Malaysia Tourism

June 5th, 2007

Malaysia is a wonderful vacation destination as it is a beautiful country where you will be sure to find much excitement and pleasure. There are a number of places to visit especially if you are the kind of person who loves sightseeing. There are also many places that you can visit just for relaxation. In any case, Malaysia is a nature lover’s paradise and it has the best beaches, tropical islands as well as wild jungles and unforgettable caves. Once you experience this natural beauty, you won’t ever want to leave Malaysia as it will make your heart flutter and your senses tingle.

The center of all activity is really its capital city that is known as Kuala Lumpur, though tourists often ignore this destination and concentrate on other places that are simply breathtaking as well. However, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens are ample proof that even the cities and more specially the capital of Malaysia have much to offer and enjoy.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

You will also find many attractive eating and shopping opportunities and of course, once you leave the capital you will find the magnificent caves as well as parks worth your while. Take for example, the Batu Caves laying north of Kuala Lumpur which will of course require that you first climb two hundred and seventy two steps to get there and which houses the Hindu Shrine of Lord Subramanian to be a very moving experience indeed.

Another attractive place to visit is the Templar Park that is a natural rainforest full of beauty consisting of jungle paths, waterfalls as well as swimming lagoons all contained within the perimeter of the Park that will certainly enchant all who come here.

All in all, there is little doubt that Malaysia is the place where you should plan your next vacation as you will find it to be exotic which is why it is now becoming a mainstream tourist destination for people from all across the world. There is something for everyone including those who come to the vibrant capital as well as those visiting the idyllic beaches of the world famous Langkawi region. Malaysia is also well known for its diversity and is a veritable melting pot of many different cultures that also has a very appealing cuisine as well as provides warmth of hospitality.

There is something for everyone that visits the other quaint islands that are just a stone’s throw from the coast of Malaysia such as the well developed and big islands of Penang and Langkawi where you will find the beaches especially appealing; more so for the surfing enthusiast. The weather is sunny throughout the year with a very minor change in weather during the year. From the pulsating life of Kuala Lumpur to the exotic wilderness that is ideal for jungle trekking in untouched rainforests, there is certainly much on offer for those who come to Malaysia seeking peace, excitement and relaxation.

Sri Lanka Tourism

June 5th, 2007

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka as it is popularly known today was also known as Ceylon prior to 1972 and is a wonderful island nation that is situated in the South of Asia just thirty-one kilometers from the southernmost tip of India. In ancient times it was also called Heladiva and now it boasts of a population of over twenty million people. This island nation is of strategic military importance as it links West Asia with South East Asia.

Colombo Sri Lanka

The major religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism that has been part of its culture from ancient times and today this country boasts of a diverse religious as well as is multi-ethnic population with a fifth of the population following other religions including Hinduism, Christianity as well as Islam. Almost three fourths of the population is Sinhalese and there are also many Tamils, though they are mostly concentrated in the north as well as east of Sri Lanka and are the single largest ethnic minority in the country.

Sri Lankan tea is famous throughout the world and there is also plenty of wonderful coffee, rubber as well as coconuts produced here and the economy is generally progressive as well as modern. With many beautiful tropical forests as well as inviting beaches and undulating landscapes, it is little wonder that Sri Lanka also has a thriving tourist industry being a world famous tourist destination for many thousands of visitors each year.

Once a kingdom, Sri Lanka has also been colonized by Portuguese as well as Dutch people towards the beginning of the sixteenth century until the British took control of the island in 1815. It was an important base used by Allied Forces during World War II. Later, there was a nationalist movement during the early twentieth century that sought for political independence that was eventually granted by the British in 1948.

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka lies southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea. The Gulf of Mannar as well as the Palk Strait separates it from India. However, in Hindu mythology there was supposed to have been a land bridge between mainland India that was given the name Rama’s Bridge that was supposed to have been built by Nala who was a vanara architect. This bridge also goes by the name of Adam’s Bridge though now it is nothing but a chain of shoals made of limestone that is barely visible above sea level.

The climate of Sri Lanka is mainly tropical and the weather here is pretty hot though there are also ocean winds that help moderate the climate and it can get especially moist as well. The capital of modern day Sri Lanka is Colombo that is home to the government which is essentially democratic and socialist in outlook. The government is a mix of the presidential and parliamentary system with the President of Sri Lanka being the head of state, the commander in chief of the armed forces and also heads the government.

Jamaica Holidays

June 2nd, 2007

For long, we have known of Jamaica as being a popular destination that attracts many romantically inclined couples that want to honeymoon as well as getaway from their busy lives, and it also attracts people regardless of their age who are looking for an ideal holiday destination where to relax as well as go sightseeing. Of late, Jamaica has also seen a growing number of families wending their way to this Caribbean Island in search for something different as well as more enjoyable.

    The Island of Jamaica is among the largest of the Caribbean Islands and stretches for more than one hundred miles from its eastern point to the western end and has many mountain ranges in between that cover the rest of the island while reaching heights of more than seven thousand feet in the east, where are found the highest peaks. Jamaica has for long attracted many tourists and has always been a popular destination that has seen tourists thronging here in their thousands.

    Blue Mountains in Jamaica

    There are many attractive hotels, inns as well as guest houses along with many airports, highways as well as ports that allow tourists to arrive and enjoy their stay here in Jamaica. Some of the better and all-inclusive resorts include the Sandals and Couples chains and the most popular of all destinations in Jamaica and where you will find Sandals and Couples resorts would no doubt are Port Antonio as well as Ocio Rios that lie in the east with Montego Bay as well as Negril to the west. You will find the natural beauty splendidly captured at such resorts and you will revel in the luxurious accommodations that this island offers.

    Jamaica is also credited with being the first country in the Western world to have a had a railroad of its own and you may not believe it, but it even preceded the United States in this regard and was just eighteen years later than the British railroad construction. It was also the first of the Caribbean Islands to get its Independence and it also has the distinction of being the first English-speaking Caribbean Island to qualify to play in the Football World Cup in 1998.

    As the beauty of Jamaica attracts tourists so do the beauteous female population who have brought great glory to the Island and have the distinction of standing in third place in the list of countries that have won the Miss World title most times. They are second only to India, Venezuela as well as the UK and considering how small is the Island, and this is an achievement for which you really have to take your hats off to the beautiful Jamaican women.

    Also, Christopher Columbus when on his second voyage to the New World saw the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica, which was the first land to be sighted by that famous voyager. The list of notable achievements of Jamaica goes on. Suffice to say, that this Caribbean Island is an exceptional place that is well worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.

    Balearic Islands

    June 2nd, 2007

    Near the east coast of Spain and in the Mediterranean Sea lie the Balearic Islands that comprise of four islands that are Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca as well as Formentera. The island of Mallorca is known to most foreigners by the name of Majorca which helps to bring to mind images of beaches that go on forever under beautifully sunny skies and has a party atmosphere that simply does not die. However, you can also look for and find a different experience there, if you really make an effort.

    Balearic Islands

    All these islands taken in totality comprise the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands and the official capital of the region is known by the name of Palma de Mallorca. If you are a foreigner to these parts, be prepared to hear a lot of Catalan that is the official language of the islands and there are different dialects spoken that are symbolic of each island and in which the locals feel a great and fierce pride.

    The Balearic Islands enjoy a warm climate that sees approximately three hundred days of sunshine each year and thus lends them to becoming much sought after tourist holiday destinations. Besides the wonderful climate is the awesome beaches, cities that contain splendid architectural designs and there is also rich vegetation that is ideal for both beach and rural holidaying.

    You will like Palma de Mallorca for its cosmopolitan life, which also has the elevated stature of being among the best cultural cities in the whole of Europe. Another great holiday destination in the Balearic Islands is Ibiza that is just beaches and wondrous holidays all rolled into one, with a nightlife and party atmosphere second to none. The white sandy beaches and the blue waters from the Mediterranean Sea are enough to bowl you over – should you visit this lovely haven for tourists.

    The largest of the Balearic Islands is Majorca Island, which sees the maximum amount of tourist arrivals and this island has been hosting tourists since the sixties so that now you will see a plethora of hotels and apartment complexes dotting the previously unspoilt countryside that are used to cater to the many thousand holidaymakers wending their way to Majorca. You will love Palma de Majorca that is home to more than half of the island’s population and has an excellent cuisine as well as lively culture. Places to see include Gothic Cathedral, The Castell de Bellver as well as the seventeenth century Town Hall.

    You will also like Menorca Island which is a paradise hidden in this part of the world that is also the second largest of the four islands, with plenty of unspoiled beauty thanks to the relatively fewer tourist arrivals. The capital is Mahon that also has one of the largest natural harbors in Europe.

    Formentera is the tiniest of the four islands and there is not even an airport, which means you can access this island only by boat or hydrofoil from Ibiza. This unspoiled island of the Balearics does not offer much to do other than sunbathing, windsurfing as well as scuba diving.

    Perthshire Holiday Vacations

    May 29th, 2007

    Perthshire, sometimes acknowledged as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands,’ is a historic county located in central Scotland. With its stunning backdrop, enchanting rural beauty, rolling hills, gleaming lochs, sparkling rivers, and thriving towns, Perthshire is considered one of the best tourist destinations in the UK. Steeped in traditions, the county was once the economic as well as political base of the old Scots parliament. Further, Perthshire was a prominent battleground during the 18th century. This article further elucidates some of the significant towns and tourist attractions of the county.

    Perthshire Scotland

    Perth City is perhaps the most important town in the county. The city now stands at the place where once the Romans built a fort at meeting point of the Tay River and the Almond River. Perth City boasts of such attractions as Elcho Castle – built during the 16th century; Huntingtower, otherwise known as the House of Ruthven, which consists of two tower houses; and Scone Palace, displaying a superb collection of paintings, porcelain, and antique furniture. Places of tourist interest also include Branklyn Garden, one of the finest in the country; Caithness Glass Visitor Centre, which provides opportunities to enjoy glass making skills; Noah’s Ark – a play barn particularly designed for children below 12; and the Bell’s Cherrybank Centre, which boasts of the largest collection of heathers in Europe. In addition, the capital town is also home to a chain of shops, museums, and festival theater, apart from a leisure pool.

    Another prominent town is Crieff, which was once a favorite holiday spot of Queen Victoria. Few among the attractions here are Macrosty Park, Lady Mary’s Walk, Artery Gallery, Auchinggarich Wildlife Centre, Drummond Castle Gardens, and Highland Heathers. Significant towns in Perthshire also include Dunning whose focal points are the 9 ft Dupplin Celtic Cross and an Iron Age Fort, which was a Roman camp during the 1st century AD and the tower of St Serf during the 12th century. Other worth mentioning areas in Perthshire are Pitlochry, wrapped by mountain scenery and home to attractions like Fish Ladder and Pitlochry Dam; Auchterarder, which boasts of the longest street in Scotland; Blackford, which is famed for its Highland games and springs; and Blairgowrie, on the shores of the River Ericht and which is highly regarded for its Glamis Castle and enchanting views of the Glenshee Mountains.

    Apart from scenic and historic attractions, Perthshire is mecca to a host of recreational activities. No matter visitors want to enjoy white water rafting or kayaking, Perthshire offers endless opportunities for water sports. Likewise, for horse lovers, great options are available for horse riding and racing. In addition, with a plethora of world-class golf courses, Perthshire renders wonderful facilities for golf. Also, Perthshire hosts a range cultural event, such as Pitlochry Festival. Since a secluded destination tucked away among tall trees and excellent scenery, Perthshire provides excellent options for weddings and honeymoons.

    Above all, Perthshire is within easy reach of almost all great tourist destinations. For instance, Perthshire is only an hour’s drive from such prominent places as Edinburgh and Glasgow.

    Hawaii Islands Holiday Destinations

    May 29th, 2007

    If you want to experience an out of the ordinary holiday destination and need an escapade or two that will electrify you, then think seriously about a vacation to the Hawaii Islands. The Hawaii Islands came into existence many thousands of years ago probably as a result of underwater volcanic eruptions. These islands got their sustenance from the oceanic waters and huge ecosystems were given birth. In fact, it is rumored that the Hawaii Islands are even older than America and the first to colonize these islands were Polynesian migrants that came from the Marquesas Islands.

    It was only on 21st August 1959 that Hawaii actually became a part of the United States as its fiftieth state. With volcanic activity nearby, the Hawaii Islands are constantly intensifying though at present there are six islands that make up the Hawaii Islands that includes the Big Island or Hawaii Island, Maui Island or the Valley Isle, Lanai or Pineapple Island, Molokai or the Friendly Isle, Oahu or the Gathering Place and finally, Kauai or the Garden Isle.

    Hawaii Islands

    You will not be disappointed when you visit the Hawaii Islands as there is plenty for the nature lover as also for the beach bum. There is plenty of hiking, sightseeing as well as horse riding that you can enjoy in the evergreen forests at Hawaii. The beaches are almost inexhaustive as well as very exclusive providing opportunities for taking underwater tours, submarine drives as also scuba diving. There is the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai which is beauteous and a gift of nature. You will be inexorably drawn to the Molokai Island where there is plenty of fishing as well as underwater activities that are sure to entice you in their alluring net.

    There is plenty for the golf aficionado as well, and you can play golf all year round, too. The wondrous Hawaii Islands have excellent golf courses such as the Mauna Kea Golf Course and the Challenge at Manele and more. With more than eighty golf courses on the islands you will not lack for opportunity to drive away from hole to hole in scenic locales. You will also not get enough of the museums, the fast paced nightlife as well as the many peerless cultural events that include the likes of Hula dances, Hawaiian chants and more.

    And to make your vacation even more exhilarating is the wonderful weather of the Hawaii Islands that is not only stable all year through, but temperatures are ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. However, you may find hurricanes striking the islands during the months of June through November that will have you awestruck as giant waves lash the shores of all of the six islands of Hawaii. Accommodation should be reserved well in advance as the place is flooded with tourists.

    Mauritius Vacations

    May 29th, 2007

    The very thought of visiting Mauritius would surely bring you to picture yourself lolling on the lovely beaches that are reputed to be among the most beautiful on the planet. This is a common and correct perception of Mauritian beaches, though there are also other activities of interest such as trekking and also sampling water sports that are quite popular on this lovely island. Relaxation is something that you will get plenty of and you won’t find a better place for it except on the island of Mauritius.

    A visit to this tropical island will have you lulled into a sense of timelessness where all you will wish for and get would be pleasure, opportunity to indulge yourself no end as well as plenty of easy comfort. You will also find opportunity to do some gentle exploration and let your idle curiosity find expression in the soft joys of life that are found aplenty here in Mauritius. You also get sophistication mixed with a dreamy lifestyle and the wonderful white beaches, coral reefs and the pristine blue waters beneath equally blue skies isn’t something to easily pass up.

    Mauritius

    This island is just like an emerald green paradise with turquoise waters from the Indian Ocean completing a fantasy filled picture. Mauritius lies about a thousand miles off the coast of Africa and is a volcanic island that has scenery that captivates all and the peoples comprise a pot-pourri of Indian, Chinese, Creole as well as French influences. The capital of this lovely island is Port Louis that has not given up on its original charm and it also has an abundance of interesting landmarks plus a thriving and busy marketplace that has everything on offer from famous spices, leather products as well as souvenirs.

    The capital also has a modern side to it, which you will find at the exclusive as well as modern Caudan waterfront where there are many cosmopolitan shops as well as restaurants, cinema complex as well as casinos. You will also naturally gravitate to the north coast of the island where you can enjoy the best weather all year round at the delightful as well as exotic seaside resort town called Grand Baie. Also, of much interest to tourists is the botanical Pamplemousses Gardens that has the best giant water lilies, very old trees as well as shrubs and many gigantic tortoises.

    Being an island that attracts so many tourists, it is not surprising that the quality as well as standards of accommodation, hotel service, and sightseeing is of the very highest class. Also, the transportation and attractions are very good value and shopping will provide you with an opportunity to buy products of exceptional standards. The people of this amazing island are justifiably proud of their country and they are prosperous and enjoy a decent standard of living and there is also employment available for almost all of its population, which means that there is also very little crime here.

    Spain Tourism

    May 29th, 2007

    One of the most famous and popular holiday destinations in Europe is without a doubt sure to be Spain that has wonderful climate, culture as well as beauty that attracts millions and millions of tourists each year. There is also much natural beauty as well as a decent standard of living that comes at affordable cost that makes this so attractive for tourism. To get the most out of your visit to Spain for a holiday it would be necessary to first learn about the geography as well as culture of Spain.

    City Center Valencia Spain

    Spain has a huge variety of landscapes as well as different peoples that makes it very appealing for a broad section of tourists. Learning more about Spain requires visiting as many cities as possible each of which has something of historical significance besides the vibrant night life as well as wonderful social happenings. The diversity of Spanish culture certainly helps attract many holiday makers that also love the climate and the relatively cheap costs.

    There is a wonderful as well as rich culture and history associated with Spain where it is possible to experience the past by visiting the many historical monuments, attractions as well as museums and of course, the wonderful architecture, besides which there are also many entertaining festivities to enjoy. A visit to places such as Madrid, Barcelona as well as Seville will reveal the rich cultural history of Spain, while places such as Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca afford the visitor a wonderful chance to soak up the excitingly warm sunshine.

    If culture as well as beauty is of interest to you, then you should head down and visit Murcia as well as Valencia. Whatever is the part of Spain that you visit, you will get a chance to experience the wonderful hospitality and be entertained by the many attractions the country has on offer. Visiting Costa Blanca you will find that just like millions of other tourists, the beaches and other attractions like the entertainment park called Terra Mitica at Benidorm is something that simply should not be missed.

    Another very appealing aspect to taking a holiday in Spain would no doubt be its exotic food and drinks. You will find at every corner food being sold that will suit every different kind of taste buds, and the nightlife too is very intoxicating. The capital city Madrid is very vibrant and is located in the very heart of Spain with an old town area having great shopping as well as eating outlets. The museums too are famous and you will also find the Golden Triangle located in the center of Madrid hosting many famous museums, and there is also the very charming Royal Palace.

    Bahamas Holidays

    May 26th, 2007

    For those looking for a magnificent destination to relax and spend holidays, undoubtedly the best option would be Bahamas (the Commonwealth of the Bahamas) – an archipelago of more than 700 islands, stretching more than 100, 000 sq miles in the Atlantic Ocean, on the north west part of the West Indies. Bahamas also consists of a lot number of cays and hidden coves, apart from wonderful islands bestowed with unparalleled scenic beauty. With Nassau as its capital, Bahamas has Cuba in the south, Florida in the west, and the Turks and Caicos Islands in the east.

    Bahamas

    Of 700 islands in Bahamas, only 30 are inhabited. Few among the Bahamas Islands that are ideal for vacation are Abaco, Andros, Acklins, Berry Islands, Cat Island, Eleuthera, New Providence, Exuma, Ragged Island, Grand Bahama, Rum Cay, Crooked Island, Harbour Island, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, and Spanish Wells. For travelers seeking luxury and comfort, a trip to resort islands such as Paradise Islands would be great. Likewise, a vacation to such remote islands as San Salvador would be an excellent option for travelers who want to be away from the hustles and bustles of modern life. In a snap shot, each of the islands in Bahamas has its own uniqueness and possesses world class attractions. In addition, majority of them render superb accommodation facilities, ranging from hotels and resorts to cottages and colonial mansions.

    Places of interest, among many others, in Bahamas are Cloisters (Paradise Islands), boasting of a 14th century French monastery; Queen’s Staircase – the centerpiece of Nassau, consisting of a flight of 66 steps; Fort Charlotte – a military site in Nassau; and Crystal Cay – a zoo cum aquarium in New Providence Island. Further, Bahamas is home to some of the most awesome beaches in the Caribbean. Apart from these attractions, Bahamas offers excellent opportunity to enjoy a continuum of activities such as sightseeing, bicycling, recreational flying, shopping, parasailing, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and eco-adventure. Besides, gambling is also much popular in Bahamas, especially in islands like Paradise Islands, which boasts of thousands of slot machines and such items as baccarat, roulette, blackjack, craps, stud poker, and tables.

    Besides being a favorite holiday spot for kids and senior citizens, Bahamas is an excellent honeymoon destination. Honeymooners can enjoy a myriad of activities including moonlight walks, dining by candlelight, discos in top class bars, and dancing according to the beats of Calypso music. Many of the Bahamas’ islands offer discount as well as all inclusive packages, especially designed for honeymooners. New weds also take advantage of Bahamas cruise packages, which is inclusive of gourmet dining, Broadway style shows, casinos, and excellent services.

    With its stunning natural beauty, tropical atmosphere, salubrious climate, teeming nightlife, and exciting dining and wining, Bahamas draws tourist from across the globe. Bahamas is easily accessible via plane and cruise. A plethora of scheduled as well as charter flights are available.

    Mexico Vacations

    May 26th, 2007

    Mexico, or the United Mexican States as it is officially known, is a wonderful country located to the south of Texas and is a part of North America that also has wonderful beaches where the waters of the Pacific Ocean touch it to its south as well as west, and the Caribbean Sea lies to its east, with Guatemala as well as Belize lying to its southeast. It is a constitutional republic and comprises thirty-one states that are bound into a federation with Mexico City being its capital that is one of the most populous cities on the face of the planet.

    Mexico

    Mexico is also a fairly large country that is the fourteenth largest country in the world and has an estimated 109 million people living there which makes it the eleventh most heavily populated country in the world, most of whom speak Spanish. Mexico is divided by the Tropic of Cancer with one part of the country being tropical and the other temperate. In addition, many of the larger cities of Mexico lie in the Valley of Mexico or in other neighboring valleys that have elevations of two thousand meters which means that the climate here is generally temperate.

    This country also is the seventeenth most mega-diverse country in the world having more than two thousand different species and it has ten to twelve percent of the biodiversity of the world. Mexico enjoys a free market economy being one of the higher middle income countries of the world and it is very prosperous as far as other Latin American countries is concerned ranking highest in this respect.

    Mexico is also a wonderful tourist destination, which is its third largest industry and most of the tourists are attracted to the ancient Meso-American ruins, not to mention its wonderful beaches. With a coastal climate as well as a very unique culture that blends European with Meso-American cultures, Mexico is certainly a very attractive place to visit. Peak tourism occurs during December as also during July through August.

    Without a doubt, Mexico can be considered as being paradise for every traveler that comes to this part of the world. It has deserts, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, industrialized cities, colonial towns in a time warp of their own, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches as well as some of the best flora and fauna that you can find anywhere on the planet. Some of the places to visit in Mexico include Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel as well as Mexico City.

    Some of the larger cities in Mexico include Ecatepec, Guadalajara, Puebla as well as Monterrey. The religion is mainly Roman Catholic and the language mainly Spanish. It is also a wonderful place to take your kids for a vacation.