Halong Bay, Vietnam for 7th wonder of the World

Halong Bay is the jewel in the crown of Vietnam cruise travel destinations. Located 165km (102 miles) East of Vietnam's capital Hanoi, the 150,000 ha (370,658 acre) Halong Bay lies on Vietnam's Northeastern coast in the Gulf of Tonkin. Not only are Halong Bay's approximately 1,600 limestone islands and statuesque pillar islets and outcrops breathtakingly beautiful, the bay is deeply entrenched in Vietnam's history and mythology, and the folklore of the surrounding regions.

The Sino-Vietnamese "Ha Long" literally translates as "Descending Dragon". The true origins of the name are shrouded in mystery. Some say the name comes from a traditional Vietnamese legend; others say that the bay was given the name by the French during their colonial rule of Vietnam. Whatever the truth, there is no disputing Ha Long Bay's unique beauty. The World Heritage Foundation even says "Apart from Halong Bay, there are no equivalent sites on the World Heritage List …".

The Halong Bay World Heritage site is universally recognized worldwide for the value of its exceptional geology and distinctive biodiversity. The captivating seascape vistas, tranquil azure waters, diverse marine life and the rich culture of the local people only add to the charm and enchantment of cruising Halong Bay. Halong Bay cruises have been a Vietnamese favorite for centuries. The restful waters, expansive skies, abundant aquatic life and the serenely majestic outcrops, islands and islets captivate all who experience them. One of famous luxury brand name, Indochina Sails are now cruising on Halong Bay.Vote for Halong Bay to be one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

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Chap Goh Meh festival

The finale to Chinese New Year celebration is Chap Goh Meh or in Hokkien means 15th night. It is a day when fair maidens will go out for a night with their chaperon on a full moon night. Of course, I must mention that the Chinese Lunar calendar uses the numbers based on the moon. The first day of the lunar month is when the new moon appears. Therefore, on the 15th of the month or chap goh meh, we get a full moon.

However, do you know that on 20th or rather 21st for us over here in Malaysia, there is going to be a total lunar eclipse?

In the late night hours of Feb. 20, 2011, a total lunar eclipse will dazzle the night sky. And this lunar eclipse may be worth staying up for, because it will be the last one until December 2011.
Residents of the Americas, Europe and Africa will have the best view of this eclipse.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, we won’t be able to witness the lunar eclipse. Fortunately is because some fengshui masters said eclipse is bad luck.

But what is most interesting on Chap Goh Meh is the orange throwing event by the sea. Long time ago, as in 60 years ago maybe, the girls were not allowed out of their homes to mix with boys. However, on Chap Goh Meh, they were let out of the home and they would throw oranges and make wishes. In Hokkien, it goes something like “Tim kam, chua ho ang” or “Throw Mandarin orange, marry good husband.”

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Travel activities in Singapore

For visitors looking for an adventure in our concrete jungle, we recommend the Uniquely Adventurous Itinerary below:

First, visit the Underwater World and view over 2500 marine animals, including the World's Largest Display of Sand Tiger Sharks!

If you have survived the heart-stopping experience with the sharks, reward yourself with lunch at Holland Village, an enclave of charming shops and restaurants, popular with expatriates and yuppies. You may also want to do a spot of shopping for Asian arts and crafts at the Holland Village Shopping Centre and the Holland Village Complex.

After lunch, proceed to the Jurong BirdPark where you can be a falconer for a day, learning to handle trained birds of prey. This is your chance to practise falconry - a sport, which traditionally had been associated only with royalty and aristocracy. After all that excitement, it’s time to relax with some light shopping at Bugis Street - Singapore's largest permanent street bazaar.

Besides unexpected bargains, you can also find interesting sights like the co-existence of a Buddhist and an Indian temple side-by-side. Also, stop by Bugis Junction, the only shopping mall in Singapore with a glass-covered and air-conditioned shopping walkway, on top of a rich historical background and interesting shophouse architecture.

For a different view of Singapore, proceed on to Clarke Quay and have a go at the Reverse Bungy Jump. Feel your heart drop to your feet as you are flung up at great speeds and then jerked back down to earth. This experience is certainly not for the faint-hearted!The day's activities should have worked up your appetite and imagination.

Join the Magical Makansutra Food Safari, where you will be able to sample some of Singapore's finest street food. Each safari lasts about three hours and features five food types. We guarantee that our local food like Bak Kut Teh (pork ribs in tea soup), Laksa (noodles in a spicy coconut broth) and Roti Prata (Indian pancakes) will leave you wanting more.

After dinner, it's time to walk off those calories… if you dare. Go on the unique walking tour of the historic Kampong Glam area where you will be spooked by little-known supernatural stories of Sultan Mosque, Old Istana, Kris shop, perfume shop and the royal graveyard. Embrace thousands of years of Malay folklore and discover forgotten places - places that still haunt the memories of some in eerie twilight.

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Cabrillo National Monument

Located in San Diego California, the Cabrillo National Monument provides a historic lighthouse with plenty of activities. There are great views here as well, with tidepools, flora and fauna, whales to watch, and even military history.

The Monument offers hiking along designated trails, bicycling on paved roadways, and swimming within the park boundaries. Fishing is permitted here as well, with hook and line - although only one fish may be taken. When walking the trails and exploring, make sure to be on the lookout for cliff areas, as they can be very unstable.

Located at the tip of Point Loma in San Diego this 160 acre parks has some of the best views you will find anywhere along the west coast. The statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is just one part of this national park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Point Loma Light House or hike down to the shore and view tide pools. Admission is only five dollars a bargain price for any San Diego attraction.

A lot of visitors come to the National Monument to enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Because of this very reason, the park has become of the best harbor views anywhere in California - or the world for that matter!

The tidepools are great to see here as well, although you should always be careful. Even though they are great to admire, the surface may be very slippery.

Anytime you are in the San Diego area, a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument is more than worth the time. You can walk the trails, have fun, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of San Diego that only the Cabrillo National Monument can provide you with.

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