JOHOR BAHRU MALAYSIA

JOHOR BAHRU

MALAYSIA

Johor Bahru is famous for its proximity to Singapore. Many Singaporeans travel here to do their shopping, with a Singaporean dollar getting three Ringett on the currency exchange, everything is so much cheaper in JB.

However, JB is tired of being treated as a poor cousin and is trying to become equal. The development is visible at every step and soon JB is going to be a Rover City of Southern Malaysia.

JB used to be a River City back in 1950s. Sungai Seggat was flowing freely through the city. The development progresses fast but there is still a lot of work to be done.

At the moment the region of Stulang Laut serves as the waterfront recreational area with duty free, The Zone and many restaurants.

It is located on the shores of Johor Straits. There is also a ferry terminal here and regular ferry services to Pulau Batam, Indonesia. 

The sunsets here are spectacular and the night entertainment enchanting. It is joy to be part of this exciting city.

JB is a 5 minute train ride away from Singapore. Another option is a causeway drive, that could take an hour or longer depending on the traffic although the causeway is only 1 km long. Visiting JB is worthwhile even if one does not intend to do any shopping.

 

PULAU SINGA BESAR LANGKAWI MALAYSIA

PULAU SINGA BESAR

LANGKAWI

MALAYSIA

Pulau Singa Besar is just one of the 99 islands surrounding Langkawi. It is, like all of Langkawi islands, scenic and full of wildlife. Eagles, kingfishers, monitor lizards and magnitude of monkeys are ever present. The island has a sandy beach offering a pleasant nature discovery stroll. However, the most scenic island is Pulau Singa Kechil, picturesque and enjoyable to look at but wild and not accessible. However, birdsong can be heard and colorful kingfishers and horn-bills can be seen.

Pulau Singa Besar is an eagle sanctuary. Langkawi is a natural habitat for sea eagles. A great number of eagles is attracted to Singa Besar during feeding time to please the tourists. The island is also known for jam sessions organised by yachting community of Langkawi. Easily accessible from Kuah, Pulau Rebak and Telaga Harbor this great anchorage attracts many yachts.

Great music in company of friends in natural surrounds with fabulous backdrop of colorful sunsets is a memory forever.

The Geopark, natural beauty and warm climate makes Langkawi a treasure among islands of Malaysia. Visiting outer islands, accessible only by boat, brings a world of natural beauty so much closer.

KO LANTA THAILAND'S BEST KEPT SECRET

KO LANTA

THAILAND'S BEST KEPT SECRET

The Kingdom of Thailand has become a very popular tourist destination. In fact, the amount of tourists visiting is spoiling its natural beauty by overcrowding. However, Ko Lanta is an island that has a resonable numbers of visitors and thus is an absolute paradise. How long can Ko Lanta survive its image of serene and not crowded island? A bridge is being built. The limited access by car ferry is coming to an end and increased traffic may ruin Ko Lanta's image.

Its calm waters invite for a boat trip to discover secluded beaches. A bike trip around and across the island shows amazing natural scenery and rewards with a stop to rest and swim in crystal clear waters.

 

Lanta Old Town offers great restaurants, delicious cuisine and some shopping.Ko Lanta is a scenic island, the people are friendly and speak some English. Its main attraction though is tranqulity that many tourist destinations lack.

There are islands around Ko Lanta accessible by local boats or just pleasing the eye during bike trips. There are also chicky monkeys trying to find food left in a bike or trying to take a bike for a spin.

Ko Lanta has a few local villages but its beauty is in undisturbed visual pleasure of its landscape.

Thailand with its culture, people, cuisine and natural beauty is a fabulous destination. Ko Lanta is one of the best spots to enjoy.

BARCELONA MARAVILLOSA Y ROMANTICA

BARCELONA

MARAVILLOSA Y ROMANTICA

Barcelona, a capital of Catalonia is one of the most impressive cities of Spain. Its Gothic Quarter, full of narrow streets, squares, amazing shops and above all churches and cathedrals, boasts architecture and history.

Plaza de Catalonia is good starting point to exploration of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and famous Las Ramblas. The night scene of Las Ramblas decorated with stylish street lamps, souvenir stalls, bars and restaurants is unforgettable.

Barcelona is also known as the city of Gaudi, famous architect and artist. His masterpiece is Sagrada Familia Church but many buildings hold elements of his art.

There is a modern side to Barcelona as well. La Boqueria, the markets where delicious foods and fruits are presented by local stallholders. The beach invites for a stroll and a swim. The port is a gateway to Balleric Islands. Barcelona is a thriving and unforgettable city.

VIENNA the PRIDE of AUSTRIA

VIENNA

the

PRIDE of AUSTRIA

Vienna, glamorous capital of Austria, is a paradise for lovers of classical music. Schubert, Strauss, Mozart, Bethoven can be heard at Vienna State Opera. Some concerts are performed in the original Mozart style period costumes. Sounds of Vienna can be heard in Houses of Music, Museums, Cathedrals. Many churches have frequent organ recitals. Also a number of restaurants offer concert and dinner packages. Vienna Boys' Choir can be heard in the Hofburg Chapel. A visit to Vienna is not just an ear please. It is an absolute joy for eyes as well. Its architecture astonishes at every step.  

The Belvedere, Baroque Palaces, surrounded by gardens, fountains and sculptures are now opened to visitors but used to be inhabited by royalty, Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Maria Theresa, Queen of Hungary in early 1700s.

A visit to Schonbrunn Palace shows a picture of the rule of Habsburg Dynasty.

Albertina presents famous paintings, Imperial Carriage Museum and Spanish Riding School show history and the old grandiose days, even City Hall is a masterpiece of architecture.

Above all, Vienna represents composers, imperial history and the grand era gone by.

However, Vienna has a special present day charm as well and many taverns that offer authentic cuisine and delicious wines. A Danube River Cruise is a way to relax after strenuous sightseeing and museums visits.

VIVA ESPANA

VIVA ESPANA

Spain dominates Iberian Peninsula. It shares the Atlantic Ocean with Portugal and extends its ownership to Canary Islands located in the south, of the African Coast. Its Mediterranean Coast from Costa del Sol to Costa Brava is not only full of beach resorts but boasts grand cities from Malaga to Barcelona. It also has easy ferry access to Baleric Islands.

Madrid, Spain's capital, is centrally located within the Iberian Peninsula, away from the oceans and the seas. Madrid boasts museums, Museo del Pradobeing an absolute must to see. Royal Palace – Palacio Real, numerous catherdals and parks with Parque del Retiro being the biggest and located in the centre of this fabulous city. 

Another must see and experience is Plaza Mayor. It offers delicious cuisine, restaurants and bars and markets.Just strolling along Grand Via is a joy. A visit to Madrid would not be complete without seeing a bullring, Las Ventas Bullring being popular, or the Cervantes Monument at the Plaza de Espana.

Spain has so much to offer, its history presents itself in Toledo and Avila, famous for Santa Teresa relics, its churches and cathedrals enclosed in the 11^th century old city walls.

Seville boasts its 15^th century Cathedral with its bell tower built in the minaret of a former Great Mosque.

The city has Andalusian flavor and a flamenco dance evening is enchanting. Granada is famous for its Alhambra Palace. Build by Moors in the 13^th century it shows stone cut lace architecture and is surrounded by gardens and fountains.

Spanish Mediterranean Coast, Costa del Sol with Malaga been a representative of architecture and history is lined up with resorts and superb views of Gibraltar.

Spain is a fascinating country, rich in history, architecture and diverse scenery. It offers delicious wines and cuisine and unforgettable guitars and dance of Flamenco. 

BON DIA PORTUGAL

BON DIA PORTUGAL

Portugal, separated from the rest of Europe by mountain range, Serra da Estela and stretching to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a country of history, architecture, amazing scenery, cork tree plantations and wonderful souvenirs made out of cork.

Cork is a pride of Portugal. Shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, umbrellas, even hats are made out of cork. Portugal manufactures quality footwear made out of leather and cork to combat markets swamped with cheap imitations. Cork tree plantations cover a large portion of Portuguese landscape together with almond, fig and olive tree plantations.

Lisbon, the capital, is a monument to history with famous towers and gates on the Belem Riverfront and the sculpture commemorating Henry the Navigator. Back in the 15th century, the Age of Great Discoveries, it was the playground of marine explorers and the starting point of their journeys into the unknown. 

Christopher Columbus departed from here back in 1492 on his discovery passage.

Coimbra was the ancient capital of Portugal between 12^th and 13^th century. Its University was build in 1290. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe. 

Now Coimbra offers archaeological structures of the Roman Era, aqueduct, architecture and churches.

Batalha, the ancient grounds of wars, one of them the famous battle of 1385 between the Portuguese and the Spanish, can be proud of its monastery Mosterio de Batalha.

Fatima is a well known pilgrimage site. Many visitors come to the Sanctuary of Fatima to worship and pray. It is a moving experience to partake in the positive atmosphere of believers celebrating appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917 in Fatima.

Sintra is the picture of architecture of the rich who built their summer residences in this scenic countryside. The palaces add historical value to scenic countryside. Sintra with its Pena and Sintra National

Palace has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cascais used to be a fishing village until discovered and made a vacation destination by the kings in 1870. It still is a holiday destination with its sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.

In spite of being occupied from the early days by the Romans, then Muslim Moors, Visigoths and Spanish it became an independent country and expanded to Africa and Asia in the Age of Exploration. 

Portugal is a remarkable country that managed to preserve its culture, cuisine and art.

A Fado concert is a spiritual experience. The song & music dating back to early 1800s expresses loss and longing, puts one into a melancholic but appreciative mood. Many songs are devoted to love of this beautiful country or its wonderful cities and towns.

Stylish Portugal invites visitors to experience its history and culture, scenic Atlantic coast, grandiose architecture and delicious cuisine.