Halong Bay - Photo Journey

Halong was one of the most awaited journey in Vietnam.

After enjoying the breathtaking caves and rifts at Ninh Binh province, we embarked on a four hour on road journey to reach an island called Tuan Chau in Halong city. Where all the cruise are docked and ready to sail.

Paradise Cruises lined up to start the journey

One can find enormous options to select a cruise for Halong Bay . We opted for Paradise Cruise hoping for the best. Later turned out to be one of the best and had an unforgettable awesome experience

So we are set to sail Halong ( translating to descending dragon ) bay , which is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Voyage started  - View from the front deck of the balcony 

Cruise Terrace 

There was not a moment where we wanted to stay inside , just standing in the balcony of the cruise and was always greeted by the picture perfect view of naturally formed limestone over the years.

Cruise docked for Cave visits

Visited a cave called “Sung Sot’ and then headed to a pearl factory hosted in between the bay , where you can see live demo of how pearls are extracted from Oysters

View from top of the Sung Sot Cave

Floating village - Life on waters

Its almost evening and time to anchor the cruise and experience the Solace in the midst of sea !!

Spectacular evening view , Memories still very fresh !!!!

Experiencing the tranquility 

Such views made the evening as best ever of the Vietnam stay 

Almost Dinner time :)

No words are enough to describe the early morning delight. Covered with mist, felt we were in a different world altogether.

Early Morning - Pure Bliss

Never wanted morning to end

Slowly mist gave way to mountains and neighboring cruise to be spotted

Had a relaxing Tai Chi session on terrace of the slow moving cruise before heading to our next pit stop.

Docked near tiny island called “TI TOP” . Named after a Russian pilot who was shot down here at the time of War.One needs to climb around 300 steps to get the helicopter view of Halong Bay

Ti Top Island 

cruises parked around the bay - View from the top of "Ti Top" island

"Not All those who WANDER are LOST" - T.R.R.Tolkien

Thanks for travelling virtually with me , hope you have enjoyed the photo journey.

Comments are feed backs are always welcome and do share the blog.

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Planning To Singapore?

Many times i get queries on what are the must see attractions in Singapore , days required etc.So thought of jotting down a comprehensive guide to visit Singapore based on days and priority of places to visit.

However one might have different view of order to visit the places based on their selections and preferences :)

Day 1 :

Visit nearby Metro Railway Station , check out the map and buy train tickets/pass ( As for each location going by taxi might not prove economic )

Get dressed as its time to visit the newest iconic place Marina Bay Sands ( MBS ). Start with Merlion then check out the mall & museum at MBS

Evening sunset view not to be missed from roof top of MBS

Almost 8:00 PM , time to enjoy some free laser show outside the mall.

Wanna enjoy the fragrance of money “Enter the Casino“ ( open 24*7 ) , yeah earn some extra before you spend as you are in one of the costliest city in Asia :). Did i mention its free entry for visitors

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

City view from Marina Bay Sands

Day 2 :

Start the day by an early visit to Sentosa , about 10 mins monorail journey from Singapore mainland. Another small Island hosted with lot of activities, beach and Aquarium will surely keep you busy till evening.

Next pit stop is China town to relax your muscles with foot reflexology.

Clarke Quay & Boat Quay just about 10 mins from China Town. Build exquisitely  for nightlife.

SEA Aquarium - Sentosa 

Day 3 :

Enjoy full throttle at Universal Studios - not to miss attraction.

Walk to length of Orchard Road , view some of the most famous brands and accessories  throughout  the walk. Never know you might find something interesting what you are looking for :)

Universal Studios

Universal Studios - Transformers Ride

 Universal Studios - Simulation of Old New York City

Day 4 :

Mall hopping and street shopping @ Bugis followed by a visit to Garden by the Bay , one of the latest attraction. Not to be missed for flower lovers and yes there is a waterfall inside !!

Give it a try for spicy yet delicious varities of Indian Cusine at Little India

Evening could be spent on Singapore Flyer to get an aerial view of the city in colorful lights.

Flower Show at the Gardens By the Bay

View of Gardens By the Bay from Marina Bay Sands

Singapore Flyer

Few days left , here you go :

Day 5 :

Time for theme parks. Zoo , Night Safari , Bird Park and River Safari. As per your preference

African Jungle Theme in Bird Park

Panda in River Safari

Day 6 :

Day trip to Pulau ubin - Ride bicycle through steep and slippery road between the woods

Check out below link for all you need to know about Pulau Ubin

http://ramblers-way.blogspot.sg/2013/09/riding-through-pulauubin-bicycle-is.html

Now its time for you to tell me if there are any places which needs to be in the must visit list and your experiences of visiting Singapore ?

Suggestions and feedback are welcome.

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Vietnam - Ninh Binh

Was always fascinated about Vietnam, be it either war stories or bliss of nature. Finally had an opportunity to visit and indulge in an timeless beauty of nature.

Considering March to May is one of the best seasons to visit North Vietnam and after 2 years of miss, finally made it on summer of 2014 :)

Below are few of my memorable experience and useful information which might come in handy if one is planning to visit Vietnam.

How to get Vietnam Visa ?

Where did we stayed in Ninh Binh ?

Canhdieu Hotel Ninh Binh Thanh Bình Ward – Ninh Bình City – Vietnam

It was sunny noon when we landed in Hanoi , capital of Vietnam . However this was not the day for us to explore Hanoi, so boarded the local taxi and thus our exiting journey started to Ninh Binh.

After four hours on road we entered Ninh Binh.Stayed in a hotel run by local family and was one of the best memorable experience as we were made to feel as one of their family members.

Spent the evening rambling around inquiring about the local places , food and enjoying cool breeze in midst of summer. 

We stayed two days and one of the interesting experience is , localities were friendly and very eager to talk to us all along the streets and always wanted to know where we came from and where we are heading next :)

HOA LU Pagoda ( Temple )

Day started by visit to TRANG AN , exploring the legendary beauty of grotto and caves in an rowing boat. We almost visited 10 caves and there was never a moment without surprise. 

On few occasions until we came close enough , could not believe there is enough space to enter. Epic experience for sure.

Majority of boat rowers are women , one could easily spot in Vietnam that there is no job discrimination based on gender.

Now enough of words :)

Rowing boat used in TRANG AN - took three hours to complete the entire journey

Entering the cave

Twilight during exit 

Local wine made with Rice , stored inside the cave with controlled temperature

View of BAI DING Pagoda - after almost 300 steps

BAI DING Pagoda ( Buddhist Temple )

Almost day was coming to an end and we were racing against the time, one of the best view was kept for the last. MAU cave . 500 steps to reach the top. Best breathtaking vantage view and was totally worth the effort.

From the top of MAU cave in the midst of the mountains there is rift visible and called by the name TAM COC , One can experience the boat ride between the paddy fields and of course will be visiting few spectacular caves as well.

Rift in between is called TAM COC 

Ariel view after 500 steps

As every wonderful journey has to come to an end making the way for the next. We rolled up all the memories and bid farewell to Ninh Binh.

So its time now to set sail on majestic cruise in Halong Bay ( Ha Long - Descending dragon bay )

Check the below link on Halong Bay experiences

http://ramblers-way.blogspot.sg/2014/05/halong-bay-photo-journey.html

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Langkawi – Lively Adventure

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” 
― Ernest Hemingway

It was rush hour and we were carrying huge backpacks waiting for taxi on a Thursday evening. Considering the next day is a Chinese New Year it was a hustling decision for travelling.

Hustling here intended for multiple commute involved to reach the destination. First half through roadways from Singapore to Malaysia then via Air route to Langkawi.

Travelling itself was an adventure, so excitement had already began before even reaching the destination and it was worth the effort no second thought whatsoever.

Cable Car view from sky bridge

When reached we were greeted with a cozy yet comfortable room in Cenang, which is one of the vibrant street in Langkawi . 

Pantai Cenang is brimming with various country eateries, dress, shopping mall, spas and here comes the best part. Walk parallel to the road you will hit the sand in your feet with beach in front of you.

Group of travelers used this boat to reach one of the Private Island from their Yacht

Grouped few places, activities and experience which was most enjoyable, however might not be in the specific order listed below

Jet ski tour

You can guess from name this is for water sports fanatics  J , and is not just an hour or round up ride. Its half or full day activity which includes visits to miniature island, small private beaches.Get ready to receive  spectacular ocean views , stone formation and waves as complementary.

Most epic of this day tour is you get to ride the Jet Ski on your own. It’s like no traffic lights, endless deep blue waters rushing at your jet ski almost keeping you at the edge of your seat J

Pit Stop during Jet Ski Rides 

Snorkeling

Yes, quite a familiar activity around the island. However choosing one from all those listed is bit tricky.

There are snorkeling package where you are left in a beach and of course you will get to see and feel lot of fishes around your feet. However finding corals during snorkeling is tough job

Of course there is one more way to see corals normally referred as Platform, offered by Langkawi Corals Inc. Which is parked in the right spot of ocean and the view is spectacular. it’s a whole new world inside water.

Pulau Payar Island - Snorkeling

Sky bridge & Cable Car

Must visit vantage point in Langkawi and if possible stay until sunset .if you are in right spot you might get the most spectacular elevated sunset view.

Do give it a try for dirt racing miniature bikes which can be easily spotted while returning back by cable car.

Kuah Town

Around 30 minutes from airport with famous eagle square landmark and probably the entry point to Langkawi if you are coming through water ways.  Another place to look out for accommodation if one is opting for less crowded location than Pantai Cenang.

Eagle Square - Kuah Town

We spend four days in Langkawi and enjoyed serene ocean views, awesome dining experience and evening beach rambling.

Toughest part was to say bye from the small window of flight not knowing when to hit the road again……

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Bintan - A Quick Travelogue

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until one comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

Title includes Quick which is an indication that this travel was quick decision.  Week after week searching places for quick getaway, time constraint, laziness which was finally overcome on a Friday and ferry tickets was booked to Bintan Island [Riau Islands province belonging to Indonesia]

Bintan is just 60 minutes ride from Singapore.

Travelling is more beautiful when you get to stand outside a speedy boat and watch everything disappearing into endless sea.

We reached the Island around 2:00 PM local time and in no time we reached Bintan Lagoon Resort, which is just across the beach.

One thing which wow’d us was Private Immigration. Resort has its own Terminal and immigration facility.
Ferry is in operated from Tanah Merrah Terminal to Bintan Lagoon Terminal.
Once you are out of terminal, shuttle will be awaited which will take you to the resort lobby.

How cool is that facility J

Immigration Center located while entering Lagoon Resort 

Spacious Hotel Lobby & Reception , After completing immigration

Resort has quite a few activities such as Archery, ATV, Water sports, Swimming Pools, Clubs, Golf and abundance of space to walk around the beach.

If you manage to tip the driver during your water sports, you will to get a ride of a life time.
This happened to us during banana boat ride, we were drenched completely like we were moving at a speed of 20 to 30 km/hour in heavy rain and still no sign of stopping. Breathtaking experience !!

Pool View from Dining

Well, that’s the end of luxury. Suggestion is to do some research & enquiries before booking any activities in the Resort. As all are too expensive and even in Indonesia due to neighbouring country affect all are charged in Singapore dollars.

Evening went on by hustling with waves in beach and longs walks followed by nice traditional dance & dinner event in one of the resort restaurant.

Next day started with a tour to local village, which had nothing exiting until we managed to find one local guide who pursued us to take Mangrove Forest ride in a boat. In next few minutes we were strapped in life saver jacket and seated in a boat.

Ride was worth the time. Nice view in a speedy boat along the vast spread waters. Was like piercing through a carpet of water , was more enjoyable due less crowd on particular day.

About to enter Mangrove Forest !!

We were lucky enough to spot few snakes & lizards along the ride.

Amazed to watch how roots are so strongly attached to sea water and also the importance of these roots when Tsunami hits, which will help to hold back the water to some extent.

Had an awesome feeling like entering into forest for an Adventure , kinda Nat Geo One :) however no crocodiles :P !! had to make curves and turns on occasions.

Inside Mangrove forest 

Awesome speedy curve

It was 2:00 PM and our ride back to Singapore departs at 4:30 PM, so it’s time to say good bye to all the wonderful beaches & places. Took back home yet another memorable experience 

Few Travel Tips & details listed from my experience

Stay – Island is divided into three parts

·       Bintan Resorts [Where much of know resorts are located, very near to ferry terminal]
·         Trikora Beach [Another white sands beach and few other resorts]
·         Tanjung Pinang [City, not much interesting if you enjoy beach]

Places & activities of interest

Water Sports , if one is interested in water sports its quite a good location and at times can get offers worth
Mangrove Boat Ride [ fire flies during night time ]
Snorkeling [ Make sure to check the location before purchasing the tickets ]
Various city & village tours [ Not much entertaining , if nothing else to do then can give this a try ]

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