Visiting Kampong Ayer in Brunei

By Jonny Blair

Right so you've heard the term "Venice of Asia" a load of times, in fact you might even have read about it twice on my blog as I visited Tai O (Hong Kong's answer to Venice) and Pingjianglu in Suzhou, China. But there are so many places dubbed the Venice of Asia it gets a bit ridiculous, today I'm talking about Kampong Ayer. Where? Exactly! I hadn't heard of it either but while staying in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital city, I had to make the short boat trip across to Brunei's answer to Venice - known as Kampong Ayer and WELL worth the trip.

How to get to Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan

In the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan there is a place called the waterfront so go there and hang around at the water and you will see guys on boats. They will probably shout up at you if you want a boat - which you do so head on down and jump in, explaining that you are going across to Kampong Ayer.

What price does it cost to get to Kampong Ayer?

To get to Kampong Ayer you pay $1 Brunei Dollar for a single journey - so that's a total of $2 Brunei Dollars return. But you pay it each time. You just pay the guy on the boat in cash each time - there is no need to book anything or get tickets. It's a very easy process.

What is there to do at Kampong Ayer?

For a start it's totally free and basically you just walk around admiring the place. Here are a few things to see and do when you're over there. It's not touristy at all and there is no "set path" - just walk wherever you want.

1. Houses - All the houses in Kampong Ayer are built on stilts on the water, so they are worth admiring, checking out, getting up close to and popping inside. Great for photographers, loads of colour, loads of angles and not many people about to disturb you. I went inside one of the houses - some are open - but people live here so respect that too.

2. Muslim Mosques - Brunei Darussalam is a strict Muslim State and Mosques are all over the place, you can view two great Mosques at Kampong Ayer, Mosques on water!

3. Get to know the locals - the people of Kampong Ayer are approachable and friendly. They will stop and have a chat and join you for photos.

4. Sweet Shop - There is a magnificent old style sweet shop on Kampong Ayer. This is a great chance to pretend you are young again and buy some tooth destroying candy and sweets!

I grew up in Bangor in the 1980s and when I was a kid, every week my Mum and Dad would take me to the local newsagents for a "10p mix" - basically loads of sweets in a bag. Bad for your teeth I know but I used to love it. That childhood trait has continued into adulthood, and aged 33 I took great joy in paying less than a pound for a load of sweets here!

Another reason I did this was because entrance to Kampong Ayer is free and it felt good to spend some money there and help the locals - they're not rich at all - don't let the fact Brunei is rich in oil fool you. These people work hard to earn their crust.

5. Walking - The best thing is just to walk round and explore it on your own - there is no set route and you can find all sorts of paths past houses and mosques. It's a feast for the eyes and a great place to see.

All in all, Kampong Ayer is a great place and really worth a visit. As you can tell there is a lot to see and do there for such a small village on water and it merits the "Venice of the East" tag that it has been given. There is a lot more to see in Bandar Seri Begawan as well, so once you are finished with Kampong Ayer head back across on the boat to see the capital city and the other parts of Brunei.

About the Author:

For further articles like Visiting Kampong Ayer check out the Top travelling Blogs from Jonny Blair which shows how simple it is to live a lifestyle of travelling and see the world.

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If I Am Ever Asked About What Kind Of Tires I Like, I Always Mention Nitto Tires

By Emely H. Haley

My car is very precious to me, and I always enjoy making improvements to it, like getting new rims, new interior, or a new paint job, but I haven't ever paid much mind to my tires, but at one point I did have a need to ensure that I had the greatest quality tires available, which led me to find out about Nitto tires. The reason for my sudden interest in tires was that I was gearing up for a trip across the country to visit a friend who I had not seen in years, and I wanted to make certain that I would be able to drive in safety, without any blown tires.

I knew that it was important to have your tires inflated to the appropriate levels, but when I went to check the inflation levels, I saw that my tires were looking very bald. I knew instantly that I would need to buy some new tires, but I didn't know where to go to get them, and I certainly didn't know what brand of tires would be best for me. I hopped on the computer and looked at some different tire shops in the area that had a good selection of tires, as well as some professionals that could give me some advice.

Before long, I found a fantastic website for a tire shop that was near by, so I went to the shop the next day hoping that I would be able to find what I needed for my big trip. I was very impressed with the way the professionals took the time to go over the different options of tires with me and talk with me about which kind of tires would be the best for me and my driving needs.

After listening to what they had to say about the different kinds of tires, I felt sure that Nitto tires would be the best bet for me and would really meet my needs. The salesman promised me that these tires were of the best quality and they would definitely serve me well for my upcoming trip, and also hold up well for a long time to come.

My trip was a huge success, and I could barely believe how smoothly my car drove and handled with these new tires, as it almost felt like the car was not even touching the asphalt. I had a fantastic time visiting with my friend, and it was so relaxing to be able to just sit back and reflect back on the good old days, and when it was time to get back to real life, my car handled so well again that I was happy to go back to not thinking about my tires anymore, since these ones were so reliable.

About the Author:

Further reading is preferred for those who have immensely enjoyed this article at a website that talks about Nitto tires or you can also visit this website.

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Hey, Laos into Cambodia Border Crossing

A few different crossings link Laos to Cambodia, but let's look at the crossing from Southern Laos near Don Det. It's the Nong Nok Khieng to Trapaing Kreal crossing. This information deals with a British or Irish passport holder. Read on for some cheap travel tips! []

To get a bus that goes across the border from Don Det to Cambodia just shop around to find one.

When you go to Cambodia from Laos what do you need?

- Your valid passport

- A passport photo (carry two just in case, I always carry them)

- $27 Dollars US

- Fill in all the forms

Sorting out your Cambodian Visa:

To get your visa for Cambodia sorted you need to book things yourself. It will save you time, hassle and most of all money. Plus as a traveller it is always better to do things for yourself rather than pay others. You will get your visa forms just before the border so fill them in and you are ready to hit Cambodia.

How much does it cost to leave Laos?

They told us we were free to walk across without the departure stamp but that we would be charged in Cambodia. We had to bite the bullet and in the end paid them $2 US Dollars each. Just to leave Laos. A horrible end to a time in a country I don't have a lot of positives for.

At weekends particularly they try to charge an overtime fee which is outrageous and costs $2 US so for advice don't cross the border at the weekend.

How to cross the border from Laos into Cambodia:

It's just a mere 1 minute walk across a bridge and it won't be too busy. Once you arrive on the Cambodian side you just pay them $25 and they check your forms and photo then they put your visa on ready to go and explore Cambodia!

You have arrived in the Cambodian border point of Trapeang Kreal.

Trapaing Kreal is just the border village that you arrive into. There's really nothing much there to see or do and you may have a delay waiting on your bus but don't worry. There is cheap beer and food to enjoy!

The sun was beating down and it was hot. I had paid $27 US Dollars to leave Laos and enter Cambodia and we then learned that a beer here was only 50 cents. Still on a slight budget, Anthony (from Cork) and I had a beer each and sat in the shade. I read my lonely planet book and we chatted about all things in life and relaxed. Within two hours we were safely on the bus to Phnom Penh. The bus took a further 12 hours that day to get us to the city of Phnom Penh just before midnight, but it was a great trip. If you want to break up the journey and get off the beaten track a bit - there are buses to Stung Treng, Kratie and Kompong Cham as well. I was happily heading straight to Phnom Penh though!

The total cost to get from Laos into Cambodia:

The grand total was $27 US, which was $2 US to leave Laos and $25 for the Visa for Cambodia. The cheapest you can really get this for is $25 US.

For more articles like How to get from Laos to Cambodia you may visit Jonny Blair's inspirational travel website Don't Stop Living, one of the Best travel blogs on the internet with perpetual travel tips

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Enjoying A Bed And Breakfast New Forest Tour Location

When you want to schedule a relaxing and interesting holiday, check out the bed and breakfast New Forest accommodations. There are activities and events ranging from walking, cycling and exploring in the forest to shopping in the market town of Lymington and picnicking on the Hurst Spit. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy and the features of a comfortable place to spend the night and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

There is wildlife, and miles of paths for walking or viewing the countryside managed as a preserve is perfect for birdwatchers. Some of the local creatures even count as residents, or at least frequent visitors. You can see roe deer, greater spotted woody, egrets, barn owls and rabbits. In fact, you never know what creatures you might see when you gaze out across the meadows or the marshes. New Forest has an area of about 140 square miles. There are heaths and ancient woodlands.

When you are searching for top accommodations, you will appreciate knowing that the beds are comfortable and the rooms are well-appointed. An attractive room will uplift your spirits and serve as a base for your outdoor explorations. You will enjoy a romantic interlude with a special person, especially if the lodging bans pets and children. An en suite allows you a place to prepare for your night out. Spacious and comfortable rooms and all the little touches that ensure your enjoyment of the space improve the experience of the holiday.

There are some delicious options when you take join other BnB guests for breakfast before going out and about. A full English repast cooked to perfection will give you the experience of a hearty choice of foods. You will want to take time to relax and take in your surroundings as you enjoy your meal.

You can wander around the area to find other food choices throughout your visit to Lymington and Milford on Sea. A local pub with open fires, a walled garden, fine food and a choice of real ales. Watering holes in the area and multiple shopping opportunities, restaurants and other interesting locations add to the list of activities to take part in.

You should work in a visit to the Hurst Castle at the end of a mile long spit. The former garrison fort of Henry the VIII is a fine example of a Tudor castle. This is a World Heritage site with a view of the Needles. You can reach the castle for a picnic by walking, or by traveling on the ferry.

To see the characteristics of a Georgian-era market town, think about Lymington. It is the location of operating open-air seawater baths. The globally recognized rowing and sailing resort has elements that date back to the close of the Regency period.

Finding a bed and breakfast New Forest area is easy. The problem with coming to the seaside resort location is that it's hard to work in all the things that you want to do in just one over-nighter. You will have to allow time to be active, as well as time to just watch the wildlife across the meadow.

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Going On Cheap Holidays In France.

France is a country that regularly tops the list of the best place to live in the world. The quality of life in France is fantastic, and there is so much to see and do in this magnificent country. If you're looking to go on cheap holidays in France, then there are several things that you should remember.

Your number one consideration will be where exactly you want to go. This will obviously depend on what sort of places you want to see and what sort of holiday you are looking to have. If you are looking for culture and history, then visiting one of the many cities and towns is a great option.

If, however, you are looking for more of a beach or summer holiday, then heading down to the south of France where you will get some fantastic stretches of coast is a superb option. Of course, the Alps also are situated within France, and this gives the option of going on ski holidays as well.

The next thing that you will want to think about will be how exactly you are going to get there. If you are travelling from Europe there are some very decent budget airlines that will get you into any location for reasonable prices.

If you are close enough, then you could also drive to where you're going. Depending on the distance that you are going to have to travel, this is a fantastic option and will allow you to see a little bit of France on the way. You could even stop over for the night if the journey is very long and enjoy a different location for the evening.

Lastly, you will need to know what you are going to do once you get to your destination. As such you should conduct some research into all of the nearby sites and activities that you can see and do, and make a list of your favourite options.


Cheap Holidays 2013 booking deals are out now and you can find offers on Escape Plan: Ditch The Rat Race, Discover The World brochured holidays and many more. Discover the best way to book your 2011 summer holiday with tips and advice from travel expert Nick Thompson.

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How To Travel Cheaply to South Africa

Do you want to travel but you do not have the experience? Do you want to try to travel South Africa but you do not know where to start? Here are some of the tips that you can follow. These tips are great for novice travellers who want to experience the world.

Do a quest for the most popular deals. this can be the simplest thanks to travel a budget manner. Most of the airlines and shipping lines supply deals from time to time particularly for special seasons. you would like to require advantage of those deals so as for you to own more cash for rubber-necking. the money you're ready to save is often used for alternative things like entrance tickets and accommodations.

Contact your friends abroad and raise them if you'll lodge in their place. this can be nice to save lots of cash on accommodations. Most of the time, the hotels square measure terribly high-priced and that they ruin budget plans. If you've got friends or relatives within the country, contact them and tell them concerning your plans. If they provide you're their place, it might be nice. If they are doing not supply their place, raise them if you'll stick with them. If they aforementioned no, that's the time you would like to search out a paid place to remain.

Avoid eating at fancy restaurants if your budget is tight. Fancy restaurants can be very expensive. You cannot always be sure that the food will be worth the price. If you are really saving money, it is best if you choose hole-in-the-wall restaurants or those which offer cheap but good tasting food. You can ask friends or you can check online reviews to find such food shops. If you want to save further, bring your own food. You can eat instant noodles instead of buying food outside.

Avail tickets online. It is almost always easier to reserve and but tickets online since it is cheaper. This is also true for sightseeing spots, aquariums and parks. This can also prevent browsing lengthy lines. Lengthy lines ought to be prevented simply because they waste your time while travelling. Additionally to buying tickets, request should they have bundle plans. Most train systems have tickets that are great for 1 week. If you are planning to manoeuvre a great deal, this is great for you rather than purchasing individual tickets constantly.

Pack right. If you are attending to move lots, it's best if you pack gently particularly if you've got to vary hotels. This can prevent from dealings a cab to travel to your destination. Large baggage will be difficult if you've got to ride trains. you would like to recollect that you just don't got to bring everything that pops move into your mind. You ought to list down the items that square measure necessary and solely bring the items that you just actually need.

South Africa travel or any other travel is not difficult as long as you know what you have to do.

Looking to find the best Travel News, and are You a hunter ? Lear how to become a Proffesional Hunter in Africa

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Religious Landmarks in Las Vegas

Officially announced a city around 1911, the city of Vegas can still be considered by many as a reasonably new city. Las Vegas, Nevada is commonly known as the entertainment capital of the planet, Sin City, The Town of Luck - a tourist's "free-for-all" and a place that allows access to almost anything your heart wishes. Many would accept that it is perhaps the least likely place for historic sites or non secular landmarks. But believe it to be true or not, settled on the dusty Nevada desert - there are a large number of Vegas Religious Landmarks. Below is a list of things to see the next time you are in Vegas, Nevada.

The Replica of Michelangelo's Pieta

One of the most outstanding EU canonical works, Michelangelo's Pieta, can be seen at the Our Lady of Las Vegas Church found on 3050 Alta Drive, 89107. The copy of the famous statue depicts the Virgin Mary carrying in her lap the battered Jesus - her sorrowful expression still reflects the love for her only begotten son. This intensely moving piece of art work is reproduced with noteworthy precision and eye to detail. Viewing the piece is completely free to the public and it should definitely be seen by absolutely anyone visiting the town of Las Vegas.

The LDS Mormon Church located on the East side

Found on 827 Church View Drive, 89110, the LDS Mormon Church/Church is probably one of the most breathtaking pieces of architecture in all of the city. The Mormon church is built in a more European medieval and conventional style architecture with surging spires and superb sculptures of angels aligning the roof tops. Virtually unknown to the tourists of Vegas, the LDS Mormon church sits on top of a hill on the east side of town adjacent to Frenchman's mountain. From this location you can view the whole Vegas valley: the Vegas strip, the town of Summerlin and much more. When the sun sets, the lights of the temple illuminate revealing the structure in all its heavenly glory. For more in-depth information on visiting the location, make certain to call (702) 452-5011 to timetable a single or group attendance meeting to explore the temple grounds. A grand and virtually astronomical experience awaits you at the LDS Mormon church of Las Vegas.

Chaiya Meditation Monastery

Some of the most beautiful Buddhist statues can be discovered at the Chaiya Meditation Monastery, one of the most fascinating religious landmarks in Vegas. Found on 7925 Virtue Court, 89139, this Buddhist temple is situated close to the mountains and rock formations that create the Red Rock Canyon making it a quiet and tranquil location to meditate and to get a lungful of clean air. Fully open to the general public, you can enjoy home made Thai and Burmese cuisine cooked and prepared by Buddhist followers who make daily visits to the holy site. And, if you've any questions about life, the deviser Ajarn Chaiya will be more than happy to bring some answers to light.

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Making Sure You Are Geared Up For A Terrible Vacation By Car

Making Sure You Are Geared Up For A Terrible Vacation By Car - A road trip could be a most fun and fun holiday. However , if your car breaks down, it can utterly ruin the experience, and definitely make for one expensive trip back home. Be prepared in the event of a breakdown, and you will have no problems when you set off for your trip.

Before leaving on your road trip ask if you could have your car serviced, or whether you need to prehaps fly to your destination and then utilize a sort of car rental Gold Coast? When was the last time it was regarded as having a fine-tune and a check up? Is it making any unusual sounds at road speeds? Is something just not right? The very last thing you want is a major mechanical issue during your trip, particularly in the middle of nowhere, miles away from any reputable service station!

Take your car in and have an experienced technician decide whether your vehicle will be sound for the period of your trip.

Check all the fluids in your auto. Ensure the oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid are all close to their ideal levels. When referring to tire pressure make efforts to keep it at the manufacturer's advice, as this can be safer, and even save you on fuel costs.

Different cars and engines types have certain oil replacement needs. For instance, a hybrid only wishes its oil replaced once each 10,000 miles. If you're taking a compound, you may not need an oil change for the duration of your trip. Nevertheless if you're taking a standard vehicle you might need to stop on the way for an oil change.

If you'll be driving rather a lot , it might behoove you take a GPS or at the very least a good atlas. This will help you get to your destinations in a rather more efficient manner, and in the end save some time and cash. On top of that, a good GPS can help you avoid perilous areas because you won't finish up taking wrong turn after wrong turn and end up in a slightly less than desirable area.

If you happen to get a flat tire did you know the way to change a tire? If not, you may wish to practice or have a good friend show you before you leave. This is a skill which will benefit you now and for the remainder of your adult life.

Also be certain that your spare is good. Some spares finish up sitting in the trunk for years on end unbridled, have no pressure, and occasionally are even punctured. Guarantee your spare tire is useable before you leave, so that you are ready should you get a flat.

Make sure you have a toolkit that contains any emergency supplies you might need. Equipment to make minor mechanical fixes, a tire iron, some water and food for 1 or 2 days, and a simple emergency first aid kit, should keep you sane should the worst happen.

Journeys can be excellent fun, but if something bad occurs the fun is literally out of the window. To ensure the fun can continue be prepared for the worst, and you'll have the reassurance that allows for a great and safe trip.


By Chrissy Richards. Read more at http://costlesscarrentals.com.au/car-rental-gold-coast-tourist-guide/

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Things on Considering When Selecting A Flight School Raleigh NC

Many people aspire learning to fly and are ready to accomplish the challenge. It can not only be fun to undertake it but it can also lead to an interesting career. For someone with little or no flight experience, selecting a flying school can be a daunting task. To choose the best flight school Raleigh NC individuals need to consider the factors below first.

To begin with, it is very important to determine just what it is you want to achieve. It could be that you want to fly for leisure or want to make a career out of flying. Another important thing is determining whether your intention is flying locally or going beyond the borders of your country. At this point, you also need to decide on the mode of study you are going to have, whether it will be full time or part time.

Having established your flying goal, you need to figure out the kind of training institution that is right for you. They are normally of three types. There are those that only offer recreational training. This includes how to fly balloons, gliders and ultra lights. The second category comprises those institutions that airplanes or helicopter training. These schools are normally subjected to more stringent regulations.

The third type of an institution to consider is that which is affiliated with a college or a university that is provincially accredited. These are also subject to stringent regulations. To go to this training institution, you will require post high institute program or a university degree.

To have a better choice of schools, come up with a list of schools which you would like to train at. It is better to visit these institutions in person and get a chance to interview the line instructor or even the chief flight instructor. Collect as much information about the schools as is practically possible and read them. Remember to also get the rules and regulations of an institution as well as flight operation procedures.

Next, you have to make a visit to a few schools which you think fit the bill. While at the institution meet with the line instructor and also the chief flight instructor. Inquire about anything you want to know. Do not hold anything back. Even if it is the clarification you want, just ask. Also, you need to visit all areas you want to. Specifically, you should set foot to the maintenance areas and the administrative offices.

Find out what the institution charges for offering training in flying. Expect that the cost will be a little bit higher than most activities you may want to learn. However, it is important for you to remember that the money you are paying is for your education and skills that will earn you good income in future. It will open a myriad of opportunities to you as well as fulfill your dreams.

Now you are in a much better position to make a choice regarding the training institution. Before agreeing to join a particular flight school Raleigh NC gentlemen and women must look at the quality of training being offered. Another thing is if that institution is licensed.

Read more about Important Things To Consider When Selecting A Flight School Raleigh NC visiting our website.

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Stop Your Kids Being Bored On Vacation

If you are looking to go on a trip with your young kid, you most likely have some concerns in your brain. A road trip is hard enough already for some adults because of the monotony of long stretches of road. What would that do to a child whose attention time is only about 5 minutes?

This isn't as impossible as you suspect. You simply need to prepare beforehand and have a creative bag of tricks available. Read this draft for tips on enjoying campervan hire in Melbourne what to put in your bag of tricks! Children love to do things with their hands. Therefore , you need to stock up on bunch of inexpensive, fun-to-do, activity kits.

You can find a massive variety in a craft store, or infrequently even at the the dollar store. Be certain to find something that your youngster can do mostly on his own, unless you are sat at the back with him. Pack enough activities for each couple of hours of the trip, and then a few more.

Little coloring books, easy-to-do craft kits, sticker books, are all good options. Stay clear of multi-piece puzzles because it's not difficult to lose a piece and cause disappointment. Activities with magnets are fun, as well. Activity kits are not only really good for the road trip, but you can take a pair with you wherever you are going just for those moments when your child starts whining. Your youngster will get hungry at the most inconvenient of times, when there's no rest stop for miles and miles away.

That's the reason why you need to pack a good mixture of nibbles in little zip-loc bags. When you kid claims he is hungry and it is not meal time yet, hand him a bag. Do not let him see your stash because he will want the rest of it. Keep the rest out of view, and make it a mystery.

This could entertain your child and supply him with some nourishment. Each child loves to listen to music. Take along some fun children's CDs. You can mostly find a good selection at your local library. Your kid will really like to sing along to his favorite songs, and he may learn a few on the way. Do not play the same CD again and again, unless your child insists upon it. Although, it'll drive the adults crazy, the price is worthwhile for a very happy kid.

Road trips are a superb time for stories. Sit with your youngster at the rear seat and read to him. To make story telling far more engaging, pack 1 or 2 puppets to act out the tale. Give your youngster a puppet to play a role with you. He will love the interactive play. As you may be able to see, road trips can be a laugh for all.

You only need to use some creativity keep your kid engages. Even though your kid is young, he will remember and treasure these special road trips for the remainder of his life.

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