Let’s Visit Asia

Last year, I wrote about travelling with a toddler in tow. In just a few more days, I’ll be in the same boat (er, airplane), this time with a 3-and-a half year old pre-schooler. I’m kicking myself for not listening to my own blog and not booking with Gulf Air. Apparently, aside from the Sky Nanny, Gulf Air is also offering goodies for kids on board to help them keep busy and make an otherwise boring flight more enjoyable.
The goodies, available on long and medium-haul flights, come in two types of packages to suit two age groups of children, those …read more

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Yikes, I actually thought that the Petronas Twin Towers is/are (?) still the world’s tallest building, until I read this article on Taipei travel from New York Times.
At 1,671 feet and 101 levels, Taipei 101 is a definite must-see.
A trip to the 89th floor costs 350 Taiwan dollars, a waltz around the 91st-floor observation deck is another 100 Taiwan dollars; children under 3 feet 3 inches tall get in free. Agoraphobics may wish to wander the high-end mall on the lower floors.
The article is a great read, especially for those headed for the Taiwan capital. It even lists down …read more

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Bali is, hands down, Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination. But for those who prefer to go off the beaten track and explore something “more Indonesian”, culturally speaking, East Java is waiting. James Trotta suggests a travel plan and recommends 10 things to do in East Java.
I am particularly interested in his 4th and 7th tips:

4) Drive to Mount Bromo’s lookout point and marvel at the sunrise greeting the three volcanoes of the Tengger massif and the vast caldera or “sand-sea.” The sand-sea is precisely what the name says it is, the sand is actually composed of volcanic ash. The formation …read more

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Twenty years ago today, the Philippines turned heads internationally, and gave meaning to the words “People Power” as the public joined forces to overturn the two decades-long Marcos dictatorship.
As I make the last plans for my trip to Manila, Iimagine my dismay to get wind of the turmoil developing in the country. As of writing, the country is placed under a state of national emergency (President Arroyo is careful not to call it “Martial Law”).
Well, my tickets are booked and though these news makes me nervous, I can’t very well back out of my travel plans.
Wish me a …read more

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For all the praises I’ve given Asian budget airlines, I’m starting to get wary of their promos. Tiger Airways is slashing 50% off tickets for March flights, if you book now until end of February. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The words SALE and DISCOUNT is enough to make any shopaholic’s eyes bulge and get a -clickin’.
So what’s my problem? The thing is, two days ago, I was browsing for airfares from Manila to Singapore and saw that a return flight for me and my son would cost a total of about $220. Fine. I probably should have booked right there …read more

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With the advent of budget airlines in Asia, it’s only expected that travel within the continent will boom. And why not, with rock-bottom airfares, with a little planning, you’ll be able to see more of Asia for less. What once seemed such a big hassle and expense now hardly puts a dent to the budget. If you’re lucky to get hold of a ticket during promo periods, an impromptu shopping trip to Hongkong or a weekend getaway in Phuket seems all so viable. Also, thanks to budget airlines, more and more cities, especially those which are not serviced by major …read more

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I’ve often gushed how cheap hotel rates in Asia are. Well, just to make a concrete example, how much would you budget for a 5-star hotel in say, Phuket?
Well, you can have this room for just $55 if you stay anytime from June to December 2006. Otherwise, it’d be $99, or $77 in May.
Wherelse can you find such a deal? If not the rates, the location will be hard to beat: The Twin Palms Hotel is just next to the “millionaires’ cove”, an outstanding stretch of magnificent Phuket beachfront.
Check it out!

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When I was visiting the temples in Bangkok, my Thai friend-cum-tourguide told me to make sure that upon entry to the temples, my feet should never at any time point toward the altars. Apparently, that’s considered very rude, and that’s one tip I’ve never forgotten ever since.
What I didn’t know was that the same reverence applies to the royalty. Melissa over at the Escape Blog points out that it does, including to images of the royalty on Thai currency.
If that isn’t enough to show you just how respected Thai royalties are, how about getting stuck in Bangkok traffic due …read more

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Get your fill and be the judge. Hundreds of films from international producers will compete at the Bangkok International Film Festival which will be held on Feb 17-27, 2006 at the Siam Paragon. This year’s festival will honor Catherine Deneuve with the 2006 Golden Kinnaree Career Achievement Award during the Award Gala on Friday, February 24th.
Craig Prater, Executive Director of the Bangkok International Film
Festival, stated, “We are extremely pleased to have Ms. Deneuve join us this year. Her impressive career brings a new level of excellence to the festival and her presence in Bangkok will surely be one of this …read more

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Conde Nast Traveller unveils this year’s winner of it’s Spa Awards. The winner, with a score of 98.18%: India’s Sereno Spa, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa.

Designed by famed resort architect Simeon Halstead, landscaped by Peter Imrik of Napa and interiors by Don Simbieda, the resort brilliantly blends elegance with drama to recreate the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere of a small Goan village. To the discerning traveller, Park Hyatt Goa redefines comfort and attentive service with luxuriously designed accommodation, and for spa enthusiasts the resort is the ultimate sanctuary for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Other Asian Spa Resorts which made it …read more

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