Paul Leach asked:


A Monument of the Millennium that’s More

than Meets the Eye

When the London Eye was first built, it was the largest observation wheel in the world. Since that time, the Star of Nanchang opened in 2006; meanwhile, The Singapore Flyer is scheduled for its opening in early 2008. Nonetheless, as technology improves and bigger Ferris wheels are constructed, these followers will never diminish the glimmer of the London Eye.

Also called the Millennium Wheel, this remarkable structure is well-named in either case. It was built in 1999 and is nestled on the west end of the Jubilee Gardens, on the South B ank of the River Thames. It is also situated between Westminster and Hungerford Bridges. As you glide 135 metres above central London, the Eye allows you to see the beauty of this famous city as never before, with each capsule welcoming about 25 passengers to its sealed and air conditioned seating area.

And, just so everyone has the best view possible, each capsule also rotates. This takes approximately thirty minutes but there’s no need to worry about whether you’ll get the full affect. This is true because the wheel itself rotates very slowly. Because of this leisurely pace, it does not even stop as guests board and exit its capsules. The only exception to this rule, of course, is when elderly or disabled visitors need some extra time.

More than Just a Ride on the Observation Wheel

Taking a ride on a tremendously large Ferris wheel may not seem like much to everyone. But, to those who truly appreciate an outstanding view of an Old World city like London, the Millennium Wheel is spectacular. If this is you, remember that you’re not alone in your opinion. The fact is that the London Eye has become a centerpiece of the city. Each New Year’s Eve, local residents and tourists flock to central London to watch a fireworks show, during which 10 minutes worth of fireworks are displayed right from the London Eye. In fact, 150,000 people partook in these festivities as they brought in the New Year for 2007.

Another event that testifies to the importance of the London Eye took place in August 2007. The Eye was temporarily renamed as The McCartney Eye after the Beatle’s Paul McCartney. This gesture was made to celebrate the release of a McCartney related DVD collection titled “The McCartney Years.” Most likely, you’re aware of the Beatles’ significance not only in Great Britain but all over the world. Still, it’s difficult to decide who is most distinguished in this case, the London Eye or Paul McCartney. Perhaps it depends on your perspective.

Whether you’re interested in getting on the ride just for fun or booking a special event, this breath-taking monument has accommodations for everyone. Children under age five are free while those ages five to fifteen are only £7.50. Last but not least, adult tickets can be purchased for only £15.00. Of course, the London Eye has quickly evolved into a unique, even romantic place for special events. Thus, for £29.00, you may book a champagne capsule. This grants you exclusive use of the capsule, your own host and drinks.

Are you a bachelor looking for the perfect place to propose? A marriage proposal overlooking the shimmering city lights would surely make her eyes sparkle. And, the possibilities don’t end there. The London Eye is also open for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies with the price staring at only £17.00.

Maybe you’re a local resident of London who’s heard time and time again that you must go for a ride, at least once. Or, maybe you’re a visitor to the city, enchanted by this picturesque London Eye. Either way, this magnificent machine is certainly worth your time.



Entertainment Center

Ann Knapp asked:


One of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities and home to some of the most inspired attractions, a trip to Toronto, Ontario, provides endless learning possibilities in student group travel.

Leading with a very clear mission, the Ontario Science Center was created to open the minds of visitors to science, and to produce excitement and curiosity in science and technology. Opened in 1969, the museum was one of the first interactive science museums in the world. Rather than presenting exhibits with static displays, the center created exhibits from various elements of science that allow visitors to experience those scientific fundamentals.

Here, you become a part of the science process. For instance, visitors can discover an urban wetland, create a personalized light show, or play a watery musical instrument that’s part water, part piano. More than 800 exhibits are showcased in 13 exhibit halls covering topics such as technology, the environment, space, the human body, and sports. Daily demonstrations illustrate scientific principles of nature, and student groups can also take in a film at the Omnimax Theater.

Another student favorite, Canada’s National Tower, commonly referred to as the CN Tower, is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. Construction on the CN Tower began in 1973 and it stands at a total height of more than 1,815 feet. Visitors to the tower begin their tour with a ride up a high-speed elevator to the indoor/outdoor observation decks. Here, they can take in views of Toronto and the surrounding area, as well as gain a unique perspective of how high they actually are by looking down through the glass floor to the ground hundreds of feet below.

A 20-minute “The Height of Excellence” documentary provides a look at the engineering marvel that is the CN Tower. The attraction is located on the north shore of the Lake Ontario in the heart of the Entertainment District.

Overlooking downtown Toronto, Casa Loma is a majestic castle, built in the style of European medieval castles. Here, visitors step back in time as they tour the 98-room castle. In addition to the home, Casa Loma includes stables, connected to the castle by an 800-foot underground tunnel, and six acres of gardens.

Constructed by a prominent Toronto businessman and industrialist, more than 300 men worked on the home at cost of $3.5 million. On guided tours, visitors explore elegantly decorated rooms, climb the towers, and enjoy a walk through the extensive gardens. Other highlights include a full-body shower and the grandiose Great Hall.

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) features various galleries which include the Canadian Heritage Floor Galleries, the East-Asia Gallery, Hands-on Biodiversity, Inco Limited Gallery of Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, and Paleontology Galleries, and more. Some of the most popular exhibits include a bat cave, Egyptian mummy, and the newly opened “Age of Dinosaurs,” presenting one of Canada’s largest permanent collections of dinosaurs. On-site educational programs are available at the ROM to provide a more theme-focused visit for student groups.

For those student groups with an interest in sports, SkyDome is home to the Toronto Blue Jay and one of Toronto’s proudest architectural achievements. As the world’s largest stadium with a retractable roof, the SkyDome serves as symbol of the city. During tours of SkyDome, student tours can marvel at the structure’s innovative roof design.

Operated by a computer, the roof panels move to stack up on top of each other along one end of the stadium, leaving all playing surfaces and nearly all of the seats under open sky when the roof is retracted. In addition to Blue Jays baseball games, SkyDome also hosts football games, tennis matches, basketball games, and concerts.

Eaton Centre is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions. Located along Younge Street, the longest street in the world, Eaton Centre features more than 285 shops, restaurants, and services. The three-level mall encompasses a four-block area, providing plenty of diversions for student tours.

Two trademarks of the Eaton Centre are “Flight Stop,” a sculpture by Michael Snow, and rendition of Canadian geese in their migratory patterns, suspended from Eaton’s vaulted glass ceiling. The other is the famous “shooting” fountain located in the Centre Court. On average, the water shoots 85 feet into the air but can reach heights of 120 feet.

Known as one of the most ethnically diverse cities, Toronto is made up of a variety of ethnic neighborhoods, each with their own unique sights and sounds. Two of the city’s most distinctive areas are Chinatown and Kensington Market.

Chinatown is one of the largest Asian communities in North America, made up of people from areas such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and more. Chinatown offers student group travelers a number of authentic indoor and outdoor food markets, clothing stores, herb and medicinal shops, and restaurants. A few blocks from Chinatown, Kensington Market showcases Portuguese, West Indian, and Caribbean culture. Students enjoy the eclectic mix of outdoor food stands and produce shops, unique restaurants and cafe, and vintage clothing boutiques.



Entertainment Center

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Kuala Lumpur, the hub of Malaysia, is one of the most visited tourist destinations around the world. Situated midway down the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is near the meeting place of the Klang and Gombek rivers. It is the largest city in Malaysia with a population of over one and a half million from all of Malaysia’s several ethnic groups.

Kuala Lumpur is boarders by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesia’s Sumatra Island in the west. It possesses a year-round equatorial climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, particularly during the southwest monsoon from September to April. Some times a phenomenon known as the ‘haze’ occurs in this place due to the forest fires on nearby Sumatra Island which typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer for tourists as well as for native people alike. Cheap and reasonable packages are available for short trips to this wonderful city. Some part of the city was renovated recently while the other parts of the city remain unchanged. This scattered modernization made the city more attractive for both the city’s modern attractions and its historical and cultural appeal. You can feel the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur from its open air markets and Chinese and Hindu temples.

Merdeka Square, the field where Malaysian independence was first declared, is one of the major historic attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can experience an aspect of Islamic life in Jamek Mosque and Chow Kit Market is best for shopping and dining. It is considered as the largest market in the city. You can buy silks, spices, and fresh fish which are sold by friendly local vendors.

Tourists can visit Cosmo’s World - Malaysia’s largest indoor theme park, enjoy the panoramic views from the sky bridge that extends between the Petronas Twin Towers and eavesdrop to the international music at the Backroom - the major dance club that often features globally-known DJs.

At Lake Gardens visitors can watch some of the exotic birds in their natural settings. Adventure-seeking visitors can choose the steep limestone routes at Batu Caves. Aquaria, Kuala Lumpur’s aquarium, is the best place for animal enthusiasts. It has around 5000 varieties of tropical fishes.

Merdeka Square with the world’s tallest flag pole, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Old City Hall, The Royal Selangor Club, and St. Mary’s Cathedral are also worth visiting. Tugu Negara, the national monument for war dead, will be a major attraction for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Istana Negara, the national palace, is home to Malaysia’s constitutional monarch and this sight is also worth seeing. Seen of changing of guards ceremony from the main gate of the palace will be an enchanting experience for the visitors and natives alike.

Visitors can enjoy a fantastic nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. The Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, the home of well-known Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, is an enchanting evening spot. Istana Budaya is best for watching play and for dinning you can go to China Town, Little Indian, and Golden Triangle areas. You can taste either of traditional Chinese, North Indian, and Tamil cuisine. Bukit Bintang is considered as the largest shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. You can also spend time in Central Market and Chinatown for shopping purpose.

Superb accommodation facilities are available in Kuala Lumpur, the versatile capital of Malaysia. Availability of good accommodation in the city made it a favorite destination among the travelers. Visitors can enjoy excellent sightseeing, entertainment, nightlife and accommodation with high facilities. Charming scenery, eye-catching skyscrapers, striking tropical gardens and numerous traditional buildings are what lure each tourist often comes across in this city.

In addition to it, the friendly nature of the native people makes the tourists happy and makes their trip even more comfortable and enjoyable. You can barely defy your appeal to go for endless shopping avenues, varied culture, tasty local foods and fascinating theme parks. The most important thing that each and every visitors search for is the facility for accommodation. In Kuala Lumpur you never face any problem in getting a good accommodation facility because it is filled with quite comfortable hotels and they include diversity of accommodations at rates which suits to your budget.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Located in Guangdong Province in southern China, Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city, bordering the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong to the south and Dongguan and Huizhou to the north. Due to its strategic location, Shenzhen provides great potentials for economic growth and is considered the economic capital of the country.

Sometimes, Shenzhen is referred to as the backyard of Hong Kong, since it is within close proximity to Hong Kong and hence allows for a convenient day trip from Shenzhen to Hong Kong or vice versa. Shenzhen boasts of a long history of more than 1500 years. Once a small, typical fishing village known as Baoan County, the destination got its present name in 1979 when Deng Xiaoping, the then Communist Party Chairman, gave the location the designation of Special Economic Zone.

Today, Shenzhen is a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modernity and enjoys all the benefits and comforts of an international city, with superb attractions, state of the art road and transportation system, and high quality as well as advanced information system.

Administered by the Guangdong Provincial Government, Shenzhen is divided into six zones, such as, Luohu, Futian, Nanshan, Yantian, Bao’an and Longgang, among which first four are located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ.) Luohu is in the eastern section of the Special Economic Zone, and is considered the financial and trade center of the city.

Located at the heart of SEZ, Futian serves as the destination’s center of administration, culture, and commerce. Nanshan is regarded as the learning as well as western logistics of Shenzhen and is in the western part of the Special Economic Zone. Situated to the east of SEZ, Yantian is much famed as the center of tourism.

Neighboring Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay, Longgang district is popular as the center for hi-tech export processing and logistics distribution. When comes to Bao’an, it occupies an area of about 715 square kilometers and serves as a base for modern agriculture. In addition, Shenzhen is also a provincial city under the control of the Central Government.

Al though, the city doesn’t has as many historical attractions that other destinations in China have, Shenzhen has created great other attractions in order to entertain and educate visitors touring here. For instance, a visit to the China Folk Cultural Village would be a great way to get a clear idea on different types of folk cultures of the country.

Sprawling over an area of about 500 acres, the China Folk Cultural Village consists of more than 20 unique cottages, each of them representing the distinctive architecture of various ethnic groups. The Village also hosts a number of interesting festivals including the Water-Splashing Festival, the Torch Festival - a traditional event of the Yi ethnic group, and Knife Bar Festival - celebrated by the Lisu ethnic group. In addition, people touring here can also take part in folk dances and shop handicraft items.

Situated in Shenzhen’s Oversea Chinese Town, Splendid China is another prominent attraction in the destination. Also known as Shenzhen Miniature Kingdom, Splendid China is one of the largest miniature scenery parks in the world, with replicas of almost all landmarks in the country, such as the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Old Summer Palace, Ancient Observatory of Beijing, Potala Palace, the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, Mount Huangshan, the Li River, and much more.

This scenic miniature park is managed by the China Travel Services, and is divided into two sections such as a Scenic Spot Area and a Comprehensive Area. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 ceramic figures in the park.

Attractions in Shenzhen also include the Window of the World, a replica park situated in the western region of the city. The focal point of the park is the flamboyant replicas of the world’s wonderful as well as scenic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Tower of London, Roman Colosseum, the Pyramids, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, Manhattan, and Mahamuni Pagoda of Rangoon. In short, when you leave the park after seeing these replicas, you feel as if you have toured the world in a day.

Other not to miss attractions in the city include Shenzhen Museum, Shenzhen Grand Theater, He Xiangning Art Gallery, and Guan Shanyue Art Gallery. Additionally, Shenzhen is a shoppers’ paradise with such options as Louhu Commercial City, Dongmen Laojie or the Old Street, and Huaqiang Bei Rd. Above all, Shenzhen provides tourists visiting the destination with superb accommodation as well as dining options.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

david123 asked:


Should guilty seek asylum here,

Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.

Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,

All his past sins are to be washed away.

The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.

In this world this edifice has been made;

To display thereby the creator’s glory.

Those are transliteration of the lines on The Taj Mahal uttered by their creator, the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Inspiring poets and painters through the ages, this mausoleum is considered the best showcase of Mughal architecture, a style that fuses elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. It has given rise to a thousand myths and legends, most of them, of course, are unsubstantiated by evidence.

Some of the main myths about the Taj Mahal, Agra are:

* Myth behind the Name of Taj Mahal

* Black Taj Mahal Myth

* Sinking Taj Mahal Myth

* Asymmetrical Taj Mahal Myth

* Taj Mahal a Rajput Palace Myth

* Taj Mahal a Shiva Temple Myth

* Demolition of the Taj Mahal Myth

* Theft in Taj Mahal Myth

* Mutilations in Taj Mahal Myth

* Third Graves Set In Taj Mahal Myth

* Beating the silhouette of the finial Myth

Among these some of the myths are so universal that they deserve a mention in some details. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, one of the first European visitors to the Taj Mahal originated the enduring myth that Shah Jahan planned a mausoleum to be built for him in black marble across the Yamuna River. It was suggested that Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb before it could be built.

The appalling details of deaths, dismemberments and mutilations allegedly inflicted by Shah Jahan on various architects and craftsmen connected with the tomb are unsupported by evidence. Some stories allege that those engaged in construction signed contracts committing themselves to have no part in any similar design but such claims are made for many illustrious buildings.

Another myth claims that beating the silhouette of the finial will cause water to come forth; some believe it to this day and officials often get broken bangles around the silhouette.

All these legends of the Taj Mahal of India have added to its curiosity factor, attracting more and more tourists to this fascinating monument, aptly described by Rabindranath Tagore as

“a tear-drop…upon the cheek of time”.

Tourists coming to experience this monument to Love have a mind boggling number of options to stay at. Hotels in Agra come in every shape size and economic category, from the ultra luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas and ITC Mughal to the very homely yet comfortable Amar Yatri Niwas.



Visit Singapore!

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Bangkok is the largest as well as the capital city of Thailand. Situated near the Gulf of Thailand and on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the south-west part of the country, Bangkok is perhaps the number one tourist spot in South-East Asia, and serves as the gateway to the country.

Bangkok is an incredible destination that is a blend of east and west, and one can see here historic as well as ancient shrines overlooking towering modern building that dominate the skyline. Apart from being a popular tourist spot, Bangkok serves as the country’s seat of administration and government. Bangkok is also the main port of the country, and is home to about one tenth of the population of the country. Further, Bangkok is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East due to its beautiful canals and rivers.

No matter you are honeymooners, business traveler, spiritual traveler, history buffs, or just a sightseer, Bangkok provides excellent options for all. From ancient Buddhist wats, historic monuments, and interesting museums to amusement parks, parks, and gardens, Bangkok boasts of a spectrum of attractions.

Of the attractions in Bangkok that deserves a special mention are its magnificent royal palaces. Just few among many of them are the Grand Palace, which is exquisitely decorated and attached with areas such as Borombinan Hall, Amarindra Hall, and Dusit Hall; Chitlada Palace, which is the current residence of the king; Vimanek Mansion - a stupendous as well as expansive wooden palace made from golden teak; and Suan Pakkad Palace, with a collection of traditional style Thai mansions.

Equally interesting is the Buddhist wats and temples found in the city, such as, Wat Phra Kaew, which is considered the most prominent Buddhist temple in the country; Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn; Wat Pho, whose centerpiece is a 46 meters long statue of Lord Buddha in reclining posture; and Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of Golden Buddha.

A visit to Bangkok would not to be complete without taking a tour to many of its interesting museums such as Bank of Thailand Museum, located within Bangkhunphrom Palace; Erawan Museum, in whose front one can find a statue of three-headed elephant that stands on an gargantuan pedestal; Bangkok National Museum, which has on display an amazing collection of Thai art and artifacts; Bangkok Folk Museum, with exhibits such as traditional utensils and ceremonial related artifacts.

Human Imagery Museum, which throws light on the Thai life and culture; Corrections Museum, which is located at the site of the Bangkok Remand Prison; Forensic Museum, where you can see preserved corpses; Science Museum, with an interesting aquarium, a planetarium, and several other sections for entertainment and education; Philatelic Museum, which is a must-see for stamp collectors; and Royal Barge National Museum, which has on display an array of royal barges that were used during royal occasions.

Additionally, Bangkok is also home to much famed Ancient City, which is the world’s largest outdoor museum. On display here are gigantic-sized replicas of renowned monuments and temples found across the nation.

Other not to miss attractions in Bangkok are Lumpini Park, the largest as well as the oldest park in the city; Dusit Zoo, boasting of more than 200 mammals, 150 reptiles, and 1000 birds; Thai Cat Palace, featuring several breeds of cats such as Siamese, white pure Maeo Khao Mani, and diamond-eyed cats; Snake Farm, also known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which is one of the leading producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia; Crocodile Farm -the largest of its kind in the world, where you can see more than 60,000 fresh as well as sea water crocodiles; and Rose Garden, a well-manicured area where cultural shows are conducted.

Bangkok has something for everyone. For instance, if you are a golf enthusiast, then the city has some excellent choices in the form of Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Royal Thai Army Sports Center. If you are looking something different, then one of the best options would be to spectacle Thai boxing, which is conducted on the two main stadiums of Bangkok, such as, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.

In short, Bangkok boasts of everything that is required for an enjoyable vacation. It is therefore not a wonder why people from every nook and corner of the world flock here per year. Hence, in order to cater to the growing number of tourists, Bangkok comes with an array of accommodation choices, ranging from high-end hotels and upscale resorts to boutique hotels and budget lodgings.



Entertainment Center

Ann Knapp asked:


Toronto has long been known as a multicultural city, making it an ideal place for student group travel. Its unique neighborhoods and marketplaces provide visitors with a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences. Let’s take a look at what Toronto has to offer.

Three of the city’s most distinctive areas are Chinatown, Kensington Market and Casa Loma.

Chinatown in Toronto

Chinatown has a population of more than a quarter of a million people, making it one of the largest Asian communities in North America. There are at least five different Chinatowns located in Toronto, but the best known remains downtown at the intersections of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street.

People in this neighborhood come from places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, to name a few. Toronto’s original Chinatown had been located around the corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street, but when that area was cleared to build the New City Hall in the early 1960s, the Chinese population moved west into the streets around Dundas and Spadina.

Chinatown continues to grow and prosper, offering a number of authentic indoor and outdoor food markets, clothing stores, herb and medicinal shops, and restaurants.

Toronto’s Kensington Market

Just a few blocks from Chinatown is Kensington Market. It was started by British immigrants in the 1790s. It did not become a prominent cultural neighborhood until the 1920s. That’s when more than 80% of Toronto’s Jewish population settled here.

Today, Kensington Market contains an eclectic mix of outdoor food stands and produce shops, unique restaurants and cafes, vintage clothing boutiques, and much more.

Portuguese, West Indian, and Caribbean immigrants have settled here, making Kensington Market one of Toronto’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Casa Loma in Toronto

Sitting high on a hill, overlooking downtown Toronto, stands Casa Loma. This majestic castle was built in the style of European medieval castles. In addition to the 98-room castle, the grounds of Casa Loma include stables, connected to the castle by an 800-foot underground tunnel, and six acres of estate gardens.

Built in the early 1900s, the castle was constructed by Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto businessman and industrialist. Pellatt’s travels to Europe inspired him to build his “house on the hill.”

Work on the castle began in 1911 and the new home was completed three years later. More than 300 men worked on the home and it cost a total of 3.5 million dollars to complete.

Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced him to move from his elegant home less than ten years after its construction. The abandoned castle was left to deteriorate. Toronto took over possession of the property in 1933 and Casa Loma was almost demolished.

Thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto, Casa Loma was saved. The Kiwanis Club spearheaded an extensive restoration of the castle, and in 1937, it opened to the public as a tourist attraction.

Visitors can walk through the decorated rooms, climb the towers, and walk through the gardens.

Toronto’s Chinatown, Kensington Market and Casa Loma are all worthy of a visit when planning student group travel in this region.



Entertainment Center

Naveen Marasinghe asked:


Built by the British during the 1880’s Fort Siloso is Singapore’s only conserved coastal fortification. The Fort is positioned on the Sentosa which is a well known resort island. The fort is now reinstated as a museum, and is open for public viewing. Here visitors can explore the war history of Singapore and observe Asia’s biggest collection of guns that dates back between the17th and 20th century.

Fort Siloso is a coastal weaponry battery and is among the twelve coastal batteries that formed the ‘Fortress Singapore’ at the beginning of World War Two.

Even though there are remnants of other batteries found on Singapore, Fort Siloso is the only restored battery. A Philippine word ‘Siloso’ means ‘Jealous Person’.

The core of the Fort Siloso is the Surrender Chambers portraying the British Surrender and the Japanese Surrender which were two important events that occurred in Singapore.

Fort Siloso opened its doors to the public in 1975 as the Singapore Gun Museum. The Gate Guard is a 7-Inch RML Gun Barrel. The collection includes over thirty-five guns. There is also a Carronade that was given to the Museum by Lt. General Peter Hunt in 1971.

Tunnel complexes, buildings and gun emplacements are very well conserved. However in some cases alterations have been made in order to allow easy access to tourists. Exhibits based on Singapore’s military history and the Fort’s military history can be seen all over the Fort.

For veterans and families Fort Siloso serves as a vital window to the colonial history of Singapore. It is also a constant reminder of the years of war.

At present Fort Siloso’s bunker has become an exceptional tourist attraction. It is also called as the Battle Box. The fort also brings war history to life by displaying well crafted animatronics, wax figures and audio-visual effects.

Those who wish to further explore Fort Siloso and Singapore’s war history can do so by staying at any Sentosa Island hotel. For luxurious accommodation and a unique resort hotel experience travellers can board in at the nearby Sentosa Island resort that offers superb facilities and designer guestrooms.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Busan, also spelled as Pusan, is the second largest city in South Korea, after Seoul. Situated in South Gyeongsang, Busan has a population of nearly eight million people. As the nation’s major as well as the largest sea port, Busan has a plethora of sea routes that serve as gateways to Japan as well as to the other prominent parts of the world.

Lying adjacent to the Korean Straits and Japan, this bustling city is also credited to be the first international city in Korea, and connects continents such as Asia, North America, and Europe. Located on the coast of the East Sea, Busan boasts of a stunning landscape comprising beautiful shorelines, gorgeous beaches, secluded islets, towering mountains, and lush green areas. Hence, it is not a wonder why Busan is sometimes referred to as ‘the San Francisco of Korea.’

From towers, forts, and shrines to scenic attractions covering hot springs, Busan presents a host of attractions for people touring the place. In other words, sightseeing in Busan has been categorized into such as seashore sightseeing and interior land sightseeing.

Included in the seashore sightseeing are incredible islands and beaches such as Haeundae, Songjeong, and Gwangalli Beach. All of these beaches are a haven for enjoying a number of water sport activities such as jet skiing, boating, diving, banana boat rides, and much more. When comes to the interior land sightseeing, it covers downtown Busan, interesting museums, ancient shrines, historical monuments as well as ruins, stadiums, and cultural centers.

Some of the most popular museums in the area are Fisheries Museum, which is the first of its kind in the museum; Busan Marine Natural History Museum - the country’s largest marine natural history museum; Busan Museum of Modern Art, which has on display artworks done by artists of Busan as well as Yungnam areas; Korean Tea Museum, exhibiting more than 100 varieties of teas; and Suyeong Historical Relics Folk Art Center, which contains such cultural displays as Suyoung Nonchong-nori and Jwasuyoungbang-nori.

If you are a spiritual traveler, then your trip to Busan would not be complete without taking a tour to such shrines in the area as SamGwang Temple, which is one of the most remarkable Buddhist shrines in the area; Tongdosa Temple, which is probably the prominent of all Buddhist temples in the country; and Beomeosa Temple Complex, with a Buddhist nunnery. Equally fabulous is the historical sites in the country such as Kumjongsanong, which is the country’s largest walled mountain fortress. A segment of a park, the fortress is attached with a Buddhist Temple, apart from several pavilions and botanical gardens.

Further, your visit to Busan would be incomplete without taking a visit to some of its beautiful parks and gardens such as Busan Aquarium - a marine park featuring more than 250 species of marine animals; Yongdusan Park, which is one of the most scenic areas in the city with more than 70 species of trees; Olympic Park, which is a treasure trove of several magnificent sculptures.

Geumgang Botanical Garden, one of the largest botanical gardens in the country; and UN Memorial Park, which commemorates the soldiers of more than 15 countries who sacrificed their lives in the Korean War. For those looking for fun-filled vacation, Busan comes with a number of amusement parks like APEC Theme Park; Amusement Garden in Grand Children’s Park; Taejongdae Amusement Park; and Jayu Land.

Other not to miss attractions in Busan are the Busan Tower, which is about 118 meters high and located within Yongdusan Park; Jalgalchi Fish Market, a must-visit spot in the city; Tongnae Hot Springs, boasting of two huge pools, of which one is hot spring water and another with cold water; Dongbaek Island, an ancient island which is home to camellias as well as pine trees; and Dalmaji Hill, a picturesque area located to the southeast of Haeundae Beach. Above all, Busan hosts a variety of festivals and events including sea festivals, fishing festivals, polar bear swimming festival, tourism festival, and film festival.

In short, Busan has everything for an enjoyable vacation. Hence, in order to cater to the growing number of tourists, Busan boasts of a number of accommodation options. Many of the top notch hotels and resorts in the area allow tourists to choose from a variety of rooms such as standard, deluxe, apartment style, and suits.



Visit Singapore!

Rajinder Dogra asked:


The SMERFs, a hardy and growing bunch, are travelling Asia for Social, Military, Education, Religious, and Fraternity reasons, offering vast untapped potential for this regions developing and recovering travel markets says Abacus International.

Their reasons for travelling are as diverse as war and peace, study and learning, seeking their god or just to catch up with like-minded people, but what they have in common is a will to travel even if times get tough. They do not mind even gathering in non peak times if it will help keep the costs down.

They are the SMERFS. No relation to their cuddly namesakes of television fame, they are the resilient groups travelling to and around Asia in their millions for social, military, education or religious reasons, or as part of fraternity groups such as alumni, workplace re unions or special interest groups.

Abacus International President and CEO, Mr Don Birch says that despite being budget conscious, the SMERFs collectively form a huge market and have vast untapped potential for developing or recovering Asian travel markets.

Abacus International estimates that the SMERF market across Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore alone is worth US$1.7 billion a year, based on an accepted US formula that the SMERF market is equivalent to about one third of the total meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market.

Whereas their better known cousins the MICE are serviced by specialist divisions within major hotel groups, travel agencies and dedicated Government programmes, the SMERFS are often below the radar and therefore harder to measure.

They are hardy and budget-conscious travellers which make them ideal for developing or recovering markets or as a complementary segment in peak markets, Mr Birch continued.

The SMERFs helped sustain the US hotel and airline industry in the period following the 9/11 terrorist events, and have shown themselves to be very resilient in the face of international in the face of international events, Don Birch said.

Who are the SMERFS?

The SMERFs are part of a wider trend in the travel market towards more outcome based travel travel for a purpose other than just to see things, and they’re more prepared than ever to travel abroad to achieve their aims according to Mr Birch.

This seemingly diverse group is united by a willingness to travel despite the economic cycle, to go off-peak and even off the beaten track if that is what it takes to track down budget transport and accommodation, Don Birch said.

Social travel traverses the fields of sports, special interest, ethnic, talent and dance organisations, with more and more diverse ethnic and professional associations adding to the growth. Examples include womens groups, volunteer workers and social sports teams travelling domestically or inter country for tournaments.

The growing number of car owners joining clubs in Singapore such as BMW.sg, TeamChevy Singapore and the Toyota Club Singapore, are a case in point. Aside from their regular monthly meetings where enthusiasts exchange tips on the technical aspects their cars, these clubs also serve as a rallying point for trips overseas, either to Sepang in Malaysia for a day of track racing or to other regional destinations for leisure trips. Further afield, fans of the Lord of the Rings have travelled to New Zealand in their thousands to experience in person some of the magic of the film. A guide book to the filming locations has now sold over 300,000 copies becoming the fifth largest ever selling non-fiction book in New Zealand in the process.

The Lord of the Rings has created the largest film tourism event the world has ever seen. Thousands of people have flocked to Middle earth New Zealand to follow in the footsteps of the hobbits and to bring back some of the emotions they felt when watching the film or reading the book, says Ian Brody author of the Location guide, which is selling just as well a full three years after the last movie in the trilogy.

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Director of the Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC), Mr John Koldowski says there is also a well beaten path from India to the exotic film locations of Switzerland and Austria, as fans of Bollywood seek out the sets of their favourite movies.

The social category is a good market for hotel sales staff who want to fill room blocks in off-season and weekend periods, but attracting these bookings is reliant on repeat business, word of mouth from existing customers, and direct marketing to social organisers and providing the right kind of accommodation offers, Mr Birch said.

We used to think about SMERF groups as a market niche for budget hotels and hostel style accommodation, now they use convention and conference centres, university facilities, suburban hotels, downtown hotels, resorts and even unsold apartment complexes.

Military travel

Asias estimated 32 million soldiers are often on the move usually by military transport, but often by civilian travel networks in countries such as Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore. Not surprisingly, the Philippines is one of the largest military travel markets in the region. With its more than 400,000 strong army and vast territory of 7,000 islands, even the coming and going of soldiers on leave is a highly significant market.

While exact figures are difficult to procure due to the sensitivity of military travel, the growing number of websites specialising in military travel in this region, attest to the scale of interest in this market and present a highly focused audience for travel suppliers seeking to reach this market, Mr Birch said.

Education travel

The Singapore experience demonstrates the potential of the education travel market. Prospects for inbound educational travel are promising with the number of international students in Singapore for long-term studies (one month +) growing from 60,000 in 2003 to well over 70,000 in 2005 according to the Singapore Tourism Board. The Singapore Government is targeting to achieve 150,000 international students by 2015, particularly from China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam.

From summer camps to immersion programmes, travel operators in Asia are beginning to discover the value of outbound educational tourism in the region.

One of Singapores most established travel operators, Chan Brothers Travel, set up its own Educational Travel Centre (ETC) in 2003 to cater to the emerging educational travel market in Singapore, conducting tours for student groups to destinations such as China, England, Germany, Australia and Turkey during the student vacation months of June and December.

Another relative newcomer on the educational tour scene, Wing On Travel in Hong Kong offers English language and activity tours to Britain, Australia, Singapore, Canada and mainland China. Reflecting their commitment to cater to this emerging travel market, the agency decided to create a dedicated educational tour division. The company launched its first study tours in 2004 and this year plans to take 14 groups to Britain alone.

Mr Birch says, This travel segment has a high growth potential but travel operators need to be aware of the challenges inherent in conducting educational tours for school groups. Parents expectations, differences in cultural understanding and catering for homesick young students are just some of the many issues that tour operators will have to address through equipping their staff with the necessary skill sets and expertise.

While students from Hong Kong and Singapore are venturing to foreign shores for a comprehensive educational experience, Indian students are discovering Indias own cultural identity and heritage. Mr P Saravanan, from Viking Tours and Travels in Chennai, South India said that school groups are mainly travelling to experience the history, culture and monuments of other Indian states generally in groups of 25-40 people.

The school groups are very budget in their accommodation needs. That is 1 or 2 star, with as many as 3 or 4 children sharing each room, but they’re definitely a valuable market, because schools come back a number of times, as do families of the children as they grow up, so it is a valuable part of marketing, Mr Saravanan said.

A pioneer in the educational travel segment, Thai tour operator Track of the Tiger has been running educational tours for students from Australia and the UK for more than ten years. Mr Shane Beary, Director, said that the demand for educational programmes at its Maekok River Village Resort & Outdoor Education Centre has been growing at an average rate of 25 to30% over the past five years and recorded 7,500 room nights in 2005. With a market base that has grown to include students from Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Thailand, Track of the Tiger now offers programmes at Pang Soong lodge, its new Outdoor Education & Research Centre in Mae On, Chiang Mai, covering a range of environmental, and outdoor programmes for student groups, as well as team building and ‘voluntourism options for the corporate sector.

Mr Beary commented, Our experience has shown that there are many overlaps between educational, volunteer and eco tourism, which we have tried to build on in developing our programmes.

Religious travel

As one of the worlds most populous and largest regions, Asia is also recognised as the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Countries such as China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and the Philippines have a cultural heritage steeped in some of the worlds major religions, and government policies to develop joint tourist attractions such as the Buddhist circuit in Taiwan, China, Sri Lanka and India have definitely grown the pie for their respective religious tourism markets,said Mr Birch.

Agreeing, PATAs John Koldowski said, Religious traffic tends to be fuelled by domestic bookings but increasingly, there are more pilgrimages being organised for inbound tourists which usually cover more than one destination. For example, there is a distinct Buddhist circuit such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka and a trail covering revered Buddhist sites in India.

With a myriad of religious sites throughout the country, India has an established group of religious tour operators to cater to the many domestic and foreign pilgrims that throng India during the peak travel periods of April, May and November.

Mr Ashok Negi, from Rajarani Travels in Mumbai reports that the tours run by his agency and its network of six branch offices throughout India has facilitated pilgrimages for more than 50,000 tourists to various religious sites in the country. According to Mr Negi, visits to popular religious sites such as Vaishnodevi and the temple at Tirupati constitute as much as 25% of Indias domestic tourism.

Christianity is the other religion fuelling growth in another Asian destination, the Philippines. Having provided its services for more than four decades in Southeast Asias most populous Catholic country, Catholic Travel, Inc. has positioned itself as the Pilgrimage Specialist.

According to Ms. Carmina Orbe, General Manager, most pilgrims are from the Philippines, and they also have pilgrims from Hong Kong, Rome, Canada and Los Angeles not only joining a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel) but having a pilgrimage in the Philippines. Priests that have joined our pilgrimages to the Holy Land have found a renewed inspiration in their vocational work for the community. I guess the visits have brought new meaning to the places and events in the Bible that they had only studied in the seminary previously.

Across Asia, missionary teams are also frequent travellers, with agencies such as World Vision and Youth With a Mission (YWAM), mobilising large numbers of people annually. For example, YWAM Singapore takes approximately 150 volunteers to developing countries in the region such as Myanmar, Indonesia and India, over five to ten such trips every year.

Fraternal travel

Although not as significant a market as educational or religious travel, a growing number of civil associations and groups such as Rotary International and Lions Club International have begun to look towards Asia as a possible destination for their international gatherings.

The Rotary Club held its international convention in Singapore, its first Southeast Asian venue in 1999, and again in Osaka, Japan in May 2004 for more than 45,000 Rotary club members from 96 countries. Lions Club International held its 88th International Convention in Hong Kong from 27 June to 1 July 2005, catering to approximately 20,000 Lions Club members and their accompanying family members and friends. This generated almost US$19 million of direct tourism spending and spin-off business for the retail, catering and tourism-related sectors.

Traditional MICE destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong have paved the way for Asias rise as a conventions venue on the world stage. This has allowed emerging economies in Thailand, India and Vietnam to offer companies and fraternal associations more variety in their choice of meeting venues Mr Birch said.

Targeting the SMERFs

There are some commonly accepted issues in targeting the SMERF market says Abacus Mr Don Birch. For example recent cost increases in the Asia hotel sector which saw average room rates rise in major cities (for example 17% last year in Singapore) are not good news for SMERFs.

More meetings and higher hotel prices can limit options for SMERFS, but SMERF planners can still find open arms in markets such as second and third tier cities eager to lure back budget groups,said Mr Birch.

For sales and marketing managers within the industry, finding SMERF planners is harder than just finding Association planners.

Seeking local contacts that are affiliated with these types of groups is critical. Local networking is also needed to identify SMERF groups and their planners. Resources such as the research directories of organisations, affordable meetings conferences, and even the personal networks of a propertys employees all have their place in pinning down the SMERFs, Mr Birch said.

The internet also plays a key role as both a research and communication channel for both SMERF planners and sales and marketing teams.

The internet clearly improves the chances of buyers and sellers in the SMERF universe finding a good match on location, venue and the experiences to be offered during the period of travel, Mr Birch added.



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