Chic City of Melbourne

Listed as one of the world’s most livable cities, it is not surprising for quite a number of my friends have happily migrated to Melbourne. People who live in Melbourne enjoy the many interesting cultural attributes, convenient and reliable public transportation system, proper health care services, comfortable (but sometimes crazy) climate, low crime rates, peaceful multicultural atmosphere and others. What else would you ask for more in comparison with other less fortunate places in the world?

Being sophisticated and contemporary, upbeat and trendy, Melbourne has uniquely blended in these modern elements together with its historical structures of ornate Victorian architecture. With the formation of its citizens from so many different races and background, it has given Melbourne such vibrant colours that will no doubt bring your senses alive.

Attractions in 'the city'

Melbourne city is actually pretty small for me but it is known to be ‘big’ because it consist a wide spread of low urban density stretching far especially towards the South East side. The place where all the cool happenings actually take place is commonly called ‘the city’ by the locals, which usually concentrates around the areas of Flinders Street. (At least for the tourists anyway)

1854 Flinders Street

One of the iconic historical landmarks at the city is the Flinders Street Station. Built in 1854, it is Melbourne’s first railway station. Now, this railway station still sees hundreds and thousands of commuters going in and about on a normal weekday going to work. It is also a popular meeting spot for the Melbournians as it goes with the idiom “I’ll meet you under the clocks” referring to the rows of clocks on the building which indicate the time of departure of the trains.

It is nice to look at this beautiful architectural structure with its modern high rise buildings in the background. If people-watching is one of your hobbies while at a foreign country, pick a nice seat out at the Young & Jackson’s pub opposite the station and enjoy a cold beer in hand on a warm summer day. It has been in business for more than a hundred years, and still a popular hot-spot.

The austere interior of St Paul Cathedral

Around the corner of Flinders Station, stands the austere looking St Paul Cathedral, built between the years of 1880-1891. St Paul Cathedral is famously known for it stained glass on both sides down the aisles. I like visiting churches like these. It is more than just a religious setting; it reminds me of the great efforts, ingenious details and creativity that people would put in to build such great churches. It represents the wonders of God that shows in the art forms and ornate designs of these churches. I like sitting on a solid wooden pew, my heart will quiet down as I enfold myself in the solemn presence of the church. Sometimes there’ll be a whiff of burning incense with some soft jingling of bells along with silent prayers by other people sitting around.

The work of art itself in Ian Potter Centre

For each and every of my visits to a foreign country, I’ve always make it a point to drop in at the National Art Gallery. Local artist always reveal not only the interest of their heart, often times, it showcase the spirit of the country itself. In Melbourne, there’s Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria. This sleek-looking futuristic glass and steel structure has often times snatch the limelight off its Victorian style neighbours. Inside the centre houses the collection of Australian painters such as Modernist Sir Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Australian impressionist including Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and many others. Art portrays a country’s soul, to fully understand a country; a visit to the National Gallery is a must.

Melbourne is such a charming city. Relaxing, peaceful and cultured, I would very much love to live a couple of months in such an ultra neat ultra tidy city like Melbourne. Maybe someday…

Let’s Get Sandy in Boracay Island!

White sandy beach

White sandy beach… bright sunny days… cooling air breeze… deep blue ocean… refreshing coconut juices! Wow! What a great imaginary place! Well, imagine no more. Pack your bags and come with me to Boracay Island, one of the many islands in the Philippines.

Blue sea water

If you are into sandy beaches, I’m sure Boracay will never let you down. It’s time to make good use of the following items in Boracay :

1. A pair of sun glasses (To protect your eyes from the smiling sun, of course!)
2. Suntan lotion (To protect your skin from getting sunburn)
3. Swimming gear (This includes your sexy bikini or swimming trunk, goggles and anything else you can think of!)
4. The Hawaiian shirt and beach shorts you bought last summer…
5. A pair of sandals (To match your Hawaiian shirt and shorts! Haha!)
6. And your partner (How dare you forget this?!)

Clear shallow sea

Boracay has got one of the most beautiful beach where sands are white and water is blue, where you would have no clue that there are so many things that you can do! Jet skiing, banana boating, kayaking, windsurfing, diving and the list goes on…

Moving around this relatively small island is easy! Basically, everywhere is within walking distance. So let your feet do some exercises. You may also opt to hop on into a motorized tricycle or pedicab if you do not mind sharing with other guests or rent a motorcycle or bicycle should you need privacy. Some hotels do provide shuttle services too. But bare in mind, there won’t be any taxis or cabs around.

The "believed-to-be" best part - White Sand Beach (in red)

TIPS FROM ME :
1. Find the best spot in Boracay : WHITE SAND BEACH. It is believed to be the best part of Boracay (where the sun is brighter, sand is whiter, sea is shallower and water is bluer…)
2. Bring along a pair of sneakers as you might need those shoes for walking…
3. Try out the local food there. I heard their mango shakes are exceptionally “not-to-be-missed”!
4. Gather more information of Boracay Island before flying there with your loved one(s).

WINNER - Stay For FREE @ Amari Nova Platinum Hotel, Pattaya

CONGRATULATIONS!! to Mr Rohzan Abdul Rahman. You are our lucky draw winner for our final week campaign. You have won yourself a 2 nights complimentary room stay @ Amari Nova Platinum Hotel, Pattaya.

Amari Nova Platinum Hotel (4*) is a first class property, fully furnished to an excellent, modern and comfortable standard. With its convenient location in South Pattaya, the main entertainment and shopping district are within a moment’s walk from the hotel. This charming South Pattaya hotel offers 78 well-appointed guestrooms that are tastefully furnished in a modern style and come with an array of modern amenities and excellent service.

For your dining pleasure, you can visit the on-site Zia Restaurant that offers a wonderful selection of international cuisine. You can also enjoy tropical refreshment and snacks at the Pool Bar. At leisure, you can have a refreshing dip at the swimming pool or re-energise your body at the jacuzzi. The hotel features a beautiful garden, perfect for relaxing after a long day of sight seeing. Enjoy....

"Koh Samui" --- Another Island ---

Do you know that there's ridiculous amount of islands here in South East Asia? Just in Thailand itself, there's Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Coral Island, Krabi, Pattaya Beach, Koh Tao, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh ... Koh... Koh......and more Koh! (Koh=island in Thai). And here, you're looking at the 3rd largest "Koh" called "Samui" in Thailand located at the Gulf of Thailand.

Can anyone understand why islands are always such a big hit as a tourism spot? Everyone, I mean EVERYONE just love being on the gritty beach, in the fishy sea, at the dirt-covered mountain trails, under a skinny coconut tree where a coconut might just fall and hit you flat on the nose... and more bizarrely, their facial expression normally indicates that they're in an oneiric paradise on earth.

Especially in Koh Samui, who would actually want to walk along barefoot/sun bathe/ build sand castle/ play volleyball on this fine white sand? I know the hot-blooded-below-25-year-olds would choose the 'happening' stretch of Chaweng beach to hang out. As for the peace-seekers, you'll catch them at Lamai Beach where they offer small bars and other pampering in a more comfortable style. It doesn't really matter, it's still the same quality of sand that will get stuck under your toe nails...

Then, there's these towering skinny malnourished coconut trees that barely offer any shade for the people who insanely love to bake themselves under the blazing tropical sun. (Someone told me that there's even more of these skinny trees in a plantation that mass produce them for fresh coconut juice. There are even monkeys trained to pick the coconuts too!)

Sunsets are always so much more awesome when one sees it by the water. I think it's because of the reflection from the water, people get blinded not only by the piercing light of the setting sun, but also the perfect symmetrical reflection in the water. Just watch out if you happened to stand by a bridge with a shaky hand rail, we don't want anyone getting too dazzled by the view and fall off.
When night falls, it gets even more romantic with the full moon illuminating a shiny path on the sandy beach. Your heart is quiet and at peace as the soothing sound of waves and soft breeze caresses your cheeks. If this sounds boring, there are always the other choices of clubs, discos, live music, cool bars, and restaurants, they can be easily found at the 'happening' stretch of beach. Just follow the noise.
So when one is done with the night and wakes in the morning, be not surprised to see some bald-headed men clad in orange-robe walking around town. People normally give them food. It's part of the Buddhism culture. It's also good karma for the people who give charity to them. You can give them food too. It's good karma for you.
In water that is crystal clear and turquoise blue at Koh Samui, many people choose to take up a PADI license course to scuba dive there. It's a world famous diving spot with a whole different world underneath for the goggled human to explore. I personally think it's a good choice to learn this sport here. I mean, you'll have better chance to see a shark coming your way in this pristine water condition rather than some murky dark water, right?

Being an island in Thailand, you wouldn't be able to escape seeing these Gods. They're not called Gods for no reasons. Gods are omnipresent and in Thailand, these golden shiny Buddhas are seated everywhere, even at Koh Samui. They even have some mummified bodies of revered monks located at the Buddhism Centre there too.
Koh Samui has been a secret place for only backpackers until now, where it has opened its doors to a wider range of visitors. Yet, how things were back then, fortunately are still the same. I believe it'll be a valuable experience to be culturally enlightened about the happy-laid-back-no-worries-easy-simple life that the smiley people lead over there. We grumpy people from the city could use some of that to lead our lives.

For the adventurous and energy-filled peeps, a good rowing on the canoe works great although it's a "No, thank you" for me as I do not want to yelp whenever I lift my arms after all the rowing. I rather jet ski, ride on the banana boat, para-ski, snorkel, dive, than risking the chance to a comfortable arm stretch in the morning.

If salt water from the sea gets too much into the eyes, there's always the fresh mountain water thundering down some waterfall somewhere in Koh Samui. It's easy to hike up to any of the several waterfalls and have a dip in it. It would definitely be more refreshing than the salty sticky sea water. Be careful of leeches though, unless you want to be kind and feed them your blood. No harm's done.

After the refreshing splashes at the waterfall, a hike further up will bring you to this. There, on the top of the hill, we sit and wait and catch our breath, to see the sun set again. (Be even more careful this time, there's no handrails)

Now I understand why EVERYONE wants to go to an island for a holiday. Especially an island like Koh Samui, there's just so much to do, so much to see. And most of them, if I change my way of seeing things a little, it'll become a wonderful time for me to be there at Koh Samui.

You think you'll like Koh Samui? Let me know when you get back from there!

The Real Adventure in Siem Reap

The beautiful Angkor Wat

As I’ve always mentioned, being adventurous is one of some key points I look for in my trips. Believe it or not, Siem Reap is exactly what I’m looking for. Now, let me dress up in my “Indiana Jones” costume and join “Lara Croft” in Angkor Wat! To ring some bells, some scenes in Tomb Raider 2 were shot here in Angkor Wat… The very famous temple is the major attraction of Siem Reap. It was built in the 12th Century and since then, it became a tourist attraction so significant that the monument itself is featured on the Cambodia flag! From afar, Angkor Wat stands firm and grand. As you get nearer, you will see a lot of well-carved sculptures and figures on its brick walls. There is also one part of the building where a huge tree grew on (and still growing…!)

Lara Croft wuz there!

Watermelons anyone?

Another major attraction is the Tonle Sap Lake. This lake can be considered as the ‘heart’ and the water is like the 'blood' of Siem Reap! Most probably, it is one of the main sources of protein and water for Cambodians. Fishermen and their family members live in floating houses by the lake side (and even in the middle part of the lake) to survive and earn livings. The ‘magic’ of this river is that it changes directions of flow twice a year. During the dry season, the lake drains water into Mekong River and during the rainy season, it would form an enormous lake! The magic of nature… Yeah!!!

A fisherman and his son in Tonle Sap Lake

The side view of Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Do not miss out the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda too! Why?! Basically, it's because of the structure of this two buildings. The design of this buildings features the classic Khmer architecture, so defined that it is separated into various parts and layouts like the throne hall, stupas, defensive wall, mural paintings and towering spires. For your information, the throne hall of Royal Palace is still in use now for religious and royal purposes.

Can’t wait any longer for Siem Reap?! Pack your bags for some real adventures!!! But before that, don’t forget the tickets and travel packages HERE.

"London Bridge is Falling Down"

"Falling down, falling down,

London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady."

This is one of my very first nursery rhyme that I learned to sing and love when I was a child. Because of this nursery rhyme, it also made London Bridge the very first thing that I've came to know of London. At that time, I've never thought that London Bridge is a real bridge in existence, nor London being one of the largest metropolitan city in the European Union.

London Bridge was just a really fun game for me as I, a little girl then, sing "London Bridge is falling down..." as I marched quickly under the raised arch formed by the arms of my little friends, so that I will not get caught when the London Bridge fall...

20 years down the road, the London Bridge still stays a famous nursery rhyme for children all around the world, but to me, London has become so incredibility more...

London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down...

There's definitely more to London other than the London Bridge. London is not known as the first and foremost global city in the world alongside to New York City for nothing. London is the world's leading metropolitan city in the financial aspects, cultural centres, education, fashion, entertainment, media, the arts and every other world dominance that you can think of... London plays a huge part in all of them.

It can be overwhelming as to where to go when one visits London. It is just so big a place. So where do we go and where do we start when there's more than 5 famous museums, more than 5 popular non-to-be-missed landmarks, more than 5 must-hang-out bars and pubs, more than 5 theater shows to attend that appear in the top charts, more than 5 God-awesome ancient churches and cathedrals, and more than 5 shopping malls and sales to go...... and we only have 5 days? You get what I mean?

London is SO BIG!

So what do we do and how do we go about it, especially for most of us who doesn't have the luxury of time to see all the attractions?

For me, when it gets too much, I always make my first stop at the friendly tourism booth. The people there are always so helpful and informative. (sometimes too informative! *wink*) And they have tons of brochures for you to look at if you're shy or can't comprehend their thick-British accents.

I normally skip all the rest of the (way too many) brochures and just pick up a map of London that is divided by areas. Have a quick scan through, and pick out the various places of interest in that same area to go visit on each day that are within 15 minutes walking distance. TIP: Never visit one northern-end of attraction and then pick the most southern-end of attraction to go next, we don't want to waste too much time and money on traveling and transportation. (unless you just like to do people-watching and explore the transportation systems in London)

After I have decided the one area which I want to focus on for that day, I will mark out the attractions with a pen on the map. Next, I will draw arrows following the directions which I will walk. And if the place hold no interest for me, I'll just skip it and walk on to the next attraction.

It's always good to cover the places of attraction in a circular manner. I tend to start at a place where there's a tube. (that's how I arrive there in the first place!) Walk in one big round and then when I'm at the last attraction of that area, I'll hop on the tube and move to another area and start with a new set of attractions.

Below is an example on how I'll grab hold of a map and do my planning:

1. Big Ben 2. Houses of Parliament 3. Jewel Tower 4. Westminster 5. Westminster City Archive (skipped) 6. Central Hall Westminster 7. Queen Elizabeth II Conference & Exhibition Centre 8. Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms 9. Downing Street 10. Banqueting House 11. City Cruises (skipped)

Final Red Spot: hop onto the 'tube'- Transport For London (TFL) similiar to our LRT to your next area of exploration.


Always have an open mind, we might not be able to make it to visit ALL the places in one whole area. Be Picky but also follow your heart and interest. Smile and Relax! You're on holiday after all!

Click HERE to make your plans to London. Remember to hum the London Bridge tune while you're at London Bridge! Just for fun!

Mesmerizing Jogjakarta!

Borobudur Temple in the dawn

The first thing that came to my mind when I hear the name, Jogjakarta is BOROBUDUR TEMPLE! The temple is so synonym to Jogjakarta like how Eiffel Tower to Paris, KLCC to Kuala Lumpur and Great Wall of China to China is! Never miss Borobudur when you are exploring Jogjakarta. I am very sure that you would be mesmerized with the structure of this ancient building as well as its fine and refined sculptures on it.

An impromptu suggestion : Why don’t you share with us your photography skill by taking some photos of the domes of Borobudur Temple just like the photo above? I’m sure it would be fun if your picture matches ours! Haha!

Another place that would mesmerize you would be the Taman Sari Water Castle! It would be another “photogenic” venue especially the pool area. Anyway, when you are here, be sure to take note of these 4 main attractions :

1) The palace of the King of Jogjakarta
2) The underwater tunnel
3) The underwater circular mosque
4) The swimming pool

The 4 elements are the unique points which merge the whole Taman Sari Water Castle, becoming how it was yesterday and what it is today!


The mesmerizing Kraton Jogjakarta is the palace of Sultan. It is the “home” for the Sultans and Sultanahs, princes and princesses of Jogjakarta where the grandeur building itself shows the strong monarchy of the Javanese rulers. It delicately shows the luxurious lifestyle of Jogjakarta's highest royal family, completed with strong heritage and tradition. There are several galleries in the Kraton itself which feature history of Jogjakarta, the family tree of the Jogjakarta monarchy, art and craft work, interesting local musical instruments called ‘gamelan’, batik and others. You can also try out the food served here which happen to be the Sultan’s favourite dishes!

Gamelan

Not far from Kraton Jogjakarta, you will find the Bird Market. Many types of fowls can be found here as well as bird cages in various shapes and sizes. Be mesmerized by the chirpings of colourful birds, welcoming guests and tourists from all over the world. Get a closer look at the beautiful ‘ayam serama’ here. Besides that, other types of household birds like canaries, mynahs, pigeons, parrots and many more can be found here. Just when you feel hungry and thirsty, look out for the nearest food stalls to try out some local delicacies and snacks.

Capture more of the mesmerizing Jogjakarta HERE!

‘Wat’ is so unique about Thailand?

What? Yes, Wat!

Do you know what I’m talking about?

Wat, translated to English, means ‘temple’. With 95% of the Thai population being Buddhist, it is not surprising to espy these beautifully crafted temples throughout Thailand.

95% Buddhism

We heard people talk about Bangkok, Bangkok, and more Bangkok… but if you encounter any local Thai, their next question to you would be “Have you visited Chiang Mai yet?” making this historical city a place that is of significance if you want to say you’ve visited Thailand.

Chiang Mai, north of Bangkok

With more than 700 years of history in Chiang Mai, this northern province of Thailand boasts over 300 temples. You can easily spot a good many golden chedis amidst the modern mirror-glassed buildings. I believe it will not be the modern buildings that would steal your attention away, as sophisticated as they can be, but the majestic temples.

The architectural design of them is simply awe-inspiring. They are definitely places of worship that glitters like none other. Thousands and millions of coloured glass and pieces are put together in such intricate design laid in gold as their borders. Each and every one of these pieces form either in symmetrical design or laid out in its historical stories and important figures recorded in Buddhism.

Can you tell me why the bells are there?

What attract me most are these richly adorned walls which tell me stories that not even picture/photo books can satisfy. It is as if all the origins of things come alive and personal, revealing the years of mystical tales and events, going against the rule of time which hides them from our awareness. It is hard to not appreciate these world-class arts. To me, each of these temples is a museum by itself.

To visit Chiang Mai and not seeing at least one temple is blasphemy. You’re missing out the whole point of being in Thailand. Yet to visit all of them might take you days, months, or years, depending on how in depth you’d like to explore the temples.
So how do you go about in visiting these beautiful temples? For me, I'd check out the story behind them through their walls. Be not surprised to find them in chronological sequence, they're as detailed as can be... and I hope it'll bring you into its historical and spiritual journey of Buddhism.

Wall deco of Wat Chiang Mai

What a crowd at Wat Bup Pha Ram's wall!

The walls are sure heavy at Wat Sri Suphan

Do tell me one of the tales you've found out at these temples, I'd love to hear them!

Check out some really good deals to Chiang Mai here!

WINNER - Stay For FREE @ Amari Atrium Hotel Bangkok

We have a WINNER!! PYOTravel is very proud to announce our 3rd week lucky draw winner - MS SHAMSIAH AB RAHMAN. Ms Shamsiah has won a complimentary 2 nights stay @ Amari Atrium Hotel!!
We are announcing our 4th winner next week! Do not miss the opportunity to win yourself 2 nights complimentary stay at Amari Nova Platinum Hotel/Pattaya ....
Free room is just a click away... Simply log on to http://my.pyotravel.com

Stay For FREE @ Amari Nova Platinum Hotel Pattaya

FREE room, anyone? Have you been missing out on our free room giveaway?? Fret no more! PYOTravel is here to the rescue.....

This is the 4th running week of 'Stay For FREE' campaign. This week PYOTravel is giving out 2 nights complimentary stay at Amari Nova Platinum Hotel, Pattaya inclusive of breakfasts absolutely..... FREE!!

To qualify, you just need to book any of our air packages valued at RM1'500.00 and above in a single booking from 4June - 10June 2009 and stand a chance to be our lucky draw winner!

Do not miss this opportunity. Just log on to : http:my.pyotravel.com!

PYOTravel will announce the lucky draw winner on 11June 2009 in our blog. So, make sure you stay tuned. Cheers and happy booking!