Thursday, March 26, 2015

Memorable Jeju Island



Holiday in stunning vistas in the lap of nature.

The most visited place in Korea, Jeju Island is blessed with glorious natural vistas and rich history, where you can go on hikes, stay at an ornate temple, relax on exotic beaches, do adventure sports like paragliding, and indulge in shopping or even partying. And what’s more, you don’t even need a Visa to visit!

Welcome to your visa-free, memorable holiday at Jeju Island!


One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

Jeju Island is so beautiful it has been chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Due to their breathtaking beauty, the three areas collectively known as ‘Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes’ were selected by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee as South Korea’s own World Natural Heritage Site.


Here, you can trek up the majestic volcano Mt. Hallasan, then dive beneath the earth’s surface to explore the massive lava tube system with deep caverns and multicoloured walls, before visiting the exquisite vistas of the Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve.

The holy Mt. Halla

Mt. Halla or Hallasan rises 1,950 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in South Korea. In the crater at its summit, you will find the stunning Baengnokdam lake. It is so beautiful that there is a folktale about it that speaks of immortals that played in its waters. Nearby are about 40 oreums (small volcanic mounds) and a view of fantastic rock cliffs. Mt. Halla also has unique fir tree forests, including cinder cones and pine trees.

A Massive Lava Tube System

Many eons ago basaltic lava from a volcano flowed beneath Jeju’s surface and formed the deep caves of the Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System.


Formed between 100,000 to 300,000 years ago, the colossal system has 9 caves with well-preserved, magnificent tubes. Among them Bengdwigul, Manjanggul, Yongcheondonggul, Dangcheomuldonggul have been declared National Nature Monuments.

Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong

On the east coast of Jeju is situated the Seongsan Ilchulbong which was formed 100,000 years ago by an underwater eruption on the shallow sea bed forming a crater, the outside of which has been eroded by the sea.


The beauty of Seongsan Ilchulbong at dawn will leave you speechless. That is why many people gather here on the New Year’s morning to see the sun rise. At the base of this massive structure, beautiful blue waves wash against the rock in an almost inviting manner.

Fun in the sun and sea

Jeju Island is the perfect place for some sun and fun in the sea. Bury yourself in the therapeutic Black Sand Beach, get romantic on Hyeopjae Beach, go surfing on Jungmun Beach and splash around at Hamdeok Beach.


You could also take a ride on ATVs, a cruise ship, yacht or even in a submarine; go scuba diving; try parasailing; and even check out the Jeju Aqua Planet and the Marine Park.

Savour the streets

Stroll down the city streets and experience Korean culture and cuisine at Western Pier Raw Fish Restaurants Street, Yellowtail Festival Street, Chilsimni Food Street, and many more. And if you feel the craving for more homely food, there are two excellent Indian restaurants in the city centre.

A paradise for shoppers too 

A holiday isn’t complete without a little retail therapy. You can shop for local produce and handicrafts or even do your duty-free shopping here.


Go on and take a little bit of Jeju back with you.

A comfortable stay

The island has a wide range of places to stay, from economical options all the way to five star hotels.

How to reach Jeju

Jeju island, a Visa-Free destination, can be accessed easily via Hong Kong or Shanghai. However, why not get the Visa and explore more of South Korea?

So whether you’re travelling with your friends, family or even alone, Jeju Island has unforgettable experiences to enchant any tourist. Start planning now for a holiday that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay Sets Guinness World Record

The Flower Dome is Largest Glass Greenhouse in the world 

 


The Flower Dome at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay has set a Guinness World Record for being the Largest Glass Greenhouse in the world.


Featured in the Guinness World Records 2015 book, the Flower Dome covers 1.28 hectares under glass. Its column-free gridshell and arch structure lets in maximum light and replicates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean and semi-arid subtropical regions of the world.


The Flower Dome sits alongside the 0.8-hectare Cloud Forest conservatory. Both glasshouses, designed by UK architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre, form the botanical arks that have become a distinct feature of Gardens by the Bay. Unlike most temperate greenhouses which have a warm interior, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are climate-controlled in a sustainable, energy-efficient manner to provide a cool environment that brings forth the concept of perpetual spring in the tropics. Along with the outdoor garden spaces at Gardens by the Bay, the cooled conservatories were open to the public in June 2012.


The Flower Dome houses vivid floral displays which are refreshed periodically to bring ever-changing horticultural experiences to visitors. For 2015, Gardens by the Bay will embark on a story-telling journey as told through six ‘chapters’ of colourful floral displays.

TULIPMANIA FLORAL DISPLAY 

 


The highly anticipated, annual Tulipmania display returns to Gardens by the Bay in March - this time amidst a colourful setting of magical fairy tales. In this third edition, visitors can look forward to an even wider selection of tulips at Tulipmania - over 40 varieties in a myriad of hues and forms! Look out for captivating blooms like the scarlet "Red Riding Hood", the “Purple Prince”, and the “Orange Princess” as they grace familiar fairy tale settings like Cinderella‘s carriage, Rapunzel’s tower, and the gingerbread house of Hansel and Gretel.

"Tulipmania" is the second of six chapters in Gardens by the Bay's storytelling journey in 2015. This enchanting series of floral displays for the year will draw visitors into the magical world of folklore, legends, fairy tales and nursery rhymes as told through the language of plants.

The story-telling continues with nursery rhymes that will bring back memories of familiar childhood verses. In August, the Gardens will celebrate the nation’s 50th birthday with a floral depiction of the Singapore story, before moving on to folklores surrounding the chrysanthemum flower. The year will close with a fantastical Christmas floral display featuring toys and tales from Santa’s workshop.