Måndag 12 Oktober 2009 - Singapore
Resealbum: Four days in Singapore
Last summer I spent four days in Singapore on my way back from Australia. Dividing the long flight with a stopover is quite a good idea.
Here are some ideas on what to do in Singapore.
1. New Asia Bar in the evening
Even though we looked like we really did not belong in the fancy-looking bar, there were no problems getting into the Swiss Hotel entrance and taking the elevator to the top floor. You are met by a great view over the skyskrapes by night. However, the expensive Singapore Sling drink can be found cheaper somewhere else.
2.Go back in time at Raffles Hotel
If you want to pay even more for the famous drink, you can order it at the classic Raffles Hotel. However, the price also includes salted peanuts with shells you can throw on the floor, and the possibility to experience the nice atmosphere.
3. Foodcourts / 'hawker' centre
Open spaces with lots of different food stands and chairs & tables in the middle. Eat very cheap food of all kinds.. noodles, woks, stews, casseroles, spring rolls, frogs (!).. and don't miss all the fresh juices. Very refreshing in the humid Singapore.
4. Pulau Ubin
An island outside the city. Take a bike trip in the jungle when you are tired of the big city. A woman was selling coconut juice from the shells on a small beach. There were very few cyclists there even though it was Saturday.. or at least not as many as you would expect, considering that most people should want to have a break from the big city pulse after a hectic work week and enjoy some fresh air and nature.. but maybe everyone just hangs out in the shopping centres.
5. Sentosa Island
Ok, very commercial but quite nice. Take the cable car across and then the free train to the different paradise beaches... palm trees, white sand.. and some tank boats on the water just outside the beach... There are also an aquarium, butterfly park etc.
6. Little India
Experience a miniature India! Spoil yourself with great raita, naan-bread, lassi, dhal... There was a vegetarian restaurant in almost every street corner - what a paradise! My favourite became the fast food restaurant Komala where the interior looked like McDonalds but instead of hamburgers, the menu consisted of different Indian meals. If you want to feel even more like you are in India you should visit Little India on a Sunday evening when ALL Indians in SIngapore seem to hang aroound outside the subway station and on the streets.
7. Chinatown
In Little China there are red lanterns hanging between the houses and there are lots of stands with souvenirs, oriental pillows, knick-knacks.... There is a nice temple just outside and yet another "hawker centre" with lots of food.
8. Suntec City
See the world's largest fountain! Experience light shows in the evenings and when you are tired of looking at the fountain, you can shop half the night in the shopping centre. I was there on a Sunday evening and even though it was around 10 o clock, the place was crowded.
9. Singapore River
Take a walk along the river and look at Merlion - the statue of the half fish - half lion, and the silver building shaped as a huge Durian fruit (an extremely smelly fruit.. there is even a sign in the subway saying you get a fine if you bring the fruit down there..) There are also a few (expensive) restaurants on the riverside and for some dollars you can take a boat taxi to the colorful houses with umbrella looking roofs at Clark Quay.
10. Orchard Road
Shop until you drop. I was tired after two shops and sat down for a cup of coffee and carrot cake instead in an airconditioned café. For people with more energy for shopping, Orchard Road has most brands and shops.
11. Temples
Even though Singapore feels very high tech with lots of skyskrapes, there are also beautiful temples of all kinds. One designed in black and red with chinese signs. Another one with colorful creatures.. a third one with tiger statues waiting outside. I went into the fourth one.. Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple in Little India. You take your shoes off on the outside so the visit had to be a quick one, regarding the steaming hot asfalt in the temple yard.
12. Mustafa Center
A shopping centre with five floors that sells EVERYTHING! Lots of food.. a whole isle with just naan-bread.. electronics.. kitchen ware.. beauty stuff.. towels.. flowers.. clothes.. bags... EVERYTHING! And it is open 24 hours. Not a bad idea if you wake up in the middle of the night thinking "NO! I should have bought that towel!"... :-)
13. 3 for 10 dollars
Close to Mustafa Center is a whole bunch of "the cheapest shops in Singapore"... At least they all show that sign. Mostly just crap but if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for the people back home, it is not a bad place. Take 3 for 10 $.. 6 for 10 $.. etc.. I picked up a fridge magnet and right away, the annoying woman in the store came up and said if I took 6, it would only cost me 10 $.. otherwise just one would cost 2 $. I looked around a bit more with her following me.. and then only bought one magnet.. to her huge surprise.. (then she should have seen my fridge..)
14. Meet monkeys at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
A short bustrip from the city, you can walk throw rainforest up to the highest peak of SIngapore. If you are lucky, you see lots of cute monkeys running around near the pathway.
15. Chijmes
A beautiful, white church that, quite surprisingly, has been turned into an area with lots of restaurants and bars.
16. East Coast Park
Rent bikes or rollerblades and roll around by the beach, or have a pic-nic in one of the many bungalows that have been built next to the walkways. According to the guidebook, you can have swim but to be honest, I have seen better places for that..
17. Joo Chiat - Malaysian part of Singapore
East of the city centre, near East Coast Park. Go by subway and get off at Paya Lebar MRT Station. There are lots of nice "shop houses" on Joo Chiat Road and some temples in the area. There is a nice walk described in the Lonely Planet that will take you to most of them.
http://www.the-inncrowd.com/joochiat.htm
http://www.betelbox.com/about_joochiat.htm
http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/176100 http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/176105 More pictures on my Swedish page: http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/blogg/17-tips-vart-att-gora-i-singapore-7798
Here are some ideas on what to do in Singapore.
1. New Asia Bar in the evening
Even though we looked like we really did not belong in the fancy-looking bar, there were no problems getting into the Swiss Hotel entrance and taking the elevator to the top floor. You are met by a great view over the skyskrapes by night. However, the expensive Singapore Sling drink can be found cheaper somewhere else.
2.Go back in time at Raffles Hotel
If you want to pay even more for the famous drink, you can order it at the classic Raffles Hotel. However, the price also includes salted peanuts with shells you can throw on the floor, and the possibility to experience the nice atmosphere.
3. Foodcourts / 'hawker' centre
Open spaces with lots of different food stands and chairs & tables in the middle. Eat very cheap food of all kinds.. noodles, woks, stews, casseroles, spring rolls, frogs (!).. and don't miss all the fresh juices. Very refreshing in the humid Singapore.
4. Pulau Ubin
An island outside the city. Take a bike trip in the jungle when you are tired of the big city. A woman was selling coconut juice from the shells on a small beach. There were very few cyclists there even though it was Saturday.. or at least not as many as you would expect, considering that most people should want to have a break from the big city pulse after a hectic work week and enjoy some fresh air and nature.. but maybe everyone just hangs out in the shopping centres.
5. Sentosa Island
Ok, very commercial but quite nice. Take the cable car across and then the free train to the different paradise beaches... palm trees, white sand.. and some tank boats on the water just outside the beach... There are also an aquarium, butterfly park etc.
6. Little India
Experience a miniature India! Spoil yourself with great raita, naan-bread, lassi, dhal... There was a vegetarian restaurant in almost every street corner - what a paradise! My favourite became the fast food restaurant Komala where the interior looked like McDonalds but instead of hamburgers, the menu consisted of different Indian meals. If you want to feel even more like you are in India you should visit Little India on a Sunday evening when ALL Indians in SIngapore seem to hang aroound outside the subway station and on the streets.
7. Chinatown
In Little China there are red lanterns hanging between the houses and there are lots of stands with souvenirs, oriental pillows, knick-knacks.... There is a nice temple just outside and yet another "hawker centre" with lots of food.
8. Suntec City
See the world's largest fountain! Experience light shows in the evenings and when you are tired of looking at the fountain, you can shop half the night in the shopping centre. I was there on a Sunday evening and even though it was around 10 o clock, the place was crowded.
9. Singapore River
Take a walk along the river and look at Merlion - the statue of the half fish - half lion, and the silver building shaped as a huge Durian fruit (an extremely smelly fruit.. there is even a sign in the subway saying you get a fine if you bring the fruit down there..) There are also a few (expensive) restaurants on the riverside and for some dollars you can take a boat taxi to the colorful houses with umbrella looking roofs at Clark Quay.
10. Orchard Road
Shop until you drop. I was tired after two shops and sat down for a cup of coffee and carrot cake instead in an airconditioned café. For people with more energy for shopping, Orchard Road has most brands and shops.
11. Temples
Even though Singapore feels very high tech with lots of skyskrapes, there are also beautiful temples of all kinds. One designed in black and red with chinese signs. Another one with colorful creatures.. a third one with tiger statues waiting outside. I went into the fourth one.. Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple in Little India. You take your shoes off on the outside so the visit had to be a quick one, regarding the steaming hot asfalt in the temple yard.
12. Mustafa Center
A shopping centre with five floors that sells EVERYTHING! Lots of food.. a whole isle with just naan-bread.. electronics.. kitchen ware.. beauty stuff.. towels.. flowers.. clothes.. bags... EVERYTHING! And it is open 24 hours. Not a bad idea if you wake up in the middle of the night thinking "NO! I should have bought that towel!"... :-)
13. 3 for 10 dollars
Close to Mustafa Center is a whole bunch of "the cheapest shops in Singapore"... At least they all show that sign. Mostly just crap but if you are looking for souvenirs and gifts for the people back home, it is not a bad place. Take 3 for 10 $.. 6 for 10 $.. etc.. I picked up a fridge magnet and right away, the annoying woman in the store came up and said if I took 6, it would only cost me 10 $.. otherwise just one would cost 2 $. I looked around a bit more with her following me.. and then only bought one magnet.. to her huge surprise.. (then she should have seen my fridge..)
14. Meet monkeys at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
A short bustrip from the city, you can walk throw rainforest up to the highest peak of SIngapore. If you are lucky, you see lots of cute monkeys running around near the pathway.
15. Chijmes
A beautiful, white church that, quite surprisingly, has been turned into an area with lots of restaurants and bars.
16. East Coast Park
Rent bikes or rollerblades and roll around by the beach, or have a pic-nic in one of the many bungalows that have been built next to the walkways. According to the guidebook, you can have swim but to be honest, I have seen better places for that..
17. Joo Chiat - Malaysian part of Singapore
East of the city centre, near East Coast Park. Go by subway and get off at Paya Lebar MRT Station. There are lots of nice "shop houses" on Joo Chiat Road and some temples in the area. There is a nice walk described in the Lonely Planet that will take you to most of them.
http://www.the-inncrowd.com/joochiat.htm
http://www.betelbox.com/about_joochiat.htm
http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/176100 http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/176105 More pictures on my Swedish page: http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/blogg/17-tips-vart-att-gora-i-singapore-7798
Fredag 1 Augusti 2008 - Australien
Resealbum: Road trip in the outback
After travelling around Australia on a working holiday for 7 months in 2004, it has a special place in my heart. It is such a diverse country with something for everyone! Beaches, rainforests, reefs, deserts, big cities, vineyards; you name it! So far, I have visited Australia three times but I can't wait to go back there (for several reasons...).
Here are some of my favourite things to see in Australia.
http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/139132 1. The middle of nowhere
Most places in the 'outback'.. The real Australia (at least it feels like that)!
Western Australia
2. Indian Pacific
Trainride from Adelaide to Perth through the Nullarbor Plains. Mile after mile through the red, deserted land makes it to a true inner experience.
3. Ningaloo Reef
The barrier reef of the west coast. Less tourists, just as many colorful fish.
4. Rottnest Island
Nice island with cute "quokkas". Rent a bike and explore the island.
5. Gibb River Road
Historical dirt road with gorges, waterfalls and real outback! Located in the beautiful area the Kimberleys. The movie Australia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman was recorded here. http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/resor/roadtrip-i-outbacken-26
6. Pinnacles
Strange stone formations. With a bit of imagination, you can see both churches, ghosts and koalas.
7. Bungles Bungles
Striped mountains. Located in the Purnululu National Park where you can also experience Piccanninny Gorge, Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm.
8. Horizontal Waterfalls
Two powerful, horizontal waterfalls created by the tides, outside Derby. Take a plane ride over the falls and then a jet boat through them.
9. Monkey Mia
See dolphins upclose.
10. The Gap
A bay near Albany where cascades of water from the waves splashes up.
11. Bicentennial Tree och Valley of Giants
Extremely high and old trees. In the Valley of Giants, you can walk 60 metres above ground on a hanging bridge between the trees; Tree Top Walk. Not for those who are afraid of heights.. Those people should not climb the Bicentennial Tree either. The 75 meter high tree is covered by long nails that can be used as staircase. I only dared to climb 10 metres..
Victoria
12. Great Ocean Road
Cliffs in the ocean between Adelaide and Melbourne. Amazing!
13. Phillip Island
Dont miss the penguin parade where cute penguins run up from the ocean to hide in the bushes on the beach.
14. Echuca
Cosy village by the Murray river.
15. Grampians National Park
Green national park with nice nature. Don't miss the Balconies - a rock formation and great lookout.
Northern Territory
16. Mindil Beach Market
Exotic food (don't miss the fruit shakes!), crafts and sunset in Darwin.
17. Kata Tjuta
Red rock formations close to Uluru.. (Ayers rock).
New South Wales
18. Koala Hospital
Hospital for koalas. A chance to have a look at wild ones quite close. (Port Macquarie, north of Sydney)
19. Broken Hill
Town in the countryside. The Sculpture Garden is worth a visit and a trip to Silverton where Mad Max was recorded.
20. Sydney
Of course. Take a walk over the famous Harbour Bridge and get a great view over the opera house. Eat cheap Asian food at the food courts in Chinatown. Shop for souvenirs and crap at Paddys market. Swim at Bondi and Bronte Beach. Relax at Darling Harbour. Experience the suburbs Glebe and Newtown with small shops, restaurant and a student vibe. Take a trip to the Blue Mountains.
Queensland
21. Kuranda
A village in the rainforest above Cairns. Go there by train or cableway.
22. Brisbane
Cosy city. Take a walk by the river and by South Bank - a fake beach. If you are lucky, a market is going on here.
23. Lawn Hill National Park
Nice national park between Darwin and Cairns. A walk among red cliffs and dry sand takes you to an oasis with waterfalls and palmtrees!
http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/resor/2922
What is your favourite place in Australia?
Here are some of my favourite things to see in Australia.
http://www.orbville.com/member/ziesta/bilder/139132 1. The middle of nowhere
Most places in the 'outback'.. The real Australia (at least it feels like that)!
Western Australia
2. Indian Pacific
Trainride from Adelaide to Perth through the Nullarbor Plains. Mile after mile through the red, deserted land makes it to a true inner experience.
3. Ningaloo Reef
The barrier reef of the west coast. Less tourists, just as many colorful fish.
4. Rottnest Island
Nice island with cute "quokkas". Rent a bike and explore the island.
5. Gibb River Road
Historical dirt road with gorges, waterfalls and real outback! Located in the beautiful area the Kimberleys. The movie Australia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman was recorded here. http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/resor/roadtrip-i-outbacken-26
6. Pinnacles
Strange stone formations. With a bit of imagination, you can see both churches, ghosts and koalas.
7. Bungles Bungles
Striped mountains. Located in the Purnululu National Park where you can also experience Piccanninny Gorge, Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm.
8. Horizontal Waterfalls
Two powerful, horizontal waterfalls created by the tides, outside Derby. Take a plane ride over the falls and then a jet boat through them.
9. Monkey Mia
See dolphins upclose.
10. The Gap
A bay near Albany where cascades of water from the waves splashes up.
11. Bicentennial Tree och Valley of Giants
Extremely high and old trees. In the Valley of Giants, you can walk 60 metres above ground on a hanging bridge between the trees; Tree Top Walk. Not for those who are afraid of heights.. Those people should not climb the Bicentennial Tree either. The 75 meter high tree is covered by long nails that can be used as staircase. I only dared to climb 10 metres..
Victoria
12. Great Ocean Road
Cliffs in the ocean between Adelaide and Melbourne. Amazing!
13. Phillip Island
Dont miss the penguin parade where cute penguins run up from the ocean to hide in the bushes on the beach.
14. Echuca
Cosy village by the Murray river.
15. Grampians National Park
Green national park with nice nature. Don't miss the Balconies - a rock formation and great lookout.
Northern Territory
16. Mindil Beach Market
Exotic food (don't miss the fruit shakes!), crafts and sunset in Darwin.
17. Kata Tjuta
Red rock formations close to Uluru.. (Ayers rock).
New South Wales
18. Koala Hospital
Hospital for koalas. A chance to have a look at wild ones quite close. (Port Macquarie, north of Sydney)
19. Broken Hill
Town in the countryside. The Sculpture Garden is worth a visit and a trip to Silverton where Mad Max was recorded.
20. Sydney
Of course. Take a walk over the famous Harbour Bridge and get a great view over the opera house. Eat cheap Asian food at the food courts in Chinatown. Shop for souvenirs and crap at Paddys market. Swim at Bondi and Bronte Beach. Relax at Darling Harbour. Experience the suburbs Glebe and Newtown with small shops, restaurant and a student vibe. Take a trip to the Blue Mountains.
Queensland
21. Kuranda
A village in the rainforest above Cairns. Go there by train or cableway.
22. Brisbane
Cosy city. Take a walk by the river and by South Bank - a fake beach. If you are lucky, a market is going on here.
23. Lawn Hill National Park
Nice national park between Darwin and Cairns. A walk among red cliffs and dry sand takes you to an oasis with waterfalls and palmtrees!
http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/resor/2922
What is your favourite place in Australia?
Måndag 26 Maj 2008 - Chiang Mai
Review from a tour I took back in 2002. If you lack travel-loving friends, I can really recommend going on an arranged group tour!
What do you get if you take five Aussies, one Canadian, one Swede, and one smiling Thai Geckos guide? A good start. Then put them in the exotic land of Siam for 2 weeks in the summer of 2002. Add some wings of history, adventures, colorful nature, and a kitchen filled with chili, lemongrass, and coconut. Voilá, you got a great vacation!
The Gecko¨s tour "Thailand At a Glance" started with me arriving at my hotel room in Bangkok, feeling quite tired, lonely and a bit nervous. I was met by Tania, my room mate on the tour, whom I had never met before. She was about as nervous and happy about some company as I was so we quickly became good friends, and went out on the streets to experience Bangkok. The night in Bangkok was followed by a sightseeing tour of its temples and palaces. The night train took us up north to Chiang Mai, where we visited some more temples, handicrafts places, and the night market. We ate in the local steet kitchens and fascinated looked at stacks of fried insects. The next morning, we woke up early to go elephant-riding through the jungle. On the way, we bought colorful souvenirs from a hilltribe village and had lunch on a bamboo raft ride.
After one more night in Chiang Mai, we took a bumpy local bus ride to Thaton and continued our trip to Chiang Rai in a long tail boat on the Kok River. The next day, we headed for the Burmese border and Golden Triangle. Then it was time for a rendezvous with the night train. The next morning, a bus took us to Kanchanaburi and our floating raft hotel on River Kwai. We felt the tragic wings of World War II history at Death Railway, the bridge over River Kwai, and Hellfire Pass.
Then we had some great baths in the Erawan waterfalls before heading south to the rainforest in Khao Sok National Park. After going trekking, collecting leeches, and meeting monkeys, we reached the coast at Phang Nga. In a long tail boat, we discovered the mangrove forests, the limestone caves, and the famous James Bond Island. We spent the night at Ko Panyee fishing village, and after a wet boat ride (the Canadian who could not swim was not very happy..), we arrived to Rai Leh Beach, the last stop on the tour. After a few days (too few) of lying on the beach, it was time to go back home with a backpack full of souvenirs, several film rolls, some new friends and lots of nice memories.. (and unfortunately, also a quite unpleasent souvenir: malaria.. but i didnt found that out until later..)
What do you get if you take five Aussies, one Canadian, one Swede, and one smiling Thai Geckos guide? A good start. Then put them in the exotic land of Siam for 2 weeks in the summer of 2002. Add some wings of history, adventures, colorful nature, and a kitchen filled with chili, lemongrass, and coconut. Voilá, you got a great vacation!
The Gecko¨s tour "Thailand At a Glance" started with me arriving at my hotel room in Bangkok, feeling quite tired, lonely and a bit nervous. I was met by Tania, my room mate on the tour, whom I had never met before. She was about as nervous and happy about some company as I was so we quickly became good friends, and went out on the streets to experience Bangkok. The night in Bangkok was followed by a sightseeing tour of its temples and palaces. The night train took us up north to Chiang Mai, where we visited some more temples, handicrafts places, and the night market. We ate in the local steet kitchens and fascinated looked at stacks of fried insects. The next morning, we woke up early to go elephant-riding through the jungle. On the way, we bought colorful souvenirs from a hilltribe village and had lunch on a bamboo raft ride.
After one more night in Chiang Mai, we took a bumpy local bus ride to Thaton and continued our trip to Chiang Rai in a long tail boat on the Kok River. The next day, we headed for the Burmese border and Golden Triangle. Then it was time for a rendezvous with the night train. The next morning, a bus took us to Kanchanaburi and our floating raft hotel on River Kwai. We felt the tragic wings of World War II history at Death Railway, the bridge over River Kwai, and Hellfire Pass.