Tag Archives: attractions

Paris Van Java or Bandung, Indonesia

Author: Jeremy | Category: Travel Deals | Tags: attractions, Food, hotels, indonesia, paris, shopping

Known as “Paris Van Java,” Bandung, Indonesia has been termed “Paris of Java” by its Dutch colonizers. Today, Bandung still retains its European vibe. While it is likely that Bandung may resemble a Parisian city of the 19th century more than a modern Paris of today, given this Javanese city’s relaxed more rustic vibes. Here are a few reasons Bandung is the Paris of Java.

Shopping
Bandung is one of the top locations in Southeast Asia to buy designer clothes, so in this way it resembles Paris. But where you would expect to pay top dollar (euro) for designer duds in Paris, luckily Bandung is different in this way. Paris Van Java is home to a mass of outlet stores which sell legitimate top brands(most of the time) at discount rates. It is possible to get a complete wardrobe of high quality clothes for a fraction of the price you would pay for the same items back home. So just like Paris of France, Paris Van Java is a perfect place to shop til’ you drop.

Hotels
Bandung has hotels that counter those of Paris. Ranging from high-end classical, to budget hostels, to funky artsy themed hotels, there is something for every palette. Many of these places can be booked booked via sites such as Traveloka.com including the luxurious Grand Royal Panghegar, famous for its world class charm. Bandung is also home truly unique lodgings, including waterside wood huts with glamorous interiors, rustic mountainside cabins complete with lawn gnomes, a waterpark hotel that is perfect for the kids, and a romantic castle true to Paris‘ 19th century gothic style.

Cafes and Restaurants
If Paris is known for one thing more than any other it is its cafe culture. In terms of unique cafe experiences Bandung rivals its European counterpart. Bandung has cafes to suit any taste, ranging from simple steet-side coffee shops perfect for a quick cup; to elegant places great for dinner or lunch. The Javanese and international food in Bandung is some of the best in Indonesia. Paris Van Java is also home to some magnificent themed cafe, including garden themed and several retro themed cafes as well. Badung also has several art galleries doubling as cafes, could it get any more Paris than that?

So if you are looking to rekindle your romance why not give Java’s city of a love a try instead of the French version. Not only will have the opportunity to experience a gorgeous country filled with natural wonders beyond compare, you will also get many of the charms you would get in Paris itself, often at a fraction of the price. So sipping coffee while taking a break from designer shopping can be equally rewarding in Java as it is France. It is with good reason the Dutch dubbed Bandung, Paris Van Java.

30 May 2016

The most popular holiday destinations in the USA

Author: Jeremy | Category: United States | Tags: attractions, las vegas, Miami, NYC, usa

Seeking to get away on an exciting holiday in the near future? Across the pond, the most popular holiday destinations in the USA contain a variety of experiences that are certain to fulfill you, as each of the places mentioned below will appeal to a certain sort of person.

So, what are you waiting for, take advantage of these unbeatable American Holiday offers, and get overseas to see any one of the following holiday destinations in the USA…

1) New York City

If there is any one city you visit in America, be sure to make it the Big Apple. Easily the most cosmopolitan city in the United States, the challenge won’t be finding things to do, it will be determining what attractions and sights to cut and which ones to keep during your time in this dynamic place.

If you love food, then visiting Chinatown and Williamsburg in Brooklyn will yield good finds.

Culture hunters will have a multitude of museums to jump between, and shows on Broadway to take in.
Those that are fans of landmarks will be busy checking out the view of the top of the Empire State Building, scoping out the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and strolling through the relative peace of Central Park.

Long story short, you won’t have a hard time keeping busy in NYC.

2) Miami

Seeking some sun on your American holiday? If you are looking to insert a little rest and relaxation into your itinerary, then stopping in Miami is a must.

With miles of beach lying along the subtropical Atlantic or on Biscayne Bay, you’ll have your pick of what type of experience that you are looking to have, from quiet and serene to lively and youthful.

Once the sun sets, Miami really comes into its own, with nightclubs boasting a scene that is the stuff of legends.

When you aren’t looking to veg out on a sun lounger, the Miami area offers much in the way of culture, as it has Cuban and Haitian neighborhoods that are brimming with restaurants and shops that are indicative of their nationality.

3) Las Vegas

Looking to really let loose on your time off in America? If this is your goal when heading to the USA, there is no better place to go than Las Vegas.

Billed as being the Entertainment Capital of the World, this shining city in the desert has resorts that cater to kids, and shows featuring entertainers from Penn and Teller to Celine Dion.

Of course, this says nothing of this city’s gaming options, which allow those that are inclined to do so to employ their money in a variety of ways in the hope of winning more at the end of the night.

21 Nov 2015

Want Luxury? 5 Reasons You’ll Love St. Petersburg

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, Europe, luxury, Russia

When you think of a decadent, luxurious holiday destination, Russia might not be the first place that springs to mind. But you may be pleasantly surprised to find out what St. Petersburg has to offer to the discerning tourist with a taste for the finer things. The former imperial capital of Russia and second largest city, St. Petersburg is also a major cultural centre and bustling metropolis, home to some incredible and unique tourism hotspots. Below, we list out the reasons you’ll love St. Petersburg if you are an unapologetic lover of all things luxury…

1) Hermitage Art Gallery

Housed in the awe-inspiring Winter Palace which was built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the Hermitage Art Gallery is home to one of the biggest art collections in the world, with 360 rooms exhibiting some of their 3-million strong catalogue of artworks and exhibits. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1750, the vast collection at the Hermitage is considered by some to be the most comprehensive overview of Western European art, so naturally this trip may require a little forward planning to see everything you want to see – see https://www.hermitagemuseum.org for more information.

2) Ballet

A visit to Russia would simply not be complete without seeing the ballet – and the original Mariinsky Theatre, where many of the greatest works of Russian ballet & opera were first performed, is the perfect choice. Founded in 1860, the Mariinsky continues to stage both modern and classic performances – see what’s on during your trip at http://www.mariinsky.ru/.

3) Nightlife

St. Petersburg is often referred to as the ‘beer capital’ of Russia, and many breweries and distilleries call it home. There is a great nightlife scene in St. Petersburg, and some bars & nightclubs are so exclusive you may find yourself turned away IF you have not booked in advance! The Mayakovsky bar on Pochtamtsky per 5 offers sophisticated cocktails, smooth jazz, moody lighting and sumptuous velvet interiors – ideal for a classy evening out.

4) Hotels

St. Petersburg’s many hotels offer a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, but to truly revel in the old-school splendour of mother Russia, you could do much worse than stay at the 5-star Corinthia, boasting a spa and workout room, multilingual staff, full concierge service and lounge bar, the Corinthia captures the true essence and grandeur of its historic location at Nevsky Prospect, and offers the ultimate in Russian hospitality, comfort and decadence.

5) Dining

With so many amazing cultural destinations in St. Petersburg, you can expect the very best of their cuisine too. Russian food may not be a byword for fine dining, but the eateries offering traditional fare in St. Petersburg will blow you away. One of the leading high-end restaurants in St Petersburg, ‘L’Europe’ located in the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe on Nevsky Prospekt effortlessly blends handsome turn-of-the-century décor with flawless haute cuisine, offering a mix of Russian and European cuisine, including a sumptuous caviar and champagne brunch on Sundays.

04 Aug 2015

Visiting The Top Tourist Attractions In Yemen

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, culture, History, Islands, Middle-East, nature, UNESCO

Many people visit Yemen to see its top tourist attractions every year. Situated at the South-bend of the Arabian Peninsula in South West Asia, Yemen is a part of the countries of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is on its north, Oman to the East, and Red sea to the West. Yemen has more than 200 islands it takes pride of. One of them is Socotra – the largest among Yemen Islands just 415 km off the coast of Somalia. It is the sole republic of the Arabian Peninsula.

Socotra Island has a very diverse flora and fauna that can only be seen in the island. Only here will you see a flesh-eating centipede and countless varieties of reptiles and birds. A must-see sight here is the Dragon’s Blood trees.

The capital of the Republic of Yemen is Sana’a. This city is a second century city listed among the World Heritage sites by UNESCO. If you are in Yemen, you will feel like you are in a biblical era because men and women here still wear traditional clothes and houses are made of rammed earth and look like pictures of biblical or Koran houses hence, including it in the top tourist attractions in Yemen.

Shibam is another notable city to visit due to its amazing landscape holding numerous tourists around the year. A majestic group of clay and stone as well as wood buildings is its main attraction. Shibam is also fondly called as the Manhattan of the Desert and is considered to be the first city of skyscraper buildings in the whole world with some structures having a height of eight stories. Though this is not an archaeological site, Shibam is a living city.

Wadi Dhahr is also an ought-to-see valley abundant with vegetables and fruits. In 1930’s, Imam Yahya’s palace was erected here on top of a high rock that is why it’s called the Rock Palace or the Dar Al Hajar.

Aden City is a magnificent city which is among the top tourist attractions in Yemen. It is where Aden Museum is situated. It is also always visited by tourists because of its fun-filled water parks, lagoons, and bird watching activities. There are also a number of beautiful hotels and resorts here which are perfect places for leisure and unwinding.

There are just a lot more top tourist attractions in Yemen to experience. For souvenir hunting, visit Kawbakan City and Souk of Beit Al-Faqih. The Shihara Suspended Bridge is a 17th century bridge and its Sunday Market is popular to tourists. The Rock Art of Sa’da has ancient drawings and texts that were written by nomadic tribes which date back about 4,500 years ago.

24 Jun 2014

The Top Reasons To Visit Craigavon, Northern Ireland

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, cafes, culture, golfing, nature, Northern Ireland, skiing, United Kingdom, watersports

It may not seem like a much, but the top reasons to visit Craigavon will be enough to make you appreciate your vacation experience in Northern Ireland. This small settlement in the county of Armagh depicts the simple lifestyle which the Irish have been widely known for. And it also takes you away from the busy, deafening and oftentimes claustrophobic environment of usual tourist destinations in the country.

Craigavon was initially planned to be a “New City” for Northern Ireland, mirroring similiar developments in the nation of Great Britain. But because of certain hitches in the planning, Craigavon was not able to deliver as much as it should in terms of development. In spite of this, changes have brought forth tourism advantages for the nation, with the availability of recreational facilities like shopping centers, parks with artificial lakes, playing fields, public gardens and petting zoos. And those who are fond of skiing would definitely appreciate the artificial ski slopes that have been built in and/or near the area.

One of the top reasons to visit Craigavon is Wetlands Way at Portadown, which is just 3 miles out of the city. This is especially a must for those who enjoy being at one with nature and who love to challenge themselves. However, if this trail does not give you enough excitement, or in contrast gives you too much, you could explore other highlights within this area like the Millennium Court Arts Center, which contains two galleries and hosts a number of creative and cultural events all year round.

The Chimes Coffee House is also something you should look into checking out if you wish to have a taste of Ireland’s very own specialty teas, coffees and home-made delicacies. And the best part about this latter landmark is you get to appreciate a view of St. Mark’s Church.

Within the residential area, people can seek out another one of the top reasons to visit Craigavon, the Tannaghmore Gardens, which is located on Lurgan’s. Unlike the previous options, this site provides guests with up-close interactions with local and rare animal breeds. And just at close proximity is the Barn Museum, where information as well as preserved remains of the animals are displayed.

The Craigavon Golf & Ski Center should offer you more adrenalin-pumping pastimes while in town. But if you’re into water activities, the Lough Neagh and River Bann should extend you enough opportunities to engage in some swimming, canoeing and other water sports.

10 May 2014

Top Things To Do In Sydney

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: attractions, Australia, beaches, culture, museums, surfing, Sydney, theme parks, wildlife

The top things to do in Sydney aren’t top secret. In fact, they’re pretty much a giveaway due to its popularity. Known as the Harbor City, Sydney is the oldest, largest and most developed city in Australia and is one of the most visited in the world. It ranks high on the list of most beautiful and livable cities. Sydney is a hub in the Pacific for business, design, culture, art, history, fashion, boating and cuisine. Hence, when you go here, you’ll not only be greeted by iconic sites, you’ll also be able to join in some interesting activities.

One of things you should definitely do is attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon back in the 1970s. Many make the mistake of thinking the opera house only offers performances, but it actually is a multi-use venue that hosts around 1,500 types of gatherings each year, attended by more than 1.2 million people. Around the Sydney Opera House, you can enjoy a multitude of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Don’t miss the sunrise here which offers amazing views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and skyline, it’s magnificent.

To add to the list, you could also consider water-based activities as one of the top things to do in Sydney as it is also where you’ll find Bondi Beach, the setting for many surfing, sailing and swimming competitions over the past few years. This widely popular strip of sand surrounded by suburbs is popular with tourists and locals alike, and is a spectacle to see during the summer. There are plenty of bikini clad ladies, good-looking men as well as pods of whales and dolphins cruising the area!

Don’t miss Rushchutters Bay, a very nice suburb near the city center where you can enjoy a bit more relaxed of an atmosphere, but still being just minutes from the Sydney mix. Rushchutters Bay also houses the d’Albora Marina which is a fun place to hang out and check out all of the amazing boats coming and going.

Now, if these top things to do in Sydney don’t satisfy your curiosity, you could always head on out to Luna Park (a popular amusement park), located in Milsons Point, which has been in existence since 1935. Some of the attractions include the Staple Rotor, which has been operated since the park’s opening, the Skylab Ferris Wheel, which gives you a view of the area from 35 meters up in the air, and the Wild Mouse roller coaster, to name a few. Other hangouts you could check out after are the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Observatory, and the Powerhouse Museum.

25 Apr 2014