The Forbidden City, China

The Forbidden City is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largesrt ancient palatial structure in the world. It also named Palace Museum, is the most magnificent and splendid palace complex in China and one of the five world-famous palaces with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in the U.S. and the Kremlin in Russia.

The Forbidden City covers an area of about 72 hectares with a total floor space of approximately 150, 000 square meters. It consists of 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms. To represent the supreme power of the emperor given from God, and the place where he lived being the center of the world, all the gates, palace and other structures of the Forbidden City were arranged about the south-north central axis of Beijing. It also listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987 and today, the Forbidden City is one of the world's most famous tourist attractions and lately becoming ever more popular with film crews who pay a hefty price to film Chinese period pieces.

The price to get into the Forbidden City is pretty high, around 60 RMB but you will easily while away a couple of hours here.  For an additional 20 RMB or so, you can purchase an audio tour in one of many languages.  This tour is world-class.  The English version is done by Roger Moore (of James Bond fame).  Together with some sound effects he expertly guides you through the complex

Getting there?

Getting to the Forbidden City couldn't be easier.  It is located at the rear of Tiananmen Square. You can go to theTiananmen East (116) or Tiananmen West (117) Line 1 subway and walk behind Mao's picture. You are not recommended go by taxi to the Forbidden City unless you live a long way away as the taxis cannot easily park near the south entrance.  Instead you can go by subway or walk from Wangfujing Street. 

Perhentian Island, Malaysia

Located at the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. About 21 km off shores the remote town of Kuala Besut. There are two lovely unspoiled island lie amidst exquisitely clear waters. The island comprises Pulau Perhentian Besar (The Big Island) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (The Small Island). Located just off the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine Park, Perhentian's coral-fringed waters have excellent underwater seascapes for snorkelling and scuba diving. 

Of the two islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil is more geared towards backpackers. Here, you'll find a wide range of budget options for both food and accommodation. Pulau Perhentian Besar, on the other hand, is more developed and therefore offers better facilities. Nevertheless, there are chalets, dormitories and campsites on both islands.

Getting there?

To get to the Perhentian Island, the only way to go there is by the sea especially a boat services from Kuala Besut. Boat from Kuala Besut to Perhentian Island take about 1/2 hour journey by fast boat and 1 1/2 hour by slow boat.

By Car  - Kuala Besut (the town you take ferries to Perhentian), is located south of Kota Bahru and north of Kuala Terengganu. Driving to Kuala Besut takes approximately 8hrs from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur, take route 2 to Kuantan, then either take route 14 or route 3(a more scenic route) to Kuala Terengganu. Continue on route 3 until you reach Jertih. Follow road signs from Jertih to Kuala Besut (route 84).

By Train - Closest station is Wakaf Bharu. From Wakaf Bharu to Kuala Besut, taxis cost around RM65. From Singapore, trains take about 13hrs30min, Trains depart nightly From Kuala Lumpur, Express Wau and Express Kenali departs daily from KLSentral station.

Toba Lake, Indonesia

Lake Toba known as Danau Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the world and is in Sumatra, Indonesia. Lake Toba is 100 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide, and 505 metres at its deepest level. Lake Toba formed in a volcanic eruption around 75,000 years ago and was the largest in 25 million years. Lake Toba is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Indonesia. It is just a few hours drive from Indonesia’s third largest city Medan.

Samosir Island is located in the center of the lake. Ferries regularly depart from Parapat to take to you Samosir Island. Most of the hotels and guesthouses are located in the area of Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island. For your information, Samosir island within the lake is the island within the island of Sumatra. Many people who go to Lake Toba plan to only spend a few days there, but often those days turn into weeks!

Getting there?

Parapat is the gateway to Danao Toba. Tourists can fly into Medan International Airport and then transfer by bus or minivan to Parapat about 4 hours. From here it usually takes less than 2 hours to ferry to Samosir Island, where the main attractions are located.

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa in Malay means peace and tranquility, has transformed and evolved over the years. The island offers a great numbers of attractions to tourists and visited by some five million people a year. You could easily spend days in this island full of fun filled activities.

They are many beaches in Sentosa such Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach. They are pure ecstatic. Each beach has it own characteristics. Just grabbed a book and work on your tan. The sunny island does give you a very good complete tan. Bring your lotion!

Getting there?

By Cable Car  - Cable cars depart from the top of Mount Faber and from the World Trade Center daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Plan at least one trip on the cable car because the view of Singapore, Sentosa, and especially the container port is fantastic from up there. The round-trip cable car ticket is also good for a return on the ferry, in case you have had enough view.

By Ferry - The ferry departs from the World Trade Center on weekdays from 9:30 am to 9 p.m. at 20-minute intervals, and on weekends and public holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 15-minute intervals.

By Sentosa Express - Take the Sentosa Express located on Level 3 VivoCity (Lobby L) then alight at Waterfront Station. A flat fee of S$3.00 applies.

Phuket Island, Thailand

Phuket Island is Thailand's largest island and nestles against the Indian Ocean Coast some 870 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket derives its wealth from tin and rubber, is blessed with teeming marine life, and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history. 

Phuket is also one of the major Asian gateways for ocean cruises.  Recently a new concept has emerged: Spa Cruises. Combining Thai traditional ways of relaxing the body and mind with all amenities of an up-market cruise. Another reason to visit Phuket is for the beaches and warm water where the tropical sun give you a tan all year round.

 

Getting there?

By Air - The compact Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island, and is Thailand's second largest hub, second only to Bangkok. There are very frequent flights to/from Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and direct charters to Europe and Australia in the high season.

By Road - Phuket is directly connected to the mainland by the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, thence through Ranong province’s Kra Buri and Kapoe districts, Phang-nga province’s Takua Pa and Thai Muang districts and onto Phuket island. The total distance is 862km.

By Sea - Ferry services connect from Rassada Port in Phuket Town to KO Phi Phi and on to Krabi on the mainland twice a day, taking 90 minutes and costing 350/650 baht one-way/return, for each leg. It's usually a pleasant ride, but can be rather bumpy when it's windy. There are also speedboats to Ko Racha, the Similan Islands and other islands in the high season only. Boats and yachts can be chartered at Chalong Bay, the Boot Lagoon, the Yacht Haven and Royal Phuket Marina.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Tioman Island is a small island located  in the state of Pahang, Malaysia, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. Tioman Island is popular by the scuba diving activities. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status. Tioman Island is one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots in Malaysia and in the world.

Getting there?

By Air - Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights to Tioman Island from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

By Road - Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor, are two take-off points toTioman.Tanjumg Gemok is a three-and-half-hour drive via the North-South Expressway. Visitors can exit at the Senawang Interchange, and proceed to Muadzam Shah and Rompin before arriving at Tanjung Gemok. To get to Mersing from Kuala Lumpur, exit at Kluang in Johor on the North-South Expressway.

By Sea - The island is accessible by boat from the jetties in Mersing. The ride takes about one hour and thirty minutes, depending on sea conditions.