TRAVEL | Hua shan

Hua Shan (華山) is located in the Shaanxi Province, about 100 km east of the city of Xi'an, near the city Huayin in China. The mountain is one of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, as known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven', and has a long history of religious significance. The mountain has five main peaks, of which the tallest is the South Peak at 2160 m.

Cable Car up to the north peak
Those who don't want to hike up the mountain can take a scenic cable car ride up to the north peak, the lowest of the mountain's five peaks.

West Peak
Mount Huashan, being famous for its breath-taking cliffs since the ancient times, is formed by gigantic granite rocks, weathered by time, making the mountain look just like a vast square column towering toward sky

TRAVEL | Battambang

Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia, is a relaxed and laid-back town, primarily a farmer and trader town around 3 hours from Siem Reap. It is the capital of the Battambang province in Cambodia, which is also known as the Rice Bowl of Cambodia becuase of its great production of rice.

Battambang is best known for its Angkor-period ruins at Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan, but there's also Phnom Sampeau - the site of the local Killing Fields, and of course the norry - an innovative Khmer "vehicle" used for travelling along the creaking railways.

Although not on the main tourist route, but it will be worth a visit if you want a place to experience the real Cambodia.

Rice cropping plays an important role in the provincial economy

Wat Ek
An Angkor-type temple ruin, about 15 km north west of Battambang. The road goes alongside lovely small rivers bordered by trees and small villages and is in general a very nice area.

Norry, the bamboo train
A good way to take in the countryside around Battambang is a ride on the bamboo train (called 'norry'). It is a unique and creative form of local transportation, consisting of a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo cart that rides the railroad rails picking up and dropping off passengers, cargo, animals and motorcycles along the way.

Neak Ta DamBang Kragnoung
The symbol of the province. Battambang literally means loss of stick referring to a legend of Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung when the King threw his wooden staff from Angkor and landed in present day Battambang

TRAVEL | Markets in Phnom Penh

Central Market
A 1930s Art Deco covered market near the Riverfront (Sisowath Quay) district. The market is well set out, and sells everything from flowers to video games. A typical market place for locals

Sorya Mall
Phnom Penh's main Western-style mall has air conditioning and contains a range of cheap fast food outlets. You can find inside the Lucky Supermarket, the only super market chain in Cambodia I believe

Russian Markets
A plase to buy real designer clothes at a huge discount price. A lot of major brand clothes sold here are deemed unfit to be shipped abroad due to very small fault in the clothing, therefore they are sold here at the Russian market.

There is also a huge western mall which opened recently called the city mall, near the olympic stadium. Can't wait to check all these out!

TRAVEL | My Travel History

I want one too!

2009

Sydney
Christchurch
Gold Coast
Brisbane
Singapore
Kuala Lumpur

2008

Christchurch

2007

Sydney

2006

Shanghai
Nanjing
Suzhou
Wuxie

2005

Tokyo
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore
Taipei
Hong Kong

2000

Tokyo
Fukuoka
Osaka
Kyoto
Hiroshima

1998

Melbourne
Sydney

TRAVEL | My Travel History

Sydney

Gold Coast
Brisbane


Montréal
Quebec 
Toronto

Ottawa
Niagara Falls
New York
Boston
Los Angeles
Sans Fransisco 


Singapore
Bangkok
Kuala Lumpur
Penang
Johor Bahru
Melbourne


Singapore


Migrated to New Zealand (first time travel by plane)


Saigon (by boat)

TRAVEL | Bhutan

While reading my daily feed of aircraft porn, I came across Bhutan, a small nation in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains, between Tibet and India. Bhutan, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, used to be one of the most isolated nations in the world, but it is increasingly modernised with the introduction of international flights and mobile networks in the country. It is here where the world's most dangerous airport runway is located, and there are only 8 pilots in the world who are qualified to make this landing (Apparently).

Besides the stunning natural scenery, Bhutan has a very strong sense of culture and tradition that differentiates it from its bigger neighbours. It is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life.

Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangri la."

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Located in Paro, this is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world.

Bhutan, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas

Bhutan is a popular place for trekking, though the walks are generally quite tough.

Another place I would love to visit while I'm still fit!

TRAVEL | Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder

The phrase ‘‘Kingdom of Wonder’’ gives the impression of exploration and discovery, perfect for tourists seeking new experiences. ‘‘Wonder’’ is a reference to Angkor being nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can watch one version of the TV commercial here.

TRAVEL | Weather forecast for Sydney

In less than 12 hours we'll be in Sydney and I hope the weather will be nice despite the forecast.

TRAVEL | The Powerhouse Science and Design Museum in Sydney

The Powerhouse Museum located at 500 Harris St, Ultimo and is close to Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Central Station (Sydney Terminal), Broadway bus station (Railway Square), and Paddy's Markets Monorail Station. For $10 adult entry fee we can explore the many current exhibitions and permanent exhibitions. Some are shown below.

TRAVEL | Frost* office in Sydney

This may not be a conventional tourist activity but I am going to do it anyway. Vince Frost is one of my favourite graphic designers, originally from England but have setup office in Sydney. The studio produces amazing works and this is my chance to be outside the studio and take a picture while I am holidaying in Sydney this weekend. The studio is located on 15 Foster Street, Surry Hill.