Splendid Changsha: A Travel Guide for China Lovers

Changsha is the capital city of the Hunan Province. This was the capital city of the Changsha Kingdom during the Han dynasty. That is why you can find a mausoleum for the Han dynasty’s emperors. This mausoleum is a must-visit place for history junkies, it shows us lots of Chinese civilisation from as early as the 1st century.

For international tourists, it can be quite confusing to get into this city. The best way to get into this city is via Hong Kong. You can just take a China Southern Airlines flight from Hong Kong International Airport.

This city can be categorised as a paradise for shopaholics, there are lots of places where you can buy anything you want cheaply, but most of them are not goods of a high quality. To get the best price, you should be very good at haggling. I strongly recommend you to buy things for less than half of its original price.

Chinese nationalists, who usually revere Mao Zedong, should visit his childhood house. Most of the nationalists also consider the river near this house as the place where Mao trained his body and soul. He used to swim in this river in the winter, so that he got used to with abhorrent circumstances to face.

The accommodation and food in this country can’t be said as classy. However, it’s affordable for most people. You can get a big bowl of fried rice, just for less than a dollar. For tourists who like going out all day long and which only use a hotel room for sleeping at night, you can go to 19 First Fenglin Road where Lushan Hotel is located. It is one of the best hotels where you can pick your choice to stay at. The room is comfortable with middle-class facilities, but I don’t think you should pay more for the breakfast. It is horrible, it is better for you to find a place to eat in the city. One-night rate in that hotel is as cheap as 22 USD.

Overall, this place is a very unique place for people who’d like to see China in two different perspectives. It combines the oriental side of China and the depiction of China as a Communist country.

We hope that this travel guide could make you a good, skilful and well-informed traveller.

Author: Ivan Kristanto Santoso

Beauty of Bali - Amed, A Jewel Amongst Others

A 2-hour drive from the airport, through verdant rice fields, breathtaking scenery and seemingly endless coast will take you to one of the hidden jewels of Bali, far from the hot Kuta, which is always jam-packed with tourists and local peddlers, away from the hustle-and-bustle of good ol’ Denpasar, to the stunning coastal region of Amed.
Simplicity and minimalism is what will greet you upon arriving there. Although the area has developed considerably during the last few years, don’t expect to find nightclubs, malls nor traces of city life. First off, before you take off your clothes and jump in the serene waters of the sea, you need to find a hotel. There are many hotels here, ranging from cheap non-star hotels to luxurious ones. Whichever you choose, do keep in mind that it is near the beach and the sea. Otherwise you’ll be missing out on the biggest appeal of this secluded area: the sea life. Diving. Seriously, it is one of the best spots in Bali.

Anyway, the Coral View villas would be a great choice for the occasion. Whether you are alone, with family or a couple of friends, Coral View offers the best value for money. Built along the shore, it gives easy access to the beach. A Deluxe Room costs about what, USD$60? Pretty cheap. And a Family Suit costs $120. Breakfast is not included, but not to worry, for there are many more places where you can find delectable food with low prices.

One thing not to miss while you are here is the seafood. Be sure to try some of the local warungs which have seafood on their menu. If you prefer to dine in a restaurant, Baliku is a good choice, about 1km south of the Blue Moon hotel. Or just ask the locals for directions. xD They’ve got great Indonesian food.

Now that you’ve got yourself a hotel, and have no worries for chow, you ask, can we go taste the waters now? The answer is: yes! One exceptionally good spot for diving and sightseeing under the calm waters is called Tulamben, where an old shipwreck can be found. The black volcanic sand, combined with the eerie sunrays penetrating the water and the sight of the picturesque shipwreck is absolutely magnificent. Once-of-a-lifetime experience. The waters are relatively mild and there are hardly any currents, suitable even for amateurs. For those who prefer snorkeling, the highest part of the wreck stands at 4m below the water’s surface. A high variety of marine life can be found here, too many to list. If you decide to stay overnight, be sure to try night diving, which is best at full moon. Or early before the dawn breaks, when you might be able to catch a glimpse of a turtle.

If you’re looking to kill time and laze around, come around in the morning, bring a magazine or two, put on some sunscreen, and

lay down on your mat. It probably won’t take long to fall asleep, though.

The local fish market is also a sight to behold; the shouting of smelly and sweaty fishermen, the chaotic life of the market, the piles of fish just calling to be brought home and cooked. The best way to get around town is just to walk, and enjoy the occasional slight breeze caressing your face. You probably won’t even want to go anywhere far, considering the lazy time you can spend on the white sand of the pristine beaches.

Before you get all excited and start ooh’ing and ahh’ing, and probably go to the nearest travel agent to book a flight here, remember to pack your suitcase. The sunscreen, sunglasses and trunks or bikini and sandals are a must. Don’t forget casual attire such as shorts and simple shirts too. You can bring your own diving mask and wetsuits, but if you prefer to rent them here it’s fine, too.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your lazy bums up from your comfortable chair in front of the computer, and order a flight to Bali!

xD As if my writing isn’t convincing enough.

Well, not the last part, at least. T.T I got writer’s block for the last 5 days. T_____T

And don't ask me why the font is messed up. It keeps switching to Trebuchet, and then to Arial and now it's on Times. =.= And I can't change it back. Whatever.

READ THIS BEFORE GOING TO MECCA!!!

Hey, it’s ME! Handsome, aren’t I? HAHAHA!!!

       If you ask what most Moslems want in their lives, the answer would be "going to Mecca." Sand and rock stand their ground to greet you. The boiling and dry weather make your adrenaline rush and yet, you would never witness anger and hatred driving people to fight each other. 

          Moslems, especially from Indonesia are willing to suck their wallets till it dries out to be able to reach Mecca. Huh? You’re asking why? Ask them. I don’t know. Back to the point, that is why, this city is a must visit for Moslems. Despite the expensive accommodations, Garuda Indonesia Airlines provides tickets to Mecca, not for free though. But if you still insist, maybe they will give up and give it for free (Just kidding).

          The trip to Mecca starts from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Visa is a vital aspect for the trip. You will find yourself flying towards Jeddah first for about 15 hours non stop. You do not have to worry about getting bored, since Garuda Airline can entertain you with their luxurious cabin, delicious meal, relaxing music and I won’t forget to mention clean toilet. 15 hours would feel like only 15 minutes. Do not believe it? Then try it yourself.

         Your exhausted self will be rejuvenated when you get to King Abdulaziz International Airport at Jeddah. The airport’s architecture lightens up the mood with the white colored ceiling as if you walk through a Dinosaur remnant. But do not expect anything from the airport staff, they are crappy people, I suggest you do not talk to them. From here SAPTCO buses are ready to drive you passing a modern multi-lane highway in the middle of the dessert to Mecca. Unless you are crazy, DO NOT wear thick clothing if you do not want to die yet. You will be dropped off at the city center terminal at the Haram al Sharif. However, this is restricted to Moslems only. Then what about Christians, Buddhist and other non-Moslem passengers? Do not worry if you’re not Moslem, you will not get killed. Non-Moslems passengers will use the other terminal outside the city limit.

          Coming inside a little bit… Further and further… Deep inside... Ahh! A fabulous hotel, Hilton, which enables you let your hair down, can be seen. It is a perfect place to observe the magnificent Masjidil Haram (Sacred Mosque) and Kaaba from its top rate restaurant (with absolutely delicious food of course) on the uppermost floor. The hotel is built on a shopping complex thus making it an effective place to spend the nights. For non-Moslems, Dar Al Tawhid Makkah on Ibrahim al Khalis (my name is Khalil) Street is ready to serve you. The hotel has beautiful views of Mecca even from the outside of the city itself.

         At last, the part we have been waiting for, the meal! There are many varieties of food in Mecca, from Middle Eastern Arab food to Southeast Asian food. American fast foods such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dunkin Donuts are also can be found here. The only thing you can not find is pork, this is because the Islamic Law of Saudi Arabia that forbids any part of the pig to be served. Good for you who do not like pigs. Finally, what you need the most in Mecca is beverages. Coca cola (normal or zero), Sprite, Fanta, Teh Botol Sosro, Soda Gembira and many others can be seen along the streets in Mecca. But do not copy what the advertisements on TV shows by pretending to be dreaming after drinking Coca cola zero by crossing the desert. I can guarantee your death that way. Carry mineral water to keep your body fit.

         That’s all about travel guide to Mecca. I hope by giving this walkthrough to you, you could have a safe and fun trip there. Enjoy!

Presented to you by:

Sir Kahlil & Sir Anthony

Balikpapan's travel guide

Balikpapan is the most modern city in East Kalimantan. There are many ways to get there. The easiest yet most expensive way is to go by plane. Garuda Indonesia serves at least 3 flights directly to Balikpapan’s airport, Sepinggan, in a day. Silk Air, which flies from Singapore, also has a flight to Balikpapan. But, there’re only a few in a week. The other way is to go by ship that takes more time (3 days journey) but won’t cost too much.

This exotic city has many hotels that vary in price, depends on the rate of the hotel. But the best hotel in town is probably the Blue Sky Hotel (a 4-star hotel), which located in the west side of the city, 25 minutes drive from Sepinggan Airport. It has a nice swimming pool and restaurant that serves many kind of food, from Western to Chinese. There’s only one thing that you must try while you’re there— their deer meat that is eaten together with a special bread. This hotel’s restaurant is the only place in Balikpapan that cooks this delicious dish.

Being famous for its timber, mining and petroleum export products, this small but attractive city surprisingly hides many beauties that can’t be missed. To make your journey even easier, you’ll need to rent a car while you’re here as many interesting places are mainly located far away from the city centre. But if you still want to go by bus or the other public transportations that are available, you have to be extra careful so that you won’t be tricked by the locals.

The first place you need to visit is the Crocodile Farm. Here you can see many species of crocodiles, from the adorable ones to the terrifying ones. If you’re hungry, you should try eating crocodiles’ visceral organ such as kidney, liver, etc. that’s served here. It’s a common thing for local people, especially men, to drink Tankur Buaya which is made from crocodiles’ testicular. They believe that this drink has the same effect as Viagra.

The next place you have to see is the Dayak Village at Tenggarong. It’ll take you 3 hours to get there by car. In this village live the original people from Kalimantan, the Dayaks. We recommend hiring a local tourist guide because Dayak people don’t speak Indonesian or even English. They have their own local language. If you come here in a group and if you’re lucky enough, they may perform their unique traditional dance to welcome you.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the BOS (Orangutans Sanctuary and Eco Lodge). It’s a one hour journey by car from the city centre. This national park allows us to see Orangutans and Sun Bears in their natural habitat. You can also experience the wildlife in the jungle. In order to do that, you should take your outdoor equipments with you (walking boots, spare clothes, insect repellent, etc.).
 
So, make sure you visit Balikpapan for your next holiday. You won't be regret. x)

by : Santy & Fransisca

Adryan Nurdien's post...

MECCA
The Holy Land of Saudi Arabia


There’s only one holy land for all Moslems in the world, located inside the town of Mecca, called the land of Haraam. In the land of Haraam, we can locate the world’s most sacred place for Moslems, the Haraam Mosque. Like all towns in the world, Mecca has some places of interests, like Nur Mountain, Arafah, and all historic places related to Islam. In Hajj season, you can fly directly from Surabaya to Jeddah, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. But most occasions, like Umrah, you have to go to another country first, then to Saudi Arabia. Like all journeys to other countries, you need your passports and visas, which is very important. It takes about 9-10 hours to go there.
There are also some shopping places and places to eat. They offer nice quality amenities like furniture, clothes, gadgets, etc. and nice and tasty food. Well, we can’t say that all food there is tasty, because of a different taste in culinary, but we still can find some fast food restaurant like Pizza Hut, Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, Hardee’s, and so much more. We can go around Mecca by bus, which costs only 2 SAR. If you want to go by taxi, it’s much more expensive, around 10-20 times more than buses. We can rent a room in a hotel, the price varies, starting from 100 SAR. Some hotels offer intercontinental dishes. I can have Indonesian food there. But some local food is nice as well. You can try kebab, it’s the nicest food I’ve ever had there, if you know how to find the right cook. You can find fresh food, like milk, bread, vegetables, and so on. Because the bakery always bake bread every morning after the dusk prayer, so it’s really fresh and that what makes the prices of bread is so cheap and they have very nice taste.
Since it’s not an ordinary land, you can’t do anything as you wish. All kind of bad deeds will be punished immediately. In the other hand, if you do good deeds, the rewards will be given immediately. So everything needs to be done carefully. There’s one thing that needs to be done all the time there, which is, remembering the name of Allah.
Well, I guess that’s all that I can tell about Mecca. Oh, and one last thing, you have to be a Moslem to enter that city. Not to mention about some discrimination, but it’s a special place, not everyone is allowed to go inside that city. :)


Well, I only put a photo here...

A New Episode

Like, Monday was our first lesson after a week-long holiday. Upon arriving at Kelt, the author went straight away to the receptionist's desk where she asked for the timetable, and who was supposed to teach her last term here. It turned out, the lucky teacher was... Darren! Or the "piercing guy", as one of us put it. xD Too bad she stopped coming to Kelt this term. Anyway, the author was sorta disappointed, for she had hoped to get Ian again. :P Not meaning to belittle you, Darren, but we did not know whether you were the fun type. :D

Anyway, a bit crestfallen, the author had considered skipping Monday's class, as Kelt's electricity was out too (it was DAMN HOT!). She changed her mind though, fortunately. We had gotten a new face in class (which turned out to be an old classmate), but an old one left us. :( Well, jump to when class started...

Her first impression of Darren was... "Dude. Is this guy serious? ==" (at a sentence he said, but she forgot what it was). She had expected the lesson to be boring, but it was not so. We had a little bit of fun, and we also found a little interesting fact: Darren designs tattooes! And he's got two on his right arm. Cool. :) The 2 hours felt like only 20 minutes, and even she enjoyed some parts of it. She learned quite a bit of new vocab and phrases, which /is/ unusual.
All in all, it made her look forward to the next lesson (which is also unusual).

Well, she gotta go now, so l8rs gators~ x3

Mucho love,
<3