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Author: olaf

Bali

Bali

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Bali’s earliest inhabitants have been traced back as far as 2000 BC but it was Indian and Chinese influences along with Hinduism in the 1st century AD that created the lasting cultural milieu that is so iconic of Bali today. Despite the overwhelming adaption to tourism the Balinese have maintained their age-old culture for the last 1,000 years and their colourful religious displays and processions have become a major tourist attraction. One of the most popular cultural sites on Bali is the Tanah Lot Temple that sits on a large rock just offshore in the Tabanan regency. Founded in the 16th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha to appease the Sea Gods, this temple is one of Bali’s largest tourist draws. Tide erosion has meant that access is restricted to local deities but both the site and the amaz...
Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Penida Island

Next Island
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Nusa Penida Island is located on the Southeastern side of Bali and is an island of rugged beauty, spiritual myth and folk law providing an arresting sense of adventure for its visitors. Part of the charm here for trippers to the island is that it is without modern tourist facilities. This is a destination for those who like to get off the beaten track, trek and experience the hospitality of a friendly local population. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] Covering an area of 200 square kilometers, Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands resting just a few kilometers from the Sanur beach line. Facilities here are basic but restaurants offer good local dishes and fresh seafood is always on the menu. Basic local homesta...
Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

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Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay comprises almost 2,000-limestone islets covering an area of approximately 1,500 km² and the core of the bay size is about 334 km² where a high density of 775 stunning islets can be found. About 1,600 people live in 4 different villages of ‘Descending Dragon Bay’ and these are sustained through fishing and marine aquaculture while living in the floating houses.   Some say that the transformation of Ha Long Bay has occurred over almost 500 million years due to different conditions and environments but the evolution of the karts in Descending Dragon Bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.  Some of these thousands of unique limestone islets have names that are mostly derived from their unique shapes such as elephant, figh...
Phuket  The Nature

Phuket The Nature

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  Spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea await you at one of Asia’s most popular beach destinations. This fun island provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft white palm-lined beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation. Whether it is its world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests that attract your interest, Phuket is certainly a place to extend your horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Alternatively, why not simply enjoy Phuket’s vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach? I would not presume to tell you what to do in Phuket but there are some great places tha...

Siem Reap Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia by TropicalLife Magazine Bali

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One of five best TropicalLife Magazine Bali is Siem Reap located in NW Cambodia and is where the famous Angkor Archaeological Park is located. Home to the remarkable temple ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon and many others, the park has been designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site attracting million of visitors each year. Angkor Wat is of course the temple we all know about. It was built for Khmer King Suriyavarman II in the 12th century as his state temple and capital city, and eventually mausoleum. Angkor Wat is the country’s prime attraction for visitors and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Here it is best to visit early in the morning during sunrise or late before sunset. Ta Prohm situated about one kilometre from Angkor Thom and is one of the most p...
Malacca City

Malacca City

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_blockquote type="type1" border_color="#00e3ff"] Situated about 150 km south of Kuala Lumpur and 260 km north of Singapore, Malacca City was once central to Malaya during the 15th and 16th century’s. Established from its beginning as a small fishing village in the 14th century by the Prince of Palembang, Malacca City has had hundreds of years of colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. [/vc_blockquote][vc_column_text] I visited Malacca a couple of months ago and was overwhelmed by the rich history, culture and landmark architecture. The city is a historical treasure trove and was listed in July 2008 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. From its foundation Malacca rapidly developed to become the most important warehousing and staging port as gateway to th...