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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Riding Through Pulau Ubin

The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine. ~John Howard

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when we packed some final list for our one day visit to Island “Pulau Ubin” [Meaning - Island of Granite Stones in Malay], one of the closely located Islands of Singapore. We were very excited as the main activity on the island was Bicycle Riding, kept wondering what took me so long to take this trip

We reached the pier around 10:00 AM, there were small bumboats which carried fixed number of passengers on each trip. Though the boats bore a Vintage look and old but they were well maintained and one needs to pay a small amount to travel across. Travel time is 20 to 30 minutes from Singapore Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

Once we arrived, it was a delight to see bicycle renting shops all over the place and few eateries.  We managed to find one and yeah these we cycles with gear J and thus started our tour of the island.

It was thrilling to check the map and deciding the route, pit stops etc. as this was sort of a bicycle adventure J for us. Roads throughout the island were well maintained and we managed to get lost for few minutes just rambling around.

First half of the journey did tier us out as the weather was too sunny and we were sweating which forced us to take few stops more than expected. To our good luck and surprise we found a shop selling tender coconut this was very much welcome and required at that moment.

It was the lush green everywhere which helped us with cool air whenever we pushed for speed. This reminded me of school days when we used to race for speed. After riding for around 2 hours we settled down in a shelter to have lunch, which we had carried from home.

We saw lot of bikers considering it was a weekend. Generally all riders carried food along with them since you hit the road one can’t find any restaurants or fast food centres. Which in a way is good as it gives a feel of adventure or else it will be another ride in concrete jungle.

Once we regained strength, we started searching for a place called “Chek Java Wetlands”. It’s a place with marine life and plantations. We spotted some wild bores J and two of them managed to steal food packs from parked bicycles.

One of the amazing views was from the guest house which is still under construction and a bridge which allows you to walk towards the ocean, we were fortunate enough to experience the thunderstorm and rain during our visit, we could even see the Singapore main land covered with rain.  It was a beautiful view and soon the rain followed here too.

It was around 4:30 PM when we started our ride back to pier. Even though we were completely stressed the ride was a lot of fun, as we encountered downhill rides on few occasions we took the speed to full throttle [well almost J ] and were also cautious at the same time as road was wet due to heavy rain.

We travelled a total of 15km within the island and every centimetre was WORTH IT.

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Through an Indian Binoculars - Singapore

It’s been four years in the “Island of Surprises, Singapore” and decided to have a 
write-up on few of the selected experiences for my first blog.

Hope you find it interesting, enjoyable and readable.

View from ECP on a rainy day during cycling suddenly turned dark during noon, was awesome

During my journey of four years, Singapore always used to surprise me. Weather new attraction added to list, new malls introduced, customer friendliness or if I just go out on weekends [which I generally do a lot] always used to find something to ponder or learn.

There are number of things which I would like to mention. Top 10 must visit places, best international cuisine, top 10 Indian restaurants etc etc.

And I intended to share my experiences on these in my future blog also :)

Evening walk at Fort Canning Park

However for my first blog, thought of a different topic from the above list. As you all would have seen and read multiple articles.

As this is my first travel outside India, was always interested in our fellow countrymen and of course was very proud to see few and learnt lot from them ,there are numerous positive things I can write on these.

However chose to write on the untold things which we do unknowingly.

So request you all to be bit free thinking and acceptable :)

Top Five “Please don’t do”   

Below are the few experiences which I felt should be shared to larger audience, as I always believed sharing real life experience is good than class room learnings.

These are purely based on my personnel encounters and not targeted on any individuals or communities

Hope this will make interesting read for all of us J

1. Fountains are to pleasure our eyes

Personnel experience during a visit to one of the mall during weekends. While relaxing outside enjoying the lighting and weather, could see few of them were having evening dinner not snacks.

As observing the group, had a hint of the future events which would unfold. However was wishing that I would be proved wrong.

Eventually and unfortunately it did happen – one of them got up after finishing his meal and went directly to fountain [ there were quite a few people around relaxing , enjoying weekends by chatting and few kids playing around the fountains ] and washed his hands .

Ouch… that was very disappointing.

Please don’t do this

2. Travel Time

Before boarding an MRT or Bus please make sure you feed your children and also make sure they are not hungry.

There are few unavoidable situations where infants will cry due to various reasons. However there are few steps or measures which we need to ensure as part of our responsibility.

Cleanliness and proper feeding before Bus and MRT ride will help you and your fellow commuters travel smooth and easy.

Also please stop thrashing kids due to various reason J .

Suggestion : if required do get down in between stations and board the next train, so that this will relax a bit and also you can address if there are any concerns[ As frequency for each train is hardly 5 to 10 mins ]

 3. Another travel experience

As we all are aware, there are few scenarios where we get bit excited and talk loudly. Yes of course this is fine and good to have bit fun. However have observed in certain scenarios it goes beyond control which might cause frustrations to fellow commuters.

One of the example is screaming between first and third row of seats and having continues conversations, there are few countries in world where Bus travel is considered very calm and quite J

No hard feelings here please J

4. Time to travel in Bus again

  One of the common observations during Bus travel, please do keep your Travel Card handy before your stop arrives.

Multiple scenarios, where bus is waiting for a single person to present his/her exit card J.

Also during those scenarios, Instead of getting off the bus there will be funny conversations along with little laugh with your fellow friends meanwhile the bus captain and all the passengers be waiting for them to complete the action.

  5. Wait for the signal

Have come across in certain places or locations, where we are very much in hurry to cross the road.

Do have patience “green man” will appear and all waiting fellow mates will be allowed to cross the road in the crossing area.

Let’s make travel a pleasure and lively experience for all of us :) Have Fun!!!

Feedback and comments are welcome J

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