Singapore travel guide: luxury hotel concierges' recommendations

The concierges' guide to Singapore: A guide to Singapore's best attractions, bars and unusual experiences, as judged by concierges at the city's best hotels. 

(courtesy:telegraph.co.uk)

A view of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer

Rapidly developing Singapore is making a name for itself with audacious new attractions such as the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum but some things, such as its reputation as a culinary capital, have been developed over decades. As the current Singapore Food Festival continues, concierges from three of the destination's best hotels give their guides to the city's best attractions, hawker centres, restaurants and bars - and give a brief introduction to Singlish. 

Sharing their knowledge are:
Ali Alsagoff, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Syed Musaddiq, chef conciege at The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Roslee Sukar, concierge at Raffles Singapore
 

I'm new here. Tell me something interesting about Singapore.
Ali: Only 710sq km in size, Singapore is known as the “Little Red Dot”. Despite its size, the “City in a Garden” is resplendent in lush greenery.

 

Which attraction should I definitely make time to see?
Ali: The venerable 154-year-old Botanic Gardens, which are also home to the National Orchid Gardens. At the moment, the Botanic Gardens are awaiting an announcement on their bid to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Syed: Sentosa Island which is just off the southern coast of Singapore and about half an hour’s drive from the city. The island is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations and renowned golf courses.
Roslee: I don’t want to sound biased but you have to visit the 125-year-old Raffles Singapore. It is not just a hotel, but a National Monument in Singapore, where having a Singapore Sling at Long Bar is a true rite of passage for travellers. Also visit Gardens by the Bay.

 

Which of the “must-visit” attractions should I avoid?
Ali: Raffles Hotel & The Merlion Tower at Sentosa Island…. both are overrated!
Syed: You should not avoid any attractions while in Singapore as each attraction is different and unique in its own way.
Roslee: There is something for everyone, with different tastes or preferences, here in Singapore. Read up on the attractions beforehand and you will be able to make an informed choice.

 

Is there a particular exhibition I should see while I’m here?
Ali: The four permanent galleries at National Museum of Singapore – Singapore Living Galleries: Film & Wayang [traditional theatre]; Fashion; Food; and Photography. These are the four components that define our nation as it is today!
Syed: The Singapore History Gallery and the Singapore Living Gallery: Food at the National Museum of Singapore. They both trace the major events in Singapore’s history and bring you back to Singapore’s yesteryears with food-related artefacts and sound installations.
Roslee: The Peranakan Museum showcases a mixed-heritage culture unique to a handful of locations in Southeast Asia - Singapore being one of them. Peranakans are descendants of intermarriages between foreign traders from the old days and local women. Their cultural costume and cuisine are unique unto themselves.

 

Where can I take the best picture of Singapore?
Ali: Either from a capsule of the Singapore Flyer or from the highest alfresco bar in Singapore – One Altitude. Both offer a vantage point for a photo of the famous Singapore Skyline.
Syed: Merlion Park. Apart from taking a picture of the Merlion which is Singapore’s most famous icon, you will also be able to take pictures of Singapore’s other famous landmarks such as the Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and The Fullerton Hotel which used to be the General Post Office back in the British colonial days.
Roslee: From the double helix bridge at Marina Bay. You could take a photo of the city skyline with the bay in the foreground, and the bridge overlooks a floating platform. Some evenings, the platform is used for football (it’s an Astroturf pitch). I think it’s pretty amazing to look at a football match played on a pitch surrounded by water.

I’d like to try something new here – what do you recommend?
Ali: Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine which is the original fusion cuisine between the Malays and the Chinese and dates from the 15th to16th century. Also try our one-of-a-kind thorny “king of fruits” – the Durian.
Syed: You should try Peranakan Cuisine while in Singapore. True Blue Cuisine Restaurant located at 47 Armenian Street is known for its authentic heritage Peranakan dishes and the restaurant is also located next to the Peranakan Museum where you can discover more about the unique culture.

 

I’d like to buy an unusual souvenir – what do you recommend?
Ali: Pick up something from Arch – a unique shop that specialises in framed wood carvings depicting famous landmarks in Singapore.
Syed: In the Peranakan Museum you can purchase ornate brooches and unique business card holders with designs inspired by the Peranakan culture.
Roslee: A Raffles Doorman stuffed toy. My colleagues are the only hotel doormen I know of who have a stuffed toy made in their likeness.

 

Tell me a phrase or piece of slang I can use to fit in around here.
Ali: The best way would be to learn Singlish – colloquial Singapore English. To start off, end each of your sentences with the affectionate “lah”.
Syed: “Alamak” which in Singlish means “oh my God” in English and “Shiok” describes something that provides great pleasure and is often used after indulging in a delicious meal.
Roslee: When befriending a local, instead of simply saying “Good afternoon, how are you?”, try “Hello, how are you? Have you had lunch?”…and the conversation will take off.

 

Is there a particular Singapore law or form of etiquette I should be especially aware of?
Ali: No littering and jaywalking on the streets. Always hand out your business card with both hands.
Syed: To keep Singapore as clean and green as it is, smoking in public, chewing gum, spitting in public, littering and jaywalking are prohibited.
Roslee: If you happen to see packets of tissue paper at a table in a hawker centre, it means that seat is occupied. Locals leave packets of tissue paper on tables at hawker centres to hold their seats while they make their purchases at the food stalls. Similarly if you plan to go a hawker centre, be sure you are equipped with a packet of tissue paper.

 

What’s the best restaurant in the city right now?
Ali: Restaurant Andre and Iggy’s – both are ranked on the prestigious S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Syed: For a special occasion, I would recommend Catalunya. Opened in late 2012, the contemporary Spanish restaurant is helmed by an international team of award-winning culinary experts from the likes of elBulli, Santi, Drolma, and Sketch. The restaurant itself is housed in a unique glass-encased dome floating on the waters of Marina Bay with spectacular views.
Roslee: There is no time like the present to be in Singapore for dining. International Chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Wolfgang Puck, Jamie Oliver, Daniel Boulud and Jason Atherton have all opened restaurants here in recent years. The current top-rated restaurant internationally is Andre’s, by chef Andre Chiang – it is on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013 Guide and is number 5 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

 

What’s your favourite hawker centre, and your favourite food stall?
Ali: Maxwell Food Centre; my favourite stall is #01-10 Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Syed: Maxwell Food Centre located at 1 Kadayanallur Street. My favourite food stall is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at unit No #01-10/11 located in Maxwell Food Centre. Chicken rice is one of Singapore’s most famous dishes and features steamed chicken accompanied by rice cooked in chicken stock. It is served with cucumber slices, minced ginger, chilli sauce and dark soy sauce.
Roslee: This is a difficult question, but a favourite hawker centre is Lau Pa Sat and food stall 51 has excellent Satay and Chilli Crab. Another hawker centre is the Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Centre, which has a great selection of local food. The “chwee kweh” [steamed rice cake] here is well-known across Singapore. In the housing estate across the road from Tiong Bahru market is a fruit stall that sells jelly in a fresh Coconut husk. To enjoy this, spoon the jelly out while digging into the fresh coconut flesh – it’s delicious.

 

And where’s best for drinks? I don’t want somewhere touristy.
Ali: The Tippling Club at Dempsey Road. The mixologists there are geniuses.
Syed: Lantern Bar located on the rooftop of The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Designed by the highly sought-after Andre Fu, the décor is chic and the ambience is sophisticated. In addition, with sweeping views of the city’s skyline and landmarks, the bar provides a sense of place and a setting that is unforgettable.
Roslee: Bitters and Love at North Canal Road. All you need to do is select the spirit of your choice, let the bartender know your preference (eg. a tall drink/slightly tart or refreshing/sweet) and they will create a cocktail for you. The bar is in a ‘shophouse’ – an old two-storey buildings protected by conservation. The shophouse is located by a road so there is not much for an external view.

 

What can I do to relax in Singapore?
Ali: Go on the Southern Ridges walk from Alexandra Arch right onto the Forest Walk, a zig-zag metallic runaway amongst the trees that ends at Henderson Waves - a wavy pedestrian bridge 36 metres above sea level, complete with park benches overlooking the harbour.
Syed: You can charter a yacht to Lazarus Island. The island offers a laid-back ambience, sandy beaches and clear waters where you can swim, snorkel and dive.

 

I’m going to propose to my partner while I’m here – where should I do it?
Ali: The Bandstand at Singapore Botanic Gardens. Built in the 1930s, it used to be the stage for evening performances of military bands. Private and romantic, it is the perfect setting.
Syed: If your partner is a nature lover, you can consider making your proposal along the 22-metre-high skyway at the SuperTree Grove of Gardens by the Bay during the beautiful Rhapsody Light and Sound Show at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.
Roslee: The Singapore Flyer, which offers a great view of Singapore over a 30-minute ride. Dining may be arranged in the capsules too.

 

Who’s the standout creative talent in Singapore right now – is there someone in particular whose work I should check out before I leave?
Ali: Check out our drag queen stand-up comic – Kumar, who performs every Monday night at 11pm in Hard Rock Café. 17 years on, he is still rocking with his jokes regardless of race, language or religion - he takes a swipe at everyone and everything.

 

Thanks for your help. Should I tip in Singapore?
Ali: Tipping is not customary as most establishments charge a 10 per cent service charge. However, if a service staff went above and beyond, an additional tip will always make his or her day.
Syed: In Singapore, tipping is not typically expected as a 10 per cent service charge is included in your total bill. I would, however, suggest giving a tip in the range of S$5 and S$10 when you experience exceptional service to encourage and show your appreciation to the service staff.
Roslee: Tipping is not encouraged.

Five unique trekking trails in India

(Text Courtesy: The Hindu)

After traversing through bustling cities that you fancy, you will want to return to the lap of Mother Nature in search of that elusive peace. It is a place where you will experience love and forgiveness, a place where you may ultimately begin to find yourself. For those who seek such places, here are a few.

Valley of Flowers — Uttaranchal

The locals believe this place was inhabited by fairies until it was discovered in 1931. It seems like a child gone crazy with colours on a blank canvas. The valley is alive with innumerable species of flowers like Blue poppy, Cobra lily, Geranium and even the Edelweiss. Lie down on the grasslands and admire the snow-capped peaks.

Duration: Full day including the time spent in the valley.

How to get there: Take an overnight train or bus from New Delhi to Rishikesh followed by a bus ride to Joshimath and then Govindghat where the trek starts.

Valley of Flowers

Living root bridges — Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji receives the second highest rainfall in the world. Centuries ago, local tribes developed the skill of joining tree-roots to form bridges. The roots of trees along this trail have grown to form bridges strong enough to hold 50 people at a time. As if one bridge isn’t enough, there is also a double-decker bridge. Watch how the locals collect water and jump head-down into the natural swimming pools around Nongriat village.

Duration: Three to nine hours

How to get there: Fly from Kolkata to Shillong or take a train from Delhi to Guwahati. You can take a State transport bus from Guwahati to Shillong or drive all the way in your vehicle.

Cherrapunji

Sandakphu trek — West Bengal

The only trail from where you can see four of the five highest mountain peaks on this planet. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse are visible with a sweep of an eye. Travel light and take breaks at small hamlets on the way, interact with local villagers and enjoy the beauty of pine trees, endless rhododendron fields and fluttering Buddhist prayer flags.

Duration: Six days

How to get there: Take a share-jeep from Darjeeling to Manebhanjan which is 58 km and approximately 1.5 hours away. The trek starts from here.

Sandakphu trek 

Chadar trek — Ladakh

The 70 km-long Chadar Trek takes you over the frozen Zanskar river. Encounter spectacular ice falls, wooden bridges and ancient routes which are still used by the people of Zanskar for trade. Camp inside natural caves and feast upon noodles and hot tea. Be prepared for extreme weather as the temperature plummets to 30 degrees below zero after sunset.

Duration: Nine days

How to get there: Take a flight from Delhi to Leh in winter or drive to Leh in summer followed by an additional 64 km-long-drive to Chilling from where the trek starts.

Chadar Trek, Ladakh

Green Lake trek — Dzongu, Sikkim

Discover mystic Dzongu, the once forbidden and sacred abode of the Lepchas, the aboriginal community of Sikkim. Live in a local Lepcha house and explore some of the most difficult-to-reach monasteries. Water from the sacred Green Lake, according to the Lepcha tribe, is known to fulfil personal wishes. It still remains one of the least explored trekking trails of North East India.

Duration: Nine days

How to get there: Take a flight to Bagdogra airport followed by a jeep ride to Gangtok and then Lachen. Alternatively, take a train to New Jalpaiguri station and catch a jeep to Gangtok. Trek starts from Lachen.

Green Lake Trek, Sikkim

For more such exciting trekking trips, take our professional help and book through us with cost saving offers. 

Contact us @ GoWorld Holidays for any of these packages. Drop a line to contact@gmail.com.com  or call us ph: 91-44-42145808 / 91-90430 19109

ENJOY A CRUISE HOLIDAY NOW

Contrary to popular belief, cruise holidays need not be expensive. If you plan well and book in advance, it can be very affordable.

How would you like your next holiday to be? Unique, multi-destination itinerary without the stress of figuring out connections, no running to catch flights or trains, no hassles of checking in or out and packing and unpacking at each stop, no worries about entertainment options? There is a lot going for a cruise holiday, and the icing on the cake is that you can do as much or as little as you want. 

    Little wonder then that the cruise market in India has seen a big spike in the past two years. Everybody, from honeymooners to MICE corporate, from bachelor and hen parties to multi-gen holidayers, seems to be clamoring to climb aboard. Cruise holidays are finding more and more takers with a phenomenal growth rate of 25-30% year on year. More than 1.1 lakh Indian passengers are setting sail every year.

 
    With so many cruise lines taking to the seas, zeroing in on one may seem like a challenge. Let your preferences dictate your ultimate choice. According to industry insiders, the popular cruise liners, such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Costa Cruises offer a lot of quality and value for money. If you want the ultra-luxury option, take your pick from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Seabourne. 
   

 It is a fallacy that cruises are a very expensive holidaying option. They actually promise the most bang for your buck, whether you pick a budget, value or luxury cruise. The savings on any cruise line are very evident if you take into consideration the complete costs you incur on a holiday. On a cruise, you do not pay separately for food, inter-city travel, taxis, station or airport transfers, local commute and entertainment.

 
    However, before you start Google ship departures, go through the following rules of thumb, which will help you maximize your savings: 

Book early Book at least 90-120 days ahead of the sailing date. Booking ahead lets you avail of early bird offers, and also gets you the choicest cabins; the cheapest, best-located and most luxurious cabins on any ship are the first to be snapped up. 

Pay for what you want The all-inclusive cruises, which pack in everything from meals and alcohol to gratuities and sightseeing, may look great on paper, but are expensive. Currently, only select luxury liners offer this option and if you want high end, you can’t go wrong with this. The trouble is that if you are a teetotaler, or not a heavy drinker, you don’t get value for money. Instead, a cruise line that allows you to pre- purchase beverage packages (soda and soft drinks) will be better suited and cheaper. 

    If you plan to spend your time exploring the entertainment options on board, there is no point in paying the premium for a balcony cabin. Lastly, newer ships are more expensive than the older ones. 

Avoid air-hotel offers Most cruise lines offer to handle your flights and pre- and post-cruise hotel bookings. Avail of this option only if you are more interested in saving time than money. Booking independently through reliable travel agents can work out at least 10-20% cheaper. There may be cheaper flights that reach much earlier during the day, or low cost carriers that slip below the radar. As for hotel bookings, budget travelers would want to consider hostel and bed-and-breakfast stays, which are not on the menu as far as cruise lines are concerned. 

Time your travel Peak seasons command the highest fares, so before planning a cruise, figure out its shoulder season. Peak season is generally during the summer, but also coincides with other school holidays like Christmas. For instance, the South East Asia cruises will be most expensive in the cooler months, while the Mediterranean cruises hike their rates during the July-August window. A seven-day Greek Isles cruise with Celebrity Cruises is 13% cheaper in September than in July. 

Cut down on incidentals Unless you are offered a limited amount of free Internet and ship-to-shore calls, avoid these like the plague. The connections can run from 50 cents to a dollar a minute, and are often slow. Also, don’t use the e-mail address assigned to you on your cruise ship; it’s almost always more expensive than a Web-based mail account. Other additional costs to watch out for include laundry—pick a cruise ship offering self-service laundromats—specialty restaurants and the ship’s photographers. 

Go for DIY shore excursions If your ship offers free shore excursions, jump at the chance. However, booking these through the cruise liner is a costly mistake. The latter are typically 20-50% more expensive than a DIY trip. Just walk down to the end of the pier, and hop on to a local bus or taxi. Alternatively, book a local travel operator in advance. There is one more thing you can do that promises 100% savings: make use of any special skill that you have. Cruise liners are always on the lookout for experts who can teach passengers a craft: how to dance, do yoga, work on a computer or even talk on interesting subjects. Such people might get picked to play teacher for a few hours each day of the cruise in exchange for free travel.

 

Top 3 reasons ... ...to consider a cruise holiday: 

1. With scheduled stops in nearly all major port cities, a cruise is one of the best ways to see some of the most popular tourist hot spots across the globe. 
2. Cruises allow for a unique multi-destination vacation without the stress of packing-unpacking, checking in and out of hotels and running to catch flights/trains. It’s a relaxed, yet fun-filled, travel opportunity. 
3. As a thumb rule, cruise holidays offer a truly affordable value proposition since they cover not only meals and accommodation, but transportation as well.

For exciting options with cost saving offers, contact us today for your cruise packages: drop a line to contact@goworldholidays.com or call us ph: 91-44-42145808 / 91-90430 19109

10 UNUSUAL HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

It’s your honeymoon, so it has to be special and unique. From the windswept beaches of a car-free island in the Baltic to tasting wine rarely sipped outside Argentina, these hideaways rarely appear on the usual post-wedding itinerary:

1. Snuggle in a beach basket built for two on Hiddensee Island, Germany. It’s unique and you know it: a pristine Baltic island with no motorized transport where horse-and-wagon rides or tooling around on bikes are the only ways around. Amble across dunes and long stretches of sand, or tuck yourselves into a Strandkorb (beach basket), a wicker half-shell chair for two that shelters you from the wind as you watch the waves.

Hiddensee Island, Germany

1. Sleep on a lakeside farm in Shelburne, Vermont. This hamlet boasts a 1400-acre working farm with an inn on the banks of Lake Champlain. Beyond, taste award-winning wine at the town’s namesake Shelburne Vineyards, known for its crisp northern varietals, and enjoy locavore-friendly (locally-sourced) food at elegant restaurants where farm-to-table cuisine reigns and tastes supreme.

Lakeside Farm, Shelburne, Vermont, U.S.

Enjoy a private beach on remote Pamalican Island, Philippines. At 5.5 km long, roughly 500 metres at its widest and only one five-star resort on the island, you’re guaranteed seclusion. Oh, and dive in to see vibrant colours – Pamalican is set smack in the centre of a 7 sq km coral reef.

Pamalican Islands, Philippines

Unwind on a gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest National Park, Uganda. On guided walks to observe these gentle giants you’ll encounter jagged valleys, dramatic mountain scenery and monkeys. In the evenings, stargaze around campfires and retire in tents built into the jungle canopy while peering into the mist-shrouded rain-forest from bed.

Bwindii National Park, Uganda

Taste wine amid copper-coloured canyons in Cafayate, Argentina. Filled with estancias (sumptuous ranch lodging) and vineyards where you can taste rarely-shipped-abroad varietals like Torrontes, this handsome desert town begs you to wander hand-in-hand, past dusty buildings and candle-lit cafes spilling onto sidewalks.

Cafayete Canyon, Argentina

Smooching in Bettmeralp, Switzerland. It starts with a cable-car ride, launching you into a car-free Alpine village. We’re not sure what we love more: views of the Aletsch glacier and mountains (including the Matterhorn), strolling between chalets or indulging in fondue. Oh, and Swiss tradition says if you lose your bread in the cheese, you must kiss your dining neighbour – so let that bread disappear.

Bettmerlap, Switzerland

Embark on a sunset ride in Khan Khentii, Mongolia. Peppered with rolling hills of birch forests and grasslands threaded with rivers, Khan Khentii is a protected wilderness area three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. Go horseback-riding at sunset across the steppe, and try yak cart rafting together before disappearing into plush yurt lodgings.

Khan Khentii, Mangolia

Cruise Alaska’s coast on an intimate small ship. Only small vessels can drop anchor at the quiet fjords, tranquil bays and inlets along Alaska’s inside passage. From your cabin, peer at bobbing icebergs, imposing glaciers and misty veils of clouds suspended above snow-capped mountain peaks. Or venture out for a walk on a remote beach or in a two-person kayak to float in enchanting coves and glimpse wildlife like otters and seals.

Alaska Cruise

1. Take a vintage train journey in Namibia. From the all-aboard whistle to the smart retro furnishings on the 1950s-esque Desert Express, this train feels like you’ve stepped on a classic film set. Recline in antique leather armchairs and clink glasses in the Spitzkoppe lounge to the sultry sway of the coach. Later, dine in the Welwitschia restaurant car below sandblasted glass panels featuring local animal footprints while rambling past gold-red dunes and African wildlife.

Desert Express, Namibia

1. Enjoy the simple pleasures on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Surrounded by tropical beaches and covered with verdant mangrove swamps in the centre, this island is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef after Australia’s. Snorkelling, diving and sunset cruises on catamarans are the norm here, but we’re drawn to the balmy nights in basic thatched roof beach huts and napping in two-person hammocks.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Contact us @ GoWorld Holidays for any of these packages. Drop a line to contact@goworldholidays.com  or call us ph: 91-44-42145808 / 91-90430 19109

5 BEST MINIMOON (Mini Honeymoon) DESTINATIONS

So you went all out on your wedding, leaving yourself with very little time to go on a prolonged honeymoon. Don’t fret, Purvaja Sawant shows you how to kick-start your married life at these minimoon destinations

(Thanks to :TIMES NEWS NETWORK)

FOR AN IDEAL MINIMOON... let us say 2 or 3 nights...

Don’t try to cram too much into your itinerary. Opt for a location, where everything you want to see or experience is close at hand, so that you have limited travelling to do. Book your hotel in advance. Remember, you only have a limited amount of time, so spend it wisely. 

Zero down on a place where you both will enjoy! 

A minimoon is like a tester holiday; it’s a great way to recce a destination, which you can go back to explore in detail at a later date.

Casino Royale 
Place to visit: Macau 

Giving gambling mecca Las Vegas a run for its money is Asia’s most extravagant casino destination, Macau. If you and your partner have a taste for luxury, gaming, nightlife and entertainment, Macau will provide that 24-hour adrenaline rush. Whether it’s entertainment venues or restaurants, it’s all open until late. With more than 30 casinos, including world famous ones at The Venetian, Grand Lisboa and Wynn, Macau promises to be a luxurious holiday of a lifetime.

Beach getaway 
Place to visit: Sri Lanka 

Looking for a quiet, paradisaical beach, fringed with soothing palm trees to rake in the sun and sand? Make Sri Lanka your top choice. Surrounded by miles of white and golden beaches, this island country is one destination that offers a wonderful prelude to your actual honeymoon. Book a beach shack or check into a resort at Negombo, Arugam Bay or Unawatuna — all of which boast of picturesque beaches with crystal clear waters — and indulge in some whale watching or sun bathing with your better half.

Adventure zone 
Place to visit: Vietnam 

Though popularly known for its war history, Vietnam has a natural setting for outdoor adventure that the world is discovering: stunning hill, mountains, valleys, rice paddies and deserted beaches! You can trek in the mountains of Sapa, go cycling on the Ho Chi Minh trail or indulge in rock climbing and kayaking around the colonial hill station of Salat. Even the forests have unique wildlife, which you can experience at the Cuc Phuong National Park.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Spa retreat 
Place to visit: Phuket 

While Thailand’s largest island has always been a magnet for beach lovers, Phuket is slowly becoming a spa haven for tourists. Experience Thai culture and hospitality in its truest form with a spa holiday. You can go for ancient traditions of natural healing like Nuat Phaen Boran (Thai massage without the use of oils) or modern treatments like reflexology, hydrotherapy etc. Exotic spas in five-star hotels or humble massage parlors on the streets of Phuket, take your pick for a cozy couple’s massage!

Phi Phi Island, Phuket

Shopper’s sanctuary 
Place to visit: Dubai 

There’s no greater joy for a shopaholic couple than to splurge at glitzy malls or haggle for the best bargains at the flea markets of Dubai. Because of its duty-free prices and wide variety of goods like garments, handicrafts, electronics and spices, tourists have made Dubai their ultimate shopping destination. And how can one forget the world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival and Gold Souk?

Dubai Marina

For all the above minimoons, we have excellent packages, with quality hotels for your comfortable stay, itinerary at your leisure and we assure you the best of your memory to savor this minimoon forever. 

Contact us today: @ GoWorld Holidays, Ph: 91-44-42145808 / 91-9025802705 / 9043019109

BEWARE OF THESE POPULAR SCAMS DURING YOUR TRAVEL IN OVERSEAS

While you’re often safer overseas than you are in your hometown, a few scams seem to pop up all over the world. Repeat the mantra: if it looks too good to be true, it must be too good to be true…

1. Fake police

Sometimes also the real police, they’ll demand to see your passport and find something wrong with your visa, but then suggest your troubles will all be over if you pay a fine. To them. In cash. Right now. Standing your ground and offering to accompany them to the station will usually see the error ‘excused’.

Common in China and in some European countries like France, Holland, Austria, Netherlands etc.

2. Gem or carpet deals

On entry into a store, often prompted by an enthusiastic taxi or rickshaw driver, you will be offered a deal so preposterously lucrative that refusing it seems unthinkable. Think again – those gems are going to be worthless and the carpet you buy may not make it home at all. There are legitimate traders selling both jewels and rugs, and they don’t act like this.

Common in Thailand, Turkey etc.

3. Airport taxis

Drivers taking you into town might try every trick in the book, from asking you for an inflated fare to driving around the streets to raise the price higher. This is usually harmless, but you should only travel with licensed taxis and, if you can’t pay in advance, agree on a fee before starting out and don’t pay until you get where you want to be.

Common in Malaysia, Thailand, China etc.

4. Timeshares

You’re approached by an extremely genial young man who offers you a scratchie card, no strings attached. He’s friendly, so you accept the scratchie card and, lo and behold, you’ve won some sort of prize, which could be anything from a t-shirt and cash to a holiday. What’s the catch? The local insists you must accompany him to a hotel (which might be an hour’s drive away) to collect your prize. If you haven’t smelled a rat by now, you need your senses tested.

The penny drops, you start staring at the ground and shifting your feet uncomfortably, the seemingly-genuine local says that if you don’t come with him, then he won’t get paid for his job. However, if you do end up going with him, on arriving at the hotel you’ll be shuffled into a room with a bunch of other tourists and forced into watching an hour-long presentation about timeshare apartments, which you are pressured into buying at a very special discounted price by slick Westerners. If you come out of it with your wallet intact, at worst you would have wasted an entire afternoon you could have spent lying on the beach.

Common in Thailand (especially in Phuket), Malaysia (especially in Langkawi), Srilanka etc.

5. ‘This is closed’

In some countries everyone from touts to taxi drivers will try to tell you that your chosen hotel, restaurant or shop is closed…but there’s another, even better one you should visit, where they can pick up a commission. This is more annoying than harmful, but always insist on having a look for yourself.

6. Motorbike scam #1

Living out your dream of riding a scooter for a day around the countryside quickly turns into a nightmare when the bike you’re riding breaks down or you have an accident. The owner of the motorbike is quick to escort you and your damaged bike (which doesn't look in that bad a state) to the repair joint of their choice, where the mechanic makes a grossly over inflated estimate of the damage costs. The owner of the motorbike insists you cover the costs, otherwise no customers will want to rent his bike. You shell out hundreds of dollars to cover the costs of the damage you possibly made, plus cosmetic improvements to the bike that you have now also covered for the owner.

More than likely, you've just lined their pockets with more cash than the locals would earn in a month. Take photographs of the bike before you start riding, preferably with the renter in them, so they can’t blame you for imaginary damage costs to the vehicle. And don’t rent from companies that are attached to hotels or guest houses.

Common in Thailand and in some European countries like France etc.

7. Motorbike scam #2

The motorbike you have hired comes with a lock and two keys: you have one, and your rental company has the other. When you park the scooter and wander off, an enterprising person from the rental company arrives and ‘steals’ your scooter, thus later requesting you pay a large sum of money to replace the ‘stolen’ scooter. As you handed them your passport and you signed a contract, you’re obligated to pay for it. Carry your own lock and key and an old passport to avoid getting sucked into this scam.

Common in Thailand and in some European countries like France etc.

8. Bird shit

The surprising splat of bird shit landing on you from a great height is followed by the swift appearance of a stranger who towels you down. In the confusion, valuables are removed from your person, never to be seen again. Another variation on the same scam has someone ‘accidentally’ spilling mustard or other condiments on you.

9. Bar/tea shop scam

Notoriously aimed at male travellers, young local girls approach a tourist and, after gaining trust with some idle chit-chat, you agree to accompany them to a local bar/tea shop. Thrilled at the opportunity to converse with a couple of local lasses, you offer to buy them a drink. On receipt of the bill, the girls are gone, and all you are left with is a massive shock when you glimpse the sum total, which can amount to hundreds of dollars.

Common in Thailand, China, Malaysia etc.

10. Hotel scams

As you hop off the train or bus into a strange town and into a waiting taxi, you ask them to take you to a specific hotel. You’re dropped off, hand over the money for several night’s worth of accommodation, you’re persuaded to sign up for a number of day tours then escorted to your hotel room. The hotel’s unusually quiet and it doesn’t seem like the advertised atmosphere. Alarm bells ring: you’ve been duped by the friendly local who talked to you on the bus, and the quick phone call he had to make was to the awaiting taxi, whose driver was very quick to escort you to the hotel of their choice.

Like a well-oiled machine, they worked together to ensure you handed over all your cash immediately, and fleeced you for a couple of tours while they were at it. Many hotels trade on the names of popular hotels and are rarely of the same standard, so make sure you check the name and address of the place before you’re shuffled in to sign your life away.

Common in China, England (especially in the outskirts of London)

People travelling to India (from overseas) talking about getting cheated by locals. But, it is very common to get cheated in many European  and Asian countries. People should be very careful in China and Thailand as these countries are very notorious for cheating tourists.