I haven’t gotten around writing anything here…if you have been to Redang and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

Aisa

I haven’t gotten around writing anything here…if you have been to Langkawi and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

Aisa

I haven’t gotten around writing anything here…if you have been to Kuantan and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

Aisa

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Bintan

Golfing
Beaches
Diving & Snorkeling

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Bintan is at the north coast of the Riau Islands province, Indonesia, facing South China Sea. Tanjung Pinang is the capital city of Bintan.

Now commonly known as Bintan resort, Bintan is part of Indonesia leased by Singapore, and it’s been developed into a resort for Singaporeans. And It’s only less than one hour from Tanah Merah Terminal of Singapore by Ferry. It’s so accessible from Singapore that many consider Bintan an “extension” of Singapore, and it’s a perfect weekend getaway if you are in Singapore!

Bintan has clear water and pristine white sandy beaches. Trikora Beach at the eastern coast is most popular beach. Bintan also boasts a primary rainforest, although reduced in size due to commercial logging, they are still magnificent.

You can go island-hopping from the main ports. From Tanjung Pinang, going to a nearby island would cost only about S$5-10.

Bintan has abundant marine life. The popular dive spots include Sandy Bay, Palau Maoi, and Mapor Island. Sandy Bay is a fairly easy dive site with a flat seabed, good for intermediate divers. Mapor Island is off northeast Bintan with visibility over 20m.

Ria Bintan Golf Club is a world-class golfing destination, voted as the best in Indonesia and one of the top 5 in Asia. Golfers play right next to the South China Sea on the ocean course, enjoying spectacular sea view  and the refreshing and cooling air while playing!

Seasons April to October is the high season. November to March is North East Monsoon season.

Official website
http://www.bintan-resorts.com/

I haven’t gotten around writing anything here…if you have been to Hong Kong and would like to share your experience with everyone on this site,  you are most welcome to leave a comment!

Aisa

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Wildlife & Nature

Borneo, Malaysia |Phuket, Thailand
Goa, India | Koh Samui, Thailand | Sanya, China
Bali, Indonesia | Halong Bay, Vietnam | Tioman, Malaysia
Boracay, Philippines | Sentosa, Singapore

Asia has the most fascinating tropical wildlife and nature on earth. This page is dedicated to kids and wildlife & nature lovers!
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Borneo, Malaysia | Aisa’s rating

Borneo has abundant wildlife. Its rainforest and eco-system is one of the oldest in the world with a huge variety of flora and fauna. This is probably only matched in some areas of Africa and in the Amazonas region. It is also the centre of evolution and radiation of many endemic species of plants and animals.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is the worlds largest Orang Utan Sanctuary, it’s about 25 km west of Sandakan. The village of Sukau is a secondary forest and also a natural sanctuary of various wildlife species, including elephants and Orang Utans. Proboscis Monkeys is a species unique to Borneo. Turtle Islands Park comprises a group of three beautiful and unspoilt natural islands. Selingan is the main island in the group to see where the Green Turtle comes to lay eggs all year round.

Phuket, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

here are many national parks in Thailand,Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is home to the unique flora and fauna and wild animal in Phuket,  located in the north of Phuket Island. You will find species of exotic, reserve animals such as monkeys, gibbons, wild boars, mouse deers, barking deer, langurs, rare species of birds, leatherbag turtles, etc.

You can enjoy the junble tree, the sounds of birds and other animals on a short walk to Ton Sai Waterfall.

There is Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. gibbons is a furry and small monkey. They are often captured and kept in households or bars or restaurants as pets, mostly under pitiful conditions. The aim of the gibbon reserve is to enable the animals to return to their natural environment and to survive there on their own. Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is one of the best and most visited butterfly gardens of the world.

Goa, India | Aisa’s rating

Goa is a biodiversity hotspot with rich flora and fauna. Goa has many famous national parks & Sanctuaries. Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary in Molem is Goa’s largest wildlife preserve and lies in the foothills of the Western Ghat mountains, about 60kms from Panaji. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers and a places to look for animals. There are several highlights like Devil’s Canyon gorge and the Dudhsagar waterfalls. Salim Ali bird sanctuary is a must visit.

There is also a Turtle Protection Center in Agonda, and If you are around during the hatching season from October to March, don’t miss it. There can be dozens of turtles nesting on the beach, and each can have 100-150 turtle eggs. It’s a wonderful experience watching a tiny turtle hatching, and seeing hundred of baby turtles, just hatched, making their way towards the sea.

Koh Samui, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park at Na Thon is a must. The national marine park features limestone kharsts, tropical rainforests and secluded beaches. Activities include Kayaking along small islands in the pristine water and go under the overhangs of the cliffs, visiting small caves on the side of the islands when the tide is low. There is a aquamarine lake in the middle of the island. You can hike your way to the lake, which involves climbing steep stairs and going through small gaps in the rocks.

There are crocodile farm, snake farm, monkey theatre, elephant trekking, and butterfly garden. A tourist couldn’t travel through Thailand without having a traditional elephant ride. And you get to feed the elephant banana after the ride!

Sanya, China | Aisa’s rating

Nanwan Monkey Island located in Lingshui County to the east of Sanya. It’s the world’s only tropical island reserve for wild monkeys. There are about 1,500 monkeys, living in their natural habitat. It’s also the home to the pink-faced and wide-eyed macaque monkey. Here you get see free roaming monkeys and can get up close & personal with them! There are almost 400 species of tropical plants and over 100 different kinds of animal, including the famous rhesus monkeys.

Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden boasts over 1,200 tropical plants. Daxiao-Dongtian Park has 30,000 Dragon Blood trees. Many of them are about 2,000 years old. There are also indigenous flora, fauna and fruits. There is also a Tropical Ocean Zoo with dolphins and sea lions, turtle and crocodile.

West Mao island has lovely landscapes, and it is part of the reserve of coral reef in Sanya. It is known to have a wide variety of reef species and fish. A must see for ecological scenery lovers!

Bali, Indonesia |

Elephant is not native to Bali, but they were brought over for work. The Bali Elephant Santuary is probably the Best Elephant Safari Park in the world. It has a comprehensive museum, with a large collection of elephant memorabilia and the only Mammoth Skeleton in South East Asia. You can get up close and personal with these huge yet gentle animals in a beautiful tropical park setting, or take a ride on an elephant through the forest and then watch them play.

Halong Bay, Vietnam |

Halong Bay is one of the most visited and recognized of the Vietnam tourist attractions. It houses a great diversity of ecosystems including coral reefs, freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forest, small freshwater lakes.

Tioman, Malaysia | Aisa’s rating

Tioman has a few Marine Parks.The soft-shell turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are unique to Tioman island. And there are several protected species of mammals on the island.

Boracay, Philippines | Aisa’s rating

There is a Butterfly Garden you don’t want to miss. It’s quite an experience walking in a tropical garden with rare and beautiful butterflies surrounded.

Sentosa, Singapore | Aisa’s rating

Underwater World is an oceanarium located on the western part of Sentosa. The living museum has more than 2,500 marine and fresh-water animals of 250 species from different regions of the world. The Underwater World also includes a Dolphin Lagoon, which homes the pink dolphins. You can swim with the Pink Dolphins, and learn how to get the dolphins to do tricks!

The Butterfly Park is a landscape garden with over 15,000 live butterflies, representing more than fifty species. It’s housed in a cool outdoor conservatory.

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Surfing

Bali, Indonesia
Lombok, Indonesia | Maldives
Koh Samui, Thailand | Phuket, Thailand | Sanya, China
Goa, India

Surfing Seasons

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Bali, Indonesia | Aisa’s rating

Bali is one of the top surfing destinations in the world and surfers’ paradise! Bali gets the full force of southern ocean swells from the Antarctic, and its southwest and south-east coasts are littered with surf spots. Lacking of dangerous rocks or coral, Bali is suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. It is said that Bali’s wave were firstly surfed back in late 1930s by a group of Austrian surfers.

The primary surfing locations are in the southern coast, e.g., Kuta, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. Kuta is the most popular surf site. You can easily find surf instructors lounging around the beach. Uluwatu is more popular among experienced surfers.

The dry season from June to September is the best surfing season.

Lombok, Indonesia | Aisa’s rating

Lombok is great place to surf. Bangko Bangko beach or the Desert Point is the best surf spot in Lombok. It’s located on the south west coat of Lombok, about 3 hours drive from Kuta beach (not the same Kuta in Bali). However it’s for experienced surfer only. Kuta beach & south coast of Lombok (Gerupuk Beach) also offers good surf points.

The waves are consistent from May to October. Like Bali, August is the peak season.

Maldives | Aisa’s rating

Maldives doesn’t have a long history of surfing like Bali, but it’s one of the most up and coming surfing destinations. The southwest monsoon season from April to October brings waves. Note that it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The swell can be experienced from March to October, with the best waves from June to August. The waves range from 3-8 feet. Exposed to the same swells as Indonesia, Maldives is actually cooler due to its southeast exposure. And the reefs are flatter although the waves are not spectacular as that of Bali.

The good surf spots include Chickens, Cokes, Piddlines/Ninjas, Jailbreaks (Himmafushi), Sultans and Honkey’s.

Koh Samui, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

Koh Samui’s surf season is from October to December. Chaweng beach is the most popular beach for surfing. Other spots include the “left alone” reef beak off Chaweng beach and a reef break in front of Le Meridien Baan Taling Naam Resort.

Phuket, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

Phuket’s west coast is a good surfing destination. The best surfing seasons in Phuket is from May to October when the southeast monsoon brings storms in the Bengal bay and surf on Thailand’s west coast. There are many surf spots in the west coast, and other “surfable” islands and reefs just offshore. Phuket is ideal for beginners and intermediates as the waves are generally smaller and less powerful.

Phuket is the most popular surf destination in Thailand. Kata beach is known for its consistent waves and it’s the center for surfing in Phuket. The annual Phuket surfing contest is held at Kata beach for seven consecutive years. (in 2008 it’s held from August 31 till September 2) Other surf spots can be found in Kalim beach, Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, etc.

Sanya, China | Aisa’s rating

Sanya also offers fairly consistent tropical surf most of the year. Dadonghai beach is the place for surfing. The surfing season is from May to November.

Goa, India | Aisa’s rating
Goa is not often associated with surfing. There are waves at Patnem beach and sometimes Palolem Beach, but they are small, mellow, and not very consistent. The surfing seasons are from September to February.

Aisa’s rating of destinations - SPA & Massage

Indonesia Massage | Thai Massage
Ayurvedic massage
Nha Trang, Vietnam | Sanya, China | Sentosa, Singapore

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A topical SPA or Asian massage is perfect to unwind after a day’s sightseeing or as a jetlag treatment, or to relax your sour muscle after a dive or surf. For health and beauty conscious people, SPA & massage is a great way to relax your body and mind, and it can be therapeutic and rejuvenating! It is Aisa ’s weekly regime if time permits.

The popular massage are Thai massage and Indonesia massage, they are available in almost every destinations of the respective countries. In fact they are so popular that they can be found across Asia, not just in Thailand or Indonesia.

You can get massage in hotels and resort, massage parlor or salon,  even right on the beach. The price varies by locations.

Indonesia massage | Indonesia | Aisa’s rating

There are many form of Indonesia massage, and Balinese massage is one of it. It’s based on Tibetan, Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic therapies.  Balinese massage is an oil-based massage. It involves skin rolling and kneading, compressions, long strokes, palm and thumb pressure on energy lines and feet acupressure. It helps to stimulate the flow of blood and energy and brings relaxation and wellness. It’s also effective for small ailments like muscle and joint pain. There are many choice of essential oil. Some people prefer Balinese massage to Thai massage for its nice flow. A good website for SPA & Massage in Bali is www.balispa.net, which provides links to a huge list of SPA & Massage places in Bali by area, as well as their services & prices.

Other than Balinese massage, there are also Javanese massage, Lombok massage, etc.

Reflexology is a pressure-point massage that targets specific nerve locations on the feet, which correspond to organs and nerves throughout the body. Many believe that reflexology can cure many ailments by restoring balanced energy flow throughout the body. It’s one of Aisa’ favorite! Indonesian post natal massage helps new mums to control weight after giving birth.

Thai Massage | Thailand | Aisa’s rating

Thai massage is “assisted yoga” in many ways involving stretching and deep massage. The technique is derived from yoga and reflexology, with emphasis on applying pressure to the meridians and the stretching and compressing of the muscle. Usually oil is not applied, and the recipient lies on a mat, instead of a massage table. Every movement is designed to support and client as well as the therapist, when the recipient’s body is guided through different positions and acupressure points are stimulated. A typical Thai massage is 2 hours covering the entire body. The massage is given in silence.

Like yoga, it gives the recipient flexibility, inner organ massage through deep muscle stretching and joint release. While the kneading of muscle is common for other massage, the unique stretching is what makes Thai massage particularly helpful. The stretching involves pulling fingers, toes, cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, arching the recipients’ back in a rolling action etc. The recipient body is moved, loosened and stretched afterwards.

Thai massage can be painful. It takes a little get-used-to, especially if you are have no experience with Yoga!

Thai massage is not to be confused with erotic massage, although many massage parlor offer sex service in the name of massage.

Ayurvedic massage | India & Sri Lanka | Aisa’s rating

Ayurvedic therapy & massage is part of the ancient Ayurveda medicine system, the oldest continuously practiced system of medicine on the planet. It focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system and helps your body to detoxify.

Look for a certified an Ayurvedic therapist for the massage or therapy.

Nha Trang | Aisa’s rating

There is hot spring center in Nha Trang - Thap Ba Hot Spring Center. You can choose to immerse in the spring for the minerals, or have a hot mud bath or steam bath, and a massage. Aisa loved the mud bath - the mud is as consistent as melted chocolate!

Sanya, china | Aisa’s rating

Nantian resort offers Hot Springs and SPA. The minerals in the spring have a healing effect on hypertension and skin diseases. Nantian resort is in northeast of Sanya which is about an hour’s drive from Yalong Bay.

Sentosa, Singapore | Aisa’s rating

Girls will like a foot massage at Fish Reflexology, Underwater World. A school of Turkish spa fish or African spa fish will nibble on the dead skin of your feet, making the skin smooth. The therapy is completed with a foot massage.

Aisa’s rating of destinations - Shopping

Bali, Indonesia
Goa, India| Phuket, Thailand
Maldives | Pattaya, Thailand | Sanya, China
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Shopping is an exhilarating experience for many, like Aisa. A trip is not completed without taking home a souvenir. Even if shopping is not on your priority list, just going around or window shopping can be a fascinating culture experience - every local market is a mirror of the local ethnic culture in Asia. Besides, it’s hard to escape from the peddlers in touristy places!

Price is generally cheaper in Asia comparing to the west, and more so if you are prepared to bargain! Bargain is a norm, tradition and habit across Asia. Prices can be inflated to almost twice the real price to allow room for bargaining (excluding goods in department stores with fixed price tags). Some honed bargaining techniques and a sense of humor are essential survival skills for shopping trips in Asia. You can expect to pay from 10-40% less than the asking price, depending on your bargaining skills.

Aisa has seen a man negotiating for a trinket in Phuket. He did well and bargained the price from 250 to 100 baht, but paid up with a 1,000 Baht note. He walked away happily believing that he had a good deal. But isn’t it the most important part of it - bargain to the content of your heart and be happy with your purchase!

Beware of fake antiques and touting ( take tourist to shopping and receive a commission from the shops); When hassled by peddlers, don’t make eye contact if you don’t want to buy anything; Buy faked name brand goods and pirated DVD/CD at your own discretion - there is no quality guarantee; Money-back guarantee is a very vague concept so think twice before you buy anything expensive.

Bali, Indonesia | Aisa’s rating

Bali is a treasure house of artwork, antique, stone and wooden carving, Javanese puppets, hand woven and dyed fabrics, antiques, furniture, ceramics, masks, jewellery, textile, etc.

Ubud, the culture center, is known for its world class fine arts. The big galleries include Hans Snel and Antonio Blanco. Tegalalang is the home of woodcarvers. Batubulan is known for its stone sculpture from paras, a soft volcanic rock, and the sculptures were used to adorn temples and palaces. The craftsman can make anything you request. Aisa watched a craftsman carved a piece in front of the vistor’s eyes!  Sukawati has the best buy for art and craft market. Hand made Batik painting factory can be found in Batik Populer and Karitika Candra.

Galeria Nusa Dua is a huge open air shopping arcade for quality items, offering a wide range of Balinese goods free from the hassle of street vendors!

Aisa recommend a Balinese Gamelan music CD - to remind you of Bali and your holiday!

Goa, India | Aisa’s rating

The list of Goa souvenirs include handcrafts like brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache (paper pulp crafts), trinkets, etc. a pack of cashew nuts is popular snack in Goa, and it comes in plain, salted or masala flavors. Feni, another Goan specialty, is a vintage wine made from cashew nut.

The Friday market at Mapusa sells everything - from antique coins to dried fish and spices; the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna is more for foreign tourists with a variety of items, e.g., Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati handicrafts, Goan music albums, etc.

Phuket, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

Old Phuket, the historical downtown area, has the most interesting shops for traditional Thai crafts and textiles, antiques, clothing, ceramics and antiques, and other souvenirs. Walking along Montri, Phang Nga, Rassada and Yaowarat road is also a sightseeing experience of the sino-portugese architecture in the form of shophouses. (Shophouses are a combination of shops and home for the owner. The shop is one street level and the owner lives in the room at the back or above the shop. Shophouses can also be seen in Singapore). Patong beach is another shopping area.

Chatuchak Phuket is a weekend market names and modeled after the Bangkok bazaar along Phang Nga road. On Bypass road there are a few department stores, e.g., Central Festival Phuket.

It is prohibited to export Buddha image, deities and some antique artifacts in Thailand. Without the approval of Fine Arts Department in Bangkok.

Maldives | Aisa’s rating

Wood carving, hand woven mat with local fibers, teas, canned fish and are popular souvenir in Maldives.

All shops open until 11PM except for the Muslim praying time, when they are closed for 15 minutes.The Majeedhee Magu and Chaandanee Magu are two prime shopping zones. Chaandanee Magu mostly sells good imported from Singapore and are called “Singapore Bazaar”.

Export of turtle & pearl oyster shell, black & red coral are prohibited in order to protect the coral reefs and marine life.

Pattaya, Thailand | Aisa’s rating

Shopping in Pattaya is not as good as Phuket. However you can still find a good a mixture of traditional craftwear, clothes shops between Beach road and Second Road. The big department stores are Mike shopping mall, Royal Garden Plaza and Gems Gallery.

Clothing, electronic goods and computer accessory are good buy in Pattaya. Shops for tailor-made suits can be found in Walking street.

Sanya, China | Aisa’s rating

The popular buy in Sanya are pearl, crystal and seashell products. Some trinkets include coconut carving. Sanya is known for rare seawater pearls. Jingru pearl factory is the largest shop for pearl, crystal and shell products. Like Maldives, Coral and shell are prohibited to sell. Jiefang road is the commercial area in Sanya with department stores like Tiancheng, Tianhong and Yifang.