Planetwith

Secret Beaches of Malaysia Malaysia Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island, Langkawi and Penang are popular destinations for a reason. They offer everything a beach lover wants. But for those who are after a bit more adventure, something off the beaten track or just an escape from resort beach lifestyle, we’ve compiled a list of the best hidden treasures of Malaysia. Pulau Mabul Pulau Mabul or Mabul Island is a small island off the southeast coast of Sabah – just 15km away from Sipadan. There’s a fishing village, no cars, no roads and perhaps some of the best muck diving in the world. You can even circumnavigate it on foot! The beaches here are pristine and a perfect place to unwind after a long day snorkeling or diving. If you are lucky you will even catch some turtles laying their eggs on the beach. Getting there: Take a boat from Semporna to Pulau Mabul. Speedboats are around 30 minutes, while ferries take about one and a half hours. Pulau Tiga Pulau Tiga is s...

6 Instagrammable Landmarks In Medan (Source: Infohotel.co)   Medan , the capital city of North Sumatra Province, is rich in diversity of cultures. Through the centuries, thousands of merchants from China, India, the Middle East, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Europe have come to the city to trade and where many settled down, each bringing their own culture. The assimilation of these cultures has created a lively diverse city, as well as fascinating legacies in architecture and culinary heritage. The city has many distinguished landmarks sculpted with meticulous details and marvelous artworks. Here, you will easily find old buildings standing right next to sleek modern constructions. Below is a glimpse of the colorful spirit you will find in Medan’s city center: 1. The Maimoon Palace   Built by Sultan Ma’mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamsyah in 1887-1891, the palace has a total of 30 rooms on its 2,772 sqm land. However, only one main room is open for public, which is ...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai – No.9   9. Karen Long Neck Tribe & Chiang Dao Cave  Boasting some of the most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in the country, Chiang Dao Cave stretches many kilometers into the mountains. Legend has it that it connects with several other caves before eventually emerges at the other end somewhere in Shan State across the border. The official figure, though, is 12 kilometers, and you can explore only a small part of it.  The cave is part of the 2,100-metre-high Doi Chiang Dao mountain range, the third-highest peak in Thailand formed by pushed up sea floors some 230-250 million years ago. For the most part, the cave is well-lit, but as you progress further in, even a powerful flashlight is useless. The best way to go about exploring the cave is to hire a guide, who is well-equipped with a kerosene lantern and know his way around. Padung Village – Long Neck Ethnic Hill-tribe  Fur...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai – No.8 8. Doi Pui Tribal Village and National Park  Doi Pui, at 1,685metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily reached from the main road. But one of the hottest attractions for Doi Pui must be Hmong Tribal Village situated less than five kilometers from the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to this village is an eye-opener into the tribal villagers’ private life. Witness their simple way of living, their homes, as well as learn about their culture through a collection of objects, such as musical instruments, traditional silver-embroidered costumes, and bamboo crafts.  Because of the high elevation, Doi Pui is enshrouded in mist and has a relatively cool climate all year round (average temperatures of 20 - 23 degrees Celsius). The forest cover consists of mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, with bursts of colorfu...

A Culture Day in Korea South Korea Starting January 2014, the last wednesday of every month has been designated a special "Cultural Day" in Korea to help foster more involvement in the culture and arts. During Culture Day, there will be free admission for permanent exhibitions and in-house special exhibitions at art galleries and museums. Museums will offer a special discount for touring exhibitions, which tend to be relatively more expensive than their in-house special exhibitions. Also, admission to cultural sites such as the royal palaces and Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage] and admission to special performances at national art organizations such as the National Theater of Korea, National Gugak Center, Korea National Opera, and Korean National Ballet will be free of charge or discounted. The special Cultural Day events will also affect other national facilities and even private organizations like major movie theaters which are expected...