Top Holiday Spots

Indonesia

The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek words: Indos - meaning Indian and "Nesos" which means islands. It is an appropriate description of the archipelago as there are estimated to be a total of 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between the Australian and Asian continental. The main islands are Sumatra Kalimantan), Sulawesi Irian Jaya), and last but not least Java. The nation's capital, Jakarta, has a fascinating and significant history

Climate-- Indonesia's climate is definitely tropical. The main seasons are summer, winter and monsoon; it is devoid of autumn and spring.

Culture-- Indonesia is rich in art and culture which are intertwined with religion and age-old traditions. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or "gotong royong". Religious influences on the community are varied from island to island. Indonesia is rich with culture with 250 - 300 ethnic groups live here.

From graceful court and temple dances to charming folk dances and boisterous play, the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles, shadow puppeteer is famous.

Cuisine-- Fish features prominently in the diet as fresh, salted, dried, smoked or a paste. Coconut is found everywhere. The staple food traditionally ranges from rice corn, sago, cassava to sweet potatoes.

Hot spots-Indonesia is a mix of beaches, forests and cities- Amlapura, Bali Barat National Park, Irian Jaya, , Java, , Jakarta, Baluran National Park, Karimunjawa Islands, Kalimantan (Borneo), Gili Islands, Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani), Kuta, , Pulau Bunaken, Rantepao, Tanatoraja, , Sumatra, , Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park), Harau Valley, Jangga Village, Kerinci-Seblat National Park, Lingga Village, Medan, Mentawai Islands, Ngalau Indah Caves, Ngarai Sianok (Sianok Canyon), Padang, Pandaan Beach, Pandi Sikat, Parapat, Samosir Island, Siberut Island, Sipiso-piso Waterfall, Taman Hutan Raya Bung Hatta, and more.

Malaysia

The Malay Peninsula has thrived from its central position in the maritime trade routes between China, India and the Middle East. It is shown on early map with a label that translates as "Golden Chersonese"; the Straits of Malacca were referred to as "Sinus Sabaricus". The two distinct parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both West and East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to often densely forested hills and mountains. Putrajaya is the newly created administrative capital whereas the capital city isKuala Lumpur. Georgetown, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Alor Sar, Malacca Tow, and Klang are the major cities.

Climate -- It's hot and humid year-round in Malaysia .

Culture -- Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual society, consisting of 52% Malays and other indigenous tribes. With Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side The music, art, food, dance, architecture and general day to day living are influenced by all three to some degree, creating some of Asia's most fascinating sounds, sights and tastes. Malaysian traditional music is heavily influenced by Chinese and Islamic forms, it is based largely around the gendang (drum), but includes other percussion instruments. The country has a strong tradition of dance and dance dramas, some of Thai, Indian and Portuguese origin. Other artistic forms include wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre), silat (a stylised martial art).

Cuisine -- There is a great variety; spicy Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food.

Hot spots -- Malaysia's love of Western-style is abundantly clear in its big cities, Kuala Lumpur, Penang etc. Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia. Cameron Highlands, Batu Caves, Lake Gardens ,Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Taman Negara National Park.

Raman Verma is a travel consultant with India tour packages. Provides detailed information on Australia Travel packages.

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Bangkok - Top 10 Must-See Sights

Grand Palace

This is the archetypal Thailand tourist sight. Going to Thailand and not visiting the Grand Palace would be like visiting Windsor castle and not stopping by to have tea with the Queen (or something). The architecture is superb, the treasures (such as the famous Emerald buddha) breathtaking, the atmosphere uncannily "un-Western", you feel like you really have arrived in Asia as you walk around the Palace taking in the sights and smells.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is another astonishing temple. This is a real working temple, with a traditional medicine centre and a massage school (you can learn how to do a Thai massage there). I'm a massive fan of Thai massage and can vouch for its effectiveness. Having suffered back pain for over 13 years it was completely eliminated after one Thai massage session and has never given trouble since. Quite incredible. Wat Pho is a fascinating place with lots of nooks and crannies to explore and some substantial treasures such as the Reclining Buddha statue.

Wat Arun

Less glamorous than the previous two Wats, Wat Arun is, however, often the sight that appears on those haunting postcards showing a Wat at sunrise or sunset - perhaps with a mist rolling up the Chao Phraya river. In fact, sunrise (or more typically sunset) is the best time to enjoy the ancient splendour of this ancient Wat. The architectural detail of the Wat is nothing short of amazing - take a boat trip there and enjoy the views from the river.

Oriental Hotel

Some would argue the Oriental Bangkok is the best hotel in the world. While that may have been true 10 years ago, that claim may be less valid today, but is not without considerable merit. While for most of us staying in the Oriental is a little beyond our budget, you can still enjoy the splendour of this fine hotel by spending an evening there. There is much to recommend it. You can sit by the river and enjoy some drinks (and a cooling river breeze), or book one of the fantastic evening dinners, complete with entertainment such as Thai dancing and music. Dinner is taken at traditional Thai "tables" - where you are effectively sitting in the ground and the food is more or less at floor level - fascinating stuff.

As you walk through the Oriental, don't forget to take a look around and especially up - the beautiful architecture of this hotel, built in 1876, is to be savoured.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Bangkok is a pretty stunning city with many strangely shaped and very tall buildings. The tallest is the Baiyoke Tower. It's an amazing building and you can't help to notice it on the taxi journey from the airport to downtown Bangkok. The Sky Hotel has a cafe and bar at the very top, which non-residents can use. There is live entertainment, good food and the views can't be beaten.

Mahboonkrong shopping centre (MBK)

MBK is a very famous shopping centre in Bangkok and deservedly so. It is an amazing "Aladdin's Cave" of products. Electrical, t-shirts, cameras, DVDs, CDs, souvenirs, coffee shops, watches, phones...they can all be found in MBK and lots more besides. There is also a whole floor devoted to restaurants...everything from Japanese to Thai to Western and everything in between.

As well as being a great venue for shopping, MBK is also a great place for people watching. Just find a cafe, get yourself an iced tea and relax!

Jim Thompson's House

Jim Thompson is a very well known character in Thailand, not least due to his mysterious disappearance while walking in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. Conspiracy theories abound and involvement of the CIA is rumoured. What is known is that Jim Thompson is credited with re-generating the Thai Silk market and becoming a very successful and rich businessman in the process. Jim Thompson was also an avid collector of Thai cultural artifacts, which are still to be seen in his house, which is open to the public. The house is the traditional Thai house style.

The house is also a museum and is one of the most interesting places in Bangkok in my opinion. the architecture and design of the house is amazing and the interiors and breathtaking.

This is an absolutely must-see venue.

Chinatown

There is a very significant Chinese influence in Thailand - many Thais are descended from Chinese immigrants. As such Bangkok has a huge Chinatown, much bigger and more spectacular that either the Chinatowns of San Francisco or London in my opinion.

It's a great place to eat - there are so many restaurants and food stalls to choose from that the best thing to do is just go there and find a place you like the look of. There are also many vendors along the streets and you can buy all manner of souvenirs. I really like buying the distinctly Chinese style products such as mirrors, lanterns and religious items.

Make sure you take your camera - there will be many photo opportunities.

Dusit Park

Sometimes it's nice to get away from the hectic pace of life in Bangkok and dusit Park provides a beautiful and relaxing destination. There's a lot to the park, as well as the beautiful gardens there are several museums on site, including the King Bhumibol Photographic museums, the Ancient Cloth and Silk Museum and the Rank and Portrait Museum. They are a lot more interesting than they sound! The lakeside pavilion is also not to be missed.

Floating Market

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the best of the floating markets. It is located around 60 miles out of Bangkok, so is a bit of a trek, but it is worth it as most of the nearer floating markets in Bangkok are just tourist traps and unpleasant places to visit. This market has retained something of its original character. It's possible to get organised tours out of Bangkok to go there if you don't want to make your own way there.

Johnny Farang has been visiting, living in, and writing about Thailand since 2003. He hopes to retire there one day and is working towards that end. Johnny is founder of the site http://www.dreamofsiam.com which he has been running since 2004.

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