Jalan Jaksa in central Jakarta is a historic street that housed students of the Jakarta Law Academy during Dutch times. In the late 1960s the street developed in quite another direction when it became famous among international backpackers and the first budget hotel in the country was established there. With the addition of several more hostels and cheap hotels it became the central point from which backpackers took off to other destinations in the country. In the mid 1990s a street festival was started to popularize the area further and to celebrate the culture of the Betawi people who are indigenous residents of Jakarta. The 400 meter road now has 27 budget hotels and hostels and hundreds of rooms rented by local residents, restaurants, money …

This festival is not one just one for the taste buds, but a feast for all five senses. To truly soak up the amazing atmosphere that emanates from the location during this time of the year, one has to seek out a suitable Bangkok hotel to lodge in during the event. However this would not be an issue since Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is one of the most popular hotels Bangkok among those of who seek the true colours of culture during their travels. The streets are practically glittering with life during these days while various aromas waft through the air making the mouths water. Music fills the ears while an immense assortment of delicacies adorn the streets, beckoning the passersby invitingly to have a taste of this delicious Chinese …

A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually. The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals …

The Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is a traditional festival celebrated in great fanfare and ardour. In order to fully soak in the ambiance of this charming event, visitors usually choose a Sukhumvit hotel to lodge in during their stay. A popular Bangkok hotel that is chosen by many is Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok which known for the comforts as well as the true Asian experience that it imparts of each one of its guests. The date of this festival depends on astrological calculations and usually takes place in the months of May, June or July celebrating the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso. During the festival sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough and they are …

August seems to be the month when Phuket goes mad about seafood. For two days in the middle of the month Phuket is the ‘go to’ place to sample the succulent seafood of Thailand. With the motto of ‘Good Taste Best Price’ the annual Phuket Seafood Festival aims to showcase the variety of seafood found around Phuket. Visitors can sample an array of discounted seafood dishes prepared in various styles by chefs from food shops and restaurants of the island. Adding to the buzz is Phuket Lobster Week that promotes lobster like no other. The festivals aims to introduce visitors to a wide range of seafood dishes and it is certainly the best time to sample the seafood that one has always wanted to try. …

For the ultimate holiday experience, select a Phuket beach resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, an ideally located Phuket resort. When in the region there are various things to do and events to enjoy, especially local festivals. One of the most unique festivals in the island is the Vegetarian Festival. Phuket Seafood Festival where local culinary experts showcase their skills and the Chinese New Year are also popular events. However a prominent event you will get to experience here is the Songkran Festival. Bringing an array of entertainment options is the Phuket Old Town Festival whilst Wat Chalong Fair which coincides with the Chinese New Year brings shopping opportunities, entertainment and more.

Bali is a traveller’s paradise and Bali hotel accommodation caters to their discerning needs. However with one of the ideally located Bali hotels such as Anantara Seminyak Bali, you will be assured of a remarkable holiday in the region. Attractions in the region include various religious and cultural festivals. Harvest festivals, parades to the sea, fasting & retreat ceremonies, temple festivals and more are among these events. One of the main religious festivals in Bali is Nyepi Festival which marks the beginning of the New Year. Held before this is the Melasti Festival which is dedicated to driving evil spirits away from the island.

Held at the Qurum Natural Park in Oman scheduled for the 7th of February, the Oman food festival is a much- awaited event that takes place this February 2013. The festival runs in association with chefs and students of the Oman Tourism College, and it allows visitors to the fair to enjoy the best of authentic Oman cuisine. This year’s food festival will be held on the 7th of February. Provided you like trying something different, if you are a complete foodie, or even if you are just interested in trying out local cuisine you are sure to love the experience of the food festival, as locals and tourists bounce about the festivities. Dishes such as the traditional Shua; a preparation of meat cooked underground, …

Phuket is known for its idyllic beaches with soft sands, azure ocean waters that are perfect for water sports, exotic culture steeped in history and thrilling nightlife that let you party the night away; an island paradise does not get any better than this! A visit to this enchanting island would not be complete however, without sampling the delectable delicacies that are on offer which let you experience rich and distinct flavours. Those wanting to combine sampling local cuisine with some culture can visit when one of the local food festivals are taking place. The most popular of such events is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival that usually takes place in October. Spanning for a period of around nine days, this unique and colourful festival is …

Thanksgiving is a holiday for all communities residing in America and Canada. This state holiday is celebrated on the 4th Thursday every November and is known for its many festivities. In Canada thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of every October. This customary day is dedicated for friends and families to get together in harmony and celebrate a special feast. This meal habitually comprises of cranberry sauce, turkey, potatoes, pumpkin pie, stuffing, gravy and also vegetables. It is a day of giving thanks for what you have received during the year and for the family and friends in your life. Beverly Hills is such a city in the United States that celebrates this holiday in a very joyous and grand style. There are many …