View Full Version : what the travel guidebooks say about your country?


Tornado
February 12th, 2006, 05:05 AM
Yes , most of you know what is your country like ... ?

When i walk pass the bookstore I always pick up the book just to read.. yes its travel book... and most of the time.. I'll pick up my own country
just to get ideas where foriegners go...

Tornado
February 12th, 2006, 05:29 AM
Lonely planet
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms.


From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.



If anyone planning to visit Thailand

Must


I love the group of Tarutao islands down south of Thailand.
The similans and Surin marine national PArk
PhiPHi and Bamboo islands
Krabi

the nothern part

Chiangmai , Mae Hong son during cool seasoon Dec=Feb

http://www.trekkingthai.com/webboard/talaycamp/0949-3.jpg

FREKI
February 12th, 2006, 01:09 PM
From lonely planet's homepage

The smallest and most southern of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark offers an interesting mix of lively cities and rural countryside. Ancient castles, ring forts, jazz festivals, the sleekest modern design you'll ever see and the people who invented Lego - who could ask for more?


Danish Vikings once took to the seas and ravaged half of Europe, but these days they've filed down their horns and forged a society that stands as a benchmark of civilisation, with progressive policies, widespread tolerance and a liberal social-welfare system.


The vast majority of overseas flights to Denmark arrive at Copenhagen International Airport. A few international flights, mostly coming from other Scandinavian countries or the UK, land at small regional airports in Århus, Aalborg, Esbjerg and Billund.

There are daily bus and rail services between Germany and Denmark's Jutland peninsula, which then wind their way east to Funen and then over a significant bridge to the island of Zealand and ultimately Copenhagen. The Øresundsforbindelsen (Øresund Fixed Link), a road-rail system stretching over nearly 16km (13 mi) of bridges and tunnels between Malmo in southern Sweden and Copenhagen, gives the Danish capital a land link with the rest of Scandinavia.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/denmark

Baianóide
February 13th, 2006, 03:16 AM
Some guides only show Rio de Janeiro. But many others only shows Rio, Salvador Bahia, Iguassu Falls and/or Amazon.

Renkinjutsushi
February 13th, 2006, 03:58 AM
Philippines
Although overlooked by the world, the Philippines is still cheap and cheerful.

The 7000-odd islands that comprise the Philippines are the forgotten islands of southeast Asia. Off the main overland route and with a recent history of martial law and endemic corruption, the country has struggled to attract tourists in similar numbers to many of its southeast Asian neighbours.

However, most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are, by and large, an exceptionally friendly and helpful bunch. On top of this, transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and (for the monolinguistic) English is widely spoken.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/philippines

I totally agree with the "overlooked" part of the information. :tongue2:

shiver-me-timbers
February 13th, 2006, 04:52 AM
Those expecting Canada to be a blander version of the USA should check their assumptions at the door. Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbour.

It's the edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought by migrants, and you have a thriving multicultural society.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/north-america/canada/

shivtim
February 13th, 2006, 07:44 AM
"The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world."

Look at me, I'm approachable!

Manila-X
February 13th, 2006, 08:16 AM
Not really a country but from Frommers

*Introduction to Hong Kong

Every time I come to Hong Kong, I feel as though I've wandered onto a movie set. Maybe I'm an incurable romantic, but when I stand at the railing of the famous Star Ferry as it glides across the harbor, ride a rickety old tram as it winds its way across Hong Kong Island, or marvel anew at the stunning views afforded from atop Victoria Peak, I can't help but think I must have somehow landed in the middle of an epic drama where the past has melted into the present. So many images float by -- wooden boats bobbing up and down in the harbor beside huge ocean liners; crumbling tenements next to ultramodern high-rises; squalid alleys behind luxury hotels; old Chinese people pushing wheelbarrows as Rolls-Royces glide by; market vendors selling chicken feet and dried squid while talking on cellular phones.

In fact, one of the most striking characteristics of Hong Kong is this interweaving of seeming contradictions and the interplay of the exotic and the technically advanced. There are as many skyscrapers here as you're likely to see anywhere, but they're built with bamboo scaffolding. Historic trams rumble through Central, while below ground is one of the most efficient subways in the world, complete with the world's first "contactless" tickets, cards that are waved over a scanner. The city has what are arguably some of the best and most sophisticated restaurants in the world, but it also has dai pai dong, street-side food stalls. Hong Kong is home to one of the world's largest shopping malls, but there are also lively street markets virtually everywhere.

Because of these dazzling contrasts, Hong Kong offers visitors something unique -- the chance to experience a vibrant Chinese city without sacrificing the comforts of home. To be sure, much of Hong Kong's Western fabric comes from the legacy left by the British, who ruled the colony until 1997, when it was handed back to China as a Special Administrative Region (thus the SAR abbreviation you'll see there and throughout this book). British influence is still evident everywhere, from Hong Kong's school system to its free-market economy, from its rugby teams to its double-decker buses, and from English pubs and tea in the afternoon to (my favorite) orderly queues. But though the city was molded by the British, it has always been, at its heart, Chinese, with Chinese medicine shops, street vendors, lively dim sum restaurants, old men taking their caged birds for walks in the park, and colorful festivals. Indeed, for the casual visitor, Hong Kong seems little changed since the 1997 handover. No doubt some visitors remain oblivious to even the most visible sign of that change: the replacement of the Union Jack and old flag of the Crown Colony of Hong Kong with the red, starred flag of China and the new red Hong Kong flag with its emblem of the bauhinia flower.

Hong Kong was founded as a place to conduct business and to trade, and it continues to serve that purpose both aggressively and successfully. The world's fourth-largest banking and financial center in terms of external assets, Hong Kong is the "Wall Street of Asia," with banking, international insurance, advertising, and publishing among its biggest industries. Hong Kong also boasts the world's eighth-largest trading economy, and is one of the world's leading exporters of toys, garments, and watches.

Little wonder, then, that as a duty-free port, Hong Kong attracts approximately 14 million visitors a year, making tourism one of its leading industries despite a devastating downturn in tourism in 2003 due to an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Shopping is one of the main reasons people come here, and at first glance, the city does seem rather like one huge department store. But there's much more to Hong Kong than shopping. There's also wining, dining, and sightseeing, as well as isolated places to get away from it all.

For those who wish to journey farther afield, Macau, a former Portuguese colony handed back to China in 1999, is just an hour's boat ride away; and vast China itself lies just beyond Hong Kong's border, making it the perfect gateway for trips to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and beyond.

The more you search for in Hong Kong, the more you'll find. Before long, you, too, may find yourself swept up in the drama.

earthJoker
February 13th, 2006, 02:18 PM
Switzerland

Leave the lederhosen at home and get in line with the stylish Swiss.


Switzerland may be neutral but it is certainly not flavourless. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes have enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded traveller.

Goethe summed up Switzerland succinctly as a combination of 'the colossal and the well-ordered'. You can be sure that your trains and letters will be on time. The tidy, just-so precision of Swiss towns is tempered by the lofty splendour of the landscapes that surround them.

I like that title of that one. (BTW Lederhosen are Bavarian and Kuckuck Cklocks are from Black Forest, both in Germany)

909
February 13th, 2006, 04:34 PM
Netherlands

The Netherlands manages to be radical, sensible and quaintly staid.

The Dutch aren't bogged in their clichés, even though bikes, dykes, windmills and blazing flower fields are pretty much the norm outside the major cities. Do as the locals do - grab a bike and explore. It's a very big small country, and full of salutary surprises.

One of the chief pleasures of the place is its lively contrast between pragmatic liberalism and the buttoned-up just-so primness of a culture founded on Calvinist principles. In Dutch society, ostentation is anathema and fuss of any kind is regarded as undignified.
It doesn't sound that interesting...

OtAkAw
February 13th, 2006, 05:02 PM
THE PHILIPPINES by Frommer's

The Philippines has a marketing problem, and, in the wake of recent events, foreign tourism here has dissolved to a trickle. Lacking the mystery of Malaysia or Indonesia; the rugged allure of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; and the tourist mecca atmosphere that is Thailand, the Philippines have a difficult time convincing travelers that they should actually go. A long history of political and economic instability and recent insurgency movements and terrorism in the southwestern islands further relegates travel to those on business, those connected with an embassy, and those traveling on behalf of a mission or simply there by accident. In this section, we offer some historical and cultural information, a listing of the essentials in Manilla, the capital, and a few of the resort destinations that dot the magnificent coastline of this vast archipelago. Independent rural travel is left to the very hearty, and safety should be one of your primary concerns when making a trip to this troubled land. There is but little infrastructure outside of the larger cities.


My comments: This is what I call BLACK PROPAGANDA. TROUBLED LAND? LACKING MYSTERY? FOREIGNERS COMING THERE JUST BY ACCIDENT? And what's worse is that it even compared countries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Basically all of you foreigners are too preoccupied with Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia when coming to Southeast Asia, and what's worse is that you just basically IGNORE that in one far corner of the region you're coming to, there is a place if not as beautiful, more beautiful than the place you're going through. FEARING TERRORISTS? Why fear of terrorism in the Philippines when so many people are going to our neighbor down over there, it's just the same so please don't fear.

The Frommer's guide does not know anything about the Philippines and it should be kept that way I think, tourists will just destroy nature and nature is what my country is best at.

Why sacrifice your bests when the people you're abysmally trying to sell it to just treats it as if it was not there? duh...

sk
February 13th, 2006, 05:25 PM
from lonely planet about cyprus....

Immerse yourself in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.

from columbus guides....

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean. The landscape varies between rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rocky hills and forest-covered mountains. The Troodos Mountains in the centre of the island rise to almost 1950m (6400ft) and provide good skiing during the winter. Nicosia (Lefkosia), the capital of Cyprus, is situated at the heart of the Messaoria Plain. The old city has many quaint and ancient shops. Nicosia District extends westwards into the vine-covered Troodos Mountains, where magnificent forests and valleys feature hill resorts such as Kakopetria and Byzantine churches in Galata. Limassol (Lemesos) is the island’s main port and centre of the wine industry. In September the town has a wine festival, during which wine and food are served free. Cyprus is becoming established as a winter destination with both Platres and Kakopetria conveniently placed for the skiing season on Mount Olympus. Local dishes include kebabs (lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire) and dolmas (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice).

from wordtravels....

There is a great deal packed into a small space on the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Not only does it abound with good beaches and holiday resorts, but its relatively tiny landmass is riddled with the relics of ancient history, from the beehive huts of primitive man to classical Greek and Roman ruins, and everything imaginable in-between.

A thousand years is but a blip in time in the long history of Cyprus, but it was that long ago that the city of Nicosia (also known as Lefkosia) became its capital. Today Nicosia is unique in Europe because it is divided by the 'green line' that bisects the whole island, dividing north from south. The line, which serves as a United Nations peacekeeping buffer, was drawn in 1974, when the Turks invaded and took over the north. Most of the tourism development since then has taken place in the southern Government-controlled sector, and the political divide, even in Nicosia itself, has not dampened the island's appeal as a holiday Mecca.

The charms of Cyprus are many and varied. For a start the weather is sunny and dry for most of the year, and the encircling sea is blue, clear and enticing. There are modern luxury hotels in the coastal resort towns, historic restored city precincts to explore, tavernas and nightlife aplenty. Cyprus has remote picturesque mountain villages and monasteries, beautiful churches, Crusader castles and fascinating museums. The local people are extremely welcoming of tourists, happy to share with them their innate love of life and camaraderie. In Cyprus it is possible to mingle with crowds, or seek isolation off the beaten track as the mood takes, even in peak holiday season. For this reason the island is also a favoured destination for honeymooners, a reputation enhanced by the fact that legend has it that Cyprus was where Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, rose from the sea.

sk
February 13th, 2006, 06:04 PM
more about cyprus....



from thisistravel.....

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily and Sardinia), and lies at its north-eastern end, closer to the Middle East and North Africa than it is to Europe.

This position at a cultural crossroads has left the island with an interesting heritage that's a blend of Eastern and European.

In the last 20 years, Cyprus has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination.

Tourism in 2000 was up 25 per cent on the previous year and Cyprus is now a top choice for the UK's package holiday-makers.

The overriding attraction is reliable sunshine - the island is the sunniest in the Med, and from May to September there's barely a cloud in the sky.

Even in winter, temperatures stay mild, so its popularity continues year-round. It's also an affordable destination - certainly cheaper than France, though perhaps a little more expensive than Spain.

Cyprus has more to offer, though, than just fun in the sun. It also has ancient archaeological remains, mediaeval castles and monasteries, fertile countryside, cedar forests, vineyards and mountains.

Families like the clean beaches and the child-friendliness of the people, while young clubbers flock to the all-night raves and raucousness of Ayia Napa, famed as the new Ibiza.

Sporty types can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking, golf, diving, watersports and mountain-biking.

Nature-lovers are attracted by ideal walking countryside, good birdwatching (despite the local fondness for shooting anything that tries to fly overhead) and spectacular displays of spring flowers.

Everyone appreciates the island's almost non-existent crime rate and the Cypriots' easy-going friendliness.

One blot on the landscape is the unresolved tension between the Greek and Turkish communities, in a dispute that has left the island divided since 1974.

It's an emotional issue for locals, although it's unlikely to cause any disruption to most people's holidays.

There's no denying that the tourist boom has brought a rash of over-development in some areas - namely around Ayia Napa, Larnaka Bay and Limassol Bay, and, more recently, around Pafos.

Some building work is still going on, even in areas supposedly protected by law. But that's not to say that the 'real' Cyprus has disappeared.

The big resorts, to which most tourists confine themselves, may be mostly concrete and ketchup, but inland you can find timeless, sleepy little villages and tranquil countryside.

There's a strong sense of tradition in Cyprus. The festivals and celebrations of the Orthodox church calendar play an important part of island life, and the Cypriots are proud of their cultural heritage and of their island's claim to fame as the birthplace of Aphrodite.


from cosmosnet.....

The people of Cyprus are warm, friendly and naturally hospitable, and it is a genuine pleasure for us to welcome visitors - perhaps because we have been doing just that for thousands of years. As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, with its unique proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has been coveted, won and lost by countless civilisations over the centuries. Since the Mycenean Greeks settled here over 3,000 years ago establishing the Greek civilisation on the island, we have seen Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Franks, Venetians and other conquerors who have all left their mark here and helped to shape the island's special character.
Aphrodite, mythological goddess of beauty, was born i n the foam of our warm seas, and spawned a huge cult in pagan times.Yet on those same shores St. Paul himself was to introduce Christianity to Cyprus - by converting the first ever Roman Governor - in 45 AD.
Cyprus is an island of great beauty and endless variety. Golden beaches and rugged coastline are contrasted by the impressive backdrop of unusual mountain ranges. Greek temples, Roman, remains, Byzantine churches and Crusader castles, inspire fascinating excursions.

Tornado
February 14th, 2006, 10:47 AM
Guys .. Could u please show me some pics of your country as well

like the best one that u think its really present the image of your city .. country

Sergei
February 14th, 2006, 08:33 PM
Lonely Planet Press Release

Unique Ukraine

Ukraine is a land of the unconventional and quirky, a unique mix of cosmopolitan and Soviet, and our insightful new guide shows you how to make the most of it all.

The number of tourist heading to the Ukraine has increased year on year since 2000. Since the EU expansion in May 2004 the country is now right on the edge of Europe but it remains an exciting and different destination.

The Ukraine offers beautiful coastline with stunning beaches on the Black Sea and wonderful holiday resorts. Other draws include the beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Kyiv and the Carpathian mountains which are perfect for hiking, climbing, rafting and skiing. Some tourists are also interested in visiting the area affected in the Crimean War for its history.

DID YOU KNOW?

The entire city of Lviv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ukraine means ‘borderlands’.

Q & A with Ukraine author Sarah Johnstone

Why do you love the country you’ve written about?

It’s a kind of love/hate thang. Why do I love it? Because it’s a crazy place. Why do I hate it sometimes? Because it’s a crazy place. Because tourism is still in its infancy here, it puts a lot of the adventurousness back into travel, at the same time it’s perfectly safe. In short, it’s Russia without the risk and with a better climate. Officials can sometimes be a right pain in the arse with their bureaucratically Soviet attitudes, but, on the other hand, people you meet elsewhere are frequently ridiculously helpful and generous.

What was the highlight of your travels when researching this book?

There were a lot really. One was simply meeting a lot more locals than one would normally while backpacking through western European, and the fact that they tended to genuine, complex characters interested in more than celebrity culture and shopping. They even stay in touch, too. V. unusual. Link to the outside world, I guess.

On a more objective level, I think even mainstream tourists will enjoy the capital, Kyiv. Old lefties and those that are slightly more adventurous will love Crimea, as will backpackers. Party animals and, sigh, British stag parties are already heading to Odesa, which is a great place even if you’re not into those things. Lviv… now I know journalists always use this lazy shorthand but Lviv really DID remind me of Prague circa 1990 (ie before it was overrun with tourists). It has the country’s only hostels, too, so will appeal to backpackers, as well as to slightly adventurous tourists. Backpackers will love Kamyanets-Podilsky, which is physically stunning – a tall rock island in the middle of a deep, looping river gorge. In any other country, this would be a tourist honeypot, but transport there is poor and the place has been allowed to become run-down.

Please list your top 5 things to see or do in this country

1 Seeing the churches, statues, river, museums in Kyiv and enjoying its nightlife

2 Promenading around Odesa

3 Visiting the cave cities of Crimea, the national park of Kara Dah there and learning about Tatar culture

4 Spending a few days in Lviv

5 Popping down to the fortresses of Kamyanets-Podilsky and nearby Khotyn

Source: Lonely Planet (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/pressroom/news/press_release.cfm?press_release_id=188)

FREKI
February 14th, 2006, 09:53 PM
Guys .. Could u please show me some pics of your country as well

like the best one that u think its really present the image of your city Hmm it's hard to find just one...

For Copenhagen I guess this gives an idea of the city, but ofcourse not the culture or the people..

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/9027/cph13jr.jpg

Lonely planet:
Copenhagen has been Denmark's capital for 600 years. It's an appealing and largely low-rise city comprised of block after block of period six-storey buildings. Church steeples punctuate the skyline, with only a couple of modern hotels marring the view.

No matter what your interests, Copenhagen has a whole lot of sightseeing and entertainment on offer. Historic or modern, gay or straight, sleek shops or cosy cafes - it's all nestled right in the heart of a compact city and presented with typical Scandinavian assurance and flair.

Copenhagen is a 24-hour party city. For free entertainment simply stroll along Strøget, especially between Nytorv and Höjbro Plads, which in the late afternoon and evening is a bit like an impromptu three-ring circus with musicians, magicians, jugglers and other street performers.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/denmark/copenhagen


For more pics feel free to check out:

Copenhagen: http://community.webshots.com/album/432893661PJdFIy

Danish nature: http://community.webshots.com/album/397630038RtnmSp

Hebrewtext
February 14th, 2006, 09:55 PM
Israel Lonely Planet

Israel & the Palestinian Territories
More than just a powder-keg or a promised land, Israel is unforgettable.

Everyone has their own perception of what Israel and the Palestinian Territories (or just 'Israel' for brevity) are about: it's a travel agency package of beaches and sun; it's the Promised Land of the Jews; it's a ticking time bomb; it's the birthplace of Christ. And while it is all of these things, it's much more besides.


Jerusalem
Born of bibical tales, this modern metropolis draws you in to feast on tales of old.

They don't come any holier than this. Jews, Muslims, Christians: all three hold Jerusalem sacred. Of course, most people come to Jerusalem to immerse themselves in the people and places of its holy history, but try to remember that Jerusalem is also a modern city, full of living, breathing people.



The city is divided into three parts: the walled Old City, where most of the sights are; the predominantly Arab East Jerusalem; and the rapidly expanding new city, known as West Jerusalem. The Old City is also divided, into Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim quarters.

Tel Aviv(world heritage site-the international style)
Less than a century old, Tel Aviv is about finance, business and fun - it's pretty hard to compete with Jerusalem's three millennia of history, so Tel Aviv doesn't even try. Nearly everyone who lives here came from somewhere else, a short walk through the city will uncover this diverse cultural mix.

From the spicy orientalism of the Yemenite Quarter, the seedy vodka cafes of Allenby St and the Miami chic of pastel pink beachfront condos, Tel Aviv isn't big on historical wonders, but if you've been to Jerusalem you've probably had a gutful anyway.


Dead Sea
water





It may be clichéd, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. No trip to Israel is complete without a float in the Dead Sea. The water is packed full of invigorating minerals and there's 10% more oxygen in the air here than at sea level.

The area around the Dead Sea has plenty to keep you entertained once you've floated to your heart's content. Ein Gedi is one of the country's most attractive oases, a lush area of freshwater springs, waterfalls, pools and tropical vegetation and a haven for desert wildlife.

Masada regularly gets the vote for the place to visit in Israel. This fortress atop a sheer-sided plateau was the last stand of the Zealots, Jewish rebels who rose against the Roman Empire in 66 AD. When defeat was inevitable, the 967 men, women and children holed up at Masada took their own lives rather than be captured. It's hard not to get caught up in the spirit of the place, but even if you don't, the views are superb.







Tzippori
archaeological site ; ruin


Tel: 04 656 8262 (info)



The impressive archaeological site Tzippori (or Sepphoris) was first settled by the Hasmoneans in the 2nd century BC, but then served as the Roman capital of Galilee. Today it brims with ruins, including original colonnaded roadways, a Roman villa with lovely mosaic floors, a Crusader citadel and a haunting underground system of cisterns and aqueducts.

jlshyang
February 16th, 2006, 08:16 PM
MALAYSIA

by FROMMER'S

When the urban jungle gets me crazy, I escape to Malaysia. Even Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, seems relaxed in comparison to Singapore. In fact, many Singaporeans look to their northern neighbor for the perfect vacation, taking advantage of its pristine national forests and marine parks, relaxing on picture-perfect beaches in sophisticated resorts, taking in culture in its small towns, shopping for inexpensive handicrafts, or eating some of the richest food in Southeast Asia. Malaysia offers something for everyone -- history, culture, adventure, romance, mystery, nature, and relaxation -- without the glaring buzz of an overdeveloped tourism industry. It almost makes me overjoyed that few tourists venture here.

My favorite part of Malaysia, however, is the warmth of its people. I have yet to travel in this country without collecting remarkable tales of hospitality, openness, and generosity. I've found the Malaysian people to be genuine in their approach to foreign visitors, another fine byproduct of the underdeveloped tourism industry. For those who want to find a nice little corner of paradise, Malaysia could be your answer.

I've crept down alleys, wandered the streets of cities and towns, combed beaches, and trekked jungles to seek out the most exciting things that Singapore and Malaysia have to offer. In this volume I've presented the sights and attractions of these countries with insight into historical, cultural, and modern significance to bring you a complete appreciation of all you are about to experience. I've peeked in every shop door, chatting up the local characters inside. I've eaten local food until I can't move. I've stayed out all night. I've done it all and written about it here. I can only hope you will love Singapore and Malaysia as much as I do.


Lonely Planet

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

Most visitors to Malaysia stick to the insane headlong rush of Kuala Lumpur, the colonially soothing Cameron Highlands Hill Station or the hedonistic torpor of Langkawi. However, East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, offers spectacular wildlife, longhouses and the awe-inspiring Mt Kinabalu.

Black_Sheep_Bah
February 16th, 2006, 08:38 PM
xx