oleh admin | Mar 29, 2025 | architecture, cities and towns, culture, tourist attractions, travel destinations
In Jaipur, located in northern India, the pale pink tones of the buildings glow against the hazy sunlight characteristic of Rajasthan. This “Pink City” boasts impressive palaces, historic celestial observatories, and vibrant marketplaces, offering a wealth of architectural marvels and cultural riches. Below is your guide to exploring these must-see attractions!
The Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), Jaipur’s grand residence
The Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, boasts an astounding pink sandstone exterior at its outset.
heart of Jaipur
Everything remarkable about this opulent monument was constructed in 1799 under Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The building essentially serves as an enormous lattice wall designed for allowing royal ladies to view urban activities from within their quarters unseen (as per the era’s strict etiquette).
purdah
Today, it boasts 953 tiny windows, referred to as
jharokhas
Allow the sunlight to enter, casting dramatic shadows. Within, an intricate network of galleries guides you to a terrace that provides a stunning vista of the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar.
The Jantar Mantar observatory: the brilliance of astronomical knowledge
A
UNESCO World Heritage Site
, Jantar Mantar serves as far more than just an observatory; it contains 19 massive astronomical devices within its premises, all situated across an 18-acre area.
th
The century-old brick construction established by Maharaja Jai Singh II includes the colossal Sundial known as the Samrat Yantra, which stands at an impressive height of 27 meters. This remarkable instrument boasts a precise mechanism capable of indicating the time with just a two-second error margin. Adjacent to this, there are two large semi-domes forming the Nari Valaya Yantra. These structures represent the Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres and serve the purpose of calculating time across different regions globally.
The City Palace, the historical and cultural nucleus of Jaipur
Situated at the center of Jaipur, the City Palace is an impressive ensemble constructed in a mix of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It was established during the 18th century.
th
The century-old palace, established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, contains a museum filled with an abundance of precious artifacts: intricate fabrics, historic documents, and ritualistic arms that narrate the legacy of the maharajas, the illustrious rulers of Rajasthan. Be sure not to overlook the four lavishly adorned gateways representing different seasons within the Pitam Niwas Chowk courtyard, as well as the Diwan-i Am, which served as a grand pavilion for public gatherings where the maharajas would meet their subjects and visitors.
The Markets of Jaipur, a burst of color and artistry
In Jaipur, the historic district thrives thanks to its artisans, merchants, and intrigued observers who infuse vitality into the conventional bazaars daily. Each
muhalla
The Ramganj Bazar specializes in vibrant leather footwear, whereas Gopalji ka Rasta excels in exquisitely cut semiprecious gemstones. Meanwhile, the Johari Bazaar offers an array of embroidered fabrics, and nearby Kumharon ki Nadi showcases piles of handcrafted ceramics. Lastly, multihued turbans, symbolic of Rajasthan’s heritage, are prominently displayed at Bari Chaupar.
The Albert Hall Museum, a sanctuary of art and culture in Jaipur
Drawing inspiration from Indo-Saracenic design, the grand Albert Hall Museum is situated at the center of Ram Niwas Gardens. Constructed in 1876, this principal museum of Jaipur showcases numerous exhibits such as sculptures, paintings, musical instruments, exquisite textiles, geological specimens, and even an ancient Egyptian mummy. The displays on the ground level delve into Rajasthani customs through presentations featuring puppets and attire, offering visitors insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Nahargarh Fort, the quiet sentinel of the Aravalli Hills
Perched atop the Aravelli Hills overlooking the Pink City, Nahargarh Fort provides an awe-inspiring view of the area and insight into Jaipur’s military past. Constructed in 1734, the fortress initially served as protection for the city and offered sanctuary to the royal family during conflicts. The walls and vibrant palaces continue to reflect this protective purpose, with the principal courtyard featuring a delightful sight.
baori
(well-placed). The most striking structure within the complex, the Madhavendra Bhawan Palace, was constructed in the 19th century.
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for the spouses of Ram Singh II during the century.
Rambagh Palace, a marvel of opulence and heritage
Initially serving as a hunting lodge for the ruling dynasty, Rambagh Palace encapsulates the regal charm of Rajasthan. It was converted into a palace during the early part of the timeline mentioned.
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A century later, in 1930, it became the primary dwelling of the maharaja. Following India’s independence, it transformed into an opulent hotel. Nowadays, its expansive gardens, grand colonnaded walkways, and stunning Art Deco decorations preserve the essence of its regal heritage. The presence of strutting peafowl enhances this sense of magnificence, particularly when the monsoons arrive. It stands as a site to be marveled at… or reserved for an unparalleled stay!
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | commerce, culture, food and drink, Travel, travel destinations
Our Davao adventure continues!
In my earlier article, I talked about some top places to check out in Davao City—ideal for people who only have a short period to discover the area.
Proceed with the adventure starting from Day 1 by
discovering the culture, food, and picturesque sights of Davao City during this initial day excursion
.
As part of the five-day Marketing Enhancement Program (MEP) arranged by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB)—an organization under the Department of Tourism responsible for marketing and establishing the Philippines as a premier global travel spot—this trip is taking place.
Beginning March 12, 2025, the MEP intends to highlight the nation’s prime locations. Beyond merely advertising these sites, this initiative honors cultural and historical aspects of the area, fostering growth for neighborhoods, business owners, craftsmen, and tradition keepers via promotional support, media production, and eco-friendly travel methods.
Find out how the Tourism Promotions Board is showcasing Filipino hospitality through various initiatives.
verifying their touching “Pasasalamat” event at Centro de Turismo in Intramuros
.
To make this idea a reality, TPB gathered tour operators, travel agents, content creators, and media professionals to work together in promoting the selected Community-Based Tourism Sites in Davao and Lake Sebu.
Let’s now explore our second day when we discovered some of the top locations and lesser-known treasures in Davao City and Davao del Sur.
Welcome to Day 2—we’re still in Davao!
Mabuhay ug madayaw!
Uncover all the amazing places we discovered on Day 1 in Davao City—take a look at our
full itinerary here
.
Courtesy Call at the Department of Tourism Regional Office XI
Following a satisfying spread from the breakfast buffet at Dusit Thani Residence Davao and after finalizing an early departure, we all headed over to the Department of Tourism Region XI Office located centrally within the city.
Regional Director Tanya Tan and her team extended a friendly reception to us.
“Welcome to Region XI! Mabuhay ug madayaw! That means, ‘Welcome, beautiful people from… wherever you all came from,’”
She mentioned this in front of everybody within the conference room.
She then added,
Thank you, Sir [Alberto] Gadia from the Tourism Promotions Board, for leading this group here. We’re delighted to have you.
Observe how the Philippines confidently displayed its premier attractions on a global platform.
plunging into the key points of the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Malaysia.
We also had to go around introducing ourselves—one by one because, honestly, many of us didn’t have a clue who anyone else was! It felt like a playful way to break the ice. Hahaha!
Tan proceeded to focus on the core topic by sharing the most recent developments concerning Davao Tourism. This included detailing current projects and efforts designed to enhance the area’s tourism sector.
She also told the tour operators based in Manila that the Davao area has all the necessary facilities and is entirely prepared to handle various tour packages, including famous spots as well as community-led eco-tourism locations.
We’re strongly advocating for this initiative, so we set up a circuit. Additionally, we held workshops specifically for Davao-based tour operators as part of our efforts to enhance this travel route,
Tan explained.
She emphasized that the upcoming opening of the Mati Airport in Davao Oriental will be crucial for handling the increasing influx of tourists.
If Mati Airport starts offering commercial flights next year, this could present a significant opportunity. We’ve held several workshops with travel agencies who have since presented their plans and schedules. We can link these up with you allowing us all to join forces and make arrangements together—naturally including our team.
she added.
Before departing from the office, they gave us a boxed meal containing spaghetti and bread.
TAKE A LOOK at some photos from our brief yet significant courtesy visit to the Department of Tourism Region XI Office here:
The Malagos Garden Resort along with the Malagos Chocolate Museum
Following our polite visit to the Department of Tourism Region XI office, we headed directly to the extensive and renowned Malagos Garden Resort in Mindanao. This place is famous for its very own cacao plantation as well as its chocolate manufacturing facility.
We’ve highlighted Malagos on Good News Pilipinas multiple times due to its many international awards before the pandemic began. It never crossed my mind that someday I would step inside and wander around its well-manicured premises. During our visit, I shared with our guide how touring this resort felt like coming full circle for me.
Experience international acclaim by
learning about how Malagos Chocolate won 4 gold medals at the International Chocolate Awards
.
Following our meal at the Viewdeck Café, we strolled over to the Chocolate Museum—a first-of-its-kind establishment in this nation. Inside, we received an intensive lesson on chocolate’s past, discovered how chocolates are made, and most delightfully sampled three types of their dark chocolate—ranging from 65% to 85% cocoa!
Mapait, s’yempre!
Yet, as our museum guide mentioned:
If your chocolate tastes sweet, it might not be real chocolate; it could just be a candy bar.
May point!
HERE are some shots from our trip to Malagos Garden Resort and Malagos Chocolate Museum:
Regional Hub for Coffee Innovations and Museum
Following our afternoon feast and delightful exploration at the Chocolate Museum, we bade farewell to Davao City and journeyed deeper into southern Davao del Sur.
Did you know? Even though Davao City falls under the geographical boundaries of Davao del Sur, it functions autonomously as a highly urbanized city with distinct governance structures that set it apart from the province.
MEET Benzone Kennedy Franes Sepe, an Agricultural Technology alumnus from Davao del Sur State College, who managed to cultivate an apple tree in Digos City and reap multiple fruits from it.
The following place we planned to visit was the Coffee Museum. It hadn’t been part of our initial plan, however, upon receiving high recommendations during our courtesy call at the Department of Tourism Region XI Office, we decided we couldn’t miss it.
When our team initially reached the recently built structure behind the Davao del Sur Coliseum, what was meant to be our next move transformed into an unforeseen journey. It didn’t take long before we discovered with surprise that this place wasn’t the Coffee Museum but somewhere entirely different where we seemed to have lost our bearings.
Ah, talaga? We’re still out having fun. Hehe!
Following our reunion with the other teams, we eventually reached the Regional Coffee Innovation Center and Museum—an oasis for coffee enthusiasts. This place can be found within the premises of Davao del Sur State College.
Find motivation in the delightful achievements of nearby agriculturists as
The cocoa experts from Davao have been granted the opportunity to participate in the Paris International Cocoa Awards.
Over there, we encountered the college president, Dr. Augie Fuentes, who, during her welcoming speech, highlighted that coffee education has been incorporated into the syllabus for every program they provide.
Apparently, we aimed to provide it as an optional course, but we chose to allow our students to sign up for the subject instead. As a result, every academic program incorporates coffee education.
she shared.
In addition to functioning as a mere museum, Fuentes emphasized that this place also acts as a promotional platform for local coffee growers and manufacturers in the region.
Find out how Davao is driving progress for tomorrow as the area.
launches its initial DOST center focused on sustainable energy solutions
.
Our coffee originates from our farmers located at Mount Apo. Hence, we serve specialty coffee sourced directly from these local growers.
she added.
In the end, the Regional Coffee Innovation Center and Museum seeks to establish the Philippines as a leading nation in the production of top-tier coffee.
Before moving on to our subsequent stop, I got the opportunity to sample their latte, which was skillfully crafted by the barista at the café located on the second level.
EXPLORE the images from our trip to the Regional Coffee Innovation Center and Museum in Davao del Sur here:
Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village
By the time we arrived, darkness had fallen upon the Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village, which sits nestled at the base of Mount Apo in Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
As we made our way uphill towards the hall perched on the slope, we were welcomed by the resonant tones of local gong instruments. Once we arrived at the hall, I had the privilege of watching young Bagobo-Tagabawa performers executing their customary dances.
As someone who used to be a Filipino folk dancer, this scene felt like coming full circle—there was a time when I danced these very steps, and now I was watching them being performed authentically. Observing how they executed every move with strength and accuracy added profound depth to my experience.
Observe a seldom instance of optimism for animals in their natural habitat as
A newborn Philippine eagle has emerged at the conservation facility in Davao.
.
They also familiarized us with their traditional cuisine. We sampled various dishes they offered, which included
Manok na Nilotlot sa Gatas
, a poultry meal prepared inside a bamboo stalk; barbecued
bangus
; Chayote leaf salad; and
luddong
, a dish made with taro and coconut milk akin to the
laing
of the Bicolanos.
The refreshing climate, the heartfelt greeting, the customary performance, along with the robust tastes of their dishes—the visit we had at the Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Village in Davao del Sur was truly unforgettably amazing!
CHECK out my pictures of the Bagobo-Tagabawa kids below:
TUNE IN to see the enchanting traditional dance of Bagobo-Tagabawa kids—a warm greeting for visitors! You can view their complete show right here:”
Big 8 Corporate Hotel
On day two, we concluded our trip at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel, where we enjoyed a pleasant stay right in the center of Davao del Sur’s main city. Our tour guides and organizers made sure that checking in went smoothly.
I swiftly grabbed my keycard and made my way up to the tenth-floor room. Inside, I mused, “Yet another day at a different hotel; tomorrow we’ll be checking out for our next location.” Yet, what really stood out was the magnificent chandelier adorning the lobby—a stunning view indeed!
And it wasn’t only my vision that got a delightful experience; dinner was equally impressive. We savored beloved Filipino dishes like
pancit
, grilled
bangus
with
atchara
, and
halo-halo
—A genuine fiesta feast and the ideal way to conclude the day.
When 9 PM arrived, we were all set to head back to our individual rooms for some well-deserved sleep.
Sapagkat madaling araw ang takbong panayuhan at magmamaneho na naman bukas.
HERE are some of the pictures I captured while we were staying at the Big 8 Corporate Hotel:
That concludes our exciting Day 2! Big thanks go out to the TPB team, our fantastic tour guides, proficient drivers, and everybody who helped make our trip from Davao City right through to Digos City an unforgettable experience.
Tune in for Day 3 of CBT in Davao del Sur and South Cotabato—coming soon!
SANGGRALOKA
!
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The post
Brewing Memories: Chocolate, Coffee, and Cultural Discoveries in Davao City & Davao del Sur | Atom Pornel
appeared first on
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oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | tourist attractions, tourists, tours, travel destinations, vietnam
In the first three months of this year, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed approximately 1.64 million international tourists, marking an increase of 18.2% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Hanoi saw 1.85 million overseas visitors, representing a rise of 17%.
Over the same period, according to the HCMC Department of Tourism, the city saw an influx of more than 8.57 million domestic visitors, representing a rise of 6.3% compared to the previous year.
Tourism earnings increased by 26.7% compared to the previous year, reaching VND56.66 trillion (US$2.21 billion), which represents 21.8% of the 2025 target.
The department stated that to keep promoting the city’s attractions and unique tourism offerings, they have collaborated with various enterprises and the People’s Committees of Thu Duc City and different districts to encourage the creation of cross-district tourist experiences.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025), the local tourism industry has initiated various promotional efforts across social media channels. These campaigns aim to unveil an identity kit accompanied by a messaging theme “Discover Your Vibe,” alongside fifty visual graphics featuring prominent landmarks and symbolic sites around the city.
According to a report from the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued on Tuesday, the city saw 7.3 million tourists and generated approximately VND29.93 trillion in income during the first quarter of the year.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s two most populous urban centers, were listed amongst
Southeast Asia’s safest cities
as reported by the statistics website Numbeo.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, flights, Travel, travel destinations, vietnam
The restart of both chartered and scheduled flights between Russia and Vietnam has sparked increasing interest in this Southeast Asian destination.
As reported by Travelata.ru, tour sales have seen an increase of 9% within just one month and several-fold growth when compared to the corresponding timeframe from the previous year.
Currently, Vietnam is seeing the most rapid increase in hotel bookings, outpacing Thailand and getting closer to the demand levels seen before the pandemic.
From February 1 to March 18, Sletat.ru saw a 3.4 times surge in tour sales, whereas Level.Travel experienced a fourfold growth in March.
Russian Express reported a 5.5-times increase in February and March compared to the previous year, and Let’s Fly CEO Lyubov Voronina anticipated a growth of 20% in demand, fueled by an expansion in flight routes.
In wintertime 2024, direct flights between Russia and Vietnam were restarted after they had been halted in 2020 because of the pandemic. Aeroflot has begun serving Ho Chi Minh City and plans to commence service to Nha Trang starting March 22nd.
Azur Air and Pegas Touristik have initiated charter operations, whereas Vietnam Airlines intends to launch the Moscow-Hanoi service in May.
According to OneTwoTrip, Vietnam is listed among the top 10 travel destinations for March, seeing double the number of flight and hotel reservations compared to the previous year during this time.
Yandex Travel noted a 49% rise in air ticket sales compared to the previous year, whereas Aviasales experienced a 62.5% boost in their market share within Vietnam. The hotel reservation site Ostrovok identified Vietnam as the most rapidly expanding travel destination, recording a 25% uptick in bookings.
Anex Tour positioned Vietnam as the third top choice for summer travel following Turkey and Egypt. Experts noted that Vietnam’s attractiveness is increasing as Thailand grapples with excess capacity issues.
Voronina pointed out that Mui Ne and Nha Trang resorts provide an appealing option, even during summertime.
Oleg Kozyrev, who serves as the marketing director at Travelata.ru, expressed his belief that Vietnam’s structured tourism sector is poised to recover and return to its pre-pandemic standing.
oleh admin | Mar 23, 2025 | recreation and leisure activities, resorts recommendations, tourist attractions, travel destinations, travel recommendations
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Lifehack My ID
– Simak baik-baik dua rekomendasi hotel atau resort keren bertema glamping di Provinsi Banten, yang pas buat staycation saat Libur Lebaran Idul Fitri 2025.
Satu lagi, terletak di Kawasan Wisata Pantai Anyer-Carita yang ada di Provinsi Banten.
Satu lagi terletak di Kota Cilegon, Banten.
Tiga Saran Tempat Wisata Gunung Menakjubkan di Banten Untuk Berpiknik Saat Cuti Lebaran Tahun 2025
Berikut daftarnya:
Glamping di Anyer Banten
Di kawasan wisata Pantai Anyer-Carita terdapat sebuah resor bertema glamping yang luar biasa menakjubkan.
Namanya adalah Kadena Glamping Dive Resort.
Resor ini sangat sesuai digunakan sebagai tempat staycation bagi para pembaca Tribun ketika sedang berlibur.
Kadena Glamping Dive Resort adalah lokasi peristirahatan yang relatif baru berada di Kawasan Wisata Pantai Anyer-Cinangka.
Resor ini terletak di Jalan Raya Anyer-Sirih Nomor 126, Sindanglaya, Kecamatan Cinangka, Kabupaten Serang, Provinsi Banten.
Menampilkan ide dari glamping, Kadena Glamping Dive Resort menawarkan pengalaman unik dan berbeda.
Resort ini tidak hanya memperlihatkan pantainya saja, tetapi juga menyajikan taman-taman berkolam renang yang luar biasa.
Resor dapat menjadi pilihan untuk liburan tinggal sejenak yang nyaman, memberikan pengalaman seperti bermalam di alam terbuka namun dengan dilengkapi fasilitas premium.
Impresi awal dari resor ini begitu menakjubkan dan memukau, dilengkapi dengan halaman hijau yang terawat dengan baik beserta pohon-pohon kelapa lebat hampir di seluruh bagian area.
Aktivitas yang bisa dilakukan di sini, antara lain berjalan-jalan area resort dengan suasananya yang masih sangat asri dengan barisan pohon kelapa.
Tersedia juga aneka fasilitas water sport seperti bermain jet ski, banana boat, dan wahana lainnya.
Tertarik staycation di sini? Tarif menginap per malam di Kadena Glamping Dive Resort dipatok kurang lebih mulai Rp 1 jutaan.
Walaupun cukup pricey, tetapi worthed dengan berbagai fasilitas yang disediakan.
Pengalaman Glamping di Cilegon Seperti Berada di Ubud Bali
Di Kota Cilegon, Provinsi Banten, ada wisata kolam renang, sekaligus vila dan glamping keren.
Namanya adalah Panorama Hills.
Lokasinya berada di Jalan. Cikerai, Kelurahan Cikerai, Kecamatan Cibeber, Kota Cilegon, Provinsi Banten.
Panorama Hills merupakan destinasi wisata villa, glamping, kolam renang dan kafe yang mirip seperti di Puncak Bogor atau di Ubud Bali.
Vila dan glamping Panorama Hills ini sangat cocok untuk staycation atau liburan bareng keluarga, atau kekasih halal.
Panorama Hills memiliki satu vila saja, serta tiga unit glamping.
Biaya penginapan setiap malam di Vila Panorama Hills adalah Rp 3.500.000 untuk enam orang.
Untuk glamping, harga per malamnya dimulai dari sekitar Rp 700 ribu saja.
Panorama Hills menawarkan kafe dan kolam renang yang cantik, di mana Anda dapat menikmati view pegunungan yang asri dan mempesona.
Kolam renang dan kafe di Panorama Hills buka untuk publik, tidak perlu menginap di vila atau glamping.
Tarif berenang di Panorama Hills tanpa menginap, adalah Rp 50 ribu untuk anak-anak, dan Rp 100 ribu untuk dewasa.
Tergolong agak mahal memang, namun harga itu untuk menjaga kualitas kolam renang, agar tetap prima, dan tidak berjubel dipenuhi banyak pengunjung.
Pemandangan yang indah dari kolam renang juga menjadi nilai plus tersendiri.
Kolam renang dan kafe di Panorama Hills dibuka pada hari kerja dari jam 11.00 hingga 20.00 WIB.
Pada hari libur akhir pekan, tempat tersebut dibuka dari jam 13.00 hingga 21.00 WIB.
3 Saran Tempat Wisata Menarik di Pulau-pulau Cantik Pandeglang Banten Buat Aktivitas Outing Saat Cuti Lebaran Tahun 2025
Tiap hari Sabtu dan Minggu malam, Panorama Hills menyajikan hiburan musik langsung, sebab jumlah kunjungan ke tempat ini meningkat di waktu weekend.
Pemandangan di Panorama Hills di Cilegon dapat menjadi opsi bagi para wisatawan sebagai gantian dari kawasan wisata Anyer, cocok untuk liburan dan menginap pada hari Sabtu-Minggu.
Yuk jangan ragu-ragu, mari kita berlibur ke Banten!
