DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF

Jumat, 29 Oktober 2010
Dubai is the most popular destination of the seven Emirats in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is the second largest Emirate after Abu Dhabi and is usually recognised as the ‘Pearl of the Persian Gulf’.DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF


View of the gulf
Lying on the blue waters of the Southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers Visitors year-round sunshine and five-star luxury hotel, plus the adventure of saa unique Arabian Experiences. One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating Contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, East and west, old and new. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has for generations, welcomed seafarers and Traders to its shores. Today this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe and travelers are sure to be charmed by the city’s warmth and friendliness. Dubai has something for everyone- from the holiday-maker simply seeking a relaxing break away from the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF


Dubai Lagoon
Tourism is an important part of the Dubai government's strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the emirate. Dubai's lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping, but also on its possession of other ancient and modern attractions. As of 2007, Dubai was the 8th most visited city of the world.DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF
Dubai has been also called the "shopping capital of the Middle East". Dubai alone has more than 70 shopping malls, including the world's 7th largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. The city draws large numbers of shopping tourists from countries within the region and from as far as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of life.DUBAI, THE PEARL OF THE PERSIAN GULF
Gold Souk District in Deira


Gold Souk-Gold, gold and more gold, fancy
Dubai is also known for its souk districts located on either side of the creek. Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks. Many boutiques and jewellery stores are also found in the city. Dubai is known as "the City of Gold" and Gold Souk in Deira houses nearly 250 gold retail shops. Dubai Duty Free at the Dubai International Airport offers merchandise catering to the multinational passengers using the airport.


Jumeirah Mosque by day-The only mosque that does a tour for non-muslims
Although Dubai has been transformed into a man-made hi-tech city, it still has a strong Islamic culture with a stretch of historical buildings by the Creek. Whilst some may view this as a conflict of old meeting new, it is also considered to be a captivating city that offers both extremes; a traditional past interlinked with modern day. Photosource: http://www.tripadvisor.com






Posted in , |

JOHANNESBURG, A TRANSIT POINT FOR CONNECTING FLIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Rabu, 20 Oktober 2010
Gold Reef City, Cassino, Eatery, Hotel and Theatre
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is one of the most modern and prosperous cities in South Africa. Due to its many different central districts Johannesburg would fall under the Multiple Nuclei Model in Human Geography terms. It is the hub of South Africa's commercial, financial, industrial, and mining undertakings. Johannesburg is part of a larger urban region. It is closely linked with several other satellite towns. Randburg and Sandton form part of the northern area. The east and west ridges spread out from central Johannesburg. The Central Business District covers an area of 6 square kilometres. It consists of closely packed skyscrapers such as the Carlton Centre, Marble Towers, Trust Bank Building, Ponte City Apartments, Southern Life Centre and 11 Diagonal Street.


Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Parks and gardens in Johannesburg are maintained by Johannesburg City Parks. They are also responsible for maintaining and planting the millions of trees in Johannesburg. Johannesburg Botanical Garden, located in the suburb of Emmarentia, is a popular recreational park.


Johannesburg's largest shopping centre is Sandton City, while Hyde Park is one of its most prestigious. Other centres include Rosebank, Eastgate, Westgate, Northgate, Southgate, The Glen Shopping centre, Johannesburg South, and Cresta. There are also plans to build a large shopping centre, known as the Zonk'Izizwe Shopping Resort, in Midrand. "Zonk'Izizwe" means "All Nations" in Zulu language, indicating that the centre will cater to the city's diverse mix of peoples and races. Also a complex named Greenstone in Modderfontein has been opened and is intended to become the largest shopping complex in the southern hemisphere.


INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT SUN

South Africa's first and only luxury hotel at an airport, the InterContinental Airport Sun is situated within walking distance from the terminals at Johannesburg International Airport.


Johannesburg has not traditionally been known as a tourist destination, but the city is a transit point for connecting flights to Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger National Park. Consequently, most international visitors to South Africa pass through Johannesburg at least once, which has led to the development of more attractions for tourists. Recent additions have centred around history museums, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Gold Reef City, a large amusement park to the south of the Central Business District, is also a large draw for tourists in the city. The Johannesburg Zoo is also one of the largest in South Africa.


Johannesburg Art Gallery is the largest gallery in southern Africa with an outstanding collection of European and South African paintings
The city also has several art museums, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, which featured South African and European landscape and figurative paintings. The Museum Africa covers the history of the city of Johannesburg, as well as housing a large collection of rock art. The Market Theatre complex attained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s by staging anti-apartheid plays, and has now become a centre for modern South African playwriting. The Johannesburg Civic Theatre is South Africa's foremost "receiving house" of live entertainment—presenting world class theatre, both local and international.



Posted in |

KUALA LUMPUR, WHERE THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS ARE LOCATED

Jumat, 01 Oktober 2010
photosource: wikipedia


Kuala Lumpur is one of the host cities for the Formula One World Championship, the open-wheel auto racing A1 Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix with races being held at Sepang International Circuit in the neighbouring state of Selangor, next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The Formula One event contributes significantly to tourist arrivals and tourism income to Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL, is the capital of Malaysia. Literally meaning "muddy estuary" in Malay. KL has grown from a small sleepy Chinese tin-mining village to a bustling metropolis of around 6.5 million (city-proper population of 1.8 million) in just 150 years. With some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food, increasing numbers of travellers are discovering this little gem of a city.



Petronas towers are two twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which has become the world’s tallest buildings seen from the height of main entrance to the highest structure. The tower was designed by César Pelli, an Argentine-American architect. The 88 floor tower was finished in 1998. The design reflects the roots of Islamic culture in Malaysia. The design of the tower uses a common motif in Islamic art since the Islamic culture is typical of Malaysia. On October 17, 2003, Taipei 101 took the record for the twin

Kuala Lumpur becomes a hub for cultural activities and events in Malaysia. Among the centres is the National Museum which is situated along the Mahameru Highway. Its collection comprises artifacts and paintings collected throughout the country. Kuala Lumpur also has numerous parks, gardens and open spaces for recreational purposes. Total open space for recreational and sport facilities land use in the city has increased significantly by 169.6 percent from 586 hectares (1,450 acres) in 1984 to 1,580 hectares (3,900 acres) in 2000.


Kuala Lumpur also has an Islamic Arts Museum which houses more than seven thousand Islamic artefacts including rare exhibits as well as a library of Islamic art books The museum's collection not only concentrate on works from the Middle East, the museum also puts the emphasis on Asia, with China and Southeast Asia especially well represented. This museum features some impressively decorated domes and large open exhibition spaces. It is located at Jalan Lembah Perdana next to the National Mosque. The premier performing arts venue is the Petronas Philharmonic Hall. The resident orchestra is the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), consisting of musicians from all over the world and features regular concerts, chamber concerts and traditional cultural performances.



A calm and luxurious hotel set amidst Kuala Lumpur's vibrant Golden Triangle


The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's main shopping and nightlife district. Golden Triangle is located to the northeast of the Central KL. Golden Triangle is actually a large area that encompasses a number of major streets. Three roads - Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan form a triangle which borders the entire Golden Triangle area. Here, towering scrapers, shopping malls and world-class hotels pierce the landscape, includes Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) (not to be confused with KL's traditional City Centre) which is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC shopping centre, KLCC Convention Centre and the KLCC Park.



KL’s traditional commercial district lies to the east of the Klang River. The area’s narrow streets are lined with traditional Chinese shops, markets and eateries, and is now commonly referred to as KL’s Chinatown. Although the old pre-World War Two shophouses are quickly disappearing and being replaced with modern buildings, the area is still fascinating enough for a wonder. Chinatown is also where you can find budget accommodation.



Sultan Abdul Samad Building was used to house the Federated of Malay States administration after its completion in 1897. Since 1972, this building has been used to house the High Court and the Supreme Court. When the new Federal Administrative Capital of Malaysia was completed, the Federal Court and Court of Appeals have since moved to the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. It now houses the commercial Division of the High Court of Malaya as well as a handicraft centre.



Posted in |

NEW YORK CITY: THE CITY OF LIBERTY

New York is a never-ending bazaar of designer shops and department stores. To history buffs, it's a museum of America's past and human progress, and to foodies, it's an all-you-can-eat buffet. In truth, NYC is all of these things and more. New York is the most populous city in the United States, and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over global commerce, finance, media, culture, art, fashion, research, education, and entertainment. As host of the United Nations Headquarters, it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City or the City of New York to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.
Sunset on Elders East, Jamaica Bay, NY


Jamaica Bay nature


Times Square: The most highly visited areas of New York City.



There are also many highlights of New York City where you can enjoy your time with your family and friends, or may be just with your couple and by yourself:
  1. Pizza, pastries and a great public library await on this landmark street in the Bronx's Little Italy.

  2. A stay at any of these six hotels means easy access to some of NYC's top attractions, such as lower Manhattan lodging.

  3. Watch 15 planes do high-speed twists and flips over the Hudson River in this exciting new event, at redbull air race.

  4. Taste Balkan food at Balkanika; try green-tea treats at the Matcha Box pop-up; and more.

  5. Summer nightlife. Fancy hotel bars and late-night dance parties are just some of the fun when you go out in NYC.

  6. From Museum Mile and Madison Avenue to sundaes and sea lions, the UES suits all tastes.

For further about tours and attraction of New York City you can visit NYC OFFICIAL SITE @ http://www.nycgo.com.


New York City has over 28,000 acres (110 km2) of municipal parkland and 14 miles (23 km) of public beaches. This parkland is augmented by thousands of acres of Gateway National Recreation Area, part of the National Park system, that lie within city boundaries, they are:
1) Central Park
2) Van Cortlandt Park
3) Bronx Park
4) Pelham Bay Park
5) Flushing Meadows Park
6) Forest Park
7) Prospect Park
8) Floyd Bennett Field
9) Jamaica Bay
10) Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden
11) Fort Wadsworth
12) Miller Field
13) Great Kills Park





Posted in |

HONG KONG, THE PEARL OF EASTS

Hong Kong Island is the site of the original British settlement. Most of Hong Kong's highest skyscrapers and the financial centre can be found here, including its famous skyline along the northern coastline. Hong Kong's financial centre, shopping. Overall, Hong Kong Island is more modern and wealthier than the other areas of Hong Kong.
The multinational presence in Hong Kong is a sign of internationalization. Chinese tourists don't want to spend the money to come to Hong Kong for a visit to a Chinese Disneyland. They can find plenty of parks like that at home. Rather, the Americans designed the Hong Kong park in such a way so to maximize exposure to the American Disney product, and the Chinese visitors come to see something different. That doesn't mean Hong Kong's cultural attractiveness is being eroded. In fact, these visitors won't just see Disneyland. They'll also take into other sights as well, such as the local museums, markets, and countryside, so both sides benefit. At the same time, Disneyland is not going to wipe out the temples and the History Museum. In fact, all the tourism infrastructure complement each other.

As to how Disneyland fits into Hong Kong. It's like asking how Starbucks fits into the cities they have shops in. They don't. When I think of Paris I don't think of Euro Disney. The idea is to think of Hong Kong as a good tourism destination with many nice attractions such as Victoria Harbour and Disneyland. The same idea works for Paris, Tokyo, LA, etc.

There is a lot of talk now on sustainable development in tourism. The first wave of tourists from the individual travel scheme did a lot of shopping in Hong Kong, but as the mainland market becomes more sophisticated, they will want more than shopping. The tourism board is already thinking of advertising Hong Kong's other attractions - cultural spots and eco-tourism. The local population is also very interested in eco-tourism now, especially after SARS.

That being said, the most famous image of Hong Kong is the maze of lights and colours on the buildings at night, hence came the title "Pearl of the Orient".
Experience modern shopping malls awash with designer glitz, busy street markets and neighbourhood shops in old cobbled streets. Step into old Hong Kong in Mong Kok and be confronted with a blaze of colour and street stalls from Ladies Market, the Jade Market, Bird Market and the Flower Market. Hong Kong offers some of the finest made-to-measure tailoring in South East Asia.



Hong Kong by night is like Hong Kong by day – chaotic and bustling and big on evening entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. Head for Wai Chai – well known for its lively bars, pubs and restaurants, or Lan Kwai Fong – home to a plethora of trendy nightclubs, cafés and live music venues.


As a destination in its own right, Hong Kong makes a holiday to remember and it is the obvious place to start (or end) if you are planning a visit to China. However, direct flights to Bali, Malaysia and Thailand mean that it offers great options for more complex itineraries. Or for something a bit different, you can also fly direct to Mauritius or Vietnam or you could even consider a side trip to the Chinese beach resort of Sanya.

An excellent orientation tour - the City changes so rapidly that it will refresh "old memories" and delight "first timers". Start with a ride up to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. Then pass by picturesque Repulse Bay. Proceed next to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen to see the "floating community" - still very much a part of Hong Kong's society. Here an opportunity to join a "Sampan" is available, allowing a "close up" view of waterbourne life. Visit Stanley Market where you can pick up bargains at just a fraction of the price in town. Afterwards, a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory, where meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems. Return to your hotel/pick up point in the early afternoon.



Posted in |

 
Adformat designed by Simon Pilkington