Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 184 of 194

Palawan: Diving paradise in Philippines

(#wanderlusttips #Palawan) Nothing defines Palawan (Philippines) more than the water around it. And sea diving is the best way to witness the mesmering beauty of underwater life.

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Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines. The province is comprised of 1.780 islands of varying size and its capital city is the bustling Puerto Princesa. The main island is Palawan, which has maintained its pristine landscape of forests, mountains, white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Thanks to its mesmerizing beauty and great biodiversity, Palawan island is considered “the ultimate ecosystem in the Philippines”. National Geographic and CNTravelers have also rated the island as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Most tourists come to the north, to El Nido or the town of Coron, which serves as the departure spot for sightseeing and diving tours to Bacuit and Calamianes. The most popular destinations for tourists in Palawan are Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. Each place has a distinct attractiveness. Puerto Princesa is the culinary hub, and the main gateway to numerous beautiful destinations in Palawan. The area has a bustling town featuring attractions such as the ancient church Immaculate Concepcion, an underground river in Sabang, museums, vibrant neighbourhoods and night markets. The cuisine of Puerto Princesa is highly praised for being cheap, fresh and unique. Tourists can dine at popular restaurants such as Kalui, Captain Ribs, Kinabuch Bar & Grill and La Terrasse. Accommodation is relatively affordable, prices range from 400,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night. There are many motels that offer cheaper prices. Around Puerto Princesa Gulf there are many beautiful diving spots, where divers might see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, many types of fish and colourful coral reefs. Reliable companies that organise diving tours here are Dive Puerto Princesa (No. 1 and 2) and Let’s Dive. Prices for scuba diving tours range from 400 – 500 USD. Regular diving tours cost between 80 and 100 USD.

From Puerto Princesa, visitors can take a bus to El Nido, which is about 200 kilometres away. El Nido fascinates visitors with its majestic limestone cliffs and stunning underwater world. Bus tickets to El Nido range from 230,000 – 330,000 VND with travel time of five to seven hours. Visitors have a range of options when it comes to accommodation, from cheap motels at 250,000 – 400,000 VND per night to hotels and luxury resorts costing 1,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND per night. Food here is abundant, with mainly rice, seafood and other traditional dishes on offer at affordable prices ranging from 40,000 VND for a standard meal to 70,000 – 150,000 Vietnamese Dong at restaurants and coffee shops. Do not miss out on the chance of a BB on the beach for about 100,000 – 200,000 VND per person.

In El Nido, visitors can rent kayaks for about 400,000 VND per day and explore the small islands in the surrounding area by themselves, or visit the two beautiful beaches, Nacpan and Dagmay, to relax in the shade and play in the crystal clear blue water. Sightseeing and scuba diving tours are the most popular activities in El Nido, with four types of tour (A, B, C, and D) that each visit different destinations. The most popular is A and C with prices ranging from 550,000 – 700,000 VND. During the tour you visit beautiful lagoons and swim in crystal clear water. Scuba diving enthusiasts can book tours with diving centres like Palawan Divers, Submariner Diving or Deep Blue Dive Seafari to enjoy the splendid underwater world at El Nido, with its great variety of coral reefs, fish, and marine animals.

El Nido has enough on offer to mesmerise any ocean enthusiast, but if you have more time go to Coron as well. This is a group of islands that possess an impressive beauty that makes for a paradise on earth. Coron is about an 8-hour boat ride away from El Nido. There is one trip available per day, with a 700,000 Vietnamese Dong fare. If you want to visit Coron by yourself you can catch a plane from Manila. You can stay in Coron for a whole week without getting bored, as there are many tours that explore the islands, lagoons, white sandy beaches, diving to see coral reefs and see a ship wreck in Lake Barracuda. You should rent a private boat if you have a large group to enjoy the scenery to the fullest. Hotels, motels and resorts in Coron are relatively expensive, with the lowest price being 350,000 VND for a bed in a dormitory. Tour prices are affordable at about 300,000 – 600,000 VND excluding equipment rental fee.

The best time to visit Palawan is from October to May, when the weather is not too hot or rainy and ideal for ocean activities. The peak tourism months are in the summer, and low season is around September to October. From Vietnam, visitors can fly to Manila the capital of the Philippines from where they can take a flight to Puerto Princesa at affordable prices or directly to El Nido.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s diving paradise

(#wanderlusttips #Phuquoc) There are many ways to hide from the tropical summer heat. You can find refuge in the green valleys filled with grass and flora, the windy mountains, or the stunning yet tranquil beaches. For adventurers who love the ocean, why refrain from visiting some diving paradises in Vietnam and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.
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Dubbed the pearl island, Phu Quoc is a popular destination both for Vietnamese and international holidayers. Phu Quoc island is a part of Phu Quoc District in Kien Giang Province. The island is home to pristine white sand beaches, green forests, crystal clear water, a unique ecosystem and many beautiful resorts.

Phu Quoc features numerous attractions. The north of the island is covered in primary forest; there are pristine beaches and an abundance flora and fauna. Visitors can tour pepper farms to discover a Phu Quoc specialty, enjoy fresh seafood, relax in the waves at Ganh Dau beach, visit the tranquil Tranh stream, walk in Bai Dai and watch the sunset from Cape Dinh Cau. At night visitors can roam around Dinh Cau night market and shop for souvenirs for their family. The locals live in the south and east of the island where there are many beautiful beaches and peaceful fishing villages. Bai Sao beach is known for its white sand, crystal clear water, and shade from the coconut trees. Khem beach is still pristine and delicious fresh seafood is on offer here. Ham Ninh fishing village is worth a visit to enjoy sweet and fresh steamed crabs and learn about the fishermen’s lives. For those interested in history a visit to the remains of Phu Quoc prison is a must.

Phu Quoc is known for its diverse ecosystem and stunning diving spots. Diving spots are mainly located in the south of the island; with a depth of 10 – 12 metres they are suitable for inexperienced divers. Tourists will get a chance to see coral reefs, colourful fish, sea turtles, shellfish and octopus in their natural oceanic habitat. In the north of the island, popular diving spots include An Thoi archipelago where Hon Doi Moi and Hon Mong Tay are located. In the south, there are Hon Ban, Hon Thay Boi, Ganh Dau, Ong Quoi Cape and Cua Can. Snorkelling tours cost about 350,000 – 800,000 Vietnamese Dong per person per trip. Scuba diving tours are more expensive, with prices ranging from 1,100,000 to 3,300,000 Vietnamese Dong. Companies that offer these tours in Phu Quoc are Flipper Diving Club and Phu Quoc Diving Centre.

Phu Quoc restaurants serve delicious specialties mainly made from seafood like herring salad, Ham Ninh crabs and grilled snails at reasonable prices ranging from 30,000 – 200,000 Vietnamese Dong per meal. On 30/4 street there are many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy these dishes.

Accommodation on Phu Quoc is diverse. Many hotels and resorts are located on Tran Hung Dao Street with prices starting from 350,000 Vietnamese Dong per night. In Dong Duong Town there are a number of affordable motels and hotels for budget travellers with cheaper prices. The most suitable time to visit Phu Quoc is from October to September, with peak season from April to September. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel on land to Rach Gia and Ha Tien and then take a boat to the island.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel&Spa to launch wedding package

(#wanderlusttips #Sheratonnhatranghotel) From the elegant ballroom, stunning table decorations, extraordinary dishes to dedicated team providing the care and attention to details will ensure to create the dream wedding of your life.

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You can choose for your remarkable moment a beachfront romantic wedding on the sand by the witness of the mighty ocean, or luxurious wedding in the classy and splendid indoor venue of Sheraton to joyfully start a new life together. Package price ranges only from VND3,880,000nett/ table.

What’s more, to ease the heat of tropical summer, the hotel offers a new take on ice cream sandwiches, called Ice Maca-ream. This is the combination of two great desserts: French macarons and ice cream in 4 flavors: Strawberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and Coconut.

Shine Spa for Sheraton, a heaven of wellness located on the hotel’s 7th and 8th floor overlooking to beautiful Nha Trang bay, indulges yourself in peace and relaxation. You can enjoy the tranquility for a truly calm afternoon with a very special discount. Accordingly, guests will receive 15% off for individual treatment, or get the 4 th complimentary at the same value if buying 3 treatments. The validity is till August 30, 2016.

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel&Spa

Add: 26-28 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa
Phone: (+8458) 3880 000

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon appointed new executive chef

(#wanderlusttips #eastingrandhotelsaigon) In endless efforts to bring and expand the authentic cuisine experience to guests, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon has appointed William Ong as its new Executive Chef.

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Specialized in Modern European and South East cuisine over twelve years of culinary experience culled from his various posts in various hotels and restaurants, he believes in continuously refining the art of cooking through improvisation and experimentation.

Born in Singapore, Chef William started as an apprentice cook at the age of 16. As his creativity began to flourish, he started moving up through the ranks and was last employed at Novotel Bangkok Bangna Hotel as the Director of Food and Beverage cum Executive Chef. Before working in Thailand, he had been working in some other Asian countries: China, Oman and Japan. Chef William imparts the same coaching he has received and mentors the kitchen staff, encouraging them to engage their jobs with a sense of passion and ownership. This is the philosophy he lives upon everywhere he goes.

“Café Saigon – Our main restaurant will feature dishes inspired both by the Mediterranean and South East Asia region alongside a few carefully chosen Vietnamese specialties” said Chef Ong. “We will also feature a selection of prime cuts of meats and seafood cooked over an open flame on our hot stones grill. At the same time, we will have a selection of luscious offerings such as Wagyu beef, foie gras and lobsters. The concept will be ‘elegant yet simple’, focusing on the best possible ingredients and natural, organic keeping flavors.”

Understanding the vital role of chefs to bring the finest dining experience to guests, at Tung Garden, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon has 30 year experience chef Chau Chan Fun with 4 Hong Kong chefs who bring to the table a unique menu ranging from sumptuous choice of delicacies in Dim Sum menu and A La carte menu from the Chinese tradition of gastronomy.

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

Add: 253 Nguyen Van Troi Str., Phu Nhuan Dist., HCMC.
Tel: (+848) 38449 222

Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

London City Airport’s expansion plan gets approval

(#wanderlusttips #londoncityairport) The airport has received its planning permission for an expansion that will include seven new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway and a passenger terminal extension.

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The expansion will enable the airport for bring in 6.5 million passengers per year by 2025. Last year, the airport welcomed a record-breaking 4.3 million passengers.

London City Airport is located at the Royal Docks and is the closest to central London among five major ones of the city. It’s about ten kilometres form the city centre, compared to Gatwick, which is 45 kilometres south of the city, or Heathrow, which is 32 kilometres to the west. Gatwick has been billed the most efficient single runway airport in the world, while Heathrow handles more international passengers than any other airport in the world.

However, London City Airport remains popular with business travellers, due to its proximity to the city centre. The changes will also open up opportunities for longer haul destinations like the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and the Eastern United States, according to a statement. London City Airport says the development will allow the airport to welcome quieter, next generation aircraft in addition to adding more space, more flights and more destinations.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Parisian Macao to bring the Kingdom of Light to Asia

(#wanderlusttips #Parisianmacao #Eiffel) Macao which is known as the Oriental Las Vegas is going to turn to Asian Paris on September 13, when a Paris-themed casino and hotel opens with a half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower.

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The Parisian Macao casino and resort is located on the Cotai Strip, which refers to an area with multiple resorts and casinos, modelled after Las Vegas’ strip.

The new hotel features a “half-scale authentic recreation of the Eiffel Tower” which has observation decks that provide amazing views.

The hotel contains 3,000 guest rooms and suites, international restaurants, a spa, a themed water park, a 1,200-seat theatre and more. There is also a retail mall at the hotel, called Shoppes at Parisian, which “will offer the latest in fashion and couture in a setting reminiscent of the streets of Paris, with an eclectic mix of street artists and entertainers heightening the authentic experience”. The setting is designed to resemble the famous Paris street, the Champs-Élysées.

The hotel is a project of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd, which opened The Venetian Macao almost ten years ago. The Venetian Macao is modelled on the famous Venetian hotel in Las Vegas; however the Asian location is actually larger than the original and is the largest casino in the world. “Our goal to create a large-scale leisure and business destination in Macao, which started with the opening of The Venetian Macao nearly ten years ago, will be fully realized when The Parisian opens its doors in a matter of weeks,” said Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd. “It’s unlikely another tourism development with the size and scope of the Cotai Strip will ever be achieved again.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

42 hand gestures around the world

The language and cultural gap will be narrow if you know how to use your hands instead naturally. The “handy” infographic demonstrated 42 different hand gestures used in 14 countries, helping you to know better about people’s culture in the places you come to avoid misunderstanding.

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Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips

5 ideal hiding places for the 2016 summer

(#wanderlusttips) If you want to escape from the sweltering sun this summer and find a safe haven, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the immense ocean, or enjoy the cooling fresh air in the charming scenery of the mountains, the following 5 hotels and resorts are the ideal destinations for your vacation.

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1. Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat

Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful blue lakes, Swiss-Belresort Tuyen Lam Dalat has 151 comfortable rooms and sits amidst charming and idyllic scenery. This is the ideal vacation destination for this summer. The resort is designed like a botanical garden with Anglo-Normand architecture, located within an 18-hole golf course. Its location allows you to easily travel to popular tourist destinations such as the Valley of Love, Prenn Waterfall, Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palce, Truc Lam Temple, Dalat Cathedral, and the Clay Tunnels. In the afternoon, you can take a walk along the hiking trails, learn about Dalat’s specialties in cooking classes, relax with yoga sessions, or enjoy European – Asian cuisine at the Swiss-Café Restaurant.

Swiss-Belresorts Tuyen Lam Dalat will give Vietnamese citizens an opportunity to enjoy a perfect holiday with its promotion program “Summer Escape”. For only 2,890,000 VND, you will get a 2-night stay in the deluxe mountain view room, along with other incentives such as complimentary breakfast, complimentary lunch or dinner, late check-out up to 3 p.m., 30-minute complimentary use of sauna and Jacuzzi, shuttle bus to and from Dalat city centre, in-room welcome amenities, and 15% off food & beverage and spa services. The program is available until October 31, 2016.

Address: Zone 7 & 8, Tuyen Lam Tourism Area, Ward 3, Dalat City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 63 3799 799
Website: www.swiss-belhotel.com

2. Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village

Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village is situated atop Ba Na Mountain, which is dubbed an Elysium at an altitude of 1,489 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by a complex of entertainment, tourism, shopping, indoor pool, restaurant, bar, and worship areas.

The hotel currently has 494 rooms divided into different types: Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Executive Suite, Family Suite, Royal Suite, all are elegantly designed in a neo-classical style. From your room, you can enjoy a view over the architecture of a 19th century French village, or the majestic Ba Na mountain.

With its convenient services and prime location, Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village promises to be a new vacation destination amidst the lovely scenery of Ba Na Mountain this summer.

During the Summer of 2016, Mercure Ba Na Hills French Village offers a special promotion: only 2,209,000 VND (99 USD) per night, with complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary use of indoor four seasons pool, fitness centre, breakfast for children under 12 staying with parents, and other incentives. The program is available until July 31, 2016.

Address: An Son Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 511 3799 222
Website: www.accorhotels.com

3. Fusion Maia Danang

Located at My Khe Beach, Fusion Maia Danang is the first beachfront resort in Asia with included spa and wellness packages, each guest will be guaranteed two treatments per day. The resort’s architecture is inspired by Hue Citadel, with minimalist yet sophisticated designs. All 87 villas are equipped with modern facilities, with private pool and garden.

In addition, Fusion Maia Danang is also the first resort in Asia with a private swimming pool for each area. Guests have the freedom to explore and experience the resort, with dining and recreational services.

Each villa is designed with wide windows overlooking vast open spaces, under the cooling green shades of bamboo trees. The low fences surround a charming garden filled with colorful and aromatic flowers. Private villas allow guests to be immersed in nature, making you more relaxed and comfortable.

Enjoy a different and refreshing summer at Fusion Maia Danang. For only 1,485 USD/2 people, you can enjoy a 3-night stay at a villa with private pool, complimentary breakfast anytime, anywhere, free spa treatments, free airport shuttles, etc. The program is available from now until June 30, 2016.

Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang, Vietnam
Phone: +84 511 3967 999
Website: www.fusionmaiadanang.com

4. Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort & Spa

Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort & Spa is the first beach resort in Hue, located on the beautiful Thuan An Beach and next to Tam Giang Lagoon. This special location, along with the complex of villas and rooms, makes the resort feels luxurious, yet gentle and elegant. The design of every space inside the resort gives its guest a rustic and familiar feeling, a quiet and peaceful sensation of the Vietnamese countryside.

If you feel tired of the street noises and the bustling crowds in the city, this resort will be your paradise. The whirling sounds of the waves, the songs of the birds, or the cheers of the delighted fishermen docking their boats after a successful fishing trip, will be the sounds of nature waking you up in the morning, with the sunlight spreading across the horizon signifying the beginning of another exciting day.

The restaurant here is a wonderful combination between European and Asian cuisine and regional specialties. There will be an abundant source of energy for you to enjoy another peaceful day at Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort & Spa.

In addition, the ocean-view pool and bar inside the resort is where you can immerse yourself in the blue water, enjoy a cocktail, or unwind with a therapeutic massage at Le Cochinchine Spa. These will make for unforgettable experiences during your time here.

Located by the ocean in a green and airy space, Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort & Spa is not only a destination for leisure travel, but also a suitable choice for outdoor parties, team building activities, and the perfect place to host a romantic beach wedding.

At twilight, the ocean glistens romantically under the moonlight and candles adorn the dinner table accompanied by the sound of the wind, the waves bring in the salty taste of the sea, and the songs of the cicadas fill the resort’s garden. This will feel like a warm gift for you and your beloved.

During the Summer 2016, Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort & Spa offers a special promotion, available from now until August 31, 2016. For only 1,940,000 VND++ per deluxe room, you can enjoy one night for 2 adults and 2 children under 6. The price includes the use of outdoor and indoor pool, shuttle bus to the city centre, and many other services. In addition, the resort also offers a 10% discount for mud baths and aromatherapy baths.

Address: Thuan An Town, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Tel: +84 54 3983 333
Website: www.anamandarahue-resort.com 5.

5. Amankila, Bali

Rated one of the best resorts in Bali, Amankila is located in the city centre, an ideal start point to explore ancient Bali with its many temples and heritage sites. The palaces of Ujung and Tirtagangga inspire the resort’s design; its tables are made from coconut shells and surrounded by rattan wicker chairs.

The resort has 34 spacious villas with thatched roofs, making the space feel airy yet cosy. The villas offer a beautiful view of the hillside and plumeria and bougainvillea flowers. You will have a choice of accommodation, including the Indrakila Suite, which takes its name from the hill on which the resort is located, and Amankila Suite, which is bigger and offers private butler service.

The corridors of Amankika have a beautiful ocean view, and a highlight of the resort is the pool, which sits on a cliff. The pool is designed like a terrace, with water flowing from one step to another, creating a beautifully strange landscape.

Guests can enjoy Indonesian and Western cuisine at the main restaurant, sip afternoon tea by the pool, and eat lunch at the Beach Club. The Beach Club also hosts entertainment program at night-time, such as traditional Balinese dances and live music. There is also an outdoor bar with a thatched roof and filled with bamboo furniture.

From this peaceful oasis, you can go on to cultural excursions to visit local shrines, temples and water palaces, or participate in activities such as mountain biking and diving.

Aman Wellness recently launched their “Individual Wellness Immersions” package, in addition to the existing “Group Retreat Experiences” package. The individual package is available at every spa inside Aman resorts around the world. The treatment will deeply relax, purify and regenerate your mind and body, helping you feel pure and happy.

Address: Manggis, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 363 41333
Website: www.aman.com/resorts/amankila

Trang Nguyen | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Raja Ampat: Diving paradise in Indonesia

(#wanderlusttips #Rajaampat #seadiving) The mesmerising beauty under the sea of Raja Ampat tranquil beach will make it the must-come attraction for tourists, especially divers who love to explore the colourful undersea life.

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Located off the Northeast of Bird’s Head Peninsula in New Guinea in the West Papua Province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat or the Four Kings is an archipelago with over 1,500 islands scattered around the four main islands Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and a smaller island called Kofiau. Raja Ampat Islands are part of the Coral Triangle, home to the greatest biodiversity on earth. It forms part of the new West Papua Province, which was formerly Irian Jaya. This area is mainly made up of docking ports for cruise ships.

With its pristine landscape and impressive ecosystem, Raja Ampat is among the world’s most beautiful diving spots. Diving enthusiasts need to visit this underwater paradise at least once in their lifetime. According to scientific research, the biodiversity in West Papua is greater than in other areas of the Coral Triangle stretching over Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

With more than 1,200 species of fish, 600 types of coral and 700 species of molluscs, the underwater world of Raja Ampat is incredible. Visitors will feel as if they have travelled to an ancient time when diving freely between inhabited islands and enjoying nature in its purest form. The amount of creatures you encounter during a diving trip is overwhelming. In some areas, there are giant schools of fish, as well as sharks, rays and turtles. In areas close to the shore, you can wear goggles, go snorkelling and play with dolphins, and if you are lucky you might even meet a whale.

Due to the strong currents, scuba diving in Raja Ampat is not suitable for beginners. It is a spot for experienced divers. There are a few spots though inexperienced divers can go to with a diving coach. There are several famous diving spots: in the north there are Kri, Sel Pele, South Penemu and Waigeo island, in the centre is the Jef Fam Group of Islands and Manta Ridge, in the south of the archipelago there are Boo, Fabiacet and Farondi island.

Tourists do not have many choices when it comes to accommodation in Raja Ampat, because of its small population. The most common option is a cruise tour, with prices ranging from 2.800 USD (5 days) to 4.400USD (10 days), which includes a full range of services such as dining and diving training. You can choose from a selection of famous cruise tours including SMY Seahorse, Waow Indonesia, Mermaid I or Raja-Ampat Aggressor. Tourists can also book accommodation at resorts that offer diving courses such as Agusta Eco, Hamu Eco, Wicked Diving, Waiwo or Alter Native Stay. Prices range from 50 – 300 USD/night. The food offered here is mostly seafood and other Indonesian dishes.

Diving season in Raja Ampat lasts from October to April when weather conditions are favourable and currents weak. From Vietnam, tourists can fly to Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, and then fly or take a boat to Sorong Harbour. From here, the cruise or resort that you have booked will pick you up to begin a wonderful journey to Raja Ampat.

Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Emirates Airlines lauching new amenity kit using augmented reality

(#wanderlusttips #Emiratesairlines) Emirates airlines has announced that it has launched the world’s first interactive amenity kit in economy class. The bags, which include necessities like a toothbrush, earplugs and eye mask, use augmented reality technology to unlock immersive content on traveller’s phones.

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By using an app called Blippar, customers can scan the bag and unlock activities, music or health tips. The app is a “visual browser” that allows customers to point their mobile at a variety of objects recognised by Blippar to get more information and interesting facts. There will be updated content every six month for frequent travellers – though it’s unlikely to reach the heights of the popular augmented reality app Pokemon Go.

There are six different designs for the bags inspired by six regions in the company’s network, “Australasia, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Far East”. According to Emirates, it is the first airline to introduce the technology into amenity kits, “making it the world’s first interactive kit bags”. The bags will be available on Emirates’ flights starting in August. But, even if you’re not into augmented reality, the bags – which are made of water resident material and feature unique designs – can at least be reused.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet