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.
Ko Samui
Koh means island in Thai, and Samui is the third largest Koh in Thailand. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui is the largest of eighty islands that surround it. Around 30,000 people call Ko Samui home, with most concentrated in Na Thon.
Ko Samui was a largely undiscovered paradise until recently. The island had thrived for years as one of the world's leading coconut exporters. Adventurous travelers found their way here, and were absolutely floored by the natural beauty and pristine condition of the island. Word spread fast, of course, and soon, entrepreneurs capitalized on the island's newfound tourism boom.
Even with tourists flocking from all over the world to take in Ko Samui's beauty, the island remains a quieter alternative to Phuket, which is almost completely overrun by commercialism. The quiet beaches of Lamai, on the island's southeastern coast, are sure to afford you the perfect opportunity to relax.
If you would prefer to be a little more active while on Ko Samui, there are plenty of beautiful underwater sights at Coral Cove or Angthong Marine National Park. Dive shops are a dime a dozen on Ko Samui, so you will have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the world's prettiest coral reefs.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the pride of Malaysia. It is the main port of entry in and out of Malaysia, and it is no wonder that Kuala Lumpur was chosen to be the capital of the country. It is known as a modern capital, because this engaging dreamland was just picked a few decades ago as the country's capital. Combining impressive high-rises with natural beauty, excellent shopping with fascinating museums, Kuala Lumpur is a fantastically diverse and gorgeous place to tour.
The dining is marvelous, and cuisine from all over the world is represented in fine form. From scrumptious Italian to delectable Chinese food, you can tour a different country with every meal. In 1857, Kuala Lumpur was founded as a tiny mining town. In the middle of the city, the sparkling Masjid Jame River flows uninterrupted. The Klang and Gombak rivers meet and seem to encompass the entire city. The abundance of water in and around Kuala Lumpur adds to its allure and beauty. The parks are scenic and tranquil, highlighted by Lake Gardens, the butterfly park, and the bird park. Ornithologists will be in utter disbelief as they marvel at the exquisite diversity of the bird life in Kuala Lumpur. Nature enthusiasts and environmentalists take note: the more fervent your passion for the outdoors, the more likely it is you will stay in Kuala Lumpur and not return home. That being said, it is safe for you to assume that Kuala Lumpur is a phenomenally scenic place that offers something for everyone.
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.
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