Malaysia is one of the popular diving destinations in Asia. Malaysian waters displays and showcases rich and blooming marine life of the Indo-Pacific Basin. The waters of Malaysia plays host to a diverse collection of colorful, interesting as well as unique marine species that includes schools of hammerhead shacks, marine turtles, frogfishes and ghost pipe fishes.

As with any diving spots, before going on diving trips, divers must find an accredited dive company with experienced dive masters. This will ensure your safety as well as a guarantee that you will not miss all the must see things and places. Make sure that the dive center and dive masters are PADI certified. It will be also be reassuring to know of a near decompression chamber facility, just in case. Always keep in mind the diving do’s and don’ts so that you will be sure that you and other divers will continue to explore it in the years to come.

Malaysia boasts of numerous premier diving spots. One is Pulau Payar which is located on the south of Langkawi. Marine life that can be seen at Palau Payar includes over 90 species of invertebrates, 40 species of fishes as well as 30 different kinds of corals. Palau Payar also boasts crystal clear waters and so offers great diving visibility. Another great Malaysian diving spots are around Sabah, Langkawi Island and the Perenthian Islands. On the east side of Malaysia, Sipadan, Layang-Layang, Mabul and Lankayan offers excellent diving spots. Whether you want to experience the normal diving experience or want to go to the extremes and specifics such as wreck diving, deep diving and wall diving.

The Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks are deposited at the Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon in South Gyeongsang province, in South Korea.. These woodblocks is a whole collection of Buddhist Scriptures thatv are carved out into 81, 258 wooden blocks wayback in the 13th century. The Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks, being the most accurate and comprehensive in the entire world is very unique and rare. The Buddhist canon that is written in Hanja script consists of 52,382,960 characters which are arranged over 1496 titles and 6568 volumes. Each wooden block weighs around 3 to 4 kilograms and measures 70 centimeters in width, 24 centimeters in length and 2.6 to 4 centimeters thick.

During the Third Goryeo-Khitan War in 1087, the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks were first carved. They hoped that by carving out the Buddhist scriptures, it will invoke Buddha’s help and change the fortunes. These wooden blocks were the second set to be carved out because the original set were obliterated by a fire when the Mongols invaded Korea in 1232. When Goryeo’s capital was relocated to Ganghwa Island, there were scattered remains of the original set that remained. King Gojong ordered the recreation and carving of the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks in the hopes that Buddha might give them assistance in fending off the Mongols’ attacks. The carving of the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks took 16 years. From 1236 to 1251, the carving of the blocks was supported by the choe House and monks from the Seon and Gyo schools helped as much as they can. In 1398, the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks was transferred to Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon where it remained up to the present.

The Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks and its depository, the Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon are protected and designated by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Site. With its invaluable work and importance to the history, the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks are indeed very rare and it is also aesthetically valuable and shows a high quality of workmanship.

The Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks incorporated older Northern Song Chinese, Khitan, Goryeo versions and added content written by respected Korean monks. The woodblocks are the most complete and accurate extant collection of Buddhist treatises, laws, and scriptures. The Korean version of the Tripitaka incorporates the older version of the Chinese and Khitan versions. National Preceptor Sugi checked the correctness of the Korean version of the Koreana Tripitaka and due to its accuracy, the Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese versions of the Tripitaka are based on this version.

The blocks of the Koreana Tripitaka are made of birch wood from the southern islands of Korea and were treated to prevent it from decay. The birch wood was soaked in sea wtaer for three years before it was cut into blocks and were boiled in salt water again. The blocks were then placed in the shade and exposed to the wind for three more years before it were declaired ready to be carved. After carving, the blocks were painted with poisonous lacquer so that insects will not attack them. As a final step, the blocks were then framed in metal to prevent warping. Every Tripitaka wood block is carved with 23 lines of text with 14 characters per line. The carving style of the blocks is very consistent.

Boracay is Philippine’s tropical island paradise and a perfect island getaway. It is world famous because of its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach and home of world-class dive sites. Boracay is an enchantingly beautiful island in Panay provinceThe world-famous White Beach has been rated as one of the finest tropical beaches in the world and is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.

There are a lot of activities in Boracay. There is a Banana Boat ride that are popular with all ages particularly children. Boracay is a also a haven of aqua-sports enthusiasts. Boating around Boracay is made more exhilarating and relaxing by drifting around the island aboard a banca (outrigger) yachting or speed boating. Canoeing is another way to traverse the waters around the island. Boracay has two championship golf courses on 131 hectares of lush greenery. Horse Riding Stables are located near White Beach. Jet-skiing can be done off the beaches of Bocaray and wind Surfing has recently become famous as one of the country’s prime windsurfing venues. Parasailing and flying high over the waves as you whoosh through the air being pulled along by a speeding boat far below is a must for adventurers. This is a great way to view the island and surrounding seas. After sunset, the island transforms into one exciting night of dancing and partying. Explore the underwater world of Boracay with its marvelous rich variety of marine life which are visible against the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to thrive around the island. Diving and snorkeling
gear are available at the many diving centers on the island.

Boracay offers an extensive choice of cuisine that rivals many large cities in the country. There are international restaurants that offer a fine of culinary fare – Indian, Caribbean, Japanese, French and Italian to name a few. Superb seafood is captured fresh from the sea and dining is reasonably priced and casual, often set in relaxed open-air restaurants dotted along the shoreline.

The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kilometers south of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

Hong Kong is a city that that is alive by day and night. It is always buzzing with activities that have attracted many locals and tourists alike. You can find everything you want in Hong Kong, from delicious and sumptuous , places to hang out and shopping galore. Hong KOng is not only beautiful inside but also outside with its natural lush beauty.

The best time to visit Hong Kong and experience what every tourist must experience is divided according to the weather that you want. If you love sunny weather, then you should visit Hong Kong from October to December so that you will get to enjoy Hong Kong inside as well as outside. January, February and March brings cooler weather to Hong Kong and will a perfect time for those who like cool weather. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, a visit to Hong Kong will be much more exciting and memorable. During these time, Hong Kong will become the world’s
most wonderful place to shop and offers a New Year’s celebration that is simply spectacular.

Hong Kong Top Tourist Destinations

* Victoria Harbor
The victoria Harbor is Hong Kong’s must see place. It is the best place to see the famous Hong Kong skyline. When night falls and everything is lit up, the place will take your breath away. The cityscape changes with the passing of time and every visit is a different scape. The Victoria harbor light show holds the Guinness World Record for being ‘The world’s largest permanent light and sound show’. The Avenue of Stars, the Cultural Center and the Symphony of Lights dinner cruise is the best places to witness the awesome light spectacule.

* Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the place to go if you want to see Hong Kong in its entirety. The best day to go to Victoria Peak is on a clear and cloudless day som that you will have an unimpeded view of the city. However, there are two things that sometimes prevent you from doing this. The first is the endless long line of tourists wanting to get to the peak. The second is the smog that envelops the city especialy on cloudy day. Several spots on Victoria Peak heaven to photographers because of their unique vantage point. The shopping center at the peak is also a place worth visiting too. The funicular tram ride down Victoria Peak is also a feature activity that is worth all the hassles in going up.

* Avenue of Stars
Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars is to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The Avenue of Stars is dedicated to all those who contributed to the Chinese movie industry. It even features a huge bronze statue of Bruce Lee. The Avenue of Stars is also a great vantage point to see and appreciate the Symphony of Lights. A fireworks show is also featured here during special occasions.

* Wong Tai sin Temple
The Wong tai Sin Temple is built in honor of Wong Chuping who is one of the greatest taoist believed to have attained enlightenment. The temple is believed to hold a very strong aura for the most accurate fortune-telling. The temple itself is a sight to behold and is a photographer’s delight.

* Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is one of its most visited place, especially families. There are many things at the Ocean Park and all of them spells fun for all. The Shark Aquarium is where you can stare at your worst fear in the eye yet be secured in knowing that it can do you no harm. The aquarium boasts many shark species in its tank. The Ocean Theater is a real treat to watch while the Abyss Turbo Drop with its 185 feet vertical drop offers a great
view of the entire park.

* Golden Bauhinia Square
The flag raising ceremony every second Sunday of each month is a must-see at the Golden Bauhinia Square. A little lesson in history can be gained when visiting the square.

* Hong Kong Wetland Park
Opening from 10:00 am to 5:00pm, the Hong Kong Wetland Park offers a nature refuge from the hussle and bustle of the city. The park features bird-watching beacsue the park is a natural bird sanctuary along with a lush vegetation that can surely give a very relaxing get-away.

* Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds boasts a collection of wax statues of famous people around the world. The entrance fee is very worth the visit andvisitors will have a blast taking pictures beside famous world celebrities.

* Po Lin Monastery
Po Lin Monastery houses the Tian Tan Buddha which is the largest sitting buddha statue that is made of bronze. You can reach the monastery by riding in the tram or cable car plus a little hike. The weekends can be crowded, so it’s better to visit on a weekday so that you get to enjoy and appreciate the place more.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial or the Genbaku Dome is located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind; it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.

The building was originally designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel. It was completed in April 1915 and was named the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition. In 1921, the name of the building was changed to Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall, and again in 1933 to the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall.

The original target of the atomic bomb was the distinctive “T”-shaped Aioi Bridge. The first nuclear bomb was detonated almost directly above the building. The Genbaku Dome, being the closest structure to withstand the explosion, has been preserved in its original state to remind us of nuclear devastation, a symbol of hope for world peace and elimination of all nuclear weapons.

Ryoanji Temple is also known as the Temple of the Peaceful Dragon. This temple is a Zen temple that belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. It is a historic monument of ancient Kyoto as well as a UNESCO world heritage site. The site of the temple is located in the estate of the Fujiwara family which came to the hands of the Hosokawa clan branch of the family. Hosokawa Katsumoto inherited the land and after his death, it was converted into a Zen sect temple complex. The Hosokawa emperors were buried here in what is now known as the Seven Imperial Tombs. The seven emperors that were buried here were Uda, Kazan, Ichijo, Go-Suzaku, Go-Reizei, Go-Sanjo, and Horikawa. The burial site was restored in the 19th century through the order of Emperor Meiji.

Near the monks’ quarters is a carved stone receptacle wherein water is flowing for purification ritual. This is called the Ryoan-ji tsukubai. The basin is located at a low elevation so that the user will have to bend in order to reach the water in the basin. The basin is inscribed with kanji writings on it which when read together will mean “what one has is all one needs” and is meant to reinforce the basic anti-materialistic teachings of Buddhism.

The temple is made famous by its karesansui rock garden that has been built in the late 1400s. The garden is made up of raked gravel and fifteen boulders which are placed strategically so that when you look at the garden from an angle other than from above, you can only see fourteen of the boulders. It is traditionally said that only through attaining enlightenment would one be able to view the fifteenth boulder. The garden is meticously tended by the monks and is raked into different forms every day.

Ryoanji is a 5 minute bus ride or 15 minute walk west of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Ryoanji can also be reached by the Keifuku Kitano Line, a small train that runs through the calm residential areas of northwestern Kyoto and offers a connection to Arashiyama. To access Ryoanji, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station from where it is a 5 minute walk to the temple.

The old face of Cambodia is a war-ravaged country. However, Cambodia has raised from the war ashes and has steadily grown rapidly towards progress in all fronts, including economics and tourism. The country’s textile industry has helped a lot in its economic progress with tourism as the second largest source of income. Cambodia has many hidden scenic spots and tourist attractions that every traveler and visitor should go to see. The country’s beaches, ancient temples and magnificent architecture will sure capture every tourist’s heart. The different parts of Cambodia have something unique to offer to the tourists.

Kratie

Kratie boasts of its dolphin watching attraction which is a big tourist drawer every year. The Mekong River that lies to north of Kratie is home to the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. Visitors to Kratie almost always stay for more than two days so that they can plan very well their next destination. Some of the famous resorts of Kratie are the Phnom Sambok Resort, the Kampy Resort and the 100-Colunm Pagoda.

Sihanoukville
The showpiece of Sihanoukville is its beaches where tourists can go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, dirt biking and mountain biking among other things to enjoy. Visitors can also visit the Ream National Park where wildlife abounds and will be very much appreciated by wildlife enthusiasts. The park offers residence to over 150 bird species, dolphins, flying fishes, monkeys and many more.

Mondulkiri
If you are dying to try to ride the elephants, the Mondulkiri is the place for you. Mondulkiri offers elephant rides, visits to the Monorom Falls and the Bou Sraa falls and many more scenic places of the province. The elephant ride will take tourists through the Ratanakiri jungle.

Angkor Temples
The Angkor Wat temples are very famous and it is a photographer’s heaven. A guided tour of the temples will give tourists a much more detailed history of the place. Helicopter tours are also offered as well as tethered hot air balloon rides. Visitors can appreciate the temples more after they have the guided tour.

Kampot
Kampot offers visitors the laid back countryside life. It offers countryside tours, jungle trekking, island tours and river cruises among other fun activities. Apart from the countryside tours, visitors can see the Bokor Hill Station, Rabbit Island and Kep Beach.

Cambodia Shopping
The markets in Cambodia offer a diverse variety of goods for the shoppers. The shops sell a lot of beautiful artworks, textiles as well as carvings. Krama is also sold here. Buddhism-themed shopping items are one of the specialties of markets in Cambodia. Baskets, plates, bowls and other such handmade items created from reed are also very popular.

Discover the charms and beauty of a Maldivian village in a unique resort setting with palm-thatched pavilions and bungalows lining the white sand beach. You can find all the peace, serenity and relaxation that you want. You will never run out of things to do because Four Seasons Resort offers everything, from swimming in its clear waters, snorkeling, diving, lazing under the sun and many more fun-filled activities.

The Four Seasons Resort in Kuda Hura,North Male’ Atoll, Maldives offers many types of accommodations that will suit every guest’s taste. There are 35 units of beach bungalows with entrances of terracotta tiles with wooden teak chairs and table. The bungalows are done in simple yet elegant decorations and furnishings. There are also 6 units of beach bungalows with an outside shower. The amenities in these bungalows are the same as those beach bungalows that don’t have an outside shower. Twenty-six units of beach bungalows with pool are also available. In addition to the amenities of the basic beach bungalow, these units have a large wooden deck with a private lounge pool, a day bed and sun lounges that are shaded
by bouganvillaea trellis. it also has an open-air garden shower which is attached to the bathroom in the bungalow’s own walled garden. The lone unit of Kuda Huraa beach villa is the epitome of beachside bungalow comfort. This villa features two bedrooms, a tastefully-done living room with a private wooden deck with large plunge pool surrounded by white sand beach and lush garden. A shaded day bed and undholi is also featured in the garden setting. The water bungalows which have 34 units available are built on sturdy pillars in the waters of the lagoon. Each water bungalow has an entrance lobby and a spacious bedroom with day bed as well as a king size bed facing glass paneled window facing the sea. Last but not the least of the accommodations to choose from are the four units of Navaranna water villas. These villas are luxurious with well-appointed living rooms, bedrooms and two bathrooms. All of the accommodations have compact disc sound system, VCD player, television with satellite hook-up, IDD Telephone, air conditioning, overhead fans, mini bar with refrigerator, in-room safe and deluxe bathroom amenities such as towels, hair dryer,
robes and slippers.

Dining at the resort is provided by the Cafe Huraa, Baraabaru Restaurant, reef Club, Poolside terrace bar and the Nautilus Lounge. The resort’s main restaurant is the Cafe Huraa which is a pavilion overlooking the swimming pool and lagoon. The cuisines that are served here ranges from Asian to Continental where a generous mix of dishes can be had. The Baraabaru Restaurant menu changes frequently according to the fresh selection of sea foods and vegetables available. Featuring a Mediterranean cuisine, the Reef Club serves fresh sea foods, Italian pizza, pastas as well as oven-roasted meats. The club also features a free- standing bar ideal for a sunset toast. A beautiful evening might begin at the Nautilus Lounge where cocktails can be had while enjoying the unique tropical sunset. A picnic can be arranged at the beach during lunch or dinner with previous notice.

This gentle island resort is not for lounging and relaxation only. For a little excitement, guests can indulge in water sports like kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, round boarding, banana boat rides, wind surfing, bubble maker and catamaran rides. Guests can also play table tennis, baby football, darts as well as other board games. The resort’s facilities include a dive center, gym, spa, recreation center, fresh water swimming pool, open air Jacuzzi and library. The resort also arranges snorkeling trips, fishing, Male’ tour and shopping, sunset cruise, photo flight as well as Robinson Crusoe.

Four Seasons Resort can be reached by a direct speedboat transfer from the airport. Guests are advised to have passports that are valid for at least six months and a return ticket.

Dining in Indonesia is varied and has a very diverse taste according to the dish’s place of origin. Although it is not as well known like its other Asian counterparts in China, Japan and Thailand, it is still very worthy of praise. Dining in Indonesia is cheap compared to other places and most travelers and tourists can find a dish that will become one of their favorites. Many facets of Indonesian culture, including food have been influenced by the traders that pass by the trade routes in which the country is strategically located.

Indonesian cuisine is a showcase of exotic dining experience. The dish is highly influenced by its place of origin. For example, West Javanese food are usually accompanied by raw vegetables and the chili sauce with shrimp paste called sambal and is served on a stone or clay crusher called cobek. Central Java dishes have a mild sweetness to it. All of these dishes are accompanied with rice, that’s why every dish is served with rice that is shaped like a cone to symbolize a holy mountain. Many Indonesians still eat with their bare hands so every food order is served with a bowl of warm water for hand washing.

There is a wide variety of well-know Indonesian dishes and if you want to try a little bit of everything, you must try the famous Indonesian feast which is made of an assortment of Indonesian dishes surrounding a cone of rice. Some of these popular dishes are satay, rendang, tempeh, bubur ayam and many more. For street dining, you can have ketoprak which is usually had for breakfast and sold by cart vendors. These meals have
rice cakes, fried tofu, bean sprout, vermicelli and served with peanut sauce similar to gado-gado. Soybean sauce and rice crackers are added on top.

There is also a wide variety of fruits in Indonesia with some seasonal, so you must some whenever possible. Some fruits in Indonesia are belimbing, duku, durian, jambu air, jambu lutuk, mangga, jackfruit and mangosteen. These are only some of the popular friuts with a wide variety of shape, taste and smell.

The Cambodia Water Festival or Bon Om Tuk is the largest festival in Cambodia which happens at the time of the full moon in October or November. The reason for its timing is because the full moon is traditionally a good omen that promises an abundant harvest. It is the most extravagant and amazing festival in Phnom Penh. Its activities are spread over three days and celebrates the end of the rainy season, the start of the fishing season and most of all, the flow of the Tonle Sap river that changes direction which is an amazing and unique natural occurrence.

People from all over flock to the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap River to witness traditional boat racing. The spectators are treated with a vision of thousands of colorful boats that are paddling for the top honors. The origins of the Water Festival dates back to the powerful navy of King Jayavarman II, the 9th century founder of the great Angkorian Empire and the main purpose is to make the god of the river happy so he will provide many fish and the rice crop will be plentiful.

This festival is well-anticipated and prepared by the people because throughout the year, they are preparing their boats for the race. The boats are made from dugout canoes with large eyes on the prows to ward off evil spirits and are brightly decorated. The boats measures up to 20 meters and are manned with up to 60 oarsmen. During the day, the boast races are in full swing with the spectators, rooting for their village’s team. During night time, the river will be full of brightly-colored floats that are cruising along as its passengers watch the spectacular fireworks display.

Aside from the boat race, night river cruise and fireworks, the spectators are also entertained with live concerts, food stalls, games of chance, fair rides and some street dancing by the spectators. The Water Festival is truly its version of the Mardi Gras.