the world’s largest continent, covers about 30
DESCRIPTION
from Mrs. Sandoval. The file is too big to be sent through e-mail.figured it out to share it using this.TRANSCRIPT
ASIA
The world’s largest continent, covers about 30 percent of the world’s land area.
It is bordered by Europe and Africa to the west and by the Pacific Ocean to the east.
47 countries
SOUTHEAST ASIA
MAJOR GEOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
The population of this region is concentrated in
the river basins.
The monsoon impacts the economy and life in
South Asia.
Village life dominates throughout South and
Southeast Asia.
There are fragmentation of the political,
cultural and physical geography.
Large and rapidly growing populations combine
with political and cultural conflict to make this
region important.
MAJOR TOURISM CHARACTERISTICS
This region is located far from the markets of the Western industrialized countries of the world.
The exotic and sensual are emphasized in attracting tourist.
The political problem of Southeast Asia retard the growth of tourism development.
Tourism is localized in a relatively few countries
and places in the region, such as the
Himalayan Mountains.
Tourist from industrialized countries visit only
one country, but tourist from the region visit
multiple countries.
MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATIONS
India
Thailand
Singapore
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Japan
China
KEY TERMS AND WORDS
Archipelago – a group or chain of islands in close proximity to one another.
Buddha – a representation of Gautama Buddha who was the originator of Buddhism.
Circular Tours – tours that visit a number of places between the origin and return point in a circular manner.
Deccan Plateau – a triangular plateau extending over most of peninsular India.
Golden Triangle – the area of India encompassing Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur; a major tourism region of India.
Himalayas – a high mountain range in south central Asia.
Hindu - the religion of majority of the population of India.
Monsoon – refers to a seasonal reversal of winds, but it also brings heavy precipitation.
Mosque – a Muslim house of worship.
Pagoda – a religious building of the Orient, such as an ornate Hindu temple or many-storied Buddhist tower.
Population – the total number of inhabitants of a particular race, group, or class in a specified area.
River Valleys – valleys that have formed as a
result of the rivers.
Sex Tourism – tourism in which prostitution,
pornography, and related activities are
important attractions.
South Asia – the countries of Asia south of the
Himalayas.
Southeast Asia - the countries of Asia east of
Myanmar to China and southeast to Papua New
Guinea.
Stupa – a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine, often
with a cupola on top.
Subtropical – warm, humid areas on the
eastern coast of continents.
Taj Mahal – the famed tomb in Agra, India, built
between 1630 and 1652 by the emperor Shah
Jahan for his second wife.
Temple – a sacred place of worship.
Village – a small town.
Wat – a Buddhist monastery and temple.
INDIA
Capital – New Delhi
Government – Federal Republic
Language – Hindi, English
Religion – 80% Hindu; 14% Muslim;
4% Christian; 2% Sikh (the fifth-largest
organized religion in the world)
Peak Tourist Season – November and December
Currency – Indian Rupee
Population – 1,033 million (2001)
National Symbols of India
Flag - tricolor
Anthem – Jana Gana Mana
Song - Vande Mataram
Animal – Royal Bengal Tiger
Bird - Indian Peafowl
Flower - Lotus
Tree - Banyan
Fruit - Mango
Sport – Field Hockey
Calendar - Saka
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry:Visas are required. Proof of sufficient funds and evidence of onward or return flight is required. Currency over $ 1,000 must be declared to customs. Import and export of Indian currency is prohibited.
Transportation: Indian Airlines provides service to many major cities. Rail service is good between cities but distances are long. Local cycle rickshaws, and horse drawn tongas; Buses are crowded while taxis are plentiful.
Health:
Typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis, diphtheria, cholera, and malaria shots are recommended. Water is unsafe. Drink bottled or carbonated water.
Shopping:
Common items include handicraft goods, exquisite jewelry in gold and silver, Kashmircarpets, wood and ivory carvings, silks, fur, leather hides, saris, marble tabletops, and intricately inlaid items.
Sari (Saree or Shari) – an Indian
female garment.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
India is a nation of villages. About 80% of the population live in the more than 550,000 villages throughout India.
A handshake is common with Westerners.
Traditional greeting is palms pressed together, fingers up below the chin and a slight bow.
The term ―Namaste‖ is a common greeting and goodbye.
Do not touch women.
Use titles when addressing others.
Exchange of business cards is important.
Do not stare in public.
Whistling is impolite.
Do not wink or whistle.
Ask permission to take pictures.
Do not touch another person with your shoes or feet.
Do not pat youngsters on the head.
Women should cover their heads when entering a sacred
building.
To grasp one’s earlobes is to express remorse or honesty.
To point, use the chin, full hand, or thumb but not a single
finger.
Remove shoes before entering a temple or mosque.
Eating and food:
Often utensils are not used.
Eat with your right hand.
Indian food is quite spicy.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
The Golden Triangle – Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur; the major tourism region of India.
AGRA
A city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the
northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Taj Mahal
One of the best–known structures in the world.
The famed tomb in Agra, India, built between
1630 and 1652 by the emperor Shah Jahan for
his second wife.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Fatehpur Sikri
An abandoned city which is a pilgrimage center for Indian women desiring larger families. It was abandoned due to lack of water.
A fascinating attraction for international tourists, and the abandoned temple is a fertility symbol because a Hindu priest’s prayers successfully enabled the Maharaja’s wife to bear him an heir when the city was occupied.
The surviving palace and mosque are a tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Red Fort
The Delhi Fort also known as Lal Qil'ah, or Lal Qilameaning the red fort.
Located in the walled city of Delhi, India and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
The Red Fort was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s new capital, Shahjahanabad, the seventh great city in the Delhi site.
JAIPUR
Popularly known as the pink city.
The marble quarries are the marble used for the Taj Mahal.
These old city contains both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
HAWA MAHAL
The focus of the old town was the HAWA MAHAL, or the ―Palace of the Winds‖, a beautiful flamingo-colored five storey structure.
A palace in Jaipur, India built in 1799.
Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
JANTAR MANTAR
An observatory, is a remarkable attraction.
The Yantra Mantra is an equinoctial dial, consisting a gigantic triangular gnomon with the hypotenuse parallel to the Earth's axis. On either side of the gnomon is a quadrant of a circle, parallel to the plane of the equator.
The instrument is intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second, and declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies.
AMBER FORT
It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur.
Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery.
The fort borders the Maota Lake, and is a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan.
UDAIPURA walled city in a desert state.
Also known as the ―City of Lakes‖.
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, was voted the world's best city for travellers in 2009 is famous for its canals and palaces
It is the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency.
It is known for its Rajput-era palaces.
Lake Palace
A luxury hotel with 83 rooms and suites featuring white marble walls.
Located on a natural foundation of 4 acres (16,000 m2) rock on the Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India.
The hotel operates a boat which transports guests to the hotel from a jetty at the City Palace.
City Palace Udaipur
Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559.
It was built in 1743-1746 of marble on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola as a royal summer palace and now a luxury 5 Star hotel operating under the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.
Monsoon Palace
A palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
It is known as Sajjangarh as it was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884.
Trivia
The Monsoon Palace was used as the home of Kamal Khan in the 1983 James Bond film, Octopussy.
Jag Mandir
An island palace situated on an island in Lake Pichola
It was built in the 17th century and is one of main tourist attractions of Udaipur.
Maharana of Udaipur gave shelter to Emperor Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram) here in 1623-1624 when the later was hiding from his father.
DELHI
The capital of India, is two cities: Old Delhi and New Delhi.
New Delhi contains the government buildings, which are dominated by the India Gate, built by the British in the style of Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The second-largest metropolis in India.
QUTAB MINAR
A tower in Delhi, India, is the world's tallest brick and stone minaret.
The Qutab Minar is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as Qutb Complex.
The complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi.
Humayun's Tomb
A complex of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor
Humayun’s tomb.
The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
INDIA GATE
One of the largest war memorials in India.
Originally known as ―All India War Memorial‖.
It is a prominent landmark in Delhi and
commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the erstwhile
British Indian Army who lost their lives fighting for the
Indian Empire in WW I and the Afghan Wars.
Bahá'í House of Worship
Popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape.
It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent.
The Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion. The Bahá'í laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. The Bahá'í laws also stipulate that only the holy scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside in any language; while readings and prayers can be set to music by choirs, no musical instruments can be played inside. Furthermore no sermons can be delivered, and there can be no ritualistic ceremonies practiced.
MUMBAIFormerly ―Bombay‖, on the west coast of India.
The major international gateway to India.
It is a cosmopolitan seaport and was the home of Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1934.
The most populous city in the world.
Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment centre of India.
Cuffe Parade
An up market neighborhood in South Mumbai.
It is in the southernmost region of the city just
north of Navy Nagar.
Rajabai Tower
A clock tower in South Mumbai, India.
It is located in the confines of the Fort campus
of the University of Mumbai.
The tower stands at a height of 85 m (280 ft).
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
A prestigious luxury hotel located in the Colaba region of Mumbai, India.
This iconic 105-year old heritage building retains its stature as the flagship property of the group and contains 565 rooms.
From an historical and architectural point of view, The Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower are two distinct buildings, built at different times and in different architectural designs.
The Gateway of India
A monument located on the waterfront in Apollo Bunderarea in South Mumbai.
The Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres (85 ft) high.
The Gateway of India is a symbol of Hinduism & Islam.
In earlier times, the Gateway was the monument that visitors arriving by boat would have first seen in the city of Bombay.
CALCUTTA
India’s largest city.
Calcutta is the gateway to Darjeeling, known for beautiful sunrises on Mt. Everest.
India’s third largest metropolitan area.
This also makes it the world's 8th largest metropolitan area as defined by the United Nations.
Victoria Memorial
A memorial of Queen Victoria of the United
Kingdom who also carried the title of Empress
of India.
It currently serves as a museum and a tourist
attraction.
Vidyasagar Setu
Commonly known as the Second Hooghly Bridge
A bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India.
It links the city of Howrah to its twin city of Kolkata.
The bridge is a toll bridge for vehicles, but is free for bicycles.
It is one of the longest bridges of its type in India and one of the longest in Asia.
Named after the 19th century Bengali reformist IshwarChandra Vidyasagar.
St. Paul's Cathedral
It stands on the "island of attractions" in
Kolkata - beside Victoria Memorial, Nandan-
Rabindra Sadan theatre complex, and the Birla
Planetarium.
The building was initiated by Bishop Daniel
Wilson in 1839 and was completed in 1847.
Birla Planetarium
A large planetarium near the Government of India tourist office providing a virtual tour of the stars and the solar system.
The planetariums holds sky shows everyday at different timings in different languages.
The Dinosorium is a new addition to the planetarium in Hyderabad, a wing which exhibits a 160 million years old mounted "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated at Adilabad district in Andhra Pradesh and presented to Science Museum by the Geological Survey of India. The Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks etc.
THAILAND
Capital – Bangkok
Government – Constitutional Monarchy
Language – Thai, English
Religion – 95.5% Buddhist; 4% Muslim
Tourist Season – year round
Peak Tourist Season - December
Currency – Baht
Population – 62.4 million (2001)
NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF THAILAND
Flag – tricolor
Anthem – Phleng Chat Thai
Royal Anthem – Phleng Sansoen
Phra Barami
First King of Thailand - King Sri
Indraditya
Muay Thai – Thailand’s national
sport.
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry: A visa is not required for stays up to 15 days. Proof of
onward or return transportation is required. Customs
prohibits the export of religious images. A Thai government
permit is required to take antiques out of the country.
Transportation: Excellent international access is available by
direct flights to Bangkok. Major cities within Thailand are
served by air and train. Local transportation in small town
is by pedicab and samior (tuk - tuk).
Health: Vaccinations are needed for typhoid, cholera,
rabbles, and hepatitis in rural areas. Malaria
suppressants are advised. Avoid tap water, raw milk,
ice cream, uncooked meats and unwashed fruits and
vegetables.
Caution: Visitors are sometimes victimized by individuals
offering to be guides who take tourists to gemstone
dealers where the dealer will overcharge for poor
quality stones.
Shopping: Common items
include Thai silk and
cotton, jewelry, silver, gold
lacquerware, bronze ware,
Celadon pottery, teak
carvings, and rattan and
bamboo furniture.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
Spirit worship and animism are important in Thai religious life.
Place the palms of the hands together, with fingers extended at chest level, and bow slightly to greet others. This is also used to say thank you, goodbye, or I’m sorry.
Remove shoes before entering a home.
Avoid touching the top of another person’s head.
Do not step on the doorsill when entering a dwelling. Thais believe a deity resides in the doorsill.
Do not point or show the bottom of the foot to another person.
Do not pat another person on the shoulder.
Avoid loud talking and demonstrative gestures.
Do not point with your finger. Use your chin or incline your head.
Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Women must never touch a Buddhist monk or offer to shake hands.
To beckon another person, hold palm down and wave fingers.
Do not eat or pass objects with the left hand.
Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
Do not defile, stand, or sit on a religious monument.
Eating and Food:
Use the fork (left hand) to push food onto the spoon.
Bones are placed on the plate.
When finished eating, place utensils together on the plate.
Tips are not necessary, but some give a small amount of 5%.
Typical foods include rice, spicy dishes of meat, vegetables, eggs, and fruits.
Curries and pepper sauces are popular.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
BANGKOK
The capital of Thailand.
The largest urban area and primary city of Thailand.
Bangkok is the world's 22nd largest city by population with approximately 8,160,522 registered residents (July 2007).
DAMNOEN SADUAK
A district in central Thailand in the province Ratchaburi.
The unique floating market of Thailand.
The central town is most famous because of its floating market held every day till noon on a Khlong not far from the district office.
However as it has become a prime tourist attraction of the Bangkok vicinity the market has lost its authenticity.
The Grand Palace
A complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand.
It served as the official residence of the Kings
of Thailand from the 18th century onwards.
One of the wonders of the world.
Prominent parts of the Grand Palace:
Wat Phra Kaeo - Temple of the Emerald Buddha
whose full official name Wat Phra Sri Rattana
Satsadaram is regarded as the most sacred
Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Dusit Phra
Chakri Mahaprasad Hall - a building in a style
influenced by the Italian Renaissance.
Thailand Cultural Centre
A performing-arts venue in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Thailand Cultural Centre opened on October 9, 1987 as part of celebrations for King Bhumibol’s 60th birthday.
The venue consists of two auditoriums and one outdoor stage and is used for various live performances all year round.
BANGKOK CHINATOWN
The Baiyoke Tower II
The country's tallest building.
It contains the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia and the third-tallest all-hotel structure in the world, with 673 guest rooms.
It has 85 floors, with a public observatory on the 77th floor, a bar called "Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge" on the 83rd floor, and a 360-degree revolving roof deck on the 84th floor.
Chiang Rai City
The heart of the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai City is the capital of Changwat Chiang Rai.
THE HILLTOP VILLAGE OF SANTIKHIRI ON THE MOUNTAIN OF DOI
MAE SALONG, CIRCA 2005
PHUKET
One of the southern province of Thailand.
Thailand’s largest island, approximately the size of
Singapore.
The region derives much of its income from Tourism.
HAT PATONG
Patong Beach is Phuket's most developed beach which offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational options along its 3-kilometre long crescent bay.
Patong is equally well known for its vibrant nightlife, among which seafood restaurants feature prominently.
Laem Phromthep
Phromthep Cape is a headland forming the extreme south end of Phuket.
―Phrom" is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God.'
Local villagers used to refer to the cape as "Laem Chao", or the God's Cape, and it was an easily recognizable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent.
Hat Karon
The second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches, some 20 kilometres from town.
There are plenty of restaurants and tourist stores right across the street from the beach.
Karon is one of Phuket's longer beaches, very popular due to its fine white sand. Being so long the sun beds are well spaced out so it never feels crowded.
There is also its sister beach Karon Noi.
View Point
This is located mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches.
The scenic Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu Island can be viewed from this point.
Wat Chalong
This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V.
There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple during later times.
The biggest and the most beautifully ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries.
Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre
Its duty is to promote, distribute and wildlife within Khao Phra Thaeo wildlife park.
The park is full of virgin forest and also actively conserves a number of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in Phuket.
It is a center for study of the environment and the forest vegetation is spectacular.
SINGAPORE
Capital – Singapore
Government – Republic within Commonwealth
Languages – Chinese, Malay, Tamil, English
Religion – Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu,
Sikh, Taoist, Confucianism
Tourist Season – year round
Currency – Singapore Dollars (SGD)
Population – 4.1 million (2001)
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Flag
―Lion City‖
Anthem: Majuhlah Singapurah
Motto: "Majulah Singapura""Onward, Singapore"
Coat of Arms of Singapore
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry:
A visa is not required for stays up to 2 weeks. Proof of onward or return transportation is required.
Transportation:
International access to Singapore is excellent. Singapore has excellent rail linkage to Malaysia and Thailand. Public transportation are by subway and bus.
A C751B train at Eunos MRT Station on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, one of three
heavy rail passenger transport lines in Singapore
Health:
No vaccinations are needed to visit unless entering from a country that has yellow fever. The water is safe to drink.
Caution:
Singapore has strict enforcement of littering, jaywalking, and drug possession.
Shopping:
Common items include goods from many countries as Singapore is a free port. There are many goods, handicrafts, and Thai silk. Gold and Silver are also popular items.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
A hand shake is the most common form of greeting.
Shoes are removed before entering a mosque.
Visitors are expected to be punctual.
Do not use the left hand when eating with a Malay or Indian.
Touching another person’s head is impolite.
Do not point the bottom of your foot at a
person.
The OK sign is considered rude.
Do not point with finger.
Eating and Food
Some foods are eaten with a spoon, some with the hands.
As service charge is included in the bill, tips are not necessary.
Typical foods include rice, fish, seafood, peanut sauce, Indian curries, Chinese dishes, and fruits.
Singaporean cuisine is an example of diversity and cultural diffusion with influences from Chinese, Indian, Malay and Tamil cuisine..
A kopitiam or kopi tiam is a traditional breakfast and coffee shop found in Malaysia and
Singapore in Southeast Asia.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Orchard Road
A road in Singapore that is the retail and entertainment hub of the city state.
It is regularly frequented by the local population as well as being a major tourist attraction.
Often the surrounding area is known simply as Orchard.
Orchard Road is a one-way street. It starts at the intersection with Orange Grove Road which is the location of the Orchard Hotel.
Plaza Singapura is a major shopping centre in Orchard
Ngee Ann City is the largest shopping mall along Orchard Road.
The Paragon is a high-end shopping mall along the Orchard Road strip.
The Orchard’s MRT station
Lucky Plaza has a wide range of shops selling Filipino products, electronics, shoes, sports goods. There is a food court in the basement, and there are various food joints in the building, such as McDonald's. The upper levels include bars, nightspots and doctor's premises.
Lucky Plaza is a hub for the Filipino community in Singapore, which can be observed on Sundays in particular when Filipina domestic workers congregate in and around the vicinity for snacks.
Marina South
A peninsula adjacent to the Central Business District in Singapore.
Marina Centre
A zone of reclaimed land within the Downtown Core in the southern part of Singapore.
Suntec City Mall, Marina Square, Millenia Walk, and the Singapore Flyer are located within the Marina Centre.
SENTOSA
―peace and tranquility in Malay‖.
A popular island resort in Singapore, visited by some five million people a year.
Attractions include a two-kilometer long sheltered beach, Fort Siloso, two golf courses and two five-star hotels, and the upcoming Resort Worlds at Sentosa, featuring the new theme park Universal Studios Singapore.
The Gateway of Sentosa
SENTOSA ATTRACTIONS
Tiger Sky Tower Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom
Songs of the Sea Sentosa 4D Magix
Sentosa CineBlast Fort Siloso
MEGAZIP Merlion
Sentosa Luge Skyride The Flying Trapeze
Sijori Wondergolf Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon
Defunct attractions Fantasy Island
Sentosa Monorail
Volcanoland
Musical Fountain
Beaches
Singapore Botanic Gardens
A 63.7- hectare botanical garden.
It is half the size of the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew or around one-fifth the size of Central Park in New York.
It is the only botanic garden in the world that opens from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight every single day of the year.
Does not charge an admission fee, except for the National Orchid Garden.
The three tallest buildings in Singapore are located at Raffles Place, namely, from left to right, Republic Plaza, UOB Plaza One and UOB Center. All three buildings are 280 metres in height.
INDONESIA
Capital – Jakarta
Government – Independent Republic
Languages – Indonesian, Javanese, and other local dialects.
Religion – 87% Muslim; 9% Christian; 3% Hindu and Buddhist.
Peak Tourist Season – August and September
Currency – Rupiahs
Population – 206.1 million (2001)
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Flag – two colors
Anthem – Indonesia Raya
Motto – Bhinneka Tunggal―Unity in Diversity‖
Minangkabau – a woman in traditional dress.
Wayang Kulit - shadow puppet performance as seen by the audience
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry:
A visa is not required for stays up to two months. Proof of onward or return transportation is required.
Transportation:
International access is good to Jakarta and Bali. Domestic service between most cities and islands is readily available. Bus service is over crowded. Taxis and pedicabs are the most common form of urban transportation.
Health:
Tuberculosis, malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis, typhoid and cholera protection is needed. Water and food in the international hotels are safe. Outside of hotel, water is not potable and care should be taken to drink boiled or bottled water.
Shopping:
Common items include Indonesian crafts of batik, silver work, wood carvings, palm-leaf fans, shadow puppets, dolls, leather goods, bone figurines, and Chinese ceramics, wayang puppets, and antique batiks.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
A handshake and a slight bow of the head is a common greeting.
Use of a person’s title is important.
Men rarely touch women in public except to shake hands.
Yawning in public is impolite.
Remove sun glasses when speaking to someone or entering a home
Beckon someone with the palm down and wave the fingers.
Do not put your hands in your pockets when conversing with another.
Use the thumb to point.
On buses, give up seats to women and elderly.
In Bali, do not photograph people washing and bathing nude or topless.
Eating and Food
Eating while walking on the street is inappropriate.
Eat only with your right hand.
Keep both hands on the table.
In crowded restaurants, others will ask to sit with you.
To summon a waiter, raise your hand.
To ask for the bill, make a writing motion with both hands.
When finished eating, leave a little food on your plate.
Tips are usually included in the bill.
Cover the mouth if using a toothpick.
Typical foods include rice, vegetables, fish, hot sauces, tea, fruits, beef, buffalo, chilies, and coconut milk. Muslims do not eat pork.
BALI
Bali is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts.
One of the most exotic, romantic island in the world.
It is frequently referred to as the ―islands of the gods‖.
The Balinese do not hand or receive things with their left hand and would not wave at anyone with their left hand.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The Bali Blast Monument
The Bali bombing occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali.
The attack was the deadliest act of terrorism in the history of Indonesia, killing 202 people, 152 of whom were foreign nationals, and 28 Indonesian citizens. A further 240 people were injured.
The Mother Temple of Besakih (Pura Besakih)
One of Bali's most significant Hindu temples.
The most important temple of Agama Hindu Dharma.
It had been nominated as a World Heritage Site as early as 1995, but remains unvested.
A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih.
The lava flows missed the temple complex by mere yards. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.
Ogoh-ogoh
Statues built for the Ngrupuk parade, which takes place on the eve of Nyepi day in Bali, Indonesia.
Ogoh-ogoh normally have form of mythological beings, mostly demons.
As with many creative endeavors based on Balinese Hinduism, the creation of Ogoh-ogoh represents spiritual aims inspired by Hindu philosophy.
The main purpose of the making of Ogoh-ogoh is the purification of the natural environment of any spiritual pollutants emitted from the activities of living beings (especially humans).
The forms of Ogoh-ogoh represent the Bhuta-Kala (Bhuta: eternal energy, Kala: eternal time), according to Hindu teachings.
Ogoh-Ogoh---how-the-Balinese-see-the-
tourist-girlsOgoh-Ogoh---Ubud Football Field-Red
one with kids
Jimbaran
A fishing village and tourist resort.
The beach is cluttered with seafood restaurants and some of the finest luxury hotels in the world.
Tourism in Jimbaran has increased rapidly that has boosted local economy, but it suffered by the 2005 Bali bombings where the bomb exploded in one of the restaurants in Jimbaran.
Java and Jakarta
Java is an island of Indonesia and the site of its capital city, JAKARTA.
It is the most populous island in the world.
Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in Indonesia.
Java has a diverse mixture of religious beliefs and cultures.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Central Jakarta
Semeru
Also known as Mount Semeru or Gunung Semeru - located in East Java.
The highest mountain on the island of Java, Indonesia and one of its most active volcanoes.
Known also as Mahameru the (Great Mountain), it is very steep rising abruptly above the coastal plains of eastern Java. Maars containing crater lakes have formed along a line through the summit.
Semeru lies at the south end of the Tengger Volcanic Complex.
Mount Bromo
An active volcano and part of the Tengger massif, in East Java, Indonesia.
At 2,329 meters it is not the highest peak of the massif, but it is the most well known.
The massif area is one of the most popular tourist attractions in East Java, Indonesia.
Tangkuban Perahu
Also known as Tangkuban Parahu in local Sundanese dialect.
An active volcano 30 km north of the city of Bandung, the provincial capital of West Java, Indonesia.
It is a popular tourist attraction where tourists can hike or ride to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs upclose, and buy eggs cooked on its hot surface.
This stratovolcano is on the island of Java and last erupted in 1983.
The crater of Tangkuban Perahu, Bandung, West Java.
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
"Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park"
A culture-based recreational area located in East Jakarta, Indonesia.
The park is a synopsis of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life in Indonesia's 26 provinces encapsulated in separate pavilions with the collections of architecture, clothing, dances and traditions are all depicted impeccably.
Apart from that, there is a lake with a miniature of the archipelago in the middle of it, cable cars, museums, a theater called the Theatre of My Homeland (Theater Tanah Airku) and other recreational facilities which make TMII one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
Jakarta Old Town
Also known as Old Jakarta, and Old Batavia.
A small area in Jakarta, Indonesia. This special region spans 1.3 square kilometres of both North Jakarta and West Jakarta.
Dubbed "The Jewel of Asia" and "Queen of the East" in the 16th century by European sailors, Old Jakarta — or Batavia, as it was named by the Dutch — was once considered a center of commerce for the whole continent due to its strategic location and fertile resources.
Wayang Museum in Jakarta.
Jembatan Kota Intan drawbridge.
Jakarta Kota Station
A train station at the west of Jakarta, Indonesia.
The station was appointed as a historical and cultural landmark in 1993.
The station was also popularly known as the BEOS station as an abbreviation from the Bataviasche Ooster Spoorweg Maatschapij or the East Batavia's Train Transportation Company.
MALAYSIA
Capital – Kuala Lumpur
Government – Federation of Malaysia
Languages – Malay, English and Chinese
Religion – Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Tribal
Peak Tourist Season – May to December
Currency – Ringgit
Population – 22.7 million (2001)
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Flag
Anthem – Negaraku
(My Country)
Motto – ―Bersekutu Bertambah
Mutu‖ (Unity is Strength)
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry:
Visas are not required for stays up to three months.
Transportation:
Direct air service to Kuala Lumpur is available. Daily train service connects KL with Penang, Singapore, and Bangkok. There is a well-developed national highway system. Taxis are the best form of transportation in the city.
Health:
Cholera and malaria are the two diseases with which travellers should be concerned. Tap water in major cities is considered safe to drink.
Shopping:
Common items include batik sarongs, silver, and gold brocade, and locally manufactured pewter.
Sarong or sarung is a large tube or length of fabric, often wrapped around the waist and worn as a kilt by men and as a skirt by women
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
A handshake is a common greeting.
Show respect for elderly people.
Among the Malays and Indians, avoid touching a person’s head.
Do not show the sole of the shoe or point with the foot.
A person standing with hands on hips indicates anger.
Smacking the close fist in the palm of the other hand is a rude gesture.
Give and receive gifts with both hands.
Cover your mouth when yawning.
Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
Malayans do not form a line for public buses.
Eating and Food
Malays and Indians eat with hands and spoons. Chinese eat with chopsticks and spoons.
Eat with your right hand only.
To call a waiter, just raise your hand.
A service charge is usually included in the bill.
Waving chopsticks in the air is a bad manner.
Typical foods include rice, fish, and spiced foods such as hot peppers, vegetables, and fruits.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR
KL is the major destination and capital of Malaysia.
It is also the largest city in Malaysia.
Greater Kuala Lumpur is also known as the ―Klang Valley‖.
Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR
Petronas Twin Towers
Also known as the Petronas Towers or just Twin Towersare twin towers.
The world's tallest buildings before being surpassed by Taipei 101.
The towers are still the tallest twin building in the world. They were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 if measured from the level of the main entrance to the structural top
Petaling Street
A Chinatown located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
It is infamous for pirated clothes and accessories along with bootleg DVDs and CDs.
Petaling Street however does not exclusively offer pirated products.
Haggling is a common sight here and the place is usually crowded with locals as well as tourists.
Tugu Negara
The "National Monument― is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia’s struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960.
It is located in the Federal capital, Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian Houses of Parliament is situated near the monument.
Masjid Negara
The national mosque of Malaysia, located in
Kuala Lumpur.
It has a capacity of 15,000 people and is
situated among 13 acres (53,000 m2) of
beautiful gardens.
Kuala Lumpur Tower
Officially known as Menara Kuala Lumpur; referred later as KL Tower.
A tall tower built in 1995; It is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the fifth tallest freestanding tower in the world.
The tower also acts as the Islamic Falak Observatory to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadan, Syawal, and Zulhiijaah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.
SUNWAY LAGOON
Sunway Lagoon stands as Malaysia’s Premier Theme Park.
Officially opened on April 29, 1993 by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The most visited tourist destination in the country.
Sunway Lagoon is strategically located in the township of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya.
Spanning 80 acres, the Lagoon draws fun seekers from all over with its reputation as a fascinating land of fun and excitement.
Penang
Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous.
A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.
Penang is severally known as "The Pearl of the Orient" and "Pulau Pinang Pulau Mutiara" (Penang Island of Pearls).
The food capital of Malaysia.
Queensbay Mall
A shopping mall at the heart of the Queensbay development, formerly known as Bayan Bay before it was abandoned during the East Asian financial crisis.
At that time, the mall was referred to as Bayan World Megamall.
The largest shopping mall in the northern region of Malaysia.
Fort Cornwallis
Built by Francis Light as a defensive measure when he first gained possession of Penang island.
The oldest British structure in Penang.
Located where the Esplanade now stands and where he first landed on the island.
Originally built of wood and was subsequently replaced by brick.
The Jubilee Clock Tower
A Moorish--style Jubilee clock tower at the junction of Lebuh Light (Light Street) and Lebuh Pantai(Beach Street).
Built to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee.
The tower is sixty feet tall, one foot for each year of Victoria's reign.
Eastern and Oriental Hotel
Penang's first grand hotel.
The Kek Lok Si Temple
"Temple of Supreme Bliss" or "Temple of Sukhavati―.
A Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang.
One of the best known temples on the island. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.
Known as the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas.
Malacca
The third smallest Malaysian state, after Perlis and Penang.
It is located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca.
This historical city centre has been listed as a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO since 7 July 2008.
Maritime Museum, Malacca
A Famosa
"The Famous" in Portuguese, is a fortress located in Malacca, Malaysia.
It is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia.
The Porta de Santiago, a small gatehouse, is the only remaining part of the fortress still standing.
Stadthuys
Constructed in 1650 as the residence of the Dutch Governor and his deputy, the structure reflects Dutch architecture.
It is today the "Museum of History and Ethnography".
The museum exhibits traditional wedding clothes and artifacts of Melaka, dating back to its days of glory.
The Cheng Hoon Teng temple
A Buddhist temple in Jalan Tokong, Malacca,
Malaysia.
It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia.
Port Klang
Main gateway by sea into Malaysia.
Formerly known as Port Swettenham.
It is also the location of the largest and busiest port in the country.
The 13th busiest transshipment port (2004).
The 16th busiest container port (2007) in the world.
It was also the 26th busiest port in terms of total cargo tonnage handled in 2005.
PHILIPPINES
Capital: Manila
Government: Republic
Language: Filipino, English, Spanish
Religion: 83% Roman Catholic; 9% Protestant;
5% Muslim; 3% Buddhist and others.
Tourist Season: December to March
Currency : Pesos
Population: 77.2 million (2001)
NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Flag
Anthem – Lupang Hinirang (Chosen Land)
Motto – ―Maka-diyos, maka-tao, maka-
kalikasan, makabayan‖ (For God,
people, nature and country).
National Hero – Dr. Jose P. Rizal
Mother of Democracy – President Corazon
―Cory‖ C. Aquino
TRAVEL TIPS
Entry:
A visa is not required for stays up to 21 days. Proof of onward or return transportation is required.
Transportation:
There is good international access to Manila from North America and Asian countries.
Long-distance buses serve all parts of the country. Public transportation is by jeepneys. Taxis are plenty.
The Manila Light Rail Transit System popularly known as the LRT, is the main metropolitan rail system serving the Metro Manila area. There are two lines to the LRT: LRT-1, called the Yellow Line, and LRT-2, called the Purple Line.
The kalesas, horse-driven carriages, were a mode of transportation during the Spanish period. They are still being used today. Rich Filipinos known as the ilustradosused the kalesa for personal travel as well as for the transport of goods to nearby areas.
Health:
Water is safe in Manila. Sanitation is not always
good. Dysentery is common.
Shopping:
Common items include handbags, abaca, shoes,
pearl, and coral jewelry, embroidered shirts, wooden
handicrafts and pineapple fiber textiles.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
Philippine culture is a mixture of Eastern and Western Culture.
Philippine tradition exhibits festivities known as Barrio Fiesta (district festivals) to commemorate their patron saints.
Filipinos traditionally eat three main meals a day. This include agahan (breakfast), tanghalían (lunch), and hapúnan(dinner), plus an afternoon snack called meriénda.
Dishes range from a simple meal of seafoods, pork, vegetable, and rice, to paellas, and cocidos. Popular dishes include lechón, chorizo, tapa, adobo, kaldereta kare-kare, crispy pata, sinigang, pancit, and lumpia.
A hand shake is a common greeting.
Respect is shown for elders.
Filipinos seldom observe lines.
“Texting Capital of the World“.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Manila
The capital of the Philippines and one of the 17 cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila.
One of the central hubs of a thriving metropolitan area home to over 19 million people.
As of 2009, Manila ranks as the world's eleventh largest metropolitan area.
The fifth largest urban area by population.
Manila is also ranked as one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city itself had more than 100 parks scattered throughout the city
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Rizal Park
The area was shaped like a small moon
(lunette) and thus was named Luneta.
The Park was also called Bagumbayan (English:
New Town) in Spanish colonial era, and later
known as Luneta.
Fort Santiago
A defense fortress built for Spanish
conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
The fort is part of the structures of the walled
city of Intramuros.
Malacañang Palace
The official residence of the President of the Philippines.
The palace is located along the north bank of the Pasig River in Manila.
It is called Palasyo ng Malakanyang in Filipino, and Malacañang Palace when referred to as the official residence of the President of the Philippines, and simply Malacañang when referred to as the office of the president
The Manila Hotel
A 570-room, five star hotel in Manila, located in the heart of the Manila Bay area.
The Manila Hotel is the oldest premiere hotel in the Philippines, built in 1909 to rival Malacañang Palace, where the Philippine president now lives, and opened in 1912.
It was the residence of General Douglas MacArthur from 1935 to 1941.
Intramuros
Built by the Spaniards in the 16th century.
The oldest district of the city of Manila.
Its name, in Latin, Intramuros, literally "within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress,
During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself.
LUZONLuzon is the largest and most economically and politically important island in the Philippines and one of the three island groups in the country.
Under Spain, Luzon also came to be known as the Nueva Castilla or the New Castile.
The world's 17th largest island.
It is the fourth most populous island in the world.
Pagsanjan Falls
One of the most famed waterfalls in the Philippines.
A major tourist attraction for the region.
Pagsanjan is most famous for these falls in particular.
The base of the Pansanjan falls is a natural pool, allowing great swimming and diving.
There are some caves to explore around the area which are known for their acoustics. Behind the waterfalls there is also a small cave which you can enter. The falls are also famous for their massage, where people get 'massaged' under the falls.
Tagaytay
A third class city in the province of Cavite.
One of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
Tagaytay City provides a good view of the TaalVolcano.
The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude.
View of the Taal Volcano from the lake with local fishing boats on the foreground.
Hundred Islands National Park
Located in Alaminos city, Pangasinan.
The islands (124 at low tide and 123 at high tide) are scattered along Lingayen Gulf.
They are believed to be about two million years old.
Only three of them have been developed for tourists: Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island.
PalawanAn island province located in the MIMAROPA region.
Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction.
The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
El Nido
A first class municipality and managed
resource in the province of Palawan in the
Philippines.
EL NIDO
VISAYAS
One of the three island groups in the Philippines.
It consists of several islands, primarily surrounding the Visayan Sea.
Its inhabitants are referred to as the Visayans.
The major islands of the Visayas are Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar. The category may also include the islands of Romblon and Masbate.
Boracay
One of the country's most popular tourist’s destinations.
Voted as having the best beach in the world.
Boracay's two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island's narrow central area.
Chocolate Hills
An unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines.
According to the latest accurate survey done, there are 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi).
They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season.
The Chocolate Hills are a famous tourist attraction of Bohol.
Magellan's Cross
A Christian cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Magellan upon arriving in Cebu April 221, 1521
This cross is housed in a chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino on Magallanes Street.
Magellan's Cross is a symbol of Cebu, and the chapel's image can be found in its city seal.
It is also seen as the symbol of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
A 20-meter bronze statue in Punta Engaño,
Mactan Island, Cebu.
Erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a native
chieftain who defeated Spanish soldiers, and
Portuguese explorer Magellan in the Battle of
Mactan on 1521.
Mindanao
The second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines.
It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas.
Historically the island was also known as Gran Molucas or Great Mollucas.
Mount Apo
A large solfataric potentially active stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
It is the highest mountain in the country.
Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines.
On May 9, 1936, Mount Apo was declared a national park by President Manuel L. Quezon. The mountain is home to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic.
Maria Cristina Falls
A waterfall of the Agus river on the island of Mindanao.
It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall.
It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city.
Mt. Hibok Hibok
A popular hiking destination in Camiguin island.
It is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, all part of the Pacific ring of fire.