Sydney
Sydney's secret was revealed to the world at the 2000 Olympic Games. The secret? That Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the most dramatic, sophisticated, diverse, and fun-loving cities in the world. From its world famous Opera House to its pristine beaches, Sydney truly has something to offer everybody.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over four million people calling it home. While it covers over seven hundred square miles, it is remarkably easy to get around town. Buses, trains, ferries, taxis, water taxis, and even a monorail are all available to you.
Sydney's cultural highlights include a handful of museums and art galleries. The Australian National Maritime Museum is phenomenal, as is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Tourists marvel at the world-renowned Sydney Aquarium, and many have undertaken the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge.
The city reveals its true magnificence when the sun goes down. The harbor positively sparkles, and the town crackles with energy. There are plenty of fine restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife gives as much as you're willing to take.
Because you are on such a limited time budget, you probably won't have much occasion to leave the downtown and harbor areas, unless you squeeze in a trip to the beach. If this is your first visit to Sydney, then that will probably suffice. But because there is so much to see and do in Sydney, you'll probably end up plotting your next visit before you leave!
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city's welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia.
Melbourne and Sydney enjoy a healthy rivalry, but even Sydneysiders cannot argue that Melbourne is Australia's shopping king. If you have been saving up for shopping armageddon, this is your chance! Melbourne also boasts of some of the best restaurants, music, and fashion in the country.
Much of Melbourne's boom can be attributed to the gold rushes of the 19th Century. Gold was found in the city's surrounding hills. The Ballarat and Bendigo gold rushes fueled the city's rise to prominence, as people from all over the world came to Melbourne to seek their fortune. In recent years, another wave of immigration has transformed the city into an international hub.
The city can be easily broken up into smaller neighborhoods. You will most likely spend the majority of your time in the City Centre, an area bordered by Latrobe and Flinders Streets to the north and south, and Spring and Spencer Streets to the east and west. Chinatown is nearby, with Carlton to the north, where you'll find the University of Melbourne. The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, affording opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch along the banks.
All in all, you'll find Melbourne to be one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse cities, with more than enough activities to keep you busy during your stay.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, one of the six provinces that make up Australia. Covering an area slightly larger than Texas, 1.4 million people call South Australia home, with most of them concentrated in Adelaide. That means lots of open space. The South Australian Outback is gorgeous, with tiny towns scattered all around the dry, hot land.
Adelaide has retained some small-town charm, even though it is now home to one million people. The River Torrens runs through town, and the city layout is very simple, so tourists can find their way around with no problem at all. The people of Adelaide are fairly cosmopolitan, with the city having welcomed people from all over the world since its foundation. Its German population in particular has added to Adelaide's allure by bringing their world-class winemaking skills with them from Europe. As a result, South Australia produces some of the world's best wines, with vineyards in the Barossa Valley constantly coming home with top honors from international wine competitions.
Adelaide has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in Australia, so you won't be left wanting for variety when it's time for dinner. Visit the central market, pick up some fresh food and take it to the botanical gardens in the center of the city for a picnic lunch. Or take a short field trip to the Barossa Valley, but make sure you have a designated driver for the ride back. However you spend your time in Adelaide, you're sure to enjoy the temperate climate and laid-back atmosphere.
Perth
Perth is often overlooked when people talk about Australia. Sure, Sydney and Melbourne attract more attention, tourism, and accolades, but Perth can more than hold its own on any list of Australia's best cities. Perth is the capital of Western Australia, one of the six provinces that make up Australia. To call Western Australia expansive is to underestimate it. At 965,000 square miles, it's three times the size of Texas!
Perth is similar to Sydney, with modern skyscrapers poking at the skyline, overlooking the brilliant Indian Ocean. Perth's beaches rival any in Australia, and the city's beautiful botanic gardens on the edge of downtown would be a highlight anywhere.
Perth also affords the adventurous traveler with many exciting options. There's the port town of Fremantle, where you may end up spending all of your time if you're not careful. Rottnest Island is just twelve miles offshore, and some of Australia's best scuba diving and snorkeling sites can be found here.
Perth is exceptionally tourist-friendly, with a free transport zone in the middle of town allowing you to explore without having to worry about your wallet. The people are more than helpful, and the shopping and restaurants are top-notch. The city extends its warmest welcome to you, and after one visit, you're likely to return!
Bali
Bali is a tropical haven, full of fabulous sights, wonderful activities, and extravagant dining facilities. The shopping is superb, and the outdoor markets will dazzle even the most seasoned island veterans. The scenery is remarkable, and the golf is extraordinary. A trip to Bali is a trip to paradise. The region is safe and the locals are friendly, making your stay all the more delightful.
There are a few cultural do's and don'ts that you need to be aware of while touring Bali. The community is very respectful, and their culture and heritage reach back many years. They appreciate tradition, and the citizens do not approve of exposing skin, or acting in a raucous manner. For this reason there are no nude beaches on Bali, and in addition, skimpy bathing suits are frowned upon. Be certain to be fully clothed at all times, unless you are on the actual beach, at which time a modest one-piece swimsuit is most appropriate. Flashing large sums of money, or talking incessantly about monetary principles, are also looked at negatively, and the locals will be much less helpful and responsive if you behave in this manner. In general, the inhabitants of Bali will assist you in any way they can, and they are friendly and extremely polite. Simply obey the above stipulations and your trip to Bali will be an outstanding one.
It is a common misperception that Bali is located in the South Pacific. It is actually snuggled in between the Indian Ocean and the Java Sea. This small island is incredibly romantic, and many American and European couples choose Bali as their destination of choice to celebrate their honeymoon. There are ceremonies, celebrations, and festivals going on all the time in Bali. They are so frequent that it seems as if there is something of major importance occurring every day. From fun in the sun to entertaining nightlife, Bali offers round the clock enjoyment.
Semarang
Located on the picturesque Java Sea, the port of Semarang is the capital of Central Java and a fascinating tourist destination. Home to 1.5 million residents, Semarang is Indonesia's fifth largest city and a true metropolis. In this thriving city, you will find a wealth of attractions and activities, including fascinating museums, incredible architectural sights in and around the city, delicious and diverse dining opportunities, unique shopping experiences, and so much more.
Semarang's history dates back to the 9th century, when it was known as Pergota. While the city initially took a back seat to the neighboring port of Jepara, it began to gain prominence in the 17th century, growing exponentially thanks to Dutch trade influences in Indonesia.
Semarang has truly come a long way from its humble beginnings, and it is a great melting pot of East Asian and European cultures. The Chinese quarter is a lovely, colorful enclave near downtown Semarang, in stark contrast to the Dutch commercial district, a quiet, forgotten region of Semarang that hints at the city's European past.
Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon, is as fascinating as it is entertaining. There are a number of great activities to keep you busy, and wonderful historic sites, museums, and shops to keep you interested. The dining facilities and small groupings of stores are wonderful, and while portions of Ho Chi Minh resemble a bustling commercial center, other parts are quiet and agricultural. Some of the locals keep to themselves, subdued and caught up in their daily routine. Others will be the first to greet you, inviting you to the grand opening of their bar or restaurant. It is the tremendous diversity of Ho Chi Minh that makes it such a desirable tourist destination. There is so much to do and see, and it is an incredibly friendly city. The citizens will assist you almost without exception, and the city is relatively easy to navigate.
This exciting Asian city is a relatively new one, only founded in the 18th century. Chinese and Vietnamese merchants from the north settled Ho Chi Minh, as they were looking for political and economic freedom. The majority of the first inhabitants to the area were civil war refugees. It did not take long for Ho Chi Minh to become a powerful commercial center. Its location and abundance of natural resources made it a desirable location for trade and commerce. This is still the major commercial port in all of Vietnam. Five million people live in Ho Chi Minh, making it the largest city in the country. It is located on the Saigon River, and the atmosphere in and around the city is extremely engaging. The Chinese district springs up out of nowhere, and this is part of the charm of the city. Many of the best aspects of Ho Chi Minh are often stumbled upon un-knowingly. They just pop up and you are instantly transported into another dimension of fun and excitement. The food here is outstanding, and the nightlife exceptional. There are a couple of rather seedy portions of the city, but no more than anywhere else. Exercise the same caution as you would at home and you should be fine. Phan Thiet beach is great if you can make it out there, but if not, there is so much to do in this wonderful city that your time will constantly be occupied with delightful activities.
Hong Kong
Many feared that Hong Kong's incredible rise to prominence would be stunted when Great Britain handed control of the island back to China in 1997. In the years since, however, Hong Kong has continued its meteoric rise to become one of the leading economic centers of the Pacific Rim.
This position of strength could hardly have been anticipated. When England gained control of Hong Kong after the 1841 Opium War, the island was regarded as little more than barren rock. In fact, most of its value came from its strategic trading position, for it stood as a perfect entryway to Canton. Hong Kong started to rise slowly, but exploded only after waves of mainland Chinese came to the island, fleeing the Communist Revolution. Many of the refugees included China's elite businessmen, who came to this small island and transformed it into a wealthy economic hub.
Hong Kong's skyscrapers actually take their name literally. Companies continually strive to outdo each other by building huge edifices, seemingly one on top of the other. But if you can escape Hong Kong Island, you will be enchanted by the less developed islands that surround it. A side trip to the island of Lantau will remind you that there is more to Hong Kong than tall buildings and money.
Hong Kong can be easily divided into three main sections. Hong Kong Island measures only thirty square miles, but this is where you will probably spend most, if not all of your time. Each district on the island has a distinct feel to it, with some more focused on fashion and others concerned with economy and industry. Kowloon is the peninsula that lies across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. Finally, the New Territories cover two hundred square miles of mostly pristine, undeveloped territory.
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