Author Archives: pushpitha

Upcoming Festivals in Indonesia – a unique blend of culture and colour

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Indonesia is undoubtedly a top-notch destination in terms of culture, outdoor activities and holiday retreats that one would always want to be a part of. The festivals and events play a major role in showcasing the country’s rich cultural influences of which some go back in time. If one is searching for luxury hotels, Indonesia affords plenty of opportunities to select one that will suit your budget. Starwood Indonesia which features amongst Indonesia 5 star hotels will entice you with a truly memorable experience that will give you the time and space to discover a host of all the upcoming festivals in the country.
October sees the ever popular and engaging Kuta Karnival Bali Food Festival which sees foodies the world over commune in Bali for a true taste of local delicacies. Be sure to head over in time so that you might exhibit your culinary skills too. This mega food event will witness lines of food stalls selling mouth-watering cuisine, a children’s playground, DJ music and a variety of other entertainment just to keep you going. The 3rd Indonesia Halal Expo 2013 is scheduled to be held at the Jakarta International Exhibition Centre from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November and showcase all the latest trends and innovations that have arisen in the Halal industry. The areas of culture and development will see the inaugural World Culture in Development Forum being held from 24th – 29th November 2013 in Bali. In addition to the conference that will see global leaders from over 40 countries in attendance, an Art Olympiad, Festival of Cultural Films and a People’s Carnival that is hoped to attract those from all countries of the world.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Dongzhi Festival – arrival of winter

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Referred to as the Winter Solstice Festival, the Donghzi Festival is one the most spectacular events celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry by the Chinese. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on the 21st of December 2013 and choosing the luxury of a Hong Kong hotel would be a good way of planning your holiday during this time. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong which is a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has to offer would be a good option to consider.

The festival which is believed to have originated from the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony is a classic example of local culture and tradition. Observers in southern China would be able to witness families engaged in the making and eating of tangyuan or which are balls of glutinous rice, an act which symbolises reunion. However dumplings are favoured by those Chinese who live in northern China which is a practice that originated during the times of the Hang Dynasty. Tradition requires people to commune at their respective ancestral temples to offer prayers for the rich harvest and in the hope that the New Year would be more prosperous and joyous. Feast your eyes on the traditions and beliefs of the Chinese during the Dongzhi Festival.

Mubadala Tennis Championship – a spectacle of Tennis

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The soaring nation of the United Arab Emirates is indeed taking the limelight in so many areas. It boasts architecture that is simply out of this world and hosts an array of exhibitions, performances and even sporting events. There is not a single quiet month in the UAE. Every month bustles with some sort of activity and every month enjoys planeloads of visitors. Tourism is a flourishing industry in the UAE. With all the perks that await anyone stepping into this land of luxury, this fact really comes as no surprise.

The locals are huge sports fans. Soccer is the primary game that they have loved over decades but of late this list is expanding. Since the year 2009 Abu Dhabi has played host to the World Tennis Championship that is also referred to as the Mubadala World Tennis Championship . This event is a singles tennis exhibition tournament that has enhanced the sport of Tennis in UAE in a big way. The tournament is a major event in the Abu Dhabi calendar and this in itself is quite a huge crowd puller. The event is scheduled to take place between the 26th and 28th December and the World’s number one player Novak Djokovic will be back in Abu Dhabi to defend his Mubadala Championship that he has proudly held for a good 3 years.

This Championship Tennis tournament draws in participants from all nations around the world and takes place in the highest of standards. The location of the event is the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex found in the Zayed Sports City. Every year the tournament is a ravenous battle where players fight for the US $250,000 ‘winner takes all’ grand prize. In addition to the nail biting tournament, there is ample activity behind the scenes as well. You can watch plenty of off-court Tennis action in the Village, see player’s coach tennis clinics, get autographs signed and the kids will surely love the question time.

After all the exciting matches, come home to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These UAE hotels with its many perks and unmatched luxury, is one of the finest Middle East hotels there is.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Abu Dhabi Corporate Games 2013 – The Olympics of the Corporate World

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The Abu Dhabi Corporate Games can without a doubt be called the Olympics of the Corporate World. Several companies take part in an array of different sports showing their sportsmanship and team effort. This in turn strengthens the bond of staff members within the company and serves as a platform to get to know the other companies and their staff members at a more casual level. Lasting friendships are created through this fun and entertaining weekend.

The Abu Dhabi Corporate Games is certainly an event waited for in the calendar. Companies create their best teams by training and gearing staff members to do their best and bring the cup back home – in this case to the company. The spirit at these games is unbeatable and adds a sense of excitement and expectation in the working group altogether. There are 21 sports to choose from such as Badminton, Basket Ball, Volleyball, Chess, Cricket, Dragon Boat, Golf, Go Karting, Paintball, Running, Shooting, Tennis, Soccer and Table Tennis. With such a huge choice each company is bound to have a substantial team for a couple of events. The Corporate Games for the year 2013 is scheduled to take place between the 12th and the 14th of December at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi. Throughout the past the Corporate Games have always proven to be a huge success and this year the event is expecting around 3500 participants representing more than a hundred different organisations. Without a doubt this is the World’s Largest Multi Sport Festival for the Corporate World. Be a part of the excitement, entertainment and cheer this December and get a taste of the unique corporate culture in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE is one amazing destination to explore. It boasts rich Arabian culture, unmatched entertainment and one of the most exotic and modern cityscapes. One just cannot tire holidaying in UAE. While exploring and enjoying yourself in this part of the world, stay at the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. These UAE Hotels with its many perks and facilities happen to be the finest of all the Middle East Hotels.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Spring Lantern Festival – a joyous occasion

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The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities.

The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day.

As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, markets, hotels, restaurants and other places. In Hong Kong each year a spectacular lantern exhibition is held at the Cultural Centre. The beautiful creations are illuminated each evening and members of the public have the opportunity to examine these wondrous creations.

Unlike the ubiquitous simple red Chinese lanterns these painstakingly crafted masterworks are constructed in many different colours, shapes and forms. Many correspond to the current Chinese year; for example in the Year of the Tiger one may expect to find numerous tiger shaped lanterns. Additionally the central themes vary from one year to the next, with the various Chinese auspicious symbols also being highlighted. One of these is the pomegranate which signifies fertility and many offspring; another is the goldfish which symbolises wealth and prosperity.

At the same venue you will also find the Spring Lantern Carnival, another festive highlight which will enthral the visitor. This event features a number of performances and displays presented by different troupes, such as folk songs and dance, instrumental performances and acrobatic displays. You will also find a diverse selection of folk handicrafts displays which demonstrate arts such as lantern making, dragon making, paper cutting, traditional paintings and so on.

With all these festivities to look forward to the Spring Lantern Festival in Hong Kong is sure to be a delightful occasion for visitors to the city.

Visitors who desire convenient Hong Kong serviced apartments will be pleased by the Citadines Ashley Hong Kong. This appealing serviced accommodation Hong Kong offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

Part of the Crowd – New Year in Hong Kong

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In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying.

One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around.

The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates with New Years’ Eve in Hong Kong. Viewers are offered great pyrotechnics, a combination of fireworks and laser wizardry that is set off from boats in front of Victoria Harbour’s high rises to the accompaniment of funky music. According to many it is best viewed from the water, while enjoying a dinner cruise. Views from the great open space on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui are also said to be quite incredible.

Another way to celebrate the dawning of a New Year is to join the party at Lan Kwai Fong where some of the best restaurants and bars are. Most places will have big cover charges and others will have all inclusive deals. Again the place will be choked with people making movement impossible. Buying some drinks outside and enjoying it on the streets here may be a cheaper way of seeing in the New Year.

The city’s many luxury hotels also offer dinner and dance packages with free drinks. In this rarefied atmosphere there will be beautifully dressed people, fine meals, wonderful music, no crowds, Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight when champagne corks are popped and confetti and streamers fall down from the ceiling. The hotels will also offer some of the best views of the fireworks over the harbour. The events at the best known luxury hotels are the most in demand during this time.

Then there are other more cost effective and less raucous ways to see the New Year in. Climbing to the top of the 934 meter Lantau Peak, Hong Kong’s best look out to see the first rays of the sun on New Years’ day is a fantastic idea. Having a barbecue at one of the city’s 21 public barbecue sites in its parks is another.

When in Hong Kong for business or leisure a location that allows speedy access to destinations is an important factor. Cosmo Hotel in Wan Chai, a popular Hong Kong boutique hotel offers not only an ideal location but an impressive array of guest rooms in different configurations to accommodate individual guests and families in comfort. Take advantage of offers and promotions to stay at this 4 star hotel Hong Kong that offers a great location, much appreciated facilities and services for a great price.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Loy Krathong – The Glowing Festival

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One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky.

The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which corresponds to somewhere in the end of November. The festival is devoted to the Goddess of water, Mae Kongha, as a means to thank her for sustenance and as a prayer for good fortune in the year that follows. The celebrations during Loy Krathong are grand and pompous and are glorified by the loud concerts, beauty pageants, and the endless family celebrations. Everywhere you wander, you would be treated with an array of delicious Thai goodies. There is color, festivity, laughter and Thai flavors; the perfect combination for the perfect celebration.

Loy Krathong is symbolized by two primary ritualistic acts; the Krathong and the Khom. The Krathong is actually a miniature raft made from banana leaves and lotus flowers with a number of incense sticks and candles inserted at the top. It is a crafty little raft whose flame from the candle is believed to carry one’s bad memories away. With this in mind, the raft is set to sail along the Chayo Phraya River of Thailand, illuminating the waters with a magical glow. The Khom, which are the flying lanterns are also set up in the sky for the exact same reason. Here again, the fire is thought to carry away one’s bad memories of the past, giving believers a fresh start with the new season.

Experience a welcome dose of the enchanting festival of Loy Krathong and you will truly be rejuvenated. To experience this ultimate bliss, stay at the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, as you will find that this Phuket Resort is known for its impeccable location and un-matched luxury, and is ranked an excellent Patong beach resort amongst tourists who visit the region.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Doha Carbon and Energy forum – sustainable energy practices

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Renowned for its contribution towards energy efficiency and carbon capture, the Doha Carbon and Energy Forum is scheduled to take place at Qatar National Convention centre from the 10th to the 13th of November 2013. Should you be one of the delegates and is looking for a Doha hotel to stay at, why not consider the Millennium Hotel Doha. This hotel in Doha located in close proximity to the centre would prove to be a convenient and enjoyable choice of lodging.
The event which will be jointly organised by Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil and the Qatar Foundation will yet again serve as a sound platform where industry experts will hold discussions on variety of topics and pressing issues. The interactive workshops will focus on important categories such as solar energy, carbon capture and storage, energy efficiency and climate change. Each of these topics will focus on careful analysis from perspective of technology and research development, industrial development and application & regulatory and policy framework.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

The Big 5 – International Building and Constructing Show 2013 – Building a sound future

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Staying true to its name – the Big 5 is considered to be the biggest and grandest stage of them all in terms of the booming construction industry in the Middle East. The event which is scheduled to be held between the 25th and 28th of November 2013 at Dubai’s World Trade Centre should be on your itinerary if in the vicinity. Of all the 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer tourists, select Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai which will offer you a perfect stay during the event. Such Dubai luxury hotels would pave the way for you to enjoy the Big 5 and all it has to offer.

The construction show which has been organised for the past 30 years serves as a platform where professionals in the construction industry commune to discuss the future of the industry. The Big 5 which is known to attract trade professionals, architecture and design personnel, investment executives etc is tipped to be a major event in the area and will witness likeminded individuals strategise their future plans for the betterment of the construction industry which continues to contribute to the economy of the Emirate.

Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens 2013 – When the actions sets in

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From bone-crunching tackles, scintillating moves to the most dazzling of tries, experience the height of excitement in the desert at the Emirates Airline Dubai Ruby Sevens 2013. The tournament now in its 44th year is longest-running sporting event in the Middle East and will be held from the 28th of November to the 30th of November. For those looking for Dubai luxury hotels, a good option would be Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai which is one of the 5 star hotels Dubai is famous for.

Scheduled to be held at ‘The Sevens’ which is a purpose built stadium complex that houses seven pitches is sure to capture the attention of the world yet again. With all the leading Rugby playing countries tipped to scrum down, the sevens would be the perfect holiday out in the sun. Other than Rugby, the event will afford access to a host of leisure facilities for the whole family. Try the ‘What’s on Ball Surf Competition’ by making a giant Rugby ball surf the crowd. Take the kids over to the Rugby Village where they can enjoy the company numerous passing challenges or the HSBC’s World of Sport which offers access to sports like Football and Golf.