The renowned Raggamuffin music festival in Rotorua is undoubtedly one of the premier events of its kind in the region. Featuring a sensational combination of reggae music along with elements of hip-hop, soul and funk this is one festival the music lover will never want to miss. Renowned New Zealand and international artists such as UB40, Arrested Development, Big Mountain, Billy Ocean, Marvin Priest, House of Shem, Chad Chambers, Three Houses Down and many more will be featured at the event in 2012.
When considering Rotorua hotel accommodation an outstanding choice would be the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This excellent Rotorua hotel provides well-furnished rooms and impeccable service assuring a pleasant stay.
‘Hong Bao’ in Chinese means red packet and as most people know, the color red in Chinese context means a sign of good luck. That is why many people living in Singapore celebrate the New Year in River Hong Bao, to usher in good luck while welcoming the arrival of yet another year. Many visitors can see the glorious lanterns generally depicting beautiful pictures, especially of Chinese characters and zodiac signs. To add more color to the festival there will be many river shops open, but even if you don’t do any shopping the atmosphere and the fireworks will keep anyone drenched in the fun! If you are looking for the best Singapore hotel rates, an ideal choice would be Studio M Hotel Singapore. Being a star class Hotel in Singapore, it will surely exceed all your holiday expectations.
Popular for its exciting array of food and beverages, Thailand is home to many fun-filled food festivals. One of the largest and most popular festivals celebrated in Bangkok each year is the Thai Beer Festival. Similar to the famous Oktoberfest celebrations held in Germany every year, the Thai Beer Festival is a way for Thai breweries to promote their products and beer-lovers to binge on some of world’s finest beers.
The Thai Beer Festival is celebrated with the setting up of many beer gardens around Bangkok. The largest and fanciest beer garden is found in front of the World Trade Centre at the Rajprasong Intersection. The festival is unique in its duration, commencing in the month of November and stretching on to mid-January. In this time period, local beer-lovers, expatriates and tourists visit the many beer gardens set up each weekend in some of Thailand’s most commercial areas. Also available at the Beer Festival are many mouth-watering and exotic Thai dishes. Barbecued meat and roast pork dishes are amongst some of the most popular attractions at this festival. A variety of music performances, from pop to jazz, are also featured at the beer gardens.
The annual Thai Beer Festival is indeed a time for all those in Thailand at the time to stay warm and have a good time during the monsoon season. The highlight of the event, the wide assortment of beer, come from some the best breweries and beer producers in Thailand and across the world. The average price of a pitcher of beer is relatively inexpensive, costing around 80-100 Baht. In order to promote their brands, beer producers often make value deals and special offers for beer at the festival. Some brands available at the festival include Singha, Heineken, Asahi and Beer Chang. Other well known beer gardens are set up at places such as the Discovery Centre on Siam Square, as SCB Park Plaza at Ratchayothin, The Mall Bangkapi, and Tesco Lotus Bangna.
Visitors to Thailand can take part in this fun-filled beer festival on any weekend from November to January. Accommodation at many Bangkok serviced apartments is comfortable and affordable. Those who wish to go to the largest beer garden in at the Central World Plaza can stay in a serviced apartment Bangkok, such as those in the plush Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bangkok. Just a few minutes away from the beer garden, visitors can stay up all night, indulging in the best beer and food.
A type of Balinese music drama and dance, Kecak Dance began in the 1930s. The soul of Balinese is reflected by woodcarving, painting and dancing. One of the most famous Balinese dances, the uniqueness of this dance is the use of no musical accompaniment. A chanting ‘monkey’ chorus produces the rhythm of the dance.
Performed mainly by men, this dance is also referred to as the Ramayana Monkey Chant. The dance involves a circle of over 100 performers dressed in checked cloth, throwing their arms up and chanting “cak”, as a depiction of a battle from the Ramayana.
Ramayana is an Indian story revolving around Rama, a warrior and a rightful heir to the throne of Ayodya. He and his wife Sita are exiled to a faraway desert, where an evil king falls in love with Sita and sends a golden deer to lure away Rama. Once Sita is captured, Rama has to round up his armies to defeat the evil king and his armies, in order to rescue Sita. Kecak Dance performs this story quite impressively.
Having roots in an exorcism dance called Sanghyang, these traditional dances are performed on Hindu holidays in particular. The performers dressed in checked clothes are both the choir and suppliers of music for the story. The series of their continuous vocal chants change according to the mood of the actors. These men in the circle actively add to the performance’s allure by waving their arms to replicate fire and relocate themselves encircling the stage to symbolize wind as the story develops. The voices of the storytellers can be heard distinctly amongst the swaying masses.
However it was Walter Spies, a German musician and painter living in Bali, who became very interested in this dance and managed to recreate it into a drama. It was his idea to base it on the story of Ramayana.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu presents the ideal choice for travellers in search of ideally located Uluwatu hotels. A haven of modern design and rugged natural beauty, the luxurious Bali villas offered by this exceptional resort are set amidst breathtaking vistas.
On the northeast side of Tokyo lies a small sea side village known as Asakusa. This village was established in the 7th century. The story goes that two fishermen out at sea one day found not fish but a small golden statue in their fishing nets. This Buddhist statue was that of the deity Kannon. Kannon was revered as a deity of compassion.
On this auspicious day which was the 18th of March 628, a Golden Dragon appeared above the village in the sky to mark the finding of this statue.
Dragons are popular among Asian nations, and unlike their Western counterparts are usually serpentine in appearance, wingless, and comparatively benevolent. Of these the golden ones are a rare breed and are not seen easily as they are invisible.
The appearance of this Golden Dragon in the village of Asakusa, together with the finding of the golden statue catapulted this village to fame. The enshrined statue in the SensojiTemple grew in importance and popularity whilst becoming a famous pilgrim’s spot.
Thereafter every year, a special Golden Dragon Dance is held to commemorate the visitation of the original dragon nearly 1300 years ago. This dance dragon weighs only 75 kilos and is around 15 meters in length, whereas its live counterpart was thought to be over 30 meters long.
The dragon dances thrice before it disappears from public view until the next year. This dragon is held up on poles and is manoeuvred by 8 men. Whilst the dragon dances, ladies attired as geishas use traditional instruments to play music.
Visitors to Tokyo during this period should not pass up the opportunity to be a part of this interesting Golden Dragon Dance Festival, as it is truly a memorable experience. If the visitor is looking for a Tokyo serviced apartment from which to base themselves, then the Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku features some of the finest service apartments Tokyo has to offer.
Studded with ancient temples and wondrous cultural attractions, Thailand is a land like no other. Boasting gorgeous beaches and alluring patches of lush greenery, this tropical paradise is blessed in more ways than one.
It is hard to believe that a leisure park dedicated to the sport of wakeboarding exists on a large number of hectares in the heart of Northern Thailand. Situated in Chiang Rai, Planete Wakeboard is open for pros as well as novices who want to try their hand at the exhilarating sport. In fact, the sophisticated wave making machines provide the perfect wave for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, which is becoming quite the popular sport.
Planete Wakeboard’s location is unique, being central to the borders of Laos, China and Vietnam. It is merely 15Kilometres away from the Chiang Rai International Airport. When arriving at the leisure park, the Huaisak Reservoir serves as a beautiful setting amidst all the sporting activities and is ideal for a vacation of adventure as well as a relaxing holiday.
There is also a food court, restaurant and a bar to accommodate visitors to Planete Wakeboard. A large natural pool and a video games arcade provide entertainment for the kids during the stay. Along the pool is a space for water sports such as volleyball with readily available equipment.
There is also an area for sports such as basketball, ping pong and even shooting. The man made beach area with swaying coconut trees is also a treat to experience as you feel right at a beach resort though in the middle of Northern Thailand. There are also extensive gardens with beautiful landscaping. Visitors usually sit by the gardens to take in the surroundings and to experience quality family time.
When looking for Chiang Rai resorts during your stay in the region, only one spectacular hotel comes to mind. Part of the prestigiousGolden Triangle hotels, the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand is set in lush surroundings and overlooks the Thai countryside as well as elephant land. Taste the unique Lanna cuisine and immerse in the unique culture and hospitality which will be an experience never to be forgotten.
The Marlborough Sounds is one of the most serene, peaceful and stunning sights to take in when travelling to New Zealand. Consisting of a series of sea drowned valleys that collectively form a water maze of sorts, the entire area is blessed with a rich helping of natural beauty that include lush greenery and pristine beaches.
The Marlborough Sounds is surrounded by forested hills that literally spring right from the edge of the crystal clear waters. Those who choose to traverse through the sounds have several methods in which to do so including by ferry, kayak, sail and motorboat. The entire area conveys a feeling of freshness and purity that is truly invigorating to the senses. Being sparsely populated, visitors will also experience a good deal of isolation allowing for a secluded and private experience.
The Marlborough Sounds is also littered with a helping of restaurants that serve cuisine of different culinary preparations. This allows travellers to stop at a venue of their choosing which provides for a good deal of spontaneity to help keep your trip more vibrant.
Other activities that are popular at Marlborough Sounds include fishing, tramping, cycling and even walking which is an extremely pleasant experience beside the lush scenery that the entire area provides.
The waters of the Marlborough Sounds also serve as the home to a host of marine life including dolphins, tiny blue penguins, seals and many others that can be glimpsed during your travel. A variety of birdlife also resides here further presenting an even more impressive level of biodiversity.
When planning to explore the natural bounty that this flourishing locale provides, travellers will need to choose a suitable hotel in Marlborough to reside in. Copthorne Hotel Marlborough is a Blenheim hotel Marlborough that presents a range of amenities which ensure a comfortable stay in the area.
Known as the ultimate tourist destination, Maldives is presently enjoying impressive tourism growth, having rebounded from a series of natural disasters in the last couple of years. Having gone through a developmental frenzy over the recent years, every few months in Maldives brings out newly opened resorts, top-end boutique brands and ecologically sound hotels. Inviting honeymooners, divers and sun worshippers, Maldives continues to prosper keeping its original allure intact, with its superior beaches and cobalt blue waters.
Away from the modernity of the cityscape, life in Maldives is stripped down to simplicity, in its truest sense. A stunning backdrop of bright blues skies, coupled with all-year sunshine will be wonderfully atmospheric for travellers, where they can spend their days revelling the very essence of idyll living.
Recognized for its geological eccentricities, Maldives is nestled amidst the expansive Indian Ocean. Essentially, it is a series of ancient coral reefs that have matured along the edges of towering pre-historic volcanoes. With the passage of time, these immense structures have sunk into the depths of the ocean, exposing a number of coral islands of remarkable natural beauty. Travellers seeking unbridled pampering will indeed enjoy the blissful setting of Maldives, coupled with its swaying palm trees and languid waters.
Enveloped by white-powdery beads of sand, the beaches in Maldives are perhaps its finest attraction. For the traveller who enjoys water sports, Maldives is the idyllic paradise with a number of fantastic destinations for diving, surfing and snorkelling. Travellers from around the world throng at the beaches of Maldives, who enjoy frolicking in the sun and exploring the geographical marvels of Maldives. Seducing even the most discerning traveller is its turquoise reefs and deep blue lagoons, which provide the perfect opportunity to explore Maldives’ vibrant marine life. Prepare to catch a glimpse of a variety of fish species, swimming around the vivid corals.
Recognized for providing travellers with a uniquely indulgent vacation, it comes as no surprise that Maldives has become one of the top ten destinations for celebrity getaways. Few of the international celebrities who have vacationed in Maldives are Beyonce, Jay-Z, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Jude Law, Eva Longoria, Liz Hurley, Noami Campbell, Mick Jagger, Sting, Rod Stewart, Jet Li, Cindy Crawford, Jackie Chan, Kate Moss and Siena Miller.
Aside from its sheer beauty, untamed nature and breathtaking scenery, the main reason why Maldives has become a hotspot for celebrities is its secluded islands. It provides celebrities with the privacy they require, away from the autographs hounds and interfering paparazzi. Since celebrities have a different set of criteria than the average traveller, they usually opt to stay at an exclusive villa or a private home.
Recent celebrity sights have included Russell Brand and wife, Katy Perry who vacationed in Maldives for their honeymoon. The couple flew straight to their destination after their highly anticipated and extravagant wedding in India. Soccer superstar, Christiano Ronaldo and his girlfriend, Irina Shayk, famed as the cover girl for Sports Illustrated 2011, also vacationed in the islands early this year. Headlining the news was the honeymoon of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who famously spent their honeymoon in the islands of Maldives.
For the traveller seeking an accommodation in Maldives, an ideal Maldives resortwill be Anantara Dhigu, Maldives. Among the Maldives luxury hotels, Anantara Dhigu, Maldives is nestled on Dhigu Island on the South Male Atoll, where travellers can explore uncompromised luxury amidst an isolated paradise island.
To celebrate one of the biggest moments every year, the city of New York pulls out all the stops in marking the advent of a New Year. The festivities include the massive celebrations, high energy parties and firework displays throughout the city.
The internationally recognized Times Square provides one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration locations. This iconic destination is memorable for its plethora of neon lights and advertising signs that somehow manage to become even brighter come 31st night. New Year’s Eve is also marked with the annual ‘dropping of the ball’ tradition atop One Times Square.
New York City will also be coming to life with a host of parties being thrown to mark the coming of the New Year. Major hotels, ballrooms, bars, pubs and nightclubs will be hosting a diverse range of events that will cater to various tastes. When residing in the vibrant city of New York this New Year’s Eve, visitors can simply pick an event that is to their liking.
For those desiring a quieter way to mark the moment, dining at one of the many magnificent restaurants located in the city provides a perfect option. With so much choice on offer in New York, visitors need only decide what type of food and atmosphere that they are seeking and they are sure to find an option that is suitable to them.
Indulging in a cruise is yet another popular activity that is chosen by both locals and tourists alike. Typical cruises offer the chance to mingle and relax amidst a luxurious atmosphere in addition to the benefits of an open bar. From your vessel, visitors will be able to take in refreshingly new views of the entire cityscape as well as the fireworks that are set off as the clock strikes 12.
The fireworks that pepper the skies of New York are yet another popular part of the moment each year. While the fireworks are visible for different parts of the city, the center of all the activity is the immense and magnificent Central Park. The view of the fireworks is simply astounding, especially from Sheep’s Meadow. Other activities that are put on here include the Midnight Run around the park, music and dancing as well as other entertainment.
For travellers wanting to reside in a luxury hotel New York, a popular choice among many is The Premier Hotel New York which delivers an exemplary level of service to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.
For tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Tueng Ng Festival will no doubt get caught up in the excitement of this melting pot of a city. The summers in Hong Kong are filled with events, and taking centre stage is the Dragon Boat Festival.
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is not just any competition; it’s steeped in Chinese culture and is accompanied with a long history. This carnival is spread out across three days filled with entertainment, music, exotic foods and the perfect setting for a bit of healthy competition.
The competition takes place at the VictoriaHarbour, at the Kowloon side of the harbour, each year. For first time travelers to Hong Kong, witnessing the dragon boats pushing through the water, side by side as the drums beat furiously; it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the excitement of it all, while watching international paddlers compete against one another for the coveted prize at the International Dragon Boat Races.
In China the Dragon Boat Festival counts for a day’s holiday, and it is part of a ceremony to commemorate the death of a national hero. Qu Yuan died by drowning himself more than 2000 years ago in the Mi Lo River. Folk legend has it that people who tried to rescue him began beating drums to scare the fish away, and food such as dumplings were thrown in the water to prevent the fish from feeding on his body.
It is from this tradition that dragon boat racing evolved. Today competing teams race in beautifully decorated dragon boats, while heavy drums are being beaten at the head of the boat. What make these boats distinguishable are the intricately carved dragon heads and a tail that appear at the head and bottom of the boat.
Each boat of over 10 metres in length has the capacity to carry a boat crew of about 22. The area where the paddlers sit is called the hull and it is decorated with the colours and scales of a dragon, with a bit of gold edging.
Paddlers who stand at the boat’s bow will often light crackers while tossing rice into the water to relive the legend of the search for Qu Yuan, which adds to the excitement. According to history dragon boat races were held between different clans and tribes and even different villages. The winners received prizes by way of wine and free food.
Paddlers in the dragon boat take the race quite seriously and practice tirelessly while seated abreast with another paddler. The drummer is at the front and encourages the paddlers by beating the drum and is supported by a steersman who is seated at the back.
Popular festival food includes rice and dumplings made using different types of meat, which is wrapped in a banana leaf. It is common thinking among the local community that during the festival days if herbs are collected, the preparations made using them will be more effective. Various herbs are boilt in water and people even bathe with this water believing that they will remain healthy.
For the adventurous travelers who lives off a backpack, a 4 Star hotel Hong Kong such as the Cosmo Hotel, will allow travelers to be centrally located and within walking distance to many attractions. A discount Hong Kong hotel such as this one offers guests a superior service.
