Top 10 Things to Know About Bhutan

When we travel, we always look for the unique things. After all, to find new discoveries and try new things are the main objectives of going to places. While there are many destinations around the world to serve the purpose, there is one place in Asia which extravagantly fulfills such aims.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Kingdom of Bhutan.

True enough, Bhutan is one of the most unique countries in the world. Here are some reasons why many adventure-seekers/culture-curious travelers are taking opportunities to take a tour to Bhutan:

1. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world. The locals regard its faith with utmost reverence; and there are many sacred dzongs in the country, including the Tiger’s Monastery which is distinctly perched on a mountain cliff.

Photo by: Buddhistmonksbhutan.com

Tiger's Monastery / Taktsang Monastery

2. The currency used in Bhutan is Ngultrum (Nu.) but Indian Rupees are accepted as local tender, except the 500 and 1000 denominations.

3. It is in the constitution of Bhutan to keep 60% of the country forested. This is why high-rise buildings and industrial developments do not exist in the country. There aren’t any traffic lights in the country either.

4. Bhutan takes pride in being a carbon neutral country. Meaning, the air is completely unpopulated and is totally fresh.

5. The Bhutanese women run the family and business; while the men remain at home, maintaining the household.

Photo by: BhutanRebirth

6. Every first Sunday of the month, Bhutan holds the ‘Pedestrian Day’. On this day, no one is allowed to use private vehicles.

Pedestrian Day in Bhutan | Photo by: BBS

7. The use of plastic bags and selling of tobacco are strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

8. It is only on 1999 when Bhutan experiences television and internet connection. However, the latter doesn’t seem to have improved in time as fast connection cannot be expected even in hotels.

Buddhist monks during a computer class in Thimpu, Bhutan | Photo by: Stasiareport.com

9. English is taught in Bhutan schools and is used as the second language in the nation. Most people can then speak the tongue comfortably.

10. Only in 1974 when this conservative country decided to open its doors to tourism.




Basically, there are more things to discover about Bhutan; and these things can only be known when you go there yourself. So do not miss the opportunity and find the reasons. Savor the fun of being in a really exotic travel experience and create unforgettable memories.


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References:
[1] A Brief Historical Background of the Religious Institutions of Bhutan. Digital Library & Museum of Buddhist Studies. 1990.  Web. Accessed 08 April 2014.

[3] 11. Community Forestry: Supporting Bhutan’s National and MDG Goals While Protecting Forests. Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Fao Corporate Document Repository. Web. Accessed 08 April 2014.

[4] Bhutan looks to become world’s first 100% organic country. Daily Mirror. Web. 24 October 2013. Accessed 08 April 2014.

[6] Pedestrian Day on first Sunday of every month. BBS. Web. 13 November 2012. Accessed 08 April 2014.

[8] A Bhutan tech primer: early signs of startups and e-commerce. Tech In Asia. Web. 02 September 2013. Accessed 08 April 2014.

[10] Tourism for Development in Bhutan. Global Education. Web. Accessed 08 April 2014.

Top 10 Destinations in Indonesia

Where to Go in Indonesia?
It is a common knowledge that each Asian country possesses unique characteristics and heritage which appeals even to Asians themselves. That is why many find cheap tickets to travel to different nations, and one of the most popular destinations is Indonesia.

As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is home to so many attractions in which travelers can experience what good life is. Here are the top 10:

1. Lombok Island

Photo Credit: Marie-Ange Ostré (source: Discover Lombok)

Travelers who are into the beach will surely find solace in Lombok Island. Tagged as one of the many paradises in Indonesia, it is a good venue not just for swimming but also for diving. The marine ecology composed mainly of colorful coral reefs and schools of unique fishes are spectacular to see.


2. Komodo Island

Image Source: Phoebettmh Travel

With its magnificent environment and marine ecology, it is hard to let pass an opportunity to visit the Komodo Island. But it doesn’t end there; because this Indonesian isle has more than just unspoiled nature:  the Komodo Dragon, an endemic creature in Indonesia which is believed to be the closest specie to actual dragons.


3. Jakarta

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

What trip to Indonesia will be complete without stopping by the capital city of Jakarta? As the political, financial and commercial center of the country, it plays hosts to so many modern buildings and attractions which will thrill everyone. Shopping malls, entertainment hubs, amusement parks, and many other establishments can be found there.


4. Borobodur

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

Exuding the loveliest charm from thousands of years ago is the Mahayana Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java. It is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world, and constantly draws tourists for its intricate design which features more than 2000 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


5. Mt. Kelimutu

 

 Photo Credit: All Indonesia Travel

To those intending to take things into extremes, a trek to the craters of Mt. Kelimutu is recommended. It is a volcano which has three unique craters – unique because of its varying colors. Originally, the craters are said to be blue green, fiery green and red. But then it changed to different shades. Today, the craters are dark brown, red-brown, and turquoise.


6. Bangka Belitung Island

Photo Credit: Indonesia Tourism Website

Off the coast of Sumatra, it is a great alternative for people who wish to escape the crowd in Bali. It is a beach island, renowned for its white shore. Furthermore, it has a spectacular nature, making island hopping, diving and snorkeling great activities to do. As it is a commercialized island already, accommodation, dining and shopping facilities are available.


7. Yogyakarta

Indonesia has a very interesting culture; and for those who wish to explore it more, a visit to Yogyakarta is necessary. As one of the oldest cities in the country, it is home to cultural attractions detailing how unique Indonesian heritage is. Start the tour with a visit to Taman Sari, the renowned water castle.


8. Bunaken Marine Park

Photo Credit: The Travel Word

Marine ecology in Indonesia is definitely fantastic! It is proven true by the Bunaken Marine Park in Sulawesi Island. It is home to almost 400 species of unique coral reefs, as well as different schools of marine creatures. It is a national park, and is highly regarded among nature lovers.


9. Raja Ampat, Papua

Photo Credit: Indonesia'd

Proving further that the marine ecology of Indonesia is one of a kind is the Raja Ampat in Papua. Marine biodiversity is truly superb with its colorful and unspoiled reefs. With its name taken from a local mythology story, the place sure feels like created, designed and maintained with magic.


10. Bali

When we talk about Indonesia, Bali often comes to mind first. Why not? It is the most popular beach island in Indonesia, and is a favorite destination for many tourists. It is densely commercialized yet preservation of its nature and heritage are evident. Aside from the beaches, cultural and historical places may be found here.


Indonesia is one exciting country which will surely satiate travelers’ needs for good experience. It is the perfect getaway as it is easily accessed from most parts of Asia. Thus, people need not to hesitate in coming there. It is a nice place, a paradise even.


Related story:
Top Hotels in Indonesia

Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Asia

Below are Top Ten most beautiful beaches in Asia. Each possessing unique and stunning charms, these destinations will certainly take your breaths away.


1) Sipadan Beach Island (Malaysia)

A spectacular diving destination, Sipadan Beach is renowned for its clear waters. The marine life is amazingly gorgeous that every diver should witness even just once in their diving careers. The island doesn’t feature hotels since 2004 though, to take care of the environment. Nearest accommodations are located in Mabul Island which is just minutes away.

Image sources:
Frog + Princess
CNN Travel


2) Lang Co Beach (Vietnam)

Situated between Da Nang and Hue, Lang Co Beach in Vietnam is an amazing stretch of peninsula that features white sand beach and lines of palm trees. It also boasts of a turquoise blue lagoon that assures a pleasant surprise to those who will travel to Vietnam for this summer destination. The beach fronts the Pacific Ocean.

Image source: Macs London


3) Koh Tao (Koh Samui, Thailand)

One of the most relaxing beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand is the Koh Tao. Home to a pristine nature that features a bed of soft white sand, turquoise water, and a spectacular underwater environment, it is definitely a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Image source: Asia Divers


4) The Maldives

It is not impossible not to love The Maldives. The nation is composed of so many atolls which give home to stunning beaches. Sandbars are also common sight in the country, providing more touristic opportunities to people. Islands can be rented for private occasions.

Image source: Sheraton Full Moon Resort


5) Tubkaak Beach (Krabi, Thailand)

Tukbaak Beach is certainly a nice reason to visit Thailand. Located on a corner
of the province, this beach boasts of a bed of white sand. The beach is also famous among snorkelers; and earns so much praises for the stunning sunset view it offers.

Image source: Beach Thailand


6) El Nido Beach (Palawan, Philippines)

Famed for its blue waters and white sand, El Nido Beach defines luxury vacation best. For many locals and tourists, it is a perfect destination to escape the tiring environment of the urban. Aside from swimming and snorkeling, you can also visit the caves around the area for some historical and cultural adventures.

Image source: Wow Islands


7) White Beach (Boracay, Philippines)

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, you should never hesitate to visit White Beach in Boracay Island, Philippines. Aside from the luxurious vacations it offers, the area also guarantees extravagant nightlife courtesy of the beachfront commercial establishments.

Photo by: visayandreams @ Flickr.com - Patrick Payne


8) Padang Padang Beach (Bali, Indonesia)

You are guaranteed a very relaxing summer vacation in Padang Padang Beach. Located at the south of Bukit Peninsula, it has an environment perfect for some laid-back experiences. Amateur surfers also love the place because of the calm waves.

Image source: Bali Surf Advisor


9) TanjungRhu Beach (Langkawi, Malaysia)

A secluded beach, the spectacular TanjungRhu Beach in Langkawi is a perfect destination for those who wish to get away from the crowd. Fronting the Indian Ocean, it features shallow water which the whole family will greatly love. It also flaunts a scenic view, thanks to the impressive rock formations in the area.

Image source: Best of Langkawi


10) PhuQuoc Beach (Vietnam)

Located at Vietnam’s largest island, revealing the breathtaking Gulf of Thailand, the PhuQuoc Beach is a spectacle. The white sand is almost as white as sugar and the waters are crystal clear. It surely makes up a perfect destination for a real summer vacation in a tropical place.

Image source: Tours Vietnam

10 Splendid Malls of Bangkok

Just recently, Bangkok was declared as the top shopping destination in the world. Why not? Aside from the markets where one can buy loads of cheap stuffs, the city is also home to numerous shopping malls housing hundreds of stalls selling almost everything under the sun. Different brands, different styles – these malls are sure paradise to traveling shopaholics.


Malls are already part of the culture of the city. Many even avail cheap flights to Bangkok in order to just shop until they drop. Among the most renowned malls are as follows:


1. Siam Paragon

Named after the old name of Thailand, Siam Paragon is one of the biggest malls in Asia. Located in the Pathum Wan District, this splendid shopping venue opened on December 2009. It gives home to hundreds of local and international specialty stores, 15 movie theaters, and the Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Numerous dining venues can also be found there.

image sources:
commons.wikimedia.org
thetrippacker.com


2. MBK Center

MBK is the shorter term for Mahboonkrong. It is a large 8-storey shopping mall in the Phatum Wan Area which is home to more than 2000 stalls selling fashion items, household materials, delicacies, and more. A favorite hub among local Thais, this shopping mall is also famous among foreigners. It is located near hotels and other city attractions and is easily accessed via Bangkok Sky Train.


3. Central World

One of the most prestigious and the sixth largest mall in the world, CentralWorld is a definite shopping destination in Bangkok. Nestled in a strategic area in Ratchadamri Road, it is within a large complex that has hundreds of specialty stores, dining facilities, amusement amenities, and more. It also has a hotel and a tower, emphasizing its status as one of the bests.

image source:
waymarking.com


4. Terminal 21

Located at the Sukhumvit Road, Terminal 21 is an interesting shopping mall that is often visited by foreigners. It is set within a 9-storey building and features a one floor-one concept scheme. It is designed to make shoppers feel like they’re in cities like Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, etc. Aside from the stores, Terminal 21 is also known for having the longest escalators, which reach up to 36 meters long.

image sources:
skyscrapercity.com
thaiwebsites.com
smilingalbino.com


5. Central Chidlom

The flagship store of Central Group which opened on 1973, the Central Chidlom is considered an institution already. It is an 8-storey luxury mall that features designer boutiques like Gucci, Burberry, Ferragamo, Paul Smith, and more. It is a favorite destination among many splurging shoppers because of the variety of items sold there.


6. The Emporium

One of the most famous shopping venues is in Klong Thoei District. It is The Emporium, a luxurious shopping mall owned and operated by the owners of The Mall and Siam Paragon. It is a lifestyle mall which offers upscale shopping experiences, thanks to its designer specialty stores, and dining and entertainment venues. It is located along Sukhumvit Road and is easy to reach via public transportation.

image source:
fashiontraveler.com


7. Gaysorn Plaza

Gaysorn (/gay-sawn/) Plaza is a sophisticated shopping mall located within the Ratchaprasong Shopping District in Bangkok. Set within its 5-storey building are different luxury brands like Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. It is often visited by foreigners as it has direct link to nearby hotels like InterContinental, Grand Hyatt and Holiday Inn.

image source:
thaiwebsites.com


8. Siam Discovery

One of Bangkok’s first shopping malls, Siam Discovery is a popular shopping destination for many locals and tourists alike. It has four floors, each concentrating on different themes. Within the mall can be found flagship stores globally acclaimed brands, international specialty stores, local brands, and food havens. Even if people aren’t shopping, the mall is a great place to do some sightseeing.

image source:
tour2siam


9. Platinum Mall

Specializing in fashion clothes and accessories, Platinum Mall is a huge complex that features numerous boutiques where people come for an extensive shopping spree experience. Located at Phetchaburi Road, stores here even sell items for wholesale prices. The building has six floors, topped with an 11-storey condominium.

image source:
wonderfly


10. Pantip Plaza

Another spectacular mall in the Pratunam Area is the Pantip Plaza. It is a rather simpler mall compared to the others but it is sure a success because of the people’s preferences for pirated DVDs and software. However, it is also known for being an IT mall, as most stores there sell computerware and other gadgets.

image source:
panoramio


These shopping malls are located in conspicuous areas and are easily reached by public transportation. Getting there is definitely an ease even to first timers in the city. For those who do not wish to venture out on their own though, it is ideal to book a Bangkok tour package which includes shopping in their itinerary.


See other Bangkok Top 10 List

Related Reads:
* Shopping in Bangkok, Made More Fun
* How to Avoid Scams in Bangkok

10 Shopping Areas in Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, shopping is so fun that even Tokyo tour packages include time for a quick shopping spree in its itineraries. Why not though? There are so many interesting things sold in the malls, markets and stalls in Tokyo – from food to gadgets. When it comes to fashion, stores in Tokyo sell apparels and accessories which basically start trends in the fashion world. Therefore, it is really worth it to try shopping when in the city.

But the question is: Where to go to shop? Here are some suggestions:

1. Akihabara

 Image by Amy in Wonderland

Image from The Backpacker (Sydney Morning Herald)

As Japan is known for its advanced technology, it is no wonder why people come to the district of Akihabara. Most stalls there sell electronic gadgets and computer games; although recently, it is becoming a hub for otaku fans as stalls selling anime items like mangas and souvenirs came sprawling.

2. Ameyoko Arcade

 Photo from TripAdvisor

The famous Ameyoko Arcade is an old open-air market that majestically exudes the Shitamachi (low city) aura. It is the place to find fresh fishes, fruits and vegetables, second hand clothing, and more. Souvenir items in Ginza may be found here for cheaper prices. However, it is recently recognized as a blackmarket district. It is parallel the JR Yamanote Line.


3. Nakamise-dori

 Image from Time Out Tokyo

One of the most interesting shopping areas in Tokyo is the Nakamise-dori. The long line of stalls selling mostly souvenirs and local delicacies leads to the famed Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan.


4. Marunouchi

Image from 8Tokyo

Known as the financial district of Tokyo, it is not a surprise why many of the world’s leading brands in fashion can be found in Marunouchi. Most stalls are seen in Nihombashi; as well as in malls like Oazu and Marinouchi Building by Tokyo Station. Furthermore, the district is home to impressive architectures so one can do sightseeing while shopping.

5. Hachiman-dori

Image from EveryTrail

Many are attracted with the unique fashion sense of Japanese people so they come to Tokyo to find these attires. Most of which can be spotted in Hachiman-dori then. It is a shopping hub where flares of local designs can be found. It is an interesting shopping destination because most items found here can only be found in Japan.

6. Kappabashi

Image from Pepper and Shane

Between Ueno and Asakusa is an interesting street where stalls sell food, which cannot be eaten. Also known as the Kitchen Town, stores sell plastic food models which many restaurants use as display. In addition to that, the stores in Kappabashi make available almost everything that has to do with starting a restaurant business.

7. Takeshita

Image from Time Out Tokyo

In the heart of Harajuku can be found Takeshita, a pedestrian street which features fashion and souvenir stores, cafés, and restaurants. It is a favorite hub for many teenagers as boutiques mostly cater to them. There are many international brands here as well.

8. Omote Sando

Image from Another29

As the center of Tokyo’s haute couture, Omote Sando is another favorite for many fashion enthusiasts who come to Japan. It is where independent fashion designers sell their creations. Second hand stores can be found there.

9. MISC
Japanese furniture had always been a point of interest anywhere in the world and in MISC, people can actually buy it. The area has more than 60 shops selling vintage furniture and antiques.

10. Ginza

Image from Tourist-Guide 2010

Probably the most upscale area in Tokyo, Ginza is the home to major department stores. Tourists will find international luxury brands here and is a good place for some chic shopping experiences.

There are many reasons to buy cheap tickets to Tokyo but no one can deny that shopping is one of the major purposes. It is, after all, an essential part of the exciting culture of the beautiful nation that is Japan.


Related Read:
* Things to Do when in Tokyo, Japan!