Birds Eye of the City of Rotorua


One of the best ways to see your surroundings is through the air, and what better way than by cable car? The Rotorua Gondola Ride offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area, situated minutes from the city centre of Rotorua. It carries you gently up the mountain, over 450 meters above sea level, revealing panoramic views of the city, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding areas.

It is an all-weather attraction, and open every day of the year. The Gondola Ride is open from 8am until the end of operation in the night.

For those that feel more adventurous, there is a Luge track nearby. This is a gravity-based ride on a 3 wheeled cart, it uses a unique steering and braking system, giving the rider full control of the vehicle. With 3 tracks and 6 different entry points, with alternate terrain, from easy to advanced paths, it provides fun for the entire family.

For those who seek more of a thrill, the Sky Swing is your chance to be suspended over Rotorua. It is a breathtaking ride, 50 metres above sea level and one reaches speeds of over 100kph. One can enjoy a splendid view of Rotorua city and the surrounding areas in the safety of your specially designed harness.

For souvenirs and meals, there is a restaurant and gift shop available at the top of Mount Ngongotaha. The Cableway Restaurant is known for its 180 degree views of the city and features delicious authentic New Zealand cuisine, from fresh seafood such as mussels, salmon, to delectable vegetarian feasts to suit any palate. Simply New Zealand sells quality souvenirs and offers a friendly service to any visitor. Pick an authentic keepsake of your trip to New Zealand.

For accommodation, there are many hotels in Rotorua. The Millennium Hotel Rotorua is centrally located in the Rotorua city centre, beside the majestic Lake Rotorua. It is walking distance from the Museum of Art and History, the Polynesian Spa and Convention centres. It is a premier business hotel in Rotorua, featuring full secretarial services, office facilities such as fax, email, scanning. There are also meeting and event rooms, which can cater up to 350 delegates. Wireless internet is also available throughout the hotel.

Street Food in Bangkok – partake of gourmet food at busy sidewalks

One of Asia’s more popular destinations for both leisure and business, Thailand is a diverse nation offering an abundant array of activities for all types of visitors. Most regions of the country are lush landscapes interspersed with places of historical and religious importance. Abetting these wonders are the country’s tropical beaches and exotic nightlife.

The bustling city of Bangkok is Thailand’s capital. Travellers will be entranced by a city immersed in tradition and history as seen through the many monuments, temples and palaces. The night bazaars, floating markets and scintillating entertainment options bode well for a fun filled vacation.

Bangkok is also known for its exotic and delicate cuisine. Along the many streets of Bangkok dot stalls offering a range of tantalizing options. The fare is mostly displayed though glass windows and prepared right before you. Choice of food ranges from snacks both savory and sweet, a range of fresh fruits which are ready-to-eat, a wide array of noodle stalls and even rice and curry.

Enticing both locals and visitors alike, in busy sidewalks and narrow paths one can find street vendors offering cheap yet tasty meal options which are at the same time convenient and hygienically prepared. A veritable staple item on the menu is noodles. Varied options such as duck, chicken, egg and other meats are available for selection.

Street food in Bangkok also consists of food stalls which are made according to the buyer’s preference. Many of these vendors have no menu on display but are quick to churn out delectable Thai specialties such as friend rice, stir fried items and even unique omelettes according to one’s own palate.

Various types of lodging greet the traveller when visiting Bangkok. From budget to star class hotels to Bangkok Serviced Accommodation are available. The Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok is an ideal venue for either business or leisure. A varied choice and level of residencies are available to choose from. The Sukhumvit 11 Apartment complex is perfectly situated in close proximity to Bangkok’s hip shopping arenas and pulsating nightlife. All residences are well appointed with modern interiors and stylishly furnished. This ideal property allows visitors to choose from the various services on offer making it a true retreat.

Zee Cine Awards 2011, a glittering extravaganza

The 2011 edition of the Zee Cine Awards, the premier awards ceremony for Indian ‘Bollywood’ cinema was conducted in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The extravaganza was conducted smoothly with its delightful kaleidoscope of colour, personal expression, music and humour reaching out to a global audience. Interestingly while most of the honours are decided by popular choice, accompanying jury awards were bestowed in the major categories.

Many of the major prizes went to established names with an ensemble of A-list names amongst the list of winners. ‘Dabangg’ starring Salman Khan was the most successful film, winning a total of no less than 9 honours; it was successful in the categories of Best Film, Best Debut Director – Abhinav Kashyap, Best Debut Female – Sonakshi Sinha, Best Music and Best Song amidst other accolades. However the top actor award eluded Salman, in both jury and popular choice categories.

The Best Actress and Best Actor awards in the popular choice category were claimed respectively by Vidya Balan in ‘Ishqiya’ and Shah Rukh Khan in ‘My Name Is Khan’. Both Vidya and Shah Rukh were modest in accepting the most prestigious prizes at the ceremony.

Meanwhile the jury honours for Best Actress and Best Actor were captured by respectively Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan, both in the film ‘Guzaarish’. In accepting the awards Aishwarya paid tribute to famed director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom she has had a fruitful collaboration. Meanwhile Hrithik in a philosophical mood stated that the film was special to him with its message that misery and suffering often turn out to be the wind beneath our wings.

Vikramaditya Motwane bagged the jury Best Director award for ‘Udaan’ while Karan Johar was the popular choice for ‘My Name Is Khan’.

Priyanka Chopra hosting the show dressed up as a character from each of the nominees for the finest film, dazzling the audience. Sajid Khan and first-time host Akshay Kumar set the tone for the glamorous event by cracking jokes raising the spirits of everyone present.

Enhancing the star presence at the Zee Cine awards Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan, Arjun Rampal and Deepika Padukone all made their mark by providing sensational stage performances of songs from their films in the past year.

The Zee Cine Awards 2011 in Singapore held at Marina Bay Sands was a huge success. This venue with its superb theatres in Singapore is a first-class location for prestigious events.



Ace Karts – The Speed Thrills of Go-Karting





Perhaps its most illustrious centre, Ace Karts in Melbourne, Australia is one of the best karting centres to experience the exhilaration and elation of speeding fast along the circuit. Keeping in line with the safety guidelines, especially when it involves youngsters, Ace Karts manages to capture the essence of “Real Life Racing” that leaves its guests wanting for more.

A feeling that cannot be articulated eloquently, go-karting is indeed an activity that lures that hearts of adventure buffs and racing fanatics. An oasis for such enthusiasts, it is a place that is powered by the electricity of pulsating energy and racing heartbeats.

A highly charged environment by nature, Ace Karts was built in 1994. A leading go-karting leisure centre, it has received accreditation from LeisureNet Australia for its safety measures. Having great respect to the safety of its customers, it has a rigid safety programme that it adheres to, constantly placing its guests on top.

Located nearby to the central business district of Melbourne, it represents a state-of-the-art go-karting centre with its challenging and gruelling 700 metre outdoor circuit. A wide circuit that enables countless overtaking opportunities, its ample space exudes excitement, especially when speed racing at every bend on the track. The bends are usually what create the major speed thrills in go-karting. The tracks are usually floodlit, where travelling through the straight 105 metre long course will enable the drivers to reach a maximum speak of 75 km per hour. A venue that goes beyond the call of achieving its reputation as a go-kart destination, there is nothing average about Ace Karts. From its personalized service to its high quality go-karting gear, Ace Karts gives its guests an experience of a lifetime.

Honing the abilities of the racers, the track in Ace Karts is the biggest in Victoria. Known for its tricky and difficult nature, the corners are an estimate of six metres wide. Challenging as it is, many locals and tourists are attracted to the centre, especially for its much loved hair raising bend, which occurs right after the straight 105 metre drive. Novices and beginners have ample opportunities to learn and improve on their go-karting skills as the track caters to the many people that enter the centre. Targeting all levels of drivers, there are many racing lines in the tracks that allows you to test your abilities. Most often, beginners take their time on the course, having more preference to perform many manoeuvres to overtake their partners, learning the key secrets of the sport to reach the finish line faster.

The ideal place to test your racing and driving skills, there are many karts that are used. Designed for the purpose of speeding in the tracks, it is most compatible with the nature of the circuit, custom made to suit the driver’s ability and age. As Ace Karts are constantly trying to find ways to improve the optimal performance of the fleet, the range of go-karts available are tweaked and tuned to handle the many turns and bends encountered. Giving you a feeling as if it’s your own playing field, it enables you to reach the highest level of performance depending on your individual needs. In addition, there are three different racing formats that one could indulge in; arrive and drive individual programs and team programs.

If you are searching for Melbourne apartments, one that should be considered is Somerset on Elizabeth. The Melbourne serviced apartments available here offers a range of amenities for your comfort and convenience.

Nrityagram Village, a tribute to India’s cultural heritage




Nrityagram Village located in the vicinity of Bangalore is a unique holistic community devoted to the preservation and promotion of the traditional dance forms of India. The village has gained recognition as one of the high profile classical schools in India.

Situated in the rural settlement of Hesaragatta, Nrityagram Village was founded by Protima Ghauri, a former fashion model who took up the dance form known as Odissi. She and like-minded enthusiasts considered India’s classical dance forms to be a priceless facet of Indian culture and its heritage; a legacy of India’s civilization stretching back many millennia. Nrityagram was envisaged as a focal point for the traditional dance forms, a role it has fulfilled admirably.

Located on expansive 10 acre grounds, the compound was designed by renowned architect Gerard Da Cunha making it a treat for the eye; the architecture of the compound is as exemplary as its mission. The shady trees, greenery and mud buildings all contribute to the pristine ambience of the village. Visitors will enjoy strolling across the village inhaling the fresh country air and perhaps reading a book under the shade of a tree.

This pioneering art school has fostered a myriad of typical Indian dance forms as well as martial arts over its history spanning thirty years. Of special significance is the festival of spring held in February, known as Vasantha Habba. This magical extravaganza features maestros from across the globe who arrive at the venue to provide unique performances. This dusk till dawn gala event held at Nrityagram’s amphitheatre has been called the Woodstock of Indian classical music and dance. This thrilling event provides a genuine glimpse of the diversity and richness of the culture of the huge nation of India.

Visitors to the village will benefit from a description of the history of the dance and music forms; the traditional Guru and Shishya (teacher-pupil) relationship is also demonstrated. You may also enjoy a wholesome vegetarian lunch served in the time-honoured manner in the company of students and teachers.

The selective traveller looking for a luxury hotel Bangalore will be delighted with the accommodations of The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore. This fine business hotel in Bangalore offers all the necessary conveniences required by the discerning visitor.

Nehru Park Udaipur – Be captivated by the beauty of Nehru Park

Often called the most romantic city in India, Udaipur has a certain charm that lures many travellers to indulge in its captivating beauty. Known as the city of lakes, its shimmering waters are just one of the few extraordinary features in the city. Offering a number of exciting attractions to its visitors, the beautiful city is surrounded by an exceptional scenic beauty of lush greenery. Known as the garden city of Rajasthan, it comes as no surprise that there are many gardens in the area, which will captivate the visitors under its unbinding spell of breathtaking beauty. Having a picturesque backdrop of lush greenery, the gardens evoke a sense of calmness as the visitors are able to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature.

Boasting a number of gardens, Nehru Park is perhaps the most intriguing garden in Udaipur. A retreat of lush greenery, the park flaunts a spectacular view of natural vegetation creating the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Exuding an aura of romanticism, it is an oval shaped island that is located in the midst of the Lake Fateh Sagar. Visitors are able to take a closer glimpse of the park by embarking on a boat ride on the lake. Enriched with the water fountains, Nehru Park showcases a vibrant collection of diverse flowers. Lying amidst the blossoming flowers is a lily pond, offering the most picturesque settings for the viewer.

Dedicated to the memory of the late Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, the park was opened to the public on 14th November 1967. Inviting its visitors with the enchanting colours of a multitude of flowers, there is also a restaurant in the park where guests are able to enjoy a delicious meal whilst enjoying the scenery of green hills of the Aravali Mountains and the glittering waters of Fateh Sagar.

When searching for an Udaipur hotel, one that would come to mind is the Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur. Guests staying in this luxury hotel Rajasthan offers will be amidst a tranquil setting, overlooking Lake Pichola. Evoking the perfect setting of opulence and grandeur, guest can relive the days of Rajasthan’s royal era whilst staying in its plush rooms and suites.

Robinsons Place Manila – Indulge in an Unforgettable Shopping Experience




The Philippines shopping malls are regarded to have a wide variety of shopping items. A place where you can find just about anything, Manila is heralded as the most famed spot in the Philippines where travellers can have the ultimate experience of Philippine shopping.

Hailing as the shopping capital, the city is nestled amidst the cluster of islands, where guests can simply stroll around the lanes, searching for numerous plazas and shopping malls located throughout the city. These shopping destinations have mushroomed around the metropolis, especially over the recent years. Scattered around the capital, perhaps of the best place to embark on an authentic Manila shopping journey is at Robinson Place Manila.

The largest mall in the Robinson chain of malls, Robinson Place Manila is also deemed to be the biggest shopping mall in the Philippines. Built by John Gokongwei, it began construction in 1995 and was launched to the public in 1997. Situated in the heart Ermita-Malate, travellers can find the mall behind Philippine General Hospital and the University of the Philippines.

Initially built during the 1980’s, the shopping mall has gone through many renovations and reconstructions over the years. Originally, its location was at the Ateneo de Malina University campus. However, it was relocated to Loyola Heights where its infrastructure was redeveloped into a huge shopping complex, reaching an estimate of seven levels. Housing more than 350 shops, touched by the local flair of hospitality and style, these shops include clothing stores, entertainment facilities, dining outlets and service centres.

Encompassing an additional wing to its structure, the Padre Faura Wing was launched to the public in 2000. The June opening brought on more popularity to the shopping mall, as it rose amongst the ranks to become one of the premier shopping destinations in the Philippines, offering the finest comforts and the best convenience to the shoppers. Gaining reputation for its myriad of offers, the mall further expanded its structure to contain more dining and shopping facilities to the people. In 2008, the construction of the Midtown Wing was officially completed, thus cementing the recognition of the mall being the largest of all the malls in the city, including the Robinsons Galleria as well.

Featuring an indoor theme park called Dream Town; the mall has a variety of impressive shops including Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store and Handyman Hardware Store. Other features include seven state-of-the-art cinemas, fountains, scenic elevators and a food court. In addition, there entertainment outlets including a bowling arcade, a bingo venue and a billiard centre for a fun-filled day.

If you are searching for a Manila apartment, one name that would come to mind is Ascott The Residence Makati. Staying in such a Manila serviced apartment will allow guests to indulge in its luxurious settings, designed to suit your needs.

National Museum: a treasure cove of ancient history

Created and opened in 1874 by King Rama the 5th the Bangkok National Museum is the main branch museum of the national museums in Thailand. Opened to display and exhibit ruins from the ruling period of King Rama the 4th it features exhibits of Thai art and history.

Today the museum is separated into sections, with each area exhibiting a certain topic such as clothing, armaments, palanquins, etc and contains exhibits covering the history of Thailand dating back to times of Neolithic. Thailand’s artistic treasures of the Sukhothai, Lopburi, Dvaravati, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods are nicely displayed here.

One enters the museum from Sanam Luang, close to the northern end some distance away from the Grand Palace. On the far left of the parking area as you enter is the Thai History Gallery, starting with the Thailand’s prehistory taking you through the ancient kingdoms such as Sukhothai and Lanna, to Ayutthaya and thereafter to the contemporary Thai kingdom created in Bangkok. Amongst the many unique content of the ethnological collection and decorative arts are gold treasures, Chinese weapons, precious stones, puppets, Khon masks, ceramics, textiles and clothing, traditional musical instruments and woodcarving from around Southeast Asia. Other interesting exhibits include a funeral chariot hall, which features carriages used for cremations of the royals.

Travellers can visit this attraction Wednesday to Sunday during daytime except on national holidays. The admission fee charged for foreigners is 40 Baht (1.33 USD). Free tours with guidance are provided by the National Museum Volunteers in English, French, Japanese and German on selected days. Photography is not allowed inside any of the galleries

Boasting 177 luxuriously serviced residences varying from one to three-bedroom units, the grand Ascott Sathorn Bangkok offers all the facilities of a private residence. Amongst the most luxurious of Bangkok serviced apartments the property stands out. Conveniently situated in the capital’s commercial and business district it offers luxurious spa facilities and more. The Sathron apartments are a short distance away from the entertainment and shopping districts. Offering professional staff to assist you along with 24-hour security, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok is the perfect place to enjoy your holiday or business trip.

Night fishing in Maldives – A Thrilling Excursion

Defined as a place where time is truly immaterial, travellers in the sun-soaked crystalline beaches of Maldives have a myriad of leisure activities to engage in for a more fulfilling and exciting vacation. Amidst its turquoise waters and the sunny weather all year round, the many escapades the island offers promise its visitors an authentic island experience, showcasing a multitude of activities that are swathed in Maldivian culture and its tropical island surroundings.

Perhaps the ultimate destination to embark on a fishing trip, Maldives offers its visitors an experience of a lifetime. As the tropical sunrays touch upon your skin in the midst of the balmy breeze against your hair, the island provides its guests the best setting for fishing, for both novices and fishing enthusiasts alike.

A famed recreational activity, fishing is most popular among the locals as it is one of the main means of livelihood for the Maldivians. Touring the islands, one is able to see many quaint fishing villages that invite the onlookers to come experience its way of life. An appealing activity that attracts even the discerning travellers, there are many types of fishing that one can indulge in. Catering to the varying needs of the traveller’s convenience, some of the fishing types are big game fishing, resort fishing, scuba fishing, reef casting, trolling and fly fishing.

The vast expanse of the ocean that surrounds the island is nothing short of spectacular as it teems up with its vibrant and diverse marine life. Making the sport of fishing more exhilarating as the lifeblood of the island’s economy, its array of fish are what fishermen and travellers find the most alluring. Its incredible marine life includes swordfish, marlin, sailfish, barracudas, tunas, rainbow runners, trevallies, jacks and dolphin fish being among the most sought-after fish.

A place unmatched by other fishing destinations, aficionados and beginners can simply pack up their fishing gear and journey across the open ocean. Catching a prized fish maybe quite a difficult task for novices; however, with the help of the right fishing tools and the undeniable hospitality of the fishermen community who are willing to share their trade secrets with anyone, you will be able to catch your first fish, magnificent in all its glory.

The most popular past time among locals is night fishing. An activity that involves heading out to the waters before sunset, it provides an opportunity for travellers to sink into the dark surroundings. Catching fish under the night sky will be an intriguing chapter to your vacation as the boat anchors at a reef by the outer atolls. The lines are tethered with sinkers and hooks and dropped into the reef waters from all sides of the “dhoni”, a special fishing yacht.

Dropped overboard, night fishing allows one to catch different types of fish, such as emperors, squirrelfish, snappers and other reef fish. An amazing experience, the gentle rocking of the boat enables you to sink into relaxation, while you wait patiently for fish to be caught, seated under a canvas of blinking stars in the night sky. You can also simply sit back on the deck of the dhoni and contemplate. Setting your bait afloat, once you have caught your prized catch, may it be the feisty snapper or stunning emperor fish, you can easily head back to shore and make your own breakfast, by simply grilling the fish by the beach. If not, you can hand it over to a local restaurant, where the chef’s trustworthy and talented hands will serve your fish back to you, cooked in gourmet style.

If you are interested in embarking on a trip to Maldives, one Maldives accommodation that should be considered is Adaaran Club Rannalhi. This Maldives hotel is the ultimate tropical getaway with luxurious accommodations in the midst of the island’s unparalleled and exquisite bountiful nature.

International Bangkok Motor Show, a Regional Showpiece

Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital has gained worldwide renown as a unique travel destination. Offering majestic palaces and temples, busy marketplaces, one of a kind canals and exciting nightlife featuring something to match every visitor’s tastes, the city never disappoints the traveller who visits its environs. Having established a reputation as a vibrantly cosmopolitan city the Thai capital contains visitors and residents of many nationalities.

In the past Bangkok was for many years an insignificant trading outpost on the River Chao Phraya. It achieved significant status when King Rama I, the first sovereign of the Chakri dynasty transformed it into the Siamese capital. Since that time, Bangkok has developed steadily, achieving the status of Thailand’s cultural, spiritual, political, educational and commercial centre.

Modern Bangkok is a delightful experience for the visitor with its colourful neon signs, monks in saffron robes, elegant Thai architecture, vibrant markets, spicy cuisine and inviting tropical climate. The city is a vast metropolis that is fascinating to explore, offering a distinctive experience not to be found anywhere else in the world.

The thriving city offers innumerable things to see and do, from touring historic monuments to sampling the exotic nightlife. To rejuvenate yourself after a day of exploration there are thousands of restaurants, cafes and eateries where you can replenish your energies.

The Bangkok International Motor Show has established a reputation as Southeast Asia’s most comprehensive and significant exhibition of motorcars and motorcycles. It offers a unique platform where Asian as well as international manufacturers have the opportunity to display their latest and most innovative models. For the visitor the show provides a great chance to view the latest cars, motorcycles, automotive spares, garage and do-it-yourself tools and equipment, car hi-fi equipment, automotive accessories and other products from top companies.

Various local automobile and motorcycle clubs take this opportunity to display their finest exhibits. A host of other events are affiliated with the show, including off road competitions, rallying, car audio shows and tuning car contests. In addition to automotive offerings many pretty models grace the show.

A suitable Bangkok hotel accommodation is a must for every traveller, and in this regard the President Solitaire Bangkok is an excellent choice. This fine Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel offers all the amenities the contemporary traveller may require.