Archive for the ‘Countries’ Category

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Top 10 unusual foods you might encounter in Southeast Asia

21 October 2011 by

Southeast Asia quite rightly has a reputation for some of the world’s most delicious food: in the Experience Travel office the virtues of Thai Food are regularly extolled and we’re still looking for a Thai restaurant in London that can offer the same standard of culinary experience that you can get in Thailand (any suggestions are welcome).

However, Southeast Asia can also offer the western visitor some of the world’s strangest (well, strange to a western palette anyway) delicacies. At Experience Travel we’ve all been there, done that, and some of us even have the t-shirt when it comes to sampling unusual dishes. In this article I run down the top 10 most unusual foods you might encounter, and which 5 I would recommend giving a try (provided you’re up for such an experience!) and which I think it’s best to avoid. Of course, it’s all a matter of personal taste… (more…)

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Echoes of a lost decade of Khmer rock n roll

11 October 2011 by

Khmer/American psychedelic rock n roll group Dengue Fever last week announced that they’ll be touring to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in November of this year.

Dengue Fever are a unique ensemble formed of 5 musicians: Khmer singer Chhom Nimol, who left Cambodia to live in the USA, brothers Ethan and  Zac Holtzman, Senon Williams, Paul Smith  and David Ralicke. Their style is a groovy and upbeat combination of haunting lyrics in Khmer language with upbeat psychedelic rock and jazz sounds.

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Holidays to Southern Sri Lanka increase as the sea plane affect kicks in

7 October 2011 by

Since the re-launch of the twice daily Sri Lankan airlines air taxi service from Colombo International Airport to Koggala (Galle) and Dickwella (Tangalle) the options for tailor-made holidays to Sri Lanka, and particularly those in the south, have increased dramatically. Connecting with the International flights between London and Colombo, it is now possible to avoid the 5 hour drive along the overcrowded Galle Road and instead take to the skies. On the hour-long flight you can look down with pity on the buses, cars and tuk-tuks battling it out on the streets below, while enjoying the stunning views of the western coastline on one side and the hills rising majestically on the other. Providing you include the air taxi with International flights with Sri Lankan airlines, the cost of the flights for two people also works out a similar rate to a transfer to the Galle/Tangalle region.

To improve the situation further, Sri Lankan airlines have improved their flight schedule between London and Colombo so it is now possible to fly 5 times a week (Mon-Fri) from London to Koggala/Tangalle, with only a relatively short stop over in Colombo. They have also recently altered the times of the sea plane so that you can leave the South Coast after breakfast and be back in London by 20:15 every day of the week, although on 4 days a week this involves a touchdown in Male on the international flight. Please speak to one of our consultants to decide dates that suit you.

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Thailand weather update: precautionary closures

6 October 2011 by

We’ve just received word from our Thailand office with the latest update about the Thailand floods.

Floods are still a big issue in areas such as Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sara Buri, Lop Buri, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Sawan provinces, some roads are still un-passable which is causing minor disruptions to overland operations.

The national reservoirs in and around the central areas are swollen to capacity and water is having to be diverted into the main rivers which flow through the central plains and the capital city Bangkok, with such a high volume of water this is causing all kinds of disruptions to river traffic due to the rise in the water levels and localised flooding in certain areas. (more…)

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The Sinharaja Rain Forest

27 September 2011 by

Continuing on the wildlife theme from my last blog entry, I have recently returned from an overnight stay in the Singharaja Rainforest at Martin Wijesinghe’s Lodge. Located within the Singharaja buffer zone, just a few minutes’ walk from the national park boundary, Martins Lodge is a no frills accommodation option. However, due to its incredible location, fantastic hospitality and wonderful views, this place is a wildlife enthusiasts dream.

Arriving at the park gate early in the morning, I acquired a pair of leech socks from the friendly vendor and set off with my guides Luxman and Sunil, up the rough track to Martin’s Lodge. About 5 minutes in, Sunil directed us off the track onto a faint path through the jungle. Climbing staircases made entirely of tree roots, using banisters made from lianas, we trekked up and down for a while before coming to a river containing a series of rather rickety randomly placed stepping stones. I am certainly not the steadiest of feet (some may call me clumsy), but with a helping hand from Sunil, I made it to the otherside, and up one more staircase to Martin’s Lodge. (more…)

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Cricket Tours

24 September 2011 by

Galle International Stadium

The International 1st Test Sri Lanka v England 2012 date between the two nations takes place at Galle is one of the prettiest and most picturesque cricket world cup 2012 ground in the world. Nestled under the thick walls of the old Dutch fort at Galle with the Indian Ocean twinkling on two sides and a grassy bank on the other, it is wonderfully scenic. For 2nd Test Hotels or Cricket Tours click here.

The proximity to the ocean meant that during the 2004 Tsunami the ground was wrecked by the incoming water. It wasn’t re-opened 2007 when it hosted the test match between England and Sri Lanka. Originally called ‘The Esplanade’, it is the home of Galle Cricket Club and hosted its first full Test in 1998 between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

The ground is said to favour spin bowlers and as such is beneficial to Sri Lanka who traditionally have several good spin bowlers and batsmen who are well versed in the art of playing spin. Sri Lanka’s most famous spin bowler, the great Muttiah ‘Murali’ Muralitharan got his 800th wicket here in a very famous game at which he took 8 wickets in the match against India to get there in his very last game.

Sri Lanka Cricket Hotels
A touring team playing at Galle International Stadium offers great opportunities for the visiting fans as there is a plethora of excellent hotels locally, most in brilliant locations and covering all budgets and most tastes. Nearby Unawatuna is a favourite location.

Cricket Holidays
This curvy bay is good for year round swimming and has a clutch of low cost hotels and guesthouses on the beach, as well as fantastic cheap beach bars and restaurants. For those with a higher budget, but still a desire to be on the beach, the next door bay, Thalpe, has a selection of beautiful boutique hotels such as Apa Villa, The Frangipanni Tree or  Era Beach. For families and ground of friends, villas are a brilliant idea and there are quite a few in Thalpe and around. These fully staffed luxury places function as private hotels and they are a very comfortable option.

Cricket Tours
For the style conscious, Galle Fort itself has become a mecca for trendy holiday-makers and its proximity to the ground makes it an ideal base from which to watch the cricket. The Galle Fort Hotel is the most well-known, though the Amangalla is where it is at if you want out and out luxury. There are several less expensive guesthouse style hotels too. There are also many hotels doted about the Galle area. For those looking to watch the cricket, but escape to a peaceful place before and after, the inland plantations are home to places such as Illuketiya and Kahanda Kanda, two gorgeous design led hotels.

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Leopards, Tuskers and Sloth Bears with Kulu Safaris in Yala National Park

20 September 2011 by

During my current trip to Sri Lanka I was fortunate enough to head off to Yala National Park’s Block 1 on a camping safari with Kulu Safaris.
Led by the passionate and informative Steuart Roelofsz, the one night safari has certainly been the biggest highlight of my trip so far. After being picked up from the road in Kulu’s hardy Landcruiser and braving the innumerable potholes on the entrance road, we finally made it into the national park and within 5 minutes had already spotted a tusker elephant having an afternoon siesta by the water hole.

The camp, located 45 minutes into the park beside a beautiful patch of river is incredibly comfortable for something so mobile. The ‘rooms’ are all large tents with a small living area and separate bedroom, and can even accommodate families as there is a small additional room for the children’s beds. Just outside of your tent is a private portaloo as well as a bucket shower which can be filled with warm water by the staff.
The food was a delicious array of Sri Lankan dishes, all served at a table on the river bank (or in the case of breakfast, in the river itself), allowing you to really enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding wildlife. (more…)

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Sayaboury Elephant Festival 2012, Laos

8 September 2011 by

The Sayaboury Elephant Festival will takes place between 17-19 February 2012. The town in approximately four hours drive from Luang Prabang but it is also possible to travel some of the way by boat down the Mekong River.

The festival celebrates the age-old relationship between humans and this incredible anaimal and is now in its 6th year. The festival is already massively popular, attracting close to 100,000 visitors. More information can be found on the offical website – www.laoelephantfestival.com. (more…)

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Lao Airlines expands fleet with A320 order

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Lao Airlines have expanded their fleet and have ordered two Airbus A320. This airbus will be flying on a new route between Vientiane and Singapore. This new route is expected to start on 1st November 2011 and will operate 3 times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The airline also operate a fleet of propeller powered ATR 72s and Xian MA 60s on their other international and internal routes.

Laos is one of Asia’s least accessible countries – landlocked and surrounded by vast mountain ranges. Journeys by road and boat can be as long as they are spectacular. If your time is precious when on your Laos holiday then you might well need to use flights at some point during the trip. Experience Travel tailor make trips to all corners of Laos by any available means of transport. If you want to keep flying to an absolute minimum, then have a peek at our Luang Prabang to Hanoi Overland Itinerary. It is possible to start this trip in Bangkok and travel by train to northern Thailand before heading into Laos and taking a boat to Luang Prabang. However, most people prefer to short taxi to the airport followed by flight option! For some reason, Lao Airlines have had an unfair reputation for bad safety in some chattering travel circles. In reality the airline has an excellent safety record, complies with all recognised international aviation standards and received the International Arch of Europe Award in 2007 and 2008. The new flights from Singapore expand the options for travelling long-haul into Laos and will be a very welcome addition. (more…)

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Sri Lanka’s Colombo-Matara highway delayed again

5 September 2011 by

The grand opening of Sri Lanka’s first highway, between Colombo and Matara, has been postponed until December 2011. The highway (also known as the Southern Lanka Express Highway or simply the Southern Expressway) has been plagued with funding and construction issues for almost decade now although it really does seem to be a matter of months and not years this time.

The opening was re-scheduled for September 2011 but alas we will have to wait a little longer before experiencing the shortened journey times for ourselves. The multi-lane toll road will run inland and cut the drive to Matara from 4 hours to 1.5 hours.Experience Travel have up-to-date information about all things Sri Lankan so contact us for impartial advice for your Sri Lanka holiday.

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