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The Top 10 Wildest Parties in the World

maitravelsite — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:15:53 +0000

Clubbing and partying is now an international industry and there are hundreds of travel operators who specialize in sending you and your friends around the world to some of the planet’s hottest nightlife. So what are the world’s top ten wildest parties where to let loose and join the flow?

The Full Moon Party

This all-night beach party takes place on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand on the night of every full moon. The Full Moon Party has been known to attract over fifty thousand travelers, mostly backpackers who get there thanks to the cheap flights to Phuket, partying to R&B, drum and bass, house, dance and reggae music and downing the lethally alcoholic drinks ‘buckets’.

Song Kran

Song Kran is a festival held in Thailand to mark the New Year,on April 13th. It has become popular with Western tourists and travelers visiting Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai where it can last for up to a week, and is celebrated by throwing water at each other.

Holi

Holi is one of the best known religious festivals in South Asia, and indeed the world. It is celebrated by millions of Hindus not only in India, Nepal and Malaysia but also in the Indian diaspora in Britain, the Caribbean and the United States. Taking place in early March, it involves lighting bonfires and throwing colored powder and water at each other.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

The New Orleans Carnival has its roots in the Christian season of Lent, starting two weeks before Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. At least one major parade takes place each day with the riders of floats throwing plastic beads and cups to the crowd. The parades march along Canal Street, on the upriver side of the French Quarter.

Burning Man

The Burning Man festival has been held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada in the USA since the early 1990’s and can attract up to fifty thousand people. It takes place on the weekend before the Labor Day holiday in September and involves people performing music and dance and making art before the forty foot high effigy which gives the festival its name is set alight. (http://www.burningman.com)

Running of the Bulls

This famous event takes place in the Spanish city of Pamplona every July and involves hundreds ofyoung men, among them travelers from across the world, who attempt to outrun the bulls who chase them through the narrow streets en route from their pens to the bullring where matadors fight them.

La Tomatina

One of the most famous festivals in the world, La Tomatina (http://www.tomatina.es) is held in Buñol, a small town in southern Spain near Valencia. It involves pelting other festival goers with tomatoes which have been crushed first to avoid anyone getting injured, although many participants still wear goggles and other protective gear. The throwing, which is accompanied by singing and dancing, lasts an hour and the pelters normally get through around a hundred and fifty thousand tomatoes.

Battle of the Oranges

A similar event to La Tomatina is held every year in the small town of Ivrea in Piedmont, northwest Italy. Rather than pelting each other with tomatoes, the participants are split up into teams with colorful names like the Devils and Black Panthers who then attack their opponents with oranges. The carnival takes place in the run up to Lent and is thought to have its roots in resistance to the medieval lord’s droit de seigneur. (http://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it/English)

Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest is not only Germany’s best known beer festival but is also one of the most famous parties in the world, attracting five million visitors to Munich who consume industrial quantities of roast chicken, pork and sausages, all washed down with seven million litres of beer.(http://www.oktoberfest.de/en) Only the following breweries from the city of Munich can sell beer in the festivals tents:

Augustiner
Hacker-Pschorr
Löwenbräu
Paulaner
Spaten
Hofbräu

Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has earned its sexy and scintillating reputation (and its nickname, “Cidade Maravilhosa,” or “The Marvelous City”) the easy way — it simply lives up to it everywhere you look at. The city throbs to the infectious beat of Brazilian music, the choro, the samba and the bossa nova, and is the main source of Brazil’s national culture. Its annual carnival, known simply as Carnaval, draws together the population of the city (known as the ‘Cariocas’) ranging from rich to very poor who take to the streets for the world’s largest samba parade in the world on the Sambodromo.

And now it’s your turn:

Which of these parties have you had the time of your life at? Which would you like to experience at some point? Which would you never join? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you liked it!

This post is brought to you with the collaboration of American golf holidays[photo credits @ Flickr: wyndhan, puuikibeach, Kate McKenna]

Exploring Busan, South Korea’s Beach City

maitravelsite — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:19:43 +0000

It is fair to say that because it is located in South Korea’s bottom tip the fairer climate and protected seas are reason enough for all the things to do in Busan (Pusan). It has great beaches, natural parks, temples, it is well communicated, and should you want to hop over to Japan without flying you can do so from the only port in South Korea with ferries to the former empire of the rising sun, which is right here. Liza and I spent three days here before finally taking the leap to Fukuoka, and found this big city easy, modern and entertaining. My post on this city is very informative and a good resource that includes most of the things to do and see here, which in fact has been featured in Touristeye.com . So please click on the link at the end of this sentence that will take you straight to the article/ guide and where you’ll learn about all the things to do in Busan.

What do you expect to find in Busan? Have you been here before? What were the highlights of your trip that you would like to recommend?

Why Visit Kuala Lumpur?

maitravelsite — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:35:18 +0000

Any visitor to Kuala Lumpur is at once confronted with its collision of cultures; its sparse and glittering modern architecture and the extravagance of old designs, its celebration of economy and commerce, and tenderness towards life’s simple pleasures.

Fighting the case for modernity, The Petronas Towers are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, and soar, leagues above other edifices forming the Kuala Lumpur skyline (dowload this Petronas Towers free wallpaper). Malaysia’s premier shopping emporium, Suria KLCC lies at the foot of the building. Its ground floor is graced with a parade of elite designer outlets, including Burberry, Moschino and Miu Miu. There’s also room for a cinema, concert hall, art gallery and a science centre. Equally worth a visit, Masjud Jamek is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Its red brick and marble structure is strikingly beautiful, and based on Indian Islamic architecture. It was built at the exact point where the Sugai Klang and the Sugai Gombak rivers meet, and is surrounded by palatial coconut palms and channels of calm water. It’s free to explore the airy marble interior, and ideal place to hide from the heat outside. The Kings Palace is another favourite spot. Its ornate gateway makes the perfect frame for a photo opportunity, and is always guarded by two dashing cavalrymen in claret uniform upon gleaming horses.

Inside Petronas Towers mall

Kuala Lumpur’s warm equatorial climate makes year-round visiting feasible. The temperature generally hovers around 30 degrees, but it can drop after rainfall. Malaysia’s rainy season begins in October and ends in March, making the summer months a great time to spend in the city and avoid the monsoons which can affect the rest of the country at this time of year. Light clothing is always recommended, but generally air-conditioning is endemic within city limits, and rains only serve to make the climate more refreshing.

Malaysia hosts a wealth of different cultures within its borders, but maintains a wonderful atmosphere of unity without compromising identity. This means, throughout the year, the country is never far from a state of celebration. The Hindu festival of Thaipusam celebrates Lord Murugan, the Tamil god of war. It sends devotees surging from the inner city on the tenth month of the Hindu calendar (usually either January or February) to the nearby Batu Caves- it is a celebration not to be missed if in the area. Chinese New Year in Malaysia is even more raucous, as over a quarter of its population are Chinese. At midnight on the first day of the New Year, hundreds of firecrackers are to be heard banging and screeching to signify the loud noises which scared off the legendary monster of traditional Chinese mythology. The city dazzles with decorations for weeks during New Year. Paper lanterns, animals and dragons and giant papier-mâché lions can be seen wriggling joyfully down the streets on the shoulders of Chinese dancers. On the 31st of August every year, Malaysia holds its annual Independence Day festival. On the eve of Independence Day, the many ethnic groups of Malaysia join in celebration. A huge and colourful parade is held in Kuala Lumpur’s streets, consisting of marching bands, martial arts displays, acrobatics, dancing, flag waving and traditional costumes. The evening culminates with the flag of Malaysia being raised proudly at midnight to a backdrop of sparkling, crackling fireworks. Rest assured, whichever time of the year you choose to make your visit, or for whatever reason, what’s guaranteed is a warm and helpful welcome from Kuala Lumpur’s diverse and inclusive citizens.

And then there is the food. Begin your day with Roti Canai and tea, an indian pastry pancake served with Malaysia chicken curry used as a snack and served everywhere at all times. Indulge yourself in favoured dishes like Satay (marinated meat barbecued over the charcoal with peanut sauce, Nasi Lemak (coconut milk rice served with sambal ikan bilis and slices of hard boil egg and cucumber), banana leaf rice or Prawn Mee (noodles served with rich flavored stock made of shrimp) just to name a few.

Inside Batu Caves

Despite the city’s wealth and evergrowing population it is certainly very budget friendly. You an easily find basic but decent rooms for 25 USD/night,and getting around is simple enough with metro, skyline or the frequent bus service. Worst come to worst, should you ever get lost simply ask as Malaysians are always happy to help. And here’s a small secret you’ll probably be happy to learn: it is free to visit the Petronas towers, and ride the elevator up to floor 41 where the connecting bridge is. Simply make sure you get there before 11.30 when all the days passes are given away and you’ll be rewarded with this view overlooking Kuala Lumpur from one of the most famous buildings in the world…without having spent a cent!

Click on photos to view in full size!

Have you visited Kuala Lumpur? What did you like best? I found the peaceful mingling of faiths and cultures a model to repeated everywhere in the world. What stood out to you?

Some of these links could be making us some money, however we would not include them if we didn’t think they can benefit the traveler.

Photo of the Week: Sunset in Bako National Park

maitravelsite — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:53:38 +0000

Bako National Park is in the west coast of Malaysian Borneo, in Sarawak state. It is one of the few places in the world where you can find the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia, and is a great location to enjoy fantastic trekking, observe wildlife and have spectacular beaches all for yourself. This is the sunset I enjoyed after one full day of such activities (click picture to view in full size).

It’s Not So Secret: Luang Prabang (Laos) is Asia’s Real Pearl of Orient

maitravelsite — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:43:33 +0000

If traveling is your thing odds are you have heard about Luang Prabang already. Heck, you’ve probably already been there! But if you haven’t, I’ll set this straight right from the beginning: Luang Prabang is Asia’s real pearl or orient, hand doen. I know, I know, Manila in the Philippine’s has had the luxury of having been recognized as such for decades, but trust me: I’ve been there too and unless traffic, pollution, theft and chaos are your idea of splendour then Manila might be all kinds of things, but not the pearl of orient. Not that I have anything against the city, but some things must change if we are too be fair.

Luang Prabang has been on budget traveleres’ itineraries for a few decades already, but even so it is still off-radar for most travelers who visit South East Asia, missing out a relatively accessible city that will linger memories of what exotic Asia probably was in the so called “old days”. This laid-back city with a population of just over 100,000 individuals lies in north Laos, where Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River- just about 425 kilometers north of the country’s capital: Vientiane

Getting to Luang Prabang

Reaching Luang Prabang can be as easy or adventurous as you want: there are direct flights from several capital cities in neighbouring countries (perhaps Bangkok being the cheapest), there is the slow boat that takes two days from Huay Xai in the Thai border (stopping in Pakbeng) costing about 200,000 kip, the fast boat joy ride you should avoid unless risking your life is your idea of fun (accidents resulting in deaths occur ever year, particularly during dry season) costing about 350,000 kip and lasting about 6 hours, and then there is the 10 hour van ride or 15 hour bus ride from Huay Xai costing about 120,000- 140,000 kip depending on how good you can bargain. Transportation from other cities is available too, thought not as common.

I did not find the road trip particularly beautiful, with rolling mountains and lush vegetation in the distance being the most commone scenery. I was charmed though by the dozens of small straw-made villages that popped around the road, where children played in the mud and the elder could be seen cooking, building more houses…or watching TV (??!!). After ten hours of travel it does get weary, and the closer your get to Luang Prabang the worse the roads seem to get, but it is all part of the adventure travel experience. And we were lucky- travelers who followed the same route the folling day told us it had taken them 15 hours because of mud slides that had blocked the road more than once. Long story short: if you’re not willing to cope with this then I strongly recommend you fly.

Accommodation

Finding budget accommodation is not a problem in Luang Prabang. There are dozens of guesthouse where you can find a room for 4-10 USD, all of them offering simple yet clean rooms, many with private bathroom, Wi-Fi, free coffee and all the linen you’ll need: Levady Guesthouse, Soutikkone Guest House and Cold River Guesthouse are just a few. And if it’s hotels you’re after, there is no shortage of those either.

Food

Formerly a french colony, food in Luang Prabang is one to indulge yourself into. Buffalo steaks and sausages, fried dried seaweed with sesame seeds dipped in a chili sauce, laam phak- a thick, savory stew of vegetables and local herbs- and laab paa, a “salad” of minced Mekong River fish with a spicy-tart dressing and full on french bakeries are just some of the dishes to try. I particularly loved trying different meals in the night market’s food alley, where you could even find a simple buffet for 1.5 USD!

What to do in Luang Prabang

Perhaps one of the most interesting experiences you can observe anywhere in the world is the Alms ceremony in which Monks at dawn collect alms of rice from kneeling villagers (and early-rising tourists). Ask your guesthouse host to assist you the day before in preparing if you’d like to get up and give alms in the morning. Visiting the many temples are a must, as is walking to the top of Phou Si hill for a great view of the area. The slow boat ride to Pak Ou caves (the famous Buddha Ceves) north of town allow a formidable experience which usually includes a small stopver at a village where you can buy, among other things, liquors made at the local brewery, the night market is not very big but not to be missed either, and cooking classes are a popular activity among visitors too.

After spending three days in Luang Prabang (could have easily spent a couple more) I fell in love with this place. It’s roots are still embeded deep within the local culture despite its increasing popularity, there is a pacefull aura that follows you wherever you go, and Lao people are among the friednliest you will find anywhere in the world. Of all the experiences I had when there there are two that deffinetly stand out: the time we spent speaking with a local monk who explained what his chores, resonsibilities and reasons for being at the temple were ( did you know that monks are auto didactic, meaning they set up their own schedules and learn by themselves?), besides asking me for some help on his spanish lessons, and one fantastic massage we had during which a heavy storm began, with rain and thunder mellowing our already relaxed moods and finishing just as we were about to walk out the front door.

There are many well known places in South East Asia any traveler wants to go there, and then there are those some of you might have heard of yet are unsure about whether to go or not. If Luang Prabang is one such place, make sure you don’t skip it. And if it’s not in your to-visit list, I highly recommend you include it…right now!

Have you visited Luang Prabang? What are your thoughts about my pearl of orient? Do you have yours? Share it with us, and this post too if you likeed it!

A Day in Macau: What to Do and Places to Visit

maitravelsite — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:17:26 +0000

Why spend a day in Macau? I mean, the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau is not dirt cheap and there’s nothing to see other than casinos, right? Wrong! Not many travelers consider leaving Hong Kong and visiting this former Portuguese colony for a day, which is a pity, since Macau has more than enough entertainment to keep you busy and enchanted.

How to get to Macau from Hong Kong

There are several companies that offer hight speed ferries from Hong Kong to Macau: Turbojet, Cotai Jet Ferry, Macao Dragon, and First Ferry. The trip costs about 135 HKD each way and lasts about one hour to 75 minutes, and is usually smooth but can be bumpy on a windy day: if you get dizzy easily stay away from the front of the catamaran as it is here that the boat moves most. Staying as close as possible to the read end will make your trip much smoother.

Immigration in Macau is a breeze, and although most visitors choose to flag a taxi and get a ride to the old town or the casinos I chose to walk instead, following the map I was given at the tourist info booth. The walk is not very interesting as you leave the harbour, but finding your way across the city is easy enough and will give you the opportunity to see what the Macau is really like.

What to do in Macau and places to visit

Macau has two main areas: Macau Peninsula and the island, connected by three long bridges. Fortunately for travelers, most of the famous casinos and historical monuments are in the peninsula, which is where the ferries arrive. If you want to see the biggest casino in the world, the Venetian Macau, you will have to catch a bus or taxi to the Cotai strip in the island, which is also home to the airport, race course, sports grounds and and the only beach in Macau.

But for most of us Peninsular Macau has what we want to see, which makes things that much easier. Find your way around Guia Hill and get lost in the old city at your own pace, absorbing the unique cultural blend and enjoying the attractions in Macau I visited when there, including St Paul’s Cathedral’s, A-Ma Temple and Fortaleza do Monte, atop Guia Hill. Perhaps one of the most fascinating traits of this city is the distinct european architechture lived and owned by an obvious Asian population; this presents many good opportunities for fantastic photos.

You would be forgiven if you think this is Europe (the Chinese sign is a giveaway though...)

Eventually you’ll have to step into a casino- this is casino land after all! Baccarat is the most popular game here, however if you’re anything like me you won’t spend a cent and observe how others spend theirs. I decided to visit Casino Lisboa, which boasts an unusal structure visible from far away. Inside, the lobby displays an impressive chandelier as well as a a few sophisticated sculptures made of jade or ivory, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars- I have to say these are some of the most detailed carvings I have ever seen.

In Macau, with Casino Lisboa on the left

By 5 pm I felt I had seen enough of Macau and after walking for 9 hours my legs were aching for some rest. I slowly made my way back to the harbour and hopped on the next ferry to Hong Kong- I only had to wait for 15 minutes, that’s how frequent they are.

If unsure about visiting or what to do in Macau don’t worry as it is not all casinos as they say. It is very short trip from Hong Kong, convenient, and a good way of getting another stamp in your passport and staying away from those electronic shops. Macau is a great day trip I highly recommend if you’re in HK and have a free day, but there is one final piece of advice you must not forget: make sure you spend all your Macau Patacas exchange them at the ferry terminal there or in Hong Kong; I still have 100 Patacas with me because they are not accepted for exchange anywhere else.

Has this article changed your perception of Macau, or have you learned anything? Have you been there? What did you like most? And least? Please share your thoughs with us in the comments section below, and this post too if you liked it!