Explore the most beautiful caves in Malaysia

Malaysia is a vast convergence of cultures, activities, races and food but there is something else about this humble Southeast Asian nation that many might not know about. Something a little under the surface: its caves. A sprawling collection of mysterious cave formations containing intriguing structures and wildlife can be found throughout the country. 

If you are an adventurous spirit with a knack for cave exploration, here is a list of some of the caves in Malaysia that are open to the public.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is the focal point of the annual Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. Usually held at the end of January, the procession begins on the evening before the Thaipusam Festival at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur city centre.

The procession more often than not, arrives at Batu Caves in the wee hours of the morning the next day; the entire celebration commences then and is a colourful event that lasts a total of eight hours. In the past the festival has attracted more than one million pilgrims, making it one of the largest gatherings in the world.

Gua Nasib Bagus

Situated in Gunung Mulu National Park, this cave has the largest natural underground chamber. Lubang Nasib Bagus is more than 600m long, 400m wide and 100 m high. The entrance fee is RM10 per person and is definitely worth the money for you will be able to splash in the cave stream.

The clean, clear and icy cold cave stream is sure to give your senses a major boost and leave you wanting for more. This keeps getting better and better. A cave where you can splash in before continuing your journey sounds like the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Perak Cave

The Perak Cave is located in Ipoh and is a 6km drive along Jalan Kuala Kangsar to the north. It is also a religious landmark with the Perak Tong Cave Temple housed within its vicinity. It is known for the colourful murals as well as the Chinese calligraphy painted by Chong Yin Chat that adorn its walls. Various depictions of characters and events from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scripture can also be found in this fascinating attraction.

Deer Cave

Also set in the Gunung Mulu National Park of Sarawak, the Deer Cave stands out from the other caves due to its magnificent cave passage, commonly known as the largest in the world. There are a number of things that make this Garden of Eden so unique, including the aptly named Adam and Eve showers that shoot out 30m columns of water and the hundreds of thousands of bats that stream from its mouth every evening between5pm to 6.30pm. On top of all this, a quirky little Abraham Lincoln silhouette can be found hidden among the rocks.

Gua Gomantong

While Sabah is known all over the world for its Gunung Kinabalu, less is known about Gua Gomantong. Gua Gomantong is in Sandakan at the outskirts of Lower Kinabatangan. Gua Gomantong consists of two cave complexes namely, Simud Hitam which translates into Black Cave and Simud Putih which translates into White Cave. Local swallows are known to build the much prized nests here. The bird nest is said to restore youth and promote health when drunk in the form of soup. Gua Gomantong is the house of the best nests in the world. Some of the nests found here has price as high as RM7000 per kilo.

Swiftlets, bats, serpent eagles, bat hawks, and kingfishers are some of the inhabitants of this cave. With the entrance fee of RM5.00 this cave offers way more than what you pay for. At dusk, around 2 million bats fly out of the mouth of the cave while swiftlets fly into the cave. This spectacular changing of shifts is captivating and is definitely worth it!

See more: The best markets in Malaysia you need to know

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The reasons to visit Iran

Iran has made a comeback on the travel scene in recent years, being listed as one of the hot spot destinations, and certainly with good reason. And although it may not rank as high with some travelers as it does with others, here is the reasons for traveling to Iran at least once in your lifetime.

Travel to Iran to learn about its long history

Hardly in need of any introduction, Persepolis is possibly Iran’s most famous ancient site, even though not the only one. From ancient Persia to modern Iran, from the Achaemenid Empire to the Sassanian era, from the Safavid period to the Qajar dynasty, to finally the Pahlavi family and the Islamic Revolution, Iranian history is as stormy as it gets.

With so many historical places to visit in Iran, travelling all around the country you can soak in every period and delve into the nation’s tangled past. After you enjoyed your Persepolis tour, don’t forget to add to the list also other Iran points of interest such as the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan and the Fire Temple in Yazd, just to mention some.

The people and hospitality

Iran tends to get a lot of bad press, but somewhere in the mix, the good word about Iranian hospitality somehow got out. It is not only the remains of Persepolis, mosques of Esfahan, and windcatchers of Yazd that have drawn travelers in, but also that unshakable curiosity about this renowned hospitality. This centuries old tradition has only intensified in recent years, solidifying that initial curiosity for travelers, and leaving a lasting impression much stronger than any tourist attraction ever could.

Visit Iran for its architecture

Be it a mosque, a palace or a bazaar, Iranian buildings are finely decorated and glow with ornamental elegance. Pastel colours gracefully interact with bright hues, tapering minarets and seemingly ubiquitous domes outline the landscape, symbols and traditional calligraphy coexist in a charming interplay. Whether inside or outside a building, the sophisticated Persian architecture is always something tourists marvel at every time they visit Iran.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From exquisite mosques to stunning feats of engineering, Iran boasts twenty-one UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 20 cultural and one natural. While they are scattered around the country, you can easily cross off six by visiting the areas in and around Shiraz and the Khuzestan province. For those interested in Persian culture, there are also a number of intangible cultural heritage elements in Iran that are worth exploring during your stay.

Plan a trip to Iran to try Persian food

From pistachio to black tea, from saffron to kebab, from Mirza Ghasemi to Ghormeh Sabzi, the heavy presence of aromatic herbs makes Iranian cuisine appetizing and addictive, especially when it comes to pistachio and baklava if you ask me.

While there are national dishes that you can find everywhere, like herb stew Ghormeh Sabzi, there are others that are exclusive, or at least typical of a particular region. Among these are the aforementioned eggplant-based Mirza Ghasemi, typical from Gilan province, or Dizi, too meaty and heavy for me but still a national treat, typical from Ardebil.

See more: 7 best street foods you should try in Tehran, Iran

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A short trip to Batam, Indonesia

Batam has been famous for short escapades from neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. This island is one of the busiest ports in Indonesia as the entrance gate of tourism in Indonesia.

Batam has been popular for many things like shopping centers, spa, and massages. Aside from the urban entertainment. Below are the best things to do in Batam especially for you!

Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple

This temple is one of the more serene ways to enjoy Batam and is the place to come if you want to find some inner peace. Devotees here usually burn incense for good luck and you can enjoy the colorful and elegant Buddha statues here as well as the carvings of twelve zodiac signs which lie opposite the temple.

One of the best things about the temple is that there is also a cafe here and you buy a range of delicious vegetarian food including buns and snacks in the shape of cute animals.

Play at Sea Forest Adventure

Sea Forest Adventure is a unique theme park. Here you can play all kinds of floats and water slides. You will have a chance to experience nature, survival science and adventure with four main sections for you to discover.

You can bounce, slide, climb and roam around the available playground, for kids and adults alike. Life vests will be provided by the sea forest adventure throughout your stay there.

Try Watersports

Watersports are one of the obvious highlights of Batam. One of the places to visit in Batam for water sports is the Cabana Club. The park offers canoeing, jet skiing and snorkelling. Name it and they probably have it! Another recommended places to visit are Batam Wake Park and Waterpark Ocarina.

Shop at Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall

Enjoy your day by shopping in the largest mall in Batam, Nagoya Hill. This vast area of shopping has complete retail goods, and importantly their price is reasonable. The name itself is taken after the region in Batam, Nagoya (which is also known as Lubuk Baja) and its location in hilly areas.

Watch Beautiful Sunset at Barelang Bridge

Although not comparable to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Barelang Bridge is Batam’s very own iconic pride. It has a unique architectural design that makes it an ideal spot for some artistic landscape photos and selfies. The spectacular scenery from and around the bridge alone is worth the trip here.

Visiting this bridge has always been and will continue to be one of the top things to do in Batam. Within two hours’ drive from here, you can visit old Vietnamese refugee camps.

Visit the Stilt Houses of Batam

In old Batam many of the houses were built above water on stilts. You can still find some of these stilt houses in the older parts of the city and the villages that surround it. One of the most well-known villages for this type of architecture is the fishing village called Tanjung Uma.

See more: Beautiful places in Indonesia you should not miss

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The unusual things to do in Beijing, China

The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Olympic precinct, eye-popping temples around every corner, Beijing is home to a lengthy list of huge tourist drawcards that attract equally huge crowds. But if you are looking for attractions that you might not find in the guidebooks, try these unusual things to do around the Chinese capital.

Ride a tandem bike around Houhai Lake

Houhai Lake is one of the hippest spots in Beijing. It is also known as the “back lake” and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and boutiques set along cobblestone lanes.
To save on rickshaw fees, hit up one of the bicycle rental stands, which rent by the hour and day, and pedal yourself around the lake. You can even pick up a three-person tandem.

Eat creepy crawlies at Wangfujing Snack Street

While the Wangfujing Snack Street might be touristy, there is no doubt that it is unusual. Scorpions on a stick, silkworms, rabbit heads, seahorses, donkey meat, boiled tripe, snake, wasp larvae, pig brains, lamb spine, the infamous fermented ‘stinky tofu’, these dishes certainly are not what Western visitors are used to seeing on the menu. You will find similar stalls at the Donghuamen Night Market near the Forbidden City, too.

Go karaoke

Karaoke is a staple of the social fabric in China, just like in other East Asian nations. Do not miss out. Venues can be found in most hotels and seemingly along every major street. They are sometimes called KTV, so watch for that on signs.

Check in and pay for a specified amount of time at the front desk, after which you will be escorted to a private room with audio-visual equipment, microphones, a TV, and couches. You can order drinks and sometimes food.

Delve into an underground palace

Located 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of Beijing, the Dingling Tomb is a subterranean mausoleum offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past. While Chairman Mao raided many of the other 13 famous Ming Dynasty Tombs during the Cultural Revolution, this one was opened as a museum in 1959, inviting visitors inside the haunting 400-year-old burial place of the Wanli emperor and his two empresses.

Try cupping therapy

Around China, you will notice some people with giant purple polka-dots on their skin. It is not an exotic disease; it is evidence of cupping therapy, an ancient form of traditional medicine where heated cups are applied to the skin creating local suction.

Cupping therapy is believed to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from rheumatic diseases to blood disorders and skin problems, even though no evidence exists to support these claims.

See more: Dishes you must try before leaving Beijing

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Must-visit destinations in Doha, Qatar

Doha, recently named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities in the World, is known for their spectacular modern buildings and cultural heritage.

It has plenty of attractions that are sure to make your time in Qatar a memorable one. If you are in Doha for a holiday, here is a list of the best places to visit in Doha, Qatar.

Museum of Islamic Art

Set in the MIA Park of the Doha waterfront, Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural gem and is considered to be one of the well-known places to visit in Doha. Designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is one museum that has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. While the paintings were collected from three continents over the span of 1400 years, the interiors are breathtaking with spectacular geometric patterns of the Islamic world that makes it one of the many places to visit in Doha at night.

Katara Mosque

Katara mosque might not be as large as a huge grand mosque, but the color, design and patterned tiles represent its uniqueness. These tiles are the part of shared history and a reminder between the Iranians and the Gulf region. This mosque is which well-contrasted in colors and symbolizes the Arabian, Persian and African tradition. People are welcomed to Qatar and visit the Katara Mosque because its renowned history of the Quasi-mosques (Islamic geometric patterns) is very attractive and appealing.

Corniche

One of the best places to visit in Qatar is the Doha Corniche. Most popular locations among walkers, bikers and joggers, Corniche is a waterfront promenade that reshaped Doha’s coastline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. An ideal place for exercising in the morning, it also attracts crowd who are looking for spectacular views of the city’s skyline and witness beautiful sunsets in the evening.

Al Jassasiya Carvings, Al- Ruwais

Al- Ruwais is a city of Qatar peninsula, which is known mostly for its natural view. It’s a little fishing village, but the local dhow boats are very famous for the seaside swarming. Al Jassasiya Carvings are one of the attractive places at Al- Ruwais. There is a rich collection of petroglyphs and it is about 900. The 250 years carvings are now open to visitors from the government. It contributes much to the tourism of Qatar.

Aspire Park

Considered to be one of the ideal places to visit in Qatar with family, Aspire Park is one of the largest parks in the Gulf region, and is one of Qatar’s finest landscapes. Another attraction the park has to offer is the Torch Tower, or also known as the Aspire Tower. It is an astonishing 300m high building which served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games, and is now a beautiful hotel. Make sure you add it to your itinerary while planning your holidays as it is one of the top places to visit in Qatar during summer

Al Wakra Museum

The Al Wakra museum is a site that has some of the best architecture in Qatar. The exhibits in the museum are quite fascinating and feature ancient artifacts and the details of the history of Qatar. In terms of the museum’s beauty, you will not even feel the need to step inside – just bask in the beauty of this building. This old fortress has an eerie quality to it which is strangely enticing. This mysterious allure will leave you feeling fascinated and in full admiration.

Read more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

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Top things to do in Guilin, China

Guilin has some of the most beautiful karst landscape in the world. From taking a relaxing cruise along the Li River to hiking or biking in Yangshuo's countryside, there are so many things to do and to see that cater for different travel styles. 

Catch a show

With over 100 performers, the Dreamlike Lijiang show features a large range of performances including ballet dancers, acrobats and contortionists. The show is accompanied by high-tech lighting and sound effects, which add to the drama of the storytelling.

Though the show is not as prominent as the more famous Impression Light Show in the nearby town of Yangshuo, viewers will not be disappointed in the quality of entertainment. For travelers wishing to watch an ethnic show, Fantastic Guilin features performances from four nationalities such as Yao, Dong, Zhuang, and Miao. The show tells love stories and legends through folk singing and dance.

Visit the Rice Terraces

Guilin's rice terraces look like great chains or ribbons as they wind around the contours in tiered bands. The ethnic minority villages are also worth exploring.

An authentic travel experience goes beyond visiting the must-see attractions, and includes genuinely connecting with the locals and their customs. When you visit the rice terraces, you should visit a local ethnic family and let them share with you their stories while cooking bamboo tube rice.

Eat rice noodles

Guilin’s rice noodles are well-known throughout China as a cheap and delicious dish fit for any time of day. Soft and flavorful, the noodles are served in broth and commonly topped with gravy, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and various types of meat. For a bit of spice, pepper oil or chili flakes can be added.

These popular noodles can easily be found at numerous eateries in and around Guilin. Do not be surprised if the noodles from different eateries do not taste the same, though, as there is no standard recipe. This means that each restaurant has its own unique take on the noodles, making each bowl a new experience, and giving you the perfect excuse to eat them every day.

Visit Tianxin Village

At 30 kilometers away from Guilin City, this quaint little countryside village definitely holds its own in terms of awesomeness and 100 percent deserves a spot on this list. If you are looking to get off the beaten path, experience rural farm life, see some beautiful scenery, and take absolutely epic photos, than Tianxian Village is the spot for you.

The best way to get here is to hire a driver as it is a bit hard to find on your own. China does not make it easy as there are 3 villages all named Tianxin Village around Guilin and you have to know the right one to go to. It is about an hour drive to get here, but it is oh so worth the drive. It is best to go early in the morning to catch the farmers heading out to the fields with their buffalo walking over ancient arched stone bridges over the rivers and through endless rice fields. It is an incredibly picturesque place that will make you feel like you have gone back in time.

Visit a Tea Plantation

Tea lovers should definitely visit the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute located just north-east of Guilin. Covering over 100 acres, the institute was founded in 1965 and is home to 250 different tea plants. According to the institute’s website, the land used for the tea plantation was originally the tea garden for royalty during the Ming dynasty. Visitors can watch a demonstration showing how tea is picked, processed and brewed. The institute produces an impressive 42 tons of tea each year and is the largest of its kind in the Guangxi region.

Read more: Visit Guilin's top natural sceneries

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The stunning destinations to visit in South Korea

Looking for a unique destination for your holiday? Why not visit South Korea, a vibrant and spectacular country, which is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination?

With ancient temples, trendy neighborhoods, tea plantations, and more than 3,000 offshore islands to explore, South Korea is the country you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Here are the most picturesque destinations in South Korea that are worth visiting if you are looking for a vacation full of culture, magic, and friendly people.

Andong

A very welcoming and friendly place, Andong is renowned for its delicious cuisine, so foodies will rejoice at all the local delicacies on offer.

Founded over 2000 years ago, Andong boasts many historical and cultural attractions and often markets itself as a spiritual center due to its many temples and local religious sites. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where you can learn all about the local traditions, culture, and history.

Jeju Island

This stunning island just 85km off the coast is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. Having been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the pristine beauty of Jeju-do will take your breath away. Surreal white sand beaches surrounded by pine forests, volcanic craters and lava caves, beautiful botanical gardens and a rich culture are some of the high-points of this natural paradise.

Itaewon

With its colorful winding streets and alleys filled with bars, street art, cafes and restaurants and the area’s international vibe, eclectic Itaewon is a great neighborhood to base yourself or to spend time in on a visit to Seoul. Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997, and where you will find a high concentration of expats, giving the neighborhood its multicultural feel.

You can get almost any type of cuisine you are craving here, from Italian to Greek and everything in between, in particular among the rows of international restaurants right behind the Hamilton Hotel. Itaewon is also home to Antique Furniture Street filled with over 100 shops selling unique pieces of antique furniture and home décor items.

Suwon

Due to its proximity to Seoul, Suwon is a fantastic day trip option from the capital, although it often gets overlooked by travelers.

Now a major center for industry, the city is home to Samsung Electronics. Its busy streets are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. The main reason that people visit Suwon is for the stunning 18th-century fortress of Hwaseong that lies at the heart of the city, its twisting walls and looming towers are lovely to explore.

See more: Enjoy the autumn cuisine in Korea

Pyeongchang

This is one of the best places in South Korea to experience tranquillity and awe-inspiring scenic beauty all around. Located in the Taebaek Mountains, this picturesque county 180 kms away from Seoul hosted the prestigious Winter Olympics in February 2018.

The Odaesan National Park is a hikers’ delight with trails going up the snow-peaked mountains, while the ski resorts Alpensia and Yongpyong are popular with skiers and snowboarders. The mountains are also home to many beautiful Buddhist shrines. This place is surely one of the best places to visit in South Korea during winters.

Namdaemun

This area is where to go to shop at Korea’s oldest and largest traditional market, also named Namdaemun. The market and the greater Namdaemun area are named after the large gate located nearby, which is one of eight majestic gates you will find in Seoul along the city’s Fortress Wall. The market itself is a twisting maze of stalls spread over several city blocks, making it fairly easy to get lost but that is half the fun. Take your time wandering the crowded tangle of stalls and shops, stopping to buy and browse among locals and sample some street food when you are hungry.

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The reasons why you should visit Shenzhen, China

The city of Shenzhen is one of the world’s true megacities. Bridging the gap between mainland China and Hong Kong, it is hard to believe that just 40 years ago it was a rural farming community, made up of villages clustered on the banks of China’s Pearl River.

With its range of museums, burgeoning art district, and an impressive, diverse population of innovators and entrepreneurs, the city has a lot to show off. Here are the reasons why travelers should pay this Chinese city a visit.

It is one of the world’s leading design cities

Shenzhen became a UNESCO City of Design in 2008 and has been making its mark as one of China’s most innovative cities ever since.

Stroll the streets and you will find architecture that looks like it is from the future, as well as a number of world-class galleries, from an outpost of London’s V&A Museum to Shenzhen’s own Art and Design Gallery, the first gallery dedicated solely to design in China. Every April, the city also hosts a Design Week at the OCT-LOFT, a 37-acre creative culture park made up of leafy lanes and open squares with exhibition spaces, large-scale installations and alfresco coffee shops.

Inspiring ‘maker’ culture

Building on its former reputation as ‘the world’s workshop,’ Shenzhen has become a leading light in the modern ‘maker’ movement. Its residents have accrued considerable manufacturing and electronics know-how, ingraining a DIY mindset that has been driving progress and drawing attention worldwide.

It is a haven for book-lovers

Shenzhen's techy, but it is also a place for bibliophiles. In the heart of Futian District sits Shenzhen Book City, the largest book mall in China.

Here, you will find bookstores that never close alongside 24-hour ‘book bars’ where you can grab a drink and a book all night long. The city is also home to nearly 200 libraries, the pinnacle of which is the six-storey Shenzhen Library that can seat a whopping 2,500 people.

Easy to get to other places

Shenzhen is part of a cluster of cities across the Pearl River Delta. Travelers visiting this exciting city can also squeeze in trips to Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou, which are only a stone’s throw away, as well as other cities in Guangdong and beyond. An inexpensive, seven-hour bus journey can take you north, to experience the ethereal karst peaks of Yangshuo.

Shenzhen's rugged coastline and surprise beaches

Shenzhen is blessed with a rugged coastline and 23 beaches. Dameisha, the closest beach to the city (and consequently the busiest) is lined with coconut and palm trees, with hazy blue-mountains as a backdrop and views of Hong Kong across the ocean in the distance.

For a beach a little more off the beaten track, make the trek out to Xichong Beach. In autumn and winter, it is especially good for surfing.  Xichong is part of the protected Dapeng National Park, and rising up in the north is Qiniang, the second highest peak in the city. There is also a 10km hiking trail running along the coast.

Great for spas

This city of excitement and ambition can leave newcomers and visitors a tad frazzled. Luckily, inexpensive day spas have sprung up across the city. With a reputation for quality pampering treatments, Hongkongers often pop over for a massage. A spa visit in Shenzhen will leave you feeling reinvigorated and ready to take on your next adventure in bustling South China.

Read more: Visit attractions in Shenzhen, China

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