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Travel warning for Indonesia lifted

The US State Department has lifted its travel warning for Indonesia, reflecting improved security and paving the way for closer ties between the two countries.

The Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to create an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia, carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks in Indonesia between 2002 and 2005, dealing a severe blow to the country's tourism and trade.

Following the bombings, the Indonesian authorities worked closely with foreign allies to arrest militants and step up security.

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Duck Tour in Singapore

Well when u visit a place, u want to see it with a difference, right!!

In Singapore there is something called as a Duck Tour !! A duck ??? where did that come from ?? It is a Boat, a Bus, a DUCK! It is the 1st and only amphibious theme tour attraction in Asia.These Duck tours offer both city and harbour tours without changing the vehicle.

Its amazing, you keep going in the road and suddenly u are in the water. A unique kind of boat on big wheels.

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Thai Culture that you need to know

If you're planning to come and visit Thailand, it's good to come with the knowledge of what's culturally acceptable or not.Generally, the Thais are very polite.

If you offend them in any way, they won't tell you and but instead say, "Mai pen rai' or it's okay even if they're already offended.

Here's a compilation of the things you can do and must not do during your stay or visit.

1) Show your respect towards the Royal Family.
The Royal Family is very well respected in this country, therefore as much as possible, don't comment anything may it be good or bad about them. Don't ask controversial issues about them from the local people. It'll greatly offend them and neither talk to you about it.

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Culture and Customs of Vietnamese

What you should do when meeting Vietnamese at the first time? These are some general notes which help you to be polite with Vietnamese culture and people.

Greeting People
Most of the Vietnamese in urban areas no longer bow when they meet each other. In formal gatherings, at religious place, and sometimes in the country areas, one may see the people clasp their hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow slightly. This is not practiced to any extent in everyday life in Vietnam as it is in neighboring Thailand.

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Single Visa Policy for ASEAN

To boost tourism in the region, the Philippines and Thailand have agreed to urge the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt a single visa policy for tourists traveling within the 10-nation bloc.This was one of the understandings firmed up at the Thursday meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

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Malaysia Top 5 Medical Tourism in the World

Malaysia is among the world’s top five medical tourism destinations for medical tourists and foreign investors, reports online investment news source Nuwire Investors. Selected based on the quality and affordability of medical care and receptiveness to foreign investment, Malaysia came in third behind Panama and Brazil, and was followed by Costa Rica and India.

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Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia




This is the survey that just completed recently. Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia. The survey is based on one person, but assumes you are sharing a room with a friend. Two budget restaurant meals are included.

Indonesia also recently being lifted by US for travel warning. There are a lot of things Indonesia can offer. One should seriously consider visiting Indonesia now.


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Thai culture that you need to know

If you're planning to come and visit Thailand, it's good to come with the knowledge of what's culturally acceptable or not.

Generally, the Thais are very polite. If you offend them in any way, they won't tell you and but instead say, "Mai pen rai' or it's okay even if they're already offended.

Here's a compilation of the things you can do and must not do during your stay or visit.

1) Show your respect towards the Royal Family.
The Royal Family is very well respected in this country, therefore as much as possible, don't comment anything may it be good or bad about them. Don't ask controversial issues about them from the local people. It'll greatly offend them and neither talk to you about it.

2) Treat the Thai Baht money ( bill and coins) with 'respect' too.
This means, you can't step on the Thai coins with your foot, in case it falls down. The reason? The King's portrait is on the coins as well as the bill, that's why it must be treated with respect. For Filipinos like me, we're used to hand the money, using our right or left hand..but here you'd notice they only give the money using their right hand as they believe that the left hand is for using somewhere else. Their bills here are very clean and no creases, while back home it's not that clean with "wanted penpal/ phone pal' messages all over it and folded 100 times over.

3) It's polite to 'wai' back when people 'wai' at you.
Wyeing is a sign of respect. It's the folding of arms together like in a prayer gesture and bowing the head slightly.

4) Don't touch anyone's head, specially people older than you.
The head is believed to be the most sacred part of the body so, it offends them when you touch their head.

5) Don't point your foot on people.
Like when your sitting with your legs crossed, your foot must not point to a person. Just as they consider the head to be the most sacred part of the body, the feet are considered to be the lowest.

6) Don't go out with your hair wet, this is also considered impolite.


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Malaysia Top 5 Medical Tourism in the World

Malaysia is among the world’s top five medical tourism destinations for medical tourists and foreign investors, reports online investment news source Nuwire Investors. Selected based on the quality and affordability of medical care and receptiveness to foreign investment, Malaysia came in third behind Panama and Brazil, and was followed by Costa Rica and India.

According to Nuwire Investors, Malaysia’s medical tourism industry has seen staggering growth in recent years. From 2001 to 2006, the number of foreigners seeking healthcare services in Malaysia almost tripled from 75,210 patients to 296,687 patients. The large volume of patients in 2006 brought approximately USD59 million or RM203.66 million in revenue. This trend is likely to grow at a rate of 30 percent a year until 2011, projects the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM).

Much of Malaysia’s attraction lies in the wide array of medical services and procedures including dental, cosmetic and cardiac surgeries at significantly lower costs compared with the United States. Nuwire Investors also states that foreign medical tourists and investors are attracted by Malaysia’s favourable exchange rate, political and economic stability, and high rate of literacy.

According to statistics quoted on Hospitals-Malaysia.org, the country also offers a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics, with 88.5 percent of the population living within three miles of a public health clinic or private practitioner. Under Malaysia’s current health tourism promotion drive, 35 private hospitals in the country have been identified to promote Malaysia as a health tourist destination.

Malaysia’s growing reputation on the world healthcare map has also been recognized by a number of international and regional medical associations. This was most evident when Kuala Lumpur was selected to host one of the world’s largest medical congresses, the XVIII FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in November 2006, FIGO attracted a total of 8,294 delegates from 130 countries. The success and calibre of FIGO spurred an influx of interest from global medical associations, and the Centre went on as host venue for a number of high profile conferences.

The international and regional medical associations are becoming increasingly aware of Malaysia’s drawing card as a value-for-money destination with professional world-class service which does not just extend to medical tourism but to the convention and exhibition market as well.


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Air Asia to Seoul

AirAsia has been a blessing in disguise from God right? Teehee..The best thing is our flight budget to Korea has been greatly reduced with their decision to secure the route to Incheon!

I am going to address some of the reader's curiousity mainly about AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Incheon International Airport (IIA) in this post.


A sample itinerary from AirAsia
from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Incheon International Airport (IIA)

1. My flight will reach IIA at about 9.45pm (Korean time). Will I be able to get a transport to Seoul in time?
There is 1 hour difference between Malaysia and Korea. That means you will reach IIA at about 8.45pm (Malaysian time).

According to Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, the last train/subway from IIA to Seoul :

Weekday/Saturday/Holiday
Normal train - 2321hrs.
Express Train - 2130hrs.

So, if you reach AREX station for direct train to Seoul, allow yourself a 20-30 minutes buffer to be there. Basically, you should be at AREX station at least before 11.00pm. There's always a consequence of a flight delay (those who have flied with AirAsia will agree, I guess ^^), be prepared.

From my experience, Korean custom and immigration is among the easiest to get through especially for Malaysian. There was one time when the officer didn't even look at my face (or maybe I didn't realize it? hahaha) and let me through in a split second. By the time I collected my luggage, the whole process took me about 30 minutes right after the landing. Of course, this is impossible if you come with family or in a group. However, time management is important!

2. Should I ride airport taxi / limousine bus/ AREX + subway to Seoul?

How much is your cost to Seoul?
Taxi ~40,000 won/taxi
Limousine bus~14,000 won/pax
Arex + Subway~3,800 won/pax

Note: Price may differs

An airport taxi incurs a whopping cost of about 40,000won/one way to Seoul but if you come in a group of 4, just divide the cost and it will be cheaper than limousine bus, plus you have the comfort and speed of a taxi. If you come alone, the remaining options might be more viable.

3. What if I miss the last limousine bus/ AREX + subway to Seoul?

You could either:
-sleep at jjimjilbang/sauna for 12,000 won per night
-sleep at the airport on the hard wooden chair, check out the guide to sleeping in airports.
-stay up at McDonalds + surf the internet (the wifi speed is awesome here!)
-watch TV in front of Ministop convenience store (who cares if you don't understand Korean, just enjoy it! You might see your idol in the ads or latest featured drama!)

..ZzzZzzz..and then take the first train to Seoul at 0520hrs ^_^

4. Where do I pray at Incheon International Airport (IIA) - for Muslim?

There is a communal room for multi religion. Please be reminded, it is not solely for Muslim.
For detail layout of the airport, check KNTO for more.

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Duck Tour in Singapore

Well when u visit a place, u want to see it with a difference, right!!

In Singapore there is something called as a Duck Tour !! A duck ??? where did that come from ?? It is a Boat, a Bus, a DUCK! It is the 1st and only amphibious theme tour attraction in Asia.

These Duck tours offer both city and harbour tours without changing the vehicle. Its amazing, you keep going in the road and suddenly u are in the water. A unique kind of boat on big wheels.

The guide is just amazing. Very informative about every place there and it becomes so interactive. We played games and they gave the duck quack. U will be seeing historical landmarks on land around the colonial Civic District on the Singapore Heritage Tour. Then, you will be going through the woods for the ride's climax as you splash into water! Enjoy the breeze as you go on water to view highlights like Merlion Park, the Esplanade and Clifford Pier, all set against the city skyline.

Price range SGD 33 adults
SGD 17 children 4-12 years
SGD 2 children 1-3 years
Full Duck charter
SGD 550 weekends
SGD 450 weekdays

Pick up location
The DUCKcounter @ Suntec City Mall GalleriaDuration 1 hr (depending on traffic conditions)Frequency Hourly Departure (weather permitting)

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Travel warning for Indonesia lifted

The US State Department has lifted its travel warning for Indonesia, reflecting improved security and paving the way for closer ties between the two countries.

The Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to create an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia, carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks in Indonesia between 2002 and 2005, dealing a severe blow to the country's tourism and trade.

Following the bombings, the Indonesian authorities worked closely with foreign allies to arrest militants and step up security.

Indonesia has not experienced a major terrorist attack since October 2005, and the government of Indonesia has disrupted, arrested, and prosecuted numerous terrorist elements. The embassy added that the warning had been in effect since November 2000 and that it was cancelled with effect from May 23.

Members of Jemaah Islamiah bombed bars in the Indonesian resort island of Bali in 2002, killing more than 200 foreigners and Indonesians. The group later bombed Western targets in the capital Jakarta, including the JW Marriott hotel and Australian embassy


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