Ten Things You Didn't Know About Singapore

Like Hong Kong, Singapore resembles a giant gleaming bazaar. In particular, that revamped one-way Singapore boulevard Orchard Road draws the hordes because it covers just about every retail angle – every consumerist whim imaginable, parading a succession of megamalls.

Slap in the heart of Orchard Road, the “landmark mall” Centrepoint dominates. Other Orchard Road malls that you can hardly avoid include the 22-storey cobalt-blue Wisma Atria, the plush Paragon and the Palais Renaissance, which is just as swanky as it sounds. This post could list another 20 imposing shopping complexes dotted along the picturesque street, lit spectacularly during the Christmas onslaught.

Instead, let's look at what else there is to Orchard Road and the rest of the culturally diverse Southeast Asian city-state aside from shopping.

10 little-known facts about Singapore

1. Orchard Road got its name from the nutmeg and pepper plantations that lined it during the 19^th century.

2. Singapore's signature Merlion statue depicts an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name combines 'mer' meaning the sea and 'lion'. The fish body relates to Singapore's fishing village roots. The lion head represents Singapore's original name — Singapura — Lion City.

3. Singapore's lion angle stems from legend. Once, a Sumatran prince supposedly spotted some kind of monster that resembled a lion when he first stood on the island in the 14th century. In 1819, British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading station on this island.

4. Singapore is also known as the Intelligent Island because IT colours every part of society, as does money. Singapore's unofficial '5 Cs' motto is: Cash, Car, Credit card, Condominium, and membership(s) of Country club – perks the upwardly-mobile Singaporean supposedly aspires to.

5. Singapore has a couple of unflattering nicknames, namely 'Spore' with its grisly Asian plague overtones and 'the fine country' because you get fined for everything from sticking gum under your chair to feeding monkeys.

6. Aside from Monaco, Singapore is the world's most densely populated country, with 6,430 people per square kilometre.

7. Singapore is one of the world's 20 smallest countries, its area just 683 square kilometres. America is about 15,000 times bigger.

8. Along with the main island that grabs all the glory, Singapore has 63 other islands – uninhabited specks in the ocean.

9. Far more than just a pretty picture, the Singapore flag reads like a book. The colour red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality while white stands for purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young rising nation and the five stars mean the ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

10. The famous Singapore Sling cocktail was first served in 1915 at the Long Bar of the landmark Raffles Hotel. The cocktail consists of gin, Cointreau, cherry brandy, Dom Benedictine, pineapple juice, Grenadine, Angoustura bitters and limes.

Travel tip: If you visit Singapore, be good. Even the possession of handcuffs – even pink fuzzy ones – is banned.

Getting there

Singapore is one of Southeast Asia's busiest flight hubs. Besides flag-carrier Singapore Airlines and its regional subsidiary SilkAir, Singapore hosts low-cost carriers Tiger Airways and Jetstar Asia. You can also fly in via pan-Asian discount carrier AirAsia and Malaysian regional operator Firefly. There are also direct services from Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, North America, even South Africa. And you can get driven in via two peninsular Malaysia land links: the Causeway and Second Link.

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Hudson New York are Small, Stylish, and Simple

Very nice hotel, when we arrive we were delighted with the look, it appeared very nice and clean. Check in though was extremely slow even though it wasn't busy! There were 4 staff standing behind the counter joking and having fun even with us standing there waiting which was extremely annoying.

We were with another couple and requested to be put close to each other. They did so and put us 3 rooms apart on the same floor. They got a tiny room like everybody else has mentioned here but we got a corner room, no 2004 and it was brilliant! It was very big and had alot more space than the other one! We were delighted, room was spotless clean so all was good with that!

The glass window from the shower to the bedroom is quite strange, and a little bit uneasing if your not overly comfortable with the person you're staying with. For couples though, I don't see it as a problem! There is a curtain in front of it anyway.

There was one thing that really annoyed me though, the rooftop bar/sky terrace. This was a big selling point of the hotel for me and the reason we chose it over one other hotel. Looking forward to the views and enjoying a drink in the evenings looking over the city. Yet when we got there it was closed and never open? We felt like we were lied to and tricked into booking the hotel under false pretenses which is extremely annoying.

Apart from this the hotel was great, good location, nice friendly staff, helpfull when we needed advice on anything.

There's a nice late night place practically next door that does pizza's and other food and a supermarket across the road for any bits you might like to have in the hotel.

Another big bonus about the room was the quite big fridge you get. This was extremely handy!

Room Tip: The room we had was 2004 on the 20th floor, great views and a much bigger room than the standard one.

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Hiroshima - The City of Water

Hiroshima will always be synonymous with a single split second: the lethal one which occurred at 8.15 in the morning on August 6, 1945. That was the moment when America dropped the bomb on the Japanese industrial city on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, unleashing devastation.

Echoes of that moment, which wrecked much of Hiroshima's heritage, abound. But with its handsome boulevards and abundant rivers that give it the nickname City of Water, Hiroshima retains an air of elegance. Plus, Hiroshima is reasonably easy to get to, fielding flights from Shanghai, Seoul, Dalian, Guam, and Taipei.

Discover what there is to see in Hiroshima, aside from the Mazda factory. If you feel inspired to visit, think twice before going in July or August when driving rain gives way to blazing heat.

1. A-Bomb Dome

Even before the dreadful moment, this domed art-nouveau oddity with an extraordinary story was a wow with tourists. When the Americans dropped the bomb, they failed to hit the original target, the T-shaped Aioi Bridge, directly. Instead, the bomb burst over the Dome designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel.

At first, locals wanted the resulting ruin knocked down. But as Hiroshima regenerated around the building, the belief arose that the ruin should be preserved because it would make a powerful memorial. It does. The Dome is now a key part of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

2. Peace bell

Also part of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this 1,200-kg peace bell stands near the children’s monument. You can hit it with the hefty wooden hammer hung beside it, to strike a blow for world peace, which may sound trite. But the bell has a nifty design that depicts a free and friendly borderless world.

3. Hiroshima Castle

Before Hiroshima materialised, in the 1590s a local warlord built the original castle sometimes called Carp Castle in a nod to the fish in its moat. The atomic bomb wiped out Hiroshima Castle. Rebuilt in 1958, the castle that stands on the north eastern side of the Peace Memorial Park retains some original concrete foundations and serves as a museum. On display you will discover swords, armour and ancient clothes from various eras that you can try on and be photographed in. Climb to the castle's top floor and, on a clear day from the observation deck, you can see beyond the cherry tree-dotted grounds all the way to a scenic icon: the shrine island of Miyajima.

¥360 adults, ¥180 kids. Hiroshima-jō, 21-1 Moto-machi, Naka-ku (Genbaku dome-mae tram stop), +81 082-221-7512. 9am-6pm daily, to 5pm Dec-Feb.

4. Manga Library

Like cherry blossom, manga is quintessentially Japanese: an obsession of the island nation. Hiroshima's manga library is said to be the only public one in the country that specialises in the comics characterised by linear storylines that ramble on for several volumes. The collection also includes a smattering of Western superhero comics. The manga library lies just round the corner from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Hijiyama Park, Minami-ku. Admission is free. +81 082-261-0330. Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm.

5. Seto Inland Sea

The idea of an inland sea is inherently strange and magical. Seto Inland Sea, which snakes through Hiroshima, is a great place to get away from Hiroshima's Ferro Concrete and neon into the soul of Japan. The Sea hosts several islands including Shodoshima, the island of olives. Known for its languid waters and balmy weather, the Sea is a popular sightseeing spot rich in history and beauty.

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Ink48 - A Kimpton Hotel are Spacious, Clean Room and Wonderful Staff

We are TOTALLY Kimpton fans!!! What a fantastic hotel!!! We were here during Hurricane Sandy and did not get much of a chance to see the sites of NYC, so had to return - and so glad we chose to return to Ink48! Gorgeous hotel, AWESOME staff (yes... Jose, I'm talking to you! And America... and Maiya....and everyone, really!) All so friendly, helpful and courteous. You feel like you are their most important VIP guest that has ever graced the threshold - very welcoming! We stayed 4 nights in 1203 and loved the view, the tub, the separate toilet and shower (LOVE the rain showerhead!) and the bed---- oh my! one of the most comfortable beds we've slept in!

Best part is always the wine hour - meeting and mingling with other guests, or sitting quietly and watching the world go by.

It is about a 10-15 min walk away from Times Square thru a completely safe neighbourhood and surrounded by a wide variety of restaurant options on 9th and 10th Ave's.

About a 15 min walk up to Columbus Circle and Central Park -- and after all that great eating, doing some walking is a good idea!

Highly recommend Ink48 --- and if you go, say hi to Jose from the crazy lady who just ADORES his cologne!! :-D

Room Tip: We've stayed facing the city both times - 1504 and 1203 - great views of the city!

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A Beautiful Thailand Islands

Thailand's islands are world renowned for their beauty, their affordability and the friendliness of the people who call them home. It's hard to play favorites when there are so many to choose from, but for travelers who have no idea at all about where to go or what to expect, here's a guide to Agoda's Top Thai Island destinations.

Similan Islands

In the Andaman Sea northeast of Phuket, this archipelago of nine protected islands is renowned for its world-class diving. These little islands are uninhabited and undeveloped, three are even closed to the public (including one owned by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn) and they're closed from mid-May to November 1 every year because of monsoon. As inaccessible as seem compared to the rest of the Thai islands here, it's this inaccessibility that has preserved their authenticity as 'undiscovered' and untouched. Live aboard boats are a popular form of accommodation near the Similan Islands, and depart from Khao Lak and Phuket. Islands 4 and 8 have basic accommodation and camping facilities – from Taplamu Pier it's a 60-90min speedboat ride.

Koh Chang

Chang (Thai for 'elephant') is in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Trat province and is developed enough to have both luxury resorts and half-star beach bungalows. The roads can be winding and treacherous, but the beaches towards the bottom tip of the island, such as Lonely Beach, deliver seclusion and heart-stopping sunsets, making the nail-biting 30-minute songtaew ride there more than worth it. Chang can get very wet from April to November, with mud slides and loss of electricity known to occur, though even in the wet season there are idyllic sunny days. Chang's main pier is a 4.5-hour drive from Bangkok and minivans depart from National Stadium. The ferry from Laem Ngop pier takes 30 minutes and can transport cars, the last one departing at around 6pm. From Laem Ngop you can also take ferries and speedboats to the lesser-known Koh Mak and Koh Kood, which offer even more seclusion and quality snorkeling.

Koh Lanta

Part of the postcard-perfect Phang Nga Bay, Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi are quiet islands with wide white beaches, mangroves and lush forest. These islands are a bounty for divers, and even though they offer well developed beaches with resorts and plenty of tourist infrastructure, the atmosphere is geared towards relaxation rather than rowdiness. The Lanta islands have a mixed population of Muslims Thai-Chinese and 'sea gypsies', and its architecture and food reflect this melting point of cultures. You can get to Lanta Yai from Bangkok by air (1 hour) or taking a bus (12 hours) to Krabi, then transferring via ferry, or you can fly internationally to Phuket and take a ferry from there.

Koh Samet

Koh Samet is relatively unknown to international travelers, yet immensely popular as a weekend getaway destination for young Thai residents and expats. Samed offers both the serenity of National Parkland and the revelry of a party island, depending on which beach you choose, and as with most islands, the further away from the pier you travel, the more deserted and quiet the beaches become. The most populated part of the island by far is Sai Kaew beach, where restaurants, bars and hotels fill up even in the off-season and fire twirlers and dance parties light up the evenings. Koh Samed is 2.5 hours' drive from Bangkok – minivans make the journey from Victory Monument to Ban Phe pier for around 200-300 baht or you can hail a cab for around 2000baht. The ferry from the pier costs 50baht and takes an hour (these stop around 5-6pm) or you can take a speedboat for a few hundred baht per person, depending on the size of your group.

Koh Phi Phi Don

As the setting for The Beach, it would be an oversight not to mention the Kohs Phi Phi as an all-time top Thai Island destination. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh – the smaller, uninhabited island – is the actual location from the film and is as stunning in real life as it is in pictures, though getting to see it free of speedboats and travelers might be a challenge.  The larger island – Phi Phi Don – hosts a variety of different resorts, bungalows, restaurants and bars and though far more relaxed than Phuket's Patong beach, is still one of Thailand's most visited islands and finding a deserted area takes some effort. The Phi Phi Islands are accessible via ferry and speedboat from Krabi Town and Phuket – a ferry takes around 90 minutes.   

Koh Phangan

True, Phangan is where the full moon parties take place, hence attracting a large contingent of backpackers and rowdy revelers but this is no reason to dismiss it as in any way sullied. Far less posh than its neighbor Samui (where the Beckhams now have a summer residence) and more developed than other neighbor Koh Tao (which is primarily a diver's destination) – Phangan offers much more than just bucket stalls and beach parties. Haad Salad, for instance, is a quiet bay lined with inexpensive bungalows and relaxed beach restaurants, the tiny Leela Beach near Haad Rin offers serene sunset views and solitude even though it's only a ten-minute walk from the main drag and from Haad Rin itself it's only a 10-15 minute long-tail boat ride to any number of remote beaches that are literally cut off from civilization by steep rocky slopes and thick vegetation. Phangan is accessible in a number of ways – via air from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samui then ferry (the ferry takes 60mins) or speedboat (30mins). Private overnight buses also make the trip from Khao San Road (Lomphraya and Seatran are the most reputable) as do government buses from Sai Tai Mai eastern bus terminal in Bangkok (the VIP bus is the 'safest' and most comfortable).  They take 12 hours and include a ferry ride of 90-180 minutes from Chumporn or Don Sak (Surat Thani) piers.

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The Plaza Hotel is A Truly Flawless Stay!

My wife and I stayed at the Plaza this past weekend, for the first time in over 10 years. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I think even my highest expectations would have been exceeded or met on this stay. I cannot think of a single thing that merits even the slightest complaint over our three-day stay. From the minute we were escorted inside to check in by a very polite doorman, our experience was stellar. Rather than describing the entirety of our visit, I would like to highlight some of the really terrific aspects of the hotel:

1) The staff was extraordinarily courteous - the front desk staff, the concierge, the room staff and even the personnel in the gym. We were always greeted with a smile in-person, and unfailing politeness on the phone. Moreover, when we called down to ask for something (turndown service, extra soap, etc), it was addressed in a flash. While some travelers might suggest this is a small thing, I will say that it had a significant impact on how we much we enjoyed being in the hotel

2) Our room was extremely comfortable, spacious and wonderfully appointed. The bed was super comfortable, the shower was fantastic and there was an iPad-controlled lighting & heating system that was excellent/very easy to use

3) The restaurants & bars were top-notch - we had breakfast in the Palm Court, which was superb (though admittedly expensive). We also spent a couple of wonderful hours on Friday evening in the lobby Champagne bar, enjoying terrific cocktails and snacks - as with (1) above, we enjoyed attentive service, and a comfortable, inviting ambience. Highly recommended

I would really like to thank the entire hotel staff, who did so much to make our stay so incredible. I unhesitatingly recommend the Plaza to anyone visiting New York, looking for a high-end, high-quality experience. This hotel remains a stand-out & we will definitely be returning in the very near future!

Room Tip: ask for one of the rooms with small, private terraces!

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Awesome Krabi's Tiger Cave Temple in Thailand

One of the most inspiring landmarks in Thailand, Tiger Cave Temple remains largely unknown to far-east 'banana pancake trail' tourists. The reason the temple gets overlooked must be its remoteness. Five kilometers outside of Krabi Town, deep in the province's jungle, the Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Seua, feels a million miles from anywhere.

Tiger Cave Temple apparently takes its name from a local rock formation shaped like a tiger's claw. Or it could be that tigers once lived in the area.

Grisly interior

When you visit the temple, the first thing you see is an Aladdin's-den cave complex containing close-up photographs of human entrails and internal organs – a reminder of the body's impermanence (just like your holiday, your life will run out). The monks here practice vipassana meditation and the skulls and skeletons that litter the labyrinth help them focus on spirituality versus corporeality.

Platform in the clouds

If you feel lively, in the cool of morning or evening, you might want to hike to Tiger Cave Temple's main attraction: a dazzling shrine set atop a towering staircase. If you do, take it slowly. Because the steps are steep, they feel more like 10,000 than the actual figure – around 1,200.

En route, you will need to weave past a straggle of scrawny gibbons that look like they would happily swipe your camera. But the hassle is worth negotiating because of the Land of Oz wonder waiting at the top.

Panorama

There a host of giant shining spiritual statues and a gilded stupa stand silhouetted against the sky – sensational. Plus, you get a 360-degree view of Krabi Province, which is best seen at dusk. At that atmospheric hour, while the sun sinks under the Andaman Sea in the west, the moon rises eerily over the eastern lowlands.

Travel tip: Don't forget that you are in the grounds of a temple. Dress modestly. Bring tons of water – at least a litre per person – for the climb if you feel fit enough to reach the summit. Completing the uphill journey takes drive and time – about an hour.

Getting there

You can reach Krabi by land air. Krabi's Airport fields direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Travelling overland, you can arrive by road from Bangkok, Malaysia, or Singapore by bus or hired car. VIP buses from Bangkok leave from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), 15km outside the city center. You can even reach Krabi by overnight train from each of the three mentioned places, getting off at Suratthani and driving or catching a minivan or bus the last leg (takes three hours).

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Hyatt Regency Vancouver

I spent 5 nights at the hotel while attending a conference of over 600 people that was held at the Bayshore hotel (about a 10 minute drive from the Hyatt) but I have to say, I am thankful that we booked our rooms late since the Bayshore was sold out and the overflow people were directed to the Hyatt Regency.

I preferred this hotel location to the Bayshore because this hotel was in closer proximity to more restaurants, shopping locations (some very high end such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Tiffany & Co., Coach etc) as well as a Tim Hortons and McDonalds right across from the entrance of the hotel, not that the coffee wasn't good in the room (in fact it was very good) but it's nice to have a Tim's so close and there was also a Starbucks right in the lobby! I upgraded my room for the $25 per night so that I had a mountain view and am glad I did since I loved waking up to the mountains every morning and with the upgrade I received free WiFi.

The room was very spacious and so clean, the bed and pillows were soft & comfy and there was a separate desk area for working with a large closet and larger bathroom, I loved the circle in the mirror since it lite up at night and was perfect for a little light so you can still see where you are walking at night. There was a fridge in the room and all the staff was very friendly and went out of their way to be so helpful, I did visit the spa and found it very relaxing with great prices, some hotel spas are so overpriced!

There is also a mini mall attached right to the hotel with a Staples and other little shops to help all your business needs. The only minor complaint I had was that the shower has no shower head, but rather the faucet is in the ceiling so its almost like being rained on but the pressure was good (like a heavy rain so that was a good thing) but it was a little awkward. My only other complaint was the prices at the hotel restaurant, it was a little pricey at the cost of about $15 for a 3 egg omelet breakfast so I was thankful there was a McDonald's next door. I had no issues or complaints with the elevators in fact they were very quick and efficient and I never heard my neighbour's at all; I was on the 27th floor, and if I ever have a chance to go back I will definitely be staying here again!

Room Tip: pay the $25 for the upgrade and ask for a mountain view

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The Best Top Tokyo Tips

Tokyo is a highly-populated, fast-paced, expensive mega-city from the future, which can make it quite a daunting place to visit. Not many Japanese people speak English (and if they do, are often too shy to say much), so the first tip is: on the flight over, memorize some basic Japanese phrases. You probably know 'konnichiwa' (hello!) and 'thank you' ('arigato') already, but if you're feeling really clever, add 'Where is the train station/toilet/hotel' ('eki/oh-te-rai/hoteru wa doko deska?') to your Japanese skills. 

More tips for first-timers
- To save money on accommodation, stay out of the city center. Hotels in Asakusa, for instance, are much cheaper than those in Shibuya or Shinjuku. As a bonus, Asakusa has a traditional township feel to it, especially near the temple, plus you have a view of the iconic Asahi Office Tower, affectionately known as the Golden Poo. Caveat: many restaurants here sell whale sashimi.

- If you want to visit Tsukiji fish markets, get up early (it's open to spectators from 5am – 6.15am). Be prepared to see fishmongers dwarfed by massive tuna fish and try to stay out of the way of speeding vehicles. 

- Go to Harajuku on a Sunday, when all the cosplay kids, Lolitas and fashionistas gather in their finery. Most are happy to have their photo taken, so you can document whatever the latest trend is, then go shopping down Harajuku's packed streets. To rake your mental Zen garden after all the crowds and chaos, visit the Meiji Jingo shrine on the opposite side of the station and leave a wish under the wish tree.

-June, July and August can get humid and stifling on Tokyo's streets, so if you don't like the heat, visit outside of these months. Also, check the cherry blossom times – from late March to early April in Tokyo – as sakura-viewing is quite a magical experience.

- Karaoke in Shinjuku is a must. Don't be shy – it's a national pastime.

- Sneaker fetishists should visit the futuristic A Bathing Ape store in Shibuya, which resembles a minimalist anime disco. The Nike flagship store in Harajuku is also completely over the top, adorned with shoe-art, a shoe-chandelier, a football-only zone and a NikeiD center where you can customize your treads.

- Seek food in small places with minimal signage and a lack of plastic food models at the front. The best food is usually off the tourist trail. Don't be scared to enter these little shops – just point at something on the picture menu or ask for 'ramen' (noodle soup) if you start panicking.  Izakaya are traditional eating and drinking establishments with picture menus and are very authentic Japanese in feel. Here's one example:http://bento.com/rev/2133.html

--Ramen, you must eat it. Here's some insight into the religion of ramen:www.tokyoessentials.com/ichiran-ramen.html. When eating your ramen it is customary to make slurping sounds – it enhances the flavor and cools down the noodles.

-Your mobile phone probably won't work in Japan because it's not compatible with their technology. Also, Japanese phones are locked and not usable in your home country.

-To minimize time spent wandering the streets lost, hire an iPhone and use Google maps. They cost 8000JPY per week (USD 95) and you get free net and 1000JPY of phone calls – deliverable to the airport or to your hotel. Your cell phone won't work in Japan

-Always carry change for train tickets and vending machines, which sell just about anything (drinks, eggs, beer, hot ramen, business cards, popcorn etc).

-Don't bring an umbrella: as soon as it rains someone will appear selling plastic ones for 100Y.

-Take the free tissues you get offered outside railway stations – you may need them at the next toilet.

-Akihabara 'electric city' is indeed a paradise for electronics geeks – go on the weekends and enjoy pedestrian-only access.

-Cat with your cappuccino? Tokyo has cat cafés. These cats can be aloof, however, as cats who experience too much attention usually are.www.bento.com/rev/catcafe.html

-The easiest way to master train travel in Tokyo is to station yourself near to JR Yamanote line – the light green line – which circles the city through Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara. Shinagawa station is also on this line, connecting to the Narita Express from the airport.

-Fans of Ghibli studios can visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, about 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku using the Chuo line.  Difficulty factor: you need to book tickets before your trip, from an agent in your country, stating the exact date of your intended visit. The process is legit, however, and the trip is worth it, if only to meet Totoro, Catbus, the dust bunnies or buy an original animation cell.

-Taxis are expensive and there is a night surcharge from 10pm-5am, but in case you need one, know the following: doors open automatically, don't try to open the door yourself. Most drivers have GPS. Tipping is not customary. Yellow light means occupied, red light means vacant, green means the surcharge is in effect.  

- A nice day or weekend escape from Tokyo is Hida-Takayama, a mountain village which offers a quaint glimpse of Japanese history. The mountainous terrain and cute preserved houses and shops are highly picturesque and guests can visit the Hida Folk Village to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. It's a 4.5-hour trip from Tokyo station.

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The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is Almost Perfect

My husband and I stayed here one night over Easter weekend to celebrate our anniversary.

We were in a harbour view room on the fifth floor. The view was gorgous and the big floor to ceiling windows that opened up were a great plus. It basically gives the impression that the whole room is a cozy balcony. We turned the chairs in the room to face outside and just sat and watched the world go by for a few hours. It was beautiful.

The lady at the front desk was amazingly friendly and very efficient so check in was super quick.

My only suggestion to improve the experience would be to replace the mattress and pillows. Ours sagged quite a bit and the pillows were quite flat. The linins were very nice and so was the bed spread, all perfectly clean and wonderful.

The rain shower in the bathroom was a real plus too. :)

The location is awesome. You're basically right on the Seawall where there are plenty of great restaurants and pubs for good food and drink.

Room Tip: The Harbour View room was beautiful!

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Maldives: Three Maldives Wreck Dive Sites

Snorkeling – just skimming the sea's surface – is a buzz. But if you want to see more, explore, dig deep, diving is just the ticket, especially wreck diving.

What better place to experience the spooky thrill of a sunken ship than the Maldives? The waters off the Indian archipelago serve as the grave and stage for some bewitching wrecks. Despite downed ships' crusty image, most Maldives wrecks with a reputation only vanished in the late 20th century. These wrecks are more retro than historic.

Still, explore them with care. You never know quite what obstacles a ship that went the way of the Titanic may present to your rubber-clad body.

The Halaveli

When you think of wrecks, you may picture sunken Spanish galleons dating back to the likes of Long John Silver. Equipped with immeasurable character, the old relics are hard to beat. But spare a glance for the Halaveli: a humble inter-island freighter languishing in 25 meters of water near Halaveli Resort Island. The Halaveli sank in 1990. Plastered in colorful coral, it attracts a procession of boats freighted with divers. One reason is its enclave of marble stingrays that waft around the wreck. To boost the entertainment that the Neoprened watchers get, divemasters feed and handle the rays that are so much part of the picture that people call the wreck site Stingray City. Daring divers visit the city at night. Imagine how it feels to see a giant ray caught in your torch beam.

The Victory

Freighted with beer bottles, the cargo ship the Victory ran aground on Friday February 13, 1981 and sank the next day. The Victory was lost thanks to the inattention of its captain, who may have been sampling the merchandise. Either way, the wreck remains imposing. Resting at a depth of 35 meters, like an aircraft carrier, the Victory stretches 110 meters and it is still armed to the teeth. Beware jagged seashells and "hydroids" – plant-like jellyfish relatives equipped with stinging cells. Watch out too for sharp metal fragments sprouting from the wreck. On the natural side, the payoff includes neon nudibranch on the deck and scorpionfish and honeycomb whirling around it. You may also find cargo: sacks of cement, bottles and more. Also beware treacherous currents.

The Shipyard

Because of all the gear and travel involved, diving can be logistically tricky. All the more reason to visit a dive site that features two wrecks: in this case the baldly named Skipjack 1 and Skipjack 2. Since the early 1980s, the twin fish factory freighters collectively known as the Shipyard have stood at the bottom of the channel, perpendicular to each other. Because Skipjack 2 went under vertically, its bow sprouts from the water. Both ships are encrusted with coral. In the ends of broken pipes nest big-eyed blennies, outshone by regal rivals – emperor angelfish, damsels, butterfly fish, glassfish and scorpion fish. You may also see dozing stingrays that treat the undersea yard with the peculiar geometry as a refuge. Turtles may materialize too, nestling on ledges. Good value.

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Rosewood Hotel Georgia is Fantastic Property with Excellent Service

Overall:
One of the best hotels we have stayed at hands down. All details were thought through down to the bar, cafe, and restaurant. The collection of artwork on site is terrific. Great job to the interior designers Munge-Leung. Great representation for Canadian design talent in a Canadian Hotel. Way to raise the bar!

Service:
Concierge was extremely helpful and polite. Gave us plenty of recommendations around the area. Jim the driver made our stay amazing so make sure you make use of the limo service.

Value:
We got buy 2 nights and get the 3rd free so that was a great deal directly via the hotel website. At $300 a night, this made the stay work out to $200 a night. Great value!

Sleep Quality:
The beds were very comfortable and the rooms were quiet.

Cleanliness:
Given it is newly renovated, the rooms, main areas and hallways were impecable.

Location:
Stone throw away from shops, metro, and Gastown. Sky Train drops you off kiddie corner from hotel so made it really easy to get to from airport. The hotel also has one of the best restaurants in the city - Hawksworth.

Rooms:
The size was amazing and the bathroom was top notch. One of the biggest bathrooms. Super luxurious and spacious. The layout was well thought out.

Spa:
We rarely use the spa but given it was a romantic weekend getaway, we did. The waiting room and the actual massage was fantastic. Very professional and great service. The only downside is that they were not RMT so we could not claim the service back to our benefits via work.

Breakfast:
Hawksworth breakfast was great. That restaurant is to die for.

Other:
Gym facilities were excellent. Not a typical hotel gym with many assortment of equipment. The pool was a nice touch and extremely well designed.

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The Thai Seaside Resort of Pattaya

The Thai seaside resort of Pattaya is perhaps best-known for its nightlife. Since the days that Vietnam War GIs came to play, Pattaya has been known as a raucous 'good-times' resort.

The downtown action hogs the limelight at the expense of several engaging and family-friendly attractions.  Find out what there is to see beyond the gazillion girlie bars...

Koh Laan 

Pattaya's downtown beaches get crowded like the clubs. To enjoy some serenity, you might want to head to Koh Laan instead. Forty minutes away on a ferry, the island offers the usual knockabout sports – banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing. But Koh Laan's greatest strength is its pristine beaches and crystal-clear water, rich with coral. Through your mask, with a little luck you can see everything from turtles to clown fish and sea horses. Just watch out for sea urchins – and slap on the sunscreen because the glare bouncing off that pure white beach is fierce.

Nong Nooch tropical garden

In 1954, entrepreneurs Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha bought a 600-acre plot of land, planning to build a fruit plantation, but changed their mind and decided to take a creative tack. Just as well. The names of Nong Nooch tropical garden’s features evoke how picturesque it is. The roll call includes Stonehenge Garden, Ant Tower, Butterfly Hill and Flower Valley.

Buddha Hill

One of the highest points in Pattaya, Buddha Hill hosts a hand-built gold-painted giant Buddha with a blissful smile on his face. Radiating out from him, there is a picturesque Chinese-style sacred area devoted to two famous Chinese sages, Confucius and Lao-Tzu. The hill is a good place to go when you need some elevation. The hill is set between Thappraya Road and Phratamnak Road – a 10-minute songthaew bus away from the town centre.

Admirals

As applies to much of Thailand, the cheap spicy food served at the bucket seat restaurants dotted around town is fine. For upmarket variation, try Admirals: a 15-minute songthaew bus ride up the road in neighboring Jomtien. Admirals sells Scandinavian specialties dished up with finesse. The signature dish is Danish open-faced sandwiches (Smörrebröd), which taste great and cost between about 100 and 200 Baht a pop.

Admirals, Jomtien Soi 8, 380/2 Moo 12 Jomtien Beach Road. Tel: +66 38 231 996.

Jomtien beach

While you are near Admirals, take a stroll along Jomtien beach past the police box. The farther you walk that way, the more eerily beautiful the seascape becomes. Toward the end of the promenade you enter the sphere of the sea gypsies with their colorfully tasseled long-tailed boats. Just a little further is Sunset Beach, home to a few very quiet bungalow-style resorts that vary in star-rating but, true to the name – have front row seats to breathtaking sunsets.

Getting there: the easiest way to get to Pattaya is by coach from Bangkok. The journey takes between two and three hours, depending on traffic. A bus from Ekkamai Bus terminal costs around 150 THB.

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Econo Lodge on the Ocean is Awesome Value and Room

My wife and I stayed at this hotel over the long weekend (Columbus Day) for only 1 night. I booked this based on the rating level of this hotel in Tripadvisor. It was actually rated as the 3rd best hotel on the ocean in some sites. So my review will take into consideration what this place is. It is a budget hotel. Do not book here thinking that you are going to be getting something equivalent to a Holiday Inn Express or a Hampton Suites. You basically get what you pay for. In this case, the staff are friendly and helpful, the cost was low ($90 with taxes in) and the rooms are clean. But it is very no frills. On the night that we stayed, there was a stiff wind blowing in from the ocean which was more than the door seals could handle. The heater seemed to push out cold air no matter what setting we selected so we basically turned it off, wore sweaters under the covers. There were no cups visible in the bathroom - we did notice some plastic cups by the fridge/microwave stand which is beside the coat/closet. But this was as we were checking out.

I under stand that this is a family run business trying to compete with the big corporations and is a bit of a throw-back to a simpler time for hoteliers. This would be great for a small family here for a beach weekend - spending little time in the room.

Free wireless internet is a basic - some of the larger chains like the 4 Seasons can learn from the Econo Lodge. But a return visit is not in my future for this hotel. I'm not particularly picky and the the price was right, but when you are on a romantic getaway the last thing you want to worry about is the smell of disinfectant, tired paint covering water damage and dealing with temperature fluctuations. Like I said, it is what it is.

Room Tip: Not sure - I had a 3rd floor room. Good view of the beach, but too windy/rainy to enjoy.

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Top Five in Jakarta, Indonesia

When you first set foot in Jakarta, you may experience a wave of anxiety. The reason: if a prize existed for the world’s most aggressively sprawling city, the Indonesian capital might win it.

Nicknamed the Big Durian after the reeking fruit, Jakarta is the shock-to-the-senses reverse of balmy Bali: a sweltering monster metropolis that hosts 10 million people – even more than the Big Smoke, London. One source effectively summed Jakarta up as traffic, filth and mayhem.

But, amid the hurly burly, Jakarta has its share of hotspots and havens worth exploring. Most visitors take taxis, which are cheap and capable of gaining some momentum. Just remember to establish that you driver knows where he is going before you jump in.

Ancol Dream Park (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)

Monstrous like the city itself, Jakarta’s Dream Park contains a fantasy world and the largest aquarium in South East Asia, among other lures that make Ancol one of Asia’s biggest tourist magnets. Ancol is “full-on”, as the British say, but if you visit Jakarta, you have to see it, precisely because it is so over-the-top.

Entry: weekdays: Rp. 133; weekends: Rp. 163.000.

Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)

This bewitching attraction set in an old Dutch church revolves around one of Indonesia's leading traditional art forms: puppetry ('wayang' means 'puppet show'). The museum contains wafer-thin shadow puppets, three-dimensional wooden puppets and dance masks along with gamelan bells that make Indonesia’s signature spooky music. Jalan Pintu Besar Utara 27, Old Batavia, Jakarta. Tel: 62 21 692 9560; www.museumwayang.com.

Ragunan Zoo

 Set 16 kilometers south of the city centre, Ragunan Zoo occupies a lush tropical setting and hosts several thousand animals, including classic Indonesian critters such as Komodo dragons. Although some enclosures are cramped, Ragunan is still easily Indonesia’s most intriguing zoo diligently developed over time. Ragunan dates back to 1864. Endangered species bred there include the Sumatran tiger and bird-of-paradise.

Jalan Surabaya (antique shopping)

This open-air antique market stands on the fringes of Menteng District where US President Obama lived for a bit. Jalan Surabaya’s centrality makes it a cinch to reach by taxi or 'bajaj': Indonesia’s mutant answer to the tuk-tuk taxi. Jalan Surabaya serves as the stage for a swathe of stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs – some Balinese, some Javanese, some Dutch-colonial, others beyond classification.

Kemang

Set in the south of town, Kemang is awash with restaurants that span the global spectrum. Think Mexican, Italian, French, Lebanese, even Brazilian, along with 'ethnic' local fare. Eclectic. Plus, Kemang scores points on the night life clubbing side. Despite the bustle, with its art galleries and houses designed in traditional style, Kemang manages to look attractive, inviting comparisons with Bali’s Kuta.

Getting there: International and domestic flights run from snazzy and efficient Soekarno-Hatta international airport: the obvious entry point. Alternatively, if you want to be green and save cash, you can get to Jakarta by train. The city has four stations. If you approach by bus, expect slow progress and delays.

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Ocean Key Resort is Great For Families/Groups/or Couples

We just recently returned from our 6th stay at Ocean Key. We love the customer service here- everyone one who works here is so friendly! We also like having more room than a regular hotel room. The kitchen is handy for breakfasts in the room and also for evening snacks. The beds and linens are very comfortable and my kids liked having a separate living space/ tv of their own. 

The parking area always had plenty of open spaces and we really liked that the entrance/exit was on the side steeet which made it easier to get in or out of the lot. 

We also really like this southern location on Atlantic Ave because we find that it's quieter for families and it has everything that we need ( great shops and restaurants). 

The indoor pool was also often enjoyed by our family and although others here have not liked the fact that the pool is in the lobby, we didn't mind and didn't find it odd at all and there is a glass wall separating the pool from the lobby.

Another great stay! Thanks to Bill and Maura and the rest of the team at Ocean Key!

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Hue, Old Imperial Capital of Vietnam

For a tiny town, Hue has tons of atmosphere. The old imperial capital, slap in the middle of Vietnam first served as the base for the empire building Nguyễn Dynasty, which preceded the modern republic.

During the Vietnam War, to say the people of Hue suffered is an understatement. First, the town was captured by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During that reign of terror, the VC killed around 1,000 people suspected of sympathising with the South. Then, in a successful but damaging stab at retaking the city, US allies tried to bomb it into the Stone Age.

Like much of Vietnam, Hue retains a jagged edge. But Hue has some surprisingly attractive and intriguing sights that belie its sad past. Prettily decorative and distinctive, the local food is seen as some of Vietnam's best.

Hue top five attractions

Imperial City

Geomancers decided the location of the east-facing imperial city, which once served as the des-res of the emperor and his concubines. The imperial retinue shared the inner 'purple' enclosure. Despite the geomancers' input, the whole city took a hammering in the 1968 American blitz that embodied the Vietnam War's ferocity. Riddled with bullet holes, the lotus pond-peppered complex has been partially restored. If you go, it helps to have a guide to supply the gaps in the puzzle – local travel agent Huong Giang offers informative tours.

Khai Dinh's Tomb

Finished in 1931, Khai Dinh's tomb radiates the outrageous excess which reflects the emperor's flamboyant character. Khai Dinh (1885-1925) supposedly sported a belt studded with bulbs that he switched on when he felt the urge to impress. Move over, Elvis. Khai Dinh's tiered tomb is an eye-popping mixture of styles – Gothic, baroque, Hindu – you name it. Bizarre.

Bao Quoc Pagoda

Last renovated in 1957, Bao Quoc Pagoda was founded in 1670 by a Chinese Zen master. Bao Quoc was given its current name in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang, who had his 40th birthday bash there in 1830. Now Bao Quoc serves as a meditation centre and school for learning Buddhism. Perched on a hillock, it is fetchingly landscaped. Orchids and frangipani scent the air.

Perfume River (Hương Giang)

In autumn, flowers from upriver orchards flutter onto the surface of the Perfume River, producing the aroma that explains the name. Perfume River makes an elegant place to eat at the restaurants that line it. If you want to explore Hue's surroundings in style, you can do various scenic cruises among the houseboats, dragon boats, and long-tail dredgers.

Ho Quyen, Tiger Fighting Arena

Easily overlooked, Ho Quyen is an arena where tigers and elephants battled to death, gladiator-style, before a captive audience of royals and aristocrats. Ho Quyen was built more recently than you might think – in 1830 along the Perfume River's south bank, near Long Chau temple where royal war elephants were worshipped and buried. You can still see claw marks in Ho Quyen's plaster walls.

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