Destinations - Paradises

Singapore Transportation

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

The public transport system in Singapore is efficient, fast and you will reach your destination quickly sans any fuss.

The MRT ( an acronym for mass rapid transit) is the quickest way to travel around the city. The comprehensive system of railway tracks mean you can visit a majority of the city state’s attractions by train alone. Almost all attractions are either besides or simply a short walk away from a train station. Tickets can be bought for single rides but tourists are advised to buy the Singapore Tourist Pass permitting you to unrestricted travel for a period of one day. Trains and platforms are visually impaired and wheel chair friendly.

Take a taxi if you do not want to board the train or the bus. Taxis go by the meter, but there can be a surcharge based on the destination and amounts set by the taxi company itself. You can hail a taxi all over Singapore and ask for a receipt at the end of your trip. You can also dial the call centers for a taxi to be sent to you.

Bus routes cover every nook and cranny of Singapore and is the cheapest. This mode of public transportation is also very scenic. You can pay the bus fare using the Singapore Tourist Pass or the EZ-Link card.

Hokkien Fry Noodles with Prawns and Squid

Singapore’s Cuisine

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage shows up in its plate, mirroring the place’s cultural diversity with generous portions of Peranakan, Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines. Taking a stroll around the city means sniffing in delicious smells of South Indian thalis, Malay food, biryani, Peking duck, Cantonese dim sum, popiah or spring rolls and Hokien mee – a kind of fried noodles from Fujian Province in China.

Chinese cuisine is the dominant one, with the food representing the Chinese philosophy of perfectly balancing the food’s yin and yang notes. The edibles are symbolic, with oysters served for good fortune, noodles for longevity and fish for prosperity. Do order the dim sum and double boiled soups. The Szechuan spicy dishes and flavorful chicken rice are the highlights of Singaporean Chinese dishes.

If you love Indian food, order Indian Muslim dishes like parathas, nasi biryani and murtabak. Ask the waiter for a cup of the tarik or pulled tea to end the delicious meal. Malay dishes incorporate a bounty of chillies, curry leaves, galangal, lemon grass, shrimp paste or belachan and turmeric. The cuisine is deliciously spicy without being hot.

Singapore’s unique Nonya or Peranakan food provides a mix of Indonesian, Malay and Chinese flavors, mixing spices and aromatic herbs to cook a delectable world of curries, stews and braised dishes. Do try ayam buah keluak, a dish made of chicken, buah keluak nuts and also the laksa, a dish made of rice vemicelli, coconut milk garnished with chicken or seafood.

Exploring Singapore

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

The geography of Singapore is shaped like a diamond and adequately compact to explore in a couple of days. The southern part of the city state is its older part and called downtown by its residents. Its epicenter is arguably the creek of the Singapore River, the place where Raffles landed from his ship to shore in 1819. At present, it is a place to relax with its buzzing bars and restaurants converted from warehouses.

Visitors to Singapore flock to its ethnic enclaves, of which Little India is the most visited. It has photogenic Hindu temples, appetising curry houses and shops retailing spices and exotic produce. The nearby golden domes of Sultan Mosque and Arab Street are also a must visit. Cross the river and you reach Chinatown with its fully restored Chinese mansion and shrines. The characteristic shophouses form an unique Singaporean attraction.

The British have also left their mark. The Colonial District to the north of Singapore river has a number of grand Neoclassical buildings like Parliament House, City Hall and the world famous Raffles Hotel. You can sift through history in the National Museum. The newest slice of the city is Marina Bay, with a namesake casino resort, an arts center Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay and Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore Culture

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Singapore has a truly cosmopolitan population, a direct result of this nation’s geographical location and commercial success. The city state came into being on January 29, 1819, and its first avatar was that of a trading post. The fledgling town attracted merchants and migrants from the Malay Peninsula, China, Indonesia, the Indian sub-continent and even from Middle East.

The immigrants imported their own language, festivals, customs and culture. The facets were hardwired into Singaporean society by intermarriage and gradual integration-leaving Singapore a multi-faceted society with a diverse and vibrant cultural heritage. The end of 19^th century saw Singapore becoming a truly global city, with ethnic groups like Eurasians, Indians, Chinese and Malays living and working together. The Chinese at present form 74.2 percent of the total population, with Malays, the area’s original inhabitants, making up 13.3 percent. Indians make up 9.2 percent and others a composite 3.3 percent. The city state is also home to a number of expatriates from all over the world.

It is natural that Singapore has a plethora of languages in its cultural quiver. There are four official languages representing four major ethnicities: Tamil, Chinese, Malay and English. The national language is Malay, with English the most common language for government and business work.

The soupcon of multiple languages in such a compact environment has given birth to an unique brand of Singaporean laced English: the Singlish dialect. This hybrid endemic language incorporates loan words from Indian, Chinese and Malay languages.

sri lanka heritance ahungalla private dinner on the beach

Essential Travel Tips

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Going To Sri Lanka

Flights to Sri Lanka are served by the Colombo-Bandaranayake International Airport from most cities in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. If you are traveling to Sri Lanka from another country, plan for strategic stopovers to travel more efficiently, or sail to Sri Lanka by cruise ship via the American cruise operator Zegrahm Expeditions.

SriLankan Airlines is the national flagship carrier; flying both internationally and domestically.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka

Hotels in Sri Lanka have evolved since traditional beach hotels were built on Sri Lanka’s west coast to cater to the package holiday crowd and conventional travel operators in 1960s.

Recently, small independent properties, villas and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka have emerged to present a wide array of choices to tourists to Sri Lanka. You can even experience five-star luxury hotels in Sri Lanka at very reasonable rates in the countryside.

Sleeping in railway stations or parks is not recommended and some youth hostels or traditional “rest houses” are budget-friendly alternatives. Getting a decent room in this crowded holiday destination is difficult during peak season, so book early.

Getting around Sri Lanka

Three-wheelers, or auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport in Sri Lanka – cheap and convenient to get around town in, though not quite as safe as sedan taxis because of their lack of seatbelts and open sides. They may not always be metered, so prepare to bargain.

Sri Lankan taxis are a better way to travel Sri Lanka, and because meters are often used, the fare can be lower than a three-wheeler’s. You can even book a full-day Sri Lankan personal driver for around USD40 in the form of taxi packages by licensed tour operators.

Motorcycle and car rental in Sri Lanka is increasingly popular, and valid licence is needed in both cases, which can be converted into an international drivers licence at The Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera for under USD$10.

Renting a car with a driver in Sri Lanka is not expensive, and most Sri Lankan rental cars often come with their own drivers, many of whom are multi-lingual and knowledgeable about Sri Lankan culture and history.

Buses are the cheapest mode of transport in Sri Lanka. Despite being crowded and uncomfortable, it only costs about one dollar to travel halfway across the island. Air-conditioned buses are twice as expensive.

Currency of Sri Lanka

The currency in use is the Sri Lankan rupee (SLR). Major credit cards are accepted in shops, most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Tipping is always appreciated.

Sri Lanka Entry Requirements

Citizens of all countries except Singapore and the Maldives are required to apply for a visa online, valid for three months from date of approval. Applying for a Sri Lanka visa upon arrival can be extremely tedious.

Climate & Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate see hot and humid days cool off in the evening. Drier regions like Hambanthota can be as warm as 30-35°C while temperatures in the highlands can remain as low as -5 to 20°C. Prepare warm, waterproof clothing or an umbrella.

The major rainy seasons in Sri Lanka are the North-East Monsoon from October to January and the South-West Monsoon from May to July.

Sri Lanka’s Cuisine

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Sri Lankan Food

Rice and spicy curry dominate native Sri Lankan cuisine. In Colombo, there are restaurants that offer a spectrum of international gourmet and fusion cuisine. Stalls and eateries offering delicious, reasonably priced fare are common too.

However, to truly eat like a local, you have to sample the delectable dishes served up at roadside haunts. Colombo’s roadside cafes serve up kottu – a mix of chopped roti, vegetables and meat – rice flour noodles eaten with curry), pittu and rotti. You could try the Sri Lankan way of eating with the fingertips of your right hand, but cutlery will always be available.

Sri Lankan Nightlife

Sri Lanka comes alive when night falls – be it at the chic relaxing cocktail lounges, modern international restaurants, lively pubs, pulsating discos, tapas bars or sports bars with their snooker tables and big TVs.

Columbo’s night scene, in particular, has experienced a spike in activity ever since a series of nightspots appeared within a short period of time, giving partygoers more options. Although there are many clubs and bars catering to young adults, those with live bands are very popular with a more mature crowd. The strong pub culture, coupled with Sri Lanka’s trademark hospitality, will definitely make your night out a great time to remember.

sri lanka anilana hotels and resorts drinks by the pool

Things to Do

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Shopping in Sri Lanka

Shopping in Sri Lanka ranges from bargaining at a handicraft shop, to picking fresh fruit from a village stall or sussing out the best prices for the latest international fashion in this major garment exporter.

Independence Square Arcade in Columbo is where you can shop in air-conditioned comfort, alongside entertainment and fine dining establishments. On the other side of the spectrum, the road linking Colombo and Kandy is lined by a series of cultural villages, each specialising in particular wares, like brooms, cane chairs, cashews, tea and teapots. Alternatively, go to the Bastian Mawatha near Fort Railway Station for the Floating Market with a wide range of local products. Other exquisite Sri Lanka souvenirs include woodcarving, pottery and silverware. They feature traditional motifs of lotuses and mythical animals.

Sri Lanka is especially renowned for its gems and jewellery. Hunt for Sri Lankan blue sapphires, rubies, garnets, moonstones and topazes, and have them transformed into beautiful trinkets.

Places to Visit In Sri Lanka

With over 2,000 years of history, Sri Lanka’s places of interest include some of the most well-preserved Asian monuments with no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nature lovers can trek up to Adam’s Peak or hike across the Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya for a glimpse of the 700 metre drop at World’s End.

Take a tour of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the country’s capital for more than 1,400 years, still containing Buddhist monuments and royal ruins at least two centuries old.

Visit the Scared Bo-Tree grown from a sapling of the bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment; the Thuparamaya Dagoba, believed to contain the right collarbone of Buddha and Ruvan, the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

The old city of Polonnaruwa is Southeast of Anuradhapura. From there, journey to the magnificent Sigiriya Rock (“Lion Rock”) Fortress, the site of a sixth century fortified palace. You will be blown away by this amazing architectural feat, built by an obsessed monarch in the fifth century. Don’t miss its most striking portion – a grey and terracotta core of rock that rises 200 metres above a forested plain. The ruins of the giant stone lion surround the Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is preserved.

For picturesque scenery, visit Kandy, where a tranquil lake is surrounded by rolling hills, 116 kilometres away from Columbo. Along the way, stop by Pinnwala Elephant Orphanage. Bathing and feeding the cute baby elephants with giant milk bottles will definitely be quite an experience.

Beach bums will love Unawatuna Beach, South of the coast of Galle and ranked among the Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World. This beautiful semi-circle of golden, coconut trees and cerulean waters is bordered by a coral reef.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has become a major dolphin and whale watching spot. It is located within the parameters of the International Whaling Commission’s protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Head down to Alankuda beach in Kalpitiya, Mirissa, Dondra Point and Trincomalee for the best observation ports.

Water Activities, Snorkeling & Diving in Sri Lanka

There are over 1300 kilometres of sandy beaches in Sri Lanka. With balmy temperatures and year-round sunshine, you’ll always be able to find a beach that will suit your choice of activities for the day. Surfing, kite surfing, diving and snorkeling are just some of the things you can do there.

A line of breaking waves amidst the calm, azure seas marks the coral reef where brightly coloured tropical fish and living corals wait to be discovered when on a Sri Lanka diving trip. The dive centre at Sri Lanka’s Hikkaduwa is a good base for reef exploration in regions like Dodanduwa, Gintota and Ralagala. Coasts in the southwestern parts are perfect for swimming, while the Bentota River is popular with windsurfers, sailors and water-skiers.

People & Culture

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

People in Sri Lanka

A 30-year civil war between the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka ended in 2009 when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam were defeated by the Sri Lankan military. Sri Lanka is now the only South Asian country rated “high” on the Human Development Index.

Sri Lankans are mostly producers of tea, coffee, coconut, rubber, cinnamon and gemstones. The 20 million-strong population comprises of a fascinating mix of ethnicities, ranging from the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors to the Tamils from India who came to work on local plantations, as well as small ethnic groups like the Burghers (of mixed European descent), Malays from Southeast Asia and the indigenous Vedda people.

Languages in Sri Lanka

The two official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. Signs are written in both languages, with Sinhala taking a rounder, more cursive shape.

English is the link language by Constitution, used in educational, scientific and commercial contexts, especially common in Colombo, Kandy and Galle. English speaking Sri Lankans are mostly found in touristy areas, and far less so in rural villages. The Burgher community speaks different forms of Portuguese Creole and Dutch, while the Malays speak a unique variant of Creole Malay.

Design & Architecture

Ancient Sri Lankan architecture are vestiges of the country’s rich history. Impressive cave temples like the Kaludiya Pokuna Mihintale built of stone and feature carved roofs. Dagobas or stupas that enshrine Buddhist relics, such as Jetavanarama and Mirisaveti, are admired for their stable form and structural perfection.

Colonial government buildings feature Classic Renaissance or Neo-Classic Styles. While few buildings from the Portuguese era remain, many from the Dutch rule, like the old town of Galle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was fortified by the Dutch in 1663, stand along the Sri Lankan coastline. The British influence can be observed in various parts of Colombo.

The 60s, 70s and 80s ushered in a Tropical Modernist style, led by architects like Geoffrey Bawa, who had a far-reaching influence on the design and construction of Sri Lankan’s homes and commercial buildings. Clean lines and space fused elements from older Sri Lankan influences like terra-cotta-tiled roofs and reflecting pools, to create a modern Sri Lankan aesthetic.

Postmodernism is present in monuments like the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Colombo. These incorporate historical landscape design features and cultural elements as signifiers of heritage. Sustainable green architecture has also taken root in Sri Lanka. The 186 metre-tall Clear Point Residences, expected to be the tallest vertical garden in the world, harvests rainwater and recycled water from the bathroom with a Drip Irrigation system to water plants.

Cultural & Legal Restrictions

Most Sri Lankans follow the Theravada school of Buddhism, with majority of Buddhists Sinhalese. Hindus, mostly Tamils outside West Sri Lanka, are the second largest religious group. Islam and Christianity are also practised by some.

These diverse cultures inevitably lead to a complex Sri Lankan legal system. Criminal and Basic Civil law systems are colonial, while family law is largely communal; customary laws of the Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamils, as well as Sharia law are also invoked in special cases.

Visitors are advised to abide by common cultural etiquette when interacting with Sri Lankan locals. People are generally reserved and large emotional displays of any sort are not common in public. Greetings are often marked by physical instead of vocal cues, with broad smiles or a friendly raised eyebrow. Religion, race, cricket and politics are sensitive topics that should be avoided in conversation – particularly the Sinhalese-Tamil divide and the civil war that ravaged the country with bloodshed on both sides.

Conservative attire is encouraged, especially in places of worship. Public nudity is illegal, except in private beach resorts that allow nude or topless sunbathing in Sri Lanka. Public displays of affection like kissing and hugging are mainly seen as private behaviour, unless at adult-friendly establishments and nightspots. Religious tattoos are frowned upon and should be covered up at all times.

Buddhist monks are revered by Sri Lankans. Be mindful that touching or patting the tops of their heads is strictly disallowed. The same reverence is extended to Buddhist statues and turning your back to a statue of Buddha is considered disrespectful – even when taking photos.

Activities in Bangkok

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Bangkok is well known for its nightlife. A large number of nightclubs as well as bars have sprung up in the city to cater to its burgeoning foreign tourist arrivals all year round. Clubs like Bed Supperclub, Route 66, The Dubliner, The Londoner, House of Beers, Viva & Aviv, Iron Fairies, Ba Da Bing Bar are popular with foreign tourists.

Bangkok is also known to be a shoppers’ paradise. Shopping in Bangkok is actually very affordable because you have to pay in Thai Baht and not in dollars. There are many street markets in Bangkok that sell faux accessories, delicious street food as well as antiques. Some of the well known markets are Chatuchak market, Klongsan Market, Klong Toey Fresh market, Bangkok Farmers’ market and others. If you want to visit some malls while in Thailand, Central World, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery are as good as they come.

Bangkok’s Cuisine

by Paradises / March 31, 2017

Bangkok is a world city which means apart from exquisite Thai food, the city also offers cuisines from around the world. Thai food is not as spicy as South Asian food but it may still be too much for a western palate. Some popular Thai foods are Tom Yam Goong (the unofficial national food of Thailand), Pad Thai (noodles with onion, sprouts, bean and ground peanuts), Som Tam (made from shredded papaya, rice and barbequed chicken) and more. Do visit some of the famous local restaurants such as Lung Yai, Hong Teong Long, Baan Som Tam and Chennai Kitchen.

Thailand is also famous for its street food. There are plenty of street food stalls in Bangkok, especially in the busy areas. Some of them are open even at night. If you don’t know what a certain food is, look at the ingredients and the way it is prepared. That should give you some idea. Thai noodle stalls are especially good. There are actually several kinds of noodles, so do take note what you order.