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May 10, 2013 Malacca UNESCO city in Malaysia

The city of Malacca is one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia; the historical centre that is made up out of Portuguese, Dutch and British influenced buildings is on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Christ Church in Malacca

(The Christ Church an iconic Dutch built building in the historic center)

Around St Paul’s Hill you can find the historical precinct, containing the well preserved 17th century Dutch Stadhuys and the remains of the Portuguese A’ Famosa fortress.

Maritime museum Malacca

(Replica of a Portuguese ship at the Maritime Museum in Malacca)

It is easy to visit Malacca on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur and it is possible to see all off the old city center in one day; but if you also want to visit the interesting museums, such as the Maritime Museum it might be better to stay at least one night.

April 24, 2013 Shwedagon Paya Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

The beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda is the icon of Yangon and one of the most spectacular sights in Asia with a deep religious meaning. It is the most sacred site in Myanmar, which all Burmese wish to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Shwedagon Paya pagoda in central Yangon Myanmar

(The golden stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon)

The golden bell shaped stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda rises nearly 100 meters above its base. It is plated with a total of 8,688 solid-gold slabs and the tip of the stupa is set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,3317 rubies, sapphires and topaz.

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon (Rangoon) Myanmar (Burma)

(Inside the Shwedagon Pagoda are hundreds of smaller stupas, pavilions and halls)

The main stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda is surrounded by more than hundred other buildings such as pavilions, smaller stupas and administrative halls.

April 05, 2013 Mae Kampong, Thailand

About 50 kilometers east of Chiang Mai city; about 1300 meters above sea level you will find the mountain village of Mae Kampong. The high altitude ensures that the temperature in Mae Kampong is pleasant throughout the year. A small stream that originates from the Mae Kampong Waterfall flows through the village.

View of Mae Kampong from Chomnok Chomnai coffee shop

(The view of Mae Kampong from the Chomnok Chommai Coffee Shop)

Many families in the village participate in a home stay program, which offers tourists a unique peek in the lifestyle of the local inhabitants. You can sleep in the house of a family and also help them prepare local food. The Mae Kampong home stay program was actually the first such program in Thailand.

Typical house in Mae Kampong

(Typical house in Mae Kampong village)

On the road that leads to the Mae Kampong waterfall you will find a little coffee shop called Chomnok Chommai from where you have a spectacular view of the village. Tiger Trail Thailand offers a spectacular sightseeing day tour to Mae Kampong that includes a trekking with a local guide and a meal at a home stay.

March 18, 2013 The Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands or The Gilis are three small Islands in Indonesia located on the northwestern tip of Lombok Island and they are just a few hours boat ride away from Bali. The Islands are a popular stop on the backpacker trail in South East Asia.

Gili Meno Island in Indonesia

(Quiet and relaxed beach on Gili Meno)

All three Gili Islands offer long stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches, clear turquoise blue water and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Palm grove on Gili Trawangan in Indonesia

(One of the many palm groves on Gili Trawangan)

Gili Trawangan is the biggest Island and attracts most tourists; it is famous for being a party Island. Gili Meno is the smallest and also the most relaxed of the Gili Islands. Gili Air has the biggest population and is a popular destination for families.

February 23, 2013 The Bolaven Plateau, Laos

The Bolaven Plateau is an area east of Pakse in Laos where you can find some amazing nature including some of the best waterfalls in Asia. The most dramatic waterfall is the Tat Fan Waterfall which has a drop of 120 meters.

Tat Fan waterfalls at the Bolavan Plateau

(The Tat Fan Waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau)

It is possible to rent a motorcycle in Pakse for a few days and do the Bolaven Loop. The loop is a route on the Bolaven Plateau that passes the most important waterfalls and coffee plantations. The loop which is about 100 kilometers long can be done in 2 or 3 days, you can stay the night in Paksong.

February 05, 2012 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

The Gardens by the Bay is the latest must see attraction in Singapore. They are located at the Marina Bay Area just behind the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The gardens opened in June 2012 and the idea is to create a City in a Garden.

The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay Singapore

(Supertree Grove at the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore)

At the Flower Dome you can enjoy plants from all over the world that normally grow in a Mediterranean climate. The Cloud Forest, where you can find the world’s tallest indoor waterfall has an indoor mountain environment.

Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest Singapore

(The Flower Cloud building at the Gardens by the Bay)

Most eye catching is possibly the Supertree Grove where you can find 18 tree like structures of 25 to 50 meters high. The Heritage Gardens are four themed gardens that will take you through the culture and history of Singapore. There is a daily free light show at the Gardens by the Bay.

January 16, 2012 Koh Phangan Island, Thailand

Koh Phangan is an Island in the Gulf of Thailand, mainly famous for the Full Moon Party, but this Island has a lot more to offer then young people partying the night away on one of the most famous beach parties in the world.

Bottle beach on Koh Phangan Island Thailand

(Bottle Beach on the northern coast of Koh Phangan)

The northern and eastern coasts have surprisingly relaxed beaches. Bottle Beach for example can only be reached by long tail boat and is a backpacker’s haven. The bay of Thong Nai Pan has two long sandy beaches with some relaxed resorts and bars directly on the beach, especially Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach has a good vibe.

Enjoying lunch and dinner at the beach at Havana

(Having breakfast on the beach at Havana Beach resort on Thong Nai Pan)

The eastern beaches such as Sadet Beach are a bit hard to reach because you have to cross the Island on a dirt road. There is a daily ferry however run by Thong Nai Pan Tour Ferry that connects Koh Samui with the beaches on the East coast of Koh Phangan.