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Travel to Bali



Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The island home of approximately 4 million people is approximately 144 kilometres from east to west and 80 kilometres north to south.
The islands varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides provide a picturesque backdrop to the colourful and deeply spiritual culture of this 'Island of The Gods'.



bali, travel bali, travel tips

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Overseas Travel Guide


"FIND YOUR SAFETY & TRAVEL GUIDE.....HAVE A GREAT TRAVEL & HOLIDAY"
Here are some checklist, I hope it will helps you a lot..

Overseas Travel Checklist
Know about your destination
Up to date safety information
Organized travel arrangements
Visas and valid passport
Know where embassies are
Have travel insurance
Copies all of documents
Spare cash or credit card
Pack well and lightly
Sense of adventure!

Overseas travel will expand your horizons, introduce new adventures and be a highlight of your life experience. Whether it’s your first time abroad or you’re a travel veteran it’s important to plan and prepare for a safe, successful overseas trip.

Where Are You Going?
Hit up your local library, reputable internet sites and travel veterans for information about where you’re heading. Arming yourself with cultural, geographical and weather information will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Not only will you pack the right gear, see all the important sites and have a better time you’ll be better prepared for anything that comes your way.

Who Knows You’re Going?
Leave copies of your itinerary, passport, visas, insurance policies, plane tickets and accommodation with friends and family members. Stay in constant touch with home while you’re away through email and phone calls. Not only is this a safe and sensible move, you’ll be able to share all the cool details of your trip and have backups in case you lose any information.
You may also be able to register with your government or embassy so that your whereabouts is known in the event of a large-scale problem.

What If Something Goes Wrong?
There is always the possibility of something going wrong while you’re overseas. However if you’re well prepared there is very little that could turn into a disaster. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that will cover all the activities that you’re likely to do (check skiing, golf, diving, etc) as well as all your possessions. Know where your country’s embassies are in your destination country and keep important phone numbers and addresses, such as emergency services and embassies, with you at all times. Importantly, don’t freak out about the little stuff. A stolen camera or mild case of tummy sickness shouldn’t spoil your trip.

What Do You Need To Take?
Take appropriate clothing, footwear and other gear for your trip. If you’re mountain climbing leave the stilettos at home but you’ll be equally uncomfortable wearing hiking boots in a nice Parisian restaurant. Know what the weather will be like, know what you’ll be doing and pack well but lightly.

Take spare passport sized photos and keep photocopies of your documents in a separate part of your luggage to the originals. Also save scanned copies of your documents and important address and phone numbers in your email inbox so they can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
Stash an emergency credit card and some cash in $USD somewhere separate from your main money compartment. Come theft, disaster or accident if you’ve got good travel insurance, cash or plastic and an accessible copy of your documents and emergency numbers you will be fine.

What is your dream destination?

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The Best Cruise Destination


Generally when considering cruise popularity you will find that it is determined by a number of things, which can include how convenient it is to reach the cruise liner from your home, whether you have a young family, your age, whether it your first time or if you are single or married.

It is therefore wise to ask yourself what you expect from a cruise before making a decision. Are you looking for black tie glamour, informal luxury, to travel only with people your own age, plenty of entertainment, beautiful surroundings and nature, a good deal or activity and are you traveling on a shoestring?

That is why the top ten cruise destinations are based on previous experience and include cruise holidays in a variety of temperate zones. In effect, there is something here for everyone:

Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are a tropical paradise everyday of the year with its green clad volcanic cliffs and awe-inspiring tropical fauna and flora. Visit the magical Dolphin Cove, the fascinating Sealife Park and of course the Polynesian Cultural Centre.

The Caribbean
The best time to cruise the Caribbean is in January and February as the weather is perfect most days, but there is often threat of hurricanes from Mid June to the beginning of December. You can visit all the Caribbean islands as there is only a short distance between each of them, but the Caribbean is not as tropically lush as Hawaii.

Antarctica
Cruises to Antarctica are usually expensive so not suited to those on a low budget and cruise ships do not operate in the Antarctic winter, from March to September. These cruises combine a unique blend of comfort and adventure with soaring glacier cliffs, icebergs and penguin colonies.


The Mediterranean
The warmest months and the best time for sun seekers to visit the mediterrannean is from May to September. It should be noted that many of the ports are often very busy during the summer, but there are certainly a large amount of destinations worth visiting, including the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol, Liguria Coast and the French Riviera.

Fjords of Norway
The best time to visit the Fjords of Norway is from June to August when it is not so cold. Cruises around these natural wonders are breathtakingly beautiful and humbling, as you sail inside enormous, yet narrow fjords surrounded by high cliffs.

Alaska
The best time to cruise to Alaska is in the warmest months of June to August, as daylight is longer for sightseeing and taking photographs. It's a special place to cruise by glaciers and snow caped jagged peaks on your way to numerous photogenic ports.

Mexico
November to April is the best time to cruise to Mexico, as they are cooler, dryer and less humid than the summer months. This is not the destination for those looking to relax, as Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and the other ports of call on the Mexican Riviera are full of life and music.

South Pacific
The South Pacific covers a broad area and its destinations include the fertile tropical paradises such as Fiji and Tahiti.

Galapagos
The Galapagos Island are home to giant tortoises, seal lions, penguins, fur seals, marine iguanas and are a place that Charles Darwin visited to observe the unique wildlife.

The Baltic Sea
A cruise to the Baltic Sea is not for the faint hearted in the colder months, but June to august is ideal for visiting Tallinn, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

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Make your travel as cheap as you can!


Traveling does not need to put you in the poor house, just follow these 10 cheap travel tips to save money and still enjoy your vacation.

Carry Snacks With You
Buying snacks in bulk before you go and dividing them up into zip lock bags saves the cost and hassle of purchasing snack foods while traveling.

Bring Along A Water Bottle
Cheap travel tips do not need to be time consuming and inconvenient. This one is easy and simple. Just pack a nice water bottle and refill it whenever you get the chance, so you don't have to purchase bottled water.

Look For PackagesFinding packages for services and attractions can be one of the most invaluable of all cheap travel tips. Package deals can be found on most things, from shuttle rides if you purchase round trip in advance, to hotel room rates that include free breakfast.

Walk Places
This tip can save you a lot of money and has the added benefit of allowing you to get your exercise in. It is also a great way to explore a new area.


Use Grocery Stores
Every meal does not need to be eaten at a restaurant. It can be great fun to find a grocery store and buy something from the deli and take it to a nearby park.

Bring Along Entertainment
Many people spend their time on vacation jumping from one attraction to another with no time in between. Why not bring along a book or camera and spend a day or two relaxing?

Save Extra FoodIf you receive extra food on an airplane or with a meal, bring it with you so that you have a snack available and do not have to purchase one.

Go Camping
Road trips can really add up when you are staying in a hotel every night. Why not bring along a tent and spend some of the nights camping. You can alternate nights between a hotel and tent in order to avoid feeling grungy.

Plan Your Trips During Off-Times
Cheap travel tips can include staying at quality, premium places. This can be achieved through finding the times that are considered off-season and planning your trip during that time. Most hotels and attractions have times of the year when they fill up and can demand higher prices, but also times of the year when they do not get a lot of visitors and are willing to offer great deals to allure guests.

Don't Be Afraid To Request Forgotten ItemsIf you forget a toothbrush or razor do not hesitate to call the front desk if you are staying at a hotel and asking for one. Most hotels have extras like this available and it saves you the money of purchasing one.

Follow these ten cheap travel tips to make your vacation cost effective and stress-free.

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Reasons why to buy travel insurance

1. Your flight has been cancelled.
2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.
3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.
5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.
6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.
7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.
8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.
9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

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Ten Essential Things To Do When You Visit Thailand

It’s not hard to understand why Thailand has become such a hot name when tourism is the topic of discussion. After all, Thailand is very rich in terms of its culture as manifested by its various museums and temples. At the same time, Thailand has a lot to brag about with its natural resources. These are two large factors which bring tourists from all over the world into Thailand.

1.) Bangkok’s Canals
Bangkok, Thailand is known for its open canals. This is used for various open water activities, and you can find floating houses here, which will certainly make you wonder how do these houses remain floating? At the same time, you can also shop in Thailand’s open canals, indeed a very bright and original way to do your shopping.

2.) Tarutao Marine National Park
Thailand makes an effort to preserve its wildlife resources and its animal and plant species. While being ardent in protecting them, you can enjoy and relish their company through the Tarutao Marine National Park. You must not forget to visit here while you’re in Thailand.

3.) Temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand
There are 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Thailand, but Wat Arun is one of those temples which are most notable. This is because of its modern architectural design, and at the same time, its unique distinction from others. A portion of the temple contains images of Buddha’s life.

4.) Statue of Buddha in Ko Samui, Thailand
In the Island of Ko Samui, Thailand lays a world-famous statue of Buddha. This statue stands 12 m or 29 feet tall and is most notable for the bright colors with which it is portrayed. You must visit this religious place situated in an island not far from Thailand’s capital.

5.) Grand Palace, Bangkok
A world famous site is the Grand Palace, Bangkok. The Grand Palace is a complex of royal buildings where royalty in Thailand lives; however, only one complex, the Wat Phra Kaeo, is open to tourists. The Grand Palace is a place you must visit in Thailand.

6.) Thai Boxing
As the people in Thai call the sport, “Muay Thai,” it is something you definitely should not miss – whether by actual experience or by watching. Thai boxing is actually a very historic sport throughout the history of Thailand, even having royal and religious roots. Thai boxing in Thailand can never be the same as in other places.

7.) Thailand’s Theater and Arts
There are a variety of unique theater experiences you can have in Thailand. Two such examples are Khon and Nang Yai. Khon is a dramatization of Thailand’s myths and ancient tales, while Nang Yai, on the other hand, is portrayed through puppets of shadows.

8.) Suan Pakkad Palace
The palace is the perfect place for you to go if you want to have a look at traditional houses in Thailand. Also, in Suan Pakkad Palace, there are art collections which you might want to go to. This is a tourist destination that will suit an art lover’s taste.

9.) Vimameck Mansion
This mansion-turned-museum is graced for being the largest teakwood mansion in the world. What Thailand did was to turn Vimameck Mansion into a museum as well. Because of this, you not only get to see the mansion but you also get to see artifacts exhibited in the museum.

10.) National Museum in Bangkok
A visit to Bangkok shall not be complete without going to the National Museum. Chronicled in the National Museum is practically the history of Bangkok presented through artifacts from before up to the modern pieces of contemporary art. You will surely get to have the feel of Thailand through the National Museum.



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็Hilltribes in Thailand


One fascinating aspect of Thai culture is its ethnic diversity, including a number of hill tribe communities that live in the mountains of the Northern provinces. Roughly 8% of Thailand’s population is made of hill tribes including, Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Meo, Yao, and Karen hill tribe populations.
Most popular in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Tak, an overnight trek to a Thailand hill tribe village is often the highlight of many visitors’ trips. While some villages have now had more than a decade of contact with visitors, most remote hill tribes still maintain most of their traditional practices and values.

Whether you wish to do a village homestay with a remote hill tribe village or arrange accommodation from a boutique company that provides semi-authentic lodging with more agreeable facilities, time spent with one of Thailand’s unique hill tribe communities provides a fascinating insight into these ancient and mystical cultures.

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Sejong Center


Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (or Sejong Center) is the largest arts and cultural complex in Seoul, South Korea. It has an interior area of 53,202m². It is situated in the center of the capital, on Sejongno, a main road that cuts through the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty. The center took 4 years to complete, opening its doors in 1978. It was "built as a cultural center for Seoulites." It currently is home to the biggest pipe organ in Asia. (Source: Wikipedia)
 
The building is located in Gwanghamun and you can view the statue of the great King Sejong  just in front of the center. Underneath the statue, you can walk into Gwang Ha Rang, where you can view many free exhibition. The Gwang Hwa Rang is situated right underneath the Sejong-ro crossroads. It is accessible to pedestrians and art-discerning visitors. There is a window-gallery that enable by-passers on ground level to peek inside.

Check out my trip to Gwanghamun on April 2009 here and to King Sejong's tomb here.
My friends Iris, Fiza, Nyna and Hanim recently visited the great King Sejong's exhibition and check out their pictures here. You can even practise writing your own name in Hangul! ^^


The great King errr..Queen Fiza?

Nice kitty..rawrrr!! Be careful Nyna! ^^



Fiza landed into the same dreaded situation like me.
There's no letter in Hangul which sounded like 'Z' and 'F' hence
Korean pronounce our name as Pija and Jarina respectively.
I gave up to teach them on how to pronounce my name properly.
The funnier thing is, Korean pronounce pizza (the food) as pija.
Hmm...hehehe.


Uri chingu!! From left Fiza, Iris, Nyna and Hanim.
All pictures are from their courtesy.



Myeongdong to Gwanghamun
16 minutes, 5 stops, 5.1km
1,000 won with cash, 900 won with T-Money
Transit at Dongdaemun History and Culture park subway station
Take Exit 5 at Gwanghamun subway station to go to Sejong Center

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Thailand - A Place To Visit


Thailand, the perfect place to visit for hot, sunny holidays. 

After traveling a lot to Thailand and around the country I want to share some of my experience with you. You can find almost everything you want there except snow.

When you plan your trip to Thailand there are 3 usual places to arrive, Bangkok, Phuket or Chang Mai.


If you arrive in Bangkok you are in the middle of the country and have lots of opportunities from there. Bangkok is a huge city with lots of people (estimated 12 million with tourists) and it is a very busy place to stay for a long period. There are a few things that should be seen in Bangkok and one of them is Grand Palace. To get in there you need to follow the rules of clothing (shorts is not allowed in there). A boat trip on the river is very nice and you can see a t from the boats. Bangkok also have great opportunities for shopping with many huge shopping centers. When you stay in Bangkok, make sure you also visit the floating market and the Silom area. From Bangkok the drive is not far to the party place Pattaya or the quiet city of Hua Hin.


If you arrive in the south of Thailand, Phuket, you will find a more quiet place with great beaches. The area in the south also offers a lot of sights. If you go south and want to go for a party you can visit Patong, which is a smaller scaled Pattaya. The south of Thailand has the same temperatures as the central parts of the country, but the south is a bit more wet and rainy. While staying in south you should consider a trip to the many islands, you will find a lot of great untouched nature there.


The north of Thailand I quite different from the other 2 places. The temperatures are lower there and the air feels more fresh. Chang Mai is the biggest city, but Chang Rai is also of a certain size. The north can not offer sea and beaches like the central parts and the south, but they have a lot of great nature. It is known to be a very "green" area, some people call it the lounges of Thailand.
This was just a short summary from my trips in Thailand, and after visiting the country lots of times I will very strongly recommend it to absolutely everyone.





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