Dam Square and Royal Place:

Dam square and Royal Place are located in the center of Amsterdam. Both has a rich historical background. It is a good place for concerts and artistic activities.

Nieuwe Kerk:

It is the church located next to Royal Palace in Dam Square. Likewise them, it is a historical place from 15th century. Here is also the place where famous poet Vondel was buried.

Rembrant Square:

Another well-known square of Amsterdam. There are many places for shopping activities and also a famous hotel with the same name. However, prizes are a little bit expensive. There are also many pubs, discos and bars for night life lovers.

Van Gogh Museum:

Famous exhibition center of Amsterdam. Every year millions of art lovers and thousands of artizans come to museum for exhibitions. Here is the art center of the city. Famous painter Vicent Van Gogh's works are exhibited.

Stedelijk Museum:

Center of modern art. It is located at Musem Square and near to Van Gogh Museum. In this museum, the paintings and drawings of Karel Appel and Kazimir Malevich are exhibited.

Lights are hung, woks are heated, and musical systems play the top Malaysian hits.

Historically, this nightly occurrence takes its roots from the mid-1800s. It was during this time period the Malay chief ordered some Chinese tin miners to travel up the Klang River to open up a new operation. It was at the intersection of the Gombak and Klang Rivers that a settlement was established. This area rapidly became known as the mining capital of the country. Since most workers were day workers, traders soon “caught on” and thus, set up stalls wherein laborers could purchase goods as they returned home from work in the evening. Therefore, the tradition of the night markets has survived over the centuries.

The area today is known as Kuala Lumpar. (This is Malay for “muddy confluence.”)

Today, Kuala Lumpar is a colorful, spectacular city and is considered one of the southeast area's most significant centers. The city, itself, has 1.5 million inhabitants.

It is not as if you can't shop in more modern settings in Kuala Lumpar. For instance, there are the modern malls, such as the Mall on Jalan Putra opened during the day - it's just that shopping the night markets offers a much more multicultural experience.

The Malaysian night markets open at permanent locations in the country's bigger cities whereas smaller towns host night market activities at various locales.

The markets not only offer places for the average Malay to buy their groceries, they also offer a nice array of food stalls and street entertainment. The visitor is afforded the opportunity to attain great deals on “knock-off” designer watches and purses as well as experiencing Malaysian culture on a first-hand basis.

There is a variation of cultural influence in Malaysia from one town to the next and from region to region. Fro example, Perlis shows Malaysian style influences whereas Penang leans toward Thai and Chinese. And even within Kuala Lumpar, the differences are distinct. For instance, should you shop in Chinatown, walking along Jalan Petaling, you may feel you are in a certain section of Hong Kong namely the Mong Kok section; whereas if you travel through Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, the flavor is more Indian and Moslem.

Also, the markets' musical selections reveal the culture of which the region most readily identifies. For instance, in Bangsar Baru, you are most likely to be greeted by Chinese troubadours playing ukuleles while in Jalan Chow Kit located in Kuala Lumpar and definitely Malaysian, you will probably hear recordings of popular Malaysian entertainers.

In food selections - here you will find a huge variance. For instance, Penang offers hot, sour fish broth with noodles; rice and curry, and spicy beef wrapped up in an omelet. In Perak, the selection of choice is noodles and bean sprouts.

Malay and Portuguese cooking is standard fare for Melaka. Bean curd stuffed generously with minced fish or rice dumplings, are the fare within the Chinese Market located on Jalan Petaling in Kuala Lumpar. And, probably it would be safe to say the standard Malaysian favorite dish would be roasted chicken, basted in coconut gravy.

Haggling is a significant activity when shopping the night markets. Offer sixty percent the asking price and most generally you will receive your wares for seventy-five percent of the asking price.

It is suggested that your Malaysian trip will not be complete without at least one trip to the night market.

Cambodia/Phnom Penh

New York Hotel

This hotel is ideally located about 15 minutes away from the International Airport. It is also close to many of the local attractions for example the historical Central Market, Sorya Shopping Centre, Wat Phnom Penh Temple (most famous city landmark), National Museum and many other interesting sites.

Shared accommodations start from EUR 9.51 for Standard Twin, with breakfast included.

China/Beijing

Sitting on the City Walls Courtyard House

One distinct difference here is at the front gate, there is a zigzag alleyway that only can be accessed by foot or bicycle. No modern transport vehicle can pass through this alleyway. Experience the local neighbourhood as you see them living as though time has stood still. This hotel is closely located to the Forbidden City, HouHai tourist site and various Temples and the WangFuJing Shopping Centre.

Dorm (pax 8 beds) ensuite, prices start from EUR 7.30, unfortunately, breakfast is not included.

Hong Kong

Bishop Lei International House

This hotel is standing next to the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, overlooking the spectacular Hong Kong Harbour. It is also close proximity to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens as well as to the commercial district of Hong Kong. Try using the Mid-Level Escalator, one of the many wonders of the Island.

Private twin sharing starts from EUR 19.50, unfortunately, breakfast is not included.

Indonesia/Kuta

Green Garden Beach Resort and Spa

This is a perfect location for couples looking for a romantic holiday, located next to a sandy beach with clear calm waters. All the shops and restaurants are withing walking distance. If you get the top-floor rooms, you get a beach view from your windows.

The spa is one of the best in Bali yet very reasonably priced. The open-air café is one of the most popular and romantic dining spots serving both Indonesian and Western cuisines at reasonable prices. This place is not suitable for children under 16 years as this place caters extensive spa facilities suitable for mature travellers.

Private 4-bed suites start from EUR 12.52, breakfast is included.

Japan/Hokkaido

Hotel Kawanami

This hotel is on the shore of Lake Toya with water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing available. It is also near two active volcanoes (Showa-Shinzan and Usu). From the end of April until October 31, Toya-Onsen puts on a nightly fireworks show that you can see from the Rotemburo, which is a outdoor hot springs bath.

All accommodations start from EUR 23.31, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Laos/Vangvieng

Babylon Guest House

This three story Guest House serves Lao Organic Foods as well as a western slection.

It is only a 20 yard walk to the local bars and shops. A nice place to enjoy excellent music and spectacular sunsets over the mountains.

Private 4-bed suite starts from EUR 2.54, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur

Equator Hostel

This Hostel is suited for backpackers and independent travellers. It is within easy access to modern amenities like the Berjaya Times Square, Chinatown and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Dorm room with 4 beds start from EUR 4.93, breakfast is included.

Myanmar/Yangon

Ocean Pearl Inn

This is located 30 minutes drive from the Airport. Closely located to the historic Botataung pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, Yangon River and Yangon Trade Center. Night time brings the night life as well as the night market.

Private triple ensuite starts from EUR 4.44, breakfast is included.

Philippines/Manila

Casa Nicarosa Hotel

This hotel is located just 5 minutes walk to Manila's renowned Manila Bay's Sunset Strip and Baywalk to feel the ultimate artistic and gastronomic experience. It is close to the famour Mall of Asia, Intramuros Church, Zoo, golf courses and many more.

Standard Room of twin beds start from EUR 12.04, breakfast is included.

Singapore

1BandBSingapore

This B&B has a spectacular 180 degree view of Singapore's city skyline. It is situated within walking distance to Chinatown, the central business district. Orchard Road, the prime shopping area, and other tourist sites are easily accessible via the public transport. This B&B is next to the Malayan Railway Station with trains running daily to the major cities in Malaysia.

Accommodations start from EUR 14.01, breakfast is included.

South Korea/Seoul

B and B Morning Calm

This hotel has been featured in various local and abroad media shows for its outstanding B&B house in Korea, with a beautiful landscape garden. Within walking distance, there are more than 12 art museums, Personal Guide Cards written in English are available.

Private double sharing starts from EUR 30.29, breakfast is included.

Taiwan/Taipei

Eight Elephants Hostel

This hostel is the hangout of the local young people where they will mingle with the foreign crowd. It is the most condensed area for countless eateries, artistic cafes and bar and clubs.

Dorm with 7 beds, prices start from EUR 10.61, unfortunately breakfast is not included.

Thailand/Bangkok

Urban House

It is a new place, just recently opened its doors on February 2006. It is located on Saladaeng, Silom - the heart of Bangkok's business, tourist and entertainment district.

Accommodations start from EUR 9.88, breakfast is included.

Vietnam/Ho Chi Minh City

Bich Duyen Hotel

This hotel is the heart of the backpacker's area. Close proximity to the airport (20 minutes by taxi) make it very convenient for travellers. It is also a stone's throw away from Ben Thanh market and the biggest wholesaler in southern Vietnam and many other attractions.

Triple bed sharing per room starts from EUR 5.81, breakfast is included.

I hope you will enjoy yourselves here in South-East Asia for the coming holidays. See you around !

Night Safari

The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo, which is a popular tourist haunt, with 1.1 million visitors every year. 29% of the 1056 animals housed are endangered. These include the white tigers, Malayan Tapir, the Tahr and many others. For the adventurous family, they can opt an overnight camping experience to spend the night under the stars and the company of the beasts. For all others who enjoy the wonders of wildlife, then a trek through the 40 hectare secondary forest to observe these nocturnal creatures in their vast naturalistic habitats is an expedition not to forgo.

Esplanade

Also known as the Durian, the Esplanade has been constructed in the shape of a tropical fruit, which looks like a fusion between the papaya and the durian. It is set to be a venue for cultural and arts performances, in line with the government's vision of making the art scene in Singapore a vibrant and dynamic one, so that it would be the leading Arts hub in the region. The state of the art amphitheatres and concert halls provide excellent acoustics for ethereal music and concerts to be enjoyed by one and all. There are also outdoor performance spaces for creative and avant-garde artistic expressions by budding and top-notch professional artistes to showcase their talent to the public. The music library themed in 4 clusters of villages that include: music, dance, theatre and film is an excellent resource center for all who seek knowledge about these fields. 

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 was opened on 9 January 2008, with 28 aerobridge gates, it is capable of handling up to 8 A380s at once, increasing the airport's annual passenger capacity by 22 million. Built on a green and open concept, terminal 3 is in itself an experience, which is unforgettable. It boasts of high-level shop fronts with the latest collection of high-end products on offer and state of the art technology, landscape and architecture, which is indeed a sight to behold. For instance, as one steps into the Terminal 3, one would be drawn to the skylight roof that gives an airiness and light to the place. A green wall, 5-storey, 300 metre vertical garden boasts of the lush climbing plants and vines that can be found in our city, watered by 4 separate waterfalls. The shopping and Al Fresco dining cafes and bistros intertwine to provide its clientele an enriching multicultural experience.

1. Hosts

   You ask, they serve. Isn't it a nice break to not have to go and fetch some apple juice yourself? And to have your meals delivered right to you, without having to move at all. Can't complain.

2. Entertainment

   Music, movies, games, radio, television shows and dramas. There's something for everyone when you're flying long-haul. You can watch a recent blockbuster, before listening to some calm, relaxing music, followed by an episode of your favourite drama.

3. Neighbours

   If the people sitting next to you are wide awake, and if you are too, perhaps a little conversation wouldn't hurt. You never know, you may find that you're sitting next to the most interesting person in the world!

4. View

   Looking out at the clouds... aren't they pretty? You can just imagine a city up there, with creatures light enough to stand on the clouds... or maybe it's just me who can imagine that. Anyhow, the view is often spectacular, and you can't miss the city and country views during takeoff and landing.

5. Food

   Although it may not always be great, there's always at least 1 item of food that's delicious, no matter how your appetite is. And best of all, it's made and served straight to you! 6. Relax: Flying long-haul is the perfect time to relax and ponder things over. All you have to do is sit down, and think. (You can also even listen to music on demand while you do this)

6. Travelling

   Last, but certainly not least, you're travelling! You have a new location to enjoy once you land. Often this is something to look forward to, after the long (and fun!) flight.

We had a table thanks to Herbie and his sweet connections. However, as people started trickling in, I noticed a lack of good looking guys in the club. In fact, it was worse than that, I noticed a lack of young guys in the club period. So since this club was expensive to get into. That means that the people in here have to be rich too. That means that the majority of the guys were creepy old men with lots of cash in their hands and camera ready to go. As I was moving through the crowd, I danced a little, but this only led to me being caught by some guy who did not look that old but he was creepy alright and he was way too touchy freely. I had to get saved by my buddy DJ Kao. It was not fun. Let me just put it that way.

The girls are hot though. The girls are smokin' hot. But this is not a good combination. What ended up happening was me and my friends going into the cage to have a good time and then old men took pictures up my dress. It kind of makes me sad that I wore my slutty dress to this club. What a waste...

Also, it was possibly the greatest display on how good Asians are at taking their alcohol. All the way to the bathroom, I saw people throwing up. I felt bad for the team of people they hired to clean up the puke. Yeah, they had people.

Oh there was also this lame moment where they turned on the lights, stopped the music, and told everyone on the loudspeaker that the cops were here and had to check our IDs. So everyone got carded, again. Pretty sick. We sat there for a while, too. Of course, it was all complicated at our table because we have a bunch of out-of-country IDs.

One good thing I noticed about Plush though was the fact that they played pretty good music for the most part. Although a lot of it was still hard to dance to, it's better than techno-rave music at Luxy after midnight. I love Luxy, though...

Although, I must say that I had a great time at Plush because I spent the time with a great group of people. I danced with our group and got saved if any creepers came by (Thanks, DJ Kao).

So here's the final call on Plush. If you're a guy, young, you're hot, and you can afford to get in, please do and save all the hot girls from the creepy old men.