Let’s Visit Asia

Happy Halloween! Mary Jo at Flyaway Cafe compiled all the Halloween-related posts in the B5 Travel and Culture Channel; have a look at how this festivity is celebrated all over the world.
Although Halloween is also being observed in some parts of Asia, it is not a “real tradition” but merely in the context of American pop culture. In China and Chinese communities, however, its equivalent is the Ghost Festival:
In Chinese tradition, the thirteen day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar (Buddhist rituals are held on the fourteen day) is called Ghost Day and the seventh month in general …read more

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This 12-storey building in Osaka, Japan is not ordinary architectural curiosity.

This building houses namBa H!PS entertainment inside, and on the outside, that structure which looks like a musical instrument is Japan’s first building-mounted free-fall amusement ride, called Yabafo.
If thrill rides are your thing, you’ll have to try this one. Enjoy a panoramic city view at 74 m above the ground before the carriage plummets 60 meters down the side of the building at a speed of 22 meters per second.
Yabafo is expected to open in December.
Hat Tip: Pink Tentacle

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Here’s a good primer for those planning on visiting the Philippines, especially those coming from the US. It’s the first of series, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next part.
The Philippines is a less popular destination in comparison to its other Southeast Asian neighbors. While some hotspots like Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Davao, and the Banaue region are relatively well-prepared to welcome tourists, other local destinations are out-of-reach to the novice traveler not prepared to go the extra mile to discover hidden gems. Domestic travel can be quite tedious and tiresome, maps are non-applicable in large areas, and if you’re the type …read more

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Phi Phi Island in Thailand is one of Glam’s picks for the World’s Top 8 Beaches.

Surrounded by rugged freestanding rock cliffs jutting skyward from the ocean, this tiny island, with its secluded, lush beach backdrop, is so astoundingly beautiful, it was the setting for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Phi Phi Island was also one of the areas most devastated by the Tsunami in 2004, but has since bounced back almost to its former beauty. Phi Phi Island is accessible by ferry from Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta (during high season). If you’re flying in via Bangkok, you might want to …read more

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Now, I don’t claim to be a techno-geek; to the contrary, I consider myself to be a techno-apathetic. I couldn’t care less what model I have for a mobile phone, as long as it can call, and send/receive sms. I don’t use it that much, and I’m one of those people who sometimes have to use the landline to call their own mobile phones because they have no idea where it was.
Overseas travellers, however, particularly those who travel on business, need much more sophisticated gadgets. You’ll want a phone which you can use not just locally, but also in your …read more

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The first commercial flight of the Singapore Airlines A380 touched down in Sydney today, marking an awesome milestone in aviation history!
Some trivia to remember this flight by:

Youngest passenger: 10 month-old Singaporean Quek Pin Liang
Most expensive ticket: $US100,000 for a Suite, paid by Sydney resident Brit Julian Hayward
The passengers represent 35 different nationalities, with the largest group being Australians (28%), then Singaporeans (14%), Britons (11%) and Americans (8%). Those who have come furthest for the first flight are 4 Norwegians.

More trivia from the Singapore Airlines A380 website. The Sydney Morning Herald also made a photo slideshow of the highlights of …read more

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When the temperatures start to drop on the northern hemisphere, most foreign visitors to Asia will be heading out to the beaches, to bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical climate. But for regional tourists who perhaps want a reprieve from the sweltering year-round heat, you don’t have to fly so far to another continent just to see the colors of autumn and catch snow flakes.
The autumn months are considered to be the best times to visit Japan, for example. Between September and November, there are a lot of fall festivals all throughout Japan. If you’re after viewing the …read more

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My heartfelt condolences to the casualties of the blast in a shopping mall in Manila, Philippines last week. As of writing, it is still uncertain whether the blasts have been accidental or due to bomb explosions.
Just as I was starting to build confidence in the security in the Philippines to the point of even considering a vacation in the southern islands, such jarring news comes.
Inquirer is keeping an updated special feature blog of the developments in the Glorietta blasts.

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If you find yourself in Singapore on Nov 11, 2007, don’t miss the Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2007. Unlike the usual marathon, this is not a challenge purely of distance travelled over time. The race will be up the 73 floors and 1,336 steps to the peak of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel, the Swissôtel The Stamford.
This event is on its 20th year since it first started and a Guiness Book of World Records was set by Mr Balvinder Singh in 1989 at 6min 55secs. Feel the challenge? If you feel up to it, then why remain a spectator? Register by noon …read more

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Tiger Airways is giving 50% off fares to more than 10 destinations in the region for travel in Jan and Feb 2008. As usual, the catch is, you have to book quck… like now, before Oct 28, 2007. Go and log on to Tiger Airways and check seat availability. Go and book immediately if you see one that fits your sched, as these promo seats go fast!
Too bad it’s not offering it for the Singapore-Manila stretch; since this leg has proven to be impossible to get during the Christmas season, I was thinking of flying early next year. Oh …read more

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