Philippines Travel Guide

The Philippines are known as "The Smile of Asia", due to its hospitality. The Philippines archipelago of more than 7,000 islands is sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, flanked by the South China Sea. All her neighbors have magical tourist appeal to various degrees, but the Philippines, even though the sea is just as blue and clear and the myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems to have missed the boat when it comes to marketing its attractions.

The archipelago is famous for the contrast between huge and modern metropolis like Manila or Cebu, the primitive tribal territories, the deserted islands, the clear sea waters and the smooth white coral sand. Apart from some beautiful, remote tropical islands and legendary scuba diving spots, the archipelago's best resource is the friendliness and laid-back attitude of the Filipino people. Their hospitable and embracing attitude is enough to put a smile on any visitor's face; this is even more the case in the rural areas. The Philippines has some superb all-inclusive luxury resorts spread around the islands which cushion visitors from the general degradation and safety-risks of the cities and towns, and a major plus is that the country is amazingly good-value. Also, the food is delicious, and English is widely spoken.

Independent travelers who like to wander off the beaten track, and do not mind doing without the conveniences of running water and the like, will find plenty to fascinate them in the countryside and coastal parts of the Philippines; albeit without the assistance of guide books. The Philippines is one of the few places left in the world where adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern interferences. Travelers are however advised to follow the current safety advice on areas to avoid.

South East Asia Travel Guide

Kalasin : North East Thailand

Kalasin Travel Guide Kalasin was once relegated to the status of an Amphoe before being restored its present administrative entity. Despite its smallness Kakasin is a busy agricultural province with considerable attractions Kalasin is 519 kilometers from Bangkok. It is the site of the ancient city of Fa Daet Song Yang

Trat : East Thailand

Trat Travel Guide Trat is a resort town with over fifty large and small off-shore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral ranges. It is also a major fruit-growing and fishing area. About 315 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 2,819 square kilometres, the province is administratively divided

Alor Setar : Malaysia

Alor Setar Travel Guide Kedah is an interesting state in that it is more left wing politically than the southern states yet not as Malay as Kelantan or Terengganu to the east. This is not surprising as Kedah has always been in a bit of a precarious and fluid state.

MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs : Singapore

MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs : MacRitchie, Peirce, Lower Seletar and Seletar Reservoirs are surrounded by a broad swathe of jungle and greenery which runs through the central northern part of Singapore. The cool reservoir parks of MacRitchie and Seletar are popular

Phetchabun : North Thailand

Phetchabun Phetchabun, an ancient city with several interesting and important places such as Wat Mahathat and Si Thep Historical Park, has always proposed throughout her history. At present, it is famous for the fertile land for cultivation. The central part of the province is on the Pa Sak river basin with

Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin The island of Ubin provides a peaceful interlude to the city’s bustle and can be reached by boat from Changi Point. The boat docks at Ubin village, a Malay settlement where houses perch quietly on stilts above the beach sand and mangrove. Beyond this point one can explore

Rayong : East Thailand

Rayong Travel Guide Rayong is located at the east coast of Thailand, about 220 kilometres from Bangkok on Highway No.3 or 179 kilometres on Highway No.36. Rayong is blessed with its abundance of nature beauty. It has a well deserved reputation for producing seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce

Hong Kong : Kowloon Park

Kowloon Park A few minutes north along Nathan Road is Kowloon Park, which has a manifest of Chinese gardens with lotus ponds, a chess garden, and an aviary that shelters a colorful collection of rare birds. A Sculpture Walk is also located within the park for local artists to exhibit their

Pangkor Islands : Malaysia

Pangkor Islands Travel Guide Pankor is one of the little islands just off the west coast of Malaysia. It can be reached by ferry from Lumut or by plane from Singapore or Kuala_Lumpur. Whereas it used to be a favourite 'stop-over' for adventurers, pirates and European conquerers in the old days,

Orchard Road

Orchard Road Orchard Road today is lined with ritzy malls, swanky eateries and luxury hotels from end to end. The more notable shopping centres include Ngee Ann City, Tangs Department Store, Wisma Atria, The Heeren and Centrepoint. Many of its shopping centers are filled with a variety of products from around