I have added an interesting page category on my site called Island Vacation.
This page is a collection of recommended South East Asian Islands. We have heard lots of stories how beautiful and wonderful these Islands. If you are planning to escape the Winter or just to spend a Tropical Christmas with your loved one, please take your time to review the Choices of a great holidays in a Tropical Island in South East Asia. Ko Samui in Thailand, Bali Island In Indonesia,Singapore Island,Penang Island in Malaysia,…Many many more. Plan your Vacation now.
for more info visit: http://www.a1travelntours.com/island_vacation/island_vacation.php

Hi All,

On of the most sought after events the Oktoberfest will be celebrated at the Malaysian German Society in Penang. Date 23rd.October 7 pm onwards. The Society is located at 250B Jalan Air Itam, Penang. Oktoberfest is a 16 day event held each year from late September to Early October in Munich Germany. It is one of the most famous events in Germany celebrating the unique Bavarian Culture. More than 6 million people attend the event in Germany.Here in Penang it is unfortunately, a one day event and must not be missed. Great German food, dances and meeting up with old friends.Of course drinking beer by the Yard!. If you are in Penang- keep this date. See you there.

more information on Penang- http://www.a1travelntours.com/malaysia/georgetown.php

Soon it will be a No-Car Zone around the Esplanade at Georgetown. Proposed times are from Morning till Afternoon starting with Sundays. This is an effort to make the environment healthier and also to promote a healthy activities. Walking and cycling will be encourages here. Without any motor vehicles it provides a safer place for the riders and pedestrians.

Last weekend there was a Lantern Bicycle Night Ride and Competition at the New World Park. The former amusement center is now renovated and turned into a hawker center. You can savor some of the Best delicacies on the Island at this place. The State government is mulling with the idea of cycling routes or dedicated Lanes for some parts of Georgetown.

Enjoy your Stay in Georgetown.

more more information on Georgetown,

www.a1travelntours.com/malaysia/georgetown.php

Hi Fellow Travellers,

My last visit to the Philippines was in the early 90’s. My recent visit was July 2010. So much has changed since the 90’s. In Manila particularly has a bustling city just like Bangkok. I finally manged to try the Famous Philippines Delicacy Balut. For those who don’t know what Balut is-It is a 16 day old half hatched Chicken egg. once the shell is cracked open, you get to see the Chicken fetus,complete with blood vessels,feathers, eyeballs feet etc. and you must swallow it whole!!. I didn’t count the number of San Miguel beers I downed prior to taking on this wager and rounding off with healthy doses of Chivas Regal to cleanse it down. Try again -NO WAY I feel so guilty about it I must say.

I took the the chance to spend some time at the Boracay Island Beaches. I write about this magical place in another post.

read more visit my page at

www.a1travelntours.com/philippines/philippines.php

Today the Sands Marina Bay Casino officially opens in Singapore. It is world’s most expensive single piece Casino property. On of the highlights is the 150 meter swimming pool located 200 meters above the ground with an astounding view with a 450 foot vanishing edge. You must try this. There are 1,600 slot machines and 500 tables!!! Hmm MUST go!!

for more information visit: www.a1travelntours.com/singapore/sands_marina_bay.php

Cambodia expects to include its coastal areas in the Cambodia’s coastal areas next year in order to attract more tourists to the Cambodia’s coastal areas, local media reported on Monday, citing Tourism Minister Thong Khon.

“Natural resources at our coastal lines have been preserved well, so we hope our coastal areas will be listed among the world’s most beautiful bays next year in the 7th annual meeting of the Club,” Thong Khon was quoted as saying.

According to the Club’s criteria, to be listed as the world’s most beautiful bay, a bay must be under the protection project, an attractively natural area, recognized both local and regional level, a potential for economy development and recognized by UNESCO.

For more Info: www.business.globaltimes.cn/world/2010-06/542205.htm

Visit also :www.a1travelntours.com

I have been asked numerous times what the best way to plan a vacation these days. With an economy that is still reeling from recession, my advice is, how to stretch your Dollar and still have a great Vacation.

South East Asia is a super destination in terms of Food, Accommodations and Sights. For example in Georgetown City in Penang for a mere USD20 a day you can settle all Meals and Accommodations. Use of the public transportation brings the commuting costs to only a few dollars a day. Some City Bus services have a weekly tourist pass, such as the Rapid Penang Tourist Pass.

For just USD6.00 you enjoy a week of unlimited travel on-board all rapid Penang buses. The Tourist Pass can be purchased at the Rapid Penang Booth at the Penang International Airport.

The above are some examples what can be achieved with some planning. I have put a simple guide on how to manage your budget and still have a super Vacation.

a) Plan your Vacation

• Research as much as possible on your Vacation destination.
• Give yourself at least three to four months for all planning activities.
• Check out the Hotel and in-country travel deals. For example within South-East Asia budget Airlines such as Firefly, Air Asia, Tiger Airways offer incredibly low Air fares if booked months in advance.
• Avoid School Holiday seasons if possible because Hotels charge a premium and Travel commuting can be difficult unless booked in advance.
• If possible travel off-peak period. In South-East Asia the peaks are School Holidays, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Songkran (Thailand)

b)  Work out a budget.

• This is very important to avoid nasty surprises during some activities you choose or possible purchases.
• Try to fill as much details of the Costs involved, so you have a good handle over the $$  requirements.
• Where possible Payment can be in advance from your Home Country, elect to do so.

c) Cash Transactions

• For Security Reasons where ever possible keep a minimum of Cash transactions.
• ATM machines are easily accessed in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Jakarta.
• Most Popular Credit Cards are MasterCard and Visa. Charge cards such as Diners and Amex are popular.
• On ATM machines that display the PLUS and Credit card logos, you can make cash withdrawals in local currency.

c) Use of Credit/debit cards

• Keep all your PIN numbers safely.
• During a transaction do not let your Credit Card out of sight.
• Keep all important PIN numbers and Contact Telephone numbers in a safe and handy place, Especially the Global Assistance Telephone numbers.
• Prior to departing on your Vacation, Inform your Card Company of your destinations and duration you intend to travel.

Having said that, about the use of Credit/Charge Cards, some Merchants discount  between 3% to 7% off the listed price if the transaction is paid in Cash. Bear this in mind. It is prevalent mostly in Thailand and in Malaysia.

When back at home scrutinize all transactions on the Credit/Charge Card Statements. If you notice anything improper or incorrect you must contact your Credit/Charge card issuer immediately.

Take note of these simple steps and be aware of the potential surprises.

Go ahead and Enjoy your well deserved Vacation.- Ian

To all flower lovers, the first ever Adenium Competition and Show in Malaysia will be held in Penang Botanical Garden

Date:6^th June 2010 till 13^th June;

Time 9am to 7pm.

Held In conjunction with school holidays, this is the best family outing to enjoy fresh air in botanic garden while appraising different species of adenium, especially the newly breed rose-alike adenium.

More info: www.visitpenang.gov.my

This is good news for travelers without nay check-in luggage.

Eliminate the time spent waiting at the check-in queues.

If you have performed Internet Check-in, printed your boarding passes online and have no check-in baggage, you can now bypass the check-in counters and head straight for Immigration. You have to be at the Changi Airport at 40 minutes prior to departure.

for more info: www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/before/checkin/PRS_ChangiAirport.jsp

The present system, which requires passengers to change trains at the middle station, will be replaced with a new system that takes passengers straight up the hill, non-stop.

It was also reported that the new coaches would be air-conditioned with a glass roof that allows travellers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the hill.

The upgrading project was expected to be completed on Sept 28.

for more info:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/20/nation/20100220175739&sec=nation