Langkawi Bucket List

In a country renowned for its natural beauty and scenic destinations, Langkawi stands out as Malaysia’s premier beach destination. From picturesque views to enthralling escapades, this little slice of paradise has got it all! Now if you ever find yourself vacationing here, these are the four things you want to tick off your bucket list.

Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Langkawi Malaysia mangrove-Tour-Jetty-01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Island Hopping

Island hopping is one of the most popular activities to do in Langkawi. So much so, that pretty much all major Langkawi resort hotels will include it on their itinerary list – for example, the Berjaya Langkawi Resort. Here you’ll be travelling from one tropical paradise to another, exploring white sand beaches and mystical caves along the way.

Exploring the Mangroves

The area that surrounds the Langkawi beach is full of dense mangrove forests. This is a refuge for a variety of unique plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in Malaysia. By hiring a boat and a guide you can go on safari here and experience this fascinating ecosystem first-hand.

Going Snorkelling

It’s no surprise that the azure blue waters that lap away at the Langkawi beaches hide a vast reef of vibrant corals just waiting to be explored. There are even artificial reefs that have formed around old shipwrecks that are now teeming with life. So, grab your gear and go snorkelling if you’re ever here!

Reaching the Highest Peaks

Not every one of Langkawi’s attractions is centred around the Ocean – the Gunung Raya is the region’s highest peak and makes for an excellent hiking trip. The way up to the peak takes you through the dense rainforest that is full of vibrant characters like leaf monkeys and cheery songbirds. If you keep your eyes peeled you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic great hornbill!

 

A Handy Guide to Colombo

A cosmopolitan city beside the coast, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and offers plenty to see and do. Here are some of the best places to visit and fun experiences that await.

Key Attractions

When it comes to sightseeing, there’s plenty to explore while staying at hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka; those interested in history and art can visit the Colombo National Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and nearby Seema Malakaya are two sacred Buddhist sites of interest, while the Independence Memorial Hall and the Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions too.

AKS.9955, Seema Malaka side view 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

Beachside Getaways

For fun times by the shore, Mount Lavinia Beach in the city’s suburbs is a must-visit site. Located across from the property of Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, this beach is popular for relaxation and recreation. Also worth heading to are Wellawatte Beach and Galle Face Green, a large public park beside the ocean.

Image Credit: Berjaya Hotels & Resorts

Retail Therapy

The One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre malls offer lots of shopping and feature international brands such as Armani Exchange, Charles & Keith, Mango and Aldo. Majestic City and Crescat Boulevard are amongst the other popular malls in Colombo, while the Pettah market provides bargains galore.

Foodie Favourites

No trip to Colombo is complete without savouring delectable local cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes in Sri Lanka one can try;

• Rice & spicy curry (meats or veggies)
• Kottu roti (a stir-fried dish with cut up godamba roti)
• Hoppers (bowl-shaped crispy pancake)
• Samosa (deep-fried snack)
• Isso wade (deep-fried snack with prawns!)

Ji-Elle, Sri Lanka-Egg hoppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Must Know Ski Guide

Rushing down white peaks with wind billowing past, as your shift your weight from side to side with laser focus is a thrill that is wished by many but known to few, so buckle up for an experience of a lifetime.

Are you ready?

While it may be disheartening to some, it is a taxing sport, so it is worth mentioning that you should focus on some strength building exercises before attempting any major slopes.

Image Credit: Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside

Accept Falling:

Going hand in hand with skiing is falling, so learn to embrace the odd tumble as you fight for balance. If you are at a Whistler hotel the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, try some skiig at the wide expanse of snowy mountains here.

Yes, you can get sunburnt in the snow. So be sure to pack in enough sunscreen so that you do not have to spend the rest of the time wincing at every step!

Learn to wear ski boots:

These contraptions are a must when it comes to skiing so it is best to under select the boots that fit you best in order to be able to truly appreciate the experience on the slopes.

Beomeosa (Temple of the Nirvana Fish)

The Beomeosa is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Buddhism in Korea and is among one of the country’s most well-known religious locations. Perched on the slopes of the Geumjeongsan Mountain, it’s a place of peace and tranquillity – one which is well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area.

Beomeosa
Beomeosa | Image Credit : Svwmal, South Korea Busan Beomeosa Temple, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to Visit

The easiest way to get to the temple is via train. Accessing the subway shouldn’t be too much of a hassle if you’re staying at a hotel or at one of the serviced apartments Busan has to offer, such as the Citadines Haeundae Busan. Once you get off at the Beomosa Temple subway station, you can walk the rest of the way up to the temple.

Temple History

The Beomeosa Temple was first established in 678 under the decree of King Munmu, and it stood strong for a number of centuries. This changed when during the Japanese invasions that took place during the latter half of the 16th century – the invaders nearly reduce the temple to ashes. However, several notable Buddhist monks lead the renovation of the temple during the early decades of the 17th century – ultimately restoring the Beomeosa to its former glory.

The Landscape

Visiting the Beomeosa temple can be quite the treat, not only because of what the temple itself has to offer but because of the scenic landscape that surrounds it. In fact, the Geumjeongsan Mountain is known for its “Three extraordinary sites”. These include the rock peak behind the hermitage, a giant rock formation that resembles a chicken, and the legendary golden well that lies at the very peak of the mountain.

The Temple Treasures

Now, of course, there’s plenty to see at the temple grounds too. For starters, you’ll run into the magnificent Il Ju Mun, the impressive gate that leads to the temple which is meant to represent the boundary between the mundane world and the spiritual. Within the temple you’ll find an array of brilliant bronze statues that depict Buddhist monks – these all surround a magnificent Buddha statue that lies in the centre.

 

Dig into the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya

Once a safe haven for a king with an artistic turn of mind, Sigiriya rock fortress is an intriguing historical site.

Time your climb

You should plan to climb the rock as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day. Book a Sri Lanka resort nearby and make your way to the site early in the morning. For example, from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, you can reach the site under 30 minutes by car.

sigiriya

A little bit of history

King Kashyapa, who loved art and fine living, built his palace complex atop a monolithic rock pillar in the 5th century. He sought to escape potential enemies and live a life of indulgence. Engineering feature of the palace complex is just as fascinating as its art.

Explore the gardens

This amazing structure was once full of beautiful gardens. The water garden on top, in particular, had been laid out with immaculate precision to consist of various ponds and fountains.

Check out the frescoes

Subject to much controversy and dispute amongst archaeologist, Sigiriya frescoes depict exquisite, bare-chested damsels carrying bunches of flowers.

frescoes

The mirror wall and its poetry

In its heyday, the mirror wall would have been a gleaming surface for poets and visitors to scribble their snippets in admiration of the genius of the rock fortress.

Enthral yourself with an Exciting Trek to Explore the Forbidden Beauties of Udawattakele

Udawattakele is a forest haven found on the outskirts of Kandy and is a refuge for all manner of unique and fascinating wildlife. This wilderness also contains the ruins of a bygone era, making this refuge quite the treat to explore!

Udawattakele kandy
Z thomas, Udawattakele kandy 2017-10-20 (5), CC BY-SA 4.0

The Wildlife

Most Kandy hotels found close to Udawattakele – for example, the Cinnamon Citadel Kandy– will make mention of all the wonderful wildlife you’re likely to see when visiting the forest. Some of the notable species found here include the elusive fishing cat – one of only four species of wild cat found in Sri Lanka – and the rowdy toque macaque.

A Bird Lover’s Paradise

Now, when it comes to wildlife, the avifauna is without a doubt Udawattakele’s main attraction. If you’re at all into birdwatching, a trip here is a no-brainer. Many exotic bird varieties are found in this forest haven, including the rare Layard’s parakeet and the nocturnal brown fishing owl.

Ancient Kandyan Ruins

Deep in the forest, you’ll find the remnants of the fallen Kingdom of Kandy – a call-back to the glory days of proud kings and Sri Lankan royalty. Some of the more important ruins include the Royal Pond and Lady Horton’s Road.

Exploring Buddhist Hermitages

Dotted around the forest are a series of ancient caves that were once used by Buddhist monks as a refuge to rest and meditate in. The most notable of these is the Senkada Cave, which is thought to have been used by a lone hermit once – now you’ll find that it has been reclaimed by the forest’s denizens!

Kitesurf Trips in Kalpitiya

Located along the west coast of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is a beach destination that offers a fascination landscape, unlike anywhere else on the island. In addition to kitesurfing, the area is in close proximity to Wilpattu National Park which offers whale watching, snorkelling and plenty more to see and do.

Where to Stay

Kitesurfing| Img via Dolphin Beach Resort

Kalpitiya has a range of accommodation to fit any budget. Depending on what kind of Kalpitiya windsurfing holiday you’re after, you’ll want to base yourself at established hotels or resorts, like Dolphin Beach Resort for example, that offer easy access and trained professionals that will guide you on a kitesurfing adventure.

Whales, Dolphins and Dives

The best time for whale and dolphin watching as well as diving is between December and April. Being a little more remote than the south coast, this means you’ll have far more private experiences in the deep blue.

Kitesurfing

Packages vary at each hotel or kitesurf school, but a reputed place will offer you certification on completing your lessons, allowing you to rent kiteboarding equipment anywhere in the world.

Beyond the Beach

Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside, join a yoga class or embark on a day’s outing to Wilpattu National Park further north, a stunning and less congested National Park teeming with sloth bear, leopard and other wildlife.

 

 

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

Situated about 23 kilometres from Siem Reap, the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre is certainly a place that one is bound to enjoy! It is a definite stopover when on your tour to Angkor Wat. Learn a thing or two about the delicate little magical butterflies!

Image credit: Sneha Abhyankar via wikimedia commons

How to get there?

If you are planning on visiting the butterfly farm and are travelling from one of the Angkor Wat hotels, the place is just a 41-minute drive away from properties like FCC Angkor Siem Reap. The drive to the farm is pretty enjoyable. You will pass by little Cambodian villages where the road comes to life with basket weavers and palm sugar vendors selling their items.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee is not much, $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 12, children under 3 walk in free. It is best to visit in the morning hours as the butterflies are mostly out during this time. A trip to the farm on a rainy day though will be pointless.

The Banteay Srey Butterfly Farm

Guess you can say that this is where the butterflies come out to play! The guides here are well versed on the subject, however, their English might be a little difficult to understand. This farm actually exports butterfly pupae and hosts butterfly exhibitions in zoos all over the world!

The butterfly cycle

On your tour of the farm, each stage of the butterfly life cycle will be explained to you. The guide will also give you a glimpse of each stage of the cycle. Butterfly eggs, caterpillars and even cocoons have been put into climate-controlled containers. Furthermore, you can learn about the various types of Cambodian butterflies as well.

 

Traveler’s Guide to Sepang, Malaysia

Until the KL International Airport was built in Sepang, and several other projects such as the Sepang F1 racing Track and Cyberjaya came up here, it was known to be a sleepy town that was earlier into rubber plantation.

Getting in Sepang

Since there is an International Airport located here, you can now enter this city by plane. For the journey from the Airport to your Sepang hotel, it’s always better to hire a car and travel, as it’s safer and faster too.

Things to see and do

Sepang International Circuit which is located close to properties such as Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort is one main attraction in the city, that is never missed by tourists generally. In addition, there are also other places such as Bagan Lalang Beach which you can visit during your days there.

Craig, Sepang international circuit qualifying 2, CC0 1.0

Events in Sepang

In addition to the world-famous Sepang International F1 & Moto GP Racing, there are also some other events happening in Sepang. Thaipusam and the Chinese New Year are just some of them.

Keeping in touch is easy here

In Sepang, dealing with the internet is always easy and fast. You find Wi-Fi hotspots in almost all shopping malls and food courts. Buy a local SIM card and make local calls at cheap rates too.

 

A Complete City Guide to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is relatively a small town, but for a small town like this in geographical terms, it has so much to see and do. French Colonial streets, temples and bustling night markets are just some of them.

When to go to Luang Prabang?

Between November to May falls the best time to visit Luang Prabang, and this is also the period during which every hotel in Luang Prabang gets fully booked with guest reservations. The weather is so pleasant at this time and is suitable for every sightseeing activity that you wish to undertake.

松岡明芳, Phou si Luang Prabang Laos プーシーの丘 ラオス・ルアンプラバーン DSCF6777, CC BY-SA 3.0

How to get around?

As mentioned, Luang Prabang is a small town and you can simply get anywhere on foot. But if you are visiting any places outside, you can use a hired bicycle, Tuk-tuk or a taxi for your convenience.

What to see and do?

If you are staying at properties such as Avani+ Luang Prabang there are several places nearby that you can visit such as the Night Market, Mount Phousi Viewpoint and the Mekong River. In addition to that, you may also take a Lao cooking class or witness the alms ceremony to the monks.

calflier001, LUANG PRABANG MARKET LAOS FEB 2012 (6992417213), CC BY-SA 2.0

How about the costs?

An average mid-range traveller will have to spend around $80 as his daily cost including food, transport, sightseeing and accommodation costs. If you are a backpacker, you can actually settle for less.