Bali Circuit: Beautiful Beaches, Temples, and Rice Terraces

Finally, no trip to Bali would be complete without a visit to the island's famous rice terraces. Head to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, and explore the lush green landscape of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Take a walk through the fields and soak up the beauty of this ancient farming technique that has been used on the island for centuries.

Along the way, be sure to sample some of Bali's delicious cuisine, which is a mix of traditional Balinese dishes and international flavors. Indulge in fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant or try some local street food like Nasi Goreng, a popular fried rice dish.

Bali is a magical island that offers visitors a variety of experiences, from stunning beaches to ancient temples and picturesque rice terraces. If you're planning a trip to Bali and want to make the most of your time on the island, we've got you covered with this circuit that covers the highlights of Bali.

First up, no trip to Bali would be complete without a visit to the island's stunning beaches. Start your tour by heading to Kuta, one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its great surf and lively atmosphere. If you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, head to Nusa Dua, a pristine stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters and plenty of beachfront resorts.

Next, it's time to explore Bali's rich cultural heritage by visiting some of the island's ancient temples. Make your way to the iconic Tanah Lot temple, located on a rocky outcrop just off the coast, and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Another must-see temple is the Tirta Empul, a sacred site known for its holy water and purification rituals.

 

In conclusion, Bali is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. This circuit covering beaches, temples, and rice terraces will give you a taste of the best that Bali has to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to the Island of the Gods.

Sightseeing in the Majestic Angkor Complex

The Angkor Complex of the ancient capitals of the of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-east Asia. The 400 km2 of land includes a forested area, the Angkor Archaeological Park containing the majestic remains of several temples from the 9th to the 15th century--a testament that Cambodia is truly the Kingdom of Wonder. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. Explore the spectacular Angkor Complex with the Angkor Wat Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument in the world is not one to be missed when traveling in South-east Asia. Measuring 162.6 hectares what was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu during the Khmer Empire gradually became into a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation and has become the symbol of the country of Cambodia and even appearing on its national flag.

2.      Bayon

Bayon was built in the 12th-13th century as the temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. It stands in the center of the Jayavarman capital, Angkor Thom. It is famous for being richly decorated and its most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces on the many towers. The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and every-day-life scenes.

3.      Ta Prohm

Founded again by King Jayavarman VII is comes to no surprise that Ta Prohm, formerly known as Rajavihara, is built in Bayon style. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

2 Alluring Reasons to Visit Shanghai, the Most Populous City in the World

Shanghai is houses over 24 million people and is considered one of the most futuristic cities in the world. Below are a few reasons to visit this exhilarating, vibrant, and one-of-a-king metropolis. Also check out this Shanghai Travel Guide and Offline City Map for an easier time in the city.

New Foods and Drinks

Shanghai offers a wide variety of cuisines. You’ll surely be able to find one perfect for you regardless of what your preferences in food. Included in the list of dining establishments you should check out are:

·         Jade on 36 – known for its amazing cocktails and an extensive panoramic view of the city.

·         Lost Heaven – known for its Yunnan food made from ingredients that come from Burma and Lao. Its specialties include the Eggplant and Tofu Salad and Spicy Cod Steamed in Banana Leaves.

·         Jesse's – serves authentic Shanghai cuisine such as Braised Pork in Soy Sauce and Crab Dumplings.

·         Din Tai Fung – located just outside Yu Garden, this food house’s specialty is authentic Steamed Soup Dumplings.

·         Lu Bo Lang – specializes in all kinds of fresh dumplings. This establishment has the prestige of serving important figures such as Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton.

·         1515 West – known for its western food especially its beef dishes.

·         Kommune – a place with a relaxing atmosphere. It is popular for its fresh juices, iced coffees, and cold beers.

Old and New Sights

Shanghai is home to both ancient buildings and modern structures. There are so many notable ones it is impossible to check them all out in just one day. Below are some of them:

·         Oriental Pearl Tower – this modern spherical building offers the best panoramic view of the whole city.

·         Shanghai World Financial Center – China’s tallest building. It has several observation decks each offering a different view of the Shanghai made special thanks to their laminated glass floors.

·         Yu Garden – a relic from the Ming Dynasty that houses several majestic ponds and amazing greenery.

·         Jing 'An Temple – a grand, golden-hued holy palace with quite a rich history.

For an easier time planning your routes and navigating your way through world-famous destinations, get one of eTips’ reliable travel guides and offline virtual maps.