Kara Travels The World

Malaysian Luxury Hotel Accommodation

2010-02-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

Kara would want to explore Malaysia, and is on the verge of getting the tickets, and fly straight to Kuala Lumpur if possible. She knows that careful planning is the best way not to screw the trip which led her to find an article related to Malaysia Luxury Hotels. Read on.

There are numerous excellent luxury hotels all around Malaysia, and the first thing you want to do is to identify what kind of place you want to stay in. There are very luxurious beach hotels, to plush hotels in the highlands, to extravagant city hotels. The great part about all these areas is the many choices travelers have. Every popular tourist destination has a number of luxury hotels, from town areas to secluded areas.

All over the coasts of Malaysia there are great first-class beach hotels. Some of the best beaches in Malaysia include those around East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Langkawi Island, Tiomaluxury accommodation, malayn Island, Redang Island, and others. Here, you will be able to find some truly luxurious hotels complete with Malaysia's amazing natural scenery and sparkling seas. For example, there is Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.

Most of the very plush hotels here are located at remote areas, and is accompanied by extraordinary greenery, fresh air, clean sea breezes, and clear oceans. There are usually small towns a distance away from the hotels, and there are usually in house restaurants, leisure and entertainment within the hotels. You can choose from more secluded areas to areas closer to town.

For a completely different kind of seaside holiday experience, there are places like Penang, Melaka, and the town area of Langkawi. Penang's very upscale hotels are mostly around Batu Feringghi area, which is a very popular tourist attraction. But Penang is also known to be a very happening town, filled with huge malls, buildings, markets and a vibrant night life. Melaka is also unique in its way, with some great seaside hotels just a little distance from town, which is famous for its historical and cultural value.

There are also some great luxurious hotels in Malaysia's cool highlands. There is the very popular Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, for example. Cameron Highlands is famous for its wide array of fresh produce, forests, tea plantations, and overall cool, relaxing atmosphere. Genting Highlands is extremely popular for its casinos and entertainment centres. Genting Highlands has outdoor and indoor theme parks, laden with mist and filled with tourists and locals.

If you are looking for a holiday in the city, there are numerous five-star hotels all over Kuala Lumpur Town. Close to all the main public transport systems, most of the luxury hotels here are nearby all the tourist attractions and business districts. There are massive shopping centres, entertainment centres and leisurely areas here as well.

Kara truly loves Asia and if ever given the chance, she would explore this continent before going to others.

Boracay Hotel - A Good Place to Stay

2010-01-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

In case you are not familiar with Philippine Beaches, then Kara would like to recommend beaches and hotels in Boracay. Boracay is one of the best tourist spots along the Philippines islands. One Youtube user took snapshots and made a video of Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay.

Here is a Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay wherein a user created, compiled pictures and uploaded the video on Youtube.

Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay

Things to Do in Hong Kong Free

2009-12-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

IF you are wondering what does it feel to enjoy a whole day without paying anything in Hong Kong. There is this perception that people should spend money so that he or she can enjoy a day in HK. Fear not, you can enjoy Hong Kong without spending a dime. Here is a quick article on how you can enjoy your day without bringing out your wallet. Here is a link from Wikipedia with regard to Hong Kong.

Like most cities around the world Hong Kong can be expensive. If you are trying to budget your money then the following will give you some ideas about what you can do without digging into your pockets.

If you probably seem documentaries showing elderly Chinese people in parks early in the morning and performing acrobatic moves in the form of Tai Chi. There is just something amazing about witnessing a seventy year old kick their foot into the air and hold it there. If you want to witness this art for yourself then you can do so for free in Hong Kong. You will need to get up nice and early and the best places to go are the Zoological gardens, Kowloon Park, Victoria Park, or Hong Kong Park. If you want you can join in and you won't be expected to pay any money.

After the Tai Chi is finished you can continue to enjoy the parks for free. If you want to see Hong Kong life then you will see a lot in the parks. There are always free events and activities taking place.

Go visit a temple. These are not only a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, but it is also a good way to get spiritual and see another side of Hong Kong life. The Man Mo temple is located on Hollywood Road and is the most important temple in the city. This temple is dedicated to Mo who is the god of martial arts and Man who is the god of literature. As well as Taoist temples you will also find Buddhist monasteries.

Visit the Hong Kong Cultural center. You will often find that this venue has free shows and other activities that you can enjoy.

Have a wander around Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront. Here you will get some great views of Hong Kong harbour and be able to people watch to your heart's content. From this vantage point you will also better able to appreciate the stunning quality of Hong Kong's cityscape. In the evenings you will get to see a dazzling laser show.

Go for a walk around the western district. Here you will find markets and shops selling every product imaginable. You don't have to buy anything; just looking can be fun.

If it is Wednesday then you will be able to visit many of the local museums for free. This is great on a hot day because not only will you be getting to see some beautiful and interesting objects but you will also be getting free air-conditioning; educational and refreshing is a combination you can't beat.

You will also be able to find many more free things to do around the city; this list is just to get you started. When you actually go and look what is on offer you will begin to wonder why you ever paid for anything. With all the money you save you will be really able to splash out on something nice.

Sometime next year, Kara and her girlfriend will go to Hong Kong. Time to save up and enjoy days in Disneyland, Ocean Park and other free plazas.

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Visiting Vietnam

2009-12-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

After visiting the wonderful Indonesia, the next great stop would be Vietnam. Vietnam was known because of the their war against the United State. Kara remembers the war wherein the American soldiers didn't get the chance against the Vietcong. But that is history, Kara loves to travel in Vietnam and experience awesome sceneries.

Here is an article related to Quy Nhon:

Situated roughly halfway between Hoi An and Nha Trang, the city of Quy Nhon is much more than a convenient stop-over for those traveling between these two popular tourist destinations. The university two has a youthful vibrancy during term-time and the people are some of the friendliest in Vietnam. In many respects this is the Vietnam that travelers used to encounter before the advent of mass tourism to the country.

Recently the municipal beach has undergone something of a face-lift and clean-up campaign. Gone has the American tank that was half-submerged in the sand, instead a new palm-tree lined promenade hugs the coastline, providing a very pleasant stroll around sunset. It has something of the feel of a smaller Nha Trang.

Those wishing to get away from it all should head to ai Bau Beach some 19km to the south of Quy Nhon. The beautiful, sheltered white-sand beach is generally deserted, ideal for you to discover your own karma. Closer to town, Quy Hoa Beach is another good option. The almost idyllic setting belies the fact that this is a leper colony. Far from reeking of morbidity, the hospital grounds are extremely pleasant,w ith patients integrated into the community.

Popular with courting couples, Queen's Beach lies on a small promontory just to the south of Quy Nhon. Noted as a popular holiday spot for fomer Queen Nham Phuong, in truth this is more a rocky headland than beach. The sweeing views across the bay towards the city make a great setting for a coffee in the "rocky bar" perched on the cliff-edge.

At the heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom., the area around Quy Nhon has its fair share of Cham remains. The monumental Thap Doi Cham 'twin towers" are conveniently located within the city. However, around 20km north of the town towards the airport, the Banh It Towers cut a much more impressive figure and offer great views of the countryside from their lofty perch

Quy Nhon's main pagoda, Long Khanh, dates back to 1715. The original pagoda, restored in 1957, lies behind an impressive 17metre high Budda statue. The site also contains a more modern pagodar, but this lacks the charm of the original place of worship

As befits most ports, Quy Nhon is noted for the quality of its seafood. Banh Xeo is a great local favourite. Try this delicious prawn rice paper cake at Anh Nhat Gia Vien, a beautiful garden house situated just across the read from the Thap Doi Cham Towers

So after a stop in Indonesia, Vietnam is a place Kara do not want to miss.

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Where to Stay in Macau

2009-12-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Kara now shares information on where to stay in Macau. There are many places in Macau that a tourist would want to explore. As much as Kara wants to explore and play her luck in the luxurious Las Vegas of the East, she must first do a little research on where to stay. Hotels are the most convenient and fastest not to mention their first class accommodation when it comes to tourists. So here are Macau hotels that you might want to check out.

Up until just a decade ago, Macau was hardly anything but a day long escape for those travelers who wanted to spice up their Hong Kong holiday by visiting the famous floating casino, where a scene of James bond's "The Man with the Golden Gun" was shot, or to watch promiscuous cabaret shows at Hotel Lisboa...

But things are very different nowadays: Improved public security, alongside economic reforms and liberalization of the casino industry have attracted international investors to the former Portuguese colony, and today Macau luxury hotels are in one line with the world's best accommodations.

This article will introduce you to the finest of Macau luxury hotels:

• Hotel Lisboa Macau

Even if the legendary Lisboa may no longer be at the top of Macau's luxury hotels list, it has certainly become one of the city's most famous establishments...

Alongside its very central location, this classy hotel vaunts elegant decor that brings back the romance and magic of bygone colonial days, with heavy chandeliers, filigree handrails and opulent oriental art.

As you may well expect from a Macau luxury hotel, guestrooms are quite large and fairly detailed in terms of design, with nostalgic Chinese furniture and mosaic floor in the bathroom.

As far as facilities go, there is a nice swimming pool, gym, sauna, international class restaurants and, of course, the brilliant cabaret shows and the famous Casino Lisboa for which the hotel is known worldwide...

• Pousada de Sao Tiago

Built within the ramparts of Barra Fort: A 17th century Portuguese stronghold at the southern tip of the Macau Pninsula, Pousada de Sao Tiago is definitely the most characterful of Macau luxury hotels.

All the 24 rooms at this charming boutique hotel are full of ambience and come with antique furniture and balconies overlooking the bay...

The "Pousada" also has a small swimming pool, as well as a pleasant terrace-cafe where you can have your coffee alfresco, and an exceptionally fine restaurant... But most importantly, it has a dedicated team of friendly staff who really make sure their guests feel at home...

If historic boutique hotels are your thing, than staying here is something you should consider... The "Pousada" is not within a convenient walking distance to town, but it's only a short taxi ride, sp no worries about that...

• MGM Grand Macau

The first thing you'll probably notice about this Macau luxury hotel is its extravagant architecture, featuring an uber-modern design that gives a very Sci-fi look to the hotel's building.

Fantastic location on the edge of the city centre, just a short walk from most of Macau's sightseeing sites, casinos and restaurants, is only one of the reasons why this relatively new hotel has become so popular. The second reason, which is even more important, is what the MGM Grand has to offer in terms of comfort and luxury: From large rooms with beautiful views and modern-elegant decor, to a whole range of fabulous amenities, including the very "chic" swimming pool from which you can enjoy great views over Taipa Island.

When it comes to dining, entertainment and nightlife, the Grande Praca is the place where everything happens ... Designed like a Colonial-Portuguese piazza, this sunlit atrium boasts quite a few fantastic restaurants and shops, which means it is possible for you to have a very nice evening out, without actually leaving the hotel...

As you might expect from a luxury hotel in Macau, the MGM Grand also runs its own ritzy casino...

• Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16

The prestigious Sofitel at Ponte 16 is one of the latest newcomers to Macau luxury hotel scene.

Located in a surprising (but very nice) part of town, facing the Inner Harbour waterfront (Porto Interior), the hotel is slightly away from the cluster of luxury hotels around the "casino belt" but within a short walking distance to Almeida Ribeiro, Ruins of St. Paul's, Senado Square and other places of interest within the old part of town...

One of the best things about this luxury hotel is the spacious rooms, that provide gorgeous views of either the Inner Harbour and the town of Zhuhai (in China) or the narrow alleyways of Macau's old town, and are equipped with a whole range of facilities (including a nice set of L'occitane bathing products in every bathroom).

Secondly, the Sofitel is a part of a stylish modern Casino and Entertainment Complex, which means there is a decent range of dining and entertainment options within an elevator ride... Hotel amenities are also fantastic and include a very nice swimming pool with a sundeck facing the Inner Harbour and Zhuhai, as well as a spa, wellness center, well equipped gym and the likes...

Thirdly, and most important of all: The rates at the Sofitel are still quite reasonable when compared to some other Macau luxury hotels of the same caliber...

• Venetian Macau

Some people dislike the Venetian, others adore it - But nobody can ignore it!

Writing an article about Macau luxury hotels without mentioning the Venetian is simply impossible... Occupying one of the biggest hotel buildings on earth, this colossal casino-resort offers more luxury and amenities than many of Macau's leading hotels, alongside a wide choice of dining and entertainment options.

To begin with, the rooms at the Venetian are just incredible, both in terms of size and facilities, and otherwise there are some outstandingly good hotel amenities, as well as an unbelievable selection of restaurants, bars, nightspots and shops at the Venice-style "Grand Canal shoppes"... Not to mention the world's largest casino, which is just an elevator ride away...

Critics, on the other side, argue that what this hotel makes up in amenities, it lacks in character and personal touch... Moreover, quite a few travelers claim that staying in the newly developed area of Cotai (where the Venetian is) is not what they came to Macau for, and that they prefer to book a hotel in town, where they can be within walking distance of Macau's places of interest...

It's impossible to determine who is right or wrong... It depends, first and foremost on who you are and what is your idea of a holiday in Macau... But one thing for sure: If you plan to spend more than just a couple of nights in Macau, staying one night at the Venetian is certainly something you should consider... If not for anything else, than for the ultimate splurge.

So, if you are considering to stay in the famous Las Vegas of the East, you should visit Macau and place those vacation leaves form and enjoy your stay in Macau. Imagine, low cost trip.. What more can you ask for?

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Indonesia Tourism Preview - Go to Yogyakarta!

2009-12-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Kara's next destination preview would be in Indonesia. She loves Asia as much as her native land. Indonesia is a nice place to stay and definitely a MUST-GO-TO when you are in Asia. The natives are friendly and the sceneries are great!

Here is a quick rundown of Indonesia's Famous Tourist Attractions and Activities.

Bali

With its alluring mix of beaches, volcanoes, temples, stunning scenery, artistic and cultural wealth, the island has long been the jewel in the Indonesian tourism crown. Nail is the enclave of a unique and colorful form of Hinduism, and of its thousands of temples Besakih, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu are the three most impressive. The festivals celebrated at all these shrines are a colorful and vibrant celebration of the devout traditional lifestyle that has drawn tourists to the island for decades most visitors also go to the southern beach resorts Kuta, a heady, hedonistic mix of hotels, shops, restaurants and nightlife, but there are plenty of quieter resorts around the coast, and a few secluded spots remain for total relaxation. Those interested in art, crafts, music and dance usually head for Ubud, a cool, laid-back town with galleries, studios, performances and classes galore and plenty of local walks among the rice-terraces to engage the more energetic. The still smoking Gunung Batur, in the volcanic centre of the island, is a popular climb, usually done in the pitch dark so as to arrive at the top in time to admire the glowing sunrise.

Gunung Bromo

The obligatory sunrise views of this mountain in east Java, with the peak and its equally stunning neighbours rising from an almost other worldly sea of sand, are simply spell binding. There are also plenty of wails to enjoy in this cool, attractive region.

Borobudur

Java's number-one tourist attraction, this colossal, multi-tiered temple is the world's largest Buddhist stupa. Over a thousand years old, the temple, though now ruined, is still surprisingly evocative, with over three thousand reliefs detailing scenes from everyday life and the path followed by the soul to enlightenment, along with ancient tales illustrated the journey.

Lake Toba

In northern Sumatra, this is Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Its central island, Samosir, is the heartland of the Toba Batak people and offers great scenery, trekking and relaxation, with the option of visiting megalithic stone complexes, local villages and hot springs.

Orangutans

The animals at the orangutan rehabilitation centre at Bukit Lawang in Sumatra are arguably the most famous example of Indonesia's wildlife. The centre aims to reintroduce into the wild orangutans that have been rescued from captivity; visitors here are welcome to watch the twice-daily feeding sessions.

Komodo Dragons

An apparent throwback to the age of dinosaurs, these creatures, actually the world's largest lizards, live on Komodo in Nusa Tenggara, the chain of islands stretching between Bali and West Papua. The largest ever recorded was more than 3m long and weighed in at 150kg, though most of the dragons aren't quite so enormous.

Diving

The highlight of many visits, Indonesia's marine life is startling in its diversity. Current centres for diving are Bali, Gili Islands off Lombok, and Sulawesi

Tanah Toraja

This region of Sulawesi is home to the Torajan people, who have a wealth of traditional architecture and ceremonies, most famously funerals. Also on offer are plenty of opportunities for trekking in the scenic highlands

Yogyakarta

The city is the heartland of Javanese arts; exhibitions of art and batik, and performances of music, drama, puppetry and dance abound, with courses available for visitors. The Kraton, the old walled city, is well preserved for architecture buffs, and Yogyakarta is ideally placed for excursions into the surrounding countryside and - if it hasn't blown its lid recently - treks up Gunung Merapi, Indonesia's most volatile volcano.

Nusa Tenggara

The most westerly of this string of islands, Lombok, is a great antidote to its more developed neighbors, Bali. Its highlights include Gunung Merapi, Indonesia's second highest mountain, with a huge crater lake; the tiny Gili Islands off its north-west coast; and the unspoilt south-coast beaches. The further east you go Nusa Tenggara, the less tourist infrastructure there is, so the more time you'll need; highlights here include Sumba's unspoilt beaches and traditional ikat weaving and the three-coloured lake of Keli Mutu on Flores

Baliem Valley in West Papua

It's time-consuming and expensive to get here, and to really explore the area you'll need trek long distances and often sleep extremely rough. But the scenery is dramatic and splendid, and the tribes of the area are managing to retain an age old lifestyle and culture, often despite considerable pressure from outsiders.

Surfing

G-land off the south coast of Java and Desert Point off the southwest coast of Lombok at Bangko. Bangko are just two of many legendary Indonesian surf spots.

Staying in a longhouse

The indigenous Dyak peoples in the interior of Kalimantan have retained their traditional beliefs and ways of life to varying degrees. Their communal longhouse dwellings - long wooden structures raised on stilts - have survived and are being restored, and many welcome visitors

The Prambanan temple complex

The Hindu temples here, accessed from Yogyakarta in Java, are soaring, intricately carved structures dating from the ninth century AD. Visits at dawn and dusk are especially atmospheric.

Kara is looking forward to visit this country and get into a specific city named Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta, Indonesia. If ever, she fulfills her trip in Indonesia, Kara will definitely blog about it here at Kara Explores.

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All About Mexico Beaches

2009-12-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

Kara loves the beaches and sometime next year, She will be going to visit the beaches of Mexico. It is true that the sinful island is a hub for booze and parties, but still, she would love being there for atleast the weekend. Kara have found some information about Mexico Beaches and made a quick research about it. There is a quick wiki page about the tourism in Mexico, and you can also read on below and see why Kara loves Mexico beaches.

The best months to visit the Mexico beaches are from November to May. July-August, Christmas, and Easter attract large numbers of holidaymakers from both inside and outside the country. The hottest and most humid months, June, July, August and September are to be avoided in view of the torturous weather. Insect problem during these months is another issue. August-November has the possibility of rough seas on the Pacific coast mainly due to storms. For diving off Baja California, the time period from August to November is the best, with its warm, clear waters and blue sky. Mexican beaches can be enjoyed with a huge variety of sumptuous food and drinks and of course, music and dance. Other attractions are the coral formations that are simply superb at some places. Besides, some nearby ancient sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum are worth visiting.

Some of the places featuring the best of Mexican beaches are listed below. Tulum (on the Caribbean coast) has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with picturesque Mayan ruins overlooking the same. The ambience thus created is awesome and is the reason why thousands of tourists visit the place each year. Tulum is 130 km south of the massive resort of Cancún. It is a tiny but perfectly formed white sandy cove, with beautiful palm trees and the inviting azure Caribbean Sea to swim in. The entrance to Tulum has a huge car park, souvenir shops, café and restaurants. As such, there is no place to stay on the spot, but there are a few hotels and restaurants in Tulum village. Beside, there are plenty of resort type places, cabañas (beach huts) and campsites along the coast road south to Punta Allen.

Playa del Carmen (on the Caribbean coast) is a cool, casual beach with plenty of accommodation, excellent bars, restaurants and shops. Although very popular and draws crowds from all over the world, the place is still low-key, friendly and relaxing. It is the best place in Mexico to buy high quality crafts, especially jewelry. Boats are available for Cozumel, famous for world class diving and a park for swimming with dolphins. Puerto Escondido (on the Pacific coast) has several stretches of magnificent sandy beach, with a laid-back ambience and plenty of inexpensive accommodation. Popular beaches include the 2 km long Zicatela (surfing paradise) to the east of the town and Playa Puerto Angelito on the west. The surf here reaches 7-8 meters during the months of August-November due to south Pacific storms.

Puerto Angel area (on the Pacific coast) is known for its tranquility with the most popular beach being the Zipolite. Security is a bit of a problem here. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (Baja California) proffers miles of marvelous beaches and is a major American tourist destination for fishing and young partying. The best beaches are the Playa Cemeterio, Playa Santa Maria (great for swimming), Playa Costa Azul, Playa Canta Mar (ideal for surfing) and Playa Solmar (whale-watching from January to April).

The shore of Bahia Concepcion (Conception Bay) has several scenic beaches including Playa Requesón, Playa Buenaventura, and Playa Coyote. It is on the coast of Sea of Cortez, which is a protected marine sanctuary. The facilities are fairly basic (with no fresh water at some places) but the natural beauty and tranquility more than compensate for this. Excellent for water sports and great for seafood (especially clams). Playa Santispac has the best campsite, with some fine restaurants. Playa Buenaventura is for kayaking enthusiasts. Bahia de Matanchen, San Blas (on the Pacific coast) is a small but truly Mexican fishing village of San Blas featuring an excellent town beach but the best in the area is Bahia de Matanchen about 4 km away. It has a broad crescent bay with splendid beaches of prime soft sand and a relaxing atmosphere.

Between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, the central Pacific Coast has several hundred miles of coastline with fine sandy beaches and excellent facilities. The place is known for its fantastic seafood, lively nightlife and scores of activities.

Article source: Eric

Kara Explores

2009-12-02T22:18:00.000-08:00

My name is Kara and I have this thing for traveling. I love going to the beach, have fun with friends and enjoy visiting places that I have not yet explored. I am hoping that I could travel the world. There are many places that I would want to go to and mostly are included in my bucket list.

Things to see on my blog

I will be posting sites, sceneries, places, hotels and what not that caught my interest. I love sharing you this information and would love to hear your feedback about what I write.

Officially, this blog is already up and soon will be updating for some cool places. So be sure to be back and check my entries out.

Cheers.