Sunday, March 1, 2020

Best Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa

Lion roaming in nature area, in Lion & Safari Park, South Africa.
Johannesburg, also called Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa and an important economic center. Its history is closely connected to gold, following the 1886 gold rush, which earned it the nickname “City of Gold.” The city is also linked to the apartheid era, and its streets and landmarks reflect South Africa’s journey toward democracy and social change.

Most travellers get to Johannesburg from Cape Town by a two-hour direct flight from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Driving is also possible, taking around 14-6 hours, with potential stops along the way (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN CAPE TOWN).

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Cape Town, South Africa: Best Things to Do

Mountain view along the road in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape Town is simply irresistible. Leaving the city can feel almost impossible, as even a full week may not be enough to experience all that it offers. Days can be spent by the water, wandering along beaches, or pausing atop its mountains, surrounded by a landscape that feels both vast and mesmerising. The air, the views, and the calm of Cape Town’s natural surroundings allow for simply being (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA). 

Flora and Fauna in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is part of the Cape Floristic Region, one of the richest areas in the world for plant diversity. The region is home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth, including proteas, ericas, and other unique fynbos plants. This diverse flora supports a variety of wildlife, from dassies (rock hyrax) and small mammals to numerous bird species.

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town coastline view, with deep blue water and houses on the side, South Africa.
While there are plenty of things to do within Cape Town itself, some must-see sites are about an hour’s drive from the city, with others slightly further along.

The drive from hilltop hotels or resorts winds along slopes with nature on both sides, offering views of deep blue oceans, rugged cliffs, hidden bays, sandy beaches, rolling hills, mountains, and valleys. Waves crash along the shore, and birds fly overhead, adding to the scene. The unspoiled natural beauty of Cape Town unfolds gradually along the route, leaving a lasting impression (TOP ATTRACTIONS IN CAPE TOWN). 

 

This connection to nature continues at the sightseeing spots, where the surroundings remain equally scenic and unspoiled.

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Top Attractions in Cape Town, South Africa

Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town city from signal hill, South Africa.
South Africa, at the southern tip of Africa, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and long coastlines. Covering about 1.22 million square kilometers (471,000 square miles), it is the largest country in Southern Africa and home to eleven official languages. 

Travelling from Southeast Asian countries can take around 15 to 20 hours, with additional time when transiting through Dubai, Doha, Johannesburg, or Singapore Changi Airport. Touring South Africa can be expensive, but the experience is worth it.

 

Among South Africa’s top destinations, Cape Town stands out. From well-known landmarks to natural scenery, Cape Town offers a range of attractions and sightseeing opportunities. The city’s top sites (TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA) and must-visit places provide lasting experiences. Whether through sightseeing tours, exploring cultural landmarks, or discovering natural wonders, the top attractions in Cape Town are worth seeing.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Taj Mahal, Agra - India

Taj Mahal Marble Monument, Agra, India.
The monument of love, known throughout the world for its stunning marble architecture, is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN).  It attracts thousands of people every day. Locals from across India make up a major part of the crowd, along with travelers from around the world. The Taj Mahal is a must-visit site and has stood for more than 370 years.

Situated in Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal sits on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and architectural brilliance. The monument also remains one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a title awarded in 2007 through a global poll.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Things to Do in Jaipur - Rajasthan, India

Lady leaning on the pillar at Mirror Palace, Amber Fort, Jaipur, India.
The color pink and the city of love - these are what make Jaipur unique and outstanding among Indian cities, let alone in Rajasthan as its capital. Located in northern India, Jaipur sits on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. It is about 260 kilometers (160 miles) southwest of Delhi (VARANASI, INDIA THINGS TO DO).

Its strategic position on historic trade routes connected northern India with western regions, helping fuel its growth as a commercial and cultural hub under the Rajput rulers. 

Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, earned its name for its pink-hued buildings and royal heritage. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. This gesture of hospitality still defines the city’s old quarters today (GALLE, SRI LANKA THINGS TO DO). 

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Varanasi, India: Top Things to Do

Ghat across Ganges River, in Varanasi, India.
Whether it is for pilgrimage, learning about culture, or simply curiosity about history and lifestyle, North India has much to offer. The region is vast, with countless things to do in North India and must-see experiences for anyone visiting (TOP THINGS TO DO IN KERALA, INDIA). 

Varanasi can be a starting point. Historically and religiously known as Kashi (sometimes spelled Kasi), the name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “the luminous one” or “city of light.” It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds immense spiritual significance, especially in Hinduism, as a center for pilgrimage and rituals along the Ganges River.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Top Things to Do in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

Mattancherry area, lined with shops on both sides, with tourists and locals walking around, Kerala, India.
Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, Kochi (Cochin) has been a major hub of commerce and cultural exchange for over a millennium. Its natural harbor and strategic location on the Arabian Sea made Kochi one of the most sought-after ports in the Indian Ocean, attracting merchants from Arabia, China, and later European powers (TOP THINGS TO DO IN TRIVANDRUM, KERALA). 

Kochi became the first European colonial stronghold in India when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, followed by the Dutch and the British, each leaving enduring architectural and cultural influences (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA). 

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Best Things To Do

Poovar Backwater, in nature surrounding and a boat drifting, Kerala, India.
Previously known as Trivandrum, a name still referred as, Thiruvananthapuram is located at the southern tip of India, along the southwestern coast facing the Arabian Sea, near the border with Tamil Nadu. It is Kerala’s political, cultural, and educational center, home to institutions like the University of Kerala and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The city is also known for arts and culture, with museums and galleries showcasing its heritage (KERALA HOUSEBOAT CRUISE). 

Thiruvananthapuram has a history that goes back over a thousand years. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the Travancore Kingdom under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, who shaped the region’s culture and administration.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Kerala Houseboat, India

Traditional Kerala houseboat in the Kerala backwaters.
Think Kerala, and you immediately picture a Kerala houseboat. One of the best things to do in Kerala, a trip isn’t complete without experiencing a houseboat ride. It is one of India’s top nature experiences, generally affordable, and a pride of Kerala. Thousands have already cruised the backwaters, yet returning again for this natural attraction (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA) in India is common.

Things to Know About Kerala, India

Kerala is popularly known as “God’s Own Country” because of its nature, fertile land, culture, and history. It is famous for traditions in music, dance, and food, as well as Ayurveda wellness and spirituality, which make Kerala special.

Friday, February 8, 2019

Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru, outside area with lights, decorations, snow blanket.
Just within 40 minutes from Sapporo is Otaru, a small port city along the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido. A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without the best things to do in Otaru. Back then, Otaru was a busy hub for trade and fishing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries (THINGS TO DO IN SAPPORO JAPAN). 

As Hokkaido developed its industries, Otaru also grew. Its historic canal, stone warehouses, and preserved architecture still show its past as a thriving commercial gateway.

Today, Otaru has both its old side and modern side connected together. Winter is one of the best times to visit, as snow turns the city into a natural wonder. In summer, visitors can expect comfortable weather and seaside breezes.

What to do in Otaru is mostly about walking - for food, shopping, and sightseeing.

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

3 tier glass shelf display of various types of Asahi Beer in cans and bottles.
Within approximately 2 hours’ drive from Noboribetsu (THINGS TO DO IN NOBORIBETSU) is Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. With a population of nearly two million people, Sapporo was established in 1868 during Japan’s efforts to develop Hokkaido. The city features modern urban planning, wide streets, and a grid layout inspired by American cities.

Sapporo History
Sapporo is a major cultural, educational, and economic center in Hokkaido, hosting Hokkaido University and several research institutions that attract students and scholars from across Japan and abroad. Sapporo has a long history of brewing, with Sapporo Beer dating back to 1876. Sapporo food, including the city’s famous miso ramen and other local specialties, is another highlight.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan: Things to Do

Lady in red winter coat holding a dummy piece of a big brown bear in Bear Park, Noboribetsu, Japan.
Heading from Hilton Niseko Village, it takes around a 3-hour drive to reach Noboribetsu, a small city in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, within Iburi Subprefecture. Located along the Pacific Ocean and part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu is undoubtedly one of Hokkaido’s top destinations (THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN).

Attracting visitors year-round, including Japanese from other regions, Noboribetsu is about 110 kilometers southwest of Sapporo and roughly 50 kilometers from New Chitose Airport.

Monday, January 28, 2019

Things To Do in Hokkaido, Japan (Winter)

dark sky and snow blanketed open area, Hokkaido, Japan.
Hokkaido, one of Japan’s top travel destinations, is the northernmost of the four main islands, located above Honshu and separated by the Tsugaru Strait. It sits north of the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. Hokkaido’s location gives it a colder climate than the rest of Japan, large open landscapes, and sparsely populated regions. Its proximity to Russia’s Sakhalin Island has influenced its history, culture, and unique heritage.

Famous as a winter destination, Hokkaido attracts thousands of travelers every year, mainly from Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while Western tourists are fewer. Asian travelers (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO SRI LANKA) are drawn to Hokkaido’s heavy snowfall, winter festivals, hot springs, and snow-covered landscapes. The snow season typically lasts from late November to early April, making it one of Japan’s snowiest regions.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sunset at the beach and sea in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a bustling hub with a population of over 5 million people. While Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital, Colombo remains the center of trade, business, and travel in the country. Once a strategic port on the ancient East–West trade routes, its history reflects Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influence (THINGS TO DO IN GALLE, SRI LANKA). 

Situated along the Indian Ocean, Colombo is known for its coastline, colonial architecture, lively streets, and modern malls. Beyond the urban rush, parts of the city still showcase traditional villages, cottage industries, and fishing as a way of trade. There are many things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka, covering different parts of the city and its surroundings.

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia -Things to Do

Langkawi is home to a wide variety of sightseeing spots, from natural wonders and beaches to popular attractions. How much you can explore d...