Sonipat, Haryana, India

Sonipat also known as Sonepat, district of Haryana, and about 50 Km from Delhi, is surrounded by the River Yamuna on its eastern side.  It is a nice place to visit if staying in nearby Delhi.

Being close to New Delhi, the place enjoyed special attention from Mughal rulers and the evidence of the same can be seen in the architectural structures present in the city.  Sonipat visit is incomplete without a mention of its rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Temples, Mosque of Abdullah Nasir-ud-din and Khwaja Khizr Tomb are the famous tourist attractions worth visiting in the city.

The tomb of Khwaja Khizr houses the remains of the saint and son of Darya Khan who lived during the rule of Ibrahim Lodhi. The structure was built between 1522 and 1525 AD.  The tomb stands on an elevated platform which can be accessed by a flight of steps.

Choki Dhani is the place to see and a must when coming to Sonipat.  This place is awesome and I had the best time here.  Chokhi Dhani Sonipat is set in an ethnic Rajasthani village theme.  Chokhi Dhani has dining, live entertainment and camel rides.  For a great evening Rajasthani style then you must come here.  Live dance and music performances all through the evening is one of the major attractions at Chokhi Dhani Village.  The magic show, puppet show, and the acrobats was all very entertaining.

For dinner, you entered a big hall where you are asked to sit on mattresses on the floor. There were several people who served the food.  As soon as you sit down they start serving the food, and it did not stop. You are served somewhere around 15 to 20 dishes, there were so many different food dishes that I really can’t recollect extactly, but all traditional Rajasthani dishes.  It felt homely, and I can’t remember the last time I had so much food before!   My stomach was packed and I had a smile on my face from all the delicious, wonderful food.  All pictures are from Choki Dhani, what an unforgettable, magical evening :-)))

Bangkok & Phuket Island, Thailand

Bangkok is a cultural and spiritual place, with so much history and so many things to see and do; you hardly know where to start.  From the night life, ritzy shopping malls, water sports, stunning temples, colorful festivals, mouth-watering delicacies, world class facilities, enchanting islands and beaches.  Bangkok is one the top destinations to visit in the world, with different people coming from all different places around the globe, this place in one global mesh.

Just a few of the top, must-see spots in Bangkok:

Wat Arun meaning the Temple of Dawn.  This temple is impressive and stunning, and one of the most recognized in Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th century, the ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain is stunning up close.  It is decorated by bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.  It was thrilling, but a little scary walking up the very steep stairs to the top, which gives a nice view of the Chao Phraya river.  Another wonderful temple to see in Bangkok is Wat Pho.  It is one of the most impressive, being the largest and oldest in Thailand.

The Grand Palace.  The Grand Palace is where the kings of Thailand reside.  It is full of luxury and majesty.  Built in 1782 and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace continue to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.  Grand Palace is an absolute MUST, as it is an outstanding architectural achievement, which also houses the infamous Emerald Buddha.  It is recommended that you do not wear shorts, but if you dress inappropriately, they have clothing you can rent during your tour.

Chinatown in Yaroawat.  This Chinatown is packed with culture, full of market stalls and gold shops.  During major festivities like the Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, Chinatown is a must visit.  Also, don’t forget the Floating Market.  The infamous market were the Thais sell their fresh produce on boats. The market is about 80 Kilometers outside of Bangkok.  Everyday hundreds of boats crowd the market area.  You will be able to travel around in a boat and see a little of Thai village life, although do remember that this is now a very famous excursion, so it will not be your normal Thai village.

National Museum.  This museum which is within walking distance from the Grand Palace is one of the largest in Southeast Asia.  The museum was once used as a palace and consists of several old yet beautiful buildings. The museum houses many artifacts found from all parts of the country, ranging from Neolithic, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya times, to modern Bangkok. The admission fee is 40 baht per person, and the museum is open everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm.

Definitely visit one of the many beautiful islands of Thailand.  I went to Phuket Island for two nights, it was a nice break from the bustling and banging Bangkok.  My favorite part of Phuket Island was my Thai massage right on the beach J

Manilla, Philippines

Manilla was nice, but to be honest, it was not one of my favorite travel destinations.  As with most places and sights I have traveled, first impressions are the most important, and the first impression you receive of Manila is the humidity and traffic !  I thought India was bad with population and traffic jams, Manilla is just as bad.

The reason why I feel differently about India with its’ humidity, traffic jams and population, is because it is a different experience in India, a cultural experience.  I fell in love with India because I fell in love with the culture and everything about India, it was so different, yet despite the similarities of the Philippines.  It did not have that feel or culture like India, and definitely not the hospitality either. 

Stepping out off the plane at the Nino Aquino International Airport you are hit by the thick dense air, the humidity is stifling.  Make sure you travel in light clothes or change at the airport with the benefit of the air conditioning prior to exposing yourself to the humidity.

Once you have dealt with humidity, next is the mass of people.  This should not really be a surprise considering Manila is one of the most populated cities in the world.  I most say on a positive note, that most of the people were very friendly and courteous.

Manila has a lot to offer the tourist, some Manila attractions you really should not miss are:

~  Intramuros

~  Fort Santiago.

~  National Museum of the Philippines

~  Binondo/Chinatown

~  Manila Baywalk

~  Manila Bay Sunset

~  Shopping in Manila

~  Malate Church

~  Manila Cathedral

~  San Agustin Church

~  San Agustin Museum

~  Greenbelt Park

~  Manila Zoo

~  Cultural Center of the Philippines

If you are staying in Manila for any length of time then find some time to fly to one of the 7,000 enchanting islands.

Taipei, Taiwan

Here I am in Taipei, Taiwan, in front of the famous Taipei 101 or otherwise called, The Taipei International Financial Center.  Taipei 101 is not the king of the sky anymore.  That is it was ranked officially as the world's tallest until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.

You should plan at least half a day to visit the Taipei 101 building, so you get enough time to shop in the 101 mall, eat some of the food at the food courts and restaurants, and climb up to the observatory to enjoy spectacular views over the capital.  The Taipei 101 tower is home to two observation decks on its 89th and 91th floors. The views from the top are breathtaking !

The Taipei 101 mall is a true shoppers’ paradise!  There you will find some of the top brand names in the world, a Starbucks, lots of food options, with really decent food.  I really enjoyed the food in Taipei, it was very fresh, tasty and interesting.  Getting to the 101 is easy. Take the MRT (Taipei Metro) all the way to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Station, or City Hall Station in Xinyi District, from there, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the building.

I love Taipei, it was safe, friendly, and so easy to get around.  Even if you are partially brain dead you can figure it out.  The metro is super-easy friendly to use.  I did not even have to ask questions or think about it, well, not really :P so I had no worries about getting lost in the city.  Taipei is extremely hot and humid.  Once I walked outside my hotel, within 2 minutes I was sweating like a pig.  Don't let this fret you, Taipei is a beautiful place to visit, you don't want to miss out.  Just pack some light clothes. 

Another good thing to see in Taipei is the famous National Palace Museum.  Even if you are not into museums or history, you can’t really visit Taipei and not go to the National Palace Museum. Renowned as one of the best museums in the world.  The pre-eminent museum contains a vast collection of ancient art and relics that span over 8,000 years of history in China. From the Neolithic Age to the Qing Dynasty, the collection is comprehensive.

Another stop is The Taipei Zoo. I love animals so I had to visit the Zoo.  If you visit Taipei with kids, you don’t want to miss this attraction. I am a kid at heart so I fitted right in.  It is located right next to an MRT station, has two giant pandas, and tons of other cool animals and sights !

Mumbai, Maharashta, India

Mumbai, my favorite place in India.  I immediately fell in love with Mumbai when I arrived here.  All my friends know that I love India so much, I call it my second home, my life, but, yeh hai Mumbai meri jaan.  Mumbai was feeling so close to my heart, I was instantly smitten with Mumbai.

I stayed in the Colaba district, next to the Gateway of India.  I love this area in Mumbai.  Surrounded by water, nice restaurants, and so much shopping galore, if your a shopaholic.  It is so friendly that it felt like everyone was family.  So many nice people offering to help you if you have questions.

Most of Mumbai's attractions such as museums and the Gateway of India can be found in the downtown area of Colaba district.  Marine Drive and Chowapatty Beach make for great strolling and are quite popular for vendor snacks and sunsets. When here, catch the boat across to Elephanta Island.  It is about an hour journey across.  When you arrive it is breathtaking.  Your journey starts up many steps to the top where the views are magnificent, and the caves themselves are just as magnificent.  There were many dogs and monkeys roaming around.  I sat my bottle of water down to take a picture and a monkey came and stole my water bottle, so caution, watch your belongings.  What a fantastic day to spend the day.

I am not into the nightlife scene, but if you are into nightlife, then Mumbai is a happening place with lots of bars and clubs. Many nightspots can be found inside the swanky hotels and around the Fort and Colaba areas.  Mumbai also has a huge selection of shopping plazas, boutiques, and outdoor markets.  You have everything right here at your disposal.

Don't forget to visit Juhu Beach.  I took the train to Juhu Beach, a little nervous about getting lost, but I managed just fine. The trains are a fun and economical way to get around Mumbai.  Mumbai is known for its beaches, and this beach is a must to visit. The waves touching your feet, the sinking sand, stalls selling edible food to satisfy your appetite, and of course, some fresh air.  Soak in all the sun and waves and indulge in some delicious snacks.  Another great way to spend your day in Mumbai.

I will definitely be coming back time and time again to Mumbai.  Truly my favorite place in India to date.  Oh Mumbai meri jaan.  I miss Mumbai so much.  Pictures of Elephanta Caves and Juhu Beach below :-)

Peru

I have to admit I never gave Peru much thought to explore, my only desire was seeing Machu Picchu, which was high on my list of must see places.  Frankly, I was unprepared with how beautiful and magnificent Peru is.  The culture of Peru is by far one of the most diverse in South America.  Thanks to the Andes mountains to the West and the Amazon River, Peruvians have been successful at preserving the culture of Peru for thousands of years.  Even after the invasion by the Spanish Conquistadors, the ancient culture of Peru is still prominent today.

Peru has an interesting blend of both Inca and Spanish influences with it's art.  Music within Peru dates back literally thousands of years, preserved by the local community, and the sounds are just magical.  The culture of Peru is also diverse in the way of festivities.  Peru celebrates many festivities a year, most of which are related to the Christian religion that was brought over by the Spanish Conquistadors, however, some ancient Inca celebrations are also still practiced.  This blend of Christianity and the ancient beliefs are yet another example of the diversity of Peru.

First stop, Lima.  The architecture in Lima is stunning.  When coming here you must see Plaza de Armas.  Once considered the heart of old Lima, this grand plaza features many important architectural monuments and buildings including a magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1650, the Archbishop's Palace and the Government Palace dating from 1924.  Another place to see is Miraflores, it is one of the top tourist districts of Lima.  The main hotels in this beautiful city are located by the Pacific ocean.  Miraflores offers several amenities such as fine cuisine, fast food, casinos, handcrafts, antiques flea markets, cinemas, and much more.  If like to shop you must go to Larcomar area, which is a mall that overlooks the ocean, offering a relaxing sunset.

Of course one comes to Peru for Machu Picchu.  So next stop, Cusco.  I loved it here.  One of the best cities I have ever been too.  Beauty balanced with charm in this almost fairy tale like town.  Machu Picchu left me breathless and in awe.  I was astound by the sites and history.  In Cusco you will find a wide range of different tourist services such as hotels, restaurants, handicraft centers, bars and anything you want.  Cusco is quite charming so spend a few nights here, you will not regret it.  Cusco was much more enjoyable compared to Lima, just my opinion and I think you will agree also.

The way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco.  The journey last about 4 hours until you reach Aguas Calientes, this is where you depart and have to take a bus that will take you to Machu Picchu, the addition ride is another 20 minutes.   After sites seeing in Machu Picchu make some time to relax in Aguas Calientes before heading back.  This is a lovely town with lots of outdoor vendors and restaurants.

When going to Machu Picchu book your train ticket and your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu in advance.  They sell out fast during high-peak season.  I went right before the high-peak season so I had no worries, but even at that, it was selling out fast, both train and entrance.  Don’t take a chance, book it way before you leave on your trip to avoid the disappointment of coming to Peru and not seeing Machu Picchu.  Book your rail thru Peru Rail at www.perurail.com and your Machu Picchu tickets at the official site at http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/.  I hope this helps your planning to visit Peru.  Enjoy the ride :-)))

Kerala, India * The Backwaters *

Kerala, one of my favorite destinations in India.  I have been there several times and keep coming back.   Kerala is nicknamed, “God's Own Country” and you can see why when you arrive in Kerala.  Well-known for its lush greenery, waterfalls, and world famous backwaters.  The backwaters in Kerala are lagoons and lakes parallel to the Arabian Sea.  The backwaters are also quite popular for boat races.

Kerala is blessed with unmatched beauty and attractions among which the backwaters are a favorite and must do when you come.  Kerala backwaters have greatly helped in the boom of Kerala tourism industry.  For more information on Kerala, check out my previous postings on this site :-)

In this heavenly state of India, there are many picturesque backwater destinations among which Kumarakom, Alleppey, Cochin, Kuttanad, Kovalam, Kollam, Kottayam and Kasargod are very popular among tourists and are the prime backwater destinations in Kerala.   Holidays in Kerala are incomplete without enjoying a houseboat over the beautiful backwaters.  The houseboats come with a chef on board to serve you all your meals, so sit back, relax, eat and be merry, it is truly a memorable event of lifetime.  The food is wonderful in Kerala, seems like everything about this place is heavenly :-)

Varkala, Kerala, India

Varkala is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district situated in the state of Kerala.  Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.  One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been too.  This place should not be missed if you are coming to India.

Varkala coast is stunning, and has an international culture, isolated from the rest of India.  You will feel your not even in India, it is so diverse with many different cultures around the globe.  From Italian café to German bakery to French pastries, this place caters to all.  I decided to have an Indian lunch, so opt for some curd rice, and it was the best curd rice I have ever had.

Varkala is becoming the new “hippie beach” from the most populated Goa.   It is slowly climbing the ladders of popularity among the various tourist destinations in India.  With its largely uncrowded and isolated location, November to March is the ideal time to visit Varkala.

Varkala has many beautiful beaches other than the most famous Papanasanam, but the most developed and the best-favoured one is Papanasanam.  It has all the restaurants and resorts around it.  Lodging opportunities are plenty with home stays, budget hotels, and luxury resorts, spread around the area.

There are sightseeing options once you are in Varkala, from the Janardhana Swami Temple to the Kappil Lake, to the Ayurvedic resorts, and the Anjengo Fort, which is listed as the National Heritage site.  Varkala is peaceful and serene, and if you want to sunbath or a walk on the virgin beaches, a mix of ethnic cuisines to enjoy, then Varkala is the place for you to come in India.

Rome, Italy

Rome, I was completely impressed and fell in love with this historic city.  Ancient ruins everywhere you walked.  If you love history, you will definitely love this city, I love history, so of course I was in awe when I arrived.  I stayed on Via Nazionale Street, this is a great location to stay at.  It is only 20 minute walk to the Coliseum.

When I arrived at that Coliseum, I was taken back.  Then walking around the Coliseum, I just had this incredible feeling.  Wow, am I actually at the Coliseum !   What a feeling !  You learn about this in history class, but when you are actually at the Coliseum, the feeling is overwhelming.  At least that is what it did to me.  We all know the Coliseum is an oval-shaped amphitheater situated in the heart of Rome, and one of the most exclusive landmarks of Rome.  The Coliseum had its foundation laid between 70 and 72 AD,  the amphitheater was completed in the 80 AD.  At the time of its construction, the Coliseum had the capacity of seating around 50,000 spectators. Initially, the amphitheater was used for holding gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as; animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Classical mythology.  The games played in the Coliseum are believed to have taken the lives of about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals.  Just a little history facts I thought I throw in :-)))  If you pass by the famous Trevi Fountain on your way to the Coliseum don’t forget to throw a coin in the fountain for good luck.

Another must see is the Roman Forum, wow, I was really blown away.  I find the Roman Forum is one of the most fascinating attractions in Italy, and top ancient site to see.   The Roman Forum or the Forum Romanum, was once the center of ancient Rome, the place where the Romans used to meet, do business, politics and shop.  In 46BC Julius Caesar built a new forum because the old one was getting small for the growing population of the city.  The Roman Forum today is an area of ruins of temples, arches and basilicas.  Walking through this ancient city had me just as overwhelmed as the Coliseum.  After seeing the Coliseum and the Roman Forum the same day, I was ready to relax and have some nice Italian wine.

Visiting the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica is a one day event only you will need to spend out of your trip to Rome.  The Vatican is its own independent state and the smallest independent country in the world.  Regardless of your religion, you must visit the St. Peter’s Basilica.  You will appreciate it immensely whether your Catholic or not.  I waited in line for almost 1.5 hours.  The line when I got there was never ending.  It is worth the wait.  I was utter blown away by the architecture.  St Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world.  St. Peter's basilica is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites.  Enjoy the pasta and panini's when in Rome, it is really good.  When you visited all the sites, just roam around Rome, you will feel you are Rome-ing  back in time. 

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  This city is really coming alive with activities and people dancing all around at the water front having a good time.  I also noticed people were dressed in costumes in the stores and around the city.  I still don't know why,  but maybe they just like to dress up in costumes.  When you come here try the tapas.  There are many tapas bars, and all vary in prices from inexpensive to expensive, so check first.  This is the common staple in Barcelona.

For the traveler, Barcelona offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do, perfect for sightseeing and shopaholics.  From the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, to the beautiful parks overlooking the city, here is a list of some things you should see when visiting Barcelona.

La Rambla: This wide avenue is one of the main arteries that runs through the city, and features many shops and department stores, as well as a large number of street performers and flocks of people. The excitement of this street is unparalleled within the city, and among the shops are bakeries, restaurants and more.  I stayed in this area, this a good place to get a hotel.  I would recommend staying in this area because  it is near PlazaCatalunya, the main bus stop that takes you to and from the airport.
Plaza Catalunya:  This large, round plaza at the end of La Rambla is always full of people and pigeons.  Located exactly at the heart of the city, this square, with its beautiful fountains, is a great place to get a cup of coffee and relax.  Again, if you stay in La Rambla area, this is the square where the main bus stops are.
Sagrada Familia: For both the first-time visitor and the experienced traveler, Sagrada Familia is an unforgettable sight. Designed by the famous architect Gaudi, the cathedral is still unfinished, but the intricate details of the arches and towers, and the stunning tile work and carvings on the façade of the building are unique in architecture.
Park Guell: Another vista over the rooftops of Barcelona, Park Guell was intended to be a paradise retreat for the rich and famous of the city before being turned into a public park.
Barrio Gotico: The narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, in the center of Barcelona are a wonderful place to shop and explore. Filled with tiny cafes and unique bars, and full of life, this area is another lively section in the city.
Picasso Museum: Rated as possibly one of the best museum in Barcelona, this collection offers an amazing glimpse into the works of one of the most famous painters of all time. From his early works to his discovery of modernism and cubism, the museum follow Pablo Picasso's journey as an artist.
Olympic Harbor: Built for the famous 1992 Olympic Games, which took place in Barcelona, the Olympic Harbor is a beautifully-designed waterfront, complete with boardwalks and parks. Full of walkers and people during the day, and dance clubs and restaurants at night, this area always has something to see and do.

You will be amazed with the architecture in Barcelona.  One of the most beautiful cities I have been too.  And don't forget try the tapas !

Sri Lanka

My trip to Sri Lanka, I went directly to Mt. Lavini.  It is only about 1/2 hour drive from the Colombo Airport.  I stayed here 3 nights, just to relax and unwind.  I heard this place was paradise, so I had to check it out, and it really is.  The beaches were just beautiful. I seen some things locally in the Mt. Lavini area, but my intentions mainly was to just unwind after briefly touring through 3 other countries prior to coming to Mt. Lavini, so I really need the rest, and what a perfect place to do just that.  The people were so friendly and the food was so good.  

Sri Lankan food is spicy, if you like spicy, then you will love their food.  Majority of the religion is Buddhist and is based on Buddhist culture.  Also, like India, Sri Lanka too boasts a great history of lots of ancient great temples and shrines.

Sri Lanka is paradise with long, clean, golden beaches; stunningly clear water.  It was an incredible feeling having my meals served right on the beach.  The sounds and sights of the ocean accompanying each meal was unforgettable.  Long walks on the beach, enjoying some fabulous food, and just taking in the beauty of this gorgeous island, I felt so peaceful and relax, totally fantastic time.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur was not one of my favorite destinations to visit, but I managed to enjoy my time here and was glad I visited Malaysia.  I figure I had to come to see Kuala Lumpur being I was in Singapore and just transit through.

I spent two nights in Kuala Lumpur.  This city is not quite as friendly, safe, or easy to get around in like Singapore or Bali, but it is good to see.  I really enjoyed the Malaysian food and they have lots of nice restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.  Shopping is also very good in Kuala Lumpur if you are a shopaholic.  I love to eat and try different foods and shop around so this alone made my trip enjoyable.

My favorite highlights of coming to Kuala Lumpur was China Town and Batu Caves. Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves with built-in temples in the Gombak District, north of Kuala Lumpur.  This is one of the most famous Hindu shrines outside of India and is the site for the famous Thaipusam Hindu Festival in Malaysia.

I really liked Kuala Lumpur’s China Town on Petaling Street, it is one of the best China Towns I have been to so far.  So don’t miss the China Town here.  Get all things cheap here; t-shirts, perfumes, clothes, shoes and a million other things, including all your favorite knock-off brands.  I also really enjoyed my visit to Batu Caves, this is a must when you come to Kuala Lumpur.  Alleged to have the world's tallest Murugan statue.  It is a long hike up many, many steps to the top of the cave, and you will need to take breaks along the way.  But don’t worry, there are monkeys galore everywhere to entertain you during your ascend up.  But once you get to the top and in the cave, it is a so peaceful and quiet, so no monkeying around inside the cave.

Some other main things to do and see are the Petronas Twin Towers and the K.L. Tower, which is the tallest tower in Asia and the 4th largest in the world which has a revolving restaurant.  Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, it is suppose to be the world's largest aviary.  I did not see it but I hear it is a must to visit.  Don’t forget to checkout Berjaya Times Square, this place is shopper’s paradise.  My hotel was right around the corner from here, and this is a nice area to stay in.   They have it all, from every kind of store you could imagine, massage areas, bars and nightclubs, the real K.L.  Berjaya Times Square has it all for the young and old, the young for sure, or the young at heart.

Singapore

Singapore is nice place to stop for a few days on transit.  A few days is plenty to see it all in Singapore .  A cultural melting pot, world-class tourist destination, and colorful cultures allure visitors from far and wide.  Singapore assails the senses of the first time visitor.

One of the most prominent features of Singapore is its cleanliness, this city is immaculate, and indeed, its many regulations, has made it one of the world’s safest places to visit, and serious crimes are extremely low.  The visitor is spoiled for choices of things to see and do.  It boasts museums and river tours, plentiful greenery, a vibrant nightlife, a rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences.

Rapid development over the years, Singapore tourism has acquired world-renowned status.  A holiday in Singapore offers the tourists with a unique, pleasant experience.  Singapore has constantly been an appealing destination for shoppers and food lovers of all kind.

The weather remains tropical almost all through the year, and because of warm temperatures, the city features a year-round high humidity and rainfall.  When it comes to planning a Singapore holiday, winter season, ranging from October to March, is considered the best time.  Cool weather and festive atmosphere, you will have unforgettable memories during this time.

Sentosa Island is the center of attraction for vacationers in Singapore .  Along with splendid scenic beaches, this city has plenty tourist places like the Under Water World, Singapore Botanic Garden , Resort World Casino, Universal Studios Theme Park and much more. The Singapore River is also a tourist hub with hundreds of bars and night clubs nearby. Apart from that, Singapore Zoo is a good selection for families to visit.  Moreover, one can head to the Night Safari, Chinatown and Chinese Gardens to have more fun and enjoyment.

Bali, Indonesia

I have been to some of the most amazing, spectacular places around the globe, and Bali tops the list.  My friends and colleagues ask me, “Is Bali really paradise, is it really that nice” and I say “YES”.  I was in awe when I arrived here and the locals were really friendly.  During my time I rented a motor bike and the driver took me around to all the tourist spots.  My recommendation, forget the car and rent a motor bike and see this magical island with the wind blowing through your face and hair.  Why be stuck in some car, boringgggggggg.  This is one beautiful place so everything from the outside is better.

I was walking from breakfast on my second day here and happened to find someone with a sign on his bike, “rent my bike” so I negotiated a price for a few days and I had the time of my life.  It is cheaper and more authentic then finding some over-priced tour group on the island and being stuck to a particular agenda.  This place is swarming with motor bikes, so it should not be a problem hiring a local.  The picture above, my bike I rented during my time in Bali.

Bali, not only is it a gorgeous place with its lush greenery, clear skies and sparkling blue waters, but there is also a wealth of things to do in Bali. The best part about Bali is that it caters to everyone, and perfect for honeymooners.  The weather is phenomenal and it just feels like heaven on earth.

There are an abundance of villas and places to stay in Bali, and a private villa is the most exquisite way to vacation in Bali. With a private villa or the traditional tropical Bali resort, you get a chance for the ultimate in rest and relaxation and the tranquility is insurmountable.  Many of the private villas in Bali boast a pool along with private beach access, so you will not have to go far for some much needed time in paradise.

When in Bali, there are also many areas that are great for shopping.  The shopping in Bali will astound and amaze you with all the items that you will be able to find.  The feel is superbly tropical and you will definitely have the feeling that you are “away from it all” which is truly what is supposed to feel like.

The greatest part about Bali is that you can truly feel isolated and away from it all or you can choose to be social in many of the truly magnificent dining arenas, bars and nightclubs, which are in abundance.  This place is rocking with bars and nightclubs, at least where I stayed in the Kuta Beach area.  Kuta Beach is one of the most popular places to stay in Bali, but if you really want to get away from it all, some vacationers choose to stay in Ubud, which is another option.  Bali is charming, traditional, romantic, and beautiful, what could be better.  It truly is paradise !