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Where to Spend Time in Kuching: 5 Hidden Gems

Located at the northwestern coast of Borneo is the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Its capital city of Kuching is best known as the City of Unity for a very good reason. This populous city is home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic minorities. With all these ethnicities living together in harmony, the city is a wonderful example of openness and multiculturalism. Indeed, you can even experience being welcomed and greeted in multiple languages in certain places.

When visiting this part of Sarawak, an in-demand Kuching tour package usually includes a hotel near one of the city’s famous heritage sites, museums, mosques, and other cultural attractions. However, the usual spots may not be a hit for every tourist. If you’re the type who’s more interested in finding the city’s hidden gems, make sure to check out the following places:

MJC Night Market (Pasar Malam)

Whenever you visit a city and you want to taste authentic local food, chances are you can find them where the locals tend to enjoy them: at the market. In Kuching, MJC Pasar Malam is where the real street food and Sarawak cuisine can be found. This market comes alive every Thursday and Friday, when the sun begins to set at 2 PM.

If you come early, you’ll also get a chance to see different produce unique to the region such as longans (locally known as Mata Kuching), Sarawak apples, pea eggplants, stink beans, and more. But when the sun goes down, the food stalls begin to set up their wares. By this time, you’ll be able to sample different satay meats on sticks that are fried or grilled. It’s an ideal place to go for some authentic Kuching street food.

Siniawan Old Town Night Market

Open from Friday to Sundays, the Siniawan Night Market will satisfy your hunger and curiosity with its unique delicacies, starting with the Pitcher Plant Rice. But don’t worry; this pitcher plant is not the carnivorous kind, but a vegetarian variety that eats only fallen leaves.

The market is usually decorated with Chinese lanterns and has a small village vibe that results in a great laid-back atmosphere. It’s also not too crowded since it’s about 40 km from the city centre. Here, you can taste different samples of Malay, Chinese, and Dayak cuisine that are prepared fresh every day.

Bako National Park

Coming in at around 2,700 hectares, Bako National Park may be Sarawak’s smallest park, but it’s also the oldest. This park has a variety of different landscapes and is even highly biodiverse. The most interesting animal species in the park is the adorable but endangered proboscis monkey that is endemic to the island and can be found nowhere else in the world.

The forest is also home to other species of monkeys like long-tailed macaques and silvery lutungs or silvered-leaf monkeys. You can also spot bearded pigs and an assortment of tropical birds perched on centuries-old tree branches.

Visitors have the option to take a day’s worth of trekking or just a short trail that can be done in a few hours. And should you choose to stay for a night or two, the park also offers accommodations for visitors.

Kuching Waterfront

If you’re looking to take in a lovely view without having to go far, you can take a walk along Kuching’s newly renovated promenade. Though it had become an industrial area with unsightly warehouses, several projects have helped to transform the waterfront into a more scenic area. Today, it’s also known as a romantic and chill place to meet and hang out—especially at night when the lamplights are lit. And from across the river, you’ll have a wonderful view of the Astana as well as the Fort Margherita and the new iconic Kuching structure: the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building.

The Main Bazaar (Jalan Main Bazaar)

You can buy your souvenirs and other artefacts from the many shops that line the Main Bazaar, the oldest street in Kuching. These shops have been passed on from generations of the same Chinese families over a century, preserving traditional crafts such as tinsmithing, weaving, jewellery making, carpentry, and more.

Kuching is truly an amazing city to visit. However, it has something important beyond its historic buildings, impressive food, and verdant surroundings. Indeed, being the home of many people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds has created an inviting and friendly vibe that makes this city such a great place for everyone.

 

Must visit places on your Bali trip

Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island famous for its temples, beautiful cities, rice terraces, and volcanoes. Apart from that, there are innumerable gift shops here, from where you can buy some really amazing stuff that you won’t find anywhere else. Bali is a mixture of various things. Here you will get a perfect island vibe as well as will get to visit national parks. There are endless things to do there and places to visit.

You can contact a trusted travel company for the Bali tour packages and can select the places of your choice. Here we are giving a list of places that you must visit in Bali, thus helping you out in selecting a package for you.

Gili Trawangan

The first place in this list is near to Bali and a part of the Gili islands. This is just 3 hours away from Bali and becomes the favourite destination of most of the tourists. One can reach there by riding a horse cart or by cycle. This place is best for those who want to chill on the beach and diving in the sea. To get the perfect island vibes, do pay a visit to Gili Trawangan whenever you pay a visit to Bali.

Pura bratan temple

Bali is called the home of temples and one of the most beautiful among all is the Pura Bratan temple. This is a water temple situated on the Shore of Bartan Lake. Local people come here to worship the river goddess Dewi Danu. They also worship different water bodies in this temple. It is very difficult to come to this place that is why there is no crowd over there. People do not come here just to worship, but to see the beauty of the place as well as it is surrounded by mountains from all the sides.

Ubud

Another place famous for being a hub for various temples in Bali is the city of Ubud. There are innumerable temples in this place. Along with this, the things that make this city more beautiful are its rice fields and monkey forest. The main city is a bit crowded, but these places are very less occupied, thus is best for some relaxed walks.

Sekumpul waterfalls

Along with the temples, Bali is known for some of the best serene beauties in the form of various natural creations. One of such things is the Sekumpul Waterfalls. Even if you are afraid of water, you love waterfalls. It just soothes your eyes and calms your soul. One can keep on staring a waterfall for hours. This waterfall located 2 hours away from Ubud, is a cluster of 7 waterfalls altogether. Once you reach the destination, you will have to do some trekking too, to enjoy this serene beauty. You will realize that every pain taken for this is worthy of what you get to see at the end. Not only the destination, but the journey is also beautiful as you will see local homes, rice terraces, jungles and many other beautiful things in the paths.

So, these were a few of the places that one cannot miss to visit on a trip to Bali.

Top Types Of RV’s You Can Buy or Rent In Brandon, Florida

If you’ve decided that you would like to either buy or rent an RV, the next thing you will need to decide is what specific type of RV you would like.

While you can use resources such as Outdoorsy to help you explore your options in Brandon, it’s still wise to have a basic idea of the different types of RVs that are out there so you can more effectively narrow your search.

Here are the top types of RV’s you can buy or rent in Brandon, Florida:

Class A

A Class A RV is probably what comes to mind when you think of the word ‘motorhome.’ These are the biggest type of RV available and practically have an entire house inside of them, and they can have anywhere from one to five slide outs. These are also the most expensive RVs available, with new Class A’s rarely costing below sixty grand.

Class B

Class B motorhomes use a van as their foundation, and are of a more compact size than a Class A motorhome. In fact, some Class B motorhomes look more like vans than they do like RVs. They’ll still have a living space, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom and all that (at least usually), but everything will be in a much more compact and maneuverable size.

Class C 

A more more popular types of RVs is the Class C motorhome, which is effectively a cross between a Class A and Class B. Class C motorhomes use a large truck as their foundation and are notable for always having an extra sleeping space over the cab. They can be built to the same sizes as a Class A motorhome, but are much cheaper.

Travel Trailer

A travel trailer, obviously, is simply an RV that you tow behind a truck. Travel trailers can vary in size dramatically from twelve up to thirty feet long, with an impressive array o luxuries as well. Prices of travel trailers can also vary dramatically, with prices ranging from as low as ten thousand to as high as one hundred thousand.

5th Wheel Trailer 

The 5th Wheel Trailer is a larger sized travel trailer with a hatch pin that connects to a mount in the bed of a large pickup truck. The advantage is that the 5th wheel travel trailer is therefore much easier to pull, especially over rough or uneven terrain. However, you will need a truck that is fully capable of hauling the trailer (heavy duty trucks are really the only choice here).

Types of RVs

The type of RV you choose determines everything from the expense to the layout to how much storage space you have and so on. Now that you know what the basic types of RVs are, you’ll be able to narrow your search down more efficiently.

A Gastronomic Journey in Bangalore

Don’t hold yourself back from good food when in Bangalore. Read all about Bangalore’s finest eateries serving lip-smacking food!

The cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru, which was formerly known by the name of Bangalore, is by far one of the most progressive and developed cities in India. The city is blessed with a comfortable climate and an extremely lively drinking, dining, as well as shopping scene. The immense material comforts which the city has to offer are definitely a godsend for both the weary traveller as well as the locals. After a long day of exploring the nooks and crannies of the city, you will find yourself surrounded by a melange of beer joints, delightful restaurants, and some quirky independent cafes. Once you are done exploring the beautiful parks built in the Victorian-style architecture, you will be in dire need of a food break, which is when some of the best eateries in the city will come to your rescue.

If you are from Chandigarh and wondering how to reach Bangalore, book your air tickets as soon as possible as the cheap Chandigarh to Bangalore flights price will keep changing. Currently, Indigo Airlines offer cheap Chandigarh to Bangalore flights price. Once you are in Bangalore, head to these eateries for a foodgasmic experience of a lifetime:

1)   Time Traveller

Start your gastronomic journey at this restaurant in Bangalore which serves delicious food and provides a fine-dining experience to all its patrons. Located on Kirloskar road, this restaurant is easy to reach. The selections featured on the menu are worth a try. All your culinary needs will be served here as you will have a plethora of options like Indian, Chinese, and Continental with a variety of food for kids too. Coupled with a great ambiance the food will surely make you crave for more. Start with their honey and orange drink, then try their spicy hot garlic baby corn and cashew nut fried rice. If you are craving for some South Indian food then you can try their Dosas and Uttapam which are equally delicious. This place also serves some fine desserts like Cream Vol Au Vents.

2)   Fanoos

Every single local or traveller who has eaten here will swear by the quality and quantity of the food here. This place serves delicious Mughal and Arabian cuisine. They are specially known for their rolls which start from the humble regular roll and go all up to the Mogambo roll which has six times more meat stuffing in it than the regular roll. Try their Sheek roll or the Fanoos roll which will leave your appetite completely satisfied. If you are heading to Bangalore during Ramzan then you should definitely visit this restaurant as they serve their special Ramzan delights during this time of the year. You will find Mutton, Chicken, and Beef Haleem, Custard Qubbani, and much more being served here during the evening. The best part about this restaurant is that it is completely pocket friendly.

3)   Brahmin’s Coffee Bar

This is where you should go to taste the authentic local flavours of the South. This hole in the wall eatery serves some of the tastiest idlis, vadas, and filter coffee in Bangalore. You can go here during the day or the evening to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea with some freshly prepared, crispy and soft vadas and idlis on the side. It is extremely easy on the pocket so you should definitely indulge yourself in some Kesari Bath and Khara Bath too. This shop remains closed on Sundays.

4)   Toit

If you are craving some great food during the evening then you should head to this place in Bangalore. Couple your food with some freshly brewed alcoholic beverages and you will be set for a relaxed evening. Their pizzas, baked nachos, and chicken wings make for amazing side dishes when coupled with freshly brewed beer. Head here with your friends and have a great time talking and munching on delicious food with a glass of beer.

5)   Koshy’s

The old world charm of this place will surely delight you and the food will surely add to the experience. It is a great place to take your family or your friends for some beer, coffee, finger food, and much more. Try their desserts such as the plum cake, cookies, plum pudding, and much more. If you are heading there during the early hours of the day, then order their stuffed omelette and grilled sandwiches for a hearty breakfast.

So this long and fulfilling gastronomic journey awaits you in Bangalore. Head there by booking air tickets of the cheap Chandigarh to Bangalore flights price that are available right now.

Top 4 Family-Friendly Cities In America

Top 4 Family-Friendly Cities in America

Locating the safest place for raising your young family is one of the critical decisions you have to make as a parent. What’s more, selecting a community where you can settle down with your family is serious business. From accessibility to great parks to the quality of the school system, you need to make a choice that’s right for your entire family.

While you are always looking into ways of closely supervising your kids, it helps if you have a community around with family-friendly initiatives. The cities listed below are all over America, and they will help make one of the toughest, yet most rewarding, jobs a little bit easier for you.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston takes home the crown as one of the most family-friendly cities in America for its vast number of good schools, numerous cultural opportunities for the entire family and low unemployment rate. A 2.5-mile walk along the Freedom Trail reveals over 15 locations that played an active role in the American Independence struggle.

Some of the sites found along the Freedom Trail include Paul Revere’s house, which was the background of the Boston Massacre. The Harvard Museum of Natural History has 12,000 specimens from collections found at other Harvard museums including gemstones and dinosaurs. The Public Art Work is the city’s historical and contemporary art stage.

Bellevue, Washington

Bellevue offers families lots of racial diversity and a host of excellent public schools. The city is not only family-friendly, but it also has a reputation for being quite safe with plenty of little beaches and parks. Bellevue is close to forests, mountains, lakes, and bike trails, making it the perfect home for the outdoorsy family.

Job opportunities are excellent if you have business, computer science or engineering skills since the area is also home to many tech companies. In addition, the city is home to family-friendly neighborhoods that include apartment blocks like the Square.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is another great place for families that love exploring the outdoors. While there, you will find unique attractions like the Seven Falls that will fast become a favorite hangout for the entire family. Pikes Peak Highway, the world’s highest toll road, is also located here; offering you spectacular views.

Another notable activity to do with the entire family is delving deeper into the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine history. This 1890’s history relic hosts the country’s only 300-meter vertical shaft gold mine tour.

New York City, New York

The Big Apple is said to be the world’s best city for numerous reasons, but is it the right place to raise your family? Living in New York City means that you never have to go everywhere in a minivan. In place of your car, the city has an extensive transportation network that includes the subway, taxis and Uber!

The city is also home to numerous family-focused theater offerings including the New Victory Theater and even Broadway with shows like Matilda, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

Another great bonus of living in NYC is the numerous scenic parks that double up as backyards for residents of apartments such as 19 Dutch luxury apartments in Lower Manhattan. The museums in the city are probably the finest in the world. Plus, your kid gets a front row seat to see world-famous sites from his or her stroller daily.

Trying to find that one city that is perfect for your family requires some research. One of the things you should identify is what elements are most important to you. The top-ranked American cities listed above are based on aspects like the abundance of jobs, good schools, affordable housing, and accessibility to family-friendly parkland areas.

Cultural Road Tripping Around Ireland For History Buffs!

If you’re a self confessed history buff, who is interested in traveling the emerald isle in order to visit some of Ireland’s most significant historical attractions, simply continue reading to discover a few sites, which are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Cultural Road Tripping Around Ireland for History Buffs:

1. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork

If you plan on visiting Cork, it’s well worth attempting to kiss the Stone of Eloquence which is better known as the Blarney Stone and is several hundred years old. In order to kiss the world’s most famous block of limestone, you’ll have to lean backwards over a safety railing in order to reach the stone which is set in a medieval wall. As the saying legend goes if you manage to kiss the Blarney Stone, you’ll be given the gift of eloquence.

While the Blarney Stone is an iconic Irish treasure it was originally part of a larger stone which Scottish royalty used to help predict royal succession. After an Irish king Cormac McCarthy who was the king of Munster, sent troops to help Scottish legend Robert the Bruce defeat the British in 1314, the Blarney Stone was sent to Ireland from Robert the Bruce as a gift.

2. Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle is located in Northern Ireland and was initially built in 1117 by John de Courcy. A man who ruled as a petty king from 1777, when he conquered eastern Ulster till 1024 when he was himself defeated by Hugh de Lancy. Carrickfergus Castle is almost surrounded by sea and offers great views of Blefast Lough, which used to be named Carrickfergus Bay.

Since it was built Carrickfergus Castle has been taken over by the British, the Scottish and the French. Which means that it’s the perfect destination for history buffs who are keen to learn about Ireland’s rich history.

3. The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions and is an archeological site which boasts remains of buildings which were erected in the 5th century AD. Although the complex also boasts beautifully maintained buildings which were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Sometime during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Rock of Cashel, which was the seat of the high kings of Munster, was gifted to the church, where it remains today.

So if you’re interested in viewing the remains of 5th century buildings as well as buildings and relics from the 12th and 13th centuries, it’s well worth adding a stop in County Tipperary to your Irish road trip. After touring the popular complex, it’s also worth walking around the historic town of Cashel, which boasts plenty of historic buildings to explore. As well as a wide array of stores and eateries!

If you’re a self professed history buff, who is passionate about learning about foreign cultures, it’s well worth planning a whirlwind cultural tour of Ireland. So, pack up the car and don’t forget about having insurance during your travels! You can find many reliable companies like, Chill insurance just by looking up your options and finding recommendations online. You’ll enjoy all three of the fascinating historical attractions listed above. All of which will give you an insight into Ireland’s rich heritage.

Top 5 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations in the World

With a life that’s moving so fast, we often think of taking a well-deserved break from everything.

Whether or not cost is a factor influencing the decisions you make to take care of this well-deserved break, you do not have to stop yourself anymore.

Surprisingly, there are lots of beautiful, but easy-on-the-pocket spots in the world you can travel to.

5 Most Beautiful, Inexpensive Travel Locates

 

1. Thailand

Thailand is a destination that often tops the list of best places to travel and why should it not be? The country is full of spectacular sites including jungles, beaches, and landscapes which make a lot of people visit it. In fact, it is also one of the most visited countries in the world.

Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok-the capital are famous tourist destinations because of all the beauty they encompass and of course for being extremely affordable when it comes to food, accommodation, leisure activities, shopping, and excursions.

It is not hard for you to escape the world in Thailand, and that too in reasonable costs.

2. South Africa

With a limited budget requirement and beautiful landscapes, South Africa is the perfect destination if you have a thing for safari, history, food, and the wild. The cherry on the top: the country has the tastiest and most reasonably priced meals in the world.

The city with more than 10 million trees; Johannesburg, is also a part of South Africa where you can go and enjoy natural beauty to give yourself a break from everyday stress. (Whoa! Imagine what a breathtaking sight these 10million tress would be displaying.)

Oh and not to forget the infamous and the beautiful Cape Town which you often read about in novels and watch in the movies; yes, that’s also a part of this country.

3. Cuba

A nation of the Caribbean island, Cuba is famous for its white sand beaches with scattered tobacco fields around them.  The country is home to nine famous UNESCO heritage spots that are protected because of their relevance to the culture.

In addition to the popular beaches such as Varadero beach to keep you close to nature, Cuba is a lively country with vibrant places including salsa clubs which it is well-known for. Everything you experience in the city is going to act as a sedative against all your worries.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

If you admire architectural masterpieces including the earth’s biggest castle complex, oldest bridge in the world, and a 600 years old grand clock that’s still functioning, Prague is the place for you.

Prague is a common name when it comes to travel destinations that are inexpensive. With all its beauty and sparkle, tourists also love to visit Prague to have a swing through the liveliest festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.

5. Egypt

Well, who would not want to see the grand, beautiful pyramids? We think no one.

Spots including the Valley of the Kings and the Great Pyramid of Giza, and other appealing features such as the glorious beaches, affordable but scrumptious food, and of course budget-friendliness are a few factors that have made Egypt a popular tourist destination.

Life is too short to spend it living in one place, get the tickets and take off!