Best vacation places in bandung Indonesia that you should Try

Bandung is definitely a well known place in Indonesia and to travelers who have been to Java for sure. Many locals will recommend to go there for shopping, food and cool respite. It is a popular weekend destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. Many travelers would say they have their best Indonesian experience here.

Here the food is cheap and delicious, the things are cheap and in huge variety and important Indonesian attractions are nearby. Therefore it is no surprise that the whole place evolved around tourism industry so come here and have fun.

Here i will give you a place that you must visit in Bandung :

Shoping At Bandung

when you are in bandung you will see many factory outlet a place to buy a cloth with good price, bandung is like a vacation city many places to visit in there from food stall or some expensive gourmet and while you there try bandung local culinary food that will make you fill your stomach with only a little money.

Watch Sunset at The Valley

If you are looking for another option to dine in Bandung, you can choose to go to The Valley for dinner. This Western restaurant is located at a hilltop with amazing sunset view. The food is good too, so enjoy your meal while watching sunset over Bandung city.

Kampung Daun Restaurant

One of the Bandung’s best restaurant, many tourist come here for the relaxing ambiance with bamboo huts, streams and waterfall. Food is not especially delicious but it is extensive and inexpensive. Come here for the overall experience of enjoying Indonesian cuisine in a comfortable and serene outdoor setting.

Tangkuban Perahu

About 1.5 hours from Bandung, it is yet another crater from volcano of Indonesia that is worth the visit for the sheer awe of the view from the top. This may be second best to Kawah Putih but still worth to visit.

There you have it, the best of what Bandung have to offer in terms of things to do and attractions to see

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Vietnam New travel Destination with many hidden beauty

Few countries have changed so much over such a short time as Vietnam. Less than forty years since the savagery and slaughter of the American War, this resilient nation is buoyant with hope. It is a country on the move: access is now easier than ever, roads are being upgraded, hotels are springing up and Vietnam’s raucous entrepreneurial spirit is once again alive and well as the old-style Communist system gives way to a socialist market economy. As the number of tourists visiting the country soars, their talk is not of bomb craters and army ordnance but of shimmering paddy fields and sugar-white beaches, full-tilt cities and venerable pagodas; Vietnam is a veritable phoenix arisen from the ashes.

The speed with which Vietnam’s population has been able to put the bitter events of its recent past behind it, and focus its gaze so steadfastly on the future, often surprises visitors expecting to encounter shell-shocked resentment of the West. It wasn’t always like this, however. The reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975, ending twenty years of bloody civil war, was followed by a decade or so of hardline centralist economic rule from which only the shake-up of doi moi – Vietnam’s equivalent of perestroika – beginning in 1986, could awaken the country. This signalled a renaissance for Vietnam, and today a high fever of commerce grips the nation: from the flash new shopping malls and designer boutiques to the hustle and bustle of street markets and the booming cross-border trade with China. From a tourist’s point of view, this is a great time to visit – not only to soak up the intoxicating sense of vitality and optimism, but also the chance to witness a country in profound flux. Inevitably, that’s not the whole story. Doi moi is an economic policy, not a magic spell, and life, for much of the population, remains hard. Indeed, the move towards a market economy has predictably polarized the gap between rich and poor. Average monthly incomes for city-dwellers are around US$100, while in the poorest provinces workers may scrape by on as little as US$30 a month – a difference that amply illustrates the growing gulf between urban and rural Vietnam.

Read more: roughguides

Mui Ne

The in the past minimal possessed shoreline south of the angling town of Mui Ne has seen a few genuine advancement in the most recent 15 years. Because of solid ocean breezes it is a famous destination in Vietnam for kite-and windsurfing. No outing to Mui Ne is finished without a trek to the renowned sand ridges found a short separation north of the town. The incomprehensible sandy scope give some extraordinary all encompassing perspectives particularly amid dusk.

Phu Quoc

Located in front of the Cambodia coast, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. Phu Quoc is what Phuket would be if it hadn’t been overrun by development. The island features pristine tropical forests, undamaged coral reefs and great beaches. One of its beaches, named Bai Dai (Long Beach), was chosen by the ABC News as one of five beautiful and clean beaches. Phu Quoc is famous for producing the best nuoc mam or fermented fish sauce in the world.

Thien Mu Pagoda (Hue)

With seven stories, the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. The pagoda overlooks the Perfume River and is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. The temple was built in 1601 during the rule of the Nguyễn Lords. The initial temple was very simply constructed, but over time it was redeveloped and expanded with more intricate features.

this are some vietnam places that you can visit for more places maybe you can go to : touropia

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Places in Beijing that you should Visit

Being capital of the People's Republic of China, it is the country's political, monetary, social, instructive and global exchange and correspondence focus. Situated in northern China, near to the port city of Tianjin and in part encompassed by Hebei Province, it likewise serves as the most essential transportation center point and port of passage.

As one of the six old urban communities in China, it has been the absolute entirety of governmental issues and society all through its long history and thus there is an unparalleled abundance of revelation to pleasure and interest voyagers as they investigate the city's antiquated past and energizing present day improvement. Presently it has turn into a standout amongst the most well known vacationer destinations on the planet, with around 140 million Chinese travelers and 4.4 million universal guests in a year.

Great Wall

Beijing is the political focal point of China, as well as the most key city in the north. Numerous administrations in Chinese history effectively assembled dividers around there. Among numerous recorded remains of the Great Wall in Beijing, the divider constructed amid the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the frequently seen and best safeguarded, running more than 342 miles (550 kilometers) and containing around 827 city divider stages, 71 passes and innumerable towers. The acclaimed segments incorporate the Badaling, Huanghuacheng, Mutianyu, Jiankou, Gubeikou, Jinshanling and Simatai. 

In the event that you need to encounter the way of life and appreciate the excellence of the Great Wall, winding along the blocks of the Badaling is your first decision. It is renowned for its profound established society, sublime sights and complete military offices - the embodiment of the Great Wall. You may discover numerous photos of it in magazines and manuals and imprinted on stamps. Being the must-see segment of the Great Wall, it is some of the time rushed with guests particularly amid occasions. 

You may need to maintain a strategic distance from the top seasons or visit the Mutianyu. It is considerably more excellent and has less sightseers. In the event that you are nostalgic for old times, the Simatai and Gubeikou areas ought to be on your agenda. These two areas are all around kept up in their unique states. The solid, primitive dividers improve the magnificence of the wild.

link : travelchinaguide

Tianmen Square

Fit for holding a million individuals, the 100-section of land Tiananmen is the world's biggest open square. Inherent 1949, when the Communist Party took power, the square is flanked by bulky, Stalinist-style structures, for example, the Great Hall of the People and, toward the north, the Forbidden City, with Mao's monstrous entranceway representation. The catacomb of the man himself is situated in the heart of the square.

Forbidden city

Ringed by an all inclusive canal at the very heart of Běijīng, the Forbidden City is China's biggest and best-protected gathering of antiquated structures, and the biggest castle complex on the planet. Supposed in light of the fact that it was untouchable for a long time, when it was saturated with crippling custom and Byzantine magnificent convention, the extraordinary royal residence was the isolated home to two traditions of supreme guideline until the Republic ousted the last Qing head. 

Today, the Forbidden City is mundanely known as the Palace Museum (故宫博物馆; Gùgōng Bówùguǎn), albeit most Chinese individuals just call it Gù Gōng (故宫; antiquated royal residence). 

In previous ages the cost for uninvited affirmation was moment execution; nowadays ¥40 or ¥60 will do. Permit yourself the best piece of a day for investigation or a few treks in case you're an aficionado. 

Guides – numerous with mechanical English – process about the passageway, yet the consequently actuated sound visits are less expensive (¥40; more than 40 dialects) and more dependable. Eateries, a bistro, toilets and even ATMs can be found inside of the castle grounds. Wheelchairs (¥500 store) are allowed to use.

Link : lonelyplanet

these are some of places that you can visit from us tell more in comment if you have your adventure .

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Travel Tips if you want to go too middle East

Mark Lammers planned his April trip to the Middle East in December 2010, months before the first government protests in the region took place. He watched nervously as the riots and regime changes of "Arab Spring" enveloped stops on his itinerary. Several travel companions dropped out.

"It was becoming my tour of countries with State Department Warnings," said Lammers, a website manager from Seattle.

On the vacation itself, which included time in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Syria, Lammers experienced few problems. In the latter country, his group crossed the overland border in Jordan, just days before officials closed it to foreigners. Everywhere they went, people on the street were friendly toward Americans, he said.

"It was cool being there in this time of change," he said. "People were very welcoming to us."

Still, not everyone shares Lammers' view. From Morocco to Syria, outbreaks of violence in predominantly Muslim countries in North Africa and the Middle East have led tourists to reconsider their travel plans. Many cruise lines canceled stops in Egypt for March and April, while tours in Tunisia are rerouting plans after the capital issued a curfew.

If you are undecided about an upcoming trip to the Middle East, here are a few pieces of advice that may help you decide whether you should go.

Hook up with a local: While Lammers often travels independently, he went on his Middle East trip with a local tour operator Â? and he was glad he did. "None of us spoke Arabic," he said, which limited their in-country information gathering to Al Jareeza English, the BBC, and CNN. The group did run into a roadblock on the highway to Homs; having a driver who knew the language and could make alternate plans made the situation less stressful, Lammers said.

Check travel warnings issued by other countries: It's no secret that the U.S. State Department errs on the cautious side when it comes to travel alerts and warnings. Count me as one of the frequent travelers who prefers the more comprehensive and less alarmist alerts from the U.K.'s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). The Australian and Canadian governments also have travel safety information websites for their citizens.

Read online forums for latest information: You can find threads on safety, travel warnings and up-to-the-minute closure information in several online travel forums, including TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree, and of course, Frommers.com. What I like about forums is that you're getting on-the-ground intelligence from travelers who have similar concerns as you. You can also talk out your fears with others, which could help you make your decision whether to go to cancel.

Stay away from obvious trouble zones: The U.S. State Department's worldwide travel alert, issued last week after Osama Bin Laden's death was made public, advises people to stay away "from mass gatherings and demonstrations." Don't go to riots to gawk and be aware of local customs and patterns; in Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain, protests have often taken place after Friday prayers. Follow curfew rules and keep your passport close. Be flexible and change your itinerary if an area gets hot.

Have a plan B: While his group didn't have to significantly change their plans, Lammers wonders what they would have done if the situation in Syria would have deteriorated. "We could have flown to Amman from Damascus" instead of going overland," he said. "But what if we couldn't get to Damascus?"

Talk through your plans thoroughly, and think about worst case scenarios. And make sure you have the address, email and phone of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you're traveling.

link : frommers.com

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Why You Should go to INDONESIA!

Many people have heard of the beautiful island of Bali, known both for its stunning nature as well as for its nightlife. Yet Bali is only one of over 17,000 islands that make up the unique archipelago of Indonesia. It is a diverse country rich with culture, temples and nature. Each island has its own culture, food and language and you really are spoiled for choice with so many travel destinations to choose from. Indonesia is a must visit travel destination for anyone heading to South East Asia and is a country that will leave you wanting more indonesia travel .

Komodo Dragon 

Komodo Dragon. Photo by Cailin O.

Indonesia is home to Komodo National Park, named after its celebrity residents, the Komodo Dragon. Currently the largest living lizard in the world and the closest thing we have to dinosaurs, these fierce dragons are quite the tourist attraction for the thrill seeker. Indonesia is the only place in the world where they can be found living in the wild on the four islands that make up Komodo National Park. Having been known to eat a human or two, if you visit make sure you do so with a few park rangers as protection to witness this deadly creature in the flesh.

Link : Gadventures

Sclupture in Bali

Sclupture in Bali

In Bali Indonesia  these typical sculptures are almost everywhere and I particularly liked this one, as it is surrounded by majestic wild trees in a combination of art, religion and nature beautifully mixed together.

Link : Keep Calm

Local warm people

kopi guy

You can sense a warm smile everywhere. Indonesians are naturally the type of people who take a great joy and pleasure in family and simple pleasures.

It is this enjoyment of the basics that really differentiates Indonesian culture. The basics contain spicy food, coffee, music, and dance .

link : Wiranurmansyah

Thanks for reading and I wait for you to travel to indonesia

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Money saving tips for Trip To japan

Money Saving Tips 

Japan

Some of my friend said that their trip to japan is really expensive but its not this some tips that you should know

Visit The free Atractions : With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods and parks, Trip to Japan is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s parks and museums are free.

Get A JR Pass : The bullet trains in Japan are ridiculously expensive with one way fares costing hundreds of dollars. If you plan to do a lot of travel around the country, get the JR Pass which allows you unlimited train travel and will save you a ton of money.

Take the bus : Buses are a far more economical option than the trains. They cost a fraction of the price but take a lot longer. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a 10 hour bus ride. You can get unlimited travel passes for $100 USD for 3 non-consecutive days of travel. If you have the time, take the bus.

Cook your Food : Hostels have kitchens where you can cook and cut your food expenses to less than $6 USD per day. Combining this with shopping at the 100 Yen stores will drastically cut your food costs.

Buy Food at Night : After 8 pm, supermarkets discount their fresh food as they have to get rid of it by law. If you buy your food after 8 pm, you can save up to 50%.

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Travel Tips What To Do In Tokyo Pt.1 Central Tokyo

Travel Tips What To Do In Tokyo

Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.

Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.

Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.

1. Akihabara

Akihabara

Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.

A few chain stores such as Sofmap and Laox each operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, while small independent shops can be found in the side streets. The only mega sized store is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of the station.

Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer tax free shopping to foreign tourists on purchases of over 10,000 yen (passport required).

Otaku Goods

Akihabara Map

The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. In the last decade Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, retro video games, figurines, card games and other collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronics retailers.

In addition to shops, various other animation related establishments have become popular in the area, particularly maid cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and manga cafes (manga kissa), a type of internet cafe where customers can read comics and watch DVDs in addition to having access to the internet.

How To Get There

Akihabara Station is a busy station served by the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line, the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya Subway Line. Suehirocho Station on the Ginza Subway Line is located around the northern end of the district.

From Tokyo Station

Akihabara is two stations north of Tokyo Station by JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line. The trip takes about three minutes and costs 140 yen. During weekday daytime, the Keihin-Tohoku Line skips the station between Tokyo and Akihabara, which shaves off a few more seconds from the travel time.

From Shinjuku Station

Take the JR Chuo Line (orange colored rapid service) from Shinjuku to Ochanomizu Station (10 minutes) and make a quick and easy transfer to the JR Sobu Line (yellow colored local service) for one more station to Akihabara (2 minutes). Alternatively, take a yellow colored train without transfer all the way from Shinjuku to Akihabara (17 minutes). The one way fare is 170 yen in either case.

2. Tsukiji Fish Market

Fish Market

Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji Shijō) is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in Tokyo. Tsukiji Market is best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day. It is scheduled to move to a new site in Toyosu in November 2016.

The sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere of scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make Tsukiji Market a major tourist attractions. In fact, the numbers of visitors have increased so much over recent years, that they have become a problem to the course of business, as the aging market's infrastructure was not anticipated to serve as a tourist spot.

Tuna Auction

Tuna Auction

The number of visitors to the tuna auction is limited to 120 per day, the maximum number which the market's infrastructure can accommodate. Tourists, who wish to see the auction, have to apply at the Osakana Fukyu Center (Fish Information Center) at the Kachidoki Gate, starting from 5:00am on a first-come, first-serve basis (may start earlier on busy days). A first group of 60 visitors will be admitted to the auction between 5:25 and 5:50, while a second group of 60 visitors will be admitted between 5:50 and 6:15.

Visitors usually start lining up long before 5am, and the maximum number is likely to be exceeded, in which case later arriving visitors will not be able to see the auction. Successful applicants will be able to view the auction from a designated visitor area. It is not allowed to view the auction from anywhere else or to use flash photography or to interfere with the business action in any other way.

How To Get There

Tsukiji Market is just above Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a five minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line. The closest JR station is Shimbashi, from where you can walk to the market in about 15 minutes.

From Tokyo Station

Take the Marunouchi Subway Line from Tokyo to Ginza (3 minutes) and transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line to get to Tsukiji Station (3 minutes). The fare is 170 yen.

From Shinjuku Station

Take the Oedo Subway Line directly from Shinjuku Station to Tsukiji Shijo Station. The one way trip takes 20 minutes and costs 270 yen.

3. Tsukishima

Monjayaki

Tsukishima (月島, lit. moon island) is a man made island in Tokyo Bay, just across the channel from Tsukiji fish market. It was created over 100 years ago using earth that was dredged from the bay during the construction of a shipping channel.

In the last few decades, areas of the island were redeveloped into residential high-rise complexes; however, you can still find remnants of the atmosphere of old Tokyo if you poke around the back alleys and lanes, especially around Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Tsukishima is best known for monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き), a kind of runny pancake with different ingredients, such as seafood, meat and vegetables, mixed into the batter. A large concentration of monjayaki restaurants is found along Nishinaka Street, just a few steps from Tsukishima Station.

Monjayaki, eaten straight off the grill

Tsukudajima used to be a neighboring island that has since been joined together to Tsukishima. It is the birth place of tsukudani (佃煮), small pieces of food that have been preserved by cooking in soya sauce and sweet sake. It is eaten as a topping on rice.

Any type of food can be turned into tsukudani, but typical foods include seafood such as fish and shrimp, seaweed, beef and grasshoppers. There are three shops on Tsukudajima that have survived since the Edo Period including the first ever tsukudani shop.

How to get There

Tsukishima Station is served by the Oedo and Yurakucho Subway Lines.

From Tokyo Station:

Take the JR Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho (2 minutes, 140 yen) and transfer to the Yurakucho Line for Tsukishima Station (5 minutes, 170 yen).

From Shinjuku Station:

Take the Oedo Subway Line from Shinjuku in direction of Roppongi directly to Tsukishima. The one way journey takes 25 minutes and costs 270 yen.

For more information abaout Japan : http://www.japan-guide.com/

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Travel tips shopping in bangkok thailand

Bangkok

Bangkok is the main city in thailand one of many place that you can visit in southeast asia (ASEAN) people that like shopping this place is a place that you need to visit in bangkok traveler will get a good shopping adventure. in this travel tips we will get you to see bangkok shoping industry many good brand have a really good price in here , nature is one of the main event in here many temple you can see in here

1. Pratunam Market

Pratunam Market

Pratunam Market in Bangkok consists of retail stores and outdoor stalls selling products for tourist use. In central Bangkok, this market is famous for providing top quality textiles, fashionable dresses, embroidered costumes (think feathers, beads and sequins) at the cheapest prices. Tourists can also purchase handcrafted goods, watches and many other items. The Pratunam Market Bangkok covers the complete area behind Indra Regent hotels and Amari Watergate. Pratunam market is open 24 hours round the clock. However, some retail outlets shut down at 9 PM. The nearest airport to Pratunam Market Center is Don Mueang International airport, Bangkok, located at only 19 KMs distance.

While visiting Pratunam Market in Bangkok, along with shopping, visitors can explore the local life style. When you step into streets near the Pratanum market, you will find local people working on their sewing machines, carting trolleys passing through narrow lanes and laborers doing their work.  Pratunam Market Bangkok is known as a wholesale market. Vendors having huge stock of products are focused on number of sales and offer products at low prices. If you are ready to buy 3 or more than 3 products, you can take away the products to your home at wholesale price. As items are already available at cheap prices, you do not need to bargain too much. However, buyers must keep some important things in mind.

• Items once purchases are not returned back

• No replacement

• No trying on

How to get There : 

Pratunam Market in Bangkok is located at the intersection of Phetburi and Ratchaprarop roads in the district Ratchathewi.  One of the best way to access is by boat in the canal at the Pratunam Pier. Once off the Pratunam Pier, go up the stairs, ( the restaurant in front has great ba mee nam moo gob ( soup ):) Then take an immediate right and then left to go onto Petchaburi road towards the markets!!

more info : night market bangkok

2. Chatucak Market

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.

The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale here, although not all at the best bargain rates. But if you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.

Chatucak Market

 

Navigating Chatuchak Weekend Market

For first-timers, ‘conquering’ Chatuchak may seem like an impossible task, but worry not. There is a system to help you navigate your way through Chatuchak. Inside, one main walkway encircles the entire market, and it branches off into a series of numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on.

These alleyways are grouped into sections, with 27 sections in all. You will find more than one category of goods contained in one section, and the same category of goods will appear again in the other sections. In terms of locating your category of goods, this system is rather useless; but it will come in handy when you try to locate your particular stall or where your exact location is on the Chatuchak map.

Another way to find your way around Chatuchak is to find points of reference as you go along. The BTS and MRT stations as well as banks and numbered entrance gates are good points of references, as you will come across them as you turn corners. Then again, use the map to locate these references to find your correct orientation.

more info : bangkok.com

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Travel tips if you want to nagoya Japan

With over two million inhabitants, Nagoya (名古屋) is Japan's fourth most populated city. It is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the principal city of the Nobi plain, one of Honshu's three large plains and metropolitan and industrial centers.

Nagoya developed as the castle town of the Owari, one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family during the Edo Period. Much of the city, including most of its historic buildings, were destroyed in the air raids of 1945. The Toyota Motor Corporation maintains its headquarters just outside of Nagoya.

1. Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle was built in the beginning of the Edo Period as the seat of one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family, the Owari branch. As such, it was one of the largest castles in the country, and the castle town around it ultimately grew to become Japan's fourth largest city.

Most castle buildings were destroyed in the air raids of 1945, including the castle keep and the palace buildings. The current ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle keep dates from 1959 and contains a modern museum with exhibits about the castle's history. The park surrounding the castle keep features two circles of moats and impressive walls with corner turrets. It becomes an attractive hanami spot during the cherry blossom season which usually peaks in late March or early April.

Nagoya castle restoration

In 2009, works began on the ambitious project to rebuilt the castle's palace (Honmaru Goten) using traditional construction materials and techniques. A first part of the reconstructed palace, including the entrance and main audience hall with beautiful replicated paintings on the sliding doors (fusuma) were completed and opened to the public in May 2013. The rest of the palace is scheduled to open in 2016 and 2018.

During the reconstruction works, castle visitors are allowed to enter the scaffolding structure and observe the reconstruction works from a raised corridor except on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This provides a unique opportunity to observe traditional construction techniques and should not be missed.

2. Tokugawa Art Museum

Tokugawa garden

During the Edo Period (1600-1868), Nagoya served as the seat of the Owari, one of the three major branches of the ruling Tokugawa family. The family amassed great wealth that was only surpassed by four of the 200 feudal domains of the Edo Period. The Tokugawa Art Museum was built on the grounds of the Owari's former feudal residence and preserves and exhibits several of their treasures including samurai armor and swords, tea utensils, noh masks and costumes, poems, scrolls and maps.

Next to the museum is Tokugawa-en, a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with a large pond at its center. The garden used to be part of a retirement residence of the local lords, but was destroyed during the war. In 2001 the garden was restored and reopened to the public in 2004. A large network of walking trails lead around the grounds to a tea house, rest houses, and across several bridges. The garden is best in spring, when its Peony (mid to late April) and Iris gardens (late May to early June) bloom, and during the autumn season (November).

3. Osu Kannon Temple 

Osu Kannon Temple

Osu Kannon (大須観音, Ōsu Kannon) is a popular Buddhist temple in central Nagoya. Originally built during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333) in neighboring Gifu Prefecture, the temple was moved to its current site by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 after the original temple had been repeatedly damaged by severe flooding. The current buildings are 20th century reconstructions.

The main object of worship at the temple is a wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, which was carved by Kobo Daishi, an instrumental figure in Japanese Buddhism. Underneath Osu Kannon's main hall is the Shinpukuji Library which contains over 15,000 classic Japanese and Chinese texts. Among these texts are several national treasures and important cultural properties, including the oldest copy of the Kojiki, a chronicle of the early history of Japan including its mythological origins.

A flea market is held on the temple grounds on the 18th and 28th of every month. The modestly sized market includes around 60 stalls selling everything from souvenirs and antiques to clothes and second hand goods. Just beside the temple is the entrance to the Osu Shopping Arcade, a network of aging but charming covered shopping streets with over 400 shops and restaurants. The area is sometimes compared to Tokyo's Akihabara district as there are a lot of stores that specialize in electronics, cosplay, anime, J-pop and idol goods.

For more info : Japan Guide

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Bogor indonesia why you should go there

Many people travelling to Indonesia enter through the capital, Jakarta, which immediately challenges visitors to move on find the next location check out. Of course different people choose different destinations based on the type of journey they are on, but the difficulty of where to head next remains the same. Some jump on the first train out of Jakarta and head to Yogyakarta before flying to Bali. Some go straight to Bandung to start their volcano-searching expedition across Java. And many others head straight to Bogor where they can get some much needed respite from the heat, smog and traffic which for many puts a dampener on their Jakarta experience. This last option is a great choice.

Bogor is located 90 kilometres and 1.5 hours north of Jakarta at an elevation of between 200 and 300 metres above sea level. It’s a much more relaxed place than Jakarta and it’s primarily due to the way the city was constructed with an enormous botanical garden at its core. This garden is the largest tourist attraction in town, but there are other things to do while you’re Bogor. Here’s a wrap on the key highlights.

Bogor Botanical Gardens

Indonesia Presiden Palace at Bogor

The Bogor Botanical Gardens are massive. Measuring roughly a kilometre by a kilometre and covering an area of 80 hectares, the gardens can be an all-day adventure if you love gardens or simply a two-hour brisk walk if you’re just out to get some fresh air and have a brief look. The gardens are filled with a massive variety of plants from all over Indonesia, plenty of fountains, a nifty zoology museum and a great cafe which overlooks the stunning grounds. The gardens are a fantastic contrast to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta and reason alone to visit Bogor.

Gong Pancasan

Gong pancasan bogor

About a kilometre southwest of the botanical gardens past the Bogor Trade Centre on Jalan Pancasan is a little gong factory, which has been making gongs in this very spot for the past two centuries. Wiry men pound gongs into shape next to an open fire pit in conditions that would be illegal in many Western countries. The men earn little for their daily toil and graciously accept small donations from the trickle of tourists who come to observe this old tradition. The shop next door has a small selection of items for sale. While this is an interesting activity, it doesn’t require much of your time. Allow an hour including the walk to and from the gardens.

Gunung Gede Pangrango

Gunung gede Pangrango

The Cibodas gardens are right next to the main entrance to Gede Pangrango National Park, the highlight of which is the climb to the 2958m peak of the volcanically active Gunung Gede. From the top of Gede on a clear day you can see Jakarta and the south coast of Java.

Because it's close to Jakarta, this is an extremely popular mountain to climb. Numbers are restricted and during peak holiday season there may be a waiting list. At other times you can normally just rock up and trek the next day.

On arrival, register for the climb and obtain your permit (a steep Rp.50,000/$4 for foreigners) from the PHKA office just outside the entrance to the gardens. The office has an information centre and pamphlets on the park, which is noted for its alpine forest and bird life, including the rare Javan eagle. Officially, guides to the summit have to be hired here for Rp.350,000 /  $30 for a two-day round trip, though the main trail is easy to follow. Gunung Gede is closed to hikers between January and March, usually August too, and during stormy weather.

From Cibodas, the trail passes Telaga Biru (15 minutes), which is a blue-green lake. Cibeureum Falls (one hour away) lie just off the main trail. Most picnickers only go this far, though some continue on to the hot springs, 2½ hours from the gate. The trail continues to climb another 1½ hours to Kandang Badak, where a hut has been built on the saddle between the peaks of Gunung Gede and Gunung Pangrango (3019m). Take the trail to the right for a hard three-hour climb to Pangrango. Most hikers turn left for the easier, but still steep, 1½-hour climb to Gede, which has more spectacular views. The Gede Crater lies below the summit, and you can continue on to the Suryakencana Meadow.

The 10km hike right to the top of Gunung Gede takes at least 10 hours there and back, so you should start as early as possible and take warm clothes (night temperatures can drop to 5°C), food, water and a torch (flashlight). Most hikers leave by 2am to reach the summit in the early morning before the mists roll in.

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Travel Tips what to do in kyoto

Kyoto japan

Japan's capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains awash with remnants of its past glory. The city's stunning collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites alone would be enough to set it apart, but Kyoto also boasts a still-working geisha district, some of Japan's most exquisite cuisine, and a whole lot of Zen. Not that it's all temples and tradition: the city also hosts its share of hip cafes and modern art. Think of it as the cultural yin to Tokyo's yang, but with a sprinkling of modernity. Here's how to get a taste of it all.

1. Kinkaku-ji / Golden Pavilion

Be it capped by snow in winter or set against a lush green background in summer, nothing is as symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond before it. Not even the crowds of tourists — and they come by the thousands — can detract from Kinkaku-ji's undoubted splendor. The current gold leaf-coated reconstruction was unveiled in 1955, five years after the 14th-century original was torched by one of the temple's monks.

How to get there :

Kinkakuji can be accessed from Kyoto Station by direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 in about 40 minutes and for 230 yen. Alternatively, it can be faster and more reliable to take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen) and take a taxi (10 minutes, 1000-1200 yen) or bus (10 minutes, 230 yen, bus numbers 101, 102, 204 or 205) from there to Kinkakuji.

to get full information go to this site : japan guide

2. Ginkaku-ji / Silver Pavilion

Here's an oddity: the Silver Pavilion doesn't have a trace of silver on it. When the temple was built in the 1480s as a retirement home for the then shogun, the plan was for it to be coated in silver leaf. Scholars believe he ran out of money before they got to that part of the project. And when he died a few years later, the silver-less pavilion was converted into the Zen temple it is today. Though the temple itself is small and unassuming — a Spartan version of its illustrious golden cousin Kinkaku-ji — the reflective pond and manicured trees, the raked sand garden, and the mossy, wooded hillside to the east, from where you can see Ginkaku-ji holding back a sprawling, low-rise urban backdrop, all combine to make a spectacular whole.

How to get there : 

Ginkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 5, 17 or 100 from Kyoto Station in about 35-40 minutes and for 230 yen one way. Alternatively, you can reach Ginkakuji by foot along the Philosopher's Path from Nanzenji in about 30-45 minutes.

3. Toei  Kyoto - Studio Park

Yes, it's touristy, and yes, it's a bit tacky too, but dressing up as a samurai and watching TV actors hamming it up on set does hold a certain charm. Eigamura, or Kyoto Toei Studio Park to give it its English name, is a working TV and movie set that doubles as a theme park, where besides dressing up in period costume you can wander around a mock-up Edo-era samurai town and take in exhibitions of the well-known TV series and films shot here.

It's the live studio performances, however, that steal the show. The swordfights are extravagant, the facial expressions and body language overly dramatic, and the dialog at times delivered about as convincingly as an elementary school end-of-year play. It's Japanese kitsch at its finest. Quentin Tarantino would love it.

How to get there : 

The Toei Eigamura is a five minute walk from Uzumasa Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line (10 minutes, 200 yen from Shijo-Omiya or Arashiyama) or a 15 minute walk from JR Hanazono Station (10 minutes, 200 yen from Kyoto Station).

It can also be reached in about half an hour by Kyoto City Bus 75 or Kyoto Bus 71, 72 or 73 from Kyoto Station or by Kyoto City Bus 11 or 91 or Kyoto Bus 61, 63 or 64 from Shijo Avenue in central Kyoto.

to get more info about Toei studio park : toei-eigamura

there are still many places that you can go in kyoto i will update this article to get more info for you :)

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Travel Tips : Lonely Planet guide to india

India has also evolved into a fabulous tourist place and presently counted amidst the best five visitant places it the globe by the annual Lonely Planet rhythm scrutiny. Trivanthapuram, Goa, Cochin and Darjeeling are few visitors' sites. By reason of its area, place, and important environment, the amount of preeminent India travel places is amazing. It is made up of numerous terrestrial lands and each and every rightly satisfied with its own neighborhood visitors charms. During searching your journey in an abroad country, be definite to not allocate only on guide published document. 

If you're departing to this country with purpose of visiting bits of both the North and the South then I would imply getting the 'Lonely Planet India' journey guide. In spite of being the area and weight of a tiny child the published documents has involved reputed as the visitors bible as it truly does provide you entirety, you require knowledge, stimulus, safety advice and warnings. If you are visiting in any place then published document are surely something that you are going to wish to get with you.

Journey well is a venture by Lonely Planet booklet India to make a destination for those who are nuts about touring and want to open their brains to the never ending variety of journey experiences and journey places. There are slough freight of India journey published document out there, most of which bring about the identical amount of knowledge. It is very intelligent to get time to discuss the internet journey websites to be definite you have recent knowledge.

As expected here I am discussing about advisers and, in spite of their utility; they can provide only so much fun. You are also going to wish to feel about published document to study before you go, to take you in the mood and as expected published documents when you're out there to maintain you cherished and to assist you see deeper into Indian amazing culture and the Indian manner of life.

The Lonely Planet India approves a 'best 5 shrines' record, for Tamil Nadu in their 12th edition. Best of the record for those curious in shrine culture and history is the historical Meenakshi shrine succeed by wonderful Arunachaleswar shrine, the fabulous Brihadishwara shrine, the unique Rock Fort shrine and last but not least the ancient Nataraja shrine. These are the shrines that we would approve for you to travel when your India vacation. Udaipur has been judged one of the best destinations to stay in the globe by Lonely Planet and others. It is located in Rajasthan in North India.

The tourists from all around the globe have admired their enterprises of journeys. The organization is associated by the evaluating titles of IATA and TAFI. It has been authorized by the department of state Tourism, administration of India and approved by popular titles like Lonely Planet travel guide. The places that you choose to journey in this country reckon on your own curiosity and also on the time of the year you wish to journey. Selecting the correct option of India journey books is vital to survival!

see other lonely planet article in here : www.articlesbase.com

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Travel Tips : Bangkok Girl Friendly Hotel

Travel Tips : Bangkok Girl Friendly Hotel

Bangkok has some of the best red light sex districts in Southeast Asia. The availability of sex is the biggest attraction, and that's why scores of men all over the world flock to Bangkok every year. But what most first time visitors to Bangkok don't know is that there are hotels that charge you extra money for taking a lady back to your room and there are hotels that don't care who you bring back (as long as it's only one guest).

Chances are if you're reading this, then you're looking to take a lady back to your room. If that's so then you want to book a hotel that is girl friendly in Bangkok. Non-girl friendly hotels charge a 500 Baht joiner fee and sadly it makes a guest feel sort of shameful as the security guard is usually the one who stops a guest with lady in tow from entering the elevator. Then you're led to the reception desk, which is also called the walk of shame where you're presented with a 500 Baht joiner fee.

To avoid this 500 Baht joiner fee and the walk of shame, you should book a hotel that is considered girl friendly. A prime example of one such hotel is the Peninsula. This is one of the top rated hotels in the world, yet they don't care if you bring a prostitute back to your hotel. It's an expensive hotel however. Fortunately there are plenty of affordable ones.

 

Girl friendly hotels are not just a hotel where men bring ladies to for sex.  These hotels are just like any other ordinary hotel in Bangkok where business people, tourist, travelers and so on stay. They simply have a relaxed policy on guest inviting a lady back to their rooms.

Girl friendly hotels hotel rates range from budget to astronomical. Some classic examples of budget hotels are the Majestic Suites near Nana red light district and Bally's Suites Silom in the red light district of Patpong. Most of these budget hotels even include free breakfast and have a pool for guests to unwind on a hot afternoon.

What most first time travelers to Bangkok's want to know is which red light district they should stay next to. The answer is Nana red light district. Nana is a district in Bangkok filled with clubs, beer bars, pubs and most importantly where you will find the most freelance Thai prostitutes on the streets at night. The main focal point however is Nana Entertainment Plaza. It's a small building, just 3 story tall filled with a manner of go go bars. In the middle is an open arcade with several well known open air bars.

So if you're looking for a girl friendly hotel, find one in the Nana red light district. That's where all the action is and that's where you should be to experience Bangkok's sex district up front. But make sure you book ahead of time as most of those hotels are very popular.

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Guide To Island Country Indonesia

Guide To Island Country Indonesia

Indonesia, without a doubt, is one of the most fascinating countries in SE Asia. From the jungles and lakes of Sumatra, to the cultural heart of the nation, Java, onward to Bali, Flores, Sulawesi, West Papua, Ambon, the Banda Islands, and West Papua - every step is one of discovery.

Let me provide you with a few tips which should make navigating this incredibly diverse country, Indonesia.

Cultural Sensitivity

Indonesia is the largest Moslem country in the world. Although Islam is the state religion, there are parts of the country where other religions are prevalent. Northern Sulawesi is 90% Christian, the Balinese are predominantly Hindu, and in the Malukus and Flores Moslems and Christians live side by side - usually peacefully. When visiting places of worship, whether it's a mosque, a temple or a church, please ensure that you are conservatively dressed. Remember to take of your shoes before entering a mosque or a temple. Ladies should wear tops with longish sleeves, skirts which go below the knee, or loose fitting, long pants. As far as clothing in general is concerned, please don't take Kuta as being typical for the rest of the country. If you go out to a restaurant (other than in Kuta) or if you are invited to visit an Indonesian home, smart - casual clothing is fine. Local people really appreciate it if you can use a few words of Bahasa Indonesia, the language which binds Indonesia, and crosses geographical and cultural diversity in this huge archipelago.

Visa Regulation

To enter Indonesia your passport needs to be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of entry. Immigration officials are on the look out for passports which have less validity and are within their rights to deny you entry into Indonesia.

7 day Visa on Arrival was abolished in January 2010

30 day Visa on Arrival

At the time of writing the cost for a 30 day Visa on Arrival for Indonesia is US$25, which you should pay in US$ cash, with unmarked, clean bank notes which were issued after 2001. Since January 2010 this visa can be extended once, by 30 days, whilst here in Indonesia. To be totally frank, the procedure is a hassle, and if you think you might be spending more than 30 days in Indonesia, get a 60 day Tourist visa before entering Indonesia.

60 day Tourist Visa

You need to obtain the 60 day Tourist visa before entering Indonesia. The good news is that since January 2010 this visa can be extended in Indonesia. If you intend to travel to West Papua Province, or you are planning on extending your 60 day visa, please have 4-6 spare passport photos with you.

For further information about visa regulations check out the website of your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate.

Money

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It's always a good idea to carry some small banknotes (Rp 1000, 2000, 5000) with you when shopping in local shops (toko) or planning to eat at a warung (small local restaurant or food stall). The easiest way of handling money is by using a credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs, which are just about every where, other than in some really out of the way places. If you intend to travel to, or stay for any length of time off the beaten track, you are going to need to carry sufficient Indonesian cash with you to pay for accommodation, food and transport. Please don't rely on being able to exchange foreign currency. With the advent of ATMs, Travelers cheques have pretty much gone out of fashion.

Health

By far the biggest danger to tourist's health are dehydration and sunburn. Please try to drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Coffee, tea, beer, juice and other fluids really don't count. Indonesia is in the tropics, and you'll probably be spending quite a lot of time out of doors, so protect yourself and use a good quality sun block, as well as wearing a hat.

In Bali there is currently a problem with rabies spread by sick dogs. If you are scratched or bitten by a dog, you need to get medical care as quickly as possible.

Water - even local people drink bottled water! It's cheap, so don't take any risks.

Alcohol - there is some questionable Arak being sold in Bali, and there have been further deaths this year because of it.

Sex is fun, but please make sure that condoms are used should you have a close encounter of a (very) personal kind during your stay in Indonesia. All kinds of STDs, including HIV/AIDS are widespread, so please take precautions.

Drugs

Indonesia, without a doubt, is one of the most fascinating countries in SE Asia. From the jungles and lakes of Sumatra, to the cultural heart of the nation, Java, onward to Bali, Flores, Sulawesi, West Papua, Ambon, the Banda Islands, and West Papua - every step is one of discovery.

Let me provide you with a few tips which should make navigating this incredibly diverse country, Indonesia.

Personal Safety

Please don't let sensationalist media reporting put you off from visiting Indonesia. For tourists Indonesia is as safe as other countries. As things are today, unfortunately, any public place in the world could be - the wrong place at the wrong time. To avoid being the victim of petty crime, just don't show off expensive consumer electronics, cameras or jewelry in public. I have been visiting Indonesia, and other parts of South East Asia since the mid 1970s, and I have never had a problem with theft or bag snatching. Yes it can happen, so be aware, but don't get paranoid about it.

Don't become a virtual traveler in your own lounge room, getting second hand experiences by watching travel shows on television - get out there and experience the magic first hand.

Packing List

Get a packet of zip-lock bags at the nearest supermarket. They are essential if you like snacking, and you want to keep ants and cockroaches out of your room/bed/backpack. I always carry heaps of them with me

Take toilet paper, and soap, as these are NOT provided in budget accommodation. Instead of carrying soap and hair shampoo, I tend to use shower gel which is also OK to wash your hair with.

With digital cameras often having very specific batteries, don't forget the charger which came with your camera

Take a torch (flash light), as power interruptions are not unusual. Also footpath, if they exist, are notorious for being uneven, and often having huge holes in them. So if you walk around after dark, and you don't want to end up breaking some bones, take one with you.

Take a couple of sarongs, as quite often beds only have a bottom sheet, and you might like to cover up during the night. Mosquito coils, or spray, and/or personal insect repellent is something you should definitely not forget. Remember to have bottled water in your room, you can NOT drink the tap water. I use tap water to brush my teeth, but if you have a sensitive stomach, I would suggest that you use bottled water for that as well. before

Hopefully the above tips help you in having a great time in Indonesia. Just one other thing - if at all possible bring rechargeable batteries and an appropriate charger, or a spare battery and charger for your specific camera. There is no safe means of disposing of used batteries in this country, which creates environmental and health hazards.

Come on over and have a look around, but be warned visiting Indonesia is a health hazard - it's addictive!

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