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TANG DYNASTY CITY SINGAPORE
2007-04-12 17:39:00
This theme park, which is at the corner of Yuan Ching Road and Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, recreates ancient Chang'an, or Xian, the capital of the Tang dynasty. Xian was where China's golden age flourished from 6AD to 8AD.This elaborate theme park, which is surrounded by 10-m high stone walls, provides an admirable attention to detail. There's a main street with shops, restaurants, temples, a court house and a geisha house, all done in the style of the Tang period.You can go for a Silk Road camel ride, or go for a buffet lunch where Chinese acrobats will perform. Alternatively, attend craft demonstrations or historical displays which feature such items as a reproduction of the famous terracota army in Xian, China. There's also a wax museum which features a talking statue of Mao and other figures from Chinese history.Tang Dynasty City is open from 9.30 am to 6.30 PM daily. Admission is SGD15.45 for adults and SGD10.30 for children.
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SINGAPORE SCIENCE CENTER
2007-04-12 17:37:00
The Sing apore Science Cent re (510, Upper Jurong Road, tel: 4252500) was created as a fun way to educate children on the wonders of science, and it's a great experience for the entire family. Here you'll find over 600 interactive exhibits, such as the Aviation Gallery which demonstrates the principles of flight, and gives you an account of how man first explored the skies. Don't miss the latest offering at the OmniMax Theatre, which offers 3-D IMAX movies on topics which have ranged from the Great Pyramids to great amusement park rides to life on the moon. The Singapore Science Centre is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily, and admission is SGD3 for adults, SGD1.50 for youths of 3 to 16 years, and SGD2.50 for senior citizens.
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HAW PAR VILLA SINGAPORE
2007-04-12 17:34:00
Also known as the Tiger Balm Gardens (262, Pasir Panjang Road, Tel: 7740300), Haw Par Villa is a theme park built around the heroes and legends of Chinese mythology. The park, built with the fortunes made by the Au brothers from the medicinal cure-all Tiger Balm, features a collection of vivid plaster and concrete figures.These figures depict the stories of the famous Monkey God, as he makes his Journey to the West; the tragic love story of Lady White Snake; the Divine Maiden, a symbol of love and sacrifice; and the fearless hero Wu Song. There's also the grandiose Nine Dragon Wall and statues of the Laughing Buddha and the gods of Happiness, Wealth and Longevity.But the piece de resistance of Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly the Ten Courts of Hell, which depict the various punishments suffered by men and women for sloth, indulgence, gambling, drinking and adultery. New additions to Haw Par Villa include a roller-coaster boat ride, and multimedia performances of Chinese legends and myt...
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SINGAPORE
2007-04-12 17:29:00
Singapore officially the Republic of Singapore , is an island city-state, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 kilometers (85 miles) north of the Equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of the Indonesian Riau Islands. It is the smallest country in Southeast Asia.The main island was a fishing village sparsely populated by indigenous Malays and Orang Lauts when it was colonized by the British Empire in 1819. Occupied by the Japanese Empire during World War II, it reverted to British rule in 1945 and was later part of the merger which established Malaysia in 1963.Singapore acquired independence in 1965. Foreign investments and government-led island-wide industrialization has since created an economy relying heavily on electronics and manufacturing exports and entrepôt and financial trade centering around its strategic port position.As for quality of life, Singapore was ranked first in all of Asia and ranked eleventh in the world by The Econom...
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PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:24:00
The Petro nas Twin Tower s (also known as the Petronas Towers), in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia, were once the world's tallest buildings when measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural or architectural top.The Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world, and they lay claim to being the world's tallest high rise of the 20th century. Critics point out that this applies to only one of four height categories defined by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat - although the three additional height categories were only introduced as the tower neared completion in 1996, as opposed to the original category which had been in use since 1969.
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ISTANA BUDAYA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:22:00
Istana Buda ya or Cultural Palace in English is a national theatre located in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lump ur , Malaysia. This theatre is formerly known as Panggung Negara officially opened by former Prime Minister, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.The building is the first theatre in Asia to be equipped with state-of-the-art stage equipment. This makes it one of the ten most sophisticated theatres in the world, and on par with the Royal Albert Hall in London. Built at a cost of RM210 million, the theatre has a floor area of 21,000 m², and is part of a cultural complex covering 54,400 m².The inspiration for the design (by Malaysian architect Muhammad Kamar Ya'akub) is a traditional moon kite in flight. The main building takes the form of the sirih junjung (a traditional arrangement of betel leaves used during Malay weddings and welcoming ceremonies).The building is divided by function as in a traditional Malay house with its three sections: the serambi (lobby and foyer), rumah ibu (mother ...

PUTRA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:19:00
Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) is a main convention and exhibition centre in Kuala Lump ur , Malaysia. It was constructed on 1981 and completed on 1984. The building was officially opened on 1985 by Malaysian prime minister that time Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad during the first UMNO General Assembly. This building is also used for the International Quran Reading Competition every year since it was moved from Stadium Merdeka on 1985.

DATARAN MERDEKA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:14:00
The Data ran Merdeka (or Merdeka Square) is located in Kuala Lump ur , Malaysia. It was here, in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building that the Union Jack was lowered and the Malayan flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on August 31, 1957. Literally Independence Square, it was formerly known as the Selangor Club Padang, and was originally the cricket green of the Selangor Club (now Royal Selangor Club).The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was among the most significant landmarks built by the British, which grandly overlooks the Dataran Merdeka. This Moorish architecture beauty, completed in 1897, housed several important departments during the British administration.The Dataran Merdeka was officially opened on 1 January 1990 in conjunction of Visit Malaysia Year 1990.Surrounding the square are many buildings of historical interest including the Royal Selangor Club Complex which is situated on one corner of the square, where KL's elites meet, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the N...
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TUGU NEGARA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:09:00
Tugu Negara, literally the "National Monument" in Malay, is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency , which lasted from 1948 until 1960. It is located in the Federal capital, Kuala Lump ur . The Malaysian Houses of Parliament is situated near the monument.The monument depicts a group of soldiers holding the Malaysian national flag, the Jalur Gemilang, aloft. Each of the bronze figures symbolizes leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage and sacrifice.Constructed in 1966, the monument is 15 meters ( 49.21 feet) tall, made of bronze and was designed by Austrian sculptor Felix de Weldon, who was also responsible for the famed USMC War Memorial in Virginia, United States.The granite base of the monument bears only inscriptions in English with Roman script and Malay with Jawi script:"Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and f...

MASJID NEGARA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 17:05:00
The Masjid Negara is the national mosque of Malaysia, located in Kuala Lump ur . It has a capacity of 15,000 people and is situated among 13 acres of beautiful gardens. The original structure was designed by a three-person team from the Public Works Department - UK architect Howard Ashley, and Malaysians Hisham Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. Originally built in 1965, it is a bold and modern approach in reinforced concrete, symbolic of the aspirations of a then newly-independent Malaysia.Its key features are a 73-metre-high minaret and an 18-pointed star concrete main roof. The umbrella, synonymous with the tropics, is featured conspicuously - the main roof is reminiscent of an open umbrella, the minaret's cap a folded one. The folded plates of the concrete main roof is a creative solution to achieving the larger spans required in the main gathering hall. Reflecting pools and fountains spread throughout the compound.Local reports have drawn metaphors about the significance of its main...

MUZIUM NEGARA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 16:57:00
Muzium Negara (which is National Museum in Malay) is the Malaysian national museum, which is located outside Perdana Lake Gardens in Kuala Lump ur , Malaysia.It is a palatial structure built in the style of Minangkabau architecture. Located atop a hill on Jalan Travers, it provides an interesting introduction to the history and culture of Malaysia. Built in the style of a Rumah Gadang, its impressive facade of two large murals depicts scenes of the country's colourful past and rich culture.Displays and exhibits in the museum focus on local history, culture and traditions, arts and crafts, economic activities, local flora and fauna, weapons and currency.The museum houses various galleries, each with its own theme. The Historical Gallery traces the different periods in the history of Peninsular Malaysia. The Cultural Gallery is a collection of various aspects of Malaysian culture, from common everyday pastimes to important ceremonial customs. Included in the exhibits are a Malay weddin...

ISTANA NEGARA KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 16:46:00
Istana Negara or National Palace is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It stands on a 28 acre (110,000 m²) site, located at a commanding position on the slope of a hill of Bukit Petaling overlooking the Klang River.The Istana was originally a double storey mansion built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing. After the Japanese occupation, it served as a residence of the Sultan of Selangor until 1957, when the Federal Government acquired it for use as the official residence of the King after some major renovation and extension.The driveway, lined with cypresses and casuarinas, leads to two entrances - an entrance to the West Wing and the other to the East Wing. Balairong Seri is the throne room of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It is located in the East Wing and only used for official and customary functions. These include ceremonial occasions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new elected King and the a...
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PETALING STREET KUALA LUMPUR
2007-04-12 16:39:00
Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling in Malay, is a Chinatown located in Kuala Lump ur , Malaysia. Chinese Malaysians call it Chi-Cheong-Kai in Cantonese. It is infamous for pirated clothes and accessories along with bootleg DVDs and CDs. Petaling Street however does not exclusively offer pirated products. Haggling is a common sight here and the place is usually crowded with locals as well as tourists. The area has dozens of restaurants and food stalls, serving local favourites such as Hokkien mee, ikan bakar (barbequed fish), asam laksa and curry noodles. Traders here are mainly Chinese but there are also Indian, Malay, and Bangladeshi traders.One popular item sold here is watches, with nearly ? of the traders here selling this item.Located behind Petaling Street is a 3-star Swiss Inn Hotel. Also near there is a Chinese bookshop and a few stalls selling Chicken Rice and Noodles. A small longan stall is also located there.Nearby is Masjid Jamek, an old mosque of Moorish architecture whil...
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Kuala Lumpur- Getting Around
2007-04-12 16:34:00
Kuala Lump ur is served by a comprehensive modern network of transportation systems. More than 30 foreign airlines fly in from various parts of the globe through the Subang Kuala Lumpur International Airport and KL International Airport at Sepang.Railway lines and roads radiate from the city to many other parts of the country. Within Kuala Lumpur, buses, mini-buses and taxis ply regularly. The city's public transportation system will soon be further augmented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Kuala Lumpur is also served by the country's largest seaport, Port Klang.
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Kuala Lumpur
2007-04-12 16:31:00
Kuala Lump ur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is one of the three Malaysian Federal Territories. It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Within Malaysia, the city is commonly referred to as KL.The Malaysian Parliament operates in the city, making it the country's legislative capital. The city once hosted the Malaysian judiciary and executive arms, which have largely moved to Putrajaya since its completion in the late 1990s. Some sections of the judicial branch remain in the capital.Kuala Lumpur enjoys a year-round equatorial climate which is warm and sunny, along with plentiful rainfall, especially during the southwest monsoon from April to September. Dust particles from forest fires on nearby Sumatra Island sometimes create a phenomenon known as the haze. This usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.
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PATPONG GO GO
2007-04-12 15:20:00
One of the world's most (in)famous red-light districts, Patpong is where it all started (Thailand's Go-Go culture) and has even been immortalised in a James Bond chase-sequence. Its two parallel side-streets, found between Silom and Surawongse Roads, house around 100 neon-lit strip bars offering risque sex shows, purchasable pole-dancers and post-op ladyboys. But while for men Patpong is likely to mean 'adult', for women, families and the kids Patpong definitely means 'market'. At night this teems with hawkers and humble stalls selling what is mostly tourist tat.For the serious flesh-seekers, Patpong has long since been usurped as the 'king of the scene' by its counterparts around Sukhumvit. However, its reputation means it's still a huge attraction, mainly for sightseers more interested in ogling at - rather than indulging in - the carnal delights (and horrors) on offer.
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CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET
2007-04-10 06:34:00
Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.The market offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles, foods, and live animals.Chatuchak Market owes its origin to Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkram, the late prime minister of Thailand (1938-1944, 1948-1957), who came up with the idea of setting up a flea market in every town. As a result, the first flea market in Bangkok was held at Sanam Luang and was called Sanam Luang flea Market. However, there was time when the place was needed for other special functions and the flea market was then relocated to Saranrom Palace and settled there for 8 years. After that, it was moved again...
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JIM THOMPSON'S HOUSE
2007-04-10 06:22:00
The Jim Thom pson 's House is one of the best preserved traditional Thai house in Bangkok city. It is locatedalongside Saen Saeb canal on Soi Kasem San 2, off Rama I Road and can be easily accessed. The openinghours are 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily except Sunday.Jim Thompson, an American, a former member of the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), came to Thailand during the World War II. He revived the flagging silkweaving industry later at the end of the war.Thompson disappeared mysteriously after going for an afternoon walk on Eastern Sunday in the Cameron Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia, on March 26, 1967. It was unusual that he left his cigarettes and a small silver "jungle box" on the chair outside Moonlight Cottage. This suggests that he didn't expect to be gone long. He was never found, and the theories for his disappearance are many, some plausable and others ridiculous. The most likely are probably that he was the victim of a robbery and accidental murder or that he fell i...
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The Vimanmek Palace
2007-04-10 06:08:00
The Vimanmek Pala ce is a former royal palace in Bangkok, Thailand. It is also known as the Vimanmek Teak Mansion or Vimanmek Mansion. It is located in the Dusit Palace complex, nearby Dusit Zoo in Dusit district.The Vimanmek Palace was reassembled in 1901 completely out of teak from its original location in Ko Sichang. It was used as a royal palace by King Chulalongkorn and his family, but was abandoned in 1935.Reconstructed in 1982 at the request of Queen Sirikit, the palace is now a major tourist attraction. It is believed to be the largest golden teak building in the world.Vimanmek Palace (Cloud Mansion) is located behind the National Assembly. This palace is believed to be the world largest building made entirely of golden teak.The building was originallyconstructed on Srichang Island in the Gulf of Siamby King Rama V ( King Chulalongkorn). In 1901, the building was moved to its present site which was Bangkok suburbs at that time.ATTRACTIONS within the MUSEUMWorld's Largest Gol...
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THE MARBLE TEMPLE (Wat Benchamabophit)
2007-04-10 06:00:00
Wat Bench amabophit Dusitvanaram is a buddhist temple in the Dusit district of Bangkok, Thailand. Also known as the marble temple, it is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples and a major tourist attraction.Construction of the temple began in 1899 at the request of King Chulalongkorn after building his palace nearby. The temple's name literally means the Temp le of the fifth King located nearby Dusit Palace. It was designed by Prince Naris, a half-brother of the king, and is built of Italian marble.Inside the Ordination Hall (Ubosot) is a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue named Phra Buddhajinaraja, cast in 1920 after the original located in Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok. The ashes of King Chulalongkorn are buried beneath the statue. In the gallery surrounding the ordination hall are 52 buddha statues, collected by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab for his king. see also: Hongkong Attractions, Kuala Lumpur Attractions, Singapore Attractions
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BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM
2007-04-10 05:52:00
The Nation al Museum in Thailand is the main museum on the history of the Thai culture. The main museum is located in Bangkok on Na Phrathat Road next to the Sanam Luang, not far from Wat Phra Kaew.In 1926 King Prajadhipok created the Royal Institute of Art, Literature and Archaeology, which then opened the museum in Bangkok at the Wang Na palace. Today there are 38 branch museums spread all over the country.For the galleries in the old palace buildings, varietyof minor arts and ethnological collections areexhibited such as gold treasure, enamel wares,mother-of-pearl inlay, musical instruments, woodcarving, entertainment articles, textiles, ceramics,royal regalia, palanquins, old weapons, and stoneinscriptions, etc. Royal Cremation ceremonialexhibits and chariots are housed in the cremationchariot hall.The National Museum , Bangkok also has a monumental value in itself as a Palace to theFront. Many buildings are displayed in originalpurpose such as Buddhaisawan Chapel wherethe Buddha ...

SUAN PAKKAD PALACE MUSEUM
2007-04-10 05:41:00
Suan Pakkad or Suan Pakkad Pala ce , is a museum in Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on Sri Ayutthaya Road south of the Victory Monument. The museum has Thai antiques on display, including Ban Chiang pottery over 4,000 years old. Originally the home of Prince Chumbhotpong Paripatra and his wife, they converted in into a museum which opened in 1952. The museum features a group of four traditional Thai houses with covered hallways between them. The name Suan Pakkad translates as "Cabbage Patch", but the museum's collection of five traditional pavilions is one of the best examples of traditional domestic architecture in the city. The Lacquer Pavilion is the most striking building, and is over 450 years old. see also: Hongkong Attractions, Kuala Lumpur Attractions, Singapore Attractions
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BANGKOK- SIGHT SEE (WAT PO)
2007-04-08 20:58:00
Just around the corner from the Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace is the equally impressive Wat Po. Dozens of ornately decorated spires have been constructed in between the many stunning temple buildings meaning that you have a photo opportunity everywhere you look. One of the principal attractions of Wat Po is the extraordinary 46 metre long reclining Buddha ? the biggest in Thailand.Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It's the largest temple in Bang kok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measured 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha. see also: Hongkong Attractions, Kuala Lumpur Attractions, Singapore Attractions
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BANGKOK- SIGHT SEE (TEMPLE OF DAWN)
2007-04-08 20:51:00
This riverside temple is one of Bang kok ?s key tourist attractions and one of its most famous sights ? the towering 82 metre spire in the centre of the temple is depicted on the reverse of the 10 Baht coin and in many travel brochures. This temple is often included as a stopover on canal tours but it?s worth making an effort to see even if you don?t embark on such a trip ? to get there cross the river at Tha Tien pier ? you can?t miss the temple from there. At sunset it presents a fantastic picture silhouetted against the setting sun with the river in the foreground. Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn ), or locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign (Thonburi Period...
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BANGKOK- SIGHT SEE (WAT PRA KAEW)
2007-04-08 20:38:00
THE EMERALD BUDHA Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace together are probably the number one tourist attraction in Bang kok , and hence probably in all of Thailand. If you are only going to see one sight in Bangkok this should be it ? the stunning grandeur of the temples inside the complex is unforgettable.The grounds of Wat Phra Kaew actually comprises of many ?wats? (Buddhist temples), all of which are superb examples of classical Thai Buddhist temples from the current Rattanakosin style era. Polished gold stupas rise up among ornate pillars and roofs which are studded with small mirrors and cut glass, which on close inspection has the appearance of an intricate mosaic, but from afar simply glitters and sparkles. Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Mora...
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BANGKOK- SIGHT SEE (GRAND PALACE)
2007-04-08 20:36:00
The Grand Pala ce (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bang kok , Thailand. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Baromphiman Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal residence to Chitralada Palace. Construction of the palace complex began in 1782, during the reign of Rama I.The palace complex sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Further out from the wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattana Kosin.Prominent parts of the Grand Palace:Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, a building in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance see also: Hongkong Attractions, ...