Costa Rica Ecotourism Promotes 15% Off Tours

For most people, Costa Rica has become the destination that satisfies all their picture postcard desires. In fact, for all you Avatar film fans, we would be so bold as to suggest that the Costa Rican rainforest is the closest worldly comparison to the landscape on Pandora – except perhaps for the six-legged horses and hammerhead titanothere herbivores.

The white sandy stretches of beach are the most sought after in the world. From the summit of numerous active volcanoes you can look upon the dense tropical rainforest, bursting with an exotic array of wildlife. The biodiversity is carefully protected. Costa Rica seems to have set the standard for sustainable ecotourism with a model national conservation system.

So to get you out and about enjoying the celebrated ecotourism in Costa Rica, HostelBookers has teamed up with Marbella Tours to give you 15% off excursions. They offer guided tours to suit everyone including boat trips down the Tárcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations. For the serious thrill-seekers they suggest white-water rafting, quad biking or a trip above the rainforest canopy using adventure cables. Alternatively you could climb aboard the Manta Raya – the 52 foot catamaran – and set sail for Tortuga Island to discover the best snorkeling and swimming spots.


They are also offering a 15% discount on airport transfers from Juan Santamaría International airport to your Costa Rica hostel and accommodation in San José, Alujuela and Heredia.

- The discount excludes overnight tours
- Offer valid until 31 December 2010
- Pick-up available from accommodation in San José, Alajuela and Heredia
- Tours must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance
- Contact Ligia Umaña at ventas@marbellatours.com or (506) 2227 0101 between 6am and 10pm



Tags : Tourism, Hostel, Costa rica, Ecotourism

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What Are You Doing In Bangkok?

Take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River

This is a great way to get to know the city. Bangkok was once dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’ and as you cruise down the river and its vast array of side canals it’s easy to see why. The views are breathtaking and give you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of many of the city’s premier attractions like the Grand Palace, Royal Thai Navy Dockyard and Wat Arun.

Tours go from all the main piers and are not expensive though do vary in price and route and the advice would be to shop around although when fares start from as little as 10 baht for a single journey on Express Boats you don’t have to get too worried by the cost!

If you’re feeling adventurous you can get a boat as far as Koh Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. The island is nothing special in itself but it makes a day of your cruise and gives you a chance to get a perspective of the sheer size of Bangkok and its surrounding suburbs.

Top Tip: Try taking a cruise at dusk as the river is particularly beautiful at this time with the twilight casting stunning golden shadows across Wat Arun.

Visit the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark and an absolute must see attraction.

Built in 1782, the Palace is a vast complex of awe-inspiring beauty and used to be the residence of the Thai King.

Nowadays, the King lives in a number of different residences, but the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom, and as you wonder round, you will be bowled away by the beauty of the architecture and the intricacy of the craftsmanship on display.

Ideally, the Grand Palace should be sampled over a few hours as there are a number of impressive buildings and murals within the complex. However, if you only have a couple of hours to spare or are short on time, make sure Wat Phra Kaew (or Temple of the Emerald Buddha as it’s more commonly known by the likes of you and me) your top priority.
The temple houses the greatly revered Emerald Buddha which dates back to the 14th century. Ornately decorated throughout, this is well worth the entrance money on its own.

Other highlights of the Grand Palace include Boromabiman Hall and Amarinda Hall- the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice.

If you’re lucky to be in town when the King comes to change the clothing of the Emerald Buddha in March, July or November then you are in for a real treat as Bangkok will come to a standstill to mark the occasion.

Tickets cost approximately 200 baht.

Top Tip: If you’re planning to go inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, make sure that you come dressed appropriately. The Emerald Buddha is Thailand’s most sacred site and requires respect. Men must wear long pants and sleeved shirts while women must also wear modest dress which means no bare shoulders or see-through clothing.

Shop until you drop in Bangkok’s shopping malls

Bangkok is every shoppers dream! Featuring more malls than even the likes of Paris Hilton can handle, Bangkok’s malls have everything you could ever think of buying from a new swimsuit to a brand new sports car.

On a different scale to your average US or UK shopping center, the biggest malls house multi-screen cinemas, video arcades and entire floors of restaurants in addition to the embarrassing abundance of boutiques, fashion outlets and department stores they offer as standard. Brilliant for a rainy day!

Different malls are better for certain things than others. If you’re after bargains MBK is your best bet as it features countless discount stores and internal market stalls.

However, if gadgets and gizmos are more your thing then you should head to the Pantip Plaza as this is the technology hub of Bangkok and features more microchips, processors and notebooks than Simon Cowell has produced number one hit singles!

The biggest and ‘trendiest’ mall in town is probably CentralWorld, although Siam Paragon, home to the Ferrari and Lamborghini show rooms, and The Emporium would certainly have something to say about that!

Top Tip: Visit the Ipod shack in the popular backpacker district of Soi Rambuttri. For just 1000 baht (about £20) you can fill your Ipod with all the latest tunes which will set you up for the rest of your trip!

Hunt for a bargain in the street markets

Bangkok’s shopping malls may well have everything you need under one roof but the city’s street markets are where the real bargains can be found.

There are loads of street markets and vendors out there selling all manner of goods but Chatuchak Market is as good as any.

The market is full to bursting with stalls selling anything and everything from cheap clothing and trinkets to furniture, pot plants and microwave ovens. You can even buy yourself a pet although this section of the market should be avoided as many of the animals are actually sold illegally; especially the wild birds and reptiles- although why anyone would want to buy a snake while traveling around Thailand is beyond me!

The market can get a bit too much at times- it’s always stupidly busy and can get boiling hot- but there are plenty of food stalls where you can grab yourself a bite to eat and take a break from the hustle and bustle with an ice cold can of drink.

Many of Chatuchak’s stall owners are getting business savvy and inflating their prices to try and take advantage of the hordes of tourists, who too often are caught out. However, bargains can be had and it really pays to haggle.

If you do get involved in the haggle make sure you do this in a polite manner and don’t be too aggressive- you’ll get yourself the best results if you’re patient and negotiate your price in good humor.

Beyond Chatuchak market there are a number of night markets that are well worth a look. Suan Lum Night Bazaar provides a good selection of Thai crafts, souvenirs, clothes and local food, making it as good an option as any.

Top Tip: It may not look cool but keep your valuables in a bumbag/fanny pouch if possible to avoid being the victims of an opportunist pickpocket. Gangs are known to work around the markets as the cover of the large crowds allows them to go about their business relatively unnoticed.


Relax with a Thai Massage

After all that shopping, the chances are you’ll need to have a lie down and what could be more relaxing than to have a massage in the process?

The traditional Thai massage is perhaps the most famous and will leave you feeling re-invigorating and ready to face the world again, even if the massage process itself will leave you feeling far from relaxed at points!

The whole process can last over an hour and during the course of a traditional Thai massage you will have your body stretched and contorted in to all sorts of unnatural positions.

This isn’t for everyone but there are many other massage options out there including oil and foot massages.

The oil massage takes place in a curtained booth and involves the masseuse rubbing a number of scented oils into your skin. This is much more like your traditional massage and won’t put your nose out of joint quite literally!

Top Tip: Be careful about your choice of venue for your massage- There are hundreds if not thousands of massage parlors in Bangkok and many do great massages but there are also many parlors out there that offer massages with benefits if you catch our drift!

As a general rule of thumb avoid any massage parlor recommended by tuk-tuk touts as these normally offer more than your standard massage. Parlors with glass fronts where you can see people being massaged are generally a safe bet along with most hotels and spas if you don’t want a massage with a ‘happy ending’.


Try some authentic Thai cuisine

While there are pizza and fast food joints aplenty in Bangkok, you can’t spend time in Thailand without trying some of the authentic Thai cuisine.

Pad Thai- a chicken noodle dish full to the brim with vegetables and finished off with crushed peanuts- is one of the most popular options and is available for just 60 baht from almost all street stalls.

The street vendors also offer a number of fried snacks from grasshoppers and beetles to live shrimps!

Beyond the streets stalls, there are Thai restaurants everywhere serving all the classics like Green Thai curry along with a range of more unusual options. The Tom Yum noodle soups are particularly good while the sweet Thai desserts, often overlooked by backpackers, are the perfect antidote to the hot and spicy curries!

If you want to really treat yourself during your time in Bangkok, dine at the Vertigo Restaurant at the Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn Road. The food here is expensive by Thai standards but is among the best in town. Situated on the 61st floor of the hotel the views from the restaurant aren’t half bad either, especially at sunset.

Top Tip: Avoid eating at a restaurant in and around the main tourist areas like the Kao San Road as these restaurants have a nasty habit of hiking up their prices to take advantage of the vast number of hungry tourists. If you’re adventurous head over the bridge to the North side of the river and go to the huge local only restaurant where all the fish and meat are laid out on trays and you cook your own food!

Take a walk down Kao San Road

While it’s the most beaten path in town, no trip to Bangkok would be complete without a stroll down the Kao San Road. Featuring three Boots drug stores, a McDonalds and street stall after street stall selling all manner of tourist tat and Bangkok memorabilia, Kao San Road is backpacker central.

The street stalls sell T-shirts, sun glasses and fake watches in the main, while many of the bars are overpriced and about as authentic as Jordan’s bust. However, despite the street’s obvious shortcomings, it is a great place to meet backpackers and get to grips with the hectic and relentless pace of Bangkok in a relatively safe environment.

At night the stalls are cleared away and the relatively quiet day time bars come alive and are full to the rafters with beer guzzling gap-years and fun-seeking locals, looking to party the night away!

Top Tip: Walk up and down all the stalls before you contemplate buying anything to gauge an idea of what the prices are and then haggle to get yourself the best deal.


Enjoy a night out Bangkok style!

Whether you’re after a quiet couple of beers by the river front or a raucous night of revelry in one of the city’s bars and nightclubs, a night out in Bangkok has to be sampled at least once.

The reputation of the city’s go-go bars precedes them and you regularly hear stories of groups of young backpackers being stitched up by girls and ladyboys looking to make quick bucks.

However, the reality is that there is much more to Bangkok and go-go bars than seedy old men and ping-pong shows, even in the notorious Pat Pong district.

Many of the go-go bars are relatively harmless, downstairs at least. Yes, pole dancers and (girls and ladyboys) are rife and feature in all the bars, but the downstairs parts are no worse or less than safe than your average strip club. It’s the upstairs bars that need to be avoided at all costs.

If you do want to see what all the fuss is about then the King’s Corner Bar is probably your best bet.

Beyond the seedy surrounds of Pat Pong there are a number of great places to enjoy a drink in the evening. Kao San Road and the Soi Rambuttri area are always lively but head to the Garage Bar for a chilled out beer with a twist. The Garage Bar is a functioning garage during the day that transforms itself into a bar at night.

The cocktails are cheap and served by the bucket while a pimping sound system and an enormous flat screen playing all the English Premier League football ensures that it is always busy.


If you’re feeling particularly adventurous head to a real Thai nightclub for a truly Thai experience!

Thai nightclubs are completely different to the ones frequented almost exclusively by western tourists and young Thai girls, featuring Thai music and Thai customers.

Most of the Thai clubs are in Bangkok’s best Thai clubs are in the suburbs of Bangkok. Tawan Daeng on Pattanakarn Road is probably the easiest to find.

Top Tip: Go easy on the Chang’s! Chang beer is Thailand’s national beer and is among the cheapest you can get in Bangkok, making it the tipple of choice for many backpackers. However, before you get necking the beers just remember that the beers vary in strength from bottle to bottle! Thai brewing laws aren’t as tight as those in the UK and only one in the crate has to be the advertised 6.5% ABV which means you can get bottles as strong as 13%!

Explore Bangkok’s Temples

Bangkok’s temples are an essential part of the city’s soul and no visit to Bangkok would be complete without visiting at least a couple of them.

The intricacy of the designs and the glittering gold decorations and pretty glass patterns are truly dazzling, while the veneration that the Bangkokians hold the temples in and the devoutness of the monks that live in them is inspiring.

The most famous Wat is of course the Emerald Buddha, but there are many others worth a look including Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river and Wat Pho, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

If you’re up very early you’ll catch a glimpse of the monks walking around town collecting alms and performing duties in and around all of the marvelous temple complexes.

Top Tip: Visit the temples early in the morning. It’s much cooler in the morning and is generally much less crowded too.


Check out Bangkok Floating Market

No trip would be complete without a visit to the famous floating market, despite its distance from Bangkok.

The market is frequented by more tourists than locals but the frenzied sight of traders hopping from boat to boat and jostling for position to sell you something is worth the trip alone.

The narrow canals are packed to bursting with longboats piled high with fresh produce and there is something magical about bartering and buying products off a woman on a barge.

Boats and bank side stalls sell anything and everything from locally produced items to fresh fruit and clothing.

It can get very crowded and you have to get up early to get to the market as it’s all over by 8 am. It is a long way, but it’s a great experience which is probably best sampled as part of a Bangkok day tour so you make the most out of your day.

An air-conditioned mini bus to the market on an organised tour costs about €15 and includes the price of the boat trips for a half day tour.

You can also go independently by bus which costs just 10 Baht- less than a euro!

Top Tip: Stay clear of the guys on the riverbanks offering to put a python round your neck. Beyond the fact that snakes are terrifying and should not be put round your neck under any circumstances, this isn’t free and they will demand money off you for taking a picture.


Tags : Hotels, Trips, Market, Vacation

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Finding a Cheap Eats in Bangkok

Influences

Thai food is frequently likened to both Chinese and Indian because of its geographical location. But the cuisine has more subtle flavours inspired by Laos and Malaysia. There are 4 main regions.

Central – This area is largely influenced by Chinese. They enjoy steamed rice served with side dishes of curry, paste dips, fresh vegetables, stir fry and soup.

Southern – Here you will encounter fabulous fish dishes with sour, salty and hot spices, particularly turmeric. The main influence is Malaysian cuisine.

Northern – In the north they prefer sticky rice. The most famous dinner is ‘khantok’ – sticky rice with curries. These dishes were traditionally eaten with your bare hands.

Northeastern – Also known as Isaan, dishes are generally stronger, saltier and hotter than anywhere else in the country. For those of you who can’t handle spice, don’t let that deter you. Ask for a milder versions using our useful phrases below.


Ingredients

Thai dishes will have at least one of the following ingredients. Sometimes they are blended together to form curry pastes and play a similar role to stocks but obviously much fresher. They also have many medicinal benefits.

Chilli, shrimp paste, fish sauce (also called ‘Nam pla’, it has a strong smell but is a vital ingredient in nearly all dishes), sour tamarind, garlic, lemongrass, lime, ginger, shallots, spring onions and coconut milk (this gives soup a creamy consistency and softens the spicy blow).


Bugs

Multi-legged creepy crawlies are the nation’s favourite snack. They are fascinating to spot in the markets and you will certainly be opening yourself up to new experiences if you get your gnashers into a fried tarantula, crickets and bamboo caterpillars. Be on the look out for ‘goong ten’ (dancing shrimps) which are fried alive and frantically jump about in the frying pan. The party doesn’t stop there – once sprinkled with a squeeze of lime and ground roasted rice and chilli, they are still bouncing when you pop them in your mouth – fresh!

If you don’t fancy nutricious and tasty snacks, don’t let these little delicacies put you off. They are easy to spot in markets and you will not find them in soups, curries and noodle dishes.


Good Dishes

Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles) Probably Thailand’s most well-traveled dish. Fistfuls of small, thin or wide (you choose) noodles mixed with beansprouts, onion and egg. The flavour lies in the condiments it is served with – fish sauce, sugar, chilli powed and ground peanuts.

Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) Meat with red curry paste, coconut milk and spinkled with kaffir lime leaves create a mild and sweet and fragrant dish.

Kai Med Ma Muang (Chicken with Cashew Nuts) Chicken with roasted cashews, sweet soy sauce, onions, chilies, pepper, carrot and mushrooms. A dash of honey gives it a sweet kick but it’s definitely for those who with a mild palate.

Khao Pad (Fried Rice) Fried rice, egg, onion and a few herbs, this is a popular lunch dish served with a wedge of lime and slices of cucumber. Sound simple? Well it’s left for you to dress up a bit. Try prawns, crab, chicken, basil, chili or vegetables.

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)This is a classic in Thailand. A wholesome and refresing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, limes leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Next they add a few fresh prawns and mushrooms to complete this sour, spicy and hot staple dish.

Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup) A mild alternative to tom yum. Chilies, sliced galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass, strips of chicken and coconut milk.

Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry) Another dish that has travelled the world but you will taste it as though for the first time in Thailand. Chicken, mini eggplant, bamboo shoots, coriander and sweet basil give this dish body but the green curry paste provides colour. Creamy coconut milk is added at the end then served with fragrant Thai rice.

This is a classic in Thailand. A wholesome and refresing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, limes leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce. Next they add a few fresh prawns and mushrooms to complete this sour, spicy and hot staple dish.

Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup) A mild alternative to tom yum. Chilies, sliced galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass, strips of chicken and coconut milk.

Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry) Another dish that has travelled the world but you will taste it as though for the first time in Thailand. Chicken, mini eggplant, bamboo shoots, coriander and sweet basil give this dish body but the green curry paste provides colour. Creamy coconut milk is added at the end then served with fragrant Thai rice.


Restaurants

You are spoilt for budget choices in Bangkok. Not only are there handy street vendors and markets everywhere but the currency often favours foreigners so you can eat like a king. However, for the experience and some of the best views of Bangkok try the more upmarket joints. You could just stay for a cocktail or have a meal as a special treat.

Phranakorn Bar
Budget
A place to hangout with young creatives chilling out on the roof terrace with floodlit views of the Golden Mount. There is a pool table on the third floor where indie and 80s music blares out from the speakers, art exhibitions on the 2nd and live music on the ground floor. If you are peckish feast on spicy Thai staple dishes. A good all-rounder.

58/2 Soi Damnoen Klang Tai
Telephone 2 622 0282
Open 6pm-1am daily

Ban Nam Pueng Floating Market
Budget
A revived talad nam (floating market) selling all manner of local specialities including elephant ear curry as well as fresh fruit and veg. Combine your trip with a bike or boat tour or catch a taxi from nearby Wat Ban Nam Pueng.

Thanon Phetchachueng,
Bang Kra Jao
Open 7am-3pm Sat, Sun

Chote Chitr
Budget
The nearest thing to honest home cooking, this place is a must on any trip to Bangkok. Three sisters cook seasonal dishes including smoky grilled aubergine salad with banana flower, succulent tiger prawns in a wonderful red curry and mee krob, crunchy noddles with balanced sweet and sour sauce. All served in an open-air shophouse with just 6 tables. The friendly owners will do their best to explain dishes to customers. This place could be the culinary highlight of your trip.

146 Thanon Praeng Phuthon
Telephone 2 221 4082
Open 10.30am-9pm Mon-Sat

Baan Klang Nam
Mid-Range
This is our pick of Yannawa’s waterfront seafood restaurants. A simple atmosphere in an old stilt house on the pier but with wonderful views of ships entering the harour.

3792/160 Rama III Soi 14
Telephone 2 292 2037-8
Open 11am-10pm daily


Bars

Banyan Tree Hotel – Vertigo Bar
Expensive
One of Bangkok’s most expensive hotels but any smartly dress so-and-so can pootle up to the 61st floor to visit the Vertigo Restaurant or Moon Bar. It’s one of the highest open-air restaurants in the world so along with the Bangkok skyline you get fantastic cocktails, music and a fashionable crowd. But watch out for conditions in the rainy season.

61st floor,
21/100 Thanon Sathorn Tai
Telephone 2 679 1200
Open 5.30pm-1am daily


Hemlock
Mid-Range
Lots of competition along stretch of restaurants and bars but Hemlock is a cut above the rest with exhibitions and performances upstairs. They have a good selection of wines, teas and Thai food.

56 Thanon Phra Arthit
Telephone 2 282 7507
Open 4pm-midnight Mon-Fri; 5pm-midnight Sat


Tags : Hotel, Cheap, Restaurant, Bangkok

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The Nice Place In Brussels For Vacation

Experience the Grand Place
Boterstraat 46
1000 Bruxelles

The Grand Place is one of Brussels most famous landmarks making it a must see site for any trip to Belgium’s capital.

The Place is home to some of the city’s most beautiful and iconic buildings, including the City Town Hall which stands tall over the south side of the square at an impressive 96 meters (310 ft) in height. The hall is capped by a 3 meter (12 ft) statue of Saint Michael slaying a demon which is well worth a look at on its own.

The City Town Hall may be the focal point but in truth all the buildings around the Place, many of which used to be merchant guilds, are worth looking at featuring beautifully detailed engravings and designs.

Every two years in August, an enormous “flower carpet” is set up in the Grand Place for a few days. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Brussels when the carpet is on you’ll be fortunate enough to see a huge display that features a million colorful begonias set up in patterns, and covers a massive 24 by 77 meters in total.

The Place is the hub of activity during the day but is also well worth a look at night when all the buildings are lit up.


Go on a brewery tour at Cantillon Brewery:
Gheudestraat 56
1070 Anderlecht

The Cantillon Brewery is the only brewery in Brussels that offers tours. Situated in one of the more run down areas of the city, some way out from the city center, the Brewery doesn’t appear much from the outside but don’t be put off by its shabby exterior.

Inside you’ll find a fully working brewery and a merry band of happy Belgians willing to take you on a tour of the factory that shows you the entire brewing process from vat of steaming barley to bottle of beer.

The brewery experience costs just €6 which includes a complimentary glass of beer in the front of the factory which doubles up as a hall and greeting area while you wait for the tour to start. The purists amongst you will enjoy the lambic though the framboise (raspberry) or kriek (cherry) are a safer bet if you’re not much of a beer person.

Once you’ve finished your drink you’re ushered in to the bottling area and the tour begins. Over the course of the next hour and a half, your guide will talk you through all the tricks of the trade and will answer any questions you have.

After the tour you can try some of the finished products at the brewery’s in-house bar or buy bottles and glasses for friends and loved ones.

If you’re lucky enough to be in town when the brewery is hosting a public brewing session you’ll be able to see them brewing the beers.


Have a Belgian Beer in a Brussels bar

Belgian’s love for beer is as strong as an Englishman’s love of tea; it forms a massive part of their culture and if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture then you’ll have to try a local beer.

There are literally hundreds of different beers to choose from but the fruit beers are very popular and come in every flavor you can imagine from raspberry to peach to pomegranate!

Places to drink are also far from being in short supply. The Saint Gery area is a great place to go for beer as it has a much better atmosphere than the pubs and bars around the Grand Place and is where many locals in the know go for drinks.

One place well worth visiting is the Delerium Café. Situated just off the Grand Place, Delerium has 2000 different varieties of beer for you to try and it’ll take you half an hour just to read the entire drinks list!

Just in case the beer list wasn’t enough to get you in the mood, the ceilings are covered in beer mats, the walls are lined with different types of pint glasses and the tables are made out of old beer kegs.

The bar is a tourist hot-spot and can get pretty noisy. If you’re after a quieter pub and a more ‘Belgian’ pub experience try the nearby bar Toone which serves ‘quack’ beer in funny glasses and has marionette puppets and dolls hanging from the ceilings.


Take a look at Manneken Pis
Stoofstraat
1000 Bruxelles

This statue of a small boy taking a piss on the corner of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat, is one of Brussels top attractions and adorns many a post card.

The truth behind its background is unclear but one of the many stories out there is that the statue was built to commemorate a battle where the then infant Duke Godfrey III of Leuven urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, prompting them to lose the battle.

It is a popular tradition to dress the young lad up in some kind of costume. The Manneken Pis has had many different egos over the years from judo artist to member of the Belgian guard.

The cheeky chappy is not the only urinating fountain in the city- there is a statue of a girl relieving herself- Jeannenken Pis- tucked away behind some bars outside the Delerium Cafe. There’s even a statue of a dog called Zinneken peeing against a bollard to be found somewhere in the city. Zinneken has a bit of a cult following and a parade in his honor every couple of years, making him almost more popular than young Manneken.


Visit the Notre Dame du Sablon
Regentschapsstraat
1000 Bruxelles

This beautiful late-Gothic church is famous for its four-fold gallery with brightly colored stained-glass windows and two beautiful baroque chapels decorated with funeral symbols in white marble, though you would never have guessed the extent of the church’s inner beauty based on the huge gray-white arches and walls that make up its exterior.

Notre Dame holds regular services which you are welcome to attend and on Sundays there’s a great market selling antiques and all sorts of jewelry which is well worth a look when you’ve finished looking round the church.


Read comics at the Belgian Comic Strip Center
Rue des Sables 33
1000 Bruxelles

Brussels is the spiritual home of the home of the comic strip and the Belgian Comic Strip Center houses everything you could possibly want to know about the ninth art from the history of comics to original story boards and comic strips. The history of Tin Tin, Belgium’s most famous comic export, and its creator Georges Rémi (more commonly known as Hergé)

The building itself- a beautiful Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta- is worth the entrance money alone. Don’t forget to visit the museum shop on the way out for all your Tin Tin merchandise including postcards and limited edition annuals. You can even read comics in the basement!



Check out the Royal Palace
Place des Palais
1000 Bruxelles

The official seat of the Belgian Royal Palace is one of Brussels’ must see landmarks but barely gets a mention in most guide books.

Backing on to Brussels Park, the Palace is an impressive spectacle and is enormous, too, spanning the entire length of one road. The big gardens in front of it and the two guards that protect the main gate (similar to the Royal Guards that stand outside Buckingham Palace) add to its grandeur.

The facade we see today was only built after 1900, however, the grounds on which the palace stands were once part of a very old palatial complex that dated back to the Middle Ages and inside you won’t know where to look as the palace is full to bursting with elaborate chambers, luxury chambers and wall-to-wall fine art.

The majestic proportions of the throne room and party hall with their high vaulted ceilings and enormous bronze and crystal chandeliers highlight Belgium’s former status as the fourth largest trading power in the world, while the large state rooms are also particularly interesting with installations by several well-known artists.

The Royal Palace is only open to the public from July through to September after the national holiday; however the Palace should not be missed whatever the time of year it is you go!


Soak up the culture at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Koningsplein 1 Place Royale
1000 Bruxelles

Brussels is home to some of the finest art collections in the world, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts is its crown jewel. The museum contains more than 20,000 drawings, sculptures, and paintings dating back to as early as the 15th Century.

Unsurprisingly, the museum concentrates on Belgian and Flemish artists, housing an extensive array of paintings by some of Belgium’s finest sons including Bruegel, Rogier van der Weyden and Robert Campin.

One of the most popular exhibitions is the Musée Magritte Museum which contains the largest collection of Magritte under one roof.

For those of you unfamiliar with René Magritte, he was a surrealist painter of the early and mid 20th Century and is probably the most famous Belgian artist. His paintings depict everyday objects such as apples, men in bowler hats, umbrellas, stones and pipes in odd arrangements and juxtapositions.

His paintings ranged from the weird to the wonderful, while the museum is laid out chronologically to give you an overview of the artist’s life, allowing the visitor to watch the progression of his work over the years.

Due to the popularity of the exhibition, admission is staggered and the queues for a ticket for the Magritte section are often long; but don’t let this put you off- the museum is well worth the wait.


Explore Sablon
1000 Brussels

Sablon is one of the most prestigious and attractive areas of the city and is where all the super suave and aristocratic types come to buy antiques and check out the mini-art galleries.

The area boasts hundreds of antique shops and comes alive at weekends when the weekly antiques market comes to town. The market is open from 9-6 pm on Saturdays and 9-1pm on Sundays and is a great place to go to get a gift for a loved one.

Sablon is also famous for its chocolate with world renowned names like Pierre Marcolini and Wittamers in residence here. Prices are expensive but not extortionate, and all the chocolatiers are happy for you to simply window shop. They also provide free samples for you to try so you won’t have to spend a penny to get your chocolate fix!

After browsing the market and going gaga over all the chocolates you can sit down in any number of the good restaurants and pleasant cafes that Sablon has on offer. A hot chocolate at the mini coffee shop at the back of the Côte d’Or is supposed to be nothing short of spectacular and is an absolute must.


Go to Horta House
25, rue Américaine
1060 Bruxelles (Saint-Gilles)

Some way out of the center of Brussels in the southern sector of Saint-Gilles, the Horta Museum is tricky to get to but well worth making the effort if you have enough time during your stay.

It is among the finest examples of art nouveau architecture in the world and was actually the Brussels home of Victor Horta, one of the most important figures of the art nouveau movement.

The main attraction is the stairwell which is absolutely stunning and has to be seen to be believed, but the whole house in all its lavish grandeur will impress. You’ll want to take pictures, but sadly it is prohibited to take photos inside and you will be unceremoniously chucked out if you try to do so.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the museum is only open from 2-5.30pm each day so a trip is best combined with another activity in the morning.

Tags : Brussels, Hotels, Museum, Bar

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The Best 10 Pubs and Bars in New York

PDT
113 St. Marks Place
Manhattan

Only accessible through a phone box in a seemingly non-descript hot dog joint, PDT is one of New York’s best kept secrets- until now!

Please Don’t Tell, to give it its full name, is one of those hidden gems that you would never know existed unless you’d heard about it first and remains a mystery to as many New Yorkers as it does tourists.

There are no signs or clues as to its existence or whereabouts and the only way to enter is by picking up the telephone receiver in the side alcove and waiting for one of the waitresses to let you in through a hidden door.

Inside, the bar is a dimly lit, cellar-like haven that is a throwback to the days of speakeasies and prohibition.

The atmosphere is intimate and cozy rather than wild and raucous; however its drinks menu and cocktails, in particular, are to die for.

Drinks aren’t cheap but PDT is a great place for a quiet drink, secret rendezvous or relaxed evening. The hot dogs next door aren’t half bad either- the Wylie Dog and Chang Dog hot dogs are particularly good!


Brooklyn Inn
148 Hoyt St
Brooklyn

On the outside, at least, the Brooklyn Inn looks like any other dive bar in New York thanks to its non-descript frontage and cheap decor. However, don’t let this put you off going inside!

Inside, you’ll soon discover that the Brooklyn Inn is about as close to a pub as you’ll get in the whole of NYC as New York doesn’t really do pubs- Irish bars aside.

The clientele is local in the main; a strange assortment of beer hungry locals and the odd tourist who’s gone off the beaten track. This makes for a warm, friendly and informal atmosphere which you’ll find welcoming and homely if you are used to drinking in pubs.

The bar itself offers an impressive selection of beers, wines and liquors and also serves pretty decent pub grub and very reasonable prices.

However, perhaps its most popular feature is its well-stocked juke box which is rarely silent. Make sure you put some money in though to get the songs you want played though or you’ll end up potentially listening to endless Dolly Parton or Cher!

The Brooklyn Bar is perfect if you want a laid back, care free night out where playing pool and swigging beers with your mates. It’s also a great place to go for ‘pre-drinks’ before hitting one of Manhattan’s super clubs.

King Cole Bar and Lounge
St. Regis Hotel
2 E. 55th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue
Manhattan


Situated in the mega-posh setting of the St. Regis Hotel on East 55th Street, the King Cole Bar is about as different to the Brooklyn Inn as you can get as the clientele are suits and boots rather than locals and the drinks of choice are cocktails not beers.

However, if you’ve enjoyed the jukebox and cheap beers a little too much at the Brooklyn Bar the night before it is the only place to come as it serves the best Bloody Mary in town!

Cheap it most certainly isn’t but its signature St. Regis cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up and will have you back on your feet and ready for another day checking out all the New York sights.

Roof Garden Café
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
Manhattan

The Roof Garden Café on top of the Metropolitan Museum Art is the perfect place to take some time out after checking out some of New York’s finest art galleries and museums on museum mile.

The setting is stunning with the views over Central Park are worth the trip up to the roof alone. Frozen daiquiris seem to be the most popular choice amongst the tourists and art aficionadas and are reasonably good value given the café’s location.

If you still haven’t had enough of an art fix, there’s even sculptures and art work on the roof for you to take a leisurely look at while sipping your cocktail.

Artisanal
182 Park Avenue 
Manhattan

If wine’s your tipple of choice, then Artisanal is the place for you! Featuring more than 100 wines by the glass (or bottle!) it has the perfect wine to suit any occasion.

Artisanal’s other claim to fame its fabulous selection of cheeses. It has a total of 200 varieties to choose from, all of which have the perfect wine to accompany them with.

If, like me, you’re not much of a connoisseur, ask the bartender for a menu which suggests good pairings.

Wine and cheese aside, Artisanal is a busy yet chilled out midtown bistro popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

One not to be missed.


The Ginger Man
11 East 36th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenue
Manhattan

Beer more your thing? Then the Ginger Man should be your port of call but be prepared for a long session as it serves 66 beers on draught and more than 150 by the bottle

Perhaps in a bid to help you line your stomach, Ginger Man also has a decent food menu which includes buffalo shrimp and THE charcuterie Plate which features a massive selection of cured meats, olives and organic wheat crackers.

This champion of beer bars is best visited at night when the suited and business types have been replaced by a more fun loving crowd. Not that there is anything wrong with going during the day of course- you might have to if you want to make any serious headway through the huge array of beers on offer!

If you wan to get yourself in the mood for a beer session, head first to the Brooklyn Brewery and check out how they make all the beer you’re going to consume afterwards.


Apotheke
9 Doyers Street
Chinatown
Manhattan

Apotheke used to be an opium and drugs den. Rather than try and hide or distance itself from its previous existence, Albert Tanner, the owner of Apotheke uses it as its unique selling point.

The result is a quirky little bar serving over 250 different cocktails from a marble bar that is full to bursting with various glass jars, pestles and mortars.

Part of the appeal of Apotheke is watching the owner, a self-proclaimed ‘mixologist’, and his trusted bar men make the cocktails from scratch.

Cocktails are separated into nine distinct categories with the intention of trying to have a cocktail to try and suit your mood. Whether you’re after a ‘euphoric enhancer’ or an ‘aphrodisiac’ Apotheke claims to have the cocktail for you.

It even has absinthe made on the premises. You have been warned!

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
19-29 24th Avenue Astoria
Queens

Serving Czech and Slovak beers and a large outdoor patio with benches and a grill serving sausages, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Europe rather than New York.

New York used to house hundreds of Europeans style beer halls, however, over the years they have been phased out and replaced by non-descript coffee shops or pizza joints, leaving the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden as the last Czech beer hall standing!

And thank God it is as the atmosphere and general ambience is fantastic. Besides, what could be better than chilling out in a beer garden with a Czech Pilsner in one hand a German sausage in the other during an NY summer?

Beauty Bar
231 East 14th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Manhattan

Decked out like an old school US hair salon, Beauty Bar is a throwback to the 1950s and is a drinking experience like no other. Here you’ll find trendy New Yorkers sitting under hair driers chewing the fat and drinking beers listening to a soundtrack of 50s and 60s rock and pop classics.

In terms of clientele, you won’t find a suit in site as alternative is the name of the game and the atmosphere is relaxed but edgy. Alternative might not be you thing but you shouldn’t let that put you off as the Beauty Bar regulars are super-friendly and love to chat with tourists!

Drinks aren’t the cheapest in town but they’re not the most expensive either and you can get a pint of Sam Adams or glass of wine for under $5.

If you visit the Beauty Bar on a Sunday you’ll also be treated to a dose of Beauty Bar Comedy which has built up a bit of an underground following and has a reputation for unearthing some of the local scene’s brightest rising stars.


230 Fifth
230 Fifth Avenue 
Manhattan

Cheap it most certainly isn’t but if you’re after a drinking experience which allows you to take in 360 degree views of NY’s amazing skyline day or night whilst sipping cocktails on luxury padded chairs and recliners, then 230 Fifth Avenue is the only place to go!

The whole experience is special- you enter the outdoor garden area through a luxurious and amazingly 1940’s style inner bar and chill out area- and then have to wait to be seated by one of the waiter staff in one of the ultra-comfortable seating areas.

The best time to go up is at night when the New York skyline takes on a completely different complexion. It can get cold up top- especially during the winter but the bar has outdoor heaters, dressing gowns and blankets and pillows to keep you warm!

The drinks themselves aren’t cheap and this isn’t a place you’d go if you’re hard pushed budget wise. However, you have to appreciate that you are on the roof of a high quality bar in one of the most famous streets in the world, sipping cocktails looking out at all of New York’s most famous sites around you with just the stars above you. It doesn’t really come much better than that!

230 Fifth completes our recommended list of bars to try when visiting the city that never sleeps. However, there are hundreds more out there and we haven’t even considered New York nightclubs or amazing clubbing scene.

Tags : New York, Bar, Hotels, Manhattan

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Travel Guide to San Francisco

Aside from being the heaving California gold town of 1948, San Francisco is synonymous with the gay rights movement. If you are lucky enough to be around in June, its yearly Gay Pride parades set the celebratory standard. San Francisco is a dramatic destination. The temperamental weather conditions only add to the drama of the ominous Alcatraz Island prison and the marvelous Golden Gate Bridge. The sweeping fog that covers the city could almost be mistaken for the onset of doomsday, but it lifts and everyone is back on their bike or hitching a tram up the hill.

View

Pacific Heights
The city boasts 43 hills – phew – so you are never short of a few fantastic panoramic views. Our choice is Pacific Heights. For San Fran first-timers (nobody else would dare call the city San Fran), this area will live-up to all your filmic dreams. Take in the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from this rather luxurious vantage point surrounded by boutique shops, fancy cafes and well-groomed locals who, despite the blustery winds, don’t have a hair out of place.


History

Alcatraz Island Prison
In 150 years, only one inmate managed to escape from Alcatraz, the prison surrounded by shark-infested waters, volatile weather conditions and treacherous currents. This is a tourist prison a cut above the rest and, receiving over a million visitors every year Frankenheimer’s ‘Birdman from Alcatraz’, 1962 and Siegel’s ‘Escape from Alcatraz’, 1979, have helped keep the attraction at the top of tourist’s to-do agendas. If you don’t want to follow the sheep you can always swim the one-and-a-half miles to ‘the Rock’ with aquapreneur and tour leader, Gary Emich. Did I mention the sharks?

Drinks

Bourbon Branch
A San Francisco speakeasy, apparently, the Bourbon Branch bar is listed in the telephone directory as ‘The Ipswich – A Beverage Parlor’. Its history is muddled with bootleggers, shaken with house rules and finally stirred with, well bourbon of course! During the Prohibition era of the 1920s the bar attracted some of the most notorious names in bootlegging. Nowadays, the wink-wink nudge-nudge drink’s order is no longer necessary.


Sporting Life

Baseball AT&T Park
Take in a baseball game, an essential local sporting experience. The AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants and the stadium won’t fail to impress baseball novices. Last minute ticket purchases are the best way to bag a bargain and even the cheapest seats offer fantastic views of the Bay Bridge and marina. If all else fails, peep through the free viewing window located behind the right field.

Food

Ferry Building Farmers Market
A notable driving force behind locally sourced food, this farmers’ market is a historic landmark in San Francisco. Stop for locally produced cheeses, mushrooms, jams and more. Weekly cooking demonstrations and discussions are free to attend in the scenic open-air Arcade.

Open: Tues & Thurs, 10am-2pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm


Style

Sneakers from Huf
Keith Hufnagel recognized San Francisco is not all about tree-hugging fashions. A professional skateboarder since 1992, he has a hard-line of followers loving his unique fusion of NYC edginess. There are 2 Huf stores, one selling clothes on 812 Sutter St and the other on 516 Hayes St selling supreme sneakers.

Old Times’ Sake

The Castro Theater
It’s the oldest picturehouse in San Francisco and was built in 1922. Decorated with old film posters and classic murals, it serves as a trip down cinema’s memory lane. The schedule covers some golden oldies, lovingly introduced by a Mighty Wurlitzer organ and it also hosts a number of gay screenings.


Dance Classes

Lindy in the Park
Fancy trying to bop to lindy hop? Swing along to the Golden Gate Park for a free session every Sunday 11am-2pm. All you beginners will want to hit the 12-12:30pm class. Unless it’s raining, the group can be found on the South sidewalk of John F. Kennedy Drive, between the de Young Museum and the north entrance to the Music Concourse.

Tags : San Francisco

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What You Do In Melbourne?

Phillip Island at Dusk
This is an absolute must for nature lovers as visitors can glimpse hundreds of penguins returning to their sand dune homes after a day out fishing. If you don’t get there in time to see the penguin parade, there is plenty more to see and do in this beautiful nature reserve including seal tours and wildlife cruises. One not to be missed.

A Game of Aussie Rules
While the rest of the world struggle to understand the concept of the game, Melbournians go mad for a spot of Aussie Rules. Always a noisy affair, a night at the Aussie Rules is worth a try for the atmosphere alone.

For those of you, like me, that don’t know anything about the game, the Collingwood Magpies rule the roost and are Melbourne’s best supported team. You can catch the Collingwood Magpies in action at either the Telstra Dome or the sporting Mecca of the MCG.

N.B. The drinks begin to flow well before the kick-off so be prepared for raucous crowds and the odd spluttering of colorful language once the game does finally get under way!

Hot Chocolate at Koko Black
Situated in the Royal Arcade off Bourke Street Mall, Koko Black serves hot chocolate that would give Juliet Binoche in ‘Chocolat’ a run for her money. The famed hot chocolate is made from ground Belgian chocolate as opposed to powder and full-cream milk and is served piping hot. A mug of this stuff is sheer indulgence but is oh so good!- especially after a few too many beers the night before!

Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market has an extraordinary array of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls featuring produce from throughout the region and across the world. Bric-a-brac and clothing stalls also pack the market which is always full of backpackers and locals looking for a bargain.

The best thing about the market is all the free samples you can stuff your face with- especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget!

Eureka Tower
This is a great way to view the city in all its glory, but is not for the faint hearted! The views from the top of the observation deck on the 88th floor are stunning and provide an incredible view over the city and ocean beyond. For those of you who think being 300 meters above the ground isn’t enough of a thrill, there is a moveable glass cube on the observation deck which suspends you over the edge of the building.

Wine Tasting with the Mornington Ride
This trip takes you out into the famous wine producing region of the Mornington Peninsular which is home to more than 40 wineries. You get a personalized tours of vineyards, an explanation of the wine making process as part of the deal; but most importantly you get to drink lots and lots of wine!

The Hidden Secrets Tour
This is a really good way to get to know the city. Run by fashion aficionado Fiona Sweetman, who knows Melbourne like the back of her hand, you are taken on a three hour tour of the center of the city and shown places you would never otherwise have known existed. Hidden secrets include concealed lofts and trendy designer clothing outlets.

Dinner on the Colonial Melbourne Tramcar Restaurant
This is a dining experience like no other that allows you to do two travel musts at the same time- eat and site see. Aboard the Melbourne Tramcar you get to take in all the sights of Melbourne like St. Kilda and South Melbourne whilst tucking into a four or five course gourmet meal and waited on hand-on-foot!

Not bad eh?! The only downside is that this experience doesn’t come cheap with prices starting at a prohibitive 82.50 AUD. However, the general low-down is that you do appear to get value for money and is well worth the investment if you fancy being pampered.

The National Gallery of Victoria
Ok, art might not really be your thing but the National Gallery of Victoria is actually really good. The gallery features art from around the globe and has showcased some of arts’ crown jewels in its time. The exhibitions vary in interest but the volunteer tours don’t as the volunteer tour guides are both interesting and funny.

If films are more your thing, get yourself down (or should that be up?!) to the Roof Top cinema on the roof of Curtin House in Swanston Street. Screening cult classics like Zoolander and Blade Runner, the Roof Top cinema is the place to watch a movie. Be warned though- tickets run-out fast and need to be booked in advance!

The Ramsay Street set
We all know the theme tune, and love it or hate it, a trip to the Neighbours set is something that really has to be done when visiting Melbourne as all your mates will be asking about it when you get home.
Ramsay Street doesn’t really exist but the free tour of the street allows you to watch the film crew filming and take a photo of the famous houses. No Neighbours tour would be complete without meeting some of the cast and you can catch Dr Karl (Alan Fletcher) or Toadie (Ryan Maloney) at the Neighbours trivia night every Monday at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow Pub.


Tags : Hotelss, Australia, Melbourne, Travel

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The Nice Ocean Road In Australia

Torquay
Your journey begins at Victoria’s surfing capital where the towns of Jan Juc and Bells Beach epitomize Australian surf culture. The towns are busiest over the Easter period when the Rip Curl Pro surf event draws contestants from all over the world. You can get all your kit, lessons and history from this surfing Mecca but there’s not much else to keep you here. If you want to stay with the surfers, or just fancy some good home-cooking, stay at the Bells Beach Surf Lodge for €21 a night.Learn to surf / $50 for 2 hours
Drive beyond Bells Beach to Point Addis on your way to Anglesea. The road runs down to a car park and offers the best vantage point for watching the waves pummelling the cliffs.

Anglesea
This is the point at which the Anglesea river runs into the sea, making the town a scenic holiday destination. The area has a large population of kangaroos and there is gentle surf and safe swimming.
Play golf at the Anglesea Golf Club but you’ll need to navigate your way round 50 bunkers and 300 kangaroos.
On the road out of town you will pass the quaint white lighthouse complete with red hat, which overlooks the Aireys Inlet and serves Devonshire tea.

Lorne
Guaranteed a good coffee 2 hours outside of the city, Melbournian weekenders flock to this pretty seaside resort that sits on the banks of the Erskine river.
Explore the lush blue-gum forest, tall ferns and waterfalls at the Lorne State Park.
Take a short detour as you leave, up George Street to Teddy’s Lookout (plenty of signposts) for views of the curving Great Ocean Road as it winds round the cliffs and the St George River.

Apollo Bay
The town serves as both a recreational and commercial fishing hub but a number of artists and musicians relocating to the area have created a small but buzzing craft and live music scene. You can stay at the Apollo Bay Backpackers Lodge for as little as €16 a night.
The weekly Foreshore Market (Sat, 8:30am-4:30pm) promotes art, craft as well as fresh produce.
Drive 17km west of Apollo Bay for the Maits Rest car park.


Otway National Park
For easy walks through the fern gullies, it’s best to approach the dense forest from Maits Rest car park. Next, continue driving for about 3km and, if cute cuddly koalas are your thing, take the turn-off for Blanket-Bay, where you are likely to spot plenty clinging to Eucalyptus trees.Once back on the Ocean Road, head towards Lavers Hill then turn east and follow the road for about 15 minutes, following the signs for the Otway Fly Treetop Walk; a 45m high, 600m long walkway with views over the national park.
Back at Lavers Hill, continue south west along the Ocean Road for 3 miles and take the turn off towards the Melba Gully State Park. Here you’ll find one of the last remaining giant gum trees. Estimated to be around 300 years old, this tree boasts a circumference measuring an impressive 27m. Visit at night and you’ll be treated to a strangely hypnotic show from the glow-worms.
Return to the Great Ocean Road which follows an inland route for a few miles.

Shipwreck Coast
So called because some 200 ships are known to have perished in the surrounding treacherous waters. Information about the Historic Shipwreck Trail is available at most visitor centers between Moonlight Head and Port Fairy. The area is home to a number of interesting coastal formations, including those at Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, but the most famous are the Twelve Apostles, although 4 have collapsed and only 8 remain. These 65m high limestone columns rise up out of the ocean and are a startling reminder of the coastal erosion which, in this area, recedes at about 2cm a year. If you want to spend a few days walking around this part of the coastline, the 13th Apostle Hostel has great views and beds from €17 a night.
As the sun goes down on the Twelve Apostles, watch the fairy penguins waddle down to the shore.


Port Campbell
An arch once connected the London Bridge rock formation to the mainland but in 1990 it collapsed, just minutes after a couple walked across it. After the helicopter rescue, the couple fled the awaiting media in case their extramarital affair was uncovered. This is a good base from which to explore the national parks and rock formations and the beach is patrolled and safe for swimming. You can stay at the Port Campbell Hostel for €20 a night.Rent diving equipment or snorkels to explore the shipwreck area.
On the drive to Warrnambool you will notice the vast pasture fields – you are entering wonderful dairy country.

Warrnambool
Aside from local cheese-tastings, female southern right whales have started to return to the area and you can watch them off the viewing platforms at Logan’s Beach between June and September. The rest of the town has a number of galleries, some quaint churches and there are also the Botanic Gardens to explore. The Warrnambool Beach Backpackers has beds from €18 a night.At Flagstaff Hill you can learn about the dangers surrounding Shipwreck Coast but the big pull is the multi-million dollar sound and laser show, which recounts the story of the Lock Ard disaster. Book a day in advance.
The Great Ocean Road ends here but we suggest you carry on a little further. Port Fairy is a good place to round off your trip.

Port Fairy
This pretty, historic town has over fifty listed National Trust buildings, while its busy harbor is full of yachts and fishing boats catching the local specialty – crayfish. If you have time your trip, try to catch one of the town’s music festivals, which seem to cater for all tastes. The Cherokee Lodge Guest House is run by artists and musicians and has rooms for €14 a night.Take a boat from the wharf to Australia’s only submarine volcano. Lady Julia Percy Island is home to one of the largest colonies of fur seals but you might also spot dolphins, whales and great white sharks.

Tags : Hotels, Travelling, Australia, Beach, Ocean

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Travel Guide to Los Angeles Beach

Will Rogers

BEST FOR…Beach perfection

It’s not just the spangly bathrooms, this place ticks all the super beach boxes, apparently for the gay community too. Unfortunately the sea is a ‘look but don’t touch’ teaser; don’t assume your itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini will uphold your modesty after a swim in those monstrous waves!
Eat & Drink: Make a beeline for the hot dog and soda stand.

Venice Beach

BEST FOR…People-watching

This is definitely as good as budget entertainment gets! You can spend hours watching the weightlifters and gymnasts at Muscle Beach, the pimped up dogs and their pimped up walkers, fire-eaters, jugglers and old age hippies.

Eat & Drink: Candle Cafe & Grill
Our pick of the boardwalk eateries. Pop on your Jackie-O’s to watch LA’s weird and wonderful wander by. 325 Ocean Front Walk.


Zuma

BEST FOR…Surfing

Most of LA’s beaches have spectacular surf spots but if you don’t mind the 20 mile drive north, the consistently high waves at Zuma nudges it in to the top spot. Good views, clean sand and top junk food – take it or leave it.


Dockweiler

BEST FOR…Bonfire parties

This is, in fact, the only beach in LA where they allow bonfires, so it’s a popular party spot with clusters of guitars, families with BBQs and youths on parade, blaring soundsystems underarm. At sunset, some may find the busy overhead flightpath romantic, others not. The bathrooms are atrocious too.

Eat & Drink: Bring your own BBQ provisions. Alcohol is prohibited on LA beaches but you’ll notice people swigging from tell-tale disposable red cups.

Manhattan

BEST FOR…Volleyball

The volleyball tournament held here in August = a massive party. The surrounding area is squeamishly perfect with quaint cottages, flower borders and a picture-postcard pier.

Eat & Drink: The Kettle
A 24hr joint serving American diner food and all manner of niceties. 1138 Highland Avenue.

Redondo

BEST FOR…Community feel

This one is a bit out of town but it’s where locals venture at weekends to visit the marina. If you visit in the summer months you might catch one of the free concerts or festivals held along the pier and there are also a number of good places to eat too.

Eat & Drink: The Green Temple
Strives to be all things good and green and uses mostly organic produce for Mexican wraps, enchiladas, pitas and hearty soups. All set against a beautiful backdrop of lush, exotic foliage, fountain and rich textiles. 1700 Catalina Ave.


Santa Monica

BEST FOR…The kid in you

The golden days of bathing clubs and gambling ships are, sadly, only found in black and white movies these days. Santa Monica is now a tourist sprawl of screaming kids, chain stores and thrill rides. But, wearing your strongest rose-tinted glasses, the pier has a well-restored 1922 wooden carousel and there is still a nice view to be had from the palisades stretch looking down to the beach. If you still can’t stand it, bike hire is cheap and you can take advantage of the wonderful cycle lanes riding north to Malibu or south to Redondo and back in half a day.

Eat & Drink: Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Although not much to look at from the outside, you’ll be able to pick up everything you need for a picnic here, including the plastic cutlery. Build your own sandwich and choose from a few Italian delicacies, sodas, chips and cookies. 1517 Lincoln Bld.

Hermosa

BEST FOR…Peace & quiet

Another trek to the south but for this reason, you don’t get the maddening throngs of tourists. There is a nice mix of restaurants and beach bars that don’t mind people traipsing in wearing towels, flipflops and depositing small quantities of sand about the place. Keep an eye out for some nice boutiques too.

Eat & Drink: Hennessey’s Tavern
Don’t be put off by the obvious prime pier location. You can laze in your trunks on the roof deck and enjoy the ocean view or a spot of people-watching. 8 Pier Ave.
Another local favorite is Poop Deck, located on the Strand (1272) and with humble offerings of beer served up with amazing views.

Tags : Vacation, Los Angeles, Travel

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10 Altenartif Tourist Destination In Chicago

Check out the city at 1,000ft from the John Hancock Center
Unless you’re terrified of heights, there really is no better way to view the city than the observation deck at the top of the John Hancock Observatory.

Standing at more than 1,000ft in height, the imposing tower is one of Chicago’s most well-known buildings and was designed to withstand winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, which is pretty handy given Chicago’s reputation for blowing a gale!

Inside, the complex is vast and contains its own post office, apartments, shops, a hotel, ice rink and restaurants including the famous Signature Room on the 95th and 96th floors.

However, it’s the views from the observation deck that people come to see and you can rest assured that these are well worth the occasionally lengthy queues and ticket price of $15.

Top Tip: Head up the Observatory for the best views in town of the Navy Pier Fireworks, which take place from 29th May through 4th September this year. Make sure you arrive early though to avoid missing out!

Eat like a king on a Progressive Dining Tour
There is no shortage of decent places to eat in Chicago but if you’re after something a little bit different from your dining experience then a Progressive Dining Tour with Chicago Dine-Around is it.

The tour takes you on a culinary adventure which sees you stop off for courses at some of Chicago’s finest restaurants. Your very own chauffeur in a luxury coach drives you between three restaurants – for Hors D’oeuvres, Main Course and Dessert.

The tour is an exciting way to experience Chicago dining and to get to see a bit of the city, but it doesn’t come cheap at $89 per head. So, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s probably not for you. However, it’s ideal if you want a romantic meal or are celebrating a special occasion.

For prices, restaurants and menus go to the Chicago Dine-Around website.

Get lost in the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze
Located at the East end of Navy Pier, the Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze sounds like something that should be left to the kids but it’s actually great fun for people of all ages and not as easy as it looks.

Featuring 4,000 sq. ft of tunnels and mazes, as well as interactive games and informative narration, the Maze will get you in a muddle and at some point you will find yourself twisting, turning and going back on yourself like everybody else.

As a result, the Maze is guaranteed to keep you entertained for a good couple of hours at the very least or possibly longer if you get stuck.

Don’t believe us? Then you’ll just have to try the Maze for yourself and see how you get on!

Open daily at 10am. Child pass $9.95; Adult pass $12.95; group rates available.

Give yourself a fright on a Chicago Ghost House Investigation
We know what many of you must be thinking- there’s no such thing as ghosts. Maybe you’re right, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun trying to locate them. Fictional or otherwise.

Chicago Ghost House Investigation allows you to do just that in some of Chicago’s most haunted locations. Armed with sensors, detectors and cameras that work in the dark you will be taught by your very own Ghostbuster how to use the equipment to locate potential spirit activity.

Your poltergeist expert will also teach you a psychic technique, which will allow you the opportunity to potentially communicate with the spirit of a loved one in the world beyond.

As with any tour of this nature, there’s absolutely no guarantee that you’ll see a ghost or ‘make a connection’ with a spirit but it’s great fun none the less and what you get out of the whole experience depends a lot on how much you let your mind run away with you.

Tours depart from the Old Water Tower at Chicago and Michigan Avenues at 7:30 pm. You can turn up on the day but reservations are preferred.

Go back in time at a Medieval Dinner & Tournament
If you’ve ever seen the film Role Models, where Mike Rudd et al get dressed up to play soldiers in a mythical world of sword craft and honor, then you’ll have some idea of what to expect from the Medieval Times experience.

Guests are taken back to the 11th Century, where King Philippe reigns supreme alongside his daughter-in-law Princess Leonore and is presiding over a four-course feast to which you have been invited.

As part of the entertainment guests are treated to medieval jousting tournaments and occasionally even bloody battles in authentic medieval tournaments.

This, like Ghost hunting, might be a stretch too far for many, but the Medieval Times franchise is increasing in popularity in the United States and Chicago boasts some of the country’s most loyal fans.

Come face-to-face with a T-Rex at the Field Museum
The Field Museum is Chicago’s Natural History Museum and is famous for being home to Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the world.

It’s only when you get right up to the enormous skeleton that you get a sense of scale of what was once the world’s natural predator.

Getting the opportunity to get up close and personal with a T-Rex is worth the admission money alone, however, the Museum is also home to a great collection of stuffed creatures from around the globe.

This year marks the 10th year of the Sue T-Rex exhibition and to celebrate the museum is putting on a number of special events.

Shop until you drop on the Chicagoland mile
Chicagoans love shopping as much as the rest of America and thankfully Chicago has the shopping malls, department stores and boutiques necessary to satisfy shoppers of all tastes and budgets.

The City’s primary shopping strip is between Michigan Avenue and Oak Street- an area also known as the Magnificent Mile. Here you’ll find all the big department stores and clothing retailers like Bloomingdales and Ralph Lauren, as well as a number of thrift and discount stores.

The Magnificent Mile also features several shopping malls that have as many as 900 stores, which should keep even the most avid of shoppers amongst you happy.

For the indecisive amongst you – book yourself on to a shopping tour and get a personal guide for the day. These tours aren’t cheap but they can help you find the kind of stores and clothes you’re after.

If you are interested in getting yourself some help with the shopping, there are plenty of the shopping tour companies out there including See More Shopping Tours but do shop around before you commit to one.

Explore Navy Pier
Navy Pier is an absolute must see when visiting Chicago, as many of the cities primary attractions can be found along this 1.5 mile boardwalk by the Chicago River.

Along the Pier, catch one of Shakespeare’s plays at the Shakespeare Theater or ride a 15-storey Ferris wheel. If you get tired of the Pier, you can hop on one of the many cruises that offer trips around Lake Michigan or on the Chicago River, which can range from a short jaunt to a full dinner cruise.

Navy Pier’s opening hours:
Monday – Thursday, 10am to 8pm.
Friday – Saturday, 10am to 10pm.
Sunday, 10am to 7pm.

Don’t forget to check out the free fireworks on the pier every Wednesday and Friday night during the summer.

Take a stroll in Grant Park
Sometimes all you want when visiting a big city is a bit of fresh air and Chicago has no shortage of parks and green space for you to do that.

Grant Park is the biggest and arguably the best. Here you’ll find joggers, walkers and picnickers of all ages enjoying the stunning views, beautiful lake and Buckingham fountain.

During the summer, the park comes alive as the outdoor concerts and festivals come to town, including Taste of Chicago and the city’s annual Blues Festival.

Also home to the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, anyone visiting Chicago is bound to end up in Grant Park at some point.

Another park worth checking out is Lincoln Park, which boasts its own zoo, nature museum and outdoor theatre.

Check out a festival
Taking in one of the many festivals is an absolute must during your stay in the Windy City.

Many of the biggest and most popular festivals are held during the summer months from May through to the end of August. Don’t panic if you’re planning a trip outside of this time period though – there are festivals going on throughout the year.

Taste of Chicago is the biggest and the best known of the city’s festivals. Held in Grant Park each year, the festival is a food tasting extravaganza on an enormous scale, featuring the best food that Chicago has to offer.

Vendors from all over town take part in Taste of Chicago, including the Chicago Chocolate Company and Connie’s Pizza, which gives you the opportunity to taste a slice of one of Chicago’s world-renowned pizzas.

Another of Chicago’s headline festivals is the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, where the city takes to the streets to watch the Chicago River dyed green in honor of the Emerald Isle’s Patron Saint.

For music lovers two other festivals well worth considering are the Blues and Jazz Festivals, which take place in June and late August respectively.

Like what you’ve read? Check out our Chicago hostels on the HostelBookers website.

tags : Chicago, Hotels, Hotelbookers, Vacation

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The Best Alternative Restaurants for Vegetarian In New York

Vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious New Yorkers have a lot of great restaurant choices these days. The options go way beyond bland tofu and sprouts. You'll find gourmet raw food, vegan delicacies, healthy options that include fish and poultry, and organic wine and cocktails.

In fact, even meat-eaters will enjoy dining at these great New York restaurants and sampling just how delicious healthy eating can be.

Candle 79 and Candle Cafe
For delicious vegetarian and vegan food, it's hard to beat sister restaurants Candle 79 and Candle Cafe on the Upper East Side. Candle 79 is a bit more formal and expensive, while Candle Cafe has a casual atmosphere and lower prices. Both restaurants offer great good and excellent service. The vegan ice cream made with nut butters at Candle 79 must be tasted to be believed.

Josie's East and West
Josie's offers a wide range of tasty and healthy dining options at two different locations. There are plenty of vegan options at Josie's, but you can also find dishes with free-range or farm-raised meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood. How can you argue with the loyal customers who crowd both Josie's locations for dinner every night? The macadamia-crusted chicken salad with avocado and mango is one particular stand-out.

Zen Palate
Asian vegetarian restaurant Zen Palate has three popular locations in New York City. The busy Union Square location has three floors -- including a casual cafe-style restaurant on the first floor and fine dining on the upper levels. Zen Palate was rated as "Best Healthy Dining" and "Best Vegetarian Dining" restaurant in New York for 2005 by AOL CitySearch. Don't miss sampling the sweet yam fries.

Counter
Counter is a delightful vegetarian bistro and organic wine and martini bar in the East Village. Everything served is 100% vegetarian and there are plenty of vegan options. Some of the produce is even grown in the organic rooftop garden. Regulars recommend the cauliflower "risotto" and the panini with walnut-lentil pate.

Pure Food and Wine
Who knew raw food could taste like this? The chefs at Pure Food and Wine create delicious gourmet meals from raw, organic foods. It's hard to believe that the squash pasta, the empanadas, the pumpkin pie, and other delicacies were created without an oven (they're also completely meat and dairy free). Recipe staples include coconut, nut butters, and fresh produce. Try dining in the lovely garden during nice weather for romantic ambience.

Tags : Newyork, Cafe, Restaurant, Discount

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One Of Interesting Places In Amsterdam

Check out what all the fuss is about at the Sex Museum
Avoiding the sex industry on a visit to Amsterdam is almost impossible and you’d almost feel a bit disappointed if you didn’t experience it wouldn’t you?

If you can’t stomach checking out the girls in the shop windows in the Red Light District then the Sex Museum is probably the best place to go to get your dose of seedy Amsterdam.

However, the fact that it’s a museum doesn’t mean it isn’t seedy or weird! Beyond the art, literature and artifacts that show the development of the industry, there is an ‘interactive’ section with private booths and various machines and vibrating chairs which will have you all in a whizz!

And there you have it our guide to weird things to do in Amsterdam- we told you it was a strange place!

If you fancy doing something a little less edgy, check out our blog on cool things to do in Amsterdam.

And, of course, don’t forget to book your Amsterdam hostel with Hostelbookers. We are 8.7% cheaper, on average, than Hostelworld and offer the lowest price guarantee!

Have an out of body experience at the Corpus Museum
Amsterdam is no stranger to weird and wonderful museums but the Corpus Museum of the Human Body is weirder than most.

Housed inside a giant human body, the museum takes you on a spectacular journey through the human body where you will get to see, feel and hear how the body works.

You’ll learn the answer to all sorts of questions like ‘why do I sleep’, ‘what happens when I sneeze’ and ‘how does hair grew’ and find out that everything you’re eating and drinking is just as bad as you first feared!

If all that isn’t weird enough for you, you end your visit with a medical exam that will tell you what’s wrong with you! Sadly, there’s no miracle cure for a hangover!

Shake, rattle and roll at the Heineken Experience
The Heinieken Experience may be one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions but it’s also among the weirdest.

On the surface it appears normal enough- you go in, you learn about the brewing process and you wash it all down with free samples along the way.

However, on closer inspection it’s pretty damn weird. First, you have to stand on a vibrating platform that rocks from side to side and have to pretend to be a beer bottle being processed.

Then there’s the part where you have to sit in a wooden cart and again get thrown from side to side whilst you watch a short film of a horse and cart trotting through Amsterdam.

There’s no real explanation for either of these seemingly pointless actions but it ensures The Heineken Experience is a memorable one- especially after a few beers!

Watch a Movie at the World’s smallest Cinema
There’s something a bit odd about going to the cinema on your own. However, at CINEMA41, a pop-up movie theater with just one seat, you have no choice!

The one-man movie theater situated in a strangely decorated micro-space in a housing complex in the heart of downtown Amsterdam is the smallest in the world provides a movie experience like no other.

For just €3 you get your ticket, popcorn and a movie experience that isn’t ruined by a group of girls giggling every time they see their favorite actor or couples kissing all the way through the movie.

The more you think about it, the more sensible an option CINEMA41 becomes!

Tags : Amsterdam, Hotel, Museum, Hostel

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The Best Destination Travel of South East Asia

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Yangon - Burma
Famous for its leafy avenues and fin-de-siècle architecture, Yangon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, it is also amongst the lesser known, making it a great place to explore if you want to get off the beaten track.

The former Burmese capital is a veritable hot-pot of different cultures, and there are examples of this everywhere from the colonial buildings- a legacy of British rule- to the ancient stunning Schwedagon Pagoda- the city’s most famous landmark.

The Zoological gardens, Kandawgyi National Park and Bogyonke Aung San Market are also very popular while the city’s fusion food combining the best of British, Chinese and Indian recipes and flavors is among the best in South East Asia.

However, justifiably it’s the Schwedagon Pagoda that’s the city’s biggest real lure. The towering pagoda is visible from all parts of the city and inside is adorned with 8,000 gold plates and jewels including diamonds, rubies, sapphire and topaz- a truly jaw dropping sight and unforgettable travel experience.

Where to stay… Featuring hotel style facilities and service at hostel prices, the Ocean Pearl Inn is truly the only place to stay in Yangon.

Koh Tao - Thailand
Situated in the heart of the Andaman Bay, Koh Tao may be the smaller and lesser known of the Andaman Bay islands but is by far the best of the three.

The island has everything that’s good about Koh Phangan or Koh Samui (think mile after mile of talcum white sandy beaches, palm trees and turquoise seas) and none of their draw backs (think hung over tourists, tacky souvenir shops and Western bars).

So, while the masses head to Koh Phangan for full moon parties, copious amounts of alcohol and drink related frivolity, those in the know head to Koh Tao for relaxation, tranquillity and some of the best diving opportunities in the world.

Beyond the diving opportunities and the stunning coast line there isn’t much else to see and do but the vibe is laid back and the island is the perfect place to go for a spot of rest and relaxation. Plus it’s only two hours away from Koh Phangan if the lure of the Full Moon Party proves too strong to resist!

Where to stay… We have three hostels in Koh Tao for you to choose from including Narakaan Boutique Hotel Koh Tao which has private rooms starting from just €21.44 per person per night.

Yogyakarta - Indonesia
There is a common misconception that Indonesia isn’t all that safe after the two Bali bombings a few years back.

However the reality is that Indonesia is not the Middle East or anything like it. In truth it is no less safe than London or New York and Yogyakarta and the surrounding area is well worth taking time out of your South East Asia trip to go and explore.

Situated at the foot of the volcano of Gunung Merapi, Yogyakarta is a wonderful place famous for its walled kraton (that’s Sultan’s palace to you and I) and the ruined water gardens of Taman Sari.

Featuring private colleges and a university, it is also the cultural capital of Java and is full of young, up-and-coming Indonesians. This ensures a cool, local vibe which is missing from the likes of Jakarta or Kuta which are full to bursting with tourists and have lost a bit of their character.

From Yogyakarta you can visit the greatest Buddhist monument in the world Borobudur and the Prambanan temple complex which was built in the honor of the Hindu gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.

In short, Yogyakarta is vibrant, interesting and eclectic- you can be exploring the city’s ancient remains and history one minute and be shopping or lying down on the beach the next.

Where to stay… Located near the center with its own private pool Metro Guest House is a good low budget hostel in Yogyakarta.

Luang Prabang - Laos
Forget busy Vientiane and the drug and alcohol fuelled river rapids of Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang – home to gilt Buddhist temples and stunning architecture – is the place to go in Laos.

Luang Prabang is less touristy than Vientiane, meaning that it is a great place to immerse yourself in Lao culture while it is also the perfect base from which to explore some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery.

From Luang Prabang you can visit the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls- a large, multi-layer waterfall- and the world famous Pak Ou ‘Buddha caves’ which are a popular tourist attraction that can be combined with a visit to the village where they make Lao-Lao whisky.

Luang Prabang itself is a beautiful mixture of traditional Lao wooden houses and the odd hint of European Architecture which serve as a reminder of when Laos was part of the French territory of Indochina.

In Luang Prabang you’ll enjoy architecture, temples, mosaics, murals, hillside view and riverside dining in beautiful surroundings on a budget of next to nothing. Well worth a look.

Where to stay… Offering rooms from just €4.26 per person per night Luang Prabang Hostels are a good budget option, however Villa Merry No 1 our top rated accommodation in town as voted by you our fellow backpackers, is probably your best bet.

Hue - Vietnam
Despite being a UNESCO-listed imperial city that gives Angkor Wat a run for its money in terms of being a site for historical and cultural heritage, Hue is one of those places that’s often overlooked by backpackers following the tried and tested route up the Eastern seaboard of Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh in the south to Hanoi in the North or vice versa.

Hue is one of those places that is big enough to be interesting but small enough to cycle around and there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Here you’ll find Chinese pagodas, tombs, palaces and fortified citadels which overlook the Perfume River on one of the numerous forested hills that surround the main city.

In fact, there’s so much to see and do that you can spend a good three or four days in Hue. However, if you’re pressed for time and are not able to stay for more than a day, make sure you take in the Forbidden Purple City.

This was once the seat of the Emperor and his retinue and features a 77 storey octagonal Pagoda that is more than worthy of any Emperor, King or deity- a truly amazing sight.

Where to stay… There’s lots of choice for backpackers in Hue but Hue Holiday Hotel is as good a bet as any. It offers a private hotel room featuring a TV, comfy bed and even your own mini bar for less than €8- outstanding value for money!

Boracay - Philippines
With more than 7,000 tropical islands featuring stunning golden sand beaches, clear oceans and coral reefs teaming with fish and ocean plant life waiting to be explored, you would have thought that the Philippines would be most backpackers dream destination. Wrong.

Despite the archipelago’s undoubted beauty, the Philippines has fallen into relative obscurity and slipped off the tourism radar in recent years.

However, as the Philippines most popular destination besides Manila, Boracay bucks the trend. This is yet another picture perfect beach destination with jaw-droppingly beautiful white sandy beaches and corals full to bursting with marine life.

It’s also a great party destination that buzzes in the evening. Along the 2.5 mile long beach are dozens of restaurants, bars and genuine massage and therapy parlors (in complete contrast to the seedy massage parlors that offer happy endings in Bangkok!).

The occasional strong breezes make it a popular place for sailing, kitesrufing, parasailing and other various water-sport activities, while there’s even an 18-hole golf-course to keep the golfers amongst you happy. What more could you possibly want?

Where to stay… There are loads of hostels in Boracay for backpackers to choose from. Prices start from as little as €3 per person per night.

Siem Reap - Cambodia
As the home of the world famous World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, there really is no surprise that Siem Reap has made our list of the best of South East Asia.

Watching the sun rise or set over the temple of Angkor Wat with its five minarets is the undoubted showstopper but there is so much to see and do besides including exploring the ruins of Ta Prohm which lie in the thick jungle and partially hidden from view by giant fig tree roots and the four-sided Bodhisattava faces from the temples of Bayon.

Beyond Angkor Wat, there’s not all that much to see and do in Siem Reap itself; although when you’ve got something as impressive as Angkor Wat to look at, in all honesty this really doesn’t matter!

Bar Street is the place to go in the evenings. Here you’ll find a selection of bars, cafes and restaurants where you can sit back and unwind after a busy day spent exploring the beauty that is the Angkor Wat complex.

You’ll need at least a couple of days to do Angkor Wat justice. Oh, and eat at least once at the Red Piano. This is amongst the more expensive places to eat in Siem Reap but it’s also among the best. Angelina Jolie ate their almost every day during the filming of Tomb Raider and the milkshakes are to die for!

Where to stay… As our top rated hostel, Ta Som Guesthouse is the pick of the hostels in Siem Reap. Private rooms start from €5.60 per person per night.

Sarawak - Malaysia
Last, but by no means least, in our list of the best of South East Asia is the Malaysian state of Sarawak.

Once described as Asia’s Best Kept Secret, Sarawak is a place full of surprises. It’s the home of the World’s richest and most diverse ecosystem, it’s the land of the hornbill and orangutan monkey and it’s the largest of Malaysia’s states.

It’s also the home of 27 different ethnic groups; each of which have their own distinctive language, culture and lifestyle. Only in Sarawak can you have dinner with the locals and listen to stories in the jungle in one of their longhouses that date back generation after generation.

The Gunung Mulu National Park with its ravines, canyons and natural rainforest is a good starting point for exploring but the more intrepid amongst you may want to visit the caves that were inhabited 40,000 years ago or go trekking in the jungle.

If exploring isn’t your thing and the mere thought of the jungle gives you the heebie jeebies, Sarawak also has more than enough breathtaking beaches and calm, clear coves for you to relax and unwind.

Where to stay… Just 2 kilometers from Bario airport, stay at JK view lodge for unrivalled hospitality and a superb Bario rice and pineapple curry!

Do you have a favorite place or a hidden gem to share in South East Asia? Are you planning a backpacking trip this summer? Let us know your plans, or a review your latest experience and share your tips with other travelers!


Tags : Hotels, Travelling, Vacation, Cheap

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