Know a travel secret about ASIA | EP01
Armenia
The Geghard Monastery
Most people would never think of going to Armenia for tourism. Most people wouldn't even be able to place it on a map! And many others have never even heard of that country. But if you enjoy authentic old culture, diverse beautiful landscapes, friendly people away from tourists and visiting old worship places (Armenia has some of the most oldest churches in the world, as it is the first country that became Christian in 301 AD), Armenia is the place to visit! One of the monasteries that I particularly enjoyed is the "Geghard" Monastery. Geghard in Armenian means "spear," and it is said that the spear used to wound Christ on the cross was brought and kept there among other relics. The complex was founded in the 4th Century and is partially carved in a mountain, surrounded all around by cliffs. Many prayer chambers have been carved on the cliffs and used by monks as a retreat. It is interesting to notice the contrast between the finely detailed facades of the outside chapel and the rough cave-like interiors carved inside the rock. If you truly want to experience a magical moment, wait for a choir of young teenagers to sing inside the chapel: The acoustics are impressive and the echo inside is unbelievable (and lasts for a veeeery long time!). There are also many beautiful "khatchkars" all around (crosses carved on a rock in traditional Armenian style).
Borneo
Pinnacles of Borneo
Everyone seems to know about climbing Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo, but one of our favorite adventures of all time was trekking to the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu in Sarawak. Picture a stone forest of white and grey limestone jutting 45 metres out of the earth in razor sharp formations nestled amidst emerald foliage. Just getting there is a huge part of the adventure! It takes two days to trek all the way to the pinnacles. First you fly into Gunung Mulu National Park on a twin-engine airplane, and then you take a two-hour boat ride to the start of an eight kilometer trail. Then you spend the day hiking through the jungle and finally arrive at Camp 5. Here, you have a beautiful night beneath the stars to rest and prepare for the summit push the following morning. The steep climb is exhilarating, and to finally reach the summit and witness this rare and awe-inspiring site is an incredible life experience
Cambodia
HOTEL deals in phnom penh
Handmade, Homemade Shopping, Phnom Penh
A combination of factors make Phnom Penh a perfect place for some serious retail therapy. First, Cambodian silk from nearby towns and villages like Takeo feature heavily in the city's many tiny boutiques. The silk is of high quality and great value for money, with some places (like Sentosa Silk and Tabitha) selling rough or smooth varieties in a rainbow of colours for US$8-10 a meter. Cushions, bedspreads, bags and clothing made of Cambodian silk are all fantastic and unique buys. The proliferation of NGOs in the city who engage Cambodia's needy with crafty pursuits means there are lots of unique, handmade items for sale, like wallets and bags made of recycled rice bags, handsewn soft toys for children and all things rattan for very low prices. Then there's the influx of talented foreigners who have set up shop in the capital, resulting in some gorgeous boutiques combining European style with Cambodian artistry. Street 240 is the place to head (especially clothing and homeware s
Posts by kamal payy
0 Comments