Friday, November 28, 2008

Boracay Island Resort in Philippines

I was captivated by several respected travel magazines claiming that Boracay island resort in the Philippines has one of the best beaches in the world, I wasted no time in traveling to this island resort to experience what many claimed is a tropical island paradise.

Boracay is a lush tropical tourist resort island about 200 miles south of Philippine's capital Manila and is about slightly more than a mile off the northwest of Panay in the West Visayas province. Because of its acclaimed publicity of being home to some of the best beaches in the world, Boracay island resort is naturally one of the Philippine's most popular tourist attraction.

The island is made up by the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak and is under the administration of the Philippine Tourism Authority. A barangay is also known by its former name, the barrio and is the smallest local government unit in Philippines. The word is a Tagalog term for a village or constituency.

Boracay island was originally the home of the Ati tribe before it became a major tourist attraction. Not surprisingly, the word Boracay is derived from words Bora which means 'bubble' and Bukay means 'white sand'. However, the sand on the main island is not as white as I have expected due to too many tourists and pollutions. Then again, if you visit some of the nearby islands and you will be fascinated by how white the sands on the beaches can be.

Boracay is part of Aklan Province and it was only in the 1970s that tourism industry started to develop. The main tourism beaches on the island are the White Beach and the Bulabog Beach both of which are located on diametrically opposite sides of the island's central area with the White Beach facing towards the west and Bulabog Beach facing east. Of course, Boracay also have several other beaches as well.

White Beach is well known for its white powdery sand and hence its name. The beach is slightly over 4 km long (2 miles) and is populated with numerous beach resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops catering to the needs of tourists staying in the area.

Incidentally, Boracay has more than 300 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging from stylish five-star hotels and resorts to budget accommodations for backpackers. Golfers will be delighted to know that Boracay is home to a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course.

Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach is a secondary tourism beach. This beach is a favorite location for windsurfing and kiteboarding because of its seasonal strong winds for these activities.

When is the best time to visit Boracay? Well, you can visit Boracay anytime, however some visitors may wish to visit the island resort for different purposes.

Catch the spectacular world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival in January. This festival is Philippine's version of the Mardi Gras which is celebrated on the third week of every January.

If you just want to enjoy the beaches and the sea, then visit Boracay during the 'Amihan' season. This is during northeast monsoon season in the months of March to May when trade wind is at its strongest which is very suitable for activities like sailing, big game fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing and kite-boarding.

The months of June to September are considered off-peak season, however budget conscious tourists and backpackers consider this as the best time to visit Boracay as prices for everything are at its lowest and there are few competition for that precious white sand beach turf to plonk yourself on to enjoy the sun.

October marks the beginning of another peak season. As from October to December, the weather is cool and major sports events are usually held at this time of the year.

If you are thinking of taking a vacation holiday in the Philippines, do head for the tropical paradise island of Boracay.

About the Author: Chris Chew is an avid traveler and owns a website describing tourist attractions in Asia at Phillipines Tourist Information and Tour Travel Japan

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Ten Wonderful Things To Do In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Asia. This country is known for its wonderful shopping experience as well as modern way of living. If you are going to visit Hong Kong, prepare yourself for a wonderful blending of Western and Eastern cultures.

1.) Visit Repulse Bay

So far, this is Hong Kong’s most famous beach. Here, you will get to see the Chinese Pavilion that is home to statues of the traditional Chinese gods. This is also a wonderful place if you want to have a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in Hong Kong sights and sounds.

2.) Visit Stanley Village

This is a very popular seaside village, and many tourists flock here yearly. You can find here a very trendy shopping center as well as the infamous Stanley Market where you can find lots of bargain items. This is also a good place for you to buy your souvenirs.

3.) Ride the Peak Tram

This is the best way if you want to reach the area called the Peak. Once you are in the Peak Tram, prepare yourself for the dizzying sights below and enjoy the seven-minute ride to the top. If you are afraid of heights though, this ride is not for you.

4.) Victoria Peak

This is where your Peak Tram ride ends. Once you reach Victoria Peak, be enthralled at the wonderful sight of the city below, especially if you visit Victoria Peak at night when Hong Kong city lights are brightly shining. You can also find excellent restaurants here, and what better way to enjoy dinner than having a beautiful sight at the same time?

5.) Party in SoHo

If you want the best of the modern world, then come to SoHo. In this place, you will surely enjoy the many international restaurants and bars that are located here as well as the shops. Be prepared for the night of your life here.

6.) Ride the Ngong Ping 360

Like the Peak Tram, this is not for those who are afraid of heights, but to those who are not, then be prepared for this beautiful cable car ride towards the Giant Buddha. During this ride, you will get fabulous 360-degree views of Hong Kong’s rugged terrain and the sea. The wonderful sight of the fertile valley below is truly something.

7.) Visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha

Your ride on the Ngong Ping will take you to these two tourist attractions. Here, you will get the chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy its unique structure. Plus, you will also be fascinated by the seated Giant Buddha.

8.) Take a Walk on the Wisdom Path

This is surely something that a tourist must do when in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. This is also called the Heart Sutra. Here, you will see wooden pillars where the prayers are written, and what is interesting about it is that the pillars are arranged in the infinity symbol.

9.) Visit the Tai O Fishing Village

For a firsthand experience of Hong Kong culture, visit the fishing village of Tai O. You will surely become fascinated with the houses that are built on stilts along the creek. The families who live here are said to be direct descendants of the first settlers of Hong Kong and are called the Hanka People.

10.) Enjoy Causeway Bay

If SoHo is not enough for you, then you must definitely visit Causeway Bay. Here, you will definitely enjoy its malls as well as little shops and boutiques. If you want more bargain items, then definitely go to Causeway Bay’s street markets.

About the Author: Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/hongkong to view or share Hong Kong travel videos.

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Friday, November 14, 2008

Retire Overseas: The Best Places To Retire In Asia

Choosing a place to serve as a retirement home is always a major decision for anyone. The right decision can lead to years of contentment, and a wrong one can be costly. In order to make the right decision, one needs to gather information about the various options before settling on one.

Here are some of the criteria you should consider when considering a retirement location:

Job Outlook - Since many people work at least part time after retirement, availability of jobs is required in the desired place.

Recreation - Shopping and sport events, access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to walking and hiking.

Cost Of Living - It should be affordable; preferably less than the cost of living in the U.S.

Education - Good public education should be available since many will want to take advantage of continuing education. A scope of higher education should be available for the retiree in order to pursue a new career.

Travel - It should be well connected to the other cities and towns and be easily accessible.

Public Transportation - Transportation such as buses, taxis, trains and planes should be easily available, comfortable and low in cost.

Climate And Weather - this is a major factor that needs to be borne in mind while selecting a place for retirement.

Medical Care - Proximity to comprehensive, well-recognized health care facilities is a major factor to be considered when choosing a place to retire.

Food - A variety of food of all regions should be easily available at a reasonable cost.

If your budget and schedule permits, you should try living in the place of your choice before actually investing in any property. Local community rules should also be read carefully and understood before investing in any property in a foreign country.

Consider Asia in your Retirement Location Choices

Asia is a great retirement option for those seeking affordable yet comfortable living, without compromising on natural beauty, entertainment and great food. The largest of the seven continents, Asia is home to numerous countries, which vary in geographical form, from islands and peninsulas to plateaus and mountains. To top it all off, the continent is home to some of the world's most hospitable people, making it a perfect place to retire.

Below are some of the best places to retire in Asia:

Malaysia

Malaysia is blessed with a pleasant, warm climate, inviting shorelines of white sands skirted by crystal clear waters. Lots of public and private hospitals, recreational/entertainment facilities and developed and quality education system are also available.

Thailand

Thailand’s reputation as a holiday paradise and an exotic, colorful and easygoing country is well deserved. To add to this, Thailand has a sophisticated and modern culture, fantastic sceneries, cheap shopping options, wonderful food and great nightlife.

The Philippines

The Philippines are comprised of over 7,000 islands, with clear blue waters, white sand beaches and coconut palm trees. The climate is moderately warm all year. Day to day expenses are low, living is easy and the people are warm, friendly and helpful.

Laos

Located in Southeast Asia, the tiny country of Laos is also a great retirement option for those looking for something different. The culture, lifestyle and mannerism of the people of Laos is greatly influenced by the Buddhist religion.

India

India The country is rich in culture and traditions, the effect of which is clearly visible on its people who have distinctive manners, habits, and cuisine, relative to their specific geographical location.

These places offer just a minor glimpse into what Asia really has to offer. Varied landscapes, lifestyles, cultures and cuisines are just a few of the attractions that the continent boasts of. From a retiree's point of view, the significantly lower cost of living leads to a relaxed and tension-free life.

Copyright by Best Places to Retire and Alex R Valdivia

This article may be used freely in ezines, newsletters, websites, to offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, active links and this resource box is included.

About the Author: Alex R Valdivia offers detailed reviews on some of the best places to retire in Asia where you can live comfortably even on a small pension or retirement savings. Visit today and find your ideal retirement location.

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Saturday, November 8, 2008

Holiday Beach Resorts In Malaysia

Malaysia is a small tropical country in South East Asia and just like many South East Asian countries, Malaysia have several fabulous beach resorts for tourists who wants to get away from the city to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. This article will introduce some of the more popular beach resorts in Malaysia.

Pangkor Island Beach Resort - Pangkor Island Beach Resort is located on, where else but on the Malaysian island of Pangkor. The island resort is in West Malaysia and is surrounded by 73 acres of lush tropical rainforest and excellent marine life with a 1.2 km of white sandy beach with crystal clear water, excellent for all sea sports especially scuba diving.

The resort is designed with traditional low rise Malay architecture and comes with 258 guest rooms, suites and a cluster of villas. The villa cluster looks like a traditional Malay village with the sea front right on its doorstep. Each of these luxurious villas offer commanding view of the sea and is furnished with a large day bed fringing the bay windows, deep sunken bath and an oversized outdoor shower, surrounded by lush tropical greeneries.

Guests can even pamper themselves at Aryani Malaysian Spa after a tiring day of playing in the sun and the sea. There are also several tourist attractions on the Pangkor Island where you can visit and be enthralled by the local culture and villages. The island is also home to the magnificent Hornbills.

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort - Pulau Langkawi is an island cluster located on the north western shore of West Malaysia in state of Kedah. This island cluster is a very popular tourist attraction and is home to numerous fabulous beach resorts. For the purpose of this article, we shall just cover the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort.

This resort is nestled amidst 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical foliages along private beach coves and is only a 10 minute ride from the Langkawi International Airport. Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has a total of 238 spacious guest rooms including 20 suites. All rooms comes with full-length French doors which open onto private balconies.

Superior rooms offer a traditional wooden interior in the style of traditional Malaysian architecture. Sea Facing Jacuzzi rooms come with the splendid view of the Andaman Sea with a Jacuzzi bath tub in the bathroom. The resort's swimming pool overlooks the Andaman sea and so is it any wonder why it is called the infinite pool?

This resort is nestled amidst 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical foliages along private beach coves and is only a 10 minute ride from the Langkawi International Airport. Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has a total of 238 spacious guest rooms including 20 suites. All rooms come with full-length French doors which open onto private balconies.

Superior rooms offer a traditional wooden interior in the style of traditional Malaysian architecture. Sea Facing Jacuzzi rooms come with the splendid view of the Andaman Sea with a Jacuzzi bath tub in the bathroom. The resort's swimming pool overlooks the Andaman Sea and so is it any wonder why it is called the infinite pool?

If you are a flora and fauna lover, you can spend some time exploring the tropical rainforest which is home to the Hornbills, Dusky Leaf Monkeys and Flying Lemurs.

Sheraton Langkawi is also home to Chime, Langkawi's hottest night spot. Guests can savor Asian delicacies at the Spice Trader or dine under the glimmering stars at the Captain's Grill. There is also a spa and a gym.

Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort - Berjaya group's Tioman Beach Resort and golf course is located in the state of Pahang. The island lies in the South China Sea.

Tioman Island is hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in South East Asia was catapulted to world fame by James Michener's Bali Hai Hollywood classic 'South Pacific' movie in 1958. Blessed with miles and miles of exotic palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, misty mountains and lush tropical rainforest, Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort is the ideal spot for launching into days of leisure and recreational pursuits.

Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers 361 style chalets and luxurious suites spread over 200 acres with its own 18 hole international championship golf course.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choices with the resort's nine dining outlets serving a wide array of local and international cuisines. Guests can enjoy amongst other things besides water sports like scuba diving and big game fishing such as taking donkey rides, jungle tracking, white water rafting or taking refreshing dips in some of the waterfalls. There is also a pond where wild giant lumbering iguanas (giant lizards) gathered regularly to be fed.

Pulau Redang Beach Resort - Pulau Redang Island is a collective grouping of 8 islands. The Redang Beach Resort is located at Pasir Panjang on Redang main island. The resort stretches across a pristine white sandy beach and is easily accessible to the nearby coral gardens.

Redang Beach Resort offers 120 chalets with standard and deluxe rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilets and bathrooms.

This resort is very popular with scuba divers and from first hand experience, the dive sites in Redang are simply fabulous! Divers will experience the sensation of swimming amongst the myriads of colorful fishes, encounter the vast beds of exotic corals and bright sponges. Play with the shy clown fish hiding in between the tentacles of the sea anemones and if you are lucky, you may even swim with the green and hawksbill turtles that frequent these waters. The majestic manta rays, adorable dolphins and the occasional sharks are common sightings.

Alternatively, guests can spend the day trekking the many jungle trails around the island or enjoy a game of beach volleyball.

The above are just some of the more popular and good beach resorts in Malaysia. There are many more of such beach resorts in Malaysia which are just as good and fun!

About the Author: Chris Chew is an avid traveler and you can read more of his travel articles at Tokyo Tourist Attractions Guide and
Tour Russia Attractions Guide



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Monday, November 3, 2008

Finding the Best Hotels of Asia

By Jon Caldwell

Disini Luxury Spa Villas is located in Seminyak, Bali. It is known for its heavenly atmosphere and the outstanding service of the staff and crew. They will definitely make you feel at home. It is just minutes away from the Sunset Beach. Not only that! Art galleries, fashion boutiques and dining venues that are considered as world class are just walking distance away from Disini.

Disini Luxury Spa Villas has a total of 22 units for their guests. There is a breakfast area where they serve the most delicious morning meals. Local restaurants are also around the place. The Spa is the pride of the hotel.

Taj Exotica Bentota is the best resort in one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. It is 90 km from the airport and 7km to the city center. The hotel has first class facilities that have freshwater pool, good restaurants and a state-of-the-art gymnasium and health club. The stylish rooms overlook either the Indian Ocean or the beautifully landscaped gardens. All rooms have large bay windows and balconies and offer 24 hour room service.

You can enjoy the best of local and international foods in two restaurants of Taj Exotica Bentota. There is also a coffee shop and a bar located at the poolside.

Ascott Manila Hotel is located in Makati, the business central of Metro Manila. It is surrounded by business, entertainment and shopping centers. Some of the major attractions of Metro Manila include the Ayala Museum, Filipinas Heritage Library, Singapore Embassy and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Ascott Manila Hotel has a total of 306 rooms that has its own kitchen and it also comes with some amenities that will surely make your stay very memorable.

A continental breakfast is served in the morning. The restaurant serves excellent dishes for you to feast on. The lounge is the coolest place to relax. The hotel also has rooms designed for important meetings and conferences. They also have a state-of-the art gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis court and spa.

The most popular destination for both business and leisure travelers in Cebu is the Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa. It is located just 10 minutes drive from the airport and is a 30-minute drive from the International Convention Centre, shops, 24-hour casinos and nightlife.

The rooms of Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa are luxurious and the units are designed to please the visitors.

If you are fond of European and Asian foods, better check the restaurant. Tapa is also their main attraction. You can enjoy the sunset with your one and only from the Sapphire Pool and Bar. Enjoy drinking and eating with your family and friends while overlooking at the big pool.

Located in the shores of the popular white sand beaches, Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort is popularly known as the most relaxing place in the coastline of Maribago. If you want to stay in a place that is in touch with nature yet it is also modern, then this is the perfect place for you.

Maribago Blue Water Beach Resorts has 132 rooms for guest accommodations. Each of the rooms are properly furnished as they aim to give their guest a relaxing and comfortable experience. You can easily view the gardens from the room windows. The place is also popularly known for its restaurant called Allegro, which serves local and international specialties for you to feast on.

About the Author: Jon Caldwell is a professional content manager. Much of his articles can be found at http://tophotelsinasia.com

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