Let's enjoy Singapore night festival this August

A culmination of art, food and theatrical performances, basically the starter pack for a great weekend - get ready to be awestruck from pillar to post at the Singapore Night Festival 2019. Reimagine the night over two weekends this August as the Bras Basah and Bugis district transforms into an ethereal wonderland over two weekends this August. 

Watch in awe as iconic landmarks in the city exude brilliance in the form of light projections, as artists enchant the crowd using the facades of these historic buildings as their canvas. If you’ve been to last year’s event, know that this year is going to be a bigger and better culmination of arts, heritage and cultural experiences. Brace yourselves for a transformational experience like no other!

Every year the Singapore Night Festival features a theme, and previous editions have showcased international acts. This year, the event sees the return of the spellbinding Fuerza Bruta, an aerial acrobatics troupe from Argentina.

Having performed to more than 6 million spectators in sold-out shows across 34 countries and 58 cities, here is your chance to see the internationally renowned Fuerza Bruta take Singapore by storm as the Argentinean troupe performs at the Singapore Night Festival.

Look forward to a 360-degree sensory theatre party spectacle performed over and around a standing audience. An absolute stunner of a kinetic, highly energetic performance that will get your adrenaline rushing, this aerial acrobatics show will definitely leave you in awe.

Read more: Find the best street art spots in Singapore

A signature highlight of the Singapore Night Festival is the many interactive light installations scattered all across the city between Bras Basah and Bugis. If you’re in the area, don’t miss your chance to see Singapore’s heritage, arts and culture in an entirely different light.

Be amazed as the facades of some of Singapore’s most iconic museums—Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore—come to life into evanescent shows with the help of light projections.

When: 23 to 31 August 2019, 7:30PM – 12:00AM
Where: Bras Basah & Bugis

Source: Uncover Asia

Admire the beauty of Ulleungdo Island, Korea

Ulleungdo is an island the the east side of South Korea. This island is mostly famous with domestic tourists, however, it doesn't mean that it lacks of breathtaking tourist attractions.

Haengnam Coastal Walking Path

This shoreline, that snakes around the periphery of Ulleungdo, features steep cliffs and pebble beaches. There is, perhaps, no better way to experience the views of the island’s stunning scenery than by taking a walk along the Haengnam Coastal Walking Path. Take in stunning rock formations, walk through a lush forest and cross paths with fisherman dressed in wetsuits as you make the journey to the end, where the picturesque Haengnam Lighthouse awaits you. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go for a dip in the clear, blue waters, but do so at your own risk.

Location: Ulleung-eup Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Drink fresh water at Bongnae Waterfall

The three-tiered, 25-meter-tall Bongnae Waterfall is not only a beautiful sight to see, it’s also the main source of drinking water for the residents of the surrounding area. Worked up a sweat on your trek to the falls? Then check out the nearby Punghyeol, an attraction that many locals refer to as “Mother Nature’s air-conditioner.” During the peak of summer, cool, subterranean air blows from these rock openings, providing a refreshing stream of wind that cools off passersby.

Location: Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Visit a Traditional Village at Nari Basin

The Nari Basin is a volcanic depression that lies in central Ulleungdo. Surrounded by rolling hills and punctuated by stalks of sunflowers, this rustic village appeals to visitors not only thanks to its natural beauty, but its tumakjip, traditional houses built with wood and soil. While many of the island’s residents earn a living in the fishing industry, those living in the Nari Basin farm medicinal plants. Sample the local produce at one of the area’s small but tasty restaurants.

Location: 550, Nari-gil, Buk-myeon, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Take the Cable Car to Dokdo Observatory

The Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car, from which one can get a bird’s eye view of Ulleungdo Island, is a must-do on any visit to the island. Nestled within the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car transports visitors to Manghyangbong Peak where, on clear days, they can see as far as Dokdo Island, located some 92 kilometers away. Consider taking an early morning ride, and find yourself in awe of the impressive sunrise that illuminates the coastal skies.

Location: 581-1, Dodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

See more: Discover coastal cities in South Korea

Source: Internet

The Grand Palace, Bangkok's Royal residence

The Grand Palace is teeming with tourists, and with good reason. The architecture is impressive, the grounds are beautiful, and it is home to one of the most noteworthy temples in Thailand. Here is everything you need to know about the Grand Palace before visiting these historical grounds.

History

The palace’s construction began in 1782. King Rama I was in power at the time, and the palace was not considered to be complete until the late 1800s. King Rama I was the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, and he believed that it also deserved a new royal palace, which is why construction initially began. From 1782 until 1925, the palace was home to the country’s royalty. Today it acts as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Not all of the grounds are open to the public; however, there is still plenty to see in those parts that are. Over the past 200 years, different leaders have continued to build upon the magnificent palace until it finally looks how it does today. The Grand Palace serves mainly as a tourist attraction and is sometimes used for ceremonial purposes, however, no member of royalty has lived here since 1925.

Construction

The chosen location of the Grand Palace was anything but random. It is very close to the artery of Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River, making it easier to defend against possible invasions. A large Chinese community was residing here when King Rama I decided that the location was perfect for the Grand Palace. They were forced to relocate to what is now Chinatown, located on the outside of the city.

The Palace’s Grounds

The grounds of the Grand Palace are made up of three different zones, or courts. There is the Inner, Middle, and Outer Court. You will likely spend most of your time in the Outer Court, where you will find buildings open to the public as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You will find that much of the palace consists of traditional Thai architecture, while other areas are inspired by the European renaissance era, and oftentimes you will see a combination of both. There are over 100 buildings on the grounds.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Otherwise known as Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha remains one of the main reasons visitors flock to the Grand Palace. The temple sits inside the ordination hall, and it is considered to be one of the most important temples in Thailand.

Read more: Must-try specialties in Bangkok, Thailand

Dress Code

Be aware that there is a fairly strict dress code you must oblige by in order to enter the Grand Palace. Prohibited items of clothing include shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting trousers, any see-through items of clothing, sleeveless tops, sandals (excluding those with heel straps), sweatshirts, sweatpants, and pajamas. Even if you have a shawl to cover your shoulders, chances are a security guard will be hesitant to let you in. It is better to be overdressed and drink plenty of water to avoid overheating than it is to be turned away at the Grand Palace’s entrance.

Busy with tourists

This area of Bangkok is incredibly popular with tourists, and as such should be approached with a little sensibility. If someone incredibly friendly approaches you and offers to drive you around the area for a set fee, walk away. If someone insists that the Grand Palace is closed, but they would be more than happy to take you to another, equally as beautiful temple, politely decline. This area is very beautiful but also very busy, and many people are willing to take advantage of this.

How to get there

The easiest way to get here is via taxi, just because every driver will know where the Grand Palace is. Do not get into a taxi who insists on not using the meter, as they are legally obliged to use them. You can also take the BTS Skytrain to station Saphan Taksin and take the Chao Phraya River Express boat to the Maharaj Pier. It is a short walk from the main entrance. There is a ฿500 (about $15) entrance fee. The temple is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so be sure to get there early in order to have ample time to explore.

Read more: The amazing day trips from Bangkok

Source: Kit Dale/The Culture Trip