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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Dream big and go to Bali/Yangon with Travelar, DiGi & Nuffnang!

Instead of doing beauty reviews or fashion posts or events, today I'm going to blog about few highlights/tourist spots in Yangon and Bali. Hands up for travelling YAY!


Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar.

Yangon is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying and beyond appreciation, remains an almost unique example of a 19th century British colonial capital. New high-risk buildings were constructed from the 1990s as the government began to allow private investment (while former national government buildings such as the massive Secretariat Building, as the capital is shifted to Naypyidaw, have been left to rot). However, Yangon continues to be a city of the past, as seen by its longyi-wearing, betel nut chewing and spitting pedestrians, their friendly or even familial attitude towards strangers, its street vendors and its pungent smells.

• ACCOMMODATION 


Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake is a 5-star city hotel (ranked 4 on Tripadvisor) located on the historic Royal Lake in the heart of Yangon, where you should give it a try to experience the remarkable blend of colonial style and Asian revival architecture. Chatrium Hotel has 301 rooms, suites and accommodations ranging from 40 to 300 square meter, including 37 divine suites, the ambiance of each room, featuring a wood-accented decor, traditional fabrics, cultural tapestries and locally crafted furniture of Myanmar, will enhance each stay for all guests!


Let's take a look of their Royal Lake Suite at 300 sq.m boasts an expansive balcony with 180 degree Yangon panoramic view, spacious bedrooms, lounge and dining areas, indulgent bathrooms and many more.


Not forgot to mention, they do provide 24 hours room service, complimentary hi-speed WiFi internet access, daily international buffet breakfast at The Emporia and so on.

• ATTRACTIONS 

#1 The Shwedagon Pagoda


No visit to the Union of Myanmar is complete without a visit to the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics. Located west of the Royal Lake on 114 - acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sarced and impressive Buddhist site for the people of the Union of Myanmar. It is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a 72 carat diamond. It is clearly one of the wonders of the religious world.


Do take note of your dressings that you should dress reasonably and keep your legs covered. Longyi is available at the ticket booth if you arrive overly uncovered. Besides, as with nearly all Buddhist monuments, footwear is not permitted. Carry a plastic shopping bag, pop your shoes into that bag, and carry it around with you while on the walkways and platforms. That is the Burmese way! If you can visit during the early morning or in the evening so the white marble tiles do not burn your feet. :)

#2 Kyaikto (Golden Rock)


The Golden Rock is a truly extraordinary natural feature with its great weight balanced so precariously on the cliff edge. It is little wonder it is regarded with such sacred awe. According to legend, it is kept in place by "a single hair of the Buddha".



The great rock suddenly and spectacularly comes into view from the steep path up the hill, and can then be approached and touched (by men only) from the shrine complex that spreads out behind it on the cliff. By just looking at pictures, the views from Kyaikto are stunning and I would love to spend my day over there and watch sunset. Awww the sweetest thing in the world ♥

#3 Karaweik Palace and Kandawgi Lake


The beauty of Karaweik Palace shows a unique work of art to be explored in the heart of Kandawgyi Lake. Kandawgyi Lake is a popular recreation centre of the capital of Yangon. You can find a variety of beautiful flowers, the natural scene of the lake water and large shady trees. There are also an orchid garden, mini zoo, playground, souvenir shops and lots of restaurants. A great place for you to escape from the busy city and have a stroll in the evening or after your dinner.

#4 Bogyoke Aung San Market


After visiting the temples and museums in Yangon, it's time to do some shopping! Bogyoke Aung San Market, inaugurated in 1926, is the most popular market of Yangon and Myanmar as well. A wide range of Myanmar souvenirs are available at this market attracting every foreign visitor guests also visit the market to buy trendy clothes, accessories, gold, gems and jewellery.

Myanmar is the golden land where gold, silver and various kinds of gems and jewellery are abundant. 



• FOODS 

#1 Shwe Sa Bwe


Shwe Sa Bwe, where people claim it's the best French food in Asia! Shwe Sa Bwe is the brainchild of Francois Stoupan, and trains apprentices from all over Myanmar into being top chefs and skilled staff in the food and beverage industry. They offers fine dining in a beautiful building and garden area. The regularly changing set menu has three courses for a little over 20,000 kyats (around MYR 65) which is quite affordable.

Pictures took from their Facebook page. OMG so tempting!

#2 Hla Myanmar Restaurant (Shwe Ba)


A simple restaurant, but a good one for those on a budget. They are specialized in Bamar (Burmese) curry dishes, so this is a good opportunity to have what the locals eat. It is well-known among locals, because the famous actor Shwe Ba used to have his house in this area and the restaurant is named after him. The Hla Myanmar restaurant lies not very far from the Shwedagon Pagoda and is thus ideal for a lunch during or after the temple attendance. 



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Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the super-rich.

• ACCOMMODATION 


Grand Mega Resort and Spa is boutique hotel concept, very accessible from most popular tourist spots in Bali due to its strategic location. It is cross walking distance to famous Mall Bali Galleria, less than 15 minutes away from the ever popular Kuta Beach, Ngurah Rai International Airport and Denpasar City Centre. It features 135 deluxe room and spacious suites with unique combination traditional and modern architecture, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a chic and cozy restaurant, pool bar, spa, fitness centre, business centre and a well equipped meeting room ideally suited for both business and leisure travelers.


Look at their outdoor swimming pool, the view is so breath-taking! I just can't wait to jump and dip inside the pool ngawww. Sitting down by the poolside, dip your leg inside, watch the sunset, have a drink and chit-chat with your friends, it would be the best moment in my life ♥

• ATTRACTIONS 

#1 Mount Batur and Kintamani Volcano


Mount Batur, also known as Kintamani volcano, has been the most favourite tourist destination in the central mountains area of Bali. With the magnificent view of its caldera, and also the beauty of Lake Batur which fills the large part of the caldera, the crater of Mount Batur is the central interest of the place which is estimated to have 13 square km. Surrounded by the captivating nature of Mount Batur, you will find plenty more reasons to linger in the crater itself, and be sure to also take in the joyous winding road along the lake shore to Toya Bungkah, Pura Ulan Danu Batur, or even the hot springs. Imagine having breakfast and watching sunrise at Mount Batur ngawww... *melts*

#2 Ulun Danu Beratan Temple


Ulun Danu Beratan, literally "the source temple of Lake Beratan" is easily the island's most iconic sanctuary sharing the scenic qualities with the seaside temples of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The smooth reflective surface of the lake surrounding most of the temple's base creates a unique floating impression, while the mountain range of the Bedugul region encircling the lake provides the temple with a scenic backdrop. The temple was built in the 17th century in worship of the main Hindu trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva, as well as the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. The sight and cool atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made the lake and this temple a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot as well as a frequently photographed site.

#3 Balangan Beach



Bali is not short of beaches and so everyone must be wondering which Bali beach should we head for? I've been searching around and I came across this - Balangan Beach, has always be on the top 5 best hidden beach in Bali. A white sandy beach stretch 200 meters with panoramic view to the Indian Ocean and blessed by the spectacular sunset that create the romantic nuance for every visitor who visiting this beach. This beach is also endowed by enormous wave that is demanded by all surfers and selected as one of the best surfing points in the island of god.

#4 Banjar Hot Springs



The Banjar Hot Springs provide a recreational and therapeutic experience, due to the water's sulphuric content. This can be seen from the yellowish red sedimentation at several points of the spouts and pool walls. The complex is known to have been further developed during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during World War 2. At the time, the waters of the hot springs were known to have cured various skin problems as well as rheumatic ailments. Banjar Hot Springs continue to provide an enjoyable and health-benefitting retreat up in the hills of the north, for those seeking relaxation, fun, sightseeing, and a totally different experience.

#5 Tegallalang Rice Terrace


Tegallalang is one the famous tourism objects in Ubud that you must visit! It offers a wide range of natural landscape, rice terraces are everywhere in this island, and you will never get bored of looking at those green steps over and over.

• FOODS 

#1 Ku De Ta


Ku De Ta is a Bali institution and a must-stop spot for sunset drinks at least once during your visit to Bali. The uniquely gracious and hospitable spirit of the Balinese and the stunning world-class Seminyak beachfront location of Ku De Ta are at the very foundation of what makes the venue so magical, but it's the reputation Ku De Ta has fostered for inimitable fine dining any time of the day or night, discreet attentive service, cutting edge design and architecture that maintains the vibe and popularity of one of Bali's most revered lifestyle icons.


According to the Internet, the cocktails are taken seriously here, with classics given a hipster twist - think Earl Grey martini or raspberry and cucumber and elderflower Colllins - but don't overlook the award-winning kitchen, either. The slow-roasted lamb shoulder, served with potato and rosemary galette, garlic greens and tomato relish is recommended. (Y) *slurrrrrps*

#2 The Warung


If you're looking for authentic Balinese food in an upscale setting, there's nowhere else like The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu, which delivers simple classics such as ayam betutu (whole roast baby chicken in banana leaf) atop a cliff with soaring views across the Indian Ocean. Indoor and outdoor dining is provided in this welcoming yet sophisticated space. The friendly and convivial atmosphere enables diners to have a casual, laid back experience, whether they choose to interact with other guests at the communal tables or opt for the more private tables for two dotted around the restaurant.


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To show my desire of winning, I've even make an itinerary for 3d2n in Yangon, Myanmar (as the grand prize yay)! You may use it as a guide if you're planning to go Yangon soon :)


I do really want to win these prizes for my sister as her wedding present! She has been taking good care of me for these 19 years and buy me everything that I want. Now, I wish to do something for her in return and I guess it would be the best present as her pre-honeymoon? :) xx

5 comments:

  1. Interesting stuff. Feel like going to Bali now~! btw do you have Imotiv account?
    Easier to follow your blog :)
    https://www.imotiv.ly/

    ReplyDelete
  2. The pics are awesome! The food looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  3. congratulation!!!!
    wow, surprisingly you've your own itinerary
    Salute!

    lucky your sis get special present from you :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you sis for your lovely present. We really enjoy d 5 star honeymoon in yangon.

    @Rachel's Blog

    ReplyDelete

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