The year is coming to a close and it is time to make plans for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. For those who want to welcome the New Year in a different and a unique way, one of the best options to do is to celebrate it in a different part of the world. For the enthusiastic traveller and the adventurer one of the finest places to celebrate the dawn of 2014 is in Hong Kong. The city hosts some of the most spectacular fireworks and great parties to welcome the New Year and it is also one of the regions in the planet which will be first to welcome the New Year. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather at the Victoria Harbour …

The celebration of the New Year on the 1st of January each year is in fact according to only one calendar: the Gregorian calendar, the existing calendar which has been unofficially acknowledged by a number of high profile institutions thereby making it the most accepted. While the Gregorian calendar remains the most accepted, a number of countries, depending on the regions they belong to, celebrate the dawn of the New Year according to various calendars. As a result, nations of the world celebrate this event at different times of the year such as the Cambodian New Year, the Filipino New Year Celebration, the Islamic New Year, the Sinhalese New Year, Baby New Year, Twelve Grapes and more. The Chinese New year is one such celebration …

An archipelago of numerous islands in the Andaman Sea makes up Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah. Known as the land of all one’s wishes these pretty islands offer a getaway to paradise. It is an entirely duty-free area and the entire island is full of activities to keep visitors engaged with. From scenic waterfalls to picturesque rice gardens and thrilling adventure parks to rustic villages, the time spent here will give you a diverse range of experiences. The highlight of Langkawi is its many beaches, soft sandy shores that can be quiet sanctuaries or happening party hotspots depending on what you are looking for. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach in Langkawi and stretches continuously for 2 kms. Pantai Kok in contrast is a …

Declared a public holiday each year the Chinese New Year is no ordinary cultural festival in the Lion City of Singapore. Marked during the last days of January this engaging local festival is celebrated with great pomp and pageantry by the island nation’s Chinese community although it is equally popular among Singaporeans of all faiths and visitors alike. The 2014 Chinese New Year falls on the 31st of January and this year harks in the Year of the Horse. Also known as the Lunar New Year and the Singapore Spring Festival this one of a kind event brings together the traditions of the Chinese celebration with all its customs and rituals and combines it with vibrant parades and street parties. Taking place from the first …

Referred to as the Winter Solstice Festival, the Donghzi Festival is one the most spectacular events celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry by the Chinese. This year’s festival is scheduled to take place on the 21st of December 2013 and choosing the luxury of a Hong Kong hotel would be a good way of planning your holiday during this time. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong which is a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong has to offer would be a good option to consider. The festival which is believed to have originated from the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony is a classic example of local culture and tradition. Observers in southern China would be able to witness families engaged in the making and eating of tangyuan or which are …

The Commando Challenge is certainly a race like no other. Putting your mind and body to the ultimate test, this race pushes you to bring out the best in your physical strength and endurance. Sure it is a rat race, where you compete with your opponents and aim to go first on the finish line but through your journey your spirit is tested, your sportsmanship is tested and certainly your determination is tested. Although it is a serious challenge it is plenty of fun and spectators enjoy it just as much as the participants do. December 15th 2013 is the date you must keep in mind if you want to enjoy this fantastic race. If you are interested in rising up to the challenge, applicants …

One of the best times to visit the city of Hanoi in Vietnam is during the Tet Nguyen Dan, which is shortened to the easily remembered “Tet”, which is Vietnam’s lunar New Year festival is conflated to become the birthday of the whole nation. Remember to secure some central Hanoi accommodation in the form of luxury Hanoi serviced apartments such as those that are featured at the Somerset West Lake Hanoi. The city quietens down during Tet, as most of the city folk go home to the country for the holiday. Many Vietnamese go all out in preparation of this significant day, when houses are cleaned from top to bottom to clear out all the old and stagnant energy of the previous year, debts are …

At the end of January 2013 the annual Kala Pola celebrated the 20th anniversary of an event that has exposed the Sri Lanka public to art in its many forms. This open air art fair presented by the George Keyt Foundation held on Nelum Pokuna Mw, is the most prominent platform for artists and sculptors from around the country to present their work to a large and receptive audience. The first Kala Pola was held in 1993 with George Keyt, the prominent Sri Lanka artist in attendance after whom the event is named. This drew a modest 30 artists. The 2013 two day event drew 345 artists and sculptors with works in a range of mediums and 30,000 visitors. The Kala Pola gives aspiring artist …

Sri Lanka has some of the most pristine landscapes in the whole of South Asia. This, combined with the ambience of class that the island is well known for, makes the sport of golf perfectly suited to this unique nation. Of late, the popularity of golf is slowly climbing and new golf courses are reshaping Sri Lanka’s landscapes. At present, this island nation boasts three famous golf courses: The Royal Colombo Golf Club, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, and the Victoria International Golf and Country Club. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is located in the commercial capital city and appeals to business tourists and many locals who fancy the sport and reside in Colombo. It is located in a rather un-spoilt region of the city …

Bali is one of the most beautiful and exotic places in the world to visit and with its rich culture, picturesque settings and comfortable tropical climate it is a holiday destination like nothing else that visitors will find. All year round it is a fantastic place to be, but for those who are deciding when to head over to the country, New Year’s Eve is an exciting option. Where better to greet the New Year than on an adventure to one of the most amazing destinations in the world. The island truly comes alive for the celebration, adding more spice to the event. Those in Seminyak Bali for the December 31st celebrations will find plenty of ways to spend their night in the area as …