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Malaysian Grand Prix Travel Guide

Sepang started hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1999 and it quickly became a success due to several factors which boosted its allure. Sepang itself is a city of many attractions and this is the reason why people flock to Sepang even though the Grand Prix is no longer hosted here. Want to find out more about Sepang?

1). Why Sepang?

The Sepang International Circuit offered views unlike no other when it came to vantage points of the race and also, tickets were amongst the cheapest found on the Formula 1 calendar. While you’re ticking off things to do in Sepang if you happen to be looking for accommodation, there are several options, like Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort for example.

2). Traits of The Track

The Sepang Circuit has offered for some adrenaline-inducing views with its wide, long straights that follow into tight corners which make for dramatic overtakes!

3). Deadly Weather

From 2001 to 2015 the races were consistently slotted in between March and April even though that is when the western monsoon came to town, bringing with it heavy rains which make for terrifying driving! Thankfully, this was later shifted.

4). Activities in Sepang

Take a break from the city, cars and head to GK Organic Farm where you will be taught how to select organic food! Or go to Flight Landing View, pull over and enjoy spectacular views of aircraft landing within close proximity!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Putrajaya Challenge Park

One of Asia’s most extensive extreme park facilities, Putrajaya Challenge Park was open to the public in 2009 and is situated in a 30-hectare park in Putrajaya’s Precinct 5, accessible from any of the hotels in Putrajaya. It has three attraction divisions:

Rock Climbing

The indoor rock-climbing complex is situated within a 2,100 sq. ft. gymnasium. It’s trapezoidal climbing walls are up to 20 metres tall. The complex is divided into 6 zones; zone A Expert Bouldering Wall, Zone B Beginners Bouldering Wall, Zone C Expert Lead Wall, Zone D Top Roping Wall, Zone E Speed Climbing Wall, and Zone F Intermediate Lead Wall. There’s also a complex for children.

Skate Park and Thrill Park

The Skate and Thrill park have been designed for skateboards, inline skating, BMX biking, stunt biking and rollerblading. You can hire a bike at the location which has a concrete contoured area, a dirt track and slop style jumping. Entrance is free.

Mountain Bike Trails

The Mountain Bike Trail is 9.1 km and customised to suit the bikes. The trail is considered “very technical and one of the best in Asia” by mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail twists through a former rubber and palm oil plantation. They rent bikes as well as have 6 courses graded from easy to moderate and difficult.

When to Go

The Putrajaya Challenge Park is an 11-minute drive from Dorsett Putrajaya on the Jalan P5. The skating track and the biking trail are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and entrance is free, while the entrance fee for the Rock-Climbing gym is fairly reasonable.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

A Comprehensive Guide to Street Food in Colombo

In Sri Lanka, street food culture has existed for a very long time. It was developed as a necessity in Colombo as in some locations the population density was so thick houses weren’t equipped with cooking facilities. So, they took to setting up stalls outside on the street for everyone to go get their food from.

String Hoppers on Galle Road

The Galle Road is famous for street food and one famous dish that can be found here is string hoppers, a staple for both breakfast and dinner that is served with coconut sambol and curry. Try Green Cabin, for rumour, has it they are the best. Such hotspots can be found within a 4-10 minute drive from Cinnamon Red Colombo if you’re a foodie looking for where to stay in Colombo.

Samosa at the Pettah Train Station

Samosa|Via-Pixabay,Ashish_Choudhary ,CC0

At Pettah’s central station, samosas aren’t the only “short eats” (the equivalent of pastries to Sri Lankans.) On a walk through the station area you will find the best vegetable or chicken samosas in the country. There’s also beef if you need more bite in this fried triangle-shaped snack.

Pani-Pol in Dehiwala – Mount Lavinia

On the Galle Road beach stretch from Wellawatte to Dehiwala – Mount Lavinia a ‘must try’ is the pani pol – pancakes made from coconut topped in palm treacle and stuffed with coconut and sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, this one’s for you.

Kottu at Hotel de New Pilawoos

If you’ve wondered what the metallic beats that follow you through the streets of Colombo at night are, that’s a street vendor making your next order of kottu rotti. Kottu is made of rotti julienned and mixed together with eggs, meats, spices, curry, cheese and assorted vegetables. You can eat it anywhere, but branches of Hotel de New Pilawoos are particularly popular.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

The Story of Sigiriya

In Sri Lankan history, King Kashyapa I is known famously as the king who murdered his father and built a rock fortress in fear of retaliation from his brother. This story is just as fascinating as the attraction itself!

Staying in Sigiriya

Before reading on for more, do make sure you book a Dambulla resort or hotel in Sigiriya Sri Lanka that’s within easy reach of the rock fortress. Staying at properties the likes of The Paradise Resort & Spa make it convenient to plan a morning climb to the summit of Sigiriya.

The Tragedy of Sigiriya

Now back to the story! Kashyapa was the elder son of King Dhatusena, the warrior king who repelled Indian invaders and established peace in the kingdom of Anuradhapura. As he was not born of the royal consort as his brother Mogallana, Kashyapa was not the heir to the throne despite being the eldest.

Betrayed by Family

The king’s nephew General Migara instigated Kashyapa to usurp the throne. There was resentment between Dhatusena and the general, though the real reason is not known. This led to Kashyapa ordering his father killed in a murderous rage. And it was Migara that had King Dhatusena plastered into the wall of his irrigation tank.

The Aftermath

Kashyapa’s brother fled in terror and Kashyapa was devastated by his father’s death. He heard from Migara that Mogallana was amassing an army in India and that might have been what triggered Kashyapa to move his capital to Sigiriya; however, alternate stories say he was just trying to complete a project started by his father.

The End of a Legend

Mogallana did come back to claim his rightful place and had Kashyapa remained in his impenetrable fortress, he would not have lost the battle. But heeding Migara’s words, he came down to the plains to fight his brother. The story goes that something spooked Kashyapa’s royal elephant causing it to turn away from the front and Migara seeing this told the gathered soldiers that their king had fled. Kashyapa on seeing his army scatter fell upon his sword and died.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Macau Travel Tips

Macau’s reputation has earned itself the nickname “The Vegas of China”! Did the destination pique your interest? Once colonised by the Portuguese, this city has turned out to be a wonderful option if you are more of a city traveller. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if plan to visit Macau.

Senado Square | Image Credit : Kounosu, Senado Square in Macau01, CC BY-SA 3.0

Travelling to and from the city

Travelling to and from Macau has been made easy since the 23rd of October in 2018 when the HZMB was introduced. This is one major bridge that connects Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau. One can either opt to travel by private vehicles or take the 24-hour Shuttle service. Furthermore, if you want a more scenic route a ferry ride would be ideal too.

Where to stay

It would be wise to choose your stay according to the attractions you wish to see on your visit. The Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square are situated towards the older side of the city. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of Macau serviced apartments and other options. Places like Ascott Macau have special deals to make things easy.

Currency to use

Macau does have its own currency which is called Macanese Patacas (MOP). Although this is used, the Hong Kong dollar too will be accepted more frequently. The exchange rate between the two currencies stands at a ratio of 1:1.

Casinos

This is one of the main attraction of the city of Macau. The best part of it all is that you can sign up for free! It is important that you remember to bring along your passport though as it is necessary for registration. Sign up and test your luck!

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

A Thrilling Safari at Wilpattu National Park

Does your idea of an exciting holiday include the chance to encounter everything from stealthy leopards to regal elephants? If so, you will love a safari at Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka!

Leopards in Wilpattu | Image Credit: Senthi Aathavan Senthilverl, Sri Lankan Leopard at Wilpattu national park – (Brave Beauty), CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting There

The country’s largest national park, Wilpattu can be found on the northwest coast and is one of the best places for a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. It is around 188 km from Colombo and 30 km from the town of Puttalam. The best times for a safari are generally in the mornings (6 am to 10 am) and evenings (3 pm to 6 pm).

Two of Wilpattu’s “Stars”

While on a safari, organised by travel specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey, keep your eyes peeled to spot two of Wilpattu’s most famous residents; the somewhat ponderous Sri Lankan sloth bear and the majestic Sri Lankan leopard! Seeing these creatures in the wild is truly unforgettable.

Not Just the “Supporting Cast”

Of course, it would be wrong to say that these are the only animals of significance you can spot here. On your safari, you may see cautious spotted deer, sunbathing mugger crocodiles, playful purple-faced langurs, unhurried pond turtles, unperturbed monitor lizards and not forgetting wise-old elephants!

Feathered Friends

The Wilpattu National Park features many lakes which attract a large number of birds too. Bird lovers have the chance to see wetland species such as whistling teals, purple herons and large white egrets. Endemic birds including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Ceylon lorikeet and the red-backed woodpecker are also a part of the colourful avifauna here.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

The Garden of Stars

Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of the Kowloon Peninsula, Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong’s version of the Walk of Fame with panoramic views and a dramatic skyline. It has recently been renovated.

Avenue of Stars| Img by: Wing1990hk via wikimedia commons| CC BY 3.0

The Walk of Fame

The Avenue of Stars was designed as a public space in 1982, but gained more and more popularity, quickly becoming the most visited location for tourists and locals alike in Hong Kong. It became so famous and collected such a lot of foot traffic that it needed some renovation.

Renovation

The Avenue of Stars was part of the $ 2.6 billion, Victoria dockside renovation project which also involved a flagship shopping mall, a new concept of luxury living with 287 residential units on 14 floors, a 66-floor skyscraper for offices, an ultra-luxury addition to its international hotel chains and outdoor public spaces.

Cheng and Corner

The project was helmed by Adrian Cheng of New World Development and James Corner, the founder of James Corner Field Operations, urban design and landscape architect.
The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront was iconic during the colonial times and then disregarded for the rest of fast developing Hong Kong, so it was Adrian Cheng’s idea to update the location and bring it to the 21st century, according to James Corner.
The canopy has been extended to feature trellises and trees and 800 times more shade in keeping with the heat and humidity in Hong Kong so visitors would want to linger.

Hong Kong’s Green Direction

Hong Kong has taken a green direction as of late with Salisbury Garden and the Avenue of Stars, a welcome change. It was reopened to the public on the 30th of January 2019 after a three-year hiatus. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from Dorsett Hotels & Resorts.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

First Timer’s Guide to Hong Kong

A place filled with urban beauty while harbouring scenic natural beauty at the same time, the description fits none other than Hong Kong! If you are a first-time traveller to Hong Kong, then read through to find out about experiences you cannot miss out on!

Dennis Tang, View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak, CC BY-SA 2.0

Ferry rides
The famous Star Ferry offers rides on 3 unique ferries. The fun fact is, these ferries have been given 3 wonderful names; Morning Star, Celestial Star and Twinkling Star. What makes these Stare Ferries stand out is it’s their 1920s theme that allows the traveller to experience a ride as if it were back in time.

Tsim Sha Tsui
An awesome location to visit on your travels to Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade is unquestionably one that can’t be missed! Sone of the main attractions in the area are; Clock Tower, Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Space Museum. Places to stay include hotels like The Murray Hong Kong with excellent facilities available.

Lamma Island
This small island is just13sqkm of land is covered in rich greenery and is a popular escape with tourists and locals alike. The place is perfect to wind down away from the hubbub of the city. Even the population is just about 5000 people which makes it less crowded.

Shopping in Hong Kong
As one of the Asian countries that vaunt a rich culture, shopping in Hong Kong is more than just an agreement among the buyer and seller. Shopping here is one of the most loved leisure time activities by the locals. Therefore, you may find malls with your favourite brands and great deals. Some of the best hotels in Hong Kong offer special packages for shopaholics too.

Travel guide to Hong Kong

Despite being known as a business hub, this is only part of Hong Kong’s fabric. There are a plethora of different sides to Hong Kong that contributes to its diversity and liveliness. Listed below are just a few places you must include in your itinerary.

Chi Lin Nunnery

If you’re interested in all things history related, you’ll find this attraction fascinating. This nunnery dates back to 1934, and not a single nail was used to build this nunnery. The main hall is the most fascinating part of the monastery. You can reach this attraction within 25 minutes from Hotel Purple Hong Kong or any other such Causeway Bay serviced apartments.

Hong Kong Museum of Art

A landmark art museum, this is where you’ll find a rather extensive collection of Chinese art. All of the masterpieces are well organized into their own thematic galleries. A mix of calligraphic scrolls, textiles, Qing ceramics, and contemporary canvases among several other things for you to witness.

Ladies’ Market

In Tung Choi Street, you can browse through a variety of different items found in stalls! You can put your bargaining skills to practice over here.

Hong Kong Park

This green space is extremely welcome amidst all the skyscrapers surrounding it. You’ll find leafy pathways and a mix of rock and gardens in this park. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Edward Youde Aviary are also found in the park!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Sri Lanka for Wildlife lovers

Sri Lanka is a country with a rich bio-diversity and many landscapes. Here is a list of the best national parks, spread across the island, giving you a taste of the different environments.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located 260km from Colombo. It will approximately take you 3 hours to reach Yala. There are three sanctuaries and five smaller national parks. Yala is very popular among tourists as well as local nature lovers. The location of the park, climate and the leopard population are some of the key factors that attract many travellers to the park.

Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park is 5 hours away from Colombo. The park is in the South East part of Sri Lanka, belonging to the Uva Province. You can arrange a camping trip to Udawalawe and spend the night. Bonfires and the quiet forest will be a highlight of your vacation. A Sinharaja eco lodge in Sri Lanka the likes of Rainforest EcoLodge would be a good accommodation choice.

Wilpattu

This is one of the more scenic wildlife parks on the island. The park is located 5 hours away from Colombo and is closer to the town of Anuradhapura. October is the best month to visit Wilpattu.

Kumana

Kumana is different from the rest of the national parks. It is popular for being the home for thousands of bird species. There are many endangered species and migrant birds in the park. The wading bird and waterfowls are some of the most popular immigrant birds here. Don’t visit the park during May because that’s when the birds settle into their nests.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+