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June 26, 2017

Visit These Water and Amusement Parks in the OC

Couple at theme park

California is home to some of the most famous water and amusement parks in the world, and a number of these can be found in the OC. From Knott’s Berry Farm to Disneyland, here are some of the must-visit water and amusement parks in Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm
The very first amusement park in the OC, Knott’s Berry Farm can be found in Buena Park, and was once a farm that belonged to the Knott family, who invented the boysenberry there. Today, this theme park features a wide range of attractions, with the Old West attractions, from the Bigfoot Rapids to the Xcelerator, being amongst some of the highlights. When it comes time for a bite to eat, be sure to head to the restaurant at the front of the park, as here they serve up Mrs. Knott’s original fried chicken recipe, as well as fresh boysenberry pies as an homage to the farm that once lay here.

Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Located just across the road from Knott’s Berry Farm is the Knott’s Soak City Water Park, so it would make sense to combine a visit to both. This 13-acre water park provides the perfect way to cool off from the OC’s summer heat, with everything from 17 tube slides to a lazy river.

Disneyland Resort
Located in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort needs no introduction, and prides itself on being “the Happiest Place on Earth”. This is one of California’s top attractions, as you will find so many classic Disneyland rides here, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Space Mountain, with many of the rides still being considered some of the best in the world.

Disney California Adventure
Just outside of the Disneyland Resort is Disney California Adventure, which does not require a ticket to visit. This theme park offers visitors the chance to experience all of California in just one day, bringing together all of the state’s highlights. From California-themed rollercoasters to traditional boardwalk games to a bakery that serves up fresh San Francisco sourdough bread, this is the park to visit if you are interested in everything else that California has to offer too.

Adventure City
While all of the parks mentioned above are great for visiting with children, they may end up left out of some activities, whereas Adventure City is an amusement park that has been designed with kids in mind. In addition to the fun rides that they have here, including the Giggle Wheel and the Crazy Bus, there are many other child-friendly attractions, such as the petting zoo, children’s theatre and rock climbing wall. When it comes to food options, you will find everything from fresh pizzas to curly fries to churros, ensuring that your kids will really be spoilt for choice.

When visiting Orange County, many people do end up spending the day at a theme park, because the parks that you will find here are truly iconic. From the world-famous rides at Disneyland to the child-friendly attractions at Adventure City, these are some of the finest amusement and water parks in the OC.

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June 23, 2017

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Say Hello to These Animals in Singapore

While Singapore may have a land mass of just 707 square kilometres, the island is home to an incredibly diverse range of animals. From free-ranging orang utans to giant pandas, here are just a few of the animals that you can say hello to in Singapore.

Orang utans

Orang Utans
The Singapore Zoo is home to two species of orang utan, both of which live together in the free-ranging orang utan exhibit. This zoo was the first in the world to put together a concept such as this for orang utans, and it has worked extremely well. With two free-ranging areas, a boardwalk, an island and thick vegetation, there is plenty of space for the animals to play and frolic, as well as viewing stations for visitors to get up close to these magnificent creatures. You will also see a number of behaviour enrichment devices scattered throughout the area, and these are there to ensure that the orang utans are able to be both physically and mentally stimulated each and every day.

Leopards
Leopards are no doubt majestic creatures, and these can be viewed at Singapore’s Night Safari, by taking a walk along the Leopard Trail. In addition to a pair of Sri Lankan leopards, this habitat is also home to clouded leopards, all of which are at their most active at nights, which is why the Night Safari is the best place to view them. In addition to seeing leopards along the Leopard Trail, you will also be able to view everything from the Malayan civet to the zebra and giraffe.

Giant Pandas

Giant Pandas
Singapore’s River Safari is a relatively new river-themed wildlife park with eight different river habitats. One of these is the Yangtze River, inspired by said river in China, which is home to the elusive giant panda, and these incredible creatures are an amazing sight to see. This is the largest panda exhibit in Southeast Asia, making it well worth visiting if you have never seen pandas before

Birds of Prey
Otherwise known as the kings of the skies, birds of prey can be viewed at the Jurong Bird Park, where you will find hawks, vultures and eagles living side by side. From hooked beaks to sharp talons, you will no doubt marvel at these creatures, while learning so much more about each of them.

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Parrots
Also at the Jurong Bird Park is the largest collection of parrots in all of Asia. There are 32 aviaries here dedicated to these birds, which are known for being quite sociable, with some of the aviaries containing truly rare species of parrots. From the Blue-eyed Cockatoo to the Blue and Gold Macaw to the Yellow-Naped Amazon, this is a park that all bird lovers should definitely visit.

Singapore is most known for its man-made attractions, but this does not mean that the country has not made any space for nature either. With everything from majestic leopards to soaring eagles calling this island their home, be sure to make some time to say hello to some of Singapore’s animals.

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June 21, 2017

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Architectural Wonders of Singapore

The architecture in Singapore consists of a charming mix of both old and new. When it comes to the new, there are certain designs that really embody innovation, as well as the future of the industry, are considered to be the architectural wonders of Singapore.

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The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge is famous for being the first double helix structure in the world, with this spiral making its way around the entire length of the walkway, and covered with a glass and steel canopy to protect those within from the harsh Singapore sun. This bridge has a distinct arc shape, meaning that it is able to connect Marina Centre with Marina South while keeping pedestrians away from the traffic.

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Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands quickly became an iconic part of Singapore’s skyline, and it is easy to see why. The structure features three 55-storey hotel towers that are connected at the top by the SkyPark. While the interior of the hotels is wonderfully extravagant, it is the SkyPark that really stands out, as this is where you will find the longest infinity pool in the world, as well as an observation platform that is set 67 metres hanging over the edge of the north tower.

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Esplanade
The Esplanade is where you will find theatres, outdoor performing spaces, concert halls, a shopping mall and more, and its design was first unveiled to the public in 1994. However, its two glass domes caused a huge stir, as many feared that these would act like a giant greenhouse, and end up amplifying the already-hot and humid heat of the city. In order to rectify this, aluminium sunshades were added in a scale-like pattern to the exterior of the building, making the Esplanade resemble the durian fruit.

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Raffles Hotel
While the other structures mentioned may be modern and innovative, the Raffles Hotel is one of the most distinctive colonial buildings in Singapore, and has become legendary to the country, and the world. This building was originally completed in 1899, and, after surviving the war, was declared a national monument in 1987. For those taking a look at the exterior of the Raffles Hotel, do stop by at the Long Bar, which is believed to be the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail.

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Thian Hock Keng Temple
The Thian Hock Keng Temple was constructed in 1839 by Chinese immigrants and features a traditionally Chinese architectural style. The reason why this structure would be considered to be an architectural wonder is because of the way it has been constructed without the use of any nails, while the majority of the timber used came from Chinese junk boats. The mosaics that you will see here are also eye-catching, and these have been created from broken pieces of pottery.

Singapore is filled with architectural wonders, both modern as well as historic. From the exquisite colonial details of the Raffles Hotel to the record-breaking Helix Bridge, make sure that you have your camera with you when visiting each of these sites.

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June 19, 2017

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Best Things To Do on Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa is a small island located off the southern coast of Singapore, and is connected to the mainland by road, cable car, monorail and a pedestrian boardwalk. This resort island is absolutely packed with attractions, activities, and hotels, but, if you only have a day to spend on Sentosa, here are some of the things that you definitely should not miss.

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Universal Studios Singapore
If you are visiting Sentosa with children, then it is likely that a visit to Universal Studios Singapore is unavoidable. This sprawling complex has enough attractions to appeal to just about everybody, with everything from themed rides and live shows to Hollywood movie sets.

Tiger Sky Tower
The Tiger Sky Tower is the highest viewing tower in Singapore, and stands at 131 metres above sea level. Visitors enter a cabin on the ground floor, and this slowly revolves and ascends until it reaches the top. Once at the top, you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of Sentosa and Singapore, as well as parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Sentosa Butterfly & Insect Kingdom
The Sentosa Butterfly & Insect Kingdom boasts over 3000 different species of insects from all around the world, all set within green, tropical surroundings. The abundance of vegetation here, plus the two waterfalls to cool the air, really adds to the experience, and you will no doubt be blown away by the colorful butterflies flitting around your head. In addition to the butterflies and other insects, you will also be able to see other animals, such as jungle parrots and a variety of different species of reptiles, including snakes and lizards.

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The Beaches
Although Sentosa’s beaches are man-made, with the soft white sand being imported in from Malaysia, there is 3.2 kilometres of beautiful beach to be enjoyed here, an experience that cannot be had anywhere else in Singapore. Palawan Beach is one of the most popular, and is known for its suspension bridge that connects Sentosa to another tiny island. Tanjong Beach is also great, especially during the daytime, as it enjoys a more secluded location. Finally, there is Siloso Beach, which is on the south-western tip of Sentosa, and is where you will find the highest concentration of bars, hotels, restaurants and shops on the island, although the other two beaches do have plenty of facilities nearby too.

Fort Siloso
For those who want to learn more about Singapore’s history, a visit to Fort Siloso, a preserved fort, is a must. This fort has now been turned into a military-themed attraction, but still features its tunnels, barracks, ammunition bunkers and gun emplacements, as well as a collection of guns, photographs and other memorabilia that date from the 17th century to WWII.

Sentosa is home to so many different attractions that you will likely want to spend as much time here as possible. From the views from the top of the Tiger Sky Tower to the adrenaline-fuelling rides at the Universal Studios Singapore, these are just a few of the things available to do on Sentosa Island.

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June 16, 2017

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Top 4 Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago consists of over 7000 islands, so it should come as no surprise that the country is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. If you are having a difficult time deciding which ones to actually visit, these are some of the top beaches in the Philippines.

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El Nido, Palawan
With Palawan frequently being rated as the best island in the world, and El Nido as one of the best beaches, this is a destination that everybody visiting the Philippines should try to check out. On the island of Palawan itself, there are about 50 white sand beaches to choose from, each of which is rich in marine life, from dolphins to dugongs, as well as over 100 species of coral. When it comes to El Nido, this is the largest marine reserve and sanctuary in the country, as well as one of the Philippines’ most diverse ecosystems, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy exploring the wonderland that lies beneath the surface of the water.

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley
The beach on Palaui Island is considered to be quite the hidden gem and takes a fair bit of effort to access, requiring a trek through tall, thorny grass and a mangrove forest. Nevertheless, this is a beach that has been untouched by the modern world and boasts soft white sand that is backed by volcanic rocks. Within the water is a rich marine reserve, filled with coral gardens, which are a joy to explore either by diving or snorkeling. There are no resorts or hotels on Palaui, but camping on this stunning beach is always a popular way to spend the night.

White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines

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White Beach, Boracay
Boracay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, and White Beach is one of its finest beaches, and, just like El Nido, has regularly been voted as one of the best in the world. This four kilometre stretch of white sand attracts everyone from families to adventure-seekers and is complete with beach bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment. For those seeking more of an adrenaline-rush, the eastern side of Boracay is the place to go for extreme water sports, as this part of the island has strong winds throughout the year.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Caramoan is a scenic and secluded beach, with wide stretches of white sand that run in between impressive boulders and rock formations. This is a beach that is filled with natural features that are begging to be explored, from its waterfalls and fresh water pools to its underground streams, lagoons, and caves. Due to its astounding natural beauty, this is an area that has been featured in a number of television shows, including the popular Survivor reality TV show.

Deciding which beaches to visit in the Philippines can no doubt be difficult, as visitors are so spoilt for choice. However, no matter which ones you end up picking, you are likely to be rewarded with the softest of white sand, the bluest of waters and incredible natural beauty all around.

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June 14, 2017

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Mountains with Great Scenic Views in the Philippines

Mt Batulao, Philippines

With over 7000 mountainous islands within the Philippine archipelago, the actual number of mountains in the country can only be vaguely guessed at. Nevertheless, for those who want to experience some of the most stunning views in the Philippines, these are the mountains that you need to climb.

Mt. Batulao
Located just an hour from Manila, Mt. Batulao rises 811 meters above sea level, and is a great mountain for beginner climbers to tackle. As you start your climb, you will be able to see the coastal towns of Nasugbu and Tagaytay, with the perspective changing as you ascend. It takes between two to three hours to reach the summit, and, once you do, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Balayan Bay, as well as its twelve surrounding peaks.

Mt. Mariveles
In addition to being the battlefield site at which American and Filipino soldiers fought Japanese invaders in the 1940’s, Mt. Mariveles also boasts incredibly scenic views from its summit. This is quite a challenging climb, and takes between two to three hours, but the effort is most definitely worth it, and there is a river halfway up where you can cool off. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to see everything from the South China Sea to the Corregidor Islands and Mt. Pico de Loro to the beaches of Bataan, but be sure to wrap up warm as it can be quite windy up here.

Mt. Tibig
Mt. Tibig only rises 563 meters above sea level, and is actually a sub-mountain of Mt. Banoi. Nevertheless, this is still quite a challenging climb, but the two hour hike to the summit is more than worth it, for its views of the Verde Island Passage, Batangas, and the green mountains that surround the region. For those who want to spend the night at the summit and watch the views transform with the changing light of day, there is a campsite at the top which is large enough for ten tents.

Mt. Pico de Loro
Mt. Pico de Loro was named the Parrot’s Beak by Spanish colonizers in the 1500’s, due to its fascinating rock formations. While it takes five hours to reach the summit, which is 664 meters above sea level, the climb itself is not too challenging, and is one that is suitable for beginners to attempt. There is a monolith situated at the top of the mountain, which you can climb with ropes, and, once you reach the top of this, you will be able to enjoy a diverse bird’s eye view that features everything from forests and volcanoes to beaches and lakes.

The Philippines is home to so much natural beauty, and one of the best ways to take this in is by hiking to the top of some of the country’s most gorgeous mountains. From the coastal views of Mt. Batulao to the mountainous surroundings of Mt. Tibig, the scenery that you will see from these mountains will be some of the most inspiring that you have ever seen.

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June 12, 2017

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Visit These UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spanning nine locations, each of which holds cultural or natural significance to the country. From Baroque churches to national parks, here are the sites that you should definitely not miss.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park

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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the Palawan province in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. The sharp, karst limestone ridges here make up around 90% of the park, and these dramatic landscape features are, without a doubt, one of its main highlights. The subterranean river system that the park is also known for stretches out for just over five miles, and features several large chambers that are popular spots for divers to explore.

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Vigan
The historic town of Vigan was first established in the 16th century, and is one of the best-preserved examples of an Asian Spanish colonial town on the entire continent. The merging of cultural influences here is incredible, and you can see features from China and Europe that have been blended together in truly unique ways.

Rice Terraces, Philippines

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
The rice terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras have been around for more than 2000 years, and are living landscapes dedicated to the production of one of the most staple crops in the world. The techniques that are used here to grow rice date back many centuries, and showcase the way in which humans are able to live in harmony with nature, rather than fighting against it. This is one of the only areas in the Philippines that has managed to stay free of colonial influences, and the history of the local tribes here is definitely worth learning more about.

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The Church of San Agustin
The Church of San Agustin is a great example of earthquake Baroque architecture, as it features a number of aspects that have been designed to protect the structure from any damage during earthquakes. The church features 14 buttresses, as well as a huge coral stone tower, although this was only added 50 years after the church was originally completed.

Sea turtle in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
If you are someone that appreciates nature and marine life, then the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a must-visit. Lying in the center of the Sulu Sea, this park protects an area of around 250,000 acres, and is home to a diverse array of marine life. From whales and dolphins to sharks and Napolen wrasse, there are several species to be found here, including 500 species of fish and 350 species of coral. This is also where one of the only remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region call home, showing just how important this site is.

While the Philippines is home to several cultural and historic sites of interest, its UNESCO World Heritage Sites should definitely not be missed. From the abundance of marine life at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to the colonial culture of Vigan, try to explore as many of these areas as you can.

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June 9, 2017

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What You’ll Find at the Long Island Aquarium

Father and son at aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium opened on Long Island in 2000 and is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis. With its fascinating mixture of science and nature, this is an educational yet entertaining attraction that is suitable for just about every age group.

Indoor Exhibits
The Long Island Aquarium boasts a range of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as special interactive displays. The indoor exhibits are always fun to explore, with the American Alligators, which are native to the southeastern United States, being one of the highlights. Archerfish, which actually spit at their prey, are another creature that you will see, as are the Discus Fish, which is one of the newest exhibits in the aquarium. Another must-see display is the Coral Reef, which is actually one of the largest all-living closed-system coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere.

Feeding penguins

Outdoor Exhibits
The outdoor exhibits at the Long Island Aquarium are where you will find a few of the aquarium’s larger creatures. The Penguin Pavilion is open year-round, and is home to African penguins, while the Sea Lion Coliseum is where you can go to watch majestic sea lions play together. The Otter Falls is home to two North American river otters, while the Koi Pond contains multiple species of koi, which are the national fish of Japan. For those who did not get enough of the alligators in the indoor exhibits, there are more to see outdoors at the Gator Invasion exhibit. This is open from June to September, as these are the months when the huge American alligators crawl up onto the banks of the Peconic River. From July to Labor Day, there are talks held at this exhibit to teach visitors more about these incredible reptiles.

Interactive Experiences
While watching the creatures of the Long Island Aquarium is definitely an educational experience, there is often so much more to be learned from being able to have the opportunity to directly interact with these animals, which is where the aquarium’s interactive experiences come in. The Penguin Encounter has guests meeting the African penguins up-close while learning how the aquarium keepers care for them, while the Pirate Snorkel Adventure will see you finding treasures below the water while swimming with a wide range of tropical fish. For those who are seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the Shark Dive might be just the activity for you, as this puts you nose-to-nose with some of the largest predators to be found in the ocean. If you are visiting the aquarium on a hot day, then do pay a visit to the Interactive Salt Marsh, which you will be able to walk through while being taught about the many inhabitants that reside here, from the horseshoe crabs to the whelks.

The Long Island Aquarium has frequently been voted as one of the best in the country, thanks to the way in which it emphasizes the importance of marine life, as well as environmental preservation. For those who are interested in marine life and the environment, this is a New York attraction that you will definitely not want to miss.

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June 5, 2017

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Running in New York

Couple running on Brooklyn Bridge

Running has always been a popular way for New Yorkers to stay fit, and there are so many different routes to choose from. Whether you are seeking a classic run through the heart of the city, or a leisurely jog through meadows of wildflowers, here are some areas to consider if you have been looking for a few new running routes in New York.

Sunken Meadow State Park
The Sunken Meadow State Park boasts a wide range of topography, as well as incredible views out over the Long Island Sound, with Connecticut in the distance. There are several trails to choose from here, including the 3.7 mile Sunken Meadow Loop Trail, the two-mile Greenbelt Trail, or simply just running along the three-mile beach.

Joggers in Central Park

The Central Park Loop
For those who want an easily accessible run in the heart of Manhattan, but away from traffic, the Central Park loop is idea. The scenery that you will see within the park is varied enough to be interesting throughout the run, which stretches out for just under ten kilometres, and there will also be easy access to facilities, from restrooms to water fountains, as well as many other runners to provide you with some extra motivation.

The East River Run
The East River Run is the route to take if you are hoping to catch some gorgeous city views along your way. This run starts off at the top of Central Park, before going over the RFK Bridge to Randall’s Island, and then returning back again. This is a long run, measuring just over 16 miles, but there are ways to cut it short, such as by skipping Queens. The route itself is great as it avoids a large amount of traffic, meaning that you will be able to maintain a steady stride throughout.

The Five Bridges Run
The Five Bridges Run is another long route, measuring just under 17 miles. This route will take you to so many places around the city, and will have you crossing five bridges, including the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. Alternatively, you can shorten the route to just two bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, which takes the journey down to just over three miles. While this is a great route for those who want to see more of the city, it does take you through some heavily populated areas, so you are best doing this run early in the morning if you want to avoid large amounts of traffic, both road and foot.

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Prospect Park
For those who enjoy running in parks, but find Central Park too busy, Prospect Park in Brooklyn is your next best option. The route stretches out for just over three miles, and takes you past some of Brooklyn’s most popular landmarks, from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch to the Grand Army Plaza.

Fitness and physical activity is such an important part of staying healthy, and New Yorkers have long since recognized this. From the greenery of the Sunken Meadow State Park to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, these are some of the best running routes in the city.

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June 7, 2017

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Here’s What You Can See From the Chrysler Building

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One of New York City’s most famous skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building was, at one short point in time, the tallest building in the world, before it was overtaken by the Empire State Building eleven months later. However, although it may not be the world’s tallest building any more, it is still one of the tallest in New York, meaning that it offers some of the most incredible skyline views in the city.

The Lobby
The lobby of the Chrysler Building is the only part of the building that is officially open to the public, although there are still several ways to access the top floors. The lobby is open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, and is an incredible example of Art Deco design, from the mural on the ceiling to the custom designed elevators.

Central Park
If you manage to make your way to the top floors of the Chrysler Building, one of the first features that will catch your eye is Central Park. This green oasis is the heart of the city, and the aerial view that you will have of it, surrounded by tall buildings and the grid layout of New York, will definitely impress.

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Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the busiest train station in the entire country, but your view of this iconic station from the top of the Chrysler Building will give you the opportunity to see it without all of the crowds. The station itself is over 100 years old now, making this a truly historic part of the city.

The East River
A salt water tidal estuary, the East River is actually a waterway rather than an official river, and connects Long Island Sound to the Upper New York Bay. From the Chrysler Building, you will be able to see all of the twists and turns that the East River takes, and, on a clear day, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Island Tramway snaking its way around the river.

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Times Square
New York’s Times Square is world-famous, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. However, just like with the Grand Central Terminal, this is an attraction that tends to be filled with people, so those who want to experience it from a quieter point of view can do so from the Chrysler Building. While you will not be able to really take in the vibrancy of Times Square from above, you will still be able to see its flashing lights and exuberance, and you will soon understand exactly why it is so popular.

While there used to be a public observation deck at the top of the Chrysler Building, this was closed in 1945, and the top floors are now only accessible by the businesses that reside there, as well as those who are visiting said businesses. However, many determined urban explorers have still managed to find their way to the top of the building, and while it may take a bit of effort, the view that you will be rewarded with is most definitely worth it.