ASIA

Tours in Myanmar - Asia's Best Kept Secret

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of the Southeast Asian nations, Myanmar attracts fewer tourists than the more ‘trendy’ spots such as Thailand, Malaysia and recently Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. But a country that is known by two names evokes its own cloud of mystery and is sure to pique the interest of adventure seekers and the more intrepid traveler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Burma was a British colony until independence was granted in 1948. In 1990 the country’s name was changed to Myanmar (which means all national races) to better reflect all the diversity of ethnic groups. It has affectionately been called the  ‘Land of Ten Thousand Pagodas’ and the ‘Golden Land’: both names are apt. In some cities temples can be found on nearly every corner and – while this may not differ from nearby countries – many of these highlight the extraordinary relationship that the Burmese have between their beliefs and the land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Myanmar has approximately 45 million people who are divided into over 165 recognised ethnic groups. It shares its borders with Bangladesh, Laos, China, Thailand and the Bay of Bengal. The country is rich in natural resources – it has lovely pearls, rubies and gems – and its landscape includes pristine beaches, lowland plains and snow –capped mountains.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unlike other neighboring nations, Myanmar has had little foreign investment: it is one of a handful of countries that remain unscarred by globalised food chains. As a result, traveling in this land induces images of ancient Asia and provides an opportunity for complete immersion in a culture untainted by westernisation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No trip to Myanmar is complete without visiting some of the following: Mt Popa, the Pindaya Caves, Kyaiktiyo, Bagan, The Thanbode Temple, Mandalay, Inle Lake and the capital Yangon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mt Popa in the eastern part of the country is an amazing geographical and man-made spectacle. The mountain is an extinct volcano that because of its sheer-sidedness resembles an inverted bowl; however, it is the Monastery built on the plateau that catches the eye. At 1518 metres it can be seen from all directions and its white walls and golden trimmings resemble a fairytale castle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nearby the Pindaya Caves are another example of a remarkable union between nature and mankind. Situated behind the main attraction (the Shweu {Golden Cave} pagoda) tunnel-like limestone caves snake into the mountain. Within this maze, 6000 Buddha images flicker in the candlelight creating a surreal effect that will be sure to leave the visitor more enlightened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not to be outdone by these two attractions is the remarkable Kyaikhtiyo pagoda. It sits upon a golden rock that balances atop Mt Kyaiktiyo. The large golden boulder can actually be rocked back and forth and is said to balance because of a precisely placed Buddha hair. The legend is that 2500 years ago a hermit was given a hair by the Buddha and sought an appropriate place for such a sacred object. He found a rock that resembled the Buddha’s head and secured the hair in a pagoda on top. Many villagers make the pilgrimage to the 1100 metre high site, which, having survived several earthquakes, is truly one of the world’s wonders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also in the eastern mountains at 700 metres above seas level is Inle Lake, a gentle body of water bound by reeds and canals. Two hundred villages surround the lake and many houses rise out of the water on stilts. The lake is an important resource of the 150,000 people of the Shan state, providing for their main activities: fishing and weaving. It also serves as a marketplace where canoes are used as stalls and people paddle through the flotilla browsing and buying all types of wares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Ayeyarwady River splits Myanmar down the middle, running from China to the Bay of Bengal through Mandalay and alongside the capital Yangon. Both these cities are dotted with temples and pagodas, most notable are; the Kuthodaw pagoda in Mandalay, famous for its marble writings from the Buddha cannon; and the pristine, 2500 year old Shwedagon in Yangon with a spire that towers 100 metres.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Mandalay region was the last Kingdom of the Myanmar dynasty before the English took control. Now the city remains the cultural center of Myanmar and offers tourists a trip back in time…….. by the river water buffalo teams can still be seen bringing in logs! A boat trip up the Ayeyarwady also reveals an insightful look into village life and an opportunity to mix with the hardworking and friendly locals. If you are still interested in pagodas, they line the banks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Myanmar is also home to two of the largest abandoned cities in the world: Bagan and Mrak U. An ancient capital between 1044 and 1287 AD, Bagan is thought to be the birthplace of the Myanmar civilization. Today it’s a very popular tourist destination; the city is clean and spacious and provides a base to visit the 2000 or so temples built on the 16 square kilometer site. In contrast, Mrak U is only accessible by a five-hour boat ride out of the small village of Sittwe and at present many of its temples are being restored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The giant temple of Thanbode is one temple that must be visited. Situated just outside of Monywa it was built between 1939 and 1952 and is home to 582,257 Buddha images: possibly the largest single collection of Buddha statues in the world. Two white elephants, that symbolize fertility and knowledge, guard the collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Burmese people are very friendly and almost tribal in nature. Their family and friends are extremely important in their life and they extend this friendship to foreigners: often seeking them out and initiating conversations. With such a fusion of cultures this makes for an exceptional travel experience unlikely to be replicated elsewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In 1898 Rudyard Kipling wrote, “this is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you will know.” This statement rings true today as Myanmar remains a rare gem; the people, culture and scenery combining to make it a unique experience in an ever-shrinking world.</span></div>

Tours in Myanmar - Asia's Best Kept Secret

Of the Southeast Asian nations, Myanmar attracts fewer tourists than the more ‘trendy’ spots such as Thailand, Malaysia and recently Vietna...

The Switzerland Of Asia Shines

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In many respects, Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Begun in 1819 as a British trading colony, the Republic of Singapore was founded in 1965 under the leadership of the current Prime Minister’s father, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. While it is only 1/5 the size of Rhode Island and three times the size of Washington D.C., it is perhaps the most strategically important global trading, finance and service nexus in Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is why you should consider investing in Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While Hong Kong and Shanghai will argue, Singapore is the busiest port in Asia situated next to the vital trading channel, the Straits of Malacca.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unlike South Korea and Taiwan, which are heavily dependent on the cyclical electronics industry, Singapore has a well-diversified economy. 70% of its GDP is attributable to finance and services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore’s accounting rules and regulations are amongst the most conservative in the world. For example, its rules on inventory accounting and the expensing of stock options are more conservative than those in the United States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite only 1.6% of its land being suitable for agricultural activities and having to import almost everything including water, Singapore manages to have a trade surplus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore has a balanced budget, a stable currency and still manages to allocate 5% of GDP for defense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It represents a multi-ethnic society with 77% Chinese, 14% Malay and 8% Indian.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore has a parliamentary form of government, an English common law judiciary system and is corruption and drug free. Slowly but surely, a freer political climate is developing with a Speaker’s Corner instituted in 2000 and the ability to express one’s views freely anywhere with the exception of the sensitive topics of race and religion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore’s educational performance is legendary. The fact that it has twice as many Internet users as television sets is telling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore’s New Resorts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is also changing with the times. To generate more investment, tax revenue, and add a bit of sparkle, Singapore recently approved the development of two large casino resorts. It is part of a strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on manufacturing and to position itself as a livelier tourism destination. Of course, there will be restrictions. Singaporeans will have to pay a $60 entry fee and the gambling areas will be restricted to just 5% of the resort. According to projections, the resorts will lead to $4 billion in investments, $3.5 billion in annual revenues, 35,000 jobs and $350 million per year in taxes and fees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore has also made great strides in patching up misunderstandings with its neighbor to the north, Malaysia, from whom it split in 1965. Tax issues, water supply agreements and transportation arrangements are all moving much more smoothly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is adept at holding on to its manufacturing base even as several large semiconductor manufacturers such as National Semiconductor announced plans to move plants to China and Malaysia. For thirty years, Singapore has relied on electronics as the backbone of its manufacturing sector but is making the transition to a more service.</span></div>

The Switzerland Of Asia Shines

In many respects, Singapore is the Switzerland of Asia. Begun in 1819 as a British trading colony, the Republic of Singapore was founde...

Singapore, Introduction To Asia

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To understand Singapore you need to realize that it is the extension of one man's intelligence, dream and drive. And that man is Lee Kuan Yew, the original prime minister of the Republic of Singapore. Yes, it is true he was aided in his task by the people of Singapore. It is interesting to ponder on what would have happened to Singapore if Lee Kuan Yew, one of the remarkable men of his century, had not been present.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lee Kuan Yew is a nonya. That is he can claim both Malay and Chinese heritage. He was born in 1923 and was prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. And during his rule, as a simple statement of fact, Singapore went from being something of a backwater to becoming the most prosperous nation in Southeast Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lee Kuan Yew went to Cambridge University where he got a double starred first which is not something that is given out with the rations. He became a lawyer and was admitted to the English bar but returned to Singapore to work, as a committed socialist, with the unions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1963 Lee took Singapore into the newly created Federation of Malaysia. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This created all sorts of problems. In Singapore 75 percent of the members of the PAP were Chinese and there was much tension between Chinese and Malays. There was communal rioting in Singapore and in 1965 Lee Kuan Yew was told by his Malaysian colleagues in the federal government that Singapore must leave the federation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore had to secede and it then became a sovereign state with Lee Kuan Yew as its first prime minister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is fair to say that in return for a mildly authoritarian style of government that sometimes infringed on civil liberties Lee Kuan Yew brought Singapore honest and efficient administration and spectacular prosperity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lee Kuan Yew resigned the office of prime minister in November 1990.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is, perhaps, sad that such a great man who did not believe in inherited power has appointed his children in just such a manner. Does not affect the tourist. Possibly affects the future of Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is not a big place. It sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula 137 km north of the Equator. The main part is Singapore Island and there are also about 60 very small islands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main island is connected to Peninsular Malaysia by a road and rail causeway which bridges the Johor Strait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore does not depend on tourism for a living. It is the largest port in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is not just a small island. It is also a very flat island. Most of it is less than 15m above sea level and its highest point is Timah Hill which soars to 162m.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is near the equator and in the monsoon region. The average monthly temperature varies from about 27 degrees C in June to 25 degrees C in January and the difference is not noticeable. The wettest time of the year is November-March and the period with the least amount is May to September. Not that it makes very much difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rain falls somewhere on the island every day of the year. Which is why it is very green. Do not let the rain worry you. In the constant warm temperature you very quickly dry out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is not much left of the original Singapore. There is a fragment of evergreen rain forest preserved around catchment areas and some mangrove vegetation survives in the Kranji area on the northwest side of the island but otherwise it is all cultivated in one way or another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The city is in the south of the island but, in truth, most of the island of Singapore has now been built up and over. At one time it looked as though every old building in Singapore would be knocked down and replaced with a new and shining skyscraper. Eventually the penny dropped and the government decided that refurbishing rather than demolishing the once-common Chinese shop-house would not be a bad idea. And keeping the Raffles hotel operating in its old premises but with a new style was part of the campaign.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nevertheless the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has changed forever the face of Singapore and has housed a staggering four-fifths of the population high-rise HDB flats located in housing estates and new towns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About three quarters of the population of Singapore is Chinese with Malays next and Indians the third.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it does not break down as easily as that. Nearly half of the Chinese originate from Fukien province and speak Amoy; a third is from Swatow and speaks Teochew and most of the rest are Cantonese. That is three different dialects which are not understandable by all although, of course, written Chinese is a unifying force.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Malays are pretty much one group although some of them speak Indonesian dialects which although very similar to Malay have some vocabulary differences. The Indians are the biggest mixture of them all. The majority are Tamils but there are also Malayalis and Sikhs as well as Pakistanis and Sinhalese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are four official languages - English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. And there is a fifth which although not recognized officially, is distinct enough to be the subject of several learned papers. This is Singaporean which is Singapore's very own version of the English language.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It contains words and grammatical from all the languages of Singapore. Therefore "Must be, lah" is an affirmative declaration while, "What to do now, lah?" is an expression of helplessness in the face of fate. It is a lovely and expressive language based totally on English. If you speak English you will never have language problems in Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore is a singularly pleasant place to visit. It is the ideal destination for someone making their first foray into Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The chances of your being robbed in Singapore are pretty close to nil. And if you are, the local constabulary will move heaven and earth to fang the wretched miscreant and return your goods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The roads are spotlessly clean - drop a bus ticket and you will very probably be fined. The road crossings are safe - go jaywalking and once again your wallet will be lightened. The roadside food stalls are the cleanest in the world. No one gets gippy tummy in Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The developers are something else again. Sadly, like developers all over the world their motto is 'nothing exceeds like excess'. Almost everything that was old and worthwhile and interesting came under the wrecker's ball.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore eventually saw the folly of this and you can still find parts of the old Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Tourist Promotion Board maintains a flood, a deluge, an inundation of brochures telling of the wonders of the city state. But it bridles madly at the sign of any criticism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite this nonsense Singapore is a most attractive place to visit - for one reason. The people. Singaporeans are joyous, intelligent, friendly. In the restaurants you are served with pleasure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Singapore need never run a politeness campaign. Its people are the politest and the warmest in Asia. Partially this has something to do with the racial mix. Within Singapore, Malays, Chinese of several varieties, Tamils and Europeans get on in the most amazing racial harmony. This harmony spills over to the visitor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Singapore, I promise you, the people positively love having you as an honored guest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty much all of the attractions in Singapore are man-made and of relatively recent origin. It is astounding that on this flat little island so much has been created to keep the visitor entertained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are the main attractions of Singapore? This is my list. Yours will almost certainly be very different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food. You can eat yourself silly with 100 different cuisines and still not have scratched the surface in Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My own view, formed after spending a lifetime in the area, is that the food in Singapore – because of its wide range of styles - is arguably the best in Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can eat very cheaply by sticking to the open air restaurants that abound. They are all squeaky clean and serve ambrosia at discount prices. The first place to try is the Satay Club on Elizabeth Walk and then make your own discoveries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jurong Bird Park. When I have business in Singapore I make it a point to keep half a day clear to go and sit on my own in the Jurong Bird Park. This has the largest aviary in the world. What they have done is net off a valley so that there is a waterfall inside the aviary. It brings balm to the soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">                                                                                                                                                                                                              </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit The Off-Shore Islands. It is easy to think that Singapore is just one diamond shaped island for that is the way that it appears on most maps. In fact there are several smaller islands that you can visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Boats can be hired from Clifford Pier which is just across the road from Change Alley. On the islands you will find an older, more peaceful Singapore. One where Stamford Raffles - the man who founded the place - would feel very much at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit The Tiger Balm Gardens. This place is truly a nonsense - but a most enjoyable nonsense. Full of statues and grottoes and buildings all garishly painted. They are, as I understand it, intended to give you an idea how heaven and hell look in the Taoist religion. Incidentally, Tiger Balm ointment, which provided the funds to build this place, does cure what ails you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wallow In The Luxury Of An Up-Market Hotel. My theory is that the local towkays - the millionaires - have all tried to one-up each other in the construction of hotels. The result is that in Singapore you can stay in a hotel with appointments and service you could simply not afford anywhere else in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spend Time In One Of The Many Gardens. My favorite is the Japanese Garden, again in Jurong. A well-designed Japanese garden always gives me a special sense of peace. This is almost certainly the best Japanese garden outside Japan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so it goes. The average visitor spends 3.7 days in Singapore which is enough time to get the feel of the place, to go shopping, to eat yourself stupid and to make instant but lasting friendships with the local Singaporeans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then you can nip across the causeway to Malaysia. This is where the real Asia begins. Singapore is but a foretaste. For the first time visitor it is difficult to think of a better introduction. </span></div>
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Singapore, Introduction To Asia

To understand Singapore you need to realize that it is the extension of one man's intelligence, dream and drive. And that man is Lee Ku...

Malaysia: An Asian Retirement Paradise

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Asia's best-kept secret for expatriates, Malaysia has a vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A sizable enclave of foreigners (Brits, Americans, Australians, and Canadians) live full time or maintain holiday homes in Malaysia, and you'll find that just about everybody speaks English, since its compulsory in local schools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only are three world-class playgrounds (Thailand, Bali, and the Philippines) all within a few hour's travel from Malaysia, but with miles of white sand coastline, tropical islands, and beachfront property galore, it has all the makings of a fairy-tale setting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite being the capital of a developing nation, Kuala Lumpur is a modern cosmopolitan with clean streets and sidewalks and every modern convenience to found in New York or London. Home to the tallest building in the world, there are also FedEx and UPS offices, international banks, English cinemas and bookstores, western-style supermarkets, French and German bakeries, Chinese, Indian, and Italian restaurants, gourmet coffee, Cuban cigars, Internet cafés and some of the best shopping in the world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the few things that lend a "Third-world" feel to the capital are the open-air night market, where local merchants peddle everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to meat and fish, to exotic animals and traditional handicrafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the major newspapers are available at newsstands, including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the Financial Times, the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times. Cable and satellite TV provides access to a wide variety of English-language programming, including CNN, the Discovery Channel, Filmnet and many more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the local Muslim population not drinking alcohol, Kuala Lumpur has some of the liveliest nightlife in the region and there are more than a fair share of clubs and bars, where tourists, expatriates and locals alike mingle and party. Though the official religion of Malaysia is Islam, great tolerance is shown for other religions, with many beliefs being represented and their adherents practicing openly, including Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists and Jews (the nearest synagogue is in neighboring Singapore).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compared with other major Asian cities (Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, for example), Kuala Lumpur is downright cheap. Even in the over-priced tourist spots you can get a good meal for two for around $20. Outside of these places, a 3-course meal for two with all the trimmings, including drinks, will set you back no more than $10…a doctor's visit $8 to $15 and live-in domestic help $200 a month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rental properties are readily available and not overly expensive by American or European standards. The cost of 2-bedroom rental apartments begins at around $225 per month, with 3-bedroom houses starting at $35,000. Naturally, comparable housing in expatriate communities or the luxurious suburban homes that date from British colonial period can set you back considerably more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other properties recently on offer include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 725-square-foot apartment with a dining room, a kitchen, ceiling fans, a walk-in closet, and parking, costs $45,215.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A small two-story bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining room going for $35,700.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A penthouse apartment, close to downtown, with a sea-view and a 350-sqare-foot terrace. It comes fully furnished and has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, and a dining room. The asking price? $75,000.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2500-square-foot condominium with a large living room, an elegant dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a pantry, for $125,250.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though there are expensive restaurants and accommodations, there's simply no reason for you to check into a five-star hotel when you can stay in a clean, friendly hotel in the city center for $40 a night where every meal costs less than $5 per person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CRIME-FREE AND FOREIGNER FRIENDLY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, cheap living shouldn't be the only deciding factor when choosing a new home. As well as being very affordable, Malaysia is safe.The government's real no tolerance policy means street crime is virtually nonexistent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Malaysian government, through its "Silver-Haired Program," offers expatriate resident retirees extremely attractive benefits. Outside of nationals of Israel and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), the program is open to citizens of most countries. To qualify, you need only be over 50, show you can bring a guaranteed income of about $1300 per month into Malaysia (or open a savings account in Malaysia with $40,000), and have a local sponsor (which can easily be arranged).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Penang, a small island off the northwest coast, has been called the "Pearl of the Orient" and its beaches are a favorite tourist destination. The coastline is also dotted with many small, quiet seaside villages. The tropical rainforests and jungles offer many opportunities for exploring lush mountains, trekking through the jungle, or even taking a riverboat safari. The bountiful sea surrounding Malaysia provides for some of the best scuba diving and fishing anywhere in the world (Malaysia's seas are home to the Black Marlin, tuna, mackerel, sailfish, barracuda and a host of other species).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">PRACTICAL BENEFITS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medical care is good, with excellent hospitals and clinics in all the major towns. Doctors speak English, and the majority gained their qualifications in Western Europe or North America.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although foreign residents must arrange private health insurance, visiting tourists who have an accident are entitled to free emergency treatment in public hospitals. A consultation with a private doctor in most cases will cost just $8 to $15.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When it comes to banking, management methods and the range of services offered closely follow the British model. Plus, most major world banks have full-service branches in Malaysia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many expatriates living here off investment income keep their cash growing tax free in Labuan, an offshore tax haven administered by Malaysia, and then bring into the mainland what's needed for living expenses. Labuan is also perfect for anyone looking for a private, offshore bank account, a tax-free corporation, a trust, or other offshore structures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Led by Malaysian Airlines, the national carrier, the island is served by many major airlines, linking it the world through its international airports. A good network of modern roads covers the distances between towns, and Malaysian telecommunications are among the best in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you've ever thought about living overseas, you owe it to yourself to investigate Malaysia.</span></div>

Malaysia: An Asian Retirement Paradise

Asia's best-kept secret for expatriates, Malaysia has a vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable mel...

Gentleman's Dream in Southeast Asia

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SINGLE GENTLEMEN DISCOVER LOVING FUN IN ASIA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Divorced or lonely gentlemen, don't feel blue, keep reading this Great News for You!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The single gentleman of love for asian ladies have found paradise in Southeast Asia. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They have discovered love and retirement in their tropical paradise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Southeast Asia, especially the Phillipines, there is some good-hearted ladies waiting for a respectable gentleman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meeting these charming ladies is fun, a lot of FUN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if you have just split up or haven't been dating for a while, relax as you are in a good position. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are free to date whoever you like, that's something to take advantage of while you CAN. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You will be in a relationship again sometime and not be able to experience the variety of women you can right NOW!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Phillipines is a Goldmine for single men. It would be insane to ignore the potential and availability of women here. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So don't go thinking that you are desperate or strange for going to Southeast Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many single gentlemen go to Southeast Asia. It is the best value and effective way for meeting women today. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are thousands of lovely ladies in the Philippines who really want to give their heart to a nice gentleman who will respect and care for them. You will get over boiled with much effection and dedication in return.</span></div>

Gentleman's Dream in Southeast Asia

SINGLE GENTLEMEN DISCOVER LOVING FUN IN ASIA Divorced or lonely gentlemen, don't feel blue, keep reading this Great News for You! ...

Backpacking South East Asia on an Adventurous Route

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The South East Asian region of the world - especially Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos - has become increasingly popular as a destination for those travelers seeking a more adventurous holiday than can be had merely sipping fruity, ice-cold drinks at your typical beach resort. However, an adventurous trip to these developing countries raises many questions and one of the first is what route to take, which I will try to answer in this article.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most people with enough time would like to get a taste for all four that I’ve mentioned earlier, so I’ll concentrate on a route that includes all of them. It would take about three months if you spent a few days at each stop. Keep in mind that there certainly are options available that would allow you to skip countries or even shorten the trip to fit into a more constrained timeline, but this should give you a good starting point for further research.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As far as getting around, travel by public bus, train, and boat is readily available and often full of adventure after all, traveling with a busload of chickens or the occasional box of frogs just adds to the fun, right? However, those looking for a little more comfort will usually be able to find more upscale options.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many people that intend on doing a circuit though South East Asia will fly into Bangkok since it is a major hub. Bangkok is also rich with markets, temples, and plenty of fabulous food. Around Bangkok, there are several options for some side trips which allow you to get your feet wet. Kanchanaburi is a few hours away and is the location of the infamous bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway, the Erewan National Park, and the Three Pagodas Pass near the Myanmar border. If you are not going to the southern islands, but wouldn’t mind checking out the beach scene, you could also take a few days and visit Ko Samet or Ko Chang (less expensive) to get a taste of island life. Both are only a few hours from Bangkok by bus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once you’ve had your fill of the Bangkok area, work your way north to Chiang Mai. I like the train and it can be taken overnight, for those low on time, or during the day for those that wish to see some of the beautiful countryside. Chiang Mai is much less hectic than Bangkok, has some opportunities for great sight seeing, and also has a great cooking school! If you want to check out some smaller towns in Thailand, you can do that from Chiang Mai with a little add-on side trip. It’s a loop that goes by public bus to the wonderful village of Pai which is set up in the misty valleys that are laden with lush rice paddies, and then continues by bus or boat to Mae Hong Son, then by bus back to Chiang Mai.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In any case, from Chiang Mai, continue your journey north to Chiang Rai and onwards to Chiang Khong, which is the jumping point into your second country, Laos. You cross the Mekong River with a short boat ride and enter Laos on the opposite bank at Huay Xai. From there you immediately continue on to Luang Prabang by slow boat or fast boat (latter not recommended, unless you enjoy wearing a crash helmet), making an optional overnight stay in the rustic village of Pacbeng.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After spending a few days in Luang Prabang you could do a side trip up north, exploring the small northern villages of Laos for a few days, or just head down to the chilled-out town of Vang Vieng by bus or air. The road route to Vang Vieng is sometimes the target of bandits, so be sure to check what recent activity has been like, and then make your decision - but the safety record of air travel may not be much more inspiring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Vang Vieng is full of fun kayaking, biking and caving opportunities, so you’ll want to plan for a few days there before moving on to the capital city of Vientiane. It doesn’t seem too exciting for a capital city, so I wouldn’t plan to spend too much time there, other than to visit the strange, but interesting Buddha Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take the bus from Vientiane to Hanoi via the mountains and the Cau Treo border crossing into Vietnam. Hanoi is a very interesting place with lots to do and also offers a few interesting side trips: Sapa is a beautiful village set in the mountains, and Halong Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site, offers amazing views of thousands of mountainous karsts jutting up from the ocean waters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Hanoi, you can buy an “Open Tour” bus ticket that gets you all the way south to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). It has a standard set of stops, but allows you to purchase add-ons for a few dollars each, two of which I highly recommend being Ninh Binh and Dalat. From Hanoi, the first stop will indeed be Ninh Binh. Not a particularly touristy town, but the launching point to visit the spectacular Tam Coc park and/or the Cuc Phuong National Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From Ninh Binh, move to Hue for a day or two, then on to Hoi An to check out the amazing tailors and beaches, then to Nha Trang (a partying beach town that can be skipped if you wish), and then on to your second add-on which is the mountain town of Dalat. >From Dalat, you can do another addon stop in Mui Ne which is very quiet and good if you just want to relax and maybe poke around the local market a little bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last stop in Vietnam will be Ho Chi Minh which offers plenty to see and do including a massage at the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Institute for a couple of dollars. From there, you can cross into Cambodia in a couple ways. The first is a bus ride through some beautiful country to Phnom Penh, and the second is a boat tour through the Mekong Delta which also deposits you in Phnom Penh. Be warned though: the roads in Cambodia are dirt and very slow going, but the scenery is incredible if your backside can take it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phnom Penh gets mixed reviews but does have a couple of must visits before you continue: the Killing Fields and S-21. When you do move on, you again have the choice of bus or boat up to Siem Riep. I prefer the bus because of the fantastic views and the insight into the lives of the country folk - trust me, you’ll never forget it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After spending some time gawking at the awesome ruins of Angkor Wat at Siem Riep, you can fly or bus it back to Bangkok, once again back where you started! Again, the bus is harsh, but worth it to see Poipet (I’ll say it again: not to stay, but to see) and the night-and-day change visible in a matter of a few meters when you cross from the poverty of Cambodia into developing Thailand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There you have it. That route can be done in 3 months if you don’t choose every side trip mentioned (to do it all you’ll want to add another couple of weeks). If you work it out, you’ll find you can spend a few nights in each place, but don't make the mistake of creating some sort of concrete itinerary. Just be aware of your time, because you will want to spend lots of time in some places, while spending little in others and you really won’t know which until you get there. Be flexible within reason, and remember: it’s all about having fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once back in Bangkok, you now have the option to work your way south to the islands, and perhaps, onward to other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, or perhaps they will have to wait until your next trip, and yes, you will want to come back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the next logical questions is: What is it like to travel around these countries on a route like this?  That’s precisely the experience I detail in my book Rice Crust from the Bottom of the Pot: A Journey Across South East Asia (http://parryloeffler.com/ricecrust). It’s full of crazy adventures, wonderful stories of my interactions with the locals, and even a few recipes collected directly from their kitchens.</span></div>
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Backpacking South East Asia on an Adventurous Route

The South East Asian region of the world - especially Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos - has become increasingly popular as a destinat...

Spotlight on the Asian-Themed Wedding

February 04, 2018 0

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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this might come as a surprise. After all, nothing could seem further from the Laura Ashley vision we get when thinking of a wedding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And in fact, that's one of the forces behind the rising popularity of the Asian-themed wedding: how it turns things upside-down. In fact, in a Chinese-style wedding, white is bad (it's the color of death) and red and black are good (they're the colors of luck and prosperity).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You might wonder whether brides that plan Asian-themed weddings are Asian (or marrying someone who is). The answer is, sometimes. Surprisingly often, they aren't, and the choice is purely aesthetic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today's trends break down into two main types of Asian-themed weddings: the Japanese or "Zen" style, which values simplicity and nature, and the more riotous Chinese style, which bristles with bright colors and shiny fabrics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although either choice may surprise some older guests, the bride may find her personal values deeply expressed in the Asian-themed wedding. After all, the usual wedding is a certain kind of pageant: the couple pretends to be royalty for a day, and lavishly entertain a large party - seemingly without a care, though they rack up huge debt to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brides drawn to the Zen-style ceremony often want to avoid the "royalty pageant" and simplify the ceremony (ironically, this can result in greater elegance for the price tag). This type of bride might read "voluntary simplicity" books, care about the environment, enjoy an uncluttered house or apartment with a handful of Japanese accents (Shoji lanterns and screens, for example) and find herself attracted to natural materials. She may feel freed by a simpler wedding gown, and carry an unfussy bouquet of calla lilies. Her centerpieces might be lanterns surrounded by black and white stones. For favors, she might give out fortune cookies placed in take-out boxes and topped off with chopsticks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other brides find aspects of tradition stifling, so they mix up their ceremony with Chinese-style zest. This bride might dress her bridesmaids in glowing red (or slinky black!) Cheongsams, dresses with high collars and slit sides. She'll hand them parasols instead of nosegays, and pass out chopsticks for their hair. Her own gown might be of gorgeous brocade in red, orange or gold. Perhaps she'll wrap up the ceremony with a butterfly release and hand out lucky bamboo stalks as wedding favors. This bride doesn't mind charting her own course in social affairs, and she loves the Chinese devotion to parents and children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In either case, the Asian-themed wedding is a great way to tie your ceremony to your personal values. Perhaps the thought of such a wedding crossed your mind, but you thought you had to be Asian? The fact is, Asian traditions and trends have been shaping Americans deeply since the 1960s. Maybe it's time to ask yourself this: which type of Asian-themed bride are you?</span></div>

Spotlight on the Asian-Themed Wedding

Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this might come as a surprise. After all, nothing could seem further from the Laura Ash...