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February 27, 2017 Round the world, Travel

Six Must-See Countries In Southeast Asia This 2017

6 MUST SEE DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

We’re just starting the year of 2017 and there’s definitely so much to look forward to. If you are a travel junkie then you are totally on the right page. Southeast Asia is said to have some of the richest culture, tourist spots and hospitable people around the globe and there are so many great countries you can visit this year if you haven’t been there.

Here are the six top countries in Southeast Asia that you can visit:

Cambodia- Southeast Asia — (photo source: www.potepuh.si)

Cambodia

Cambodia is located in the southern portion of the Indochina border. Cambodia has a large number of population that is 15 million and it is one of the most populated countries in the Southeast Asian region. There are a lot of tourist spots that you can try to visit this beautiful country. Cambodia is actually a favourite of backpackers from all over the world because they also use Cambodia as a gateway to neighbour countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.

Cambodia has a lot of tourist attractions and they are the following:

Angkor Wat
Angkor Thom
Tonle Sap
Bayon Temple
Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Banteay Srei
Silver Pagoda
Preah Monivong National Park and much more.

2. Philippines

If you are looking for beaches, mountains and challenging physical activities then the Philippines is the right country for you! The Philippines is considered one of the most frequented tropical countries in the entire world. This country is composed of 7,107 beautiful islands that is why it is called an archipelago. The Philippines is divided into three: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is frequented by a lot of tourists but there are also great attractions that can be found in both Visayas and Mindanao.

Here are the top tourist spots in the Philippines:

Baguio
Bohol (Chocolate Hills)
Sagada
Boracay
Davao
Palawan (El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa)
Vigan
Manila
Puerto Galera
Caramoan
Calaguas
Bicol

3. Vietnam

Vietnam, South-east Asia — (photo source: Friendly Planet Travel)

Vietnam is one of the most progressive countries in Southeast Asia. It is known for its natural beauty and natural resources like rivers, beaches and different pagodas that are definitely striking, breathtaking, eye-catching and Instagram-worthy! Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi also pays homage to its communist leader. There are so many wonderful tourist spots in Vietnam that you may visit:

Ha Long Bay
War Remnants Museum
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Po Nagar
Independence Palace
Temple of Literature
West Lake
Saigon Basilica
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Saigon Central Museum

4. Thailand

Thailand, South-east Asia — (photo source: Travel Channel)

How can anyone not know about this country? With the recent passing of the King of Thailand, the world mourned and cried with them. Thailand can be considered as a liberated country because they have accepted the LGBT community and that prostitution is legal because not a lot of young women and transgenders have jobs. Thailand is also filled with beautiful palaces and structures.

Here are some of the best tourist spots you can go to in Thailand:

Grand Palace
Wat Arun
Phi Phi Islands
Khao Yai National Park
Jim Thompson House
Elephant Nature Park
Sanctuary of Truth

5. Malaysia

Malaysia, South-east Asia — (photo source: malaysiayellowpages.com)

According to Wikipedia, Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It’s known for its beaches, rainforests, and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. Malaysia is also considered as a federal constitutional monarchy and it is also one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia because of its famous Petronas Towers!

Here are the top places you can visit in this beautiful country:

Petronas Towers
Mount Kinabalu
Bukit Bintang
KL Bird Park
Kek Lok Si
Islamic Arts Museum
Langkawi Cable Car

6. Indonesia

Indonesia, South-east Asia — (photo source: PlanetWare)

Probably one of the most visited places in the entire world is Bali, Indonesia because of its great beaches, coral reefs, and forested volcanic mountains. Indonesia is famous for its volcanoes that is why many people are going to this beautiful country. Indonesia is a Southeast Asian nation that is considered a home to hundreds of ethnic groups. Indonesia should really be part of your bucket list!

Here are the great spots to visit in Indonesia:

Borobodur
Tanah Lot
Seminyak
Mount Bromo
Ubud Monkey Forest
Prambanan
Komodo National Park
Lake Toba
Legian
Mount Agung

Southeast Asia is really filled with beautiful countries that do not only bestow the qualities of a good nation but also gives you a welcoming vibe and wonderful experience you will never forget.

Mark Aldrin Hipolito is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta, one of Australia’s modern and luxurious hotels in the suburban district. Mark Aldrin gives hotel tips and hacks to help people make the most out of their vacation.

Tribes and Wilds in Gujarat- Part 2

Continuing from my earlier post Tribes and Wilds from Gujarat

Day 11: Jamnagar

Flamingos in Gir forest-wilds in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast, visit salt pan areas and the port area where you can find greater and lesser flamingos. After an early lunch start for Narara. Start the coral walk on the beach. Here you may see the Stingray, crabs, octopus, puffer’s sea anemones, dolphins if you are lucky.

Day 12: Jamnagar – Nakhatrana

Early morning after breakfast depart for Nakhatrana, Reach nakhatrana by lunchtime take rest and afternoon depart for Nakhatrana wildlife sanctuary in Kutch. The rare ecosystem with a mix of desert, beaches hills and grassland has a lot of variety to offer. You can find striped hyenas, desert fox, porcupines, Indian civet, Indian pangolin, a variety of reptiles, venomous and non-venomous reptiles and monitor lizard and star tortoise. Chinkaras can also be found here return to resort and night halt in Nakhatrana.

Day 13: Nakhatrana

Early morning at 5: 30 AM before breakfast visit Nalia for varieties of unique birds like the Great Indian bustard is found in this region. Look around for the Black and Gray Francolin, the Spotted and Indian Sandgrouse, Quails, Larks, Shrikes, Coursers and Plovers. You can also see flocks of Indian Gazelle and wolfs spotting the entire landscape, while a drive around the sanctuary will acquaint you to the friendly nilgais. After an extensive flash of various mammals and reptiles, return to the resort by 10 AM, take breakfast and rest for the day. Night halt in Nakhatrana.

Day 14: Nakhatrana – Dhordo

The tribals with their work- tribals in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast depart for Dhordo, check in to resort freshen up and after lunch visit the white desert, Banni Region – which amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border where you will come across master craft people’ exposing their traditional art, turning out masterpieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use – will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum leaving you spellbound. Khavda – a small village, one can visit Khatrivas to see artisans printing & selling Ajrakh. The town also has skilled Leather Craftsmen and there are some shops retailing local crafts, including leather slippers. In the evening return to resort and Night halt in Dhordo.

Day 15- Dhordo

Early morning after breakfast depart for KALO DUNGAR (BLACK HILLS) – Kaladungar also known as the Black Hills, overlooks the spectacular Rann, the view from the top is a sight that one can never forget. One can spot some rare species of white foxes these beautiful, frisky animals staying in the wild respond to the call of the temple priest as he beats a steel plate yelling “langa” to suggest that food has been laid out for them. On way the back, visit some of the more important villages Niroona (Rogan Art and Bells), Hodko and Ludiya, permission is to be taken from the check post to visit this area due to its proximity to Pakistan.

cranes- Rann of Kutch-wilds of Gujarat — Cranes

Indian fox pups- wild in Gujarat — Indian Fox pups

Day 16: Dhordo – Dasada

Early morning after breakfast depart for Dasada via Bhujodi, Just 8 km southeast of Bhuj, Bhujodi is a major textile centre of Kutch, with the vast majority of the 1200 inhabitants involved in textile handicraft production. Here you can meet weavers, tie-dye artists and block printers, most of whom belong to the Vankar community. you can watch them work and depart for Dasada, reach to resort by evening and night halt in Dasada.

Sunset in Rann of Kutch- Wilds in Gujarat

Day 17: Dasada

Early morning after breakfast depart for a safari in LRK (Little Rann of Kutch), which is well-known as the remaining habitat of the endangered Indian Wild Ass, Nilgai (blue bull), the largest antelope in India can be seen during the drives. Indian Wolf, Indian and White-footed Desert Foxes, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena and Fishing Cat, and smaller mammals like hares, hedgehogs, gerbil and field mice are seen in the sanctuary. Return to resort and rest for the whole day. Night halt in Dasada.

Day 18: Dasada – Nalsarovar – Ahmedabad

In the morning after early check out of 5:00 am, departed for Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, which is mainly inhabited by migratory birds in winter and spring, it is the largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, and one of the largest in India. Which attracts over 210 species of birds in the winter, and harbours a variety of flora and fauna. Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian monsoon season. The shallow area and ponds on the outer fringes of the lake attract the wading birds that feed in the shallow waters. This migratory bird population includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks, and Herons.

After bird watching, you depart for Ahmedabad, check-in and after freshening up move out for Sightseeing around the city. First, visit Sabarmati Ashram / Gandhi Ashram. This place speaks volumes about Mahatma Gandhi as a leader, a mentor and as a person as well. Later move towards Adalaj stepwell, not very far from Gandhi Ashram. A “Stepwell” is a unique feature of dried western India. This particular stepwell is almost 600 yrs old and runs up to 5 stored below the ground. A MUST SEE for any architectural lover. Return to the hotel for a lavish traditional meal at the rooftop restaurant. Night halt in Ahmedabad.

Day 19: Last day

After breakfast, depart for Ahmedabad airport as per your time of Departure. Further journey with happy memories.

If you like this adventure tour and would like to be part of it then,

**FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT –COMPASS TOURISM

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February 22, 2017 Adventure

Tribes and wilds from Gujarat

If you like adventure, then here is a trip to the tribes and wilds of Gujarat.

Day 1: Ahmedabad to Balasinor

DINOSAUR FOSSIL PARK "RAIYOLI-BALASINOR" DIST-MAHISAGAR,GUJARAT — DINOSAUR FOSSIL PARK “RAIYOLI-BALASINOR” DIST-MAHISAGAR,GUJARAT-
Image credit- Panoramio

To begin, you need to arrive at Ahmedabad. Check-in at a hotel in Ahmedabad, freshen up, relax and in the noon, depart for Raiyoli Dinosaur Fossil Excavation Site & Balasinor Town Walk Through the Market Place – A prehistoric 65 million years old Dinosaur excavation site considered to be one of the third largest sites in the world. It is a unique experience with fossilized bones and eggs. This place was a hatchery as well as a graveyard – a one of its kind site. Raiyoli is being developed as a Jurassic Park having an interpretation centre.

Dinosaur Park, graveyard- tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Day 2: Balasinor to Chhota Udaipur

Early morning after breakfast depart for Chhota Udaipur via Champaner – The transition between Hindu and Muslim culture and architecture in the late 15th to early 16th century is documented in the park, particularly the early Islamic and pre-Mughal city that has remained without any change. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2004. After Champaner you reach Kali Niketan Palace. You can check into a hotel and freshen up to visit the tribal area with local forests, mountains, and rivers. The main tribes are the Rathwas, Bhils, Kolis and Naiks. The Rathwas being a martial race and are the major tribe in the area. Feel the culture of local tribes. The main occupation of these tribes is farming, while the Rathwas have created an art form called the Pithora paintings, which they paint using special vegetable dyes and examples of it are evident in different villages. Their pottery work is unique to this area and worth seeing. There are colourful “HAATS” (Tribal fairs), held every day in nearby villages which are the market days for the tribal’s. In the evening visit Kusum Vilas palace and Prem Bhavan palace in Chhota Udaipur, return to palace and night halt in Chhota Udaipur.

Tribal art in Gujarat- tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Day 3: Chhota Udaipur

Sloth bear Ratan Mahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary -tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast depart for Chhota Udaipur via Ratan Mahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary spread across 56 sqr km. Ratan mahal on the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border is the only exclusive sloth bear sanctuary in Gujarat. And sloth bears are just part of the attraction: nature fulfils herself in many other ways; the River Panam crisscrosses beautiful small hamlets on the foothills of this sanctuary covered with lush green and thick woods full of natural goodness. Some of the animals found are sloth bears, panthers, large-size monkeys, jackals, antelopes, and hyenas, besides other numerous jungle cats, foxes, honey badgers, hare, porcupines, and reptiles. Over 120 different varieties of birds can also be spotted. Depart for Chhota Udaipur and Night halt in Kali Niketan palace.

Chota Udaipur- Gujarat- Tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Day 4: Chhota Udaipur to Saputara

Early morning after breakfast depart for Saputara. Check into the hotel, freshen up and visit GANDHI SHIKHAR, Saputara Tribal Museum, Honey Bee centre and in the evening free time for boating in Lake and Boating Club. Return to hotel and night halt in Saputara.

Day 5: Saputara – Dang – Saputara

Early morning after breakfast depart for Dang, Engage into any of these routine activities: Milking cattle, Breaking shell of the paddy by traditional way, making floor using chakki (a pair of cylindrical stone), Dung Flooring, Bamboo artwork, Chopping wood, etc. See the tools of traditional hunting (the tribes have stopped hunting now since they have started realizing the importance of showcasing wildlife in natural habitat as a tool for generating income. Participate in the preparation of authentic organic dinner with tribes (learn insights of making food in a traditional way). Return to Saputara and Night halt in Saputara.

Day 6: Saputara – Dang – Vadodara

Early morning after breakfast depart for Baroda via Dang. In Dang, take a walk to Forest Trek – Tribes will showcase forest resources used for their living. Plant a Tree or Water to the plantation done for conserving the forest and get a chance to see the wildlife into the natural habitat. Realize the importance of Sustainable living by going through the living habits of tribes – Use of Fish Tank (to avoid mosquitoes), The Organic way of Preserving Grains, Organic Farming Techniques, Conditions in Wedding, etc. In the noon depart for Baroda (288km driving), Night halt in Vadodara

Day 7: Vadodara – Lothal – Velavadar

Lothal, important sites of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation excavated in India.- tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Early morning after breakfast depart for Velavadar, via Lothal – it is one of the most important sites of the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation excavated in India. The site and the museum offers an interesting insight into the town planning, industries and trade of Lothal when it was at its peak from 2400-1600 BC. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except for Fridays. After Lothal sightseeing depart for Velavadar, check in to hotel freshen up and after dinner night halt in Velavadar

Day 8: Velavadar – Gir Forest

The Blackbuck, tribes and wilds of Gujarat — The Blackbuck is capable of achieving high speeds when leaping over the plains of Velavadar.

Early morning after breakfast visit Velavadar National Park for blackbuck safari, which has India’s largest population of Blackbuck, the elegant Indian antelope. One of the fastest mammals in the world, the Blackbuck is capable of achieving high speeds when leaping over the plains of Velavadar. India’s largest antelope, the Nilgai or Blue Bull, is easily seen in this national park. You may also hope to spot the endangered Indian Grey Wolf, the nocturnal Striped Hyena, Indian Fox, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat and many small mammals like the hare, gerbil, field mice, mongoose, and hedgehog. After the safari, depart for Sasan Gir (235km Driving), Check into the hotel, freshen up and night halt in Gir.

Children enjoying at the sanctuary- tribes and wilds in Gujarat

At the Gir forest- tribes and wilds in Gujarat

Day 9: Gir Forest

Lion safari at Gir Forest-tribes and wilds in Gujarat — Image credit- Vijay Cavale

Early morning after breakfast depart for LION SAFARI in Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary which is famous for Asiatic lions and it comprises 1412 sqr km of deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, shrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills. Fed by perennial and seasonal rivers and streams, the sanctuary has large water bodies like the Kamleshwar Dam that are good for crocodiles and birds. In the evening return to the resort and free time for bird watching in Resort. Night halt in Gir.

Day 10: Sasan Gir – Jamnagar

Early morning after breakfast depart for Jamnagar, Check into the hotel and refresh after lunch by 3: 30 in the noon, depart for the Khijadiya bird sanctuary where you can find storks, ducks, and many migratory birds till sunset, return to hotel and night halt in Jamnagar.

To be continued…

Tribes and Wilds in Gujarat- Part 2

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February 20, 2017 Lifestyle

Six Important Ways To Maximize Your Hotel Staycation

6 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOTEL STAYCATION

Frequent travelers from all around the globe are fond of taking either cheap hostels, inns or going for couchsurfing in many different countries. It’s cheaper and more practical but if ever you try to have a stay at a beautiful hotel then you have to know a lot of things especially if you are not a recurrent guest of any hotels from all over the world.

It is not known to many that there are other ways to maximize a stay at a hotel. A lot of people go to hotels to enjoy and relax but they’re missing the point of living like the celebrities we all look up to. Hotels have a lot of secret perks and advantages that not everyone is aware of. If you want to level-up your overnight stay or three-day stay then you are totally on the right page. Here are the six fun ways that you can follow in order to fully maximize your hotel staycation:

Here are the six fun ways that you can follow in order to fully maximize your hotel staycation:

Request new bedsheets in staycation — (photo source: P i n i n g . c o)

Request for new bed sheets, pillow covers and the like.

This is very important. If you are conscious and you care about cleanliness then you may ask the staff to replace your bed sheets with new ones. It is important that you are comfortable and contented with your bed in order for you to sleep well and soundly.

Take selfie during a hotel staycation — (photo source: http://www.70-130.com)

Take photos!

Yes. Make the most out of everything. Hotels are really attractive and appealing and it would be great if you could fill your phone with photos from different parts of your room. Always remember that you paid for your stay so it is your right to maximize everything and feel at home as well.

Facilities in hotel staycation — (photo source: WordPress.com)

Use ALL their facilities.

If you really want to make the most out of your hotel staycation then you should use ALL their facilities. Yes! In most cases, hotel facilities like swimming pool, spa, gym and the like are FREE for all those who checked-in. It is really one of the things that you should look forward to as a guest. It is only in rare occasions that hotels are collecting fees from their facilities.

Make use of light in a hotel staycation — photo source: London Hotels Insight

Make use of the lights inside the room.

Wanna get that good lighting for your photos? Well, you must make use of the lights inside your hotel room. There are different buttons inside your room which leads to opening up different tones and moods of lights. You may also opt for full on lighting by opening up all the lights so you will be selfie-ready!

Watching TV during a hotel staycation — (photo source: www.geeksofdoom.com)

Watch the TV.

A lot of people are only staying in hotels to have a place where they could leave their things and other stuff. Here’s a tip: watch the tv. It’s part of your expenses and you should not take it for granted. Usually, in hotels, there are big LED TVs that are great in sight and has awesome visuals so you should really try staying in your hotel room and watch movies.

Use Toiletries during hotel staycation — (photo source: www.frbiz.com)

Take home the toiletries.

Lastly, take home the toiletries from your hotel room. No, it’s not stealing because you actually paid for them. It’s actually one of the perks of booking a hotel room. A lot of people are paranoid and scared that if they bring home the shampoos, tissues, soaps, body gels and the like, they might be caught by the hotel staff but you actually don’t have to worry. Again, you paid for those things so you better grab them before you check out from your hotel.

There is really more to hotels than just staying there to relax and unwind. You have to be wise, aware and alert of your surroundings so that you can maximize and make the most out of your wonderful staycation. Another tip: you have to know the details about your hotel because you can’t just book without knowing the inclusions that you will get from staying there. Be mindful and always get information from the concierge or hotel staff. It doesn’t really matter if you’re just there for an overnight stay or for a long period of time, what matters is that you know your right as a customer or guest.

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