Thursday, 13 June 2019

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

If you are looking for private island resorts to stay away from hustle and bustle of the city and make a perfect getaway, here are the best resorts with crystal clear water, palm trees and white beaches you can enjoy.

Southeast Asia is home to plenty of impressive beaches boasting stretches of fine white sand, lush islands with sprawling emerald rainforests, and impressive waterfront resorts that will make any traveler swoon in delight.

1. Bawah, Indonesia

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons and coral reefs, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area cater to outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence as well as paradise seekers looking for relaxation. Among the many islands in Anambas archipelago, Bawah stands out as a favorite dive destination as well as an exclusive luxurious getaway that offers the perfect serenity away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.

2.Song Saa, Cambodia

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
On two little islands in the untouched Koh Ring Archipelago in Cambodia sits Song Saa, the country’s first private island resort. Built with luxury and sustainability in mind, the resort boasts 24 luxury jungle and overwater villas made from recycled and reclaimed materials, each with their very own private pools and spectacular views. Nature lovers will absolutely delight in the resort's very own sanctuary, where local flora and fauna flourish.

3. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
Leave the crowds in Bali behind and enter your very own island paradise - Nihi. 12 hand-built luxury suites offering an undisturbed view of the beach and sea can be found nestled among the island’s untouched rainforest. Immerse in the island’s rich, unspoiled culture, warmly welcomed by the locals, and lose yourself in the countless once-in-a-lifetime experiences in this “edge of wildness”: surf one of Indonesia’s best waves, paddle down the Wanukaka river through remote villages and explore the island’s unspoilt nature on the back of a horse.

4. Amanpulo, Philippines

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
Part of the Cuyo Archipelago northeast of Palawan Island lies the ultimate island paradise getaway of Amanpulo. This award-winning island retreat is surrounded by the finest white sand and clearest ocean waters stretching eternally in all shades of light turquoise to deep blue. Lose yourself in exploring the seven square kilometers of pristine coral reef surrounding the island just 300 meters off the beach with conditions suitable for absolute beginners to experienced divers.

Each property on the island is so secluded that you won’t even witness another soul, allowing for a truly private experience. At the same time, Amanpulo has all the luxury amenities of any Aman property, whilst been carefully embellished with local touches.

5. Cempedak, Indonesia

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
The newly opened sister property of well-known island paradise Nikoi lives up to its expectations, reflecting equally the owner’s passion for the outdoors, nature, food and wine. Embraced by white sandy beaches and covered with a lush tropical rain forest, the private pool villas of the luxury boutique island resort blend in harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

You will feel completely cut off from the hectic outside world when escaping to the thoughtfully designed, uber-stylish bamboo-structured villas each with mesmerizing ocean views and private pools. Prepare to be enjoyed with the most delicious cuisine whilst living it up in this place.


6. Vivanta By Taj, Malaysia

The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia
Floating off the coast of Langkawi on Malaysia's Rebak Island, Vivanta By Taj balances private island mystique with contemporary touches. Across the 390 acres of natural paradise, guests can enjoy remote beaches, 300-million-year-old forests, coral reefs, and dense mazes of mangroves. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in this island, but if you'd love to experience the colorful marine life without diving into the deep, Underwater World Langkawi, back on the main island, showcases both penguins and fur seals. Moreover, among the most romantic spots, the Moon Deck is a wooden jetty where couples can enjoy private and personalized dinners overlooking the Senari Straits.

Read more: Spend a day enjoying in Nusa Penida, Bali
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Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to various local kingdoms, many of them own royal palaces. Here are 6 palaces in the archipelago that are magnificent and will take your breath away.

Ubud Royal Palace

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
This exquisite palace with strong Balinese architecture was the center of the Ubud Kingdom during Indonesia’s ancient kingdom reign. Ubud was and still is Bali’s hub for art and culture, a feat reflected in the sophisticated palace that still holds various cultural performances regularly, from traditional music to theater and dance.

The ancient royal family lineage of Ubud still lives in this palace, but some parts of the building are open for tourists, where they can observe the traditional impressive interior and decoration with Balinese-style stone carvings.

Istana Maimun

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
Istana Maimun is an old palace and its impressive architecture has lured a lot of visitors. Designed by an Italian architect in 1888, the architecture displays a mix of Italian, Malay, Indian, and Islamic styles.

Covering the area of 2,772 square meters, the palace features 30 rooms that were uniquely designed to showcase the architecture. The most striking feature of the Maimun Palace is the arcade of the roof that imitates the popular Middle Eastern, Turkish and Indian styles. The palace that is used to be the residential place of Sultan Deli now serves as one of the main tourist attractions in North Sumatera.

Kerta Gosa Royal Palace

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
Kerta Gosa is an historical landmark in Semarapura. Semarapura is the main town of the Klungkung regency in East Bali. Kerta Gosa forms part of the Puri Semarapura Royal Palace complex. The palace is also referred to as Puri Klungkung.

It features two main structures. A grand hall or the namesake Bale Kerta Gosa has ceilings filled with Kamasan or wayang-style paintings. The Bale Kambang ‘floating' hall or pavillion is surrounded by a blooming lotus-filled moat. The Kerta Gosa complex dates back to 1686. It was commissioned by Dewa Agung Jambe, then ruler of the Klungkung kingdom. The site has undergone a series of restorations, the latest in 2014. The palace and its grounds are a national heritage site. However, you can visit and roam the wondrous grounds by purchasing tickets for under a dollar.

Taman Sari Water Castle

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
During the 1700s, this water castle served as both a fortress and recreational site for the royal family of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The beautiful palace complex with refreshing large pools also has rooms to meditate, study, and rest.

The huge compound comprises of four areas, including the iconic bathing complex, an artificial lake, and gardens. Now, the palace is preserved as a tourist attraction, and visitors can explore parts of the delicate palace from outside and inside.

Candi Ratu Boko

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
Most of the relics from Hindu-Buddha kingdoms in Indonesia are in ruins, as their governance dates back to as early as the 4th-century. Candi Ratu Boko is among those who remain enough to be observed and studied. Archaeologists conclude that this site was a palace for the Mataram Hindu Kingdom in the 8th-century.

The exquisite building is perched on top of a hill, embellished with stone carvings of the Hindu gods and figures. The structure is made of stones and those who have visited would agree that the historical site has a charming mythical feel.

Read more: 6 best places to shop in Bali

Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon

Visit the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia
Built in 1452 by Prince Cakrabuana, Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon is one of the most amazing and well maintained palaces in West Java. The frontyard of the palace is surrounded by red bricks, which is one of the most exceptional features of the palace.

When visiting the palace, you will be able to see an extensive collection of historical objects and paintings. One of the most precious collections in the palace is the Singa Barong wagon, which belonged to Sunan Gunung Jati. Although the wagon is no longer of use, it is regularly cleaned during the first day of the Islamic month of Syawal.


Source Internet

Wednesday, 12 June 2019

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
The best Ha Noi dishes are inexpensive yet tasty treats that can be found within Ha Noi Old Quarter’s narrow alleyways and bustling street markets. Compared to other cities in Vietnam, Ha Noi food tends to be on the sweeter side and utilises freshwater ingredients such as prawns, squids, shrimps, crabs, clams, and mussels.

And your trip to Ha Noi is not complete without sampling its traditional delicacies, here is a list of the top must-try dishes in Ha Noi.

Cha Ca La Vong

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
You think you have read about this name somewhere and yes, you are right. Cha ca La Vong is listed as one of the top 100 things you must try before you die by many cuisine experts. It is exquisitely grilled fish served with bun, peanut, green onions, dills and shrimp paste. The fish is carefully chosen so that there are not too many bones and fishy smells. A glass of bia hoi or tra da will definitely give your meal more flavour.

Bun Cha

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
Bun cha, is one northern Vietnamese food that quickly became our favorite. It is one of the best Ha Noi food specialty not to be missed.

The dish consists of grilled pork strips and balls or cha served over a bed of rice vermicelli noodles or bun. It typically comes with a plate of fresh Vietnamese herbs and a bowl of dipping sauce.  Pickled vegetables, like cabbage, carrots, onion or green papaya served with additional meatballs on the side. The sauce is made of the famous Vietnamese fish sauce or nuoc mam combined with vinegar, lime, sugar, garlic and chili.

Bun Thang

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
Bun thang or rice vermicelli with chicken, egg and pork can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The clear yet flavourful broth is made with 20 ingredients, including dried shrimp, squid, shrimp paste, spring onion, coriander, ginger, mushroom, beet, fish sauce, sugar candy, and vinegar.

It is also a particularly attractive Ha Noi dish as the noodles, chicken, eggs, pork slices, and a dollop of shrimp paste are carefully arranged to resemble a flower.

Banh Tom

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
Banh tom is a shrimp patty specialty original from the area around West Lake (Ho Tay) in Hanoi. First, the dough is made with wheat flour, cornstarch, fresh water, egg, salt, pepper, turmeric powder and sweet potato. This is dipped into cooking oil and the shrimps are placed on top.

The whole thing is deep fried for about 5 minutes until the shrimp pancakes become golden brown. The patty is usually served with fish sauce. You will find this specialty at Banh Tom Ho Tay.

Xoi Xeo

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
Image Anh H
You will encounter this dish in almost every outdoors market. There are even two restaurants dedicated fully to this dish in the Old Quarters. Xoi xeo is sticky rice topped with ground de-hulled mung bean and fried onion. Sometimes it can be served with eggs or steamed chicken breast on request. The serving is really filling and it is good for any time of the day but most Vietnamese have it for breakfast or lunch.

Read more: Top 7 best coffee shops in Ha Noi

Pho Xao 

Taste the iconic dishes in Ha Noi
Pho may be best known as rice noodles served in soup, but you can also enjoy it in the form of pho xao, which is stir-fried with onions, beef slices, and assorted greens. The flat noodles are usually crisp on the outside with a smooth glutinous texture, and most restaurants sometimes add fried eggs and chili sauce to this simple yet satisfying dish. Thin is a family-run restaurant within Hai Ba Trung District, where you can savour pho xao for only VND 50,000.

Source Internet