The Magnificent of Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching is the hub of the Malaysian district of Sarawak. Its the largest city of Sarawak and fourth largest in Malaysia, with a population of around 640,000. The city status was awarded in 1988 and most people believe that the name Kuching is from the Malay word for cat.

For over a hundred years Sarawak belonged to the British, where before this time it was under Dutch and Portuguese control from the mid 17th century. It was gifted to a British adventurer by the name of James Brooke after he helped the Sultan of Brunei control and eradicate a rebellion.

From 1941 until September of 1945 the Japanese held control over Sarawak and Kuching, during the Second World War. At this time the British Raja took refuge in Melbourne, Australia, and returned to Kuching in 1945 to regain control. He then ceded it to the British Empire in 1946.

Thereafter there was an "undeclared war" between the British and President Sukarno of Indonesia. President Sukarno believed Sarawak should belong to Indonesia but the British resisted his attempts to gain control.

The name of the city has never been entirely clear as to its origin but as mentioned many people believe its from the Malay word for cat. Other thoughts are that it came from the Indian word "Cochin" which means port. Then there is the theory its from the fruit called mata kucing, which means cats eye. A further line of thought is that the name comes from "old well" in Chinese.




Regardless of where the name came from, to be honest, in my opinion the city of Kuching does not offer too much to the tourist, although the number of hotels springing up now is incredible! Kuching though is a great base for those who wish to travel around Sarawak, which is well worth seeing.

If you like wildlife and beautiful scenery and do not mind the heat and humidity then Sarawak is a wonderful place to explore and learn. If you enjoy diving there are some great scuba diving spots around the coast and the beaches tend to be golden and beautiful, ideal for sun worshippers and bathers a like.

Aquaria KLCC, The Astounding Seaworld

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, nestling the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest twin towers in the world. The city offers myriads of tourist hotspots, from aquariums to theme parks, landmarks to temples as well as many zoological parks.

One of the top educational and family attractions in Kuala Lumpur is the Aquaria KLCC, sitting below Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the heart of the city. This superlative aquarium houses over 20,000 aquatic and land fauna of over 250

species, originating from all parts of the globe. Be ready to encounter flying stingrays, fierce tiger sharks, endangered hawksbill turtles and the electrifying eels. Embark on a journey to discover the diverse species on the planet, starting from a highland with a beautiful cascade, passing through Malaysian rainforests and meandering streams.

When you reach the coast you will be greeted by mangroves and a school of baby sharks and sting rays.
Aquaria KLCC offers something beyond regular aquariums as some of its living exhibits can be touched, such as the ones in the Touch Pool. After passing the coast you will reach the simulated coral reefs. Here you will capture the striking sight of vibrant small fish bustling about gorgeous coral polyps of all shapes and sizes.

After the reefs you take a dive into the deepest oceans, with the help of the 90 metre long travelator, a moving walkway that takes you to the climax of Aquaria KLCC tour. You will be surrounded by deep ocean life, where numerous species from the most elusive to the most fearsome dwell.The animated ambience at the Aquaria KLCC will give you a real diving experience, surrounded by all these amazing fish, swimming in the turquoise waters. The thrill and excitement doesn't stop from there. Aquaria KLCC offers a special attraction called Aqua Theatre. Here you will watch live feeding sessions of various species including sharks and piranhas besides hair-raising stunt shows of experienced divers.If you wish to learn more about this fascinating world and its inhabitants, Aquaria KLCC provides interactive kiosks and Discovery Zones to sate your curiosity. And that's not all. The place also features a range of retail shops including the Atlantis Gift Shop. Here you can shop for a host of items like fashions and accessories, toys, gifts and souvenirs. As for dining, Aquaria KLCC has several cafes and restaurants offering a great variety of choice food and cuisines.

Find your accommodation at a Kuala Lumpur hotel and drop by the Aquaria KLCC for an ultimate deep sea adventure and much more. Nestled in the heart of business and shopping districts in the city centre, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur will be a good choice for spending your holiday. Start by exploring the nearest Kuala Lumpur attractions including Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC Mall, Chinatown, Bird Park and so much more, conveniently from here.

The Astounding Bali

Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has a mystique that is unparalleled for those who love the South Pacific culture. It is a place of lush scenery and colorful culture, and anyone who is looking for an unforgettable getaway will not be disappointed in Bali travel.

Most visitors prefer to take a guided tour, as the locals know where the best views are, and also know how popular these places have become with the influx of foreign tourists. Here are a few of the things that you might want to check out on your trip, so make sure you ask your guide to show them to you.

The Ubud Monkey Park

If wildlife, an in particular monkeys, interest you then you may well want to check out the monkey park in Ubud. You can feed the monkeys small pieces of fruit, purchased at the entrance, and or simply wander around the park. Bear in mind, though, that although they may sometimes act very human they are still animals and you need to be careful. Still, the habitat is extremely well done and the scenery is beautiful.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Officially called the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, this is quite possibly the most spectacular temple in Bali. Originally, it was built to defend the city form evil spirits coming from the south west, and is highly important in local rituals as well as being revered throughout the island. Built in the 1100s, it is situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Bukit peninsula, and is flanked by some beautiful seventeenth century temples.

The Batur Volcano

This amazing volcano is a must-see in Bali. Still active, this volcano is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. The caldera alone is over 10 kilometers wide and approximately 450 meters deep. Much legend and lore surrounds the volcano, and it is said to be Goddess Danu's throne.

Balinese Barong Dance

The phrase "Barong Dance" is often used just to refer to a dance where the dancers where animal masks, however the original meaning of the word is quite different. Barong was a character in Balinese mythology, the king of good spirits. Although each region represents Barong by a different animal, and he is most commonly shown as a lion, it is unclear what exactly the original, mythical Barong actually was.

Finally, remember that in any tourist destination there are people ready to take advantage of anyone who doesn't know the local customs. So be careful, make sure you know what you're doing, and turn down anything free- there really is no such thing as a free lunch, or anything else. That said, Bali is a beautiful place, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit.

Responsible Travel – The Ins and Outs

When going on vacation, you definitely want to make it the most exciting and invigorating experience, but you also wonder if you can take a trip that enhances conservation? Perhaps, most travelers are not going to clean up the tons of trash that may have accumulated at the foot of Mt. Everest or Mt. Fuji. Then, what’s the next choice?

I was posed with the same question yesterday, when I attended a local seminar on travel. Interestingly, for most of the attendants, the answer was simple - Responsible Travel, as it was for me. However, many people do not understand what it means to travel responsibly.

First, it’s important to make a healthy contribution to the biodiversity, the wilderness and the world. As travelers you must respect the foreign culture and traditions, and encourage greater
interaction between the tourist and the host. Finally, you should contribute to the host community in economic terms.

Whether traveling for leisure, business or adventure, responsible travel suits everyone. It’s just making a difference to some of the bigger issues affecting our environment. Just because you are on vacation, doesn’t mean that you can’t contribute to making the world a better place!

Many of the choices that people make contribute to global warming. Air travel is a source of carbon dioxide emission. But in our fast paced lives, dare we imagine a life without air planes! So, how do you minimize the impact? Luckily, there is an answer, which lies in reducing the flying hours.

On a holiday, when you need to travel long routes and hours, you can opt for flights with fewer stopovers. For instance, if you are flying from Los Angeles to Bangkok, the best thing to do, in this case, is to take a direct flight. But if it’s not available, you can hop into a flight with
maybe one or two layovers. This means fewer take-offs and landings, when the emission levels are the highest.

Responsible travel is also about taking you closer to the local culture and environment. Involve the local people in your travels and win their trust. This has the most enriching advantages of all. That is, you’re an American and you’re going to Bangkok as a responsible tourist.

You’ll agree that a local guide is always the best person to introduce you to the local culture and customs. Then, instead of hiring an expert guide, isn’t it possible to take help from a local person? Exploring Phuket, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui with local guides is more rewarding than blindly following an expert. They are the best people to open your eyes to the lifestyle in those villages nestled along the Mekong River. The up-side for us is that it will bring genuine experiences and a real taste of the foreign culture and for the locals, it generates the much
needed income.

By learning from the locals, you get more out of your travels, and give back to the places and cultures you explore. This is possible when you travel in smaller groups, which makes it easier to access the local areas. All responsible travelers will agree that they prefer to be a
part of a small group rather than being part of a huge flock.

What's more, it needs to be understood that it’s essential to let some cultural experiences remain private, if required. Never to intrude the secrecy of rituals those are considered sacred and solemn. After all, only respect begets respect.

Furthermore, responsible travel is about rediscovering the true spirit of nature. When you visit parks and nature reserves, you should be resolved to not leave anything beyond, not even our footprints. These places are not to be littered with physical evidence such as plastic or other indestructible waste.

When on vacation, bringing back memories from your vacation such as souvenirs and keepsakes is part of the fun. A responsible traveler will always prefer local products over imported goods. When shopping, take time out to find out where the product is from. This way, one contributes to the local economy and allows it to flourish.

It’s only through experiences that we grow as individuals. It is important to value the diversity of people, cultures and environments, which we explore, thus to conserve our incredible worldwide diversity.

Tips and ideas about cruising

Cruising is such a great thing to do. Shoot, what's not to love about it? All that wonderful leisure fun, getting taken care of by all those people, going to cool places. Damn skippy!

One of the things I really like about cruising is telling people neat stuff to make their cruising experience better. Now, I know, it's pretty hard to improve on something that is so intrinsically great to begin with, but, I do what I can. And, it's not a bad lifestyle (giggle).

So, here's another installment of my life's work -- sharing the fun and delight of cruising to the Caribbean. In this instance, I'm sharing a few tips about how to smooth the process of cruising, and get a bit more bang for your buck. Of course, to be perfectly honest (and we all want more of that, right?) I share this information in hopes that you will be curious enough, and entertained enough, to go to my website and buy one of my books about cruising. Gasp! Did I just let the cat out of the bag? Shucks. Ah well, can't un-ring the bell, can ya'?

Yep, the simple truth is that I write articles, give speeches and do interviews so that people will learn about my life's work and want more of it. And there is always more of it, I'm happy to say. And the good news for all of you folks reading this article is that a lot of what I create is actually free.

In fact, if you go to our website at www.dothecaribbean.com, you can get a free copy of our latest e-book entitled "The Best Darn Cruising Tips EVER!". You'll find 60 of the most useful tips and suggestions anywhere about every aspect of cruising. The e-book is free, but you can order a printed copy also (for $7.95) in case you just want to have everything all bundled together in a nice compact booklet.

In the coming weeks and months, I'll be completing a few more books, putting the finishing touches on some videos about cruising, and (my real passion of the moment) launching a user-generated website that displays the most sensuous scenes of the Caribbean. Ooooh, now THAT is going to be fun, fun fun. Stay tuned. You're not gonna want to miss that one.

But, on with the business at hand. Here are some useful and relevant tips and ideas that you can use for your next cruise. In the interest of space and the amount of time you have to read online articles, I've only included 11 tips here. But, by all means, go to my site and pick up the other 50+ when you download the aforementioned e-book. The criteria used for which tips to present in this article were 1) how easy the information was to explain in a few short paragraphs; 2) how useful it is to someone who doesn't know much about the art and science of cruising; and, 3) tips that pay off (you'll know what I mean after you've used these little jewels on board a ship).

Tip #1:Take Care Of Your Cabin Steward.

One of your best friends on the cruise will be the person that picks up your dirty clothes, hangs up your wet towels, straightens up you messy vanity and turns down your bed every night - your Cabin Steward He, or she, will do an excellent job of making up your cabin twice a day, and sometimes more often if needed. This is the person who will also handle any special requests you have, like if you need an extra pillow. I make it a point to get to know my steward and on the very first day, make sure I tip him (or her) an extra $20. Yes, I know the daily gratuity that gets added to my account does cover the cabin staff, but, make no mistake. These guys, who do an excellent job anyway, can add a nice extra dimension to your journey. For example, I like to keep my ice buckets full and sometimes I even dedicate my sink or a cooler to holding our beer, which a happy Cabin Steward will keep covered in ice for all day long.

My generosity is always understood and rewarded. I've been delighted to find extra towels, robes, chocolate hors d'oeuvres and even a bottle of wine. One other point, my favorite way to communicate with my steward (if I don't bump into him/her in the hallway) is to place a Post-It note on the mirror over the vanity. It always works.

Tip #2: Copies Are A Good Thing

Make copies of all the important travel documents that you take (driver's license, passport, credit card, etc.) and keep them in a safe place on your person while you are traveling and in your cabin once you get on board. If anything happens, you will have all information you need, and the purser's office will be better able to help you. While you're at it, print out the cruise info you expect to use the most (such as directions, phone numbers, etc), on a colored piece of paper. That way it stands out from the various other pieces of paper you'll have in your cruise documents.

Tip #3: Electricity Is A Really Good Thing.

Each cabin has only one electrical outlet, which is located right next to the desk/vanity. And it has only two plugs. If you're like us and you want to use your computer, charge your camera, listen to music and use a hair dryer while someone is taking a shower . . . well, you get the picture. Bring a power strip or surge protector. You may also find it useful to being an 8-ft extension cord, that way, you have electricity anywhere you want it in the cabin.

Tip #4: Prepare Your Stomach.

For about a week before leaving, eat at least one serving of yogurt every day, or take acidophilus supplements. It helps to build up the good bacteria that your digestive track needs to deal with any little bugs or impurities that you pick up. Some of the best food you'll find will be in small local establishments, or even roadside venues. The chow is really good in these places, and authentically spiced. But, the sanitation requirements in the Caribbean are not the same as in the US. Also, the normal diet for locals is different than what you may be used to. Your stomach may not be used to it all. The yogurt is an easy and effective way to build up your digestive balance and immunity.

Tip #5: Freshen Your Luggage

If your travel time to the ship is more than 24 hours, put fabric softener sheets between your garments to keep everything in your suite case smelling fresh. This is particularly nice with garments or accessories that are not regularly laundered, such as sweaters or jackets. You may want to cut one in half and place each half in your shoes. You'll be even more appreciative on your return home, since your luggage will be packed with soiled clothes, some of which may even be damp.

Tip #6: Bring Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are one of the most useful items you can take and for reasons other than you might first think. They are easy to pack, take up virtually no room at all, and can even be useful in keeping your bags lashed together as you maneuver onto the ship. But here's the really cool part. One thing you'll find when you get to your cabin is that there are never enough places to hang things - like a shirt, or hat, or camera case. Most cabins have two or three hooks and that's about it. While a hook is only big enough to hold one hat or other similar item, it is big enough to hold two or three bungee cords. What's more, there are lots of places through out the cabin that can accommodate one end of a bungee cord but would never work as a hanging place, such as a lamp or the edge of your mirror. Just hang the bungee cord from any suitable place and -- voila! -- you have a hook that is sturdy enough to hold anything you've got.

They also make a great clothesline. Some bathrooms have a retractable clothes line in the shower, but not all. Your bungee cord can be strung across the opening of your shower, or between a couple of towel bars. Be creative, you'll find several places that work.

And finally, one of the main irritations of being up on the deck when the ship is underway (as is the case with Sea Days) is the 20 knot winds that you have to deal with. When you get up from your seat to hit the bar or take a break, It's not unusual at all to see a pool towel or shirt or hat go sailing over the edge of the ship. If you have a bungee cord with you, you can easily strap everything to your chair.

Tip #7: Bring Extra Clothes Hangers

There are often not enough clothes hangers in your cabin, and those that are there can be a pain in the butt to use. They're usually the kind that has a little peg which slips into a metal ring which is permanently attached to the clothes bar in the closet. So be sure to pack enough extras to handle all of your important hang-up clothes, so you have enough and you don't have to mess around with the ones in the closet.

And speaking of clothes hangers, you can buy INFLATABLE clothes hangers (that's right, inflatable coat hangers. Who'da thunk it?) from Amazon.com (click the "Apparel" tag" on the website). They take up no space at all, are totally easy to inflate and are sturdy enough to hold shirts and coats. They are also great for eliminating those pesky bulges that you get on the shoulders of your shirts. You might need to get a couple of sets so you can keep one set for traveling and use the other in your home closet.

Tip #8: Check With Your Insurance Company (auto and medical)

If something happens and you are required to get any kind of medical treatment while you are cruising, there is a really good chance that you will have to pay for the treatment and get reimbursed later. So, find out before you go if your health insurance will pay for such treatments, and what kind of documentation you'll need to file a claim with your company. This is one of those times where you may want to inquire into travel insurance, especially if you are traveling with a condition that elevates the risk (such as older travelers, pregnancy, or some other pre-existing condition). Get very clear information from your company about the documentation you need from the ship or port, because once you leave where the treatment is delivered, there is virtually no chance you will ever get medical records sent to you without hiring an attorney. If you have a pre-existing condition, you'll get better treatment if you provide the medical staff with your medical history.

In the same vein, check your coverage with your auto insurance company. You may find that you don't need any additional coverage, which can save you a lot if you decide to rent a car or scooter. Keep in mind, however, many rental companies require you to make good on any damages when you return the vehicle, so if you are using your personal insurance you will have to pay for the damages and get reimbursed. That little fact is one of the major incentives the rental companies use to sell you the insurance. Unfortunately, even though they are blood-suckers for trying to manipulate you, it is often less hassle to go ahead and buy the local insurance. But, get a professional opinion from your agent.

Tip #9: A Can Of Air Freshener

Especially if you are traveling on one of the older ships, it's a really good idea to pack a can of your favorite air freshener. I prefer the types that kill odors as opposed to those that just scent the air (i.e., Lysol, because it not only deodorizes the room if needed but also sanitizes surfaces). In the small confines of a standard cabin, any unpleasant odor can be stifling and the room ventilation system can take a while work.

Tip #10: Stay Out Of The Steam Baths.

Yes, we know, there isn't anything quite like the soothing and cleansing feeling of a steam bath to relax you or rid you of the after effects of a late night partying. Even so, we NEVER use public steam baths. This isn't a knock on any particular cruise line, it's a knock on public steam baths. A steam room is the absolute perfect environment for all kinds of airborne germs and bacteria -- hot, moist, subdued lighting. Oh yeah, perfect for that little cold bug or other mischievous virus that gets sneezed out of people. STAY AWAY FROM STEAM BATHS!

Tip # 11: Use Porters When You Leave The Terminal.

There are two really good reasons to use porters.

They carry your bags, in exchange for which you should tip them about $2 per bag with a minimum of $5. This is especially good if you have several bags and if you have a ways to go to get to your transportation.

They have a special desk they go through at Customs and so you don't have to wait in the line. That alone is worth $5!

Alrighty, gang. That's all you get here. If you want to find out why you should pack zip-loc bags, a first aid kit, walkie-talkies, trash bags and suction cups you'll have to go get your own free e-book. You'll also get some great info about choosing travel agents, buying trip insurance, preventing seasickness and the perfect way to get a wake-up call.