Archive for April, 2011
Top Holiday Spots
Indonesia
The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: “Indos” meaning Indian and “Nesos” which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17508 islands of which only about 6000 are inhabited stretching for 5150 km between the Australian and Asian continental. The main islands are Sumatra Kalimantan Sulawesi Irian Jaya and last but not least Java. The nation’s capital Jakarta has a fascinating and significant history
Climate Indonesias climate is definitely tropical. The main seasons are summer winter and monsoon; it is devoid of autumn and spring.
Culture Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and ageold traditions. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or “gotong royong”. Religious influences on the community are varied from island to island. Indonesia is rich with culture with 250 300 ethnic groups live here.
From graceful court and temple dances to charming folk dances and boisterous play the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles shadow puppeteer is famous.
Cuisine Fish features prominently in the diet as fresh salted dried smoked or a paste. Coconut is found everywhere. The staple food traditionally ranges from rice corn sago cassava to sweet potatoes.
Hot spotsmdash;Indonesia is a mix of beaches forests and cities Amlapura Bali Barat National Park Irian Jaya Java Jakarta Baluran National Park Karimunjawa Islands Kalimantan Borneo Gili Islands Gunung Rinjani Mount Rinjani Kuta Pulau Bunaken Rantepao Tanatoraja Sumatra Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park Harau Valley Jangga Village KerinciSeblat National Park Lingga Village Medan Mentawai Islands Ngalau Indah Caves Ngarai Sianok Sianok Canyon Padang Pandaan Beach Pandi Sikat Parapat Samosir Island Siberut Island Sipisopiso Waterfall Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta and more.
Malaysia
The Malay Peninsula has thrived from its central position in the maritime trade routes between China India and the Middle East. It is shown on early map with a label that translates as “Golden Chersonese”; the Straits of Malacca were referred to as “Sinus Sabaricus”. The two distinct parts of Malaysia separated from each other by the South China Sea share a largely similar landscape in that both West and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to often densely forested hills and mountains. Putrajaya is the newly created administrative capital whereas the capital city isKuala Lumpur. Georgetown Ipoh Johor Bahru Kuching Kota Kinabalu Alor Sar Malacca Tow and Klang are the major cities.
Climate It’s hot and humid yearround in Malaysia .
Culture Malaysia is a multiethnic multicultural and multilingual society consisting of 52 Malays and other indigenous tribes. With Malays Chinese and Indians living side by sideThe music art food dance architecture and general day to day living are influenced by all three to some degree creating some of Asia’s most fascinating sounds sights and tastes. Malaysian traditional music is heavily influenced by Chinese and Islamic forms it is based largely around the gendang drum but includes other percussion instruments. The country has a strong tradition of dance and dance dramas some of Thai Indian and Portuguese origin. Other artistic forms include wayang kulit shadow puppet theatre silat a stylised martial art.
Cuisine There is a great variety; spicy Malay Food a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food exotic cuisine from North and South India as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food.
Hot spots Malaysia’s love of Westernstyle is abundantly clear in its big cities Kuala Lumpur Penang etc. Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches mountains and national parks in Asia. Cameron Highlands Batu Caves Lake Gardens Sepilok OrangUtan Rehabilitation Centre Taman Negara National Park
About the writer: Raman Verma is a travel consultant with India travel packages . Provides detailed information on New Zealand Travel packages.
Things To Do In Chicago Illinois
Chicago Illinois is a city that is full of history culture and entertainment and it is a force that cries out to be explored. Chicago Harbor opens up to Lake Michigan and then bisects the city and adds to the charm. Although one third of the structures were completely destroyed during the great fire of 1871 Chicago has risen from the ashes to become a city full of architectural wonders.
1. Oak Park is a residential neighborhood that where Frank Lloyd Wright made a huge impact. It contains 25 buildings and houses built in Wrights signature prairie style between 1889 and 1909. It is the largest collection of his work found any where in the world.
2. The Sears Tower was the tallest skyscraper in the United States when it was constructed in 1973. The 110 story building offers views of the Chicago from 1353 feet above street level.
3. The Cheney House Bed Breakfast is one of the most unique places to stay in the city. The house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as were much of the furnishings.
4. Lincoln Park is home to several Chicago attractions statures monuments beaches and playgrounds. It is the largest park in the city. Youll find Lincoln Park Zoo which includes a childrens zoo with a replica of a working Illinois farm. The Conservatory is also in the park with 19 propagations houses over 4 acres.
5. The Navy Pier which was originally built as an amusement park has been reclaimed. Now it is home to The Chicago Childrens Museum the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and enough additional attractions to keep you busy through the day.
6. Adler Planetarium Astronomy Museum has an amazing collection of sundials rare books charts and so much more. There is even the StarRider Theater that offers a journey through space.
7. The dedicated shopper is sure to appreciate the Magnificent Mile. Michigan Avenue is lined with shops that will meet every craving need and budget that the avid shopper might have.
8. The John G. Shedd Aquarium is believed to have on of the largest indoor mammal marine pavilions in the world. You can visit beluga whales dolphins sea otters harbor seals and penguins.
The number of sites that are available through out the city of Chicago could keep you busy for weeks. Add in the museums cultural events and live entertainment that you will be able to find on any given week and you might find that you may never want to leave Chicago once you stop in for a visit.
About the writer: This article was provided by Low Fares. Save time and money when traveling by using Lowfares.com. Find cheap tickets to Chicago now.
Things To Do In Chennai
Chennai is a thriving metropolis with a bustling city centre. The fourth largest city in India Chennai formerly Madras is the capital of the coastal region Tamil Nadu and looks out over Indias spectacular Bay of Bengal. With its rich heritage and coastal proximity Chennai offers many opportunities for tourist activities from site seeing to water sports.
When the time comes to either relax and unwind or get out of the city altogether outer Chennai offers a wealth of opportunities from ancient temples to world renowned beaches and modern cinemas.
One of the most popular ways to unwind in Chennai is to visit one of three central or nearby beaches. Elliot Marina and Covelong beaches are all individually spectacular. Elliot Beach is renowned as one of the most pristine beaches in Tamil Nadu; its calm and tranquil surround uncluttered by minimal retail development means its ideal for a relaxing walk or swim. Marina Beach is Chennais best known; at over 12km in length its also one of the worlds longest beaches and is situated just north of Elliot. Covelong Beach is equally highly regarded on the Coromandel Coast of India. At around 40km south of Chennai and surrounded by shops and cafes Covelong Beach makes for an ideal day trip for young and old alike.
A common site at many waterside areas of Chennai is people participating in water sports whether adventurous or tranquil by nature. Popular activities include water skiing scuba diving wake boarding banana boat riding and kayaking while boats trips fishing and swimming are more popular for those looking for something a little more sedate.
Life by the beach may sustain some for many hours but if you prefer to be more active then youll be pleased to hear that there are equally ample opportunities to get out and about in surrounding Chennai and Tamil Nadu to see the sights of ancient and modern India.
Tourist sites of interest offer an interesting insight into how centuries of traditional Indian civilisation came to live side by side with the modern hand of British colonialism. To glimpse traditional Chennai visit Mahabalipuram once the seat of the Pallava Kings and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 60KM outside Chennai in the Kanchipuram District. Mahabalipurams intricate stonecut temples and architecture stem from the 7th and 9th centuries AD and make for an enthralling day out.
Thanjavur is yet another historical site thats well worth a visit on any trip to Chennai. As Thanjavur is located slightly further away from Chennai city roughly 350km south it makes for an ideal long day trip or short overnight break. This particular site was the royal seat of the Chola Kingdom between the 9th and 13th Centuries. Also known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu this area was prolific in the production of grain. Thanjavur makes for a fascinating visit; fit with palaces temples and even an 18th century library full of delicate manuscripts.
For something altogether more modern you could enjoy a visit to the Crocodile Bank where founder Romulus Whitakers work to conserve three main species of native crocodile continues. The Mugger Gharial and saltwater crocodile all have a home at the Bank. The rescue and conservation centre is spread across 3.2 hectares and has an impressive population of over 2400 reptiles making for an interesting and full day out in Chennai.
With so much to offer Chennai makes for a great holiday destination and with flights to Chennai now more available and faster than ever you could be discovering the sites and sounds of Indias east coast in no time.
About the writer: Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote but should be considered professional content.
