Emily Yung asked:


Nobody knows great kids’ concepts better than the kids themselves. And it only takes a mom’s intuitive eye and belief on their child to transform a great concept to a successful business venture.

In one of the Dees annual family trek, Belinda noticed how her kids would rave about a unique “create your own stuffed toys” shop in the United States. She would notice how kids and kids at heart would flock to the store and go home happy with an “adopted” animal or two that they themselves created.

It only took her some pencil pushing to realise how much potential the concept holds as a possible business venture. In no time, Belinda was talking to the top honchos of the brand and finding ways how to bring the concept to the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.

It did not take long before she opened Animaland at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall before Christmas of 2005. The concept became a huge hit and soon more Animaland shops were set up in the top malls of the country.

Animaland is a rapidly growing chain of mall-based entertainment retail stores and kiosks located in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Philippines and now in Singapore. Patronage of Animaland is an experience that allows guests to make and dress their own personalised stuffed toy animals.

The concept capitalises on the growing demand for experienced-based shopping, as well as the universal appeal of the stuffed toy animal. The products and services cater to all age groups and demographics, but the majority of the guests are children, parents, grandparents and teenagers.

The Animaland Business Franchise Opportunities

A typical Animaland shop is a stuffed animal friend theme designed with original fixtures and brightly coloured graphics. The shop size is anywhere between a 15 square meter kiosk to a 40 square meter small inline unit.

Animaland believes that its interactive experience is unmatched in today’s Singapore retail franchise environment. The act of putting together a new stuffed animal friend provides guests with the opportunity to participate in the retail experience, which is a unique and exceptional approach to the growing world of entertainment retail.

Why Invest in Animaland Business Franchise?

Animaland is a fun and interactive business that is easy to manage and monitor. “It has a unique and innovative concept with low investment package and comprehensive training provided,” said Ms Hsien Naidu, Founder and Director of business consulting firm for Animaland. The firm consists of franchise consultants, business consultants, branding consultants and marketing consultants who are experts in bringing growth to businesses. Animaland business franchise involves lower operating cost and fast ROI. There is continuous revision and update of the products and services through regular communication with all franchises through Operations Manager. Animaland provides the following support:

- Supply of authentic Animaland merchandise from the US

- Operational Oversight

- Marketing

- Site Selection

- Start-up inventory assistance

- Comprehensive training

Animaland is set to develop and share their franchise business concept with investors seeking Singapore franchise opportunities through Singapore retail franchise for their business investments.



Singapore Shopping

Jim Ada asked:


Recently I was reading an account on the internet of a person who had taken a 20 day trip on a bicycle. The trip started in Bangkok, went down (south) the Thailand peninsula through Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur the capital city and then on to the country of Singapore which is one of the largest ship container ports in the world. He took pictures of this fabulous trip and made a journal telling about his time spent in the various places he had visited. It got me thinking about some of the places I have been.

What an adventure. What a great way to really see the country. It is a lot different than flying over the countries and not seeing anything but the airplane you are traveling on and the hotel you are staying in.

A few years ago I taught business seminars in this part of the world. Singapore is one of the places I went to. It was one of the cleanest cities I have ever seen. Singapore is also the most economically successful country in Southeast Asia and is the 17th wealthiest country in the world in terms of GDP per capital. It is an island located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and about 85 miles north of the Equator. You will find one of the few remaining city-states in the world and the smallest country in Southeast Asia.

Bangkok, Thailand has a city population of 5,714,737. The Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest building in Bangkok and in Thailand. Be sure to see the floating markets, the fruit carvings and robed monks while you are there. See the Grand Palace and the grounds. What a marvel! It is very close to the Equator and one of the first things you will notice is the heat, pollution and the congestion. A very safe city for you to travel in and there are many wonderful sites to see.

Kuala Lumpur or KL, Malaysia which is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the region with a population of 7.2 million has a lot of very tall buildings. Also known as Klang Valley, it is the vocal point of Malaysia. This is the youngest Southeast Asian capital city and also is very much economically successful. Go to the historical Sultan, Abdul Samad Building at Independence Square which is located at the City Center. The Golden Triangle is where you will find most of the city’s shopping malls and the five-star hotels, party spots and the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers at 1483 feet tall with 32,000 windows.

Jakarta, Indonesia, the capital and the largest city in Indonesia with a population of 8.3 million which makes it the eleventh largest city in the world. It has a beautiful airport that welcomes you to this beautiful country. The Soekarno Hatta International Airport is beautiful and about 12 miles outside of the city. It is a difficult city to get around in and the city layout makes it even harder. The traffic is said to be the worst of anywhere in Southeast Asia. Everyone in a car seems to be on a cell phone and when I asked about them I was told that it is the only way they were able to get things done in this chaotic, congested city.

Traveling is so fun. Our perspective is expanded when we go to a new country. You get to appreciate what a beautiful world we live in and how many wonderful people and cultures there are.

Plan a fun trip today, see new people, see new countries and expand your horizons.



Visit Singapore!

Kevin Laura asked:


One of the smallest nations in the world, Singapore has evolved into a stunning cosmopolitan city state.  Using the skills of different migrant communities in the island Singapore has become one of the busiest port in the Asia. It has also evolved into center of trade. Facilities for business are so much acclaimed that it is business center of choice of the major business groups around the world.

Look at any dimension of life like sports, city transport, shopping, culture or entertainment, facilities in the island are excellent and at par with the best in the world. Singapore hotels are no exception to this. Services and amenities are one of the best that are available in the world.  

List of achievements of the Singapore is long and impressing. People of Singapore have managed to stand above their creed and cast to represent Singapore in a unique way. They have given first priority to their nation and everything else is at number two. This has resulted in a cosmopolitan society, where cleanliness is order of the day.

Visit any place in the Singapore and you will find it absolutely neat and clean. Singapore cheap hotels are no exception to this. Visit ant Singapore hotel and you will be surprised at the cleanliness offered by these hotels and you do not have to pay extra for that.

Reputation of the Singapore as excellent center of business has resulted in the hugely successful hotel industry in the island. Choice of hotels is amazing in the continent. Hotel industry of the continent offers wide choice from budget hotels to exclusive resorts in the island. Choose any of the Singapore cheap hotels to enjoy the star facilities at very affordable prices.

Most of these Singapore hotels have restaurants that offer delightful and mouth watering dishes in variety of cuisines.  Environment of these hotels is charming in a unique Singapore way and comforts at these hotels are more or less homely in nature.

Amenities at most of the Singapore hotels are top of the class. In room amenities include most of the modern gadgets along with excellent room services. Air conditioning these days has become standard and you will find it in most of the Singapore cheap hotels. In the hotel amenities include swimming pool, spa, gym and beauty treatments. 

Swimming pool may be indoor or outdoor. Some hotals in Singapore have swimming pools high on the roof top while others offer pools at any of the higher floor.  Spas at most of the Singapore hotels are well maintained and offer various relaxation therapies to sooth your senses. When you stay at any of the Singapore cheap hotels, do not forget to avail these excellent amenities offered by these hotels.



Shopping Directory

Jojo Robles asked:


In the runup to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, events organizer Singapore GP announces that it will be releasing 70,000 tickets and passes on Feb. 14 at 9 am (Singapore time GMT+8). The first batch of Singapore GP tickets will consist of 15,000 walkabout passes and 55,000 grandstand seats at strategic locations throughout the circuit.

Where to get tickets

Three-day passes to the Singapore GP are priced from S$168 (walkabout) to S$1,388 (Premier Pit Grandstand). They include a separate ticket for each race day and can be used by three different people over the three days. However, tickets cannot be interchangeable on the same day.

All prices include the relevant processing fee and Goods and Services Tax. Singapore GP patrons will receive a printed confirmation at the time of the booking, which they can then use in June to claim the plastic commemorative tickets and lanyard currently on hold for security reason.

Singapore GP bookings can be made through OmniTicket Network outlets located at Forum Shopping Centre, Marina Square Shopping Centre, and Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road, or via Singapore GP sales counters at post offices across the island.

Online, F1 patrons can log on to the Singapore Grand Prix website for tickets reservation, seating chart, grandstand descriptions, and details on the historic F1 races at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Where to sleep

Singapore GP is set to break cover on a street circuit around the Marina Bay area. With downtown Singapore as backdrop, spectators get a glimpse of the exotic garden city of Singapore with its quaint mix of historical landmarks and modern-day buildings.

Marina Bay is the district in Singapore that flanks the sheltered waters off the Raffles Boulevard, Beach Road, and Esplanade Drive. Across the district are Singapore hotels that range from budget to luxury.

The Singapore Beach Hotel on Beach Road offers room-per-night as well as long-term hotel accommodation at special rates, which can be luxuriously economical for the lengthy schedule of Singapore GP events.

Over at downtown Singapore, where Singapore GP fever is most likely to be evident on island residents, Singapore visitors can opt to stay at the upscale classic accommodations of Claremont Hotel in Singapore.

The hotel in Singapore of Claremont is in the vicinity of Farrer Park, near in the heart of Singapore while accessible from the rest of the island through the Farrer Park MRT Station.

Need a crib near enough to feel the rush of Singapore GP yet not isolating from other must-sees in Singapore? YWCA Singapore offers its Fort Canning Lodge to Singapore visitors looking for rooms within reach.

The YWCA Singapore Hotel is located on the outskirts of the Fort Canning Park, adjacent to Orchard Road that leads to downtown Singapore, and to Fort Canning Road that heads toward the get-go flag of Singapore SG at Raffles Boulevard.

What to expect

The 5-km street circuit of Singapore GP features wide tracks and sharp turns that can only make overtaking and cornering all the more electrifying. At 300 kph on average, F1 entries from Ferrari to Mercedes will rev up in the heart of Singapore’s garden city with the charming blend of old and new buildings in the background.

The 2008 F1 Singapore GP races are scheduled to run at nighttime, so expect the Marina Bay area in Singapore to be bathed in light at night and exude an impression of a city full of activities that it never sleeps. Clark Quay and the Esplanade are just around the corner, so expect as well a zoom-zooming nightlife well into sunup.



Singapore Shopping

Gordon Forrester asked:


Forget Charlie’s Angels - Use Gordie’s Angels

Yup, that’s right we’re not Charlie’s Angels - NO - We’re Gordies Angels and we work for Hotelsmart Conference and Accommodation Booking Agents where "Gordie" - Gordon Forrester) is the Managing Director.

We accept missions that even Tom Cruise or the Angels would fear to tread.

Let me introduce ourselves:-

My name is Kim ( one of the Blondes ) and I am the National Key Account Manager, responsible for Group Accommodation in Hotels, Conferences & Exhibition’s.

My name is Jo ( the Brunette ) and I specialise in Events, Conferences, and I am a Great Wedding Planner.

My name is Barbara ( the other Blonde ) I am the Office Manager, I’am the one with the sexy voice, I keep them on their toes, I can do everything.

Unlike the other Angels we don’t carry Guns we carry years of experience in finding the right solutions at the right price for our Clients.

Our Missions are to Slueth the Travel and Hotel Booking Industry for the best available deals in Hotels, Conference Centres and Exciting Locations in which to hold Meetings, Product Launches, Exhibitions and Events.

We present our findings to our Clients and after consultation with them create a shortlist, we then arrange Familiarisation Trips to further check the Ambience and Suitabilty of the locations.Once the the exact Venue is chosen we assist our Clients in the drawing up of a Contract with the Venue to their mutual benefit which all contributes to running a worry free and Succesful Event.

When not tracking down our Quarry we have the delicious job of Travelling on Familiarisation trips to evaluate and sometimes re-evaluate properties that may be suitable for our Clients future Events.

This weekend Gordon, Barbara and Jo are going to a newly refurbished Hotel called the Harte & Garter Hotel & Spa overlooking Windsor Castle, the invitation is entitled " Live Like a Queen ".

We will have the opportunity to inspect Royal Windsor Town which is quaint and has some great shopping, we are also very close to Old Father Thames should we decide to go boating in our free time.

If we don’t go shopping the suggestion is that we can make use of the Spa or just relax in our Luxurious bedrooms.

The evening will start with drinks in the Tower Brasserie at 7.30pm followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant, ( chance to check out Cuisine and Service ) things get worse, in the morning Barbara & Jo are have a neck and shoulder massage, this will be after a Full English Breakfast …..of course. We will then wend our way back home to "Sunny Bournemouth" where we are based to enjoy the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend with our families.

The real dangerous Missions are undertaken by "Charlie" sorry "Gordie" himself, in the past he has had to endure covert insertions to places like Rio de Janeiro, Las Vegas, Rome, Paris, Canada, Thailand, Singapore and Dubai to name but a few, White Water Rapids, Huskies, Helicopters over Iguazu Falls……a " Mere Bagatelle " says "Gordie" ..he can’t wait for the next Mission.

Newly introduced on this Fam Trip will be that each of us are going to write articles from 3 different perspectives, Conference Hotel Suitability, Single Female Traveller, Disabled / Eco Friendliness these will be posted on Wordpress and of course our own site www.hotelsmart.co.uk under our Travel Tips Section.

In conclusion should you want us to undertake a Mission for You……….just call " Gordies Angels " with our next " Dangerous Assignment "

Oh and I nearly forgot to mention, our services are Free of charge to our Clients…..

To have you’re Venue or Destination reviewed …call the " Angels " or you can link to us or send Articles for submission to our Travel Tips section for inclusion.

http://www.hotelsmart.co.uk



Department Stores

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


The largest as well as the most populous continents in the world - Asia is a land of diversity with a multitude of geographies, cultures, and people. Occupying an area of about 9% of the total area of the earth’s surface, Asia is home to more than five billion people.

In other words, Asia consists of more than 60% of the world’s overall population. As a tourist destination, Asia boasts of a feast of attractions in the form of traditional cities, ancient monuments with superb architecture, museums and art galleries that throw light on the history of the place, incredible wild life, scenic mind blowing attractions, and attractions that are a blend of both east and west.

There are also a range of vibrant attractions, covering action packed beaches, bargain shopping areas, and exuberant nightclubs. Equally remarkable is the sumptuous cuisines available here, each of which is a representation of different cultures. In fact, the world’s majority of tourist attractions are found in Asia. Discussed further in this article are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Asia.

The continent of Asia is home to such incredible destinations as India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Philippines. Asia has such a great number of attractions that even a year is not enough to explore them all. For those who want to explore a range of rich culture and topography and at the same time interested in recreational pursuits, then one of the most suitable options would be to take a tour to India. Stunning beaches, gorgeous monuments, ancient temples, and lively cities, all sum up the attractions of India. Attractions, among many others, in India are Red Fort and Qutab Minar in Delhi, Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh, Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, and Kerala’s backwaters.

For those interested in exploring the pristine beauty as well as the ancient wonders, perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Asia would be China, which boasts of such lively destinations as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, all of with loads of mind blowing attractions. Most popular among the attractions in China are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Potala Palace, West Lake, and Mogao Grottos. Another much sought after tourist destination in Asia is Japan, which is acknowledged as the Land of the Rising Sun. It features attractions such as Nara Park, Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, Kin Osaki, Himeji Castle, and Takayama in Gifu. With attractions such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is also an incredible spot in Asia.

Popular countries in Asia also include the Kingdom of Thailand, which is probably the number one tourist destination in South-East Asia. What that set apart Thailand from other spots in Asia is its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning temples, gorgeous island destinations, stupendous monuments, healthy cuisines, and above all presence of amicable Thai people.

Just few among many of the attractions in Thailand are Bangkok, the capital city; Ayutthaya, which is much famed for its Gothic ruins; Chiang-Mai, bestowed with the title ‘Rose of the North,’ Krabi, which is a paradise for enjoying a range of water sport activities; and Pattaya, one of the best resorts in Asia. Also, a tourist spot in South-East Asia is Singapore, which is an island destination situated at the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Discovery Center, Little India, and China Town, are some of the Singapore’s landmarks.

Southeast Asia also contains incredible destinations such as Indonesia - the largest archipelagic nation in the world; Malaysia, with attractions like Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya; Philippines, with more than 7000 islands; and Burma, which is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Other top places of interest in Asia are Sri Lanka - an island destination located off the southern tip of India; Afghanistan, with a rich as well as complex history; Maldives, which consists of more than 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean; Uzbekistan, one of the most popular destinations in Central Asia; Kyrgyzstan, which is probably the most popular tourist spot in Central Asia; and Bangladesh, which has to its credit a number of ancient palaces, magnificent Buddhist shrines, and beautiful monuments.

In short, Asia is truly a dream destination for every traveler.



Visit Singapore!

Kevin Laura asked:


Well seasoned travelers who are now turning their eyes to the beautiful Singapore area will be pleased to find top quality Singapore hotels accommodations at many levels. The Singapore hotel industry in thriving and there are many cheap Singapore hotels available for every traveling budget. There are luxury hotels and cheap hotels offered in Singapore and you will be sure to find the perfect one that will fit your needs and pocketbook. Singapore is proud to offer such a diverse and interesting collection of lodging selections and all visitors will find themselves welcomed by caring and hospitable staff members.

All visitors will welcome the fact that whether they choose top quality hotels or cheap Singapore hotels they will find attentive staff and meticulously clean surroundings.

Tourists and business executives will all find top hotel accommodations that are conveniently located throughout Singapore. These Singapore hotels offer a variety of amenities that travelers have come to both expect and appreciate. There is even a Hard Rock Hotel soon to be built that will offer a combination of true Eastern and Western style and culture. The Equarius hotel is a popular favorite of many visiting families. This establishment is located near the Equarius Water Park on the island of Sentosa. This area offers a beautiful place to stay while the family enjoys the beauty of the island and the fun of the water park itself. The children and teens will be thrilled by the water flumes, water rides and bustling activity that keeps the park such a sought after attraction. The rooms at this hotel are clean and spacious and the amenities provide you with everything you need for a wonderful and relaxing stay.

If you are looking for top quality Singapore hotels that have it all, then you will certainly want to find those that have dining choices located on premises. You will find 7 fine dining choices at the Regent Singapore Four Seasons. These offer some of the finest opportunities for travelers and guests to experience the absolute best in Asian cuisine in luxury surroundings. The ambience, food and superb service at any of these restaurants will provide a unique and delightful evening out. At this hotel you will find yourself able to sample delectable offerings from the only Singapore drive through delicatessen, Something to Go. Even if you leave your car in the hotel garage you can still feast on an amazing array of tasty and quick foods at this sparkling clean and welcoming dining establishment. Singapore cheap hotels will have on site dining in most cases, but will always have quality dining located minutes away for their guests.

You can easily browse through hotel accommodations in Singapore and find the hotel of your dreams. The choices include establishments that offer saunas, gyms, fitness rooms and spas. Many of the top Singapore hotels have masseuse services and you are able to choose between Oriental, Shiatsu and Balinese massages in calm and serene surroundings designed to bring total relaxation. Heated indoor swimming pools and hot tubs are included in the Regent Singapore experience. Even the cheap Singapore hotels offer amenities and clean and comfortable surroundings that provide you with great value for the money.

Orchard Road, Dempsey Hill and Holland Village are all some of the premier shopping vistas that Singapore offers and these are within minutes of many of the Singapore hotels.

While guests always have a multitude of shopping areas to visit and enjoy, the Orchard Hill district is not to be missed by any of the visitors to Singapore. This is an experience in fine shopping and a cultural showplace as well. You will find that many of the cheap Singapore hotels are also located in areas that offer you convenient access to all of these shopping havens.

 



Shopping Directory

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Hong Kong, also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the Southeast Asia. Until the arrival of the British in 1842, it was just a typical small village.

In 1997, Hong Kong was handed over to China, under the policy ‘one country, two systems.’ The city has now become one of the vibrant as well as s sought after destinations not only in Asia but also in the world.

Bordered by the South China Sea and Sea, Hong Kong, al though a part of China, is different from rest of China. With its own government, stamps, and laws and regulations, the city consists of four geographic areas, such as, the New Territories, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the Outlying Islands, all of them packed with a plethora of attractions and facilities.

It also consists of more than 200 islands, which consist of both small and tiny islands. In addition, Hong Kong is much famed for its superb deep water harbors. According to the survey conducted by the World Tourism Organization, the city has been ranked among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world.

An incredible city blending the best from the East and West, Hong Kong’s attractions, among many others, are Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with its unique curved three-tier roof and glass walls; the covered Central-Mid level Escalator, which is the longest in the world; and Hollywood Road, packed with a range of antique and curio shops selling Buddha statues, Japanese specialties like ikebana baskets, Chinese furniture, and snuff and perfume bottles.

Despite these attractions, perhaps the most famed attraction of the city is Victoria Peak, from whose summit you can gaze down to enjoy the wonderful vistas of skyscrapers and Victoria Harbor. During nights, the sights from the peak become more dazzling.

Also, of special significance are the temples of the region. Since Buddhism being the most popular religion of the place, Hong Kong has to its credit more than 400 temples, each of which is regarded as not to be a missed tourist attraction.

One of the most prominent Buddhist shrines is the Chi Lin Nunnery, located in Kowloon. Considered a living museum of the Tang Dynasty, it has been stunningly renovated in the traditional Tang-era architecture with several magnificent Buddhist halls. Another popular Buddhist shrine is Po Lin Monastery, whose focal point is a bronze statue of the Lord Buddha, which is the largest in the world. In addition to Buddhist shrines, the place also consists of several other popular shrines such as St John’s Cathedral, which is considered to be the oldest in the Far East and Shelley Street Mosque, which is noted for its minaret of green and white colors.

A visit to Hong Kong would be incomplete without taking a tour to many of its fascinating museums, showcasing unique art and antiquities representing several aspects of the place such as its history, film industry, space and science, and coastal defense. Some of the most visited museums in the region are Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Hong Kong Racing Museum, Hong Kong Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.

Attractions also include a continuum of beautiful beaches, including Repulse Bay, the most spectacular among the city’s beaches; Deep Water Bay, which is connected by a pathway to the Repulse Bay Beach; Turtle Cove, a tranquil beach; Golden Beach, the first artificial beach in Hong Kong; and Hung Shing Yeh - a marvelous beach on the Lamma Island.

Also, the gastronomy of the place is amazing, with specialized areas for enjoying remarkable delicacies, like, SoHo with a variety of restaurants serving international cuisine; Gage Street, dotted with an array of stalls, from where one can enjoy the best of Hong Kong style cuisines comprising noodles, soups, pastries, and herbal teas; and floating style restaurants found in Aberdeen.

Apart from this, excellent options are available for shopping, with areas like Lyndhurst Terrace packed with shops selling ancient paintings and maps; Stanley Street, considered a paradise for shopping cameras and film accessories; and Li Yuen Streets, dotted with shops selling knick-knacks, leather items, and casual wear.

With these fabulous attractions and options to enjoy a variety of activities, tourists flock to Hong Kong all year round. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has options to cater to all types of tourists. Majority of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy reach of almost all top tourist attractions.

Nowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.



Singapore Shopping

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


The biggest as well as the capital city of the Republic of Korea (South Korea,) Seoul is an intriguing destination, situated in the mid western region of the Korean Peninsula, on the Han River, near the North Korean border, otherwise known as the de-militarised zone (DMZ), which in turn is a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. Spread over an area of 605 sq km, Seoul has been designated with the status of a Special City, and is directly under the administration of the national government.

Seoul’s history dates back to as early as 18 BC when Paekche Kingdom made Wiryeseong, which is today’s southeastern Seoul, as its capital. Later, Seoul became the capital of the Goryeo era during the 11th century. Seoul was then known as Southern Capital, which was later renamed Hanyang in 1394 when the Joseon dynasty made Seoul its capital.

In 1948, Seoul became the capital city of South Korea. Additionally, Seoul witnessed several wars and destruction during various phases of its history. But, Seoul has been now transformed into an international destination, with a sound commerce and sports scene. Despite its modern soaring buildings and sophisticated expressways, Seoul still retains its old world charm.

For those who want to enjoy the traditional culture of Korea, a visit to Seoul’s Insa-dong would be a great experience. Situated in the middle of the city, Insa-dong is an exciting as well as colorful place with alleys on either site.

All of the alleys seen here are packed with traditional restaurants and teahouses, cafes, and shops, where both traditional and precious items are put for sale. It is also home to a number of interesting art galleries such as Gana Art Gallery, Gana Art Center, and Hakgojae Gallery, which is the center of folk art. One of the best ways to tour these galleries is via the Art Center Bus, which takes you to more than 10 much famed art galleries in the region.

Of the marvelous attractions in Seoul that deserve a special mention is the Gyeongbok Palace, also known as Northern Palace. Built in 1395 by Taejo Seonggye Lee of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbok is perhaps the most beautiful of all palaces in the area.

Sprawling over an area of 495,000 the palace’s highlights cover Geunjeongjeon - the main hall, Gyeonghoeru - the banquet pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong, which is island developed within a pond. Also, within the palace is the National Folk Museum, with some rare artifacts.

Another fabulous palace in Seoul is Deoksugung, which has to its credit an amazing mix of temples and gardens. Also, a great palace in the area is Changdeokgung Palace, which still serves as the residence of Royals. However, a guided tour is the required to take a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, the oldest palace in the city. Seoul’s incredible attractions also include a variety of ancient shrines and pagodas, such as Chongmyo Shrine and Chogyesa Temple. A specialty is that many of the shrines in Seoul are graced with beautiful Buddhist art.

Your visit to Seoul would not be complete without taking a tour to Dongdaemun Market, which is dubbed as the ‘Mecca of Fashion.’ With a large collection of shopping malls, Dongdaemun Market is a place to shop a full range of clothing items and that too at cheap prices. Both retail and wholesale shops can be seen here, and few among them are Freya Town, Doosan Tower, Migliore, Designer’s Club, Nuzzon, Migliore Valley, and Gwanghee Fashion Mall. Also, found in the vicinity is Dongdaemun Stadium, which is a great place to shop sporting materials.

Another popular market place in the area is Namdaemun Market, where everything from men and women’s apparels, children’s wear, and shoes to kitchenware, indigenous items, and imported goods can be shopped. Since this market area has such a great number of shopping malls, it is recommended to plan in advance prior to shopping.

A must-see attraction in Seoul is Mt. Namsan, a 252 m mountain located in the heart of the city. Mt Namsan and its surrounding areas have been maintained as a public park. Among the highlights of this symbolic mountain are the Palgakjeong Pavilion, Seoul Tower, Namsan Library, and a marine aquarium, and a botanical garden. You can reach the summit either via the hiking trail or through a cable car ride. Namsangol Traditional Korean Village is close to the mountain.

Other not to miss attraction in the area are War Memorial, National Theater, Korea House, Myong-dong Catholic Cathedral, Sejong Cultural Center, and Sejong Cultural Center.



Visit Singapore!

Priya Singh asked:


 

Singapore, island nation located in the south east of Asia with a exciting mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures combination beautifully together to give it a friendly feel for the global tourist. A Singapore vacation offers many rigid to believe experiences for the visiting guest. An amazing mixture of age-old civilization and beliefs and modern, contemporary styles, Singapore is a complex land where nature and progressive achievements are balanced agreeably. Whether you are looking for enormous shopping, stimulating nightlife, tongue-tickling cuisine or a holiday destination that you will actually appreciate in the sense of miscellaneous activities, Singapore is where the fun is! Here are alternative sights that should be added to several schedules once you’ve deboarded your Singapore airfares. There are various tourist attractions in Singapore. Visitors can increase on the historical, natural, and cultural holiday attractions here. The important places to see in and around in Singapore are Sentosa Island, Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown, The Asian Civilization Museum and the various temples and churches. Chinatown is most popular for tourist. Trip one of the oldest Chinese temples of Singapore, "The Thien Hock Kheng Temple", which is an exceptional timber structure and is more than 150 years old. "Chinatown Heritage Center", tracing the journeys, beliefs and legends of early Chinese migrants is another popular spot.

According to the travel guide in Singapore there is a broad selection of somewhere to stay options to ensure a comfortable stay to the guests coming here. From luxury star Hotels in Singapore to the budget options, one could travel around a great variety. Singapore is one of southeast Asia’s largest aviation hubs Singapore Airlines and its regional subsidiary SilkAir, Singapore is also home to Tiger Airways and Jet star Asia, which took over Valuair. This city connects to other country by air direct or round trip. A wealthy and diverse style of architecture in Singapore’s a lot of museums, houses, shopping complexes, and huge office buildings depict the city’s sincerity towards implementation the best of the West with the flavor of the Orient. Sentosa is one of a total of 64 islands in Singapore. Located to the south of the country, Sentosa Island can be reached by ferry, taxi, and car or by road.

The island, Singapore’s recreational area, offers several attractions for visitors of all ages such as the Butterfly Park, Insect Kingdom and Dolphin Lagoon. Swimming and sun bathing are also popular along the beach front on sand brought over from Indonesia. Multi-purpose building structure to be establishes in the heart of the financial district of Shenton Way in Downtown Core of Singapore. The first building to be constructed along Shenton Way, it was a place for conferences and exhibitions .Today, it is now refurbished and modernized into a concert hall where the building is home to the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. The building is situated on a three acre site at the junction of Shenton Way and Maxwell Road.



Singapore Shopping