Non-Singaporeans relocating to this dynamic island state do so for
all sorts of reasons: for temporary or permanent employment, for business or
trading opportunities, for family reasons, or simply for a change of scenery.
Those relocating here for the first time inevitably endure some bumps along the way; no move is complete without drama but the acclimation process is far less difficult for those who’ve their common misconceptions cleared before their arrival. Immigrants to Singapore, for instance, are frequently surprised by:
1. The
Reasonable Cost of Basic Necessities
Outsiders assume that everything is expensive
in Singapore, but this isn’t the case. Street and public transport, in
particular, are cheaper when compared to other major global cities.
2. The
Sophistication of the Financial System
It’s difficult for locals to believe, but
Singapore’s deserved reputation as a financial and business hub for the
Asia-Pacific region hasn’t quite reached the four corners of the globe. North
American immigrants, in particular, are frequently shocked to learn of
Singapore’s global financial system. That’s down, in part, to the presence of
regional financial firms such as trust and corporate services provider Asiaciti Trust,
which serves clients throughout the Asia Pacific region.
3. The
Not-So-Reasonable Cost of Certain Luxuries
Immigrants accustomed to paying “North
American” or “European” prices for automobiles and housing may be in for a rude
awakening in Singapore.
Autos, in particular, are far more expensive
here than in many other parts of the world, since road space comes at a premium
and there’s no native automotive industry to speak of. Housing is expensive,
too, but that’s pretty common for a small but global city like Singapore.
4. The
Fines for Bringing Durian on the MRT
Many locals aren’t even aware of this arcane
restriction, although few well-mannered Singaporeans would think to bring the notoriously
stinky fruit into a crowded train car in any case.
The durian-on-the-MRT prohibition is
indicative of a basic truth about Singapore that’s likely to surprise immigrants
from places like China, the United States, and continental Europe because Singapore
is a very orderly place, and locals pride themselves for that. People are
polite here and the culture has found a way for tradition and modernism to
coexist quite comfortably.
5. The
Near-Endless Cultural Diversity
Singapore is the archetypal melting pot: a place where diverse cultures
and folkways mix to create something greater than the sum of their disparate
parts.
Although the majority of its residents are
ethnic Chinese, Singapore is also home to large communities of ethnic Malay,
Indian, and European. Its religious groups include Taoism, Hinduism,
Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, among many others.
Simply put, Singapore is a place where you
don’t have to look, eat, or pray a certain way to fit in. For immigrants
concerned by the city-state’s supposed culture of conformity, this must be a
relief to learn.
6. The
Difficulty of Securing a Work Visa (To Start)
Recent immigrants to Singapore should assume
that they won’t be able to work without first securing a job offer. In other
words, don’t expect to arrive in Singapore first and figure out your employment
situation later. Moreover, Singapore’s employment regime favours the highly
skilled; so, plan ahead.
7. The
Ease With Which One May Apply for and Earn Permanent Residency
On the other hand, applying for permanent
residency in Singapore is not as difficult as in most other first-world
countries. Notably, there’s no waiting period before you can apply; in theory,
you can begin the process on your first full day in Singapore.
8. The
Stunning Variety of Singapore’s Food Scene
The surprisingly reasonable cost of
Singaporean street and shop food is worth reiterating here. So too is its
stunning variety. This perhaps shouldn’t be surprising, given Singapore’s
status as a cultural melting pot, but it’s nevertheless a strong selling point
for immigrants not used to a wide array of cuisine choices.
Ready
to Make Your Move?
Do you like what you’ve learnt about moving to
Singapore? Making your move isn’t as difficult as you’d think — although you’ll
want to begin your job search before planning too far ahead. When you’re ready,
your soon-to-be-neighbours will be waiting with open arms.
Florida is known for its many fishing opportunities; whether both freshwater or saltwater, and deep sea saltwater fishing in Florida is simply awesome. Whether you are looking for that elusive yellowfin tuna, wanting to hook a monster grouper, or are seeking for a lot of good-sized eaters for the pan or grill; there are many options available, no matter what coastal area of Florida you may find yourself in.
A
Wide Array of Options
Depending on where your location is, you must understand that the type of fish available will vary. The type of fish available to anglers on the Atlantic side of the state is going to be very different from anglers who are fishing on the Gulf side, especially in cities like Tampa and St. Petersburg. In addition to this (and as you would have expected), The Florida Keys also offers its own variety of options for adventuring anglers.
If you know what species of saltwater sports fish that you are fishing for, make sure the city you are travelling to has access to that type of fish.
Here’s a short and non-exhaustive list of the popular saltwater species that are available:
Amberjack
Bull Sharks
Grouper
King Mackerel
Mahi Mahi
Marlin
Spanish Mackerel
Sailfish
Snook
Yellowfin Tuna
Fishing
on the Atlantic Side
There are multiple deep-sea charters found throughout the eastern part of the state (which is also referred to as the Atlantic side). Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and of course Miami are all incredibly popular spots where thousands of saltwater charter captains are ready to guide paying anglers to the best saltwater fishing grounds the United States has to offer.
Wahoo and Mahi Mahi are common up and down the Atlantic coast and they are easy to find from any port on that side of the state. They are a hard-fighting saltwater fish that is delicious when cooked and they thrive on the Atlantic side. If you’re up north in Jacksonville or Daytona Beach, Sailfish is a great option because it offers itself as an enormous trophy and puts up an incredible fight. Jacksonville is particularly known for its king mackerel (and even some tuna) fishing. Going south to Daytona Beach opens up chances to go after the amberjack and triggerfish.
Cocoa Beach offers anglers plenty of opportunities to find quality-sized mackerel and the popular but rare marlin and tuna. Although West Palm Beach is a unique location that offers a little bit less than some of the other locations, it is the best spot to go to if you’re looking for a trophy-sized sailfish or that big-time bull shark.
Miami
offers anglers some top-notch saltwater fishing because they have a little bit
of everything; from amberjack to tuna to sailfish.
Fishing
the Keys
While
the Keys are more like each other than to any part of the rest of Florida, it
is worth remembering that there can be major differences from one major Key to
the other. Anglers willing to spend their money on a full day charter as
opposed to a half day charter will have the time of their lives as they chase
Goliath Grouper, Mackerel, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Snapper, and even Tuna.
In
other words, there’s a shot at every type of big saltwater fish imaginable in
the area.
Fishing
on the Gulf Side
Fort Myers, Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Clearwater are all outstanding ports from which to sail out into the Gulf. Grouper fishing is much more common on this side, as is shark fishing and as well as many of the other popular species like Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, amberjack, and more. This gives plenty of options for anglers who want to chase some serious trophies.
In-Shore
Saltwater Fishing
There are plenty popular saltwater fishes like the cobia, redfish, snooker, spotted trout, and many more that aren’t on this list (because they tend to be near the shore or in more shallow waters as opposed to out deep).
Even though this article is all about finding the right spot to enjoy some of the best deep saltwater fishing in the world; a day off by the shore at each of these areas can still offer plenty of opportunities for the determined angler.
The Napali Coast of Hawaii’s Kauai island
could without a shadow of a doubt be called one of the most beautiful stretches
of coastline in the world. Adding to the attraction of this wonderful and unspoiled
part of the island is the fact that Kauai has not been subjected to the sorts
of tourist pressures that many people believe has transformed the other islands
in the chain that makes up Hawaii. This makes Kauai the perfect destination for
those who simply want to enjoy the natural wonders of paradise – and nowhere
will this enjoyment be more acute than when exploring the Napali Coast.
A jewel in the crown of an island also known as ‘The Garden Isle’; the Napali Coast at Kauai Island itself boasts a galore of natural wonders.
A stretch of mountainous coastline that stretches beyond 16 miles in length, every mile of the Napali Coast is filled with wonder. Valleys stretch into the pristine forest and are the first stop of cascading waterfalls on their journey towards the ocean. Sea caves echo with the boom of the surf while pristine beaches and offshore corals beg for exploration.
For those wishing to take in this natural wonder, here are some travel tips!
The first of these is to hike the Kalalau Trail. However, be warned that this is an adventure that is not for the fainthearted, especially people who have a fear of heights. The challenge of the hike means that camping for at least one night will be part of the adventure. However, the sheer beauty of the natural surroundings and the brilliance of the stars overhead do not make this a hardship.
The second way to take in the majesty of the Napali Coast is to do so via the water. There are numerous tour operators that ferry visitors from the North and South shores of the island to take in the magnificence of the coast. Those embarking on these excursions will have the choice of watching intensely for signs of sea life (including whales) from the comfort of the deck or plunging into the clear azure waters to enjoy some of the best snorkelling experience that Kauai has to offer. The leisurely experience will have most captains skirting the edges of the incredible peaks and valleys of the Nā Pali Coast State Park. Refreshments are usually served onboard and it is one of the most perfect ways to enjoy the magnificence of this coast with the entire family. A Napali Coast boat tour is definitely one of the top ways to experience the coast.
Sometimes, taking to the air is simply the best way to appreciate the grandeur of nature at her very best. Those wishing to take in the entirety of the Napali Coast and its varied environments might wish to explore the option of an airborne tour in the comfort of a small plane or a helicopter. Visitors will be treated to a spectacle of plunging waterfalls and verdant valleys, as well as the edge of the coast where it meets the saltwater. Your pilot will be more than willing to accommodate your requests to view the varied landscapes. This lends an air of freedom to what is already one of the highlights of any trip to Kauai.
Kauai is simply one of the most beautiful islands in the chain that is Hawaii and the Napali Coast is one of the most stunning natural destinations in the world. It is the essence of what makes Hawaii and its islands a destination of choice for tourists from all over the globe. Make sure that you do not miss it on your trip to this paradise on Earth.
I have always been fascinated by Jing Yong’s novel, “The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre” and it was through this novel that I came to know about Wudang Mountain and Emei Mountain. Hence, when the opportunity to travel to Wudang Mountain came, I took the plunge and embarked on this epic journey that lasted 7 days.
Prior to this trip, I tried to do some research and get as much information as I could about the places that I will be visiting but it seems that most of the information available are written by Westerners who went there to learn martial arts. Hence, I decided to pen down my experience so that the information can be useful for those who are planning a trip to Wudang Mountain.
The Flight
There isn’t any direct flight from Singapore to Wudangshan. For this journey, I took a 4-hour Cathay Pacific flight from Singapore to Hong Kong and then another 3-hour Cathay Dragon flight from Hong Kong to Xi’An. The flights would typically cost about SGD$746 for a return trip.
The Cathay Pacific flight CX 714 and CX 715 (B777) were rather uncomfortable as the seats were pretty cramped and the non-touchscreen in-flight entertainment was rather old-fashioned with the old-school joystick control. On the contrary, the Cathay Dragon flight KA 943 and KA 946 (A330) were more comfortable and the in-flight entertainment system was way better and more modern than the Cathay Pacific flight.
The Accommodations
I put up at West Capital International Hotel for 2 Nights and Wudangshan Xian Guan (武当仙馆) for 4 Nights. Accommodation at Xi’An will cost about SGD$160 and accommodation at Wudangshan will cost about SGD$282.
Jinjiang West Capital International Hotel is located at the City Centre and I would personally recommend the hotel because of its location. There are multiple places of interests/attractions such as the Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, City God Temple of Xi’An and etc, and they are all within walking distance from the hotel. Service was exceptional and the room was decent. The buffet breakfast spread is fabulous and I enjoyed it very much.
I really enjoyed my stay at Wudang Xian Guan. Although I couldn’t find the property listing on Agoda, I found it on Ctrip, China’s largest online travel agency. If you visit the English version of Ctrip i.e. Trip.com, Wudang Xian Guan is translated as “Taihe Health Care Home in Wudang Mountains”. Don’t be taken aback by the English translation though. I personally feel that the more appropriate English name for the property should be, “Wudang Immortals Inn”. The room has an oriental vibe and I look forward to waking up every morning because of the amazing forest view. The food served is mainly vegetarian and there is a large space just outside the hotel where one can practise Taichi in the morning. As the property is located next to the Cable Car Station, access to Tianzhu Peak/Golden Hall is really convenient. If you are looking for a place where you can do some introspection, this is definitely it.
The Currency
China uses the Renminbi and the typical exchange rate for 1 Singapore Dollar was about 5 Renminbi (RMB). As my flight transited at Hong Kong, I changed some Hong Kong Dollars as well and the exchange rate for 1 Singapore was about 5.8 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD).
What to Buy in Wudangshan
At Wudangshan, there are numerous martial art academies and temples; and at the various attractions/places of interest on the mountain, there are plenty of shops that sell local produce, swords, tea leaves, beads and etc. If you would like to buy some souvenirs for yourself or your family members and friends, I would suggest that you do that at the foot of the mountain where there are more varieties and it would also be cheaper.
Some items that I would also recommend getting would be tea leaves (from 20 RMB) rice wine (from 80 RMB), chrysanthemum flower tea, and zodiac sword souvenir (from 88 RMB). If you are into amulets (from 68 RMB), crystals, wooden beads, and the likes; it is widely available too. However, do exercise caution as some goods could be imitations/fake products.
What to Buy in Xi’An
Xi’An is very well known for its jujube dates, walnuts, almonds and sour plum powder. While you can’t tabao/pack back the freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice, you should really try it! There are also souvenir shops selling keychains, terracotta warrior figurines, and memorabilia for about 10 RMB per piece.
Places of Interest & Activities
Wudangshan
To get to Wudang Mountain from Xi’An, I took a bus and the journey was about 5-6 hours long. A bus ride from Xi’An bus station (opposite Xi’An Railway Station) to Wudangshan Town will cost 120 RMB per person. The bus will depart from Xi’An at 09:30 am and should arrive in Wudangshan Town by 05:30 pm (information correct as of April 2019). Once you arrive at the visitor centre of Wudangshan, you will then have to purchase an entrance ticket to the entire scenic area (excluding Purple Heaven Palace and Golden Summit) for 243 RMB. The price includes unlimited bus rides to different venues at Wudangshan and insurance.
Wudang-Style 9-Form Taiji Quan & Ba Duan Jing
There are numerous martial arts academies at Wudangshan and it can be very challenging to decide on one that will be suitable for your learning needs. I was very privileged that we had a dedicated Teacher who taught us the Wudang Style 9-Form Taiji Quan & Ba Duan Jing.
Purple Heaven Palace
Purple Heaven Palace is a historical site designated for state protection and the coloured paintings on the timber of Purple Heaven Palace make the palace look beautiful and imposing. The Purple Heaven Palace is also where the emperors in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties often issued orders to construct altars to bless their ancestors in heaven, request the assistance of the deities to ensure prosperity and good weather for the crops to have a bumper grain harvest. Entrance to the Purple Heaven Palace cost 15 RMB per person.
Taoist Ritual at Zhong Guan Temple
Golden Hall /金顶
Located on the top of the Tianzhu Peak, the main peak of Wudang Mountain, Hubei Province; the Golden Hall was built in the 14th year of Yongle reign (1416) of Ming Dynasty. The Hall is the biggest gilded copper temple in China, and is 5.54 meters high, 4.40 meters wide and 3.15 meters deep.
All statues and tools are made of bronze. The most valuable statue is the bronze statue of Zhen Wu, another name for the Northern Emperor, Beidi, a popular Daoist deity. Between them, the statues and hall represent the best of Ming Dynasty copper work. Visitors can also revel in the natural surroundings, taking in magical sunrises and sultry dusks.
Entrance ticket to the Golden Hall cost 27 RMB per person.
Taihe Cable Car Ropeway
If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain ranges, you can get on the Cable Car from Qiong Tai to Tian Zhu Peak. A round trip ticket will cost 150 RMB per person.
Nanyan Temple
Nanyan or “South Cliff’ temple is one of the most breathtaking sites of the Wudang Mountains. Devotees would view the cliff as a gateway to heaven, and it’s easy to imagine the cliff as the edge of the natural world. Situated on the cliff around the temple are over 500 iron statues of ancient figures and officials, blending traditional art and culture with the stunning natural surroundings.
Taizipo/太子坡
Taizipo is one of the main scenic areas of Wudangshan and the ancient buildings of Taizipo were designed according to the legendary story of Zhenwu Practising Taoism. It was first built in 1412 during the Ming Dynasty and has been refurbished during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century. The main scenic spots include Huilongguan Monastery, Chunyang Monastery, Laojuntang, and Baxianguan, and etc.
Carefree Valley/逍遥谷
About 10 minutes down the road from Taizipo, the Carefree Valley is an extremely scenic area that will provide you with numerous hiking trails to keep you busy for a full day. There are ample spots for photo opportunities and there are various kinds of animals in the valley; especially the monkeys. It’s a holy and beautiful place for visitors to escape from the noise and enjoy the natural landscape.
If you cross the river and head to the plain-looking stage area, you can enjoy Kung-fu shows at 10 am and 4 pm. To the left of the stage is a small lake with a tea house.
Xi’An
I spent two days in Xi’An and I am really grateful for this opportunity to visit this beautiful city that has such a vibrant culture and rich history! Xi’an is more than 3,000 years old and was known as Chang’an (长安) in ancient times. For 1,000 years, the city was the capital for 13 dynasties, and a total of 73 emperors ruled here. Xi’an is the undisputed root of Chinese civilization having served as the capital city for the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties. It has often been said that “if you have not been to Xi’an, you have not been to China!”
Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses
The Terracotta Army (Terracotta Warriors and Horses) are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum in Lintong, Xian, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.
Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his afterlife. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archaeologists immediately. They came to Xi’An in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artefacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).
Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigour.
The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China’s National Day – Oct. 1st, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.
No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994. Archaeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command centre of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.
Altogether, over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.
Since 1 October 2010, the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum have been combined into one large attraction area, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, which also includes three other small sites opened in 2011. The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the nearby three unopened sites (namely the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials and the Museum of Stone Armor) constitute the so-called Lishan Garden.
Entrance ticket costs 120 RMB per person.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Dating back to the
1380s, the very beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an’s majestic Bell Tower and
Drum Tower are symbols of the city’s rich past and are some of the largest and
best-preserved of their kind in China.
Every Ming-era city in China had a bell tower and a drum tower to help signal the time and mark important events. The Bell Tower in Xi’an, located at the very centre of the old city, is an imposing 27.4 meters high and located in a busy traffic circle. Visitors need to take an underground walkway beneath the traffic circle to reach the tower.
Visitors can climb up
to the Bell Tower’s terrace where the wooden tower sits to get a bird’s eye
view of the surrounding area. However, the view is not very impressive since
the tower is surrounded by busy roads in all directions. Please note that getting
up to the terrace requires climbing many stairs. Inside the tower, there is a
small museum that houses a huge bell, as well as some handwritten memos about
the relocation and renovation of the tower. There are also bell and chime
performances at various times throughout the day.
As an iconic landmark of Xi’An, the Bell Tower receives many tourists and there may be long lines at certain times. While people can pay a small fee to go upstairs and visit the interior of the tower, most visitors find the exterior of the Bell Tower more impressive, especially in the evening when it is illuminated with colourful lights. Since the tower is quite tall and prominent, you can easily appreciate it for free from across the road.
Xi’An Drum Tower
The Drum Tower, located at the south end of Beiyuanmen pedestrian street and about 200 meters to the northwest of the Bell Tower, was built in 1380, even earlier than the Bell Tower. The Drum Tower houses many large drums and some antique furniture, as well as short musical performances featuring drums and other traditional instruments at various times.
Great Muslim Mosque
Bigger than many temples in China, the Great Mosque is a gorgeous blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture and one of the most fascinating sacred sites. The present buildings are mostly Ming and Qing, though the mosque was founded in the 8th century. Arab influences extend from the central minaret (cleverly disguised as a stumpy pagoda) to the enormous turquoise-roofed Prayer Hall (not open to visitors) at the back of the complex, dating to the Ming dynasty.
Facing west (towards Mecca) instead of the customary south, the mosque features classic Chinese temple features and memorial arches, not to mention the glazed-tile Chinese-style roofing.
It’s a beautiful place to visit in spring, as the white and pink magnolias burst into bloom; in the slow season, the mosque can also be a haven of solitude and an oasis of tranquillity in a very busy area of the city.
Entrance ticket costs 25 RMB per person.
Muslim Quarter
Just as its name implies, the Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Jie in Pingyin, is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’An. Located to the north of West Street in the city centre, the quarter covers several blocks inhabited by over 20,000 Muslims. There are about ten mosques in the area; among which the Great Mosque in the Huajue Lane is the most famous and popular.
Beiyuanmen Muslim Street has a long history. It is said that in olden days, foreign diplomatic envoys and merchants lived here and then they married and had children, so gradually, the population increased. Today, most of the inhabitants here are the descendants of those immigrants. All the Muslims here are the pious and devout followers of Islam so they form a tight-knit community, which maintains its own culture and traditions to this day even in such a modern society.
Xi’An City Wall and Yong Ning Gate
When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou; a hermit named Zhu Sheng admonished him that he should ‘built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor,’ so that he could fortify the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to enlarge the wall built during the old Tang Dynasty (618 – 907), forming today’s scale of Xi’An City Wall.
The wall includes four gates and they are respectively named as Changle (meaning eternal joy) in the east, Anding (harmony peace) in the west, Yongning (eternal peace) in the south and Anyuan (forever harmony) in the north.
The South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the most time-honoured and magnificent one among all the city gates. There are bicycles for rental up to the South Gate so it is popular for visitors to ascend here. If you stay near the Bell Tower, it is recommended that you take a 10 minutes’ walk along South Street to get to the South Gate.
Xi’An City God Temple
Located on West Avenue in downtown Xi’an, the Xi’an City God Temple is the largest city god temple in Shaanxi Province. As one of the only two remaining Taoist temples in downtown Xi’an, it has been listed as a key historical and cultural site under state protection. With a history of more than 600 years, the temple is still a magnificent site today.
First built in the twentieth year (1387) of the reign of Emperor Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty on the Jiuyao Street within the East Gate of the City Wall, the temple was rebuilt at its current location in the eighth year (1432) during the reign of the Ming Emperor Xuande. Being one of the three largest capital town god temples in China at that time, the Xi’an City God Temple, also known as Capital City God Temple, exercised control over all town god temples in China’s northwest provinces.
Originally, the temple was very grand and included a main hall, a sleeping hall, subordinate halls, the Music and Dance Building, and a memorial archway. As time went on, only the hall which was rebuilt in the first year (1723) of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) remains.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. It was built in 652 during the Tang dynasty and originally had five stories. The structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming dynasty. One of the pagoda’s many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveller, Xuanzang. Today, the interior walls of the pagoda feature engraved statues of Buddha by the renowned artist Yan Liben.
Overall
I’ve been to China twice; the first was to Harbin and the second was to Beijing and that was more than 10 years ago! I am really glad to have been on this trip to witness the many rapid developments that are happening in China and being a history and culture buff myself, my trip to Xi’An was really an eye-opener.
Having said that, I enjoyed my visit to the Wudang Mountains the most and I really want to be back. The air there is really fresh and the next time I visit, I will probably be staying there for 6 months.
As soon as I landed in Melbourne, I met with an airport shuttle driver who offered to take me to Hotel Lindrum. I booked it since it had good online reviews and Furthermore, as a snooker fan, I was ready to pay just to see the famous Lindurm snooker table, but that’s another story.
Once I got in the cab, the shuttle driver told me, “I have both good and bad news for you. The good news is that you are spending your vacation in one of the best countries in the world. The bad news is that you will be in this country for a short time.”
Even though Australia has been on my bucket list forever, I still wasn’t quite sure that it will live up to this hype. I was a bit wrong on that note, because it did, and I’m happy that I got the chance to experience it. Indeed, that shuttle driver had been quite right.
Besides the beauty of the country, I was able to learn a few interesting things and acquaint myself with the Australian culture.
Here is a list of things that I learned from visiting Australia.
Fast Food Giants Have Different Names
It seems that when Jack Cowen, the owner of Burger King, had the ambition to expand in Australia; he was unable to use the name, ‘Burger King’ and so he opted for a different name, ‘Hungry Jack’s.’ So, whoopers are sold in Australia under the name, ‘Hungry Jack’s.’ Also, McDonald’s is popularly known by the term ‘Macca’s’; to the extent that this nickname is used in advertisements and product labeling.
The Celebration of the Queen’s Birthday is on a Different Date from the Official Date
Though Queen Elizabeth was born on 21st April, Australians mark the Queen’s Birthday on the first Monday of June. This first Monday of June corresponds with the time King George V was born. So, if you are planning to travel to Australia at around this time, please book early for your flight and accommodation since most of these are fully booked for the three-day weekend holiday.
Everything is Named Macquarie
According to Britannica, the fifth Australian Governor of New South Wales left behind a great legacy to the extent that many things in Australia are named after him. In fact, there is a common joke in Australia that if you don’t know the name of anything; just say the name Macquarie and you will be right. There is a Macquarie lighthouse, university, river, bank, street, lake…the list goes on.
Ugg Boots Have Been Worn for Ages
I was surprised to learn that ugg boots have been around for a very long time – from back in the 1920s. In fact, ugg boots originated from Australia in the 1920s, and they only spread to other countries, including the United States of America, in 1972.
Vivid Festival is Amazing
Vivid Festival usually takes place in the last three weeks of May to the end of the first week in June. When I attended this festival, I was amazed by the outstanding display of fireworks, art, and music. Thanks to Vivid Festival, I was able to see clearly some of the prominent places in Sydney such as the Central Business District, the Opera House, and the Harbor Bridge.
The Most Infamous Criminal in Australia is Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly is the most infamous criminal in Australia; having been convicted and sentenced to death in 1880. Surprisingly, I was told by the librarian in the Victorian State Library that Ned Kelly was fondly loved by many people. In fact, before he was executed, thousands of Australians had signed a petition in a bid to set him free. The suit of armour which Ned Kelly had worn before he was arrested is well displayed at State Library Victoria in Melbourne.
Koalas Sleep for Twenty Hours a Day
Since I love animals, I could not leave Australia without seeing as many koalas as I can. So I visited Maru Koala and Animal Park which is situated just next to Philip Island. When I finally viewed the Koalas, I realised that most of them were asleep and I was told by the game warden that they could sleep for more than 20 hours each day! Koalas are also quite choosy on the food they eat – they can only feed on two varieties out of the possible 600 types of eucalyptus leaves. At the park, I also managed to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wallabies.
Well, these are some of the things I learnt when I visited Australia. All in all, Australia is a beautiful country. Australians are naturally kind, friendly and trustworthy – I left my purse with an unfamiliar bartender, and I was able to get it back!
I enjoyed my visit to Australia, and I can’t wait to travel there again!
Written By Sam, Content Marketing Specialist Sam is an award-winning writer with a passion for providing creative solutions for building brands online. Since his first award in Creative Writing, he continues to deliver awesome content through his travel articles. When not enjoying freediving, he is managing marketing content for multiple brands online.
If you are anything like me and already have a bucket list of the places you want to visit, I bet that the Amazon River is at the very top of your list. Let’s be honest, there are few of us who would say no to such an amazing experience!
This mighty and majestic river attracts millions of curious travellers every year. If you can no longer resist your wanderlust, this is definitely the place to be!
Due to its close competition with the Nile, this ancient river can be considered either the longest or the second longest river in the world, but definitely the largest one by the volume of water it discharges.
As expected from one of the biggest rivers in the world, it does not have traditionally defined seasons. What this means is that you should plan your trip to the Amazon River according to what suits you better – the rainy season (December to June), or the dry season (June to December).
Whichever season ends up being your choice, you can be sure that you will enjoy all of its perks! However, before you pack up your bags and embark on this epic journey, you will want to know the best ways to explore the Amazon River; and that is just what we have prepared for you! Without further ado, these are the top five ways to get “lost” in this paradise on Earth!
Canopy Touring
This eco-friendly activity is one of tourists’ favourite because it allows you to witness the Amazon rainforest in a different light. Gliding through the trees via canopy tours or a zip-line without disrupting wildlife’s natural habitat is something that everyone visiting the Amazon should definitely experience!
Expedition Cruise
If you are really looking forward to experiencing the Amazon River on an even more adventurous note, you should definitely book an expedition cruise. Alongside your experienced guide, you will be travelling and exploring via kayaks, small motorised boats, and, of course, on foot.
One of the best things when it comes to expedition cruises is the fact that you will be able to witness Amazon’s many indigenous animals and plant species up close. The Amazon rainforest is home to 427 mammals, 1300 birds, 378 reptiles, and more than 400 amphibians; which means that you are bound to see at least some of them while kayaking on the river or by taking forest walks!
Additionally, once you wrap up the day of your breathtaking expedition, you can go back to the main vessel and enjoy some mouth-watering local cuisine!
Volunteer Work
What better way to get to know the wildlife than to volunteer in a Wildlife Sanctuary? This is perhaps the most rewarding way to experience the Amazon and to truly immerse yourself into the surroundings.
The best thing about it is that you do not need to have extensive knowledge of animals, but the only thing you must have is a positive attitude. Essentially, you would be helping to take care of some animals that may have been injured by other animals, or animals that have suffered from some unfortunate accidents. What could be more rewarding and eye-opening than going home knowing that you helped save an animal’s life?
White Water Rafting
If you are an adrenaline junkie seeking to explore the Amazon river, this will be the perfect choice for you. You would start this intense adventure in the highlands of the Andes, and spend about 6-7 days rafting and camping on gorgeous beaches along the way. Lots of tours will also allow you to spend a few nights in their lodges where you would be able to shower, drink a cold beer, and sleep in a comfortable bed. Who said you can’t be adventurous and comfortable all at the same time?
Luxury Cruises
If you are not really looking forward to sacrificing your comfort and would rather get pampered while witnessing the glory of this nature’s gem, you should probably book a luxury cruise. While you’re at it, visit Aqua Expeditions for private charter cruises for yourself and your loved ones!
Whether you are planning a bachelor/bachelorette party, a college/family reunion, or just an awesome birthday party, you can be sure you will get the best experience!
As you can see, the Amazon River has something to offer to just about any type of traveller. All that is left to do is to choose which experiences suit you best and head straight to your adventure of a lifetime!
Content Marketing Specialist Sam Hoffman is an award-winning writer with a passion to provide creative solutions for building brands online. Since his first award in Creative Writing, he continues to deliver awesome travel content. While travelling, he is also creating content for Aqua Expeditions.
If you’re looking for the next perfect staycation, here’s one boutique hotel that will appeal to you if you have a refined taste for some artsy history and culture. The best part? The hotel’s having a Special Opening Offer now and you won’t want to miss this experience before the price increases to its normal rack rate.
Six Senses Maxwell is now open at 2 Cook Street, in the historic Tanjong Pagar district of Singapore, completing the brand’s first ever city hotel project after the opening of sister property Six Senses Duxton, with both locations together comprising Six Senses Singapore.
Situated in a prime location at the junction of Duxton, Tanjong Pagar and Maxwell Road, Six Senses Maxwell occupies a place replete with history. Originally the site of a nutmeg plantation, 14 three-story and four-story colonial-style buildings were subsequently constructed and later joined together as a single entity to create a colonial-style 19th-century heritage building that now houses the hotel.
Built in 1929, the structure features an Art Deco frontage with exposed brickwork, unique lion head rainspouts, and a flagpole hinting at a possible past as a government building. Lovingly conserved, Six Senses Maxwell showcases the refined yet flamboyant and sensual aesthetic of renowned French architect and interior designer Jacques Garcia, and stands in contrast to the Anouska Hempel-designed Six Senses Duxton.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
Six Senses Maxwell accommodates 138 guest rooms and suites located across four floors of the sustainably restored building, all thoughtfully decorated with custom furnishings and original artwork; an outdoor rooftop lap pool, a gymnasium, two restaurants and three bars that are destined to add to the vibrancy of the already ebullient neighbourhood.
Six Senses Maxwell aims to pay homage to Singapore’s unique position as the crossroad between East and West, with its rich Asian traditions and warm European heritage and influence that together have contributed to what this vibrant city is today.
Design Reflecting the authentic decor and furnishings of the era in which it was built, but with a stylish modern twist, Garcia has infused a Western sensibility along with a timeless ambience into Six Senses Maxwell, as he has done most notably with Hôtel Costes in Paris and NoMad in New York. Renowned as one of France’s most highly decorated designers, Garcia has outfitted many iconic buildings in Paris and across the world, including a remarkable installation at the Louvre. Garcia has been named commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, and a Chevalier in the order of the Légion d’honneur in France for his many achievements.
Garcia’s inimitable sensibilities are on full display once the double door front entrance of Six Senses Maxwell on the corner of Cook and Tras Streets swing open to a welcoming sight of the warm chestnut wood framed reception desk, complemented by Garcia’s eponymous collection of flamboyant high-backed velvet chairs with tassels. These sit on intricately designed custom made hand-woven silk rugs that took 14 months to complete.
Ethically-sourced, solid inch-thick African wenge hardwood floors adorn much of the hotel, while other public areas feature stone floors that have been recycled from medieval churches and cathedrals in Italy.
A series of authentic and original property deeds, or indentures, are framed and placed throughout the hotel’s interior walkway with brass plaques detailing the historical nature and provenance of each document. This feature ties in with the copies of an indenture Anouska Hempel used as her wallpaper design for Six Senses Duxton, connecting the two hotels through a unified form and vision.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
Garcia’s attention to detail is also showcased throughout the seven unique room types at Six Senses Maxwell, from the brass, lacquer and marble minibars, to the handmade Lafroy Brooks bathroom fixtures and rain shower heads.
His unique style is an authentic exploration into the splendour of the past interpreted in a modern style. This is evident in the brocades and damask fabrics and lampshades in pleated silk which enrich a design with clean lines, evoking an opulent yet refined luxury. All the fabrics used throughout the hotel, even those used on the Italian furniture, are bespoke for Garcia and were loomed in Europe, while all the lamps were exclusively produced by luxury lighting specialist Zonca for the famed designer.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
Hotel guests are greeted at the lobby with sustainably sourced goods for sale, including Panama hats ethically sourced from Ecuador that take between 15 days to six months to craft, fine cashmere shawls from Chagaan in Mongolia, locally made items including Peranakan porcelain tea sets from the Straits Settlements era, wellness items such as glass water bottles with added gems to vitalize the water, baoding balls for meditation and an oh-ball to massage the soles of the feet to release tension.
A large brass singing bowl completes the hotel’s signature welcome experience, along with complimentary traditional ice cream made in-house and served from an iconic ice cream cart along the five-footway to all guests. Modern touches such as music played through high-end Devialet speakers throughout the public spaces add to a fully experiential stay for guests.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
The rooftop of Six Senses Maxwell features a 25-metre (82-foot) long lap pool custom-made by Sempre, a Belgian design firm known for their use of raw and recyclable materials. In weeks to come, this will be highlighted with the opening of Max’s Rooftop Bar, where an edible garden is being grown to be used in-house by the hotel’s food and beverage team.
Guests from both Six Senses properties have full access to all facilities, including the spa pods, which will be opened in the first quarter of 2019. Signing privileges will be available across the two hotels.
In Room Each room and suite features Six Senses’ specially curated mini bar which includes William Yeoward crystal glassware for the premium range of spirits available as well as locally produced East Imperial Tonic Water. The Golden Duck Co. salted egg yolk crisps for snacking, handmade organic Krakakoa chocolate bars from Indonesia and a bottle of champagne complete the exquisite minibar experience.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
To ensure guests enjoy the best night’s sleep possible, all rooms feature handmade mattresses by Naturalmat, organic bed linens from Beaumont & Brown, and pillows and duvets from Hanse to support Sleep With Six Senses, a key pillar of the group’s Integrated Wellness philosophy. Each room also has a wellness book, baoding balls, and relaxation oh-ball. These can also be purchased from the hotel lobby.
As a fun and quirky touch, framed photos of the local area taken from the property owner and luxury hotelier Satinder Garcha’s personal collection adorn the bathrooms, offering a sense of charm and whimsy.
Cook & Tras Social Library Located on the ground floor of Six Senses Maxwell and lined with lush tropical foliage right next to the lobby area is Cook & Tras, a social library restaurant and bar influenced by Straits heritage cuisine.
Featuring a mirrored ceiling highlighting the classic décor and luxurious style of designer Garcia, Cook & Tras reflects a warm European influence and personality showcased through richly textured custom-designed furnishings. Melding tradition and modernity, this elegant establishment is characterized by its specially curated book collection designed by the UK’s Ultimate Library, known for their dedication to building bespoke book collections for hotels and private residences around the world.
For Cook & Tras, a storied collection of more than 3,000 titles have been curated which reflects the local neighbourhood as well as volumes on subjects such as wellness, meditation, nutrition, herbal medicine, natural history, climate change and sustainability. Hotel guests and future members will also be able to “borrow” books the old-fashioned way.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
Cook & Tras makes the perfect introduction to the acclaimed Eat With Six Senses program that offers healthy and delicious meals prepared with sustainable, seasonal, natural ingredients and organically-grown produce.
Open throughout the day for light breakfasts and an all-day small-plates for sharing menu, guests can expect quality ingredients in small flavourful portions or sip on freshly squeezed cold juices and energizing healthy beverages providing nutritional benefits. Homemade tonics and kombuchas along with fine teas are featured on the afternoon menu.
By night, the bar takes centre stage at Cook & Tras with a display of hundreds of spirits from all over the world forming the backdrop to a 65-foot (20-meter) long bar counter. Evenings are all about bespoke cocktails based on classics and influenced by Straits flavours, infused house-made spirits, shrubs and tonics, with signatures specially developed by award-winning Mixologist Ricky Paiva.
Murray Terrace Brasserie Murray Terrace Brasserie is a European styled brasserie named after the building in which it is housed. and coincidentally also the first name of the hotel’s general manager. Its design blends classic Parisian elements with marble tables and Asian influenced wine displays along with handcrafted Indonesian furniture. The Brasserie’s grand entrance, just opposite Maxwell Food Centre, follows a Parisian café style layout with sidewalk tables along the five-foot (1.7-meter) way, a private room, and seating for up to 100 guests inside the dining room.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
The culinary focus is on quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced and organically grown. The Murray Terrace Brasserie demonstrates how quality natural ingredients will promote a sense of wellness. Recipes are European inspired, with a strong focus on Mediterranean cooking methods that let the ingredients take centre stage.
Showcasing southern European culinary influences, the menu features seafood platters with lobsters, oysters, prawns, clams and mussels, all sustainably sourced. With classics such as beef tartare, French onion soup and lobster bisque, the menu includes a range of three-course and four-course set menu options for lunch, and five-course and seven-course degustation menus for dinner.
Organic free-range chicken, sustainably-sourced fish, grass-fed strip loins, whole lamb rack and Chateaubriand from the Josper oven round out the menu.
Six double wine chillers holding over 1,500 bottles of wine enclosing a wine tasting table form the centrepiece of Murray Terrace Brasserie. The carefully selected wine list; predominantly focused on Old World wines from France, Italy and Spain, is complemented with a well-balanced selection of New World Treasures.
Garcha’s Garcha’s is a beautifully appointed Jacques Garcia designed room with club chairs, cocktail tables and minibar seating – the quintessential spirits bar to drop by before a meal at Murray Terrace Brasserie or to treat oneself to an after-dinner spirit or liqueur.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
Boasting an impressive collection of spirits, Garcha’s tempts with a stunning selection of small batch and artisanal whiskeys, tequilas, gins, rums and vodkas. Straight drinks can be poured from drinks trolleys tableside by bartenders in a relaxing setting with a modern mix of classic jazz, blues and acid jazz funk music playing in the background.
Rose Lounge & Bar The beautifully appointed Rose Lounge & Bar features banquette seating, club chairs, cocktail tables and bar seating, and offers an impressive Champagne collection alongside white and rosé wines, spritzers and the signature Rose Bellini.
Image Credits Six Senses Singapore
In contrast to Garcha’s, Rose Lounge & Bar with its lighter, lustrous décor minibars for private events, afternoon tea parties and product launches. It is also perfect as a breakout space for meetings held at the adjoining Rose Room, situated between the Rose Bar & Lounge and Garcha’s and is an ideal venue for small corporate events and private gatherings.
Opening Offer Available immediately is a Special Opening Offer for direct bookings online via www.sixsenses.com. Guests can enjoy a 15 percent savings on the Best Available Rate, and the offer includes daily breakfast for two people, a guaranteed room upgrade and a signature cocktail for two people. T&Cs apply.
*Terms & Conditions: Valid for stays from December 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. The offer is applicable for all room and suite categories. A credit card guarantee and a prepayment in full is required to secure the booking. Bookings are non-refundable and non-cancellable. Offer is subject to change without notice.
It’s December and that means its time for the holiday season!
While most people choose to set up their Christmas trees and call their family over for a gathering, there are also a lot of other people who choose to travel the world with their family.
In this post, we will be covering the best family-friendly locations from around the world.
Australia
Australia is one of the top family-friendly destinations on earth because of its sunny beaches, wildlife tours and so much more. Although many tourists may have the wrong impression that Australia is a small country, the matter of the fact is, Australia is huge! A road trip from Sydney to Brisbane will take you over 11 hours!
Australia is home to many indigenous animals such as the Kangaroo, Koala, Wombat and Dingo; and they are mostly unseen in other parts of the world.
Apart from wild animals and amazing natural landscapes, Australia also has one of the most iconic landmarks in the world- the Sydney Opera House.
If you have never been to the land down under, you should definitely consider it for the perfect outback road trip.
Singapore
One of the most iconic countries in Asia, Singapore offers something for everyone. A melting pot of cultures, Singapore is home to people from all walks of life and what this essentially means is that Singapore has got varying degrees of cultures, languages and amazing cuisines.
If you want to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a multicultural country, Singapore is the perfect place!
Also known as the land of the rising sun, Japan has been a top travel destination among travellers for many years now and has a good combination of new-age establishments and old-school charm.
You may not know this but Japan is very well-known for its cuisine and they have exclusive chocolates and confectionaries that cannot be found in other parts of the world.
Cities like Tokyo has a lot to offer in terms of museums, food, events, and other children-friendly attractions whereas Kyoto is known for its natural beauty and the life of the yesteryears that has been well-preserved. Children and adults who are into cartoons, manga and animes would definitely love to visit Japan.
Iceland
The Nordic island nation is known for its breathtaking beauty. Not only is Iceland a perfect location to enjoy nature’s finest creations such as volcanoes, hot springs, big range mountains and more; there are also ample opportunities for rafting, horseback riding and wildlife spotting!
One of Iceland’s most popular outdoor lagoons, known for its purified mineral water, is Blue Lagoon. Other popular Icelandic destinations include Pingvellir that is known for its natural beauty and historic shrine.
Iceland has plenty of mesmerising waterfalls that you can bring your children to visit and the popular ones include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Ireland
Although Ireland is a relatively small country, there are many options that are available for holiday goers. With numerous old castles that will captivate you and your little one, Ireland is also known for its beautiful natural landscape and popular spots that include Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry.
If you are a nature lover, there are also national parks such as Killarney National Park and Connemara National Park that you can visit too.
So there you have it- the 5 best family holiday destinations.
Just so you know, all the countries that we have shared in this article have a high safety index. Some are known for their breathtaking natural beauty and some are known for their good mix of local culture and history. We are pretty sure these holiday destinations would offer you and your children a great time together!
It’s been more than a year since we last visited Batam and during our most recent trip that took place last week, we noticed that there were a couple of changes that took place in Batam and it is about time that we refresh our travel guide to Batam.
Read on and get the latest update and information about Batam here in this post!
Travelling Within Batam- Grab/Private Driver
In the past, we mentioned that it was easy to travel around Batam by booking a taxi (Blue Bird or Silver Cab). However, It seems that booking a taxi that goes by the meter is no longer the way to go because there are now taxi counters located at major landmarks i.e. Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, Batam Megamall, Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall and etc. Legit taxi companies that run on meters like Blue Bird or Silver Cab are now not allowed to pick up passengers at these major landmarks and it is so disappointing that things have turned out this way because it is really not helping the taxi industry as a whole.
Just so you know, the taxi counters at these major landmarks charge 3 times more the usual price to get around Batam. You can still book a metered taxi like Blue Bird but do note that you will have to walk to the designated/authorised pick-up points which can be some distance away.
Although you can use Grab to get around, do be a little cautious as you don’t want to end up getting into a situation like this. If you want to use Grab, make sure that your pick up location has got no taxi counters around and that there isn’t a line of parked taxis idling.
If you were to ask us for our opinion on how best you can get around Batam, we suggest that you hire a private driver for the entire day. This way, you can save money and time, cover more grounds and visit more places.
Data SIM Card
A lot of our local Telcos like StarHub are offering affordable Data Roaming rates at SGD$5 for one GB of data. If you’re heavily dependent on data like us, one GB is definitely not enough and we would rather you get the Indonesian Data Sim Card which costs SGD$7 for 6GB worth of data.
Our Accommodation- Best Western Premier Panbil Hotel
It was our second time staying at Best Western Premier Panbil and this time around, we booked for an Executive Room that costs $112.15 a night, inclusive of breakfast for two persons. But of course, if you prefer a private enclave, you definitely should check out Batam Villas
The Executive Room
The comfortable 53 square metres room features a choice of king or twin size bed with 55-inch flat screen television, safe deposit box, and complimentary mini bar. Although the bathroom is very spacious and is equipped with a bathtub, I was pretty hesitant about using it because when I turned on the bathtub tap, brownish water came out of it and I didn’t want to soak myself in murky waters. If you want mesmerising views, be sure to request a room that overlooks Duriangkang Lake & Forest! You will probably enjoy the large room space that comes along with a living room and a kitchenette.
The Hotel Facilities i.e Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Rooftop Bar
If you have the habit of doing some morning exercises to kickstart your day, you will be pleased to know that the hotel has an infinity pool that overlooks the mesmerising Duriangkang Lake and if you like to do some weightlifting, the hotel has a fitness centre equipped with a basic setup for you to pump some iron.
Best Western Premier Panbil’s full-service restaurant, Andaliman Restaurant, serves Asian and International specialities, including buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Compared to other hotels that we have stayed at in Batam, the buffet breakfast spread at Best Western Premier Panbil is one of the best that we have tried and tasted. Offering multicultural cuisines, from western-styled cereals and bakery goods to local cooked selections and fresh tropical fruits, we were pretty much spoilt for choices as there are also live stations for eggs, noodles, and even Japanese sushi too!
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One of the best spots that we like about the Best Western Premier Panbil hotel is the La Bella Vita Rooftop Bar that is located on the 15th floor of the hotel. Offering the best rooftop view in Batam, La Bella Vita Rooftop Bar serves a variety of alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages & Ala Carte Menu. If you were to ask us, Best Western Premier Panbil hotel is definitely one of the best for a group retreat or get-together session!
The Mini-Bus Shuttle Service
Best Western Premier Panbil offers a mini-bus shuttle service that accommodates hotel guests between the hotel and major landmarks such as Batam Centre Mega Mall and Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall. If you’re keen to use the mini-bus shuttle service to get around Batam, be sure to reserve your spot with the hotel staffs at the front desk/concierge desk as they get filled up pretty fast!
Our Preferred Massage & Spa Partner- Spa Central Batam @ Nagoya Hill
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This may sound bias but the folks at Spa Central Batam have been our long-time friend for many years now and it is always a pleasure for us to visit them whenever we’re in Batam.
There are plenty of massage and spa operators in Batam and it can be quite hard to decide which one to go because there are just so many options. Now, if you haven’t been to Batam or if you have been frequenting Batam but you haven’t found the perfect massage and spa place, may we suggest that you consider Spa Central Batam @ Nagoya Hill?
Spa Central Batam has got two outlets; one in Sukajadi (Batam Centre) and the other in Nagoya Hill. If Nagoya Hill Shopping Mall is part of your itinerary, you might want to consider including a massage and spa session at Spa Central Batam (Nagoya). With sessions as short as 30 minutes to a long session that can occupy you for half a day; there are a lot of options for you to choose from.
Why we love Spa Central Batam @ Nagoya?
Firstly, Spa Central Batam @ Nagoya is Spa Central Batam’s latest outlet and the entire spa experience is designed from scratch. Owned by a Singaporean couple, you can expect 5-star service and treatment, all at a very affordable price! For the Top-to-Toe spa package lasting 4.5 hours that we experienced, it costs only about S$145 per person and it consists of a foot bath, 90-minute aromatherapy massage, 30-minute body scrub, 60-minute hair spa, 60-minute facial, 30-minute foot reflexology and a lunch main course with a drink!
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Secondly, the massage and spa therapists are all professionally trained and the ambience is really soothing, cosy, and clean. With a social mission to equip women and single mothers with massage therapy skills to make a living and help them break out of the poverty cycle, be rest assured that the money you spend at Spa Central Batam will go towards charitable causes.
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Last but not least, all you married couples with children/toddlers can now rejoice! Spa Central Batam @ Nagoya will soon be equipped with childcare facilities that will keep your children engaged and occupied so that both of you can enjoy a temporary respite from the busyness of life while indulging in a pampering spa massage and therapy session.
The Number 1 Restaurant in Batam- Anchor Café and Roastery
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Anchor Café and Roastery has overtaken Bella Italia Restaurant as the number 1 Restaurant in Batam on TripAdvisor. Offering a hearty menu that comprises appetisers, main courses and desserts; Anchor Café and Roastery should definitely be on the itinerary for Café Hoppers.
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When we were there, we had their All-Day Breakfast Sets, Chicken Tenders, a Lemon Meringue Pie, and a cup of Mocha Coffee. The portions are really huge and for the price that we paid, we felt that it was pretty worth it. Furthermore, Anchor Café and Roastery’s coffees are really exceptional because the owner has built direct trade relationships with coffee farmers throughout Indonesia.
The Best Souvenir to Get in Batam- Kueh Lapis
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Layer Cakes (Kueh Lapis) remain the best souvenir to get in Batam and the best place to get it would be Diana Layer Cakes. They don’t take in orders through Facebook anymore but you can still drop by their place or give them a call. For a 1KG layer cake from Diana Layer Cakes, the cost is about S$25 and it is one third the price of what you can get in Singapore.
Well, we hope that this refreshed guide to Batam has been helpful and if you have any questions for us, don’t hesitate to drop us an email or comment.
A new chapter to a distinctive and unforgettable whiskey adventure story opens this month with the launch of The Whiskey Library. Ensconced within the ornate and luxurious interior of The Vagabond Club- Singapore’s preeminent luxury boutique hotel with 41 individualistic and elegantly appointed rooms and suites; the Whiskey Library offers over 1,000 bottles of thoughtfully curated rare and refined award-winning whiskies from around the world, and comes with a Membership Programme to beguile guests with a love of whiskey and give them access to the captivating vagabond experience.
Adventure awaits within the vintage art deco exterior of The Vagabond Club. Each room within the luxurious hotel is an oasis of comfort and calm bathed in natural light, bearing the touch of the genius French designer Jacques Garcia, executed in his renowned over-the-top, maximalist panache with Parisian-chic flair.
With the unique Membership Programme, guests who sign up will enjoy 10-room nights at The Vagabond Club (fully transferrable) as part of the S$3,000 annual membership fee.
Members will also have privileged access to 80 lockers, each with its own gilded and tasselled key, evocative of a bygone era of old world charm and hospitality, kept on-site in a specially designed wood-crafted armoire placed in a private space at The Vagabond Club’s salon.
Each locker will store up to 15 bottles of whiskey. Members can bring one of their own bottles for every two bottles purchased at The Whiskey Library. Members will also enjoy special bottle pricing, access to the Vagabond Club gym, and reserved seating at regular Whiskey Club events and experiences.
Each bottle at The Whiskey Library has been carefully collected from the finest distilleries from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, the US and other countries around the globe, with the collection comprising predominantly single cask and limited-edition bottles. Just as with a great literary work, each bottle is a unique work of art that stirs the imagination, beguiles the mind and excites the spirit.
The creator behind The Whiskey Library is luxury hotelier Satinder Garcha. Motivated by his love and passion for artistry, Garcha has spent two years bringing his dream to realisation.
“What started out as a vacation with friends travelling around Scotland and visiting distilleries soon turned into an eye-opening journey of discovery; a discovery of the depth of craftsmanship, the artistry, the culture and the incredible history behind whiskey making. These elements combined inspired me to bring these untold stories to Singapore where anyone and everyone can experience the profound pleasure of enjoying truly great whiskies,” says Garcha.
“No two bottles are the same. Each is unique, each has its own story, and many bottles will be unfamiliar even to the most experienced connoisseur. To me whiskey is art, and the craftsmanship behind our whiskies in The Whiskey Library is truly astonishing,” adds Garcha.
Designed for what Garcha calls “a club for vagabonds seeking a unique and hidden experience”, the warm and beautifully appointed Whiskey Library hosts up to 75 guests who, while relaxing and enjoying their whiskies, will be entertained with bespoke experiences such as specially curated sung and told Jazz stories, intimate theatre, book readings, artist evenings, musical showcases, and even independent film premieres. Guests will also be able to enjoy delightful small bites prepared by the Chef de cuisine at The Vagabond Club.
In keeping with the theme of artistry and luxury, the vitrines housing the whiskey collection and other crafted white spirits were designed and hand-crafted by local woodsman Mr Ng – one of the few remaining craftsmen in Singapore who continues to create unique furniture pieces. Designed to enhance the decadent elements of the hotel surrounds, the armoires feature brass claw feet to complement the similarly brass Allahbuksh-designed Rhino reception desk.
Akin to the Allahbuksh family from Rajasthan who crafted the enchanting Banyan Trees at The Vagabond Club, Mr Ng has contributed much to the artistry ambience in Garcha’s hotel portfolio.
Bespoke elements such as artisanal ice and an international selection of the finest of cigars, together with the extensive collection of whiskeys, bourbons, and other crafted spirits bring a truly complete and unique experience to guests of The Whiskey Library.
The Whiskey LIbrary is perhaps one of the world’s great whiskey bars! Check them out today!
The comfortable 53 square metres room features a choice of king or twin size bed with 55-inch flat screen television, safe deposit box, and complimentary mini bar. Although the bathroom is very spacious and is equipped with a bathtub, I was pretty hesitant about using it because when I turned on the bathtub tap, brownish water came out of it and I didn’t want to soak myself in murky waters. If you want mesmerising views, be sure to request a room that overlooks Duriangkang Lake & Forest! You will probably enjoy the large room space that comes along with a living room and a kitchenette.
Best Western Premier Panbil’s full-service restaurant, Andaliman Restaurant, serves Asian and International specialities, including buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Compared to other hotels that we have stayed at in Batam, the buffet breakfast spread at Best Western Premier Panbil is one of the best that we have tried and tasted. Offering multicultural cuisines, from western-styled cereals and bakery goods to local cooked selections and fresh tropical fruits, we were pretty much spoilt for choices as there are also live stations for eggs, noodles, and even Japanese sushi too!
Adventure awaits within the vintage art deco exterior of The Vagabond Club. Each room within the luxurious hotel is an oasis of comfort and calm bathed in natural light, bearing the touch of the genius French designer Jacques Garcia, executed in his renowned over-the-top, maximalist panache with Parisian-chic flair.
With the unique Membership Programme, guests who sign up will enjoy 10-room nights at The Vagabond Club (fully transferrable) as part of the S$3,000 annual membership fee.
Each locker will store up to 15 bottles of whiskey. Members can bring one of their own bottles for every two bottles purchased at The Whiskey Library. Members will also enjoy special bottle pricing, access to the Vagabond Club gym, and reserved seating at regular Whiskey Club events and experiences.
In keeping with the theme of artistry and luxury, the vitrines housing the whiskey collection and other crafted white spirits were designed and hand-crafted by local woodsman Mr Ng – one of the few remaining craftsmen in Singapore who continues to create unique furniture pieces. Designed to enhance the decadent elements of the hotel surrounds, the armoires feature brass claw feet to complement the similarly brass Allahbuksh-designed Rhino reception desk.