and aesthetic awareness of its carvers. Come early or late to avoid any tour groups, and don’t forget about the Soviet-era cemetery to the east for a more modern idea of commemoration.

Termez – Sairob Village

Termez is an ancient city near the border with Afghanistan, reputed to be 2,500 years old. The city itself is little visited and worth a look, but the nearby village of Sairob is the real draw: it is a charming, untouched place perfectly suited for those looking to get a true feel for traditional Uzbek culture and hospitality. The journey here, via Shakhrisyabz, is a dramatic one with spectacular mountain views.

Tashkent Opera House

In Soviet times, culture was heavily subsidized and the entire population could afford a trip to the ballet or opera. Although this is no longer the case, a trip to Tashkent’s Opera House is still great value compared to Covent Garden, and the standard of performance is sure to be high. The Opera House is also one of the city’s grandest buildings, and the residents of Tashkent still tend to put on their finest attire to attend.

Margilan – Yodgorlik

Margilan, which roughly means ‘chicken-bread’ in Persian, was supposedly founded by Alexander the Great when he was given chicken and bread on a lunch stop in the region. Despite this, the town is famous for silk, not chicken, specifically from the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. Margilan was an important stop on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, and silk has been produced here for centuries. Yodgorlik still uses traditional methods in the production of extremely high quality material. A visit here is to get a thorough understanding of this most ancient of industries, and the skill and expertise that goes into making a ream of silk.

Khiva

Khiva’s old town is remarkably intact, containing mosques, homes and civic buildings, historical monuments and over 200 old houses. These architectural sites date mostly from between the 17th and 19th centuries. Encircled by city walls, whose foundations are said to have been laid in the 10th century, watching the sun go down over this ancient city feels timeless, and one can well imagine visitors doing the same centuries ago.

Tashkent – The Metro

For a taste of what the Brezhnev-era USSR was like, take the Uzbekistanskaya line from Alisher Navoi to Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonaut). The latter station is a poignant reminder of a true achievement of the Soviet Union: its space program. Look for the juxtaposition of Yuri Gargarin and the medieval Islamic astronomer Ulugh Beg (or Ulugbek). Other stations to look at include Pakhtakor and Pushkin, but make sure you don’t get your camera out: photography is banned.

See more: Top 10 attractions in Mongolia

Source: Internet

What to do in Pulau Ubin, Singapore

Pulau Ubin is in essence, the last 'kampung' (village) in Singapore. A stroll through Ubin takes you back to Singapore in the 1960's with the simpler pleasures of life. The slow lane starts as soon as you join the queue for the bumboat at Changi. As you arrive, all cares are left behind.

Explore Ubin Town

Located next to the main jetty, Ubin Town offers the first glimpses of life on Singapore’s offshore island. Admire the wayang (Chinese opera) stage, or feast on locally farmed seafood sourced from one of Pulau Ubin’s 60 floating fish farms. If you travel there on right season, you will even find tropical fruits including durians, rambutans and jackfruit for sale along the jetty.

Meet marine wildlife at Chek Jawa

The Chek Jawa wetlands are one of the main attractions of Pulau Ubin and home to a thriving ecosystem of the country’s largest collection of wildlife. To access Chek Jawa, you need to park your bicycle and travel by foot since the boardwalks are fragile and narrow. The wetlands mostly consist of mangroves, rocky shores and a sandy shore. During low tide, expect to see the small marine creatures like mudskippers, crabs and smaller fish. For a richer understanding of the wildlife in Check Jawa, join a guided walking tour and learn from the experts.

Visit house No. 1

This black and white Tudor-style house was built in the 1930s as a retreat for the Chief Surveyor of Singapore and has supposedly the country's only working fireplace. Inside, visitors can learn more about Chek Jawa's history and wildlife, make sure to take a walk down the jetty at the rear for great views to the mainland.

Set up your camping ground

After a long adventure exploring Pulau Ubin, many people opt to spend the night under the stars. There are several designated camping spots on the island, alongside bigger hotels and resorts. There are no permits required to camp in Pulau Ubin, but be sure to have sufficient battery, food and water throughout to last you through the night. Sleeping in complete darkness surrounded by the sounds of birds and insects makes for a startling contrast to the dazzling lights of the city across the water.

Visit Jejawi Tower

Located in the Chek Jawa Wetlands, this 20m-high viewing tower has a fantastic view of the surrounding jungle and ocean. Keep an eye out for the abundant bird life,k you may also be lucky enough to see some monkeys. The tower is well signposted.

Read more: 9 reasons why Changi Airport is the best airport in the world

How to get there

To get to Ubin, board a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal (daily, 5.30am-9pm). Boat fares are priced at $3/person for a single trip and each ride takes about 15 minutes. Take note that the boats to Ubin run on an irregular schedule as they only depart once they have 12 people on board. Fees are paid directly to the driver and are collected before the boat jets off. An extra $2 is charged if you bring along a bicycle.

Source Internet