There are many things to consider when choosing your travel accommodations. The decision could make your trip fun or a disappointment. Choosing the right hotel is a must. Most travelers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.
To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize for business people will consider weekends as off season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.
Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:
1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly-trained care-givers.
2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, daycare service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets.
3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors.
4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor.
5. If you're the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.
6. Depending on whether you're on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.
7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.
8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.
9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.
10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.
11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly colored or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.
In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don't just depend on the hotel's webpage which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel which you don't like could ruin your trip.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Preparing to Travel
The world has changed a lot in the past century. Thanks to the invention of airplanes and high-speed trains, today's world is wide open to travel. In a day's time, we can travel to the other side of the world without using our entire life's savings. We also have a number of options open to us to help us plan our travels, and choosing wisely can help save time and money.
1. Travel Agents.
Many people have the misconception that using a travel agent entails paying a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that often are not available anywhere else. He or she can help take the headache out of planning, allowing you to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
2. Internet.
With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience as you compare rates with other sites and with direct booking. Another downfall is that you can't always find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to plan right at home.
3. Guidebooks.
Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend. Seasoned travel writers research and compile guidebooks based on their own experiences, and who better to give advice than someone who's been there, done that? Depending on your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often available at your local library-for free!
4. Booking Direct.
Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to customers who book directly. This is especially true with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last minute. If you have the flexibility and the determination, this may be the way to go.
In any case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. Whether you travel around the globe or just a city away, a little careful planning and an open mind can allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels!
1. Travel Agents.
Many people have the misconception that using a travel agent entails paying a fee. Nonsense. In actuality, most travel agents receive commissions from the vendors (airlines, hotels, tour agencies); they are the ones paying the fee, not you. A travel agent has access to deals that often are not available anywhere else. He or she can help take the headache out of planning, allowing you to sit back and relax while the logistics are plotted out. Another bonus is that travel agents often include travel insurance in their packages, to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.
2. Internet.
With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably. Using travel sites like Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, buyers can find lower rates than ever before for airfares, hotels, and package deals. The downside? Truly finding the best travel deals often requires a lot of time and patience as you compare rates with other sites and with direct booking. Another downfall is that you can't always find availability at these lower rates, but it is nice to plan right at home.
3. Guidebooks.
Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend. Seasoned travel writers research and compile guidebooks based on their own experiences, and who better to give advice than someone who's been there, done that? Depending on your preferred level of luxury, you are sure to find a guidebook to meet your needs. Best of all, travel guidebooks are often available at your local library-for free!
4. Booking Direct.
Sometimes travel companies will offer special deals to customers who book directly. This is especially true with tour and cruise companies who advertise travel deals to repeat customers. You can often find rates as low as half-price (or lower) if you book at the last minute. If you have the flexibility and the determination, this may be the way to go.
In any case, travel opens up our eyes to worlds our forefathers never could have dreamed of visiting. Whether you travel around the globe or just a city away, a little careful planning and an open mind can allow for an experience of a lifetime. Happy travels!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.
While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.
Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea.
Getting There
While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.
Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea.
For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest.
Getting There
If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The Labuk Road Bus Company vehicles depart from the front of the Sandakan Town Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan or MPS) from 6.00 am onwards. Fares are RM2.10 one way, but it will only stop at the junction to the Centre. You will have to walk about one and a half km in. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.
Beach Vacations For Winter
During the winter months, finding a beach vacation
spot can be a little difficult. It doesn't have
to be, which is where this article will really come
in handy. Below, you'll find some resorts that
offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.
1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge
On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of
Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique
tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on
wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one
unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,
and a private bathroom with hot water showers.
The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000
acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush
valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea
kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and
horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers
nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and
Hawaiian arts and crafts.
2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii
Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make
guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water
activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water
slides, and even lazy rivers.
The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,
such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,
and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool
which is great for families.
3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas
In the amazing water fun department is the unique
Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in
the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis
has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water
slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis
also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with
exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000
sea animals.
4. Club Med Punta Cana
Over the last several years, the Dominion
Republic has been working very hard to establish
itself as a destination for families, with many
all inclusives being built. This location has
all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand
out features that include kids programs, and
other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana
one of the most unique beach vacation spots in
the entire world.
5. Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very
unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and
lodging in comfortable tent cottages.
As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built
on platforms and designed to be both attractive
and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area,
bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice
cooler, and even a private deck.
Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind
surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is
also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for
those who want to cook from the privacy of their
own room.
spot can be a little difficult. It doesn't have
to be, which is where this article will really come
in handy. Below, you'll find some resorts that
offer a unique twist to your winter beach vacation.
1. Molokai Ranch and Lodge
On a white sand shore on the tiny Hawaiian island of
Molokai, guests will stay in comfortable yet unique
tents. Each double unit canvas bungalow sits on
wooden platforms, offers queen size beds in one
unit, twin beds in the other, solar powered lights,
and a private bathroom with hot water showers.
The Molokai Ranch and Lodge offers over 54,000
acres, including seaside cliffs with very lush
valleys. The outdoor activities here include sea
kayaking, cultural hikes, mountain biking, and
horseback rides. For the kids, the lodge offers
nature walks, horse stables, tidal pools and
Hawaiian arts and crafts.
2. Grand Wailea Resort and Spa of Hawaii
Long ago, a big swimming pool was enough to make
guests happy. Now days, resorts compete in water
activities such as lagoons, waterfalls, water
slides, and even lazy rivers.
The Grand Wailea Resort offers several attractions,
such as the 4,580 square foot Hibiscus pool,
and the 25,700 square foot Canyon Activity pool
which is great for families.
3. Atlantis Resort of the Bahamas
In the amazing water fun department is the unique
Atlantis Resort and Spa on Paradise Island in
the Bahamas. Along with the beach, the Atlantis
has eleven swimming pools, Mayan Temple water
slides, and lazy river rides. The Atlantis
also boasts an amazing marine habitat, with
exhibit lagoons that house more than 50,000
sea animals.
4. Club Med Punta Cana
Over the last several years, the Dominion
Republic has been working very hard to establish
itself as a destination for families, with many
all inclusives being built. This location has
all the perks of a tropical resort plus stand
out features that include kids programs, and
other attractions that make Club Med Punta Cana
one of the most unique beach vacation spots in
the entire world.
5. Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands National Park is a very
unique vacation spot with white sandy beaches, and
lodging in comfortable tent cottages.
As with the Molokai Ranch, guest cottages are built
on platforms and designed to be both attractive
and comfortable. Each one has a sleeping area,
bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, stove, ice
cooler, and even a private deck.
Water sports for the area include kayaking, wind
surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is
also an outdoor restaurant and a food store for
those who want to cook from the privacy of their
own room.
Family Beach Vacation at Atlantis
Located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the
Atlantis Paradise Island offers so many activities
that it's probably one of the only resorts in the
world where you'll need a map to even get around!
The accommodations here range from moderately
priced to very expensive. Families on vacation
here should consider staying in the Coral Towers,
which is the most centrally located tower at
Atlantis. The Coral Towers is also closest to the
Predator Lagoon and the Lagoon Pool as well.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is also packed with
activities for guests of all ages. The eleven
pool areas, miles of sandy beach, and Neptune's
Water Toys Hut give guests access to many water
based activities. Neptune's provides non motorized
water sports which include water bikes, pedal
boats, kayaks, and even snorkeling equipment rentals.
Parents will adore
Atlantis has two different programs for children,
the Aqua Tots program and the Discovery Channel Camp.
The Aqua Tots program was designed for children 3
years old and up, while the discovery camp is for
kids 4 - 12 years old and ranges from a 1 hour
program to one that includes lunch and even dinner.
Kids love
All kids love the six different water slides and
the marine exhibits. This can keep kids busy for
hours and hours, and are pretty fun for the parents
as well. In order to enjoy the slides, kids must be
at least 48 inches tall.
A beach vacation at Atlantis is something your
entire family will love. There is something here
to keep everyone occupied, from the beaches to fun
on the slides. If your family enjoys the best of fun
and the beach, Atlantis is something your whole
family will enjoy - and love coming back to.
Atlantis Paradise Island offers so many activities
that it's probably one of the only resorts in the
world where you'll need a map to even get around!
The accommodations here range from moderately
priced to very expensive. Families on vacation
here should consider staying in the Coral Towers,
which is the most centrally located tower at
Atlantis. The Coral Towers is also closest to the
Predator Lagoon and the Lagoon Pool as well.
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is also packed with
activities for guests of all ages. The eleven
pool areas, miles of sandy beach, and Neptune's
Water Toys Hut give guests access to many water
based activities. Neptune's provides non motorized
water sports which include water bikes, pedal
boats, kayaks, and even snorkeling equipment rentals.
Parents will adore
Atlantis has two different programs for children,
the Aqua Tots program and the Discovery Channel Camp.
The Aqua Tots program was designed for children 3
years old and up, while the discovery camp is for
kids 4 - 12 years old and ranges from a 1 hour
program to one that includes lunch and even dinner.
Kids love
All kids love the six different water slides and
the marine exhibits. This can keep kids busy for
hours and hours, and are pretty fun for the parents
as well. In order to enjoy the slides, kids must be
at least 48 inches tall.
A beach vacation at Atlantis is something your
entire family will love. There is something here
to keep everyone occupied, from the beaches to fun
on the slides. If your family enjoys the best of fun
and the beach, Atlantis is something your whole
family will enjoy - and love coming back to.
Beach Vacation Ideas
When it comes to go on your beach vacation, it can
be very hard to pick a destination. There are many
places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia.
Below, you'll find 9 ideas to help you decide on
where to go for your vacation.
1. Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to
good use and take a beach vacation on the island of
Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in
the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of
the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoys
some of the best weather in the world - making it
a great choice for your beach vacation.
2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea
Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship
golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for
you to do.
3. Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be
pampered like never before. You can visit the spa,
take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently
located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki
Beach.
4. Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue
waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury
hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.
5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San
Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life
of the city.
6. Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City,
Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the
East Coast. Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms
with gourmet food and breathtaking views.
7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the
Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach
vacation mood like never before.
8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers
a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with
several water rides, slides, and water attractions
the entire family will enjoy.
9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you
several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing,
scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.
be very hard to pick a destination. There are many
places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia.
Below, you'll find 9 ideas to help you decide on
where to go for your vacation.
1. Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your frequent flier miles to
good use and take a beach vacation on the island of
Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in
the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of
the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoys
some of the best weather in the world - making it
a great choice for your beach vacation.
2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea
Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship
golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for
you to do.
3. Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be
pampered like never before. You can visit the spa,
take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently
located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki
Beach.
4. Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue
waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and
St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury
hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin
Islands.
5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San
Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a
quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life
of the city.
6. Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City,
Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the
East Coast. Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms
with gourmet food and breathtaking views.
7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the
Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches,
The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach
vacation mood like never before.
8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers
a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with
several water rides, slides, and water attractions
the entire family will enjoy.
9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you
several vacation activities that include snorkeling,
kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing,
scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.
10 Tips for Hassle-Free Business Travel
1. Choose your Travel Modality Wisely
Planes, trains or automobiles: what's the choice to be? While air
travel is clearly the only way to go for long journeys, shorter trips of
a couple of hundred miles might be faster via train, bus or auto.
When making your decision, consider time spent traveling to and
from airports, plus time spent lining up for check in, security and
departure. Also consider the effects inclement weather can have on
your travel choice. It's no fun hearing the announcement that your
plane can't land due to poor visibility and you'll be returning to your
departure airport.
2. Consider Alternative Airports
If you're flying, consider alternative airports that are outside the city
you're going to visit. As a rule, these airports have fewer flights, less
overbooking and less delays than their larger counterparts.
3. Obtain an International Drivers License
If traveling outside your own country, an international driver's
license will be more readily recognized than your locally issued
driver's license. The cost is not prohibitive and in most regions, the
licenses are easily obtained by showing your local driver's license.
Inquire at your local Automobile Association.
4. Get Your Maps Before You Leave Home
Travel is less stressful if you know how to get around. Before
leaving home, obtain maps of your destination city. One approach is
to visit web sites such as City Search (http://www.citysearch.com/)
and print out maps. Place your printed maps in plastic folders for
protection against the elements. Trying to read a road map while
standing on a rainy street corner has its obvious disadvantages.
5. Carry Electronic Documents Rather than Hard Copy
Rather than carry heavy stacks of brochures or sales letters, take
electronic documents on diskettes and have them printed at a local
printing service. Similarly, if you are working a booth in a trade
show, it's a good idea to carry electronic documents in case you run
out of the stack you shipped from the office.
6. Find Hotels that Cater to Business Travelers
Hotels that cater to business travelers will have Internet capabilities
and offer access to business machines such as faxes and
photocopiers.
7. Remember Adaptors and Converters
If you're traveling to a foreign country, remember that you might
need special voltage adaptors for electricity. You might also need
plug adapters to accommodate both electrical plugs and telephone
jacks. A good travel store will be able to help you decide what's
needed.
8. Use Calling Cards
When you're staying at a hotel, the phone bill can be a major
expense. The cost of calling your family, checking your voice mail
and checking your email is best handled by using a telephone calling
card or a corporate credit card.
9. Check your Cellular Service
Cellular phone companies regularly offer new rates. Check to be sure
you're getting the best deal -- some now include long distance
charges in the monthly fee. If your business travel will take you to
small, out-of-the way towns, your digital phone might not work. You
will need an analog or dual digital/anlog phone for such trips.
10. Protect Yourself Against Theft
Before leaving home, make copies of your travel documents
(passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, credit cards and itinerary).
Take copies with you and leave a copy with a contact at home. Take
special precautions for your electronics. See what your local travel
store has to offer in terms of protective luggage. You can purchase
laptop cases that disguise the fact that they're used for laptops, or
laptop cases that look old and battered. And of course, you already
know how fast and savvy a pickpocket can be. Avoid carrying
important documents in your purse or hip pocket.
Planes, trains or automobiles: what's the choice to be? While air
travel is clearly the only way to go for long journeys, shorter trips of
a couple of hundred miles might be faster via train, bus or auto.
When making your decision, consider time spent traveling to and
from airports, plus time spent lining up for check in, security and
departure. Also consider the effects inclement weather can have on
your travel choice. It's no fun hearing the announcement that your
plane can't land due to poor visibility and you'll be returning to your
departure airport.
2. Consider Alternative Airports
If you're flying, consider alternative airports that are outside the city
you're going to visit. As a rule, these airports have fewer flights, less
overbooking and less delays than their larger counterparts.
3. Obtain an International Drivers License
If traveling outside your own country, an international driver's
license will be more readily recognized than your locally issued
driver's license. The cost is not prohibitive and in most regions, the
licenses are easily obtained by showing your local driver's license.
Inquire at your local Automobile Association.
4. Get Your Maps Before You Leave Home
Travel is less stressful if you know how to get around. Before
leaving home, obtain maps of your destination city. One approach is
to visit web sites such as City Search (http://www.citysearch.com/)
and print out maps. Place your printed maps in plastic folders for
protection against the elements. Trying to read a road map while
standing on a rainy street corner has its obvious disadvantages.
5. Carry Electronic Documents Rather than Hard Copy
Rather than carry heavy stacks of brochures or sales letters, take
electronic documents on diskettes and have them printed at a local
printing service. Similarly, if you are working a booth in a trade
show, it's a good idea to carry electronic documents in case you run
out of the stack you shipped from the office.
6. Find Hotels that Cater to Business Travelers
Hotels that cater to business travelers will have Internet capabilities
and offer access to business machines such as faxes and
photocopiers.
7. Remember Adaptors and Converters
If you're traveling to a foreign country, remember that you might
need special voltage adaptors for electricity. You might also need
plug adapters to accommodate both electrical plugs and telephone
jacks. A good travel store will be able to help you decide what's
needed.
8. Use Calling Cards
When you're staying at a hotel, the phone bill can be a major
expense. The cost of calling your family, checking your voice mail
and checking your email is best handled by using a telephone calling
card or a corporate credit card.
9. Check your Cellular Service
Cellular phone companies regularly offer new rates. Check to be sure
you're getting the best deal -- some now include long distance
charges in the monthly fee. If your business travel will take you to
small, out-of-the way towns, your digital phone might not work. You
will need an analog or dual digital/anlog phone for such trips.
10. Protect Yourself Against Theft
Before leaving home, make copies of your travel documents
(passport, airline tickets, travel insurance, credit cards and itinerary).
Take copies with you and leave a copy with a contact at home. Take
special precautions for your electronics. See what your local travel
store has to offer in terms of protective luggage. You can purchase
laptop cases that disguise the fact that they're used for laptops, or
laptop cases that look old and battered. And of course, you already
know how fast and savvy a pickpocket can be. Avoid carrying
important documents in your purse or hip pocket.
Pulau Tiga Survival Island
Make your way to the district of Kuala Penyu and hop on a boat to Pulau Tiga! The island’s claim to fame is none other than being the first ever ‘secret’ location forthe hit reality series, ‘Survivor’. Hence, many refer to Pulau Tiga as Survivor Island. Located just 10km off shore on the West Coast of Sabah, you can enjoy a day trip to the island but many recommend spending at least a night or two.
The island has two resorts, Pulau Tiga Resort and Borneo Survivor Resort (see contact details). There’s plenty to see and do here: spend the sunny days swimming or snorkeling in its surrounding clear waters or go kayaking. Divers can explore its underwater treasures (diving courses are available).
Pulau Tiga is also famous for its therapeutic natural volcanic mud. Looking for some wildlife? Say hello the island’s famous residents: snakes! Facilities on the island include a restaurant and camping site.
Getting There
Kuala Penyu is 120km from Kota Kinabalu city. Take a bus from the Segama overhead bridge (next to the Post Office) and a one way-trip will cost you approximately RM18.00. A taxi ride from the taxi stand next to the Merdeka Field should cost around RM180.00 (up to groups of four) per way.
*Kindly note that boat transfers must be arranged through tour packages. Contact your travel agent for more information.
Attraction in Borneo
If you are planning for a great holiday in your wildest dream, then you should include SABAH in your travel itinerary. Sabah is a Malaysia state located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak, which it borders on its south-west. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south. Its state capital is Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is known as Sabah, negeri di bawah bayu, which means ‘Sabah, land below the wind’, because of its location being just south of the typhoon prone region around the Philippines.
The attractions in Sabah, among others, include the following places:
KINABALU PARK & PORING, KUDAT, SEPILOK ORANG UTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE, DANUM VALLEY, MABUL ISLAND AND KUALA PENYU.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)