Bus Travel Tips

Most rules in regards to safety during the bus travel are often similar to general concept upon gaining an overall safety. Below are some of the bus travel tips that must be taken into consideration.

• Upon commuting through this bus, just on the bus stops that are lit better and not entirely isolated or even dangerous. Usually, the bus stations are in closer proximity for train stations and even share various waiting rooms and some other amenities. Check on the light availability of the bus especially on its area seat and report it immediately if the light have already been broken or burned out.

• Upon boarding on, seek those posted instruction for an emergency procedural and exit purposes. Be always on alert of its surrounding and to the people that are along on board upon traveling.

• Most bus stations usually tend of gathering places intended for the homeless individuals due to the mere fact that often open into the round in clock setting. Just become alert unto its owned safety and continually watch on its personal belongings whether intended for stationary or just moving all around before takes an embarking.

• Just stay alert always and be more aware of its possession location. Although, the federal law will usually be against of smoking without any zero tolerance intended for drugs, weapons, alcohol or any disruptive behavior. Since, there might be some considerable evidence upon this routing destination. With that, sit on the empty seat.

• Upon having bus trips alone, its quite safety not to reveal much about itself particularly to strangers. Aside of that, try on sitting near the driver as not to make it obvious that your alone traveling and avoid occurrence of negative aspects.

Singapore in three days

Its tough to touch, feel and see any country in a few days , especially if you are a traveller like me. But if you are visiting Singapore as a tourist or on business and you have anything between a few hours to three days in hand, you can still get to experience the country based on your interests. There are no must sees - it just depends on what you want to see . 

For instance, while we were at Changi airport on transit, we decided to go over to the orchid garden and then an airport official recommended a visit to the butterfly park in Terminal 3.  A friend recommended that I go over to the Changi beach while the information desk asked me if I was interested in a free city tour . I find Changi one of the friendliest international airports and here, you can even get a foot massage for free or you could visit a spa after duty free shopping.

Even after my many visits to Singapore, I realize that I am yet to experience the country to the fullest. However there are certain places that I could recommend , including some of the tourist attractions. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but I hope it will give you an idea to plan an itinerary . While some trips are best covered by a tour operator ,especially when you are running short of time , the better way is to arm yourself with a map and a train ticket .  

The proverbial city tour

Now, this is not something that I would recommend, but it has its advantages if you are on transit and have more than six hours to kill at Changi. You could ask the Information Centre to help you register on the tour which is free. You may need to clear immigration though ! If you are however a  tourist, with more time on hand and you are wondering where to start ,then go on one of the hop on- hop off tours. In three hours , you would get an introduction to Singapore. Most of these tours cover a bit of colonial Singapore, show you some of the monuments, drive through some key areas and also stop over at a few attractions. You could probably jot down the places and areas that you may want to come back again in leisure.

When I first went to Singapore, I did take up the tour and I found the Singapore National Museum interesting Another attraction was the Tiger Beer Brewery . If the bus stops at the Singapore flier, take a tour or do come back here to see the entire landscape of Singapore. Another place to see the skyscape of Singapore is the skywalk at Marina bay sands and that would cost you a bit. 

Little India and Chinatown
Some more museums I would recommend - The Peranakan Museum and the Asian Civilisation Museum, which I missed and is recommended by my friend Vijay, who stays in Singapore.If you are not really into museums and are more into real people and local flavour , then do visit Chinatown and Little India. Most buses take you on a tour to these places . I would recommend a leisurely trip to both these locales..Little India is a microcosm of Madras , but served rather in a Singaporean fashion with a splash of colour and life. Mustafa, the 24 hours mall  is a good place for bargains, but shop only if you have to. 

Chinatown can be both colourful and quiet. The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore is located here, but Im more interested in the alternative medicine practised by the Chinese. Walk over to the one of the pharmacies - sometimes you may even find restaurants serving you food , recommended by a doctor, based on your yin and yang . 


But all around Singapore, you would find a kaleidescope of temples, monasteries, churches , mosques - all quaint and colourful. Some of them are rather old and they tell you more about the cultural mosaic of this country. 

Walking around Singapore
If you enjoy walking and absorbing the sights and sounds of Singapore, then these areas should not be given a miss - the entire Marina promenade, Suntec City styled according to Feng Shui , Merlion Park, Orchard Road for the malls and shopping and Singapore River  for its cruises and  adventure sports - journalist Shweta who was with me was hell bent on trying reverse bungee jumping among other sports  I would also recommend a cruise - there are cruises from a few hours to small islands and cruises that sail to  neighbouring countries. Take your pick 

If you prefer nature walks, then there are many reservoirs and parks around Singapore - I went to the MacRitchie reservoir with Vijay's family and the trails here are wonderful. While this is one of Singapore's oldest reservoirs, there are quite a few around today . 

Singapore Zoo and Botanical garden
Talking about nature, the zoos and the botanical garden should be on everyone's itinerary. The gardens are massive and a visit to the Orchid garden is a must. This is a great place for birding as well. The Singapore zoo is one of the best zoos around and  do not miss the night safari. You can visit both of them on your own, but they are by no means close to each other. So you would need ample time for both. Try breakfast with the orangutans in the zoo . If you are into birding like me - jurong bird park should be on your itinerary. This will easily take about half a day of your time. Sungei Buloh Nature Park and Ubin Island are on my list as well for birding during my next trip.

Night life 
Singapore has a vibrant night life. My favourite is Clarke quay and the nightlife around the river. Chijmes is another option. Holland village,Demsey hill and Orchard Road are also great places to hang out.Try the gin based Singapore sling if you fancy a cocktail.  If you like to experiment with food, besides idlis and dosas in Little India, visit the hawker centres. There are quite a few of them - Lau Pa Sat is recommended by my guide. 

Sentosa island
A trip to Singapore is incomplete if you do not visit the famous Sentosa Island - which has several attractions . You could even stay here. Sentosa can be approached by land or water, but everyone prefers the cable car. The attractions are innumerable - from laser shows to underwater world. Casinos are available here in hotels if you like to try your luck Now, even Universal has opened here . The beaches are vibrant and a first timer will need at least a day out here. 

These are just some of the landmarks and attractions in Singapore.. While there are several package tours from India, I would recommend that you just book your hotel and flight and plan the sightseeing there.If you need more help in planning your itinerary , please drop in a line here and I am happy to customise it for you

I got mail , again !

I was travelling to Madras (Chennai) last week via the Shatabdi, when my blackberry beeped. There was a mail in my inbox from a journalist from Midday, Sowmya who happened to find backpacker , the blog interesting and wanted to know if the person behind the blog was interesting enough to be featured in her paper. I replied instantly with my number and we spoke for a while, interrupted by a series of network issues . I rattled off , talking about my dreams and passions when she asked me if I had any goals or missions in mind. I hadnt thought of travel in that sense- but yes, there were loads of things that I wanted to do and was hoping I could do..I shared with her the trails , Arun and I run as part of  travelwise  some of my ideas that were in cold storage for a while and lo, she published them..I saw the online version today , thanks to blogger and cousin Aarti and was humbled to find that I was featured along with the renowned writers like Rolf Potts. There were far more determined vagabonds than me and after reading the article, I realized that it is high time I make my dreams a reality . In fact, I am working on them as I post this . If you are in Bombay, you can read the article in today's Sunday Midday - page 28 , or you can click here and go to page 28 ..

And thanks for reading and following backpacker and helping me make my dreams come true..

Sunday snapshot - A swim in the Pacific

The Best Theme Parks

It’s been consider that amusement park or also well known as theme park as the generic term intended for the collection rides and for some other entertainment attraction site that well assemble just for the mere purposes upon entertaining larger group of individuals. The amusement park consider as even more elaborative than those simpler city park or for playground that usually provide the mere attraction site that will be cater for various children, adults, and teenager individuals. Below are the aspects about world’s best theme parks that well suited for everyone in all ages.

• The Busch Garden consider as combination of traditional celebration for both new and old that entails exquisite charms of various European villages in this state of art excitement unto the breathtaking coasters.

• Cedar Point is located in the area of Sandusky of Ohio and consider as the second of the oldest amusement park in northern portion of America. This park got about more than 15 roller coasters with 68 rides.

• The Discovery Cove located at Orlando of Florida. This theme park entirely been designed without any lines and limits upon admission. Not only that, this entirely represent newer breed of them park especially that about only 1,000 individuals at a time will be allowed to enter into this park that built on series lagoons, rivers, coral reefs and for white sand beaches. Since, the main attraction of this Discovery Cove is mere interaction with the animals.

• The Everland will now be opened in the year 1976 and been located in the portion of South Korea. This will be ranked on at 4th theme park of the globe through offering 5 main festivals and even exciting entertainments in year round setting.

Tranquebar beach - Skywatch Friday

Tranquebar or Tarangambadi as its called today was once a Danish colony , nestled in the Coromandel coast of India. Walking around the old fort, I could see the view of the beautiful beach from the windows. The fishermen had just finished their early morning catch and their boats bordered the shore..

To see more skies around the world click here

A photofeature on the Youth Olympic Games, Singapore

My tryst with Singapore has always been filled with tourist attractions. But this time, I was lured to Singapore by a sporting event . Sitting in the stadium and listening to the cheers that reverberated through the stands, it was amazing to experience the energy out here. The opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games that saw more than 200 countries participating was just about to begin. My goodie bag was filled with trinkets that added to the light and sound of the event .The performances were vibrant and the stadium cheered as the athletes marched on. The Olympics anthem was sung, as the torch was brought in on a float . Fireworks galore, the entire Marina Bay was bathed in lights and music.  

Mexico Travel Destinations

Mexico is located at the portion continent of Northern America that been fully fascinating tourist attraction site with lots of colors and hues. With that, Mexico travel destination can’t be resisted by various tourist individuals especially experiencing the diverging cultural tradition and spicy cuisine that it offers. This country got wider options for various tourist individuals especially that this nation got a wider collection of archeology, art, museums, pristine beaches, lively cities and presence of unique foods. Tourist individuals will easily arrive into this nation through different mode of transportation that the country can offer.

It’s been consider that Mexico City as the capital city of this nation and been flocked by various tourist individuals. This becomes the point of entry for various international travelers. Plenty of tourist destinations in Mexico have each offered something unique and different from other individuals. Since, this city capital offered a range of both historical and cultural heritage attraction site. Puebla consider as alluring city in Mexico that fully exudes its colonial charm and serve as fourth largest city in this nation.

Modernization of this city have fully attract various guests who will be arriving in larger number upon seeing the mere interest of architectural and even tasting wonderful cuisine of this region. Not only that, Puebla will also be offering various religious places and significant historical sites. With that, Acapulco become the natural resort town all over Mexico that fully enjoys mere reputation of town that never been sleeping that dotting on with different beautiful beaches, activities that been organize in the city that entirely attracts various tourist individuals for all age group setting. Both children and adult individuals will gain enjoyment and frolic into this Acapulco. Since, this city consider as the major tourist Mexico travel destination.

Celebrate Madras Day

The settlement called Madras is very young as it celebrates its 371st birthday today. This settlement slowly grew over the 300 odd years adding villages , older than itself to its boundaries, growing into the metropolis that we know today. Nestled in South India and often dubbed conservative by those who are yet to experience the multi dimension spirit of the city, the story of Madras , the settlement started with Fort St George. Probably it started even earlier , 371 years ago on this day when the Britishers leased a piece of fishing hamlet and converted into their southern headquarters. Ive dedicated an entire post last year to the birth of this city, but today, I would like to celebrate by speaking about the oldest surviving monument in the Fort complex - the St Mary's Church on Church Street.

Built in 1680 , this is where apparently Robert Clive got married. You can ask to see the marriage register at the Fort Museum. Clive's house , which was called Admirality House  today houses the office of the ASI, but coming back to the church - this is probably one of the oldest Protestant churches in Madras. Designed by a gunner, built through local subscriptions, there are several tombstones and memorials here - of missionaries, governors and former officials and their families

A statue of General Conway, known as the soldier's friend stands here , as he was known to improve conditions in the army.The organ , which is the fifth to be installed dates back to 1894 and is still played during service.The altar plate is said to donated by Elihu Yale, Governor of Fort St George and who later founded the Yale University in 1687 , but the most interesting aspect is a painting by an unknown painter. The painting is a replica of Raphael's Last Supper , which is now in the Vatican. The British apparently brought the painting from Pondicherry in 1761 . 

As the sun streams in from the garden, you sit here for a while and imagine the days of colonialism, the era of Black and White towns , of Armenians, French and British ruling over the country .

This post was written on behalf of AffordableCallingCards.net, which offers different long distance calling cards, such as calling cards to India 

Skywatch Friday - The skyscape of Singapore

Watch the skyscape of Singapore from their recent hotel, Marina Bay Sands, as you take a swim on the topmost floor. The pool alone is over 100 metres long and you can walk around the Skywalk, gazing at the skyline and the port.

To see more skies around the world, click here 

Musings and conversations on Singapore

In the darkness, the waters looked deceptively calm. I leaned out of the window and saw the outlines of several boats floating down below.The lights slowly came into view . The entire island seemed fast asleep. The watch said 3 am , as my flight touched down on Changi airport in Singapore, half an hour early. I set my watch to 5.30 am and thought about my first trip to Singapore, way back in early 90s, when I was an awkward , excited teenager .

India  had not yet discovered mobile phones, malls and internet then . And I was yet to see any other city other than Chennai. Bangalore still was a pensioner's paradise then. My concept of the tallest building was the Utility Building in Bangalore . And the Singapore that I had heard of was the Singapore of the 70s as shown in the Rajini-kamal starrer , Ninaithalai Innikkum and in Priya which also had Rajinikanth in the lead .

But the Singapore that I saw in the 90s was more colourful and vibrant, celebrating the Chinese New Year . It was the shoppers paradise , either at the 24 by 7 Mustafa in Little India or at the Robinsons and Takashimaya in Orchard Road depending on your wallet's size. It was the country that got me to buy electronics - brought back big box like DVDs much to the delight of custom officials back home. And my holiday reached dizzying heights as I stayed in the 20th floor of the Pan Pacific hotel and later on in Marina Mandarin.

Slowly I discovered many facets of the island country as I made multiple visits here. It  is an international city , which wears its multi ethnicity on its sleeves. Futuristic and cosmopolitan, the country is home to Indians, Malays, Chinese and many others. My guide, Najeeb , a fourth generation Gujarati connects more with Singapore. "Theres nothing left for me in India, " she says as we have breakfast together , 30 mins later in the airport. Friends from India who have moved here as expatriates feel the country woos them and they get the best of both worlds. A real India which is hardly a few hours away and a little India, where you get the sights and smells along with local groceries . "You dont miss India here at all."

I was both excited and disappointed on seeing Little india during my first trip. Excited because you see a mini T Nagar here so far away from home and yet, disappointed because, you didnt come on a " phoren " trip all the way to see a replica of a Chennai suburb in Singapore..But Singapore goes beyond the idlis and the dosas , the temples and the movies,  the flower sellers and the astrologers and the rangolis and the bangles. Its where the east meets west. This time around, I see a Tamilian teaching Rangoli to European and Chinese kids in front of the Peranakan museum. The museum has an open house where the Ramayana is being staged - by the Chinese Opera among other groups.

The city is  a microcosm of various ethnic groups - like Chinatown for instance where you would find old chinese playing chinese checkers on the roads , hawkers selling bright red feng shui artefacts or doctors prescribing ancient herbal therapies . Yet, it presents itself as a homogeneous international city, with a cosmopolitan flavour." I dont feel Im from the PRC , I am more Singaporean than Chinese, " says one of the members of the STB.

It may be nothing unusual for Indians like us, who are used to the amalgam of cultures and civilisations, but for Singaporeans, it is their identity. It is probably why they have every community represented in a national event like the inaugural of the youth Olympic games. The merlions and the dragons are followed by Malay dancers, the Chinese and then the Indians shaking a leg to Bum Bum Bole . Now India is being represented by Bollywood than Kollywood. But Amitabh Bachchan still needs to be introduced as Aishwarya Rai's father in law. "I loved three idiots," says an Indonesian blogger, who was one of the media delegates . But I am deviating..

Singapore has indeed reinvented itself. " Thanks to the government," says a friend. But what about living in Singapore ?  I remember a guide telling me that the wait for a government house is long and its often given to couples. " Many couples marry or pretend to get married only to get a house..many times, they are divorced by the time you get the house and you just cant afford a private house here " she had told me then. I asked Najeeb and she shrugs . " Singaporeans encourage living with parents unlike western concept of independence, " she adds that the waiting period has now reduced. "

And your provident fund takes care of the mortage, where you put in your share and the company adds its share ." But the amount, my friend says takes care of the house only-so all your life, you are paying just for your home. "Even old people work here as they are discouraged against retirement And everything is regulated by the government- from the car you buy to the school your kid studies in and the best part is if you travel on the main roads in one of the peak hours you have to pay a penalty-so you need to plan your day accordingly.

It is a regulated life, alright, but the control - the rules and the laws have changed Singapore from a third world country to a developed country in just one generation. " Yes, Singapore is indeed man-made - with hardly any natural resources, it has become a world class city. "Its a fine city as the T shirts say. break any law and pay a hefty fine !

All these conversations are probably more towards living in Singapore.The expats Im told have it relatively easy .But what about the tourist or the business traveller ?  And what is Singapore ? A global city, a financial capital  ? A cosmopolitan hub luring the business traveller with a vibrant night life ? A family destination with several attractions ? A multi ethnic city with cultural fests ? A naturalist 's haven ? A sports destinaton with the launch of Formula races and Youth Olympic games ? The tourism board sells it as Yoursingapore, trying to personalise it...I am still trying to get under the skin of the country even after five trips..but what do you guys think ?

This post was written on behalf of AffordableCallingCards.net, which offers different long distance calling cards, such as India phone cards."

Traveling in Olongapo, Philippines

Olongapo City had been blessed with various beautiful scenarios especially that Subic Bay’s calm water that viewed by everyone. Subic Bay is naturally protected harbor by various mountains in three side and recreational areas intended for several visitors or tourist individuals. The following are the interesting places that can be visited in Olongapo City.

• Gordon Memorial Park – Its where later Mayor James L. Gordon been dubbed as Father of Olongapo City. From this landscape location, the very beautiful and breathtaking Subic Bay can entirely be viewed on.

• The Subic Bay Lighthouse – The panoramic view provide a perfect opportunity upon picture taking, this old lighthouse can be found along the National Highway going in North area that overlooks Subic Bay Area.

• The Grotto of our lady of pardon- It’s located near side of Kalaklan Bridge of Barangay Mabayuan.

• The Marikit Park – Its design upon children enjoyment that been located in center city that features scenic playground and even scattering beaches just for relaxation.

• The Friendship Park – This mini-children park just lies ahead of Northern portion of Subic Bay Freeport. With that, Olongapo Bremerton Sisterhood Marker have now symbolizes its sister city relationship between this Olongapo City and Bremerton City that can be found in this place.

• The World Peace Memorial – The dove that can be found upon entry to Olongapo City serve as a sign of peace and memory of those individuals who have died during the battle of Zigzag Pass.

• The Magsaysay Drive and Rizal Avenue – It’s been consider as the business center in Olongapo City where in various night life opportunities can be found, restaurants, hotels and venues for sauna baths.

The tourist attraction site of Santorini Greece

There are various tourist attraction site located in Santorini. Visiting in Greece consider as beautiful experience for every tourist individuals especially upon making a trip to various wonderful archeological museum of Santorini. Since, Santorini got various places that been revealed during ancient days of this island city and making tour in Lignos Folklore Museum of Santorini, Icons, and the Relics Collection for Santorini. Visiting to the Tourist Attraction of Santorini consider as quite interesting.

Tourist attraction of Santorini includes visiting Museum of the Prehistoric Thira. The Archeological museum got a detailed exhibition that held and provided an insight of fascinating history of De los shrine, several Delian funerary sculptures that been discovered in the neighboring islet of the Rhena. This archaeological museum of Santorini gives mere information of Ancient Akrotiri. Exhibition of history of Santorini that been research in Thira can be enjoyed to view on especially that it’s about the geology of Thira, historical artifacts of Late Neolithic unto Late Cycladic of city in Akrotiri. There are about four units into this museum and architecture of its city and organization as an urban center. Inside this museum monumental art wall painting, elegant jewellery, pottery repertoire, and vase painting of a certain city and island that displayed among its item.

The ancient Akrotiri of Santorini give several information about urban life of Minoan period that elaborate architectural design and culture that flourishes during the time of Ancient Akrotiri that can be seen there. The pots and tools can be found in abundant town that can be found after their excavations. This well preserve frescoes will now be displayed in National Archaeological Museums of Athens. Aside of that, the tourist attraction site of Greece especially in Santorini includes the Prophet Elias Monastery of Santorini and Dominican Convent of Santorini.

I got mail !

Last week, I was travelling between Chennai (madras) and Bangalore, fighting a sudden bout of viral which grounded me and my husband for a while and that is when the mail came by, adding a cheer. Backpacker , the blog has been selected by  Singapore Tourism to feature the country against the backdrop of the Youth Olympic Games. I was asked if I would like to go to Singapore and that a fellow sports journalist from India would also be there , along with other members from international media. This was definitely a great surprise and a wonderful opportunity and I really jumped at it. Ive been to Singapore many times before and have been sponsored by the STB about ten years ago, when I was working for CNBC . They had launched their campaign then and I had directed and scripted a few episodes of the travel show Way to Go on Singapore. That was of course a decade ago and it was my second trip to Singapore. Ive gone a couple of times again after that , my last trip being a couple of years ago with my parents. I wonder what is it that draws me to to this country This trip if of course very special, as Ive earned it , thanks to the blog.I leave tomorrow and will be back with more travel stories. Until then..

Cebu Travel Destinations

Tourist Attraction Site in Thailand

Thailand consider as one of the beautiful places in Asia due to the cultural heritage and interesting views that it can offer to various visitors or tourist individuals. Here are the list of places that been suggested upon visiting in Thailand.

Bangkok – Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand but also consider as the national treasure house and centre for political, spiritual, educational, cultural, commercial, or diplomatic aspects. The main tourist spot of Bangkok is the Phuket Island. It’s a place where everything that can be seen are beautiful aspects that includes the beaches, delicious local foods, the tropical jungles, and the warm welcoming individuals that resided on that place. 

The Ayuthaya Historical Park- It’s the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site that been located in encircling rivers. Aside of that, there are various central ruins that can be seen through this tourist Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Ratburana, and Wat Thammikarat. 

The Chiang Mai- Chiang Mai got a historical picturesque aura of an over 300 temples. This place consider as tourist friendly city that been admire by various tourist individuals especially to its famous city that is Rose of the North. Chiang Mai offers various opportunities to shop, several kinds of hotels to choice that provides an excellent quality of service and affordable rates. 

Ko Samui – It’s been consider as the beautiful island that been located in southeastern Thailand and been laden with beautiful green coconut plantation and palm-laciniated beaches. Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai consider as the two well known beaches.

Beaches – Thailand got various beautiful and clean beaches that it can offer to its various visitors that include Hua Hin, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and the Jomtien.