Singapore Your Guide to the Sights and Sensations JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Your Guide to the Sights and Sensations of Singapore

As a tourist destination, #Singapore has exploded in popularity in recent years. The ultra-modern and increasingly eco-friendly city-state is home to thriving markets, unique neighborhoods, and gorgeous urban green space. Read on and enjoy the most popular activities in one of the world’s most intriguing cities.

Gardens
Singapore is known for its abundance of natural opportunities in an urban setting. The first stop on your list should be the #Singapore Botanic Gardens. This UNESCO-listed tropical oasis houses the National Orchid Garden, a manmade forest featuring 300 varieties of rare orchids.
For more fragrant gardens, visit the Gardens by the Bay. Under the futuristic biodomes, you will find themed gardens featuring regional flora and fully-grown trees. Among the gardens, you will walk through installation art and sculptures. The most recognizable feature is the high-tech super trees which come to life in color during the evening Garden Rhapsody show.

Museums
Another must is to visit one of Singapore’s fantastic museums. The city has emerged as one of the world’s leading cultural destinations, housing the National Gallery of Singapore, the National Museum, the Peranakan Museum, and the Asian Civilizations Museum. Guests are welcome to lose themselves in historical topics from Asian art to World War II history.

Hawker Centers
These urban food halls are a foodie’s dream. Over 100 Hawker centers are located within the city. These bustling markets are intrinsically linked to Singaporean culture and have been Unesco-recognized. There are few better opportunities to explore dishes like satay, a variety of barbequed meats, and other local bites.

Colonial District
Explore the grand colonial architecture of the former British trade legation. This enclave still showcases the original colonial buildings. Guests can also tour the more modern architecture of the waterfront, nearby museums, and parks.

Chinatown
An excellent introduction to Singaporean nightlife, Chinatown juxtaposes traditional shrines and architecture with trendy restaurants and lively bars. This bustling neighborhood is another superb dining opportunity and a great shopping destination. Make sure to take pictures of the ever-expanding skyline of the Central Business District.

There is no shortage of options when choosing a cruise to Singapore brands at every market level, from Holland America Lines to Scenic visits. Many cruises either depart or arrive from this port, so it makes it an excellent candidate for extending your visit. We have them all at the best rates!

#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa concierge and sales team will happily assist you in planning your vacation to the fullest. Our destination experts will check every box on your wishlist with VIP customer service and knowledgeable advice.

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Friends Travel LLP West Hollywood CA 90069-9309 is a specialty boutique travel curator that crafts customized itineraries for travelers who are eager to explore the world. From food and wine to people and places, we deliver one-of-a-kind travel experiences based on your personal interests, wants needs desires and expectations. Established in 1985, we have connections all around the world and always ensure that every destination has our seal of approval before you arrive. JESS Kalinowsky, Managing Partner has been to 147 countries and sailed 100+ cruises on Barge Canals, Rivers, Seas, and Oceans! We look forward to assisting with your unique travel arrangements.

 

Discover The Charm of South Korea JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Discover The Charm of #SouthKorea’s Cruise Ports
#Korea Tourism Organization

While South Korea is an increasingly popular tourist destination, there are many hidden port Gems worth exploring beyond Seoul. Busan, Jeju, Incheon, Yeosu, and Sokcho are the five major cruise ports in Korea with distinctive charms. Take a moment to learn about Korea’s ports and some of the must visit spots for you and your clients.


#Busan: Seafood Lovers
Busan is a famous marine city known for Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village and Jagalchi Market. With the blue sea and fresh seafood delicacies, Busan is the ideal place for travelers. Major attractions include Nampo-dong food alleys with old stalls and stores; a Buddhist temple located on the coast that you can visit on a city tour bus; the International Film Festival; and the Busan Fireworks Festival held along the beaches.

The Best Medical Tour City Rich in human & material resources in its medical infrastructure, with convenient transportation and a wonderful natural environment. Incredible rates! The savings covers all of your travel expenses!!! JESS@FriendsTravel.com 

#Jeju Island: Paradise
Jeju Island is the largest island in Korea and a resort city with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A world-famous volcanic island, known for the Haenyeo (women divers), some in their 80s, dive to collect seaweed, shellfish and other seafood in a unique way (Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by #UNESCO).You can still see some of these sea mermaids ‘at work’ and learn all about their history and culture in the Haenyeo museum on Jeju island. Full of natural landscapes as well as a unique culture and mysterious legends. Haenyeo (sea women) catch seafood for a living with only a knife while holding their breath. They are breath-hold diving, or free diving, down to about 10 meters / 30 feet, for minutes – depending on their experience.

#Incheon: An evolving International City
Incheon – South Korea’s third largest city is an expanding metropolis and industrial port. It’s colorful Chinatown and Open Port areas are the most tourist-friendly parts of the city to explore and easily accessible. Incheon has distinctive features from its food to its architecture and landscapes. Visit the Incheon Art Platform, Wolmido, Incheon Landing Memorial Hall, Wolmi Observatory, and Korean Emigration History Museum.

#Yeosu: Romance
Yeosu is Korea’s romantic city!
It is a coastal city located in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. It’s known for its scenic coastal shorelines, succulent seafood and camellias blossoms in spring. This city offers many things to enjoy. You can take a cable car, enjoy a rail-bike ride along the sea, and taste a hearty meal of fresh seafood.

#Sokcho : Home of #Seoraksan National Park
Sokcho is located on the east coast of the Korean Peninsula and occupies a large portion of Gangwon-do, where visitors enjoy stunning views and sunbathing on long golden beaches with a view of the East Sea’s horizon. Visit and explore Seorak Waterpia, the Teddy Bear Farm, and Seoraksan national park near the city of Sokcho.

The #Seoraksan National Park is the third-highest mountain in South Korea with an elevation of 5,604 ft. Famous for its views, clear mountain streams, and vibrant flora and fauna, Seoraksan boasts some of the loveliest trails in the country.

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Indian Himalaya’s Alpine Heights on a Search for One of Earth’s Rarest Cats JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Explore the Indian #Himalaya’s Alpine Heights on a Search for One of Earth’s Rarest Cats

The Himalayas have long held an allure for adventurers. And in the world’s highest mountains, no creature is more alluring than the snow leopard. This elegant feline, with its rosette-spotted silver coat, patrols lofty ridges in Earth’s most forbidding altitudes. Agile and solitary, built for hunting bharal and ibex, it uses its long, thick tail for balance and warding off winter’s cold bite, traversing snowfields on broad paws that serve as snowshoes and pad rocky landings after a 50-foot pounce onto unwitting prey. Search for these mysterious cats in the heights of Ladakh, a former Silk Road kingdom in northern India with a vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture. In this austere realm, icy peaks tower above whitewashed monasteries, prayer flags in primary colors flutter atop mountain passes—and our wilderness quest in search of the snow leopard awaits.

Female Red Fox (vulpes vulpes) in the snow. Ulley Valley, Ladakh Himalayas, India.

Trip Highlights
• Track Elusive Snow Leopards On a rare expedition with top trackers and naturalist guides, search for snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife including bharal, urial, ibex, and wolves

• Discover the Nature & Culture of Ladakh Explore the austere Himalayan landscape of Ladakh, steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture, as we visit villages, monasteries, and passes adorned with prayer flags

• Stay in the Snow Leopard’s Realm Our private mountain lodge in the midst of snow leopard territory is an authentic and comfortable base—and it’s ours alone, for a maximum of 10 guests

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#ExoticAsia #Nepal #Bhutan #India JESS@FriendsTravel.com

A River Runs Through It: Touching Landscapes, Lives & Wildlife
Although rivers account for just 0.01% of Earth’s surface area, they have arguably shaped the landscape more than any other natural #phenomenon. Major #civilizations have been founded on their banks, commerce flourishes along their courses, agriculture thrives in their catchment, and innumerable species find refuge in their #ecosystems. We depend on rivers for everything from food to electricity. However, rivers face threats from climate change, pollution, mining, and human development. Learn more about their crucial role as we follow the course of several major rivers across the Indian subcontinent with Conan Dumenil and Arpita Dutta, naturalist guides with an extensive background in #Nepal, #Bhutan and #India. They will trace these rivers from their birth in pristine #Himalayan glaciers down into deep valleys in the foothills, fanning out into floodplains and finally into vast deltas. Along the way, learn how rivers have altered landscapes, nurtured humans and their livelihoods, and supported wildlife, including many species we see on our adventure trips. The subcontinent’s watershed is a crucial one for conservation: also known as the “third pole,” it is the source of 10 major river systems that provide irrigation, power, and drinking water to more than 1.9 billion—almost 24%—of the world’s population.

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Southeast Asia Tours JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a reason with tropical climates, rich culture, gorgeous beaches, and a wonderful assortment of cuisine from which to choose. There’s a lot to do and see in #SoutheastAsia, and you can be assured that you will discover some of the most ornate & beautiful Temples on your visit.

#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069

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Southeast Asia has something for everyone and is home to plenty of resorts, beautiful hotels, world-class restaurants, so many activities to enjoy, warm and friendly people to meet, and everything you will need to make your stay memorable.

#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069

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Join us on a trip to Southeast Asia & some of its most popular destinations, accommodations, tours & adventures.

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Ask about your $25.00 per person discount for all International Travel!

“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering. ” 

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” 

Malaysia Borneo Southeast Asia JESS@FriendsTravel.com

12 Days Malaysia Beach Escape
#KualaLumpur & #Langkawi #Malaysia
(Private Guided Tour at 45% off if booked by Mar 31, 2021)

Package Details on request : JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
Give us: names of travelers, most preferred travel dates, hometown airport,
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11 Days Essential #Borneo
The Wilds of #Sabah & #Sarawak #Malaysian #Borneo
(Private Guided Tour with savings if booked by Mar 31, 2021) ]


Package Details on request: JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
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Check out Malaysia’s new package specials created specifically for you! Brought to you by our amazing travel partners aimed at putting the excitement back into travel.

READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MALAYSIA!

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Exotic Honeymoon or Romantic vacation!

Participate in our Book Now Travel Later Plan, a deposit holds your space! Malaysia Awaits You! Let us transport you to a world of #cultural #diversity and #biodiversity through Malaysia’s natural landscapes, her ancient #rainforests, #amazing #wildlife, #incredible #flora and #fauna, and of course the warmth & #hospitality of the #culturally #diverse #Malaysian people!

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Since 1985
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Don’t forget to ask about your $25.00 per person discount for any International Travel in the World!

#SriLanka JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Holy temple at Dambula, Sri Lanka.

A reduction in airfare costs to help jumpstart flight bookings to Sri Lanka in the wake of this past spring’s Easter will make the South Asian island even more accessible to travelers who were undoubtedly already drawn to its beautiful beaches, #UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse wildlife and rich culture.

#SafariSriLanka

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#Cambodia #SiemReap JESS@FriendsTravel.com

 

Bakong Temple |
You might expect a place that’s a thousand years old to feel decrepit, but Siem Reap defies expectations. The sprawling Angkor Wat becomes more enchanting with age, and the lively and energetic town surrounding the ruins is a hotspot for backpackers from around the world. From the bright lights of its party scene to the welcoming and easy nature of its native people, Siem Reap is, in a word, fun.

Fun Fact:
At 1,626,000 sq meters, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument ever constructed. The entire ancient city was built with 5 to 10 million stone blocks, more than all the pyramids of Egypt combined.

Siem Reap, Cambodia
N 13.36° / E 103.84°

December — March
Siem Reap is a tropical and humid place. With a lengthy wet season, travel from April to November can be pretty hit or miss, so visit in the drier, lighter season. Planning a trip around Khmer New Year in April is an unforgettable experience, with celebrations lasting 3 days.

Ta Prohm |
The Temple Complex
Pretty much everyone travels to Siem Reap to visit the stunning temples, including the big 3 of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom. But there are many temples worth exploring within the Angkor complex, and throughout Siem Reap province. Hire a tuk-tuk driver to be your guide, or rent a bike and explore yourself. Outside the main attractions, temples like Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, and Banteay Srei are worthy visits. But be warned, some of these temples feature dizzying climbs and pickpocketing monkeys!

Pub Street, Siam Reap |
Rub a Dub Pub Street
Pub street is like a mini Vegas strip. Brightly lit by neon signs and bumping with music from the streetside tuk-tuk bars, this is sensory overload at its best. It’s also the greatest place to meet people, grab a cheap beer, and people watch. Yes, it’s on the touristy side, but if you like connecting with other travelers, swapping stories and making friends, then this is the best place to do it.

Tonlé Sap |
Local Treks
After the bright lights of Pub Street, it’s time to get local. Journey out into the countryside to visit villages outside the city. You can’t miss the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake. Our favorite is Kompong Khleang, which is just far enough to attract fewer tourists than some of the other towns. Admire the structures perched on stilts over the water, and engage with the local life. The ride through the countryside, passing rice fields and farms, is also an incredible adventure in itself.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia |
Find Your Zen
Though it’s a massive tourist attraction today, Siem Reap was once the center of spirituality. And you can still find enlightenment during your trip. Melt into a chair at a local massage studio, or sign up for a yoga retreat. Reflect quietly as Buddhist monks light incense in the temples. If you find peace with nature, consider a hike in Phnom Kulen, a mountain range complete with jungle terrain and gorgeous waterfalls.

“When you go to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat over Khmer New Year prepare to buy a water gun and baby powder. It’s a tradition to soak everyone and dump powder all over them. By the end of my time there I was wearing science goggles and a bathing suit. In the actual temple there aren’t water guns but there will be dancing, singing, and cultural celebrations all through the day and night. It’s a magical place without the festival but once you add that in it’s an unreal experience.”

ANM Khmer Market |
Culinary Adventures
You can sample the, um, more “interesting” food items at the Angkor Night Market (see fried crickets and scorpions on a stick), but we recommend joining a food tour to really get the most out of your experience. They’ll show you the behind-the-scenes insight into how local dishes and flavors are created. From watching rice noodles be made to interacting with local street vendors, a food tour will make you an expert in Cambodian cuisine in no time.

Czeching In
There are plenty of hostels and budget hotels around Pub Street for the frugal backpacker. But if you want to experience old world elegance, check out Suites Hotel. This boutique retreat features beautiful suites nestled in tropical gardens and includes a complimentary pickup in a vintage car. No matter where you stay, we recommend finding someplace with a pool. “I highly recommend staying at an accommodation with a pool because Siem Reap is the hottest place I’ve ever been. During the days, it gets so unbearable that the streets are virtually empty.”

What’s In Your Wallet?
“Don’t stress about getting local currency at the airport. Like many developing countries Cambodia uses the U.S. Dollar, the crispier the better.” –

Tuk-Tuk Driver
“Always ask how much for a tuk tuk before agreeing to the ride. If you stick with the same driver each time they will really look after you. Cambodian people are so friendly and helpful!” –

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
“When visiting the temples, wear appropriate clothing covering the knees and shoulders. Be respectful to the Khmer and their culture. They are some of the most wonderful, genuine people I’ve met in my travels.” –

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World’s Best: The Top 15 Cities in Asia JESS@FriendsTravel.com

World’s Best: The Top 15 Cities in Asia
This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2,  just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be, soon.

A riot of colors, scents, and sounds characterize many of the best cities in Asia, according to TL readers. Travelers to the continent want to immerse themselves fully in the bustle of daily life, walking down avenues and side alleys, visiting ancient temples and ornate palaces, staying in houses on stilts and in modern skyscrapers. Whether their passion is food or art, shopping or nightlife, they discover that the urban centers of the world’s largest continent thrum with energy and excitement, which makes exploring them one of travel’s greatest joys.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, TL asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.

This year’s list spans a wide swath of Asia. India is the only country that managed to grab three spots. Udaipur (No. 4) and Jaipur (No. 8) are no surprise. As one reader described, “Udaipur is a bucket-list destination. The lake is magnificent, especially at night from the Taj Lake Palace hotel looking to the City Palace. So romantic.” But the appearance of West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata, at No. 12 points to TL readers’ desires to explore areas beyond Rajasthan and other parts of the tried-and-true tourist circuit.

Hong Kong captured 15th place — a testament to its resilience and enduring appeal. “Hong Kong is one of the most interesting and unique cities in the world,” wrote one voter. Another reader echoed the sentiment, noting that the city has “so much to do and see, and the food is the best.” After all, where else can you find Michelin-star quality dim sum in a subway station?

And while some popular destinations return — Chiang Mai, Thailand (No. 2), Kyoto, Japan (No. 3), and Ubud, Indonesia (No. 6) — word also seems to be out about Laos’s enchanting former royal capital, Luang Prabang, which nabbed the fifth spot this year after not making the list in 2019. This “fascinating, friendly, small city on the banks of the Mekong River,” as one reader put it, is fast becoming a must-visit on any trip to Southeast Asia.

But for the second year in a row, the ancient Vietnamese city of Hoi An emerges victorious. Below, the reasons why — plus the full list of the best cities in Asia, as voted by TL readers.

Street scene, Hoi An, Vietnam

1. Hoi An, Vietnam
Score: 90.52

This city on Vietnam’s central coast has long been a tourist favorite, attracting visitors who appreciate its eclectic architecture, energetic nightlife, and flowing canals. But what really sets it apart for our readers are the culture and people. “The culture of Hoi An made it what it is,” wrote one fan. “So colorful and vibrant! The people were so friendly and the food was spectacular.” Another person likened it to “being transported to a magical romantic village.” Best of all, it’s easy to get around (try renting a bike) and very affordable, making it the favorite city in Vietnam — and all of Asia — for our readers.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Score: 89.62

ARASHIYAMA- people enjoy cherry blossom at the park in Arashiyama, Japan. Arashiyama, western outskirt of Kyoto, is famous on cherry blossom time.

3. Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Score: 88.77

4. Udaipur, India
City Palace, Udaipur, India
Score: 88.49

5. Luang Prabang, Laos
Wat Phutthabaht Buddhist temple, Luang Prabang, Laos
Score: 88.17

6. Ubud, Indonesia
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Indonesia
Score: 88.16

Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan Temple orTemple of Dawn, Bangkok

7. Bangkok, Thailand
Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand
Score: 87.91

8. Jaipur, India
Pink Palace Jaipur, India
Score: 87.87

9. Tokyo, Japan
Chidorigafuchi moat during cherry blossom season, Tokyo, Japan
Score: 87.67

Wat Preah Prom Rath temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia

10. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Wat Preah Prom Rath temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Score: 87.38

11. Singapore
Score: 87.05

12. Kolkata, India
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata, India
Score: 86.56

Urban, nature oasis in the middle of busy Seoul decorated with colourful lanterns during buddha’s birthday celebration.

13. Seoul, South Korea
Lotus Lantern Festival Cheonggyecheon Stream,Seoul, South Korea
Score: 86.07

14. Taipei, Taiwan 
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, Taipei, Taiwan
Score: 85.42

Victoria Harbour

15. Hong Kong

Score: 84.74

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Harbin in China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province, #HarbinIceFestival

Hosted by the city of #Harbin in #China’s northeastern #Heilongjiang province, the #HarbinIceFestival is the world’s largest celebration of ice and snow. The festival showcases 8 million square feet of painstakingly-detailed ice sculptures of mythical creatures, cartoon characters and iconic structures from around the globe. Visitors have the opportunity to climb ice palaces and marvel at Rome’s Colosseum or New York City’s Lady Liberty illuminated by soft glowing lights in teeth-chattering temperatures of -40°F. Beginning from January 5 for an entire month, the Harbin Ice Festival is accompanied by a number of events, where brave souls participate in a polar swim, and dozens of couples exchange vows as part of a mass wedding.

JESS@FriendsTravel.com
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