Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Jakarta Amusement Parks – A Wonderful Day Of Family Fun!

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Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia that is a dynamic combination of chaos, culture and charm. The nightclubs in the city are famous and range from those that offer live music to local pop tracks and the best in international music. The cuisine in Indonesia derives influences from other neighbouring countries but has its own unique blend that offers a unique gastronomical experience. There are many local products such as the native crafts and batik to purchase and take home as a memory of your travels here.

When considering the many tourist activities one can enjoy in the city with the whole family, Jakarta offers a good range of theme parks that feature nature, culture and fun filled family entertainment. There are four theme parks to visit in the city; Dunia Fantasia, Senayan Amusement Park, Jaya Ancol Dreamland and Sea World.

Located in Osaka Bay, Jaya Ancol is the largest theme park in the city. Within Jaya Ancol one will find Sea World, Marina Beach, Dunia Fantasia, Atlantis Water Park and an open market Pasar Seni. Sea World on Taman Ria Ancol features more than 4,000 fish and as many as 300 sharks in a large oceanarium. Walk through and see a diverse range of marine species up close whilst children will eagerly absorb all the information available, in this fun and engaging atmosphere.

There are many other popular attractions in Jakarta that are worth seeing and experiencing. The old town of Taman Fatahillah, Museum Bahari, Ragunan Zoo, the port Sunda Kelapa, Museum Nasional, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Monas, the church by the name of Geraja Sion, Museum Wayang and Klub Golf Cengkareng.

When travelling to Jakarta one would have to make an online reservation for accommodation well in advance. There is the stand alone hotel room, but for those who wish to have the comforts of living at home abroad will find that Jakarta serviced apartments would be the ideal choice. A modern serviced residence in Jakarta, Ascott Jakarta offers a centrally located base and provides a good range of services for a comfortable and memorable stay in the capital.

Rise of Original Art Galleries in Koh Phangan

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In recent years Koh Phangan has become well known as a focus for arts, handicrafts, jewellery, batiks and more. There are numerous art galleries in the island which present attractive displays of local artworks. Koh Phangan art is esteemed for its quality and originality, and art galleries present some of the finest works of local artists. Artists will even create personal artworks according to the requirement of the visitor.

Selective travellers choosing Koh Phangan hotels will find an ideal choice in the Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa, Thailand. One of the outstanding Koh Phangan resorts this attractive rest offers exemplary accommodations and service.

Superb Vector Arena

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The magnificent Vector Arena is a state of the art multipurpose performance arena situated in the hub of Auckland’s Central Business District. A splendid performance venue which has attracted the most popular names in the entertainment field, the arena has the distinction of being New Zealand’s initial totally multifunctional arena. From banquets to theatre, conventions, exhibitions and sports events, Vector Arena has the capability to host them all. The selective visitor who desires one of the fine hotels in Auckland will find suitable accommodations in the Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand. These excellent New Zealand hotels offer exemplary accommodations and service.

New York Philharmonic Orchestra – making music for decades

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The New York Philharmonic Orchestra or the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York is housed under the Avery Fisher Hall at New York’s Lincoln Centre. Founded in 1842 it is the oldest symphonic institution of America. The Orchestra’s 14000th concert was a record setter and was held in the year 2004. Watch the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in action while staying at any New York Luxury Hotel and uncover the beauty and wonder of the city. An ideal choice would be The Peninsula New York, a fine choice among the many lavish and hospitable accommodation found throughout the city. This Fifth Avenue Hotel New York is home to provides impeccable amenities together with superior service to make your holiday a truly memorable one.

Enthralling Dragon Dancing

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The Dragon Dance which has its origin in Chinese tradition is performed at celebrations in Thailand such as the Chinese New Year and the culmination of the Vegetarian Festival. On the latter occasion a vibrantly colourful parade travels a distance of 2 km amidst festivities and revelry. The Dragon Dance is typically performed by several men as they hold up the elongated form of the dragon with poles.

The selective traveller desiring 5 star hotels in Bangkok will find an outstanding rest in the Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Thailand. One of the superior Bangkok resort this excellent accommodation is noted for its fine rooms and courteous service.

Elephant Safari Park Of Desa Taro – A Bali Landmark

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The Elephant Safari Park of Desa Taro was officially opened by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism in 2000, following three years of intense development. The park occupies a space of over two hectares, and is a member of the World Zoo Association, meeting stringent guidelines for animal care. Beautifully landscaped, the verdant park is surrounded by lush forests, and is widely considered the best elephant park in the world. The extensive facilities include a plush reception area and an information/resource centre where visitors can learn more about the park and the elephants living there. It also has a museum which contains an amazing collection of elephant related memorabilia and even the skeleton of a Woolly Mammoth, which is over 15,000 years old.

Visitors can get souvenirs at the well stocked gift shop. The products on sale are pachyderm-centric, and one can find elephant themed jewellery, clothes, carvings and even elephant and mammoth ivory (legally obtained). There is a restaurant with a seating capacity for around 200 people. The restaurant is adjacent to the lake, and patrons can enjoy the spectacular view while dining. Of course the main attraction here is the elephants and visitors will get an opportunity to observe elephants playing, bathing and even painting- some of these paintings can be bought at the gift shop. Visitors will also be able to touch, feed and ride the gentle giants. The safari park doubles as a sanctuary, and most of the elephants here have lost their habitat due to heavy deforestation in certain parts of the country.


The safari park is located in the village of Desa Taro, which is about half an hour north of Ubud. The park is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Visitors are required to pay an admission fee, and there is a separate fee for those who want to take an elephant ride. However, a special discount is offered for those who pay for the ride along with the admission fee. Tourists with time to spare should consider going on a moonlit safari, it is sure to be an experience to remember.

Bali is one of the most popular southern retreats, due to its accessibility. It is easy to find accommodation here to fit a variety of budgets, from hostels to luxury villas Bali. Tourists looking for luxury villas in Bali can try Alila Villas Soori. The hotel’s elegant design will cocoon guests in comfort and tranquillity.

Nightlife in KL – dance the night away

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Kuala Lumpur comes alive at night as the city centre draws in youngsters, night owls and party goers to the many restaurants, clubs, bars, pubs and Karoke lounges scattered across town. The afterhours in Kula Lumpur are dominated by the night club scene, but also gives way to dinners in cosy restaurants and a good time at a lively bar. Although the urbanized city area allows for night time activities, because Malaysia is home to a Muslim community, the nightlife in KL does not go beyond 3am. You can become a part of the exciting nightlife in Kula Lumpur while staying at any hotel in Bukit Bintang. Among the best options for accommodation in Malaysia are Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. Providing superior service and world class amenities they stand parallel to the finest Kuala Lumpur hotel in Malaysia.

Enthralling Phuket FantaSea Show

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The Phuket FantaSea is the Thai island’s most acclaimed show. Here you will see hundreds of performers including trapeze artists, as well as performing elephants and other creatures. A mesmerizing storyline blends fantasy and tradition providing great entertainment for spectators. FantaSea also offers a grand buffet and visitors may try out the activities at the theme park in which it is located. Guests may try their hand at the carnival themed games or go shopping at the numerous local stores.

When selecting a Patong beach resort an outstanding choice would be the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. This excellent Phuket resort provides comfortable accommodations and courteous hospitality.

Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012 – rich tastes, fragrant smells and mouth watering spectacles

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The consecutive fourth episode of Gourmet Abu Dhabi is to be held from the 8th to the 23rd of February 2012. The event focuses on highlighting the culinary wonders of Abu Dhabi while establishing it as a destination for international cuisine. This lifestyle and gastronomic festival derives around the theme of culture and cuisine of the Middle East. Indulge your senses in rich taste, fragrant smell and mouth watering spectacles at Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2012. If you are looking to stay at one of the best Abu Dhabi Hotels, an ideal choice would be accommodation options provided by Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Providing one of the most lavish and hospitable resorts among the many Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels available, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas offer inimitable amenities together with superior service to make your holiday a truly memorable one.

True Heritage of Maldives through Handicrafts

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Maldives is a country made up of over 1000 small islands. Each of these islands – most of which are uninhabited – are each renowned for a particular type of handicraft in which the people of that island have specialized in over the years. Of course this is not a strict separation.

Handicrafts of the Maldives have always held a special place among visitors to the island. History also indicates manners in which Maldivian handicrafts made their way to prestigious and prominent persons and countries.

Weaving of mats is a popular and well known handicraft. The Gaafu Dhaalu atoll includes an island named Gadhdhoo which has for long years been prominent in mat weaving. These mats, which are hand woven, are made with dried rushes and grass. These mats are used for various purposes depending on their intricacies and value and can be used as prayer mats, mats for sitting, eating or sleeping. Mats gifted to British and Dutch Governors in Ceylon in the past were sometimes trimmed with gold lace work as well.

The Baa atoll’s Thulaadhoo island prides itself on its lacquer ware. Wooden items such as boxes of various sizes, vases, pots, musical instruments are all intricately decorated with elaborate artistic patterns in rich yellow, red and black colours.

Jewellery making is also a much sought after Maldivian handicraft. Goldsmiths and silver smiths create beautiful jewellery in Ribudhoo and Hulhedeli islands respectively. With the increase in tourism sea related items used in handicrafts and jewellery have received much prominence due to their popularity. Jewellery made from mother of pearl, coral, seashell, black coral, and turtle shell are the traditional materials used. However turtle shell and black coral have been banned as these living creatures are endangered and nearing extinction. Items made with these materials are also forbidden to be exported out of the country.

These Maldivian handicrafts find their way into the National Handicraft Centre in Maldives as well as certain shopping areas, markets and small selling points operated by natives. When coming for a visit, if a traveller seeks a Maldives hotel or more specifically Maldives island resorts then there are plenty to choose from. Naladhu, Maldives with its luxurious amenities will certainly be a good choice.