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Things to do in Bali

Bali Island has a lot to offer its tourists. With so many islands and beaches, Bali(the island of the Gods) provides memorable beach holidays to many people every year. If you want to pick a safe and fun holiday place for your family, try the island of the Gods. Everything that makes up a great vacation will be organized by your travel agent. You can find one on the internet. Although there are a lot of things to see and do in Bali, you should know what to expect before you travel. If your trip will be short, you will not have enough time to view and do everything. So, it will be nice to do the following three things.

1. Benoa mangrove excursions – There are mangrove forests close to Benoa Harbor. They are about twenty-one kilometers to the south of Denpasar. During this eco-tour, visitors walk on elevated timber boardwalks watching mangroves and birds. To learn more about mangroves, you can visit the Mangrove Information Center. It is dedicated to the study of mangroves and how they can be conserved. It owns about two hundred hectares of land with many nursery plots, exploration huts, wooden boardwalks and floating decks. Visits to Benoa Mangrove forests are done early in the morning or in the afternoon.

2. Bali Barat National Park – Occupying seventy-six thousand three hundred and twelve hectares of land in Jembrana and Buleleng districts, Bali Barat is a popular national park. It is a perfect landmark for visitors who love trekking and wildlife viewing. White birds with matching black wingtips and blue stripes around their eyes can be seen here. Additionally, the rare and endangered Javan buffalo (banteng) can be seen here. There are only about thirty to forty bantengs left in the forest. Here you will see wild animals like leopards, some monkey species, mouse deer and rusa among others. As arrangements are done by visitors themselves, including food, bedding, water, and a permit, you should use a travel company.

3. Traditional dramas and dances – Balinese have many celebrations that take place in temples. Every village organizes its festivals at different dates, and most of these are not meant for tourists. Your tour guide knows when cultural events organized only for tourists take place. The most popular dance that takes place in Batubulan village is the Barong dance. It demonstrates the tale about the fight between good and evil. A sunset dance that you do not want to miss is the Kecak dance. Usually staged in public by Pura Tanah Lot, Kecak dance setting is the story of Ramayana.…

Why You should Visit Bali

It is said that once you have a holiday to Bali you will never want to leave. Bali is a touch of paradise lying in the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia.

Although Bali is small, it features many memorable attractions. For instance you should check out the coast between Amed and the Eastern tip of the island. This unique stretch of coastline retains many of Bali’s purest charms and has magnificent sea views. Here you will find an extremely peaceful atmosphere and it is a great place to go snorkeling and diving in the crystal clear waters. Ahmed itself is a collection of villages each with its unique peaceful character.

Sleepy Candidasa provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding territory on the eastern side of the island and there are numerous good restaurants. The island’s capital is Denpasar and there you can visit the Bali museum and explore the many shops and markets, though be prepared for the hustle and bustle of the people and the traffic.

At Kuta you will discover yet another face of Bali. Located in the southern side and once a fishing village it is now a very popular beach destination. If you wish to enjoy a more exclusive beach resort in Bali, then consider Sanur, with its reef protected beach making it an ideal place for children.

To the north you will find Lovina, which has many hotels and is an excellent base for exploring this part of Bali. The coast is protected by reefs and the waters are clear and calm.

For a day or two away from the beach, visit the island’s interior and take a drive up into the mountainous terrain around Danau Batan, where you can enjoy the cool clean air and explore the lakes and hills on foot. You can find temples, gardens and markets and sample the local fruits. This is one of the most peaceful regions to visit on your Bali holiday, a place where you can find the perfect escape.…

Great Reasons to Visit Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the largest cities in China. It is also one of the most modernized cities in the world.

Shanghai has a population of more than 20 million. It is the largest city in China and the second largest city proper in the world after Mumbai. Today it is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, with many Chinese and international companies opening offices here, especially along the Bund. Undergoing a construction boom, new high-rise buildings are making a new skyline in Shanghai.

Shanghai has a Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures. With a favorable location and distinct oriental culture, Shanghai has attracted many foreigners, including Bernard Shaw, Albert Einstein and Tagore, to live here, or just experience the oriental charm. In the eyes of a foreigner, Shanghai has a unique oriental charm, while in the eyes of a Chinese, Shanghai certainly has a strong Western flavor.

Shanghai is a paradise for shopping lover. There are many famous shopping streets in Shanghai. One of them is Nanjing Road shopping street. Shanghai offers a shopping experience that you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopaholic, there are various shopping areas selling anything imaginable that you will surely find worth a look. The main shopping streets like Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road offer the latest selections of luxury goods, while in numerous traditional outdoor markets you will get a unique taste of old Shanghai.

Shanghai has a Colorful Nightlife. Tourists can easily find a place to go through the night. They never feel lonely in the city. Walking the Bund or just having a drink in the pubs and bars. There are many activities at night. One of them is the Huangpu River night cruise. Being a sleepless city, Shanghai’s dynamic life goes on way beyond the daylight hours. It is a city of colorful nightlife. It has a diverse cultural flavor, with cinemas showing foreign and Chinese films, and theaters featuring opera, dance, drama, acrobatics and puppets. There are also numerous night clubs and bars which are open until the sun comes up.…

Must See Places in Shanghai

As known to us all, Shanghai is the biggest city in China and an international financial, commercial and shipping center. As a newly-built tourist hub in China, Shanghai is filled with profound urban cultural connotation and blessed with many historical places of interest, where the World Expo was successfully held in 2010, and the tradition of South China and immigration history constitute the unique Shanghai culture.

Shanghai Bund

Nestling by Huangpu River in the downtown area, the Bund boasts the most magnificent scenery in Shanghai and a must-visit Shanghai attraction. The Bund, alias East Zhongshan Road 1 with 1.5 meters long, faces the Hungpu River at its east and backs on 52 magnificent architectures of various styles at its west, including Gothic style, Roman style, Baroque style and mingling of east-west style.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Erecting by the Huangpu Riverside, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower boasts the 3rd tallest tower in the world, which sets off the international architecture exhibition across the river and showcases the oriental beauty to the world. As a landmark and a hot spot in Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower perfectly combines sightseeing, entertainment and historic exhibition with TV emission as one.

Nanjing Road Walking Street

Awarded “China’s First Commercial Street” and boasting the most vigorous street in Shanghai with 5.5 kilometers long, Nanjing Road Walking Street spans from the Bund in the east to Jing’an Temple in the west and intersects with Yan’an West Road, lined with over 600 stores and shops along its way.…

Read This Before Visiting Shanghai

Shanghai may not boast high rise buildings and lavish attractions like Rome or New York, but it is unique in its own special way. You will discover the joys of Shanghai on the streets, with everyday life unfolding in front of you like a surprise. You will find both the old world charm as well as great technological advancements existing in perfect harmony in this city. If you are planning a Shanghai trip, this article will help you enjoy a hassle free journey:

The main gateway to Shanghai is Pudong International Airport, situated 40 kilometers to the east of the city. This state-of-art hub has all the facilities that you would expect from an international airport. It boasts of two massive terminals for the convenience of the guests, and a free shuttle bus service to take visitors to their desired destination. The city has a solid network of roads and a good public transportation system so tourists can move about freely within the city.

Whether you are planning to visit Shanghai for tourism or business purposes, you will find all major facilities that you expect to find in a modern city. There are many companies that offer sightseeing buses. There are several routes and packages to choose from, and you may take your pick based on your needs. The sightseeing buses usually cover most of the popular tourist attractions in Shanghai, such as the Shanghai Zoo, Baoyang Road Harbor, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

If you wish to explore the city all by yourself, you may walk like a local and see older areas of the city such as the Bund. If you are with your family, we would recommend that you hire a taxi to visit the major sightseeing places. Some of the main tourist attractions that you must visit during your stay in Shanghai are the Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai Museum, the various Chinese temples, and the Zhujiajiao Water Town.

You will never fall short of things to do when you are in Shanghai. You can visit the various tea houses in the city and enjoy the traditional Chinese tea with snacks. Some companies offer river tours which will take you to some of these tea houses, you may consider opting for a tour. If you love beaches, check out the striking Jinshan city beach situated on the Hangzhou Bay. It offers incredible scenery, various attractions, and entertainment. You can enjoy a plethora of water sports or laze around the beaches.…

What to do on your next Visit to Beijing

Beijing is the vibrant capital city of China and it was the host for 2008 Olympic Games. If you wish to explore the tradition and culture of China at its best, visit Beijing. The city is a jumble of various districts and counties. The four major central districts are Xicheng District, Dongcheng District, Chongwen District, and Xuanwu District. Beijing Capital International Airport acts as the main gateway to the city, and it has three terminals serving a legion of travelers every year. Whether you are visiting Beijing for business or leisure, you are sure to have a great time in this city.

Getting around Beijing is convenient as the city is well connected via subways, making it easy for tourists to move about in the city. There are also several other modes of public transportation available such as taxis, mini buses and trains. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the downtown on your own, or hire a car if you are with your family.

Regardless of whether you have come here for holiday or business, make sure you visit the popular tourist attractions and landmarks in Beijing because they reflect the culture and tradition of the region. The oldest and most important landmark is the Tiananmen Square, situated in the Dongcheng District. This square is surrounded by some iconic buildings such as the Museum of Chinese History, the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Forbidden City, and the Qianmen Gate. After the 2008 Olympics, the National Stadium has become a new major landmark in the city.

Beijing is home to several religious sites and temples. Spend a day visiting the various temples, palaces and parks in the city to know more about the culture. There are many beautiful and well maintained parks worth visiting with your entire family. Visit the Temple of Heaven, situated in the Chongwen District, on a typical day to see locals practicing tai-chi, calligraphy, drinking tea, or just lazing around. Some of the other popular parks in the city are Zhongshan Park, Chaoyang Park, Ritan Park, and Beihai Park.…

Tips For Visiting Beijing

Visiting the city of Beijing as part of a China tour is a real treat as it is a great mix of Chinese Culture while embracing more contemporary Western values.

The history of the city goes back to 350 BC and has been shaped by the various rulers that have been in power throughout time. Beijing has been China’s capital for four dynasties and has had various names including Yanhing, Dadu and Beiping.

As you will travel through the city, you will notice that the people are extremely friendly but may stare at you, please do not take offense to this. Many people will offer to shake your hand, but the customary greeting is to join your hands and bow.

Other things to bear in mind are, you should never shame anyone in public or cause embarrassment, punctuality is very important, tipping is frowned upon and most restaurants use chopsticks so you may want to learn before you visit.

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit the city as it will be mild and the air crisp, but be warned this is peak tourist season. In Winter, the city is usually avoided by tourists, as it can be bitterly cold due to Siberian winds from the North.

The city of Beijing is not as conservative as it once was, but when visiting sacred sites and temples, you should dress appropriately.

Getting around Beijing by yourselves can be very daunting for visitors, so it is best to always carry a map with you. You may need to point to your map as many people will not speak or understand English. Taxis and the subway are a great way of getting around the city, but be warned that although there are many buses around the city, they do become very crowded.

Everyone likes to do a bit of shopping on their holidays and Beijing, much like all big cities, is great for this. There are many districts around the city that offer something for everyone. Dachilan in Tiananmen Square is one of the best places to buy Silk as well as clothing. Jianguomenwai is a popular shopping district that has world famous stores like Prada and Gap. If you are interested in antiques and artifacts, then you should pay a visit to Liulichang, which is home to some of the city’s oldest antique shops.

Beijing’s first super mall is in Xindong Plaza, and is home to many world famous stores and Chinese shops.

Whether you are just visiting the City of Beijing or it is part of a larger tour of China, you are bound to have a great time in this bustling city that is full of culture and diversity.…

Visit San Jose

San Jose is the 3rd largest city in California, and 10th largest in the United States. As of 2006, the city’s population was estimated at 929,936, with 1,810,560 living in the San Jose metropolitan area.

San Jose was the first city to be incorporated in the state of California, this having been done in 1850, just after the area had been annexed from Mexico (in 1846). San Jose then went on to become California’s first state capital, as well hosting the first two sessions (1850 to 1851) of the California Legislature.

One interesting issue is whether the name should be spelled with or without the diacritical mark, that is to say, as “San Jose” or “San José”. The City Charter defines the official name as “The City of San Jose” (without the diacritical mark), and this is probably the most common way that the city’s name is spelled. On the other hand, on April 3rd 1979, the City Council adopted “San José” (with the diacritical mark), as the official spelling, and this spelling is used on the city seal, official stationery, office titles and department names.

Attractions in San Jose include the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

Here are some other facts about the area:

– Some of the major companies that have based their headquarters in San Jose include Adobe Systems, Cisco Systems and eBay.

– Professional sports franchises in San Jose include the California League baseball team, the San Jose Giants, and the ice hockey team, the San Jose Sharks.

– Probably the best known educational institution in San Jose is San José State University (“SJSU”). San José State University (“SJSU”) is an urban university with a student enrollment of over 30,000, including more than 20,000 undergraduates.…

Beaches of Mar del Plata

Some of the best beaches in South America can be found in Mar del Plata, a relatively modern city on the Atlantic coast 400 kilometres from Buenos Aires. Beautiful beaches stretch for more than eight kilometres along the coast, which is also marked by windswept dunes and dramatic cliffs.

The Chica and Grande beaches are the closest to Mar del Plata’s modern cruise ship ports (they’re also popular with sea lions, who congregate in the waters around the city’s fishing wharves).

Once a playground for the wealthy, the city is now a mix of fine old mansions and newer resorts along the city’s magnificent waterfront, which features numerous parks, squares, and gardens.

The excellent Juan Manuel Fangio Museum, dedicated to one of the world’s greatest Formula One drivers and containing over 100 cars and 500 trophies, is located in Mar del Plata. An exhibit dedicated to the first automobile, an 1886 Daimler, is a highlight.

A visit to the Mar del Plata Aquarium, with its many marine attractions such as dolphin and seal shows, penguins, tortoises, and flamingos, is one of the most popular things to do for families.…

Southern Fuegian Railway

This gauge steam railway, also known as the “Train to the End of the World,” is the world’s southernmost railway. Although it once provided a less happy service of connecting Ushuaia’s penal colony with nearby cities, today it offers a beautiful tourist ride into the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

The train departs from the End of the World station on new tracks (the originals can still be seen nearby), riding alongside a densely forested gorge and beautiful peaks all around. In the winter, everything is covered in snow; in the other seasons, the greens and reds that take over the valley throughout the season will be appreciated.

The train stops once so that passengers can take photos at a nearby waterfall before continuing on into the national park.

While onboard, first-class passengers will be able to sample some local specialties such as alfajores, biscuits filled with thick caramel, and empanadas, a fried or baked pastry filled with cheese or meat.…