Travel

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Travel Guide

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It is the sparkling jewel of this country and a heady mix of nationalities and cultures. Here, Malaysia’s rich past had blended into a futuristic metropolis. Kuala Lumpur has Malaysia’s fastest growing economy and with a frantic pace of life and an ultra-modern skyline, it allows you to experience the 21st century Malaysia.

This dynamic city is more than just a modern city, it had a colorful and rich history. This can easily be seen in many of its colonial era buildings found among the towering skyscrapers. There are also beautiful hillside temples that offer visitors a tranquil escape from the modern city life chaos.

Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is the shopping heart of Kuala Lumpur. It offers its visitors a colorful and exciting adventure around every corner. The streets here are bursting with several shopping opportunities. Bukit Bintang has more than enough to satisfy a wide variety of taste from affordable roadside bargains to the most extravagant indulgence.

Jalan Pataling Street
The dazzling sounds and colors of this street in Chinatown attract both locals and tourists alike. It is a bargain hunter’s paradise with a wide variety of goods on display. There are also a vast array of drinks and foods on offer, with rich aromas and flavors that are tempting to resist. The night markets have a friendly and laid back atmosphere where you can relax with a cold beer after shopping all day.

Petronas Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers is situated in the center of Kuala Lumpur. It occupies about a hundred acres of real estate and rises dramatically to a height of more than 450 meters. It not only houses parks, science and cultural centers but it provides several leisure and recreation activities for everyone.

Aquaria
The Aquaria is within walking distance from the Petronas Twin Towers. It is an aquarium casing over 5,000 different exhibits of aquatic and land-bound creatures. There is a ton to see and do here, as well as lots of marine wildlife to explore and see. It is one of the better aquariums in Asia.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
It is the world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary set in a sprawling valley. This renowned echo tourism park is home to more than 3000 birds. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is an amazing spot if you are a fan of nature and amazing birds. Ensure you take some sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun. You will definitely be amazed by the many little birds you will see here.

Kuala Lumpur is a city rich in culture and history with an endless variety offering visitors modern luxury and flavors of the people.

Travel

What You Should Never Do When Traveling Alone

There is absolutely no doubt that solo travel is one of the most fun, as well as one of the most unique types of travel out there, and we mean this in the best way possible. When it comes to solo travel, it is one of the most popular types of travel in the world. And that’s not even the best bit! Did you know that solo travel is one of the fastest growing types of travel in the world? Well, now you do! That being said, if you are one of those people who live a pretty isolated and fragmented life, going on a solo trip might be just what you need to make your life a bit more exciting.

Perhaps the main reason why solo travel is such a good type of travel is because it forces people to spend the majority of their time alone, which can actually motivate them to start communicating with other travelers and other people in general a bit more often. With this in mind, we can safely say that solo travel is one of the most rewarding types of travel out there. However, it is very important to note that there are some certain things that you should never do when traveling alone. And now, here are some of those things!

Using Popular Booking Sites
Although using your favorite booking site may seem very tempting to you, simply try to resist the urge to use it. Now, you may have or have not noticed this before, but some itineraries become much more expensive when you choose one passenger instead of two or more. And if you really want to use a popular booking site, then try to find a website that actually has a good reputation. Also, you should try to book your flight and hotel separately.

Being Ignorant
Being ignorant is one of the worst things that you can do when traveling alone. That being said, you should always follow the rules of a place that you are visiting. There is one simple rule that you need to follow here – be nice to those around you and everything should be okay. It’s not that hard, is it?

Don’t Be Alone
Try to stay in open and public areas as much as you possibly can. That way, you should feel a lot safer. Also, don’t spend 24 hours a day reminding yourself that you are on your own, because you are not. There is a lot of people out there who will be more than happy to help you with whatever it is that you need help with. Be optimistic!

Travel

Explore Belize!

Located in Central America close to Guatemala, Belize is a tropical playground that is rich in cultural history. On the mainland, you will find ancient Maya temples surrounded by dense jungles. Some acquaintances of mine took a trip here recently and thanks to their input I put together some must-see attractions in Belize.

Xunantunich
One of the best sights to visit is Xunantunich. The preserved detail here is unbelievable, and it gives you a real sense of discovery. You will meet friendly iguanas as you climb the 11,000 structure for an amazing view.

Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve
If climbing temples isn’t for you, there’s a much easier and more fun way to get your culture fix. River tubing through these amazing caves is one of the best things you can do on your trip. You will be taken on a full educational tour explaining how the fascinating formations grow and how the Maya people used to use these caves thousands of years ago.

Tobacco Caye
Head down to Dangriga where you can take a day trip to Tobacco Caye. This beautiful island is the perfect place to relax in paradise and there are plenty of activities to do as well. Enjoy a snorkeling tour of the coral reefs where a local guide will teach you all about the complex ecosystems and fascinating wildlife. See the wonderful work they are doing to maintain and restore the reefs and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Caribbean Sea. Take out a kayak and push yourself on a challenging course around the island. The views are second to none and it’s really rewarding to get out there and be active in the sunshine.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park
If you are a thrill-seeker, we recommend checking out the stunning Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Take on an intense hour-long hike through the jungle and take a break in a natural pool at the top of a huge waterfall. There’s only one way to go about getting down and that’s gearing up and rappel down the falls themselves. It’s pretty tough but for adventurous travelers, it’s an experience you definitely won’t want to miss. The park is also home to Belize’s longest zip-line and their zip-line trails offer amazing views over the park.

San Pedro
If island life is what you are really after, then you have to check out San Pedro. It’s not technically an island since it’s still attached to the mainland so you can get there by driving or there’s a ferryboat which is a lot quicker. But by far the best way to get there has to be by taking a cheap scenic flight from Dangriga. Everyone gets around San Pedro on golf buggies. The shores are lined with beautiful beaches and there’s an abundance of things to do. With many companies offering day trips, scuba diving, and snorkeling island hopping can easily become an everyday occurrence. It’s definitely worth staying there for at least a few days.

Great Blue Hole
This huge sinkhole is 407 foot deep. Snorkelers can observe colorful fish from the reef’s edge and divers can go down to meet the Sharks and explore beautiful cave formations. There’s a load of other reefs nearby as well, so on a trip you can expect to see a ton of jaw-dropping marine life.

Half Moon Caye
If diving isn’t for you, then hiring a private catamaran might be the best option. Explore Half Moon Caye, a beautiful island that’s bursting with nature. Take a stroll and discover the incredible wildlife on the trail around the island.

Caye Caulker
Despite being split in half by a hurricane in 1961, this beautiful island still stands strong today. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or to enjoy a refreshing drink in the sunshine. With bikes to rent, volleyball courts, and the diving board into the ocean, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Secret Beach
Back in San Pedro go on an adventure to the secret beach. While it’s only really secret by name, it takes about 40 minutes to get here on golf buggies from the main town which makes for a fun trip. Here you can grab yourself a freshly cooked coconut and float on the waves as you watch the sun go down in paradise. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

Travel

Merida, Yucatan Travel Guide

Merida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatan. Although this peninsula is famous for its resort, this city is Yucatan epicenter of history, culture, and Mayan pride. Here are the top must-see attractions in Merida, Yucatan.

Plaza Grande

Plaza Grande is at the heart of the city. It is a relaxed square surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Many of these buildings were built from the stones of the Mayan temples which were once here.

Casa de Montejo

Casa de Montejo is the oldest building in Merida; it was built by the founding Conquistador of the city. Step inside the lavish interiors and shady courtyards of this residence which has been the Montejo dynasty’s home for more than four centuries.

Merida Cathedral

The Merida Cathedral is just across the square. Its altarpiece symbolizes the reconciliation between the Spanish and Maya people.

Contemporary Art Museum

At the Contemporary Art Museum, you will get to discover modern sculptures which display works by some of the most thought-provoking and popular artists of this region.

Hidalgo Park

Radiating from this place are pastel streets filled with cool parks and architectural treasures. Hidalgo Park is just a block away. It is an oasis surrounded by charming hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

The Jose Peon Contreas Theatre

The Jose Peon Contreas Theatre is home to the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra. Yucatan was the center of henequen production in the late 1800s and Merida fast became one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

Pasa de Montejo

This avenue was inspired by Paris great boulevards and you will find many stately homes of Yucatan’s elites here. You can also visit the Casa Montes Molina, a preserved mansion where you can experience the patinas and scents of a bygone era.

The Museum of the City of Merida

This city is filled with windows into the past such as its various museums which covers everything from the folk arts of Mexico to the Yucatan song. The Museum of the City of Merida charts the turbulent and rich history of this city. Once the residence a former general and governor, Palacio Canton is today home to the Yucatan Anthropology and History Museum.

The Great Museum of the Mayan World

This museum creates a striking contrast to the historic streetscapes of Merida. This building was inspired by the ceiba tree form which the Maya believed was a bridge to the underworld and heavens. The collections inside are the ideal gateway to civilization which has since captured the imaginations of anthropologists and explorers. One of such adventurers was Frederick Catherwood, an Englishman.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos Travel Guide

Los Cabos is situated at the southernmost part of the Baja California Peninsula and a 2-hour flight from Los Angeles will get you there. The region is made up of 2 towns: San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Los Cabos is a region of great natural mystery and it lines the coast where the deep blue Pacific converges with the sea of Cortez. It is also a place where briny breezes mingled with desert dust to create special magic which lures tourists with captivating views, cool waters, and year-round sunshine. Here are the top must see attractions in Los Cabos.

San Jose del Cabo

Start your journey in this colorful colonial town and let the Spanish language soothing rhythms and Cabo Street food sizzling aromas wash over you while you drift among the beautiful laneway. Just like piñata, this town bursts with galleries and street art and this community’s creative flair shines bright in every restaurant, alley, and park.

Hotelera Beach

If you want to know why so many travelers come here wander down to the sparkling sea. Relaxing beach bars and shady cabanas await you at the Hotelera Beach.

Wirikuta Garden

Explore this garden to admire the extraordinary plants that thrive in this sunny part of the world. Festivals are a common thing here and they help to keep this garden alight when the sun set.

The Tourist Corridor

The stretch of coastline connecting Los Cabos is now known as the Tourist Corridor. It is popular for its secluded coves and beachfront resorts. Pamilia Beach is along this way and you can refresh your soul with the colors of the rising sun. Whether you are paddling on the water or lounging on the shore, the early morning moods will definitely lift your spirit. Further west of the Tourist Corridor is the Santa Maria and Chileno beaches. Regardless of the shoreline you choose among this corridor, you will definitely be rewarded with its cleansing waters.

Cabo San Lucas

When you arrive here, you will soon discover the difference between the two Los Cabos towns. While it is more peaceful in San Jose del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas is more like a wild sister. It is a party destination that attracts lots of pleasure seekers during the Spring Break. Cabo San Lucas is an island bursting with gorgeous coastlines, exciting activities, and great food.

Medano Beach

This is one of Cabo San Lucas most famous beaches. All the action happens here which offers more tranquility than other Cabo beaches. Take to the waters to paddleboard, kayak, and jets. Or you can bargain with the enthusiastic vendors or sip on a cocktail.

From the seas and desert geological artistry to the Carefree spirit in every restaurant, bar, and café, Los Cabos is a vacation destination that is worlds away from everyday life.