Liveaboat in the Andaman Sea

With its sheer beauty, perfect salubrious climate, and bio diversity, the Andaman Sea has now become one of the world’s premier cruising destinations. Sprawling over an area of about 700,000 square kilometers, the Andaman Sea is in the north eastern corner of the Indian Ocean.

Bounded by Myanmar to the north, Sumatra and the Strait of Malacca to the south, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the west, and Thailand and Malaysia to the east, the Andaman consists of thousands of incredible islands as well as a great number of sheltered anchorages.

Cruising along the Andaman Sea is a great way to explore some of the world’s beautiful destinations. Perhaps the most perfect destination for an enjoyable sailing in the Andaman is Phuket Island and Phang Nga Bay. Acknowledged as ‘the Pearl of the Andaman,’ Phuket is an incredibly diverse destination in Thailand, which is much famed for its magnificent scenery, fantastic coves and beaches, eye-catching tropical sunsets, glorious coastline, awe inspiring tropical gardens, superb coastline, rocky as well as sandy beaches, tall cliffs, dense forests, scintillating waterfalls, warm blue sea, and ancient temples. The bay of Phang Nga boasts of a number of legendary islands, in addition to the beaches such as Krabi and Phi-Phi. Sea canoeing through the Phang-nga would be a great experience.

Located on the north-west coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is yet another great destination for cruising in the Andaman. An archipelago consisting of 99 islands, Langkawi provides a unique tropical experience, with its unspoilt white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. A cruise through the islands of the Langkawi would be truly rewarding, and enables you to enjoy the rustic beauty of the place. In short, Langkawi is truly a yachting haven.

A part of the Union Territory of India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also provide a memorable yachting experience in the Andaman Sea. Situated about 400 miles west of Phuket in the Indian Ocean and consisting of more than 500 islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ all of the beaches are unparallel. Additionally, many of the islands in the Andaman and Nicobar are hilly and covered with tropical forests. Above all, these islands are a paradise to enjoy a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and island camping.

Top cruising destinations in the Andaman Sea also include the Mergui, otherwise known as Myeik islands. An archipelago of 800 beautiful islands, Mergui is located on the southernmost part of Myanmar. Crystal-like clear blue water, immaculate white sands, and tropical rainforest, all of this make this island group truly an astounding spot.

One of the great advantages of cruising in the Andaman is that it is safe for sailing throughout the year, since it is not affected by tropical storms. Above all, you needn’t have to about plundering while sailing in the Andaman. The tribes found in these regions are amicable.

Almost every type of boat as well as yachts is available for a memorable cruise in the Andaman Sea. Charter bareboat would be a great choice for those who don’t want to crew on board or hire skipper. In charter bareboat, a boat or yacht is hired without crew. In most cases, bareboat is chartered with full tanks of fuel and water.

One of the great ways to explore the beauty of the Andaman Sea along with your family or friends is chartering skippered yachts, which mostly cover team training, onboard catering, corporate facilities, and itineraries. For those who want to discover the beauty of the Andaman with a blend of privacy and relaxation, a great option would be to charter a crewed yacht. This in turn provides an experience of staying in a luxury floating villa, and in most cases, it comes replete with gourmet meals and drinks, personal service, and finest accommodations.

Options are also available for those looking for sophistication, such as, luxury yachts, which features facilities including in-house theaters, Jacuzzis on deck, excellent cuisine, swimming pools, and fish fighting chairs. Classic yachts, catamarans, super yachts, and sail boat, are the other popular types of yacht charter.

A plethora of charter speed boats agencies are in the scenario to expert services. You can also utilize the services of boat brokers for an enjoyable cruising in the Andaman. Nowadays, many of the service providers have their own sites on the web, with details and information on facilities and packages available. Some of them even provide facilities to book online.

The Variety Of Entertainment Hot Spots in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most enchanting tourist destinations in the world. Occupying an area of about 633 square kilometers, Singapore is situated in the southern tip of Malaysia Peninsula, in South-East Asia, in between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Al though a small destination in terms of area, Singapore boasts of such a great number of attractions that it requires long period to explore them all. Acknowledged as the ‘Garden City,’ Singapore presents a diverse range of attractions that are a contrast of old and new as well as a blend of east and west. Included in the highlights of Singapore are incredible temples, interesting museums, historical monuments, well-manicured parks, beautiful gardens, excellent shopping facilities, sumptuous cuisines, and mesmerizing cruises.

Must-visit attractions, among many others, in Singapore are:

Sri Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu shrine in Singapore, this is devoted to Sri Mariamman, which is regarded as the goddess of health and prosperity. Also within the temple complex are temples dedicated to other gods and goddesses that are worshipped in South India.

Sentosa Island: It is a great place for those seeking peace and tranquility. Alternatively known as the ‘Isle of Peace and Tranquility,’ Sentosa is a great spot for honeymooners, those vacationing with families, and weekend tours. Among the highlights of the island are cable car, providing magnificent views of the sea port; Observatory Tower, which is the largest of its kind in Asia; the underwater world, one of the world’s largest oceanariums; Dolphin Lagoon; and Sunset Bay.

Chinatown: This area has a long history dating back to 1821 when a group of Chinese immigrants arrived here from Fujian province. Chinatown is made up of four districts such as Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, and Tanjong Pagar, each with its own significance. Few among the highlights of the region are Nagore Durgha Shrine, Hokkien Temple and Thian Hock Keng. The much famed Sri Mariamman Temple is also located here. A good number of Chinese establishments including shops, medical centers, and teahouses can also be seen in the area.

Financial District: This is one of the most modern spots in Singapore, with an Array of soaring buildings such as OUB Building, Republic Plaza, and UOB Building. It is also home to such destinations as the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, which in turn is a great place to savor the best in Asian cuisines and that too at cheap prices. Likewise, the Orchard Road is also situated here, which is dotted with a plethora of shopping malls.

Arab Street: This area stands as a repository of culture of Muslim community in the region. The prime draw of the street is the Sultan Mosque, which is noted for its unique Islamic architecture. Attractions here also cover Istana Kampung Glam and Malay cemetery, which is the oldest of its kind in the region. Apart from these, the street is dotted with a myriad of restaurants specializing in Islamic cuisines and shops selling items such as carpets, jewelry, perfumes, and textiles that have been brought from destinations such as Indonesia and Middle East.

Little India: It is a great place to experience the spirit of India in Singapore. This area becomes colorful, especially on Sundays and during festivals such as Deepavali and Thaipusam. The much famed as well as revered Veeramukaliamman Temple is situated here.

Aforesaid are just few among umpteen attractions in Singapore. Highlights also include spots like Telok Blangah Hill, Singapore River, the Esplanade, Downtown East, and the Malay Village. Aside these, Singapore also feature some beautiful beaches that are situated along the East Coast Park, Changi, Sentosa, and St Johns Island. Above all, people touring the destination can engage in a number of activities from shopping and superb dining to sightseeing and golf and water sport activities.

No wonder why Singapore is frequented by people from across the globe year-round. Hence, Singapore has accommodation choices to suit every taste and pocket. For luxury lovers and well-heeled, some excellent options are available in the form of four-star and five-star facilities. Likewise, facilities made available range from swimming pools and hair beauty salon to shopping options and body treatment facilities. Further, mostly these hotels are within easy reach of many of the attractions in the region as well as the Changi Airport.

Thailand Travel: IXS

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It covers an area of 514,000 square kilometers. It is roughly equidistant between India and China. Thailand shares its borders with Mynammar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Myanmar (Burma) is on the north-west side , Laos on the north-east, Cambodia on the south-east and Malaysia on the south.

Topographically the country is divided into four distinct areas: the mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the peninsula South distinguished by its many beautiful tropical beaches and offshore islands.

Climate
Thailand is largely tropical. It is hot and humid all year around.A degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. Thailand’s climate is dominated by monsoons. There are three seasons: the cool season (November to February), the hot season (April to May), and the rainy season (June to October).

People
The population of Thailand is about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority. Historically, the area has been a migratory crossroads, therefore, strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and, most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity.

Religion
The national religion is Theravada Buddhism. More than 90 percent of all Thais practice this religion. The remainder of the population adheres to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and other faiths. There is full freedom of expression in Thailand. Buddhism continues to cast a strong influences on daily life.

Customs
‘Wai’ is one of the most distinctive Thai customs. It is similar to the Indian namaste gesture. Generally, it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head. It comes in several forms showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgment. Physical demonstrations of affection in public are common between friends, but less so between lovers. It is thus common to see friends walking together holding hands, but couples rarely do so except in westernized areas.

Visas
The Thai Government has adopted the tourist friendly policies in order to flourish Thai Tourism industry. Most nationalities do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days provided they have a ticket for onward travel. Longer visits require a visa which can be obtained from Thai embassies and consulates. Tourists visas permit stays up to 90 days. Thai immigration requires visitors passports to have a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one completely blank visa page remaining.

Travel to Thailand
Most visitors arrive through Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport which is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Flights, from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Hong Kong, land on a regular basis at Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Hat Yai. Charter flights sometimes land in Bangkok, Phuket, and at U-Taphao for Pattaya.

Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok intermediary stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth, Penang and major southern Thai towns.

Overland entry to Thailand is restricted to three road crossings on the Thai- Malaysian border, and the bridge spanning the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand at Nong Kai.

Travel within Thailand
Thai Airways International (THAI) operates a wide domestic network with daily flights linking virtually all major towns with Bangkok. Ground transportation is extremely comprehensive and quite cheap. There are convenient rail connections with the North, Northeast and South, while air conditioned coach and government bus services are operated from Bangkok to all town throughout the country. Rental cars are also readily available.

Recreation
Golf, tennis, ice skating, and bowling are the main recreations of the people of Thailand. At the same time, boxing and kite fighting are the most popular local sports in Thailand.

Thai Boxing is not only the most exciting spectator sport in Thailand but also a means of self-defense for the Thai people. It also the honor of being the largest spectator “ring sport” in the world. Unlike the Western-style of boxing, Thai Boxers are allowed to use their feet, elbows, legs and shoulders. The Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium are the main venues of the bouts.

Kite fighting is an ancient local sport in Thailand. It has been played and patronized by the Kings of Thailand for centuries. Kite fighting contest is held from March to April at the Sanam Luang in Bangkok. Hundreds of Kites of different forms and colors are made by the Thais. Each kite is huge in size and requires a number of people to fly it. Kites are classified as “chulas” (male) or “pukpaos” (female). The object of the contest is to force the opposition’s kite to land in your half of the field while thousands of people cheer. This makes the competion very interesting and excited.

Another traditional Thai game is Takraw . It involves the use of a takraw ball, made of rattan. The ball is five to six inches in diameter. The players hit the ball over a net to another team by using their head, feet, knees or elbows.

For more information about thailand travel visit: http://thailand.ixs.net/travel/travel-thailand/index.aspx

Taman Negara: the World’s Oldest Rainforest

Did you know that the world’s oldest rainforest is Taman Negara?

Taman Negara is a Malaysian National Park located in Pehang, Malaysia. This vast rainforest covers an area amounting to 4,343 square kilometers.

Also, found in Taman Negara is Gunung Tahan, the peninsula’s highest peak at 2,187 meters.

Taman Negara is one of Malaysia’s most visited destinations as tourists from all over the world admire its abundance in natural wonders. Taman Negara attractions include as Tahan River, Four Steps Waterfall, Orang Asli Settlements, Gunung Tahan, Canopy Walkway, Tembeling River, Lata Berkoh, Gua Telinga, and Gua Kepayang.

There are also many things to see and do while appreciating this nature’s gift. Activities include jungle trekking, rapids shooting, wildlife watching, camping, fishing, caving, and swimming.

With all these, it is no doubt that visitors would always want to stay for a couple of days or more to explore the entire region. Finding an accommodation in Taman Negara is easy. In this pristine area lies Taman Negara Rainforest Resort. It has cozy rooms, excellent facilities and services, and exciting activities for everyone. It also lets guests to choose from among its line of packages that include tours and recreation worth seeing and doing in Taman Negara.

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience in the world’s oldest rainforest. For bookings and more information about Taman Negara and Rainforest Resort Taman Negara, visit http://www.tamannegara-rainforest.com.