koalakiss86
My Profile
koalakiss86
I adore travelling! Ive seen a few countries already and i try to make the most of my time in them im so glad i found this site! It's got some amazing tours and activities at all the places we plan to go for our honeymoon in Europe next year.
Australia
My Viator Contributions
koalakiss86's reviews and photos on Viator.com
Have you got a recommendation?
Have a travel tip to share? Simply click the "Add New Recommendation" button above to start sharing your travel expertise and travel photos on Viator!
Nov242010
How to get from the sydney airport to the main city centre
Travel Recommendation
Location: Sydney
My Recommendation Tip: The train station in Sydney airport is right out the front of the airport, for around $13 Australian catch a train into the city centre which should take about 30mins to get to. From there all the major shopping malls are walking distance.
Nov242010
Great spot to pick up knock -off items!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Thailand
My Recommendation Tip: Buy your pucci(gucci) wallets and other knock-offs in the markets located in phuket on the main beach. Must see for all your travel gifts fro fsmily and friends back home.
Nov232010
Crown Casino
Attraction
My Rating: 
Location: Melbourne
My Review: We had the best meal in one of the restaurants at the base of the crown casino, if you manage to get a room in one of the crown hotels, facing the new years fire works you will have the best seat in the house because the sparks practically rouch the windows!! its an amazing spot to stay if you want a place in the middle of the city and its 100m from the train station. most afternoons the promonade is a buz with street performers, its a great spot to just hang out in a cafe and watch people.
Nov232010
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS!!
Travel Recommendation
My Rating:
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Review: I couldnt stop snapping at the buildings and the gardens everything was so expensive looking and beautful!
My Recommendation Tip: As you enter the "PALMS" and come out from the under water tunnel, be sure to have your camera ready to snap snap snap!! The Palms is like the esplinade of Abu Dhabi along the beach side. The Birj is the tallest building, and the lights at night are lit up bright with amazing lighting! be sure to capture this!!! To get pics of animals, the outskirts of most of the cities have wild camels and donkeys in giant numbers feeding on patches of weeds in desert. It's a cool image to see. Be sure to see the rotating restaurant located int he middle of the Abu Dhabi mall, the locals call it "the top of the world" one half is fine dining and the other half is cafes the views are of the ocean and the desert and the city its just breath taking!
My Photos:
Nov232010
The tallest point in the UAE "Al ain"
Travel Recommendation
My Rating:
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Review: Awesome zoo!
My Recommendation Tip: Al ain is a mountain thats approx 2ooom above sealevel and is flat on top, you need to pick you visiting days as it can be quite dusty and windy. The pictures from there are just so special! Theres also a zoo up there. The Zoo is one of the best in the world. Just like everything else in the UAE the quality of the amenities are high and there are alot of enclosures to view with a vast array of species. you will def need a full day to enjoy. You cannot bring your own food but there are cafes that are reasonable in price. There are plenty of shows also to see. And you can purchase bags of nuts and seeds to feed the animals. a must see!
My Photos:
Nov232010
Fun activites in the sun!
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: If you love the outdoors and quad bikes this is awesome! You can hire quad bikes from alot of diff places in Um Alquwain its farely cheap especially the more you hire. The sand dunes never seem to end but WATCH OUT FOR GOATS! lol A little experience is necessary as the dunes can be deceiving in height and safety is a must! Also you must have closed in shoes! and Stick together! There are no guides to go out with you, but they will show you how to use the vehicles.
Nov232010
Abu Dhabi Zoo - DON'T VISIT THIS ZOO
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: If your an animal activist, or someone who cares about animals this is not something you will want to see. the enclosures are terribly small and unfit to hold the sized animals they have. It's a smaller zoo, and its alright for kids to interact but beware you may see some dead animals that no one has bothered to remove!! BIG THUMBS DOWN!
Nov232010
Rules About Taking Photos
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: If your going to travel of course you want to document your awesome adventure, but there are a few rules to follow when you visit a new country. Especially one as strict as Abu Dhabi. Don't take pics inside any religious structure. Just be sure not to take pictures with any Arab people in them without their permission, it's a disrespectful gesture and may cause conflict.
Nov232010
Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: If your a fan of modern and ancient architecture, this is the city for you. There are tall sky scrapers with all glass windows right down to beautiful delicate religious structures.
Nov232010
BIG DON'T's
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: DON'T - Be aware if you are on any prescription medication as some legal drugs in your country might be very illegal in the UAE!! Even if it's in your system make sure it's well out before you land if you get drug tested at the airport you will go to prison. They take hair samples at the airport...and heat detection. DON'T- Show affection between men and women, any touching (hands even) in public is an offense and you will go to jail. Men and Men are okay as this is a sign of friendship, and Girls and Girls as well. DON'T- Swear in any language or make any rude guestures. Be polite and on your strictest well behaved behaviour. DON'T- Drink alcohol anywhere anytime. be sure to confirm a location that's okay. If you have alcohol in your car and drive through a city that's got an alcohol ban, if your caught you will go to jail.
Nov232010
DO's
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: Do's-clothing remember that the arib culture expect woman to be fully clothed you can show your feet, hands and face only.. Some areas are a little more relaxed but still keep shoulders and down to knees covered. If you want to dress in a traditional Arib clothing you can purchase these items from any store and this is well recieveed from the communities. Do's-Pick up a little of the Arab language it is also well recieved by the country. Things like Hello, How are you, Have a nice day, Thankyou, Sorry/excuse me and Goodbye. Do's- Even if your a fussy eater make your way to the Arib and Lebanese restaurants the food is so vast and there is always something to chose from. This is certainly a country rich in culture be sure to blend in as much as posible and enjoy!
Nov232010
Travelling around tips in Abu Dhabi
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: If you catch a taxi make sure you have a map to show the driver as most do not speak any English. If you hire a vehicle, be sure your a confident driver and get insurance as the locals pretty much run the road like a bumper car game! the speeds are excessive to 180km even though there are speed laws. Most drivers do not indicate they just use a horn. (Be sure not to show any rude hand gestures or swear as you will go to jail!)
Nov232010
Airport services at the Abu-Dhabi Airport
Travel Recommendation
Location: United Arab Emirates
My Recommendation Tip: Once you land and collect your luggage, there are porters with a trolly to help if you would like, you can tip them but gratueties are not compulsary. The Airport is quite large but the exit is close to the customs check point. There is alot of security gards around the airport so it feels quite safe to be there. When your departing there are small stalls by the departure gates that sell all sorts of aribic style souvoniers so dont panic if you forgot to get your friend a tiny camelhaped fruit bowel. Be sure to get non wooden and animal products its a NO-No in the Australian Customs.
Nov232010
San Diego Zoo
Travel Recommendation
Location: USA
My Recommendation Tip: This zoo is located in the city, around it are some amazing gardens (my friend had her wedding shoot thier) There's about 6 entry booths so they are prepared for crouds however they were never really needed each time we went there. You can get great rates if your with a military friend as they support thier troops! As you enter the Zoo there are a few tracks you can take to start your visit. There are also buses that go around the zoo, i didnt get one because i wanted to save money, but this was a mistake as the Zoo is quite spread out and the walking tracks are quite Hilly. Some exzibits were very nice like the elephants and the gorillas, but the less popular animals were in basic cages and habitats. I know the drill and i brought my own lunch but my friends were caught out and had to pay about $9 for a plain sandwhich at the cafe. It's an okay place to visit but dont stress if you dont make it.
Nov232010
Japan Breakdown - Where To Go
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: Tokyo = Shopping and Night life Osaka = Best food yummmm! (if you cant read japanese dont worry every restaurant has a fake model figure of each dish thatlooks real, but just point to it in the display babnet to order) Kyoto = Amazing sight seeing, temples etc.
Nov232010
Singapore zoo is average.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Singapore
My Recommendation Tip: This wild life park is an okay place to see your regular zoo animals, nothing special. You can feed the animals fruits and nuts provided. and theres a free bus to take you around the area as it is quite spread out. There are cafe's but you best to buy your own food as its not very good quality.
Nov232010
Best Shopping Spot for Brand Names
Travel Recommendation
Location: Singapore
My Recommendation Tip: Expensive shopping district, brand names on Orchard Road which is roughly 15mins from the Airport. A lot of stores to chose from. Food courts with cheap food. Theres also light entertainment ion the malls video archades and movies theatre.
Nov232010
Santa Monica Pier in LA
Travel Recommendation
Location: USA
My Recommendation Tip: Great spot for lazing around, and the restaurants there are great. Very good for peaople watching, theres moderate crouds we went during summer and the air was hot and the nights were warm it was amazing weather!
Nov232010
Hire Car in USA first time visit.
Travel Recommendation
Location: USA
My Recommendation Tip: After hiring a car through the coinsierge at the hotel we stayed at in beverly hills, we decided to visit a few main areas in LA like Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Blvd and Magic Mt and Disney Land. We found the highways to be confusing and highly reccommend paying extra for a GPS. We didnt see half the places we wanted to see because of the traffic being so congested and no easy U-turn access. I would reccomend having your own car but def have a GPS and a few Google maps printed in front of you and a compass as the highways work on North South East and West directions.
Nov232010
Transportation
Travel Recommendation
Location: Tokyo
My Recommendation Tip: Important to know how to get around, this is a big city and you dont want to get stuck in a taxi. I loved catching the buses that were about $15 AU dollars from the airport to a main airport then underground is a train station.. this is the cheapest and easiest way to get around, via trains. I baught my rail pass from one of the Japan rail pass stores, this one was in in Cairnes. They are in each major city. But you must purchase this prior to entering the country. i bought my all access x2 7day pass for $230 but the price changes. It was well worth the money since i caught trains everywhere. The signs are easy to read also as they are in the english alphabet. Another note is most of the people speak english at the train booths so ask the first one you see where you need to activate your pass.
Nov232010
Great way to get around Phuket!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Phuket
My Recommendation Tip: A couple of diff ways to get around Thailand are cheapest to most expensive. Hire a Tuktuk it does depend on your distance for cost but don't settle, make sure you bargain before you hope on. Jump in a minivan which is decorated well, and has the same idea as a taxi its the cheapest way to get a group of people around. Hire your own scooter but be prepared for hectic congestion on the roads the drivers there are full on!
Nov232010
Do's and Don't's in Thailand!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bangkok
My Recommendation Tip: Do not disrespect the King of Thailand, one way that might be perceived as disrespectful by stepping on thier countries money which has his face on it.
Nov232010
Bangkok Airport - Get Free Internet
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bangkok
My Recommendation Tip: You can get a free wifi signal for free internet inside the Airport. When it asks for a password just click enter and your connect.
Nov232010
Wether changes in North Queensland.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: This is in the eyes of a local and for 2010 but mostly has no change year to year. Our summer is very hot and spans over December January and Febuary. North Queensland is also known fro its humidity so dont besuprised if you feel damp from time to time just pop into some airconditioning which is readily available everywhere and is adored by the locals. at the moment we are coming out of a farely nice Spring, with cool nights and warm days. Most of the locals dont own an umbrella as its rarely drizzling. This is the sunny country so dont forget to get yourself an good sunblock.
Nov232010
Casino Townsville
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: If your looking for a casino in townsville this is it. the one and only Jupiters Hotel and Casino. It's located right on the marina side of the City and the views from the hotel rooms are amazing and span across to the near by island. The casino is quite large and features many Table games and also the largest selection of machine games. There is a modern and very nice bar and a band usualloy plays most weekends. Staff are very friendsly and are always willing to please. the cafe inside is called Spin cafe its got mainly bistro style meals or you can chose something quick from the cabnet.
Nov232010
Great Views From Townsville
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: Mt Stuart is the larger mountain on the opposite side of the city from the cbd and has the most beautiful view of the whole of townsville. It situated just of the main highway and behind the Australian Army Lavarrack Barracks. Free entry and takes about 10mins to drive up.
Nov232010
Amazing views of the city -Townsville
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: See townsville from the best locations. Most popular with the locals Castle hill is located right in the heart of the city with a parking area and views of the ocea and on the other side of the city.
Nov232010
Sofitel- Melbourne Best breakfast in a hotel
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: The most amazing breakfast buffet..and the restaurant is ion the top floor which is just breath taking views of the ocean
Nov232010
Rhino Bar and Grill
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: One of Towmnsvilles most popular start of the night drinks, its on the corner of Palmer st which is the main restaurant district on Townsville.
Nov232010
Bondi Beach
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: Best beach in Australia, must day out for your stay in Sydney.. I also reccom the prok ribs at the Hurracain Restaurant a 5min walk.
Nov232010
Cairns Hotel, Novatel
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: Great swimming pool right in the heart of the city, a main shopping centre is a 10 min walk.
Nov232010
Best Interactive show and Dinner Gold coast
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: "Draculas" - They do seasonal dinner shows, last one i saw was pirates, its a show and dinner 3 courses plus cocktails before the dinner to mingle with the cast and crew. i give this place 4 and a half stars. Its for young adults. Great for drinks to start off a great night!
Nov232010
Best hotel in Bali- Four seasons hotel
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bali
My Recommendation Tip: Amazing view, pool sauna massage day spa. Spacious rooms.. Great for honeymooners.
Nov232010
Airport how to.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bali
My Recommendation Tip: When catching a taxi from Denpasar Airport you can pay a flat rate fee for the destination you need to go instead of a a metre. great idea for tourists who need to know exactly what they are spending first.
Nov232010
Taronga Zoo
Attraction
My Rating:
Location: Sydney
My Review: One of the main Zoo's in Australia, i still rmember seeing this zoo when i was a todler. it's def a memorable experience. Dont forget to take in your own snacks it can get rather expensive.
Nov232010
Best hotel in Airlie beach!- Pinnacles Resort
Travel Recommendation
Location: The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
My Recommendation Tip: This is our very fav spot to stay when we go away for our special occations, the rooms are large with a living room and kitchion and varandah,with spa baths and an extra jacuzzi if you want..the eternity pool is just stunning on the side on the tallest hill the views are breath taking. Theres a gym and a beauty day spa as well. If you want to treat yourself stay here the staff are so attentive and the locals are really great. This is a wonderful hotel for couples, and families.
My Photos:
Nov232010
Best Hotel Casino in Townsville
Travel Recommendation
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Recommendation Tip: This is the only Casino in Townsville North QLD but its in a perfect location right in the heart of the city with a great concierge service, 5 min from the main airport. The main stadium is next door so you can stay in the Hotel with amazing ocean view of Magnetic island, even utilizing the ferry service again next door to the hotel & Casino to go over to the Island for a romantic horse riding tour along the beach. The Casino usually has a band playing most weekend nights and the food is amazing in any of the three restaurants weather you want intimate dining or a huge seafood buffet, the best in Townsville!
My Photos:
Nov202010
Kintai Bridge Cherry blossom festival
Travel Recommendation
Location: Osaka
My Recommendation Tip: This cherry blossom festival is located of course at the kintai bridge, its most famous for its hump like structure, its a small fee to cross this famous bridge to get to the beautiful gardens on the other side. Theres a rail cart that can take you up to the kintai castle but i ran out of time to do this. The festival has traditional music playing, food stalls and ofcorse plenty of sake for sale as it is legal to walk around with your cask of sake and enjoy the gardens!
My Photos:
Nov202010
New years family day festival at the beach in Geelong.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Melbourne
My Recommendation Tip: If you are hanging around the southern Melbourne or Geelong areas on New Years day then don't miss the massive festival that happens with heaps of games and attractions for the singles, couples and families. You can take a slow walk along the beach front with numerous different stalls along the way, giving food, entertainment, merchandise and in some cases even a challenge!! There are long soft grassed hills for the kids to play on with a bit of cardboard (like when you were younger and you slid down the hill on that fruit box) and quiet areas to just sit, relax and enjoy the ocean views. Once you're done with that, grab a gelato icecream from one of the several stalls that dot the area before heading home in the very limited traffic in the early to mid afternoon.
My Photos:
Nov202010
FANTASEA!!!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Recommendation Tip: Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef at its best!!! Leaving from Townsville for a full day tour including lunch and around 4 hours actually in the water and if you want a complimentary glass bottom boat tour.... "Fantasea" tours run the day (might have changed the name) but they're easy to find escpecially if you go down to the big ferry terminal near Jupiters Casino. Well worth the day out with amazing snorkelling visibility and large amounts of people giving you that safe feeling of group numbers while in the open ocean :-). Still a good tour if you want to be romantic, kiss and hold hands cause theres plenty of space on deck to be left alone.
My Photos:
Nov202010
Best Ru Bar in North QLD!
Travel Recommendation
Location: The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
My Recommendation Tip: Fish Devine is a farely new restaurant in Airlie Beach,the staff are so insightful about the history of Rum and the local History of Airlie Beach. On lur particular day of visiting the restaurant, our waiter sat with us and told stories about how White rum is made, and how they have the biggest prawns Ive ever seen! Here you can choose prawns by the bucket full or like us, just order everything! which is the hugest freshest seafood platter I've ever seen!! The drinks were hand made by the barman and he sure was a wiz and made the most deliciously wicked cocktails to accompany our lunch. I really recommend this place!
My Photos:
Nov182010
WhiteWater World
Attraction
My Rating:
Location: Brisbane
My Review: This park was our gift to all the boys in the family last christmas! sure the lines were a 2-5 in wait, but there are plenty of things to chose from, or just waddle around in the wave pool on some giant oversized floaty rings.. dont forget sunscreen and def take a water proof camera and your own lunch and drinks! theres ride pics and a cafe but both are too expensive! And have fun!
Nov182010
Hamilton Island
Attraction
My Rating: 
Location: The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
My Review: Over rated. It's an island. if your happy to be stranded on an island with nothing but expensive restaurants and over priced sunscreen then go ahead, but there are just as gorgeous if not more stunning places on the main land with more things to do.
Nov182010
Cadbury Chocolate Factory
Attraction
My Rating:
Location: Hobart
My Review: A few years ago i went on a tour through the cadbury chocolate factory...the memories are still etched in my head. If you love love love cadbury chocolate thats made in australia then you have to see the factory. Im not sure if they still do it but at the end of walking through the factory and tasting samples, and watching how your fav treats are packed up you can get the chance of a life time to buy all the faulty "UGLY" blocks that didnt make it to your supermarket shelves because they didnt have a clean cut shape of the maulds..but it still tasts exactly the same with nothing wrong! I remember walking out of that place with 5 or 6 shopping bags full of chocolate and i only spent about $30AU.
Nov182010
Port Arthur
Attraction
My Rating:
Location: Hobart
My Review: I did this tour a few years ago, it was apart of a bus tour that travelled the whole state we stopped off in Port Arthur in the afternoon and took a short ferry ride around the bay before having dinner. Afterwards we went on a walking tour through the old jail houses and homes of the settlers from back in the day. The ghost tour, tour guid was very animated and looked like they got a good laugh fromm the reactions in the crowd. I thought it was a great day and i would reccom this attraction to anyone.
Nov182010
Nov182010
Cairns Bungy Jumping
Travel Recommendation
My Rating:
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Review: This was a great day out with my mum and brother. She kept her feet on the ground but he and i dived right in (litterally) for the first time. So the location is about 20mins out of the city centre, its nestled in the side of a rainforrest covered hill. The scenery is just perfect! When you arrive you sign in, get weighed (important for them to know for your rope to be exactly right resistance. Theres a small cafe and bar but beware it is pricey so bring your own snacks. Theres an observation deck you can see the jumpers from there perfectly. There are a tone of stairs to climb before your walked out onto a platform where two guids go through the safety features and strap up your ankles. Its pretty high up, you dont really realise this till you jump... They have a graduating process when it comes to the jumps, first you must dive head first to show the instructors that you wont freak out and try to grab the rope or something. Then you can chose from a range of diff ways to jump. My thrill was standing on the ledge with only my tippie toes, with both hands resting on the back of my neck and looking straight up! JUMPING BACKWARDS! This is called the elevator i think?? Also word of warning, if you dont want to have your head go under the water tell them you have sinus issues and the water irritates them other wise if your a girl they def make sure your tshirt gets wet! resulting in a gush of water up your nose and a flu for the next 3 weeks!
Nov182010
Osaka Castle
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: Osaka Castle was beautiful during the cherry blossom season of March-end April. Our hotel, the Sheraton Myako was only a short taxi ride from the hotel.When you arrive you will see how large this castle is in person even from a distance as its surrounded by deep motes and bridges. The gardens are well taken care of and are just stunning as your stroll towards the castles main courtyard. Along the way you can rest and enjoy a few treats from the food tents don't forget to try a Japanese favourite...octpus balls! Theres a small fee to go inside the castle itself, with an elevator for the disabled, and a lot of stairs for everyone else! but its worth it once your reach the observation deck at the top floor and a stroll through the museum inside where you can find a large variety of historical materials and displays.
My Photos:
Nov182010
San Diego Seaworld
Travel Recommendation
Location: San Diego
My Recommendation Tip: This is one of the best sea world attractions I've come across, the tourist season is fairly steady but i never found it to be over crowded. I loved taking my Boss's 4yr old daughter to feed the seals and watch the "pet show" with the dogs and cats who have been rescued and now they do tricks on stage, really cute show! The Stadium shows with the whales are just incredible and i was always picking my jaw off the floor when i watched them. There's also a Brewery section to learn about the history of a few diff brews, they take you on a tour and teach you about the flavours and you can even do a taste testing. There's a few side show attractions, a kids corner with skill tester games where you can win toys etc. It really is an awesome day out but don't forget your sunscreen!
My Photos:
Nov182010
Lotteria
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: This fast food restaurant is very good, you have to try the "Shrimp Burger" its just a taste explosion!!! Once again, Japan has taken something from the Western world and converted it into a very tasty Asian style burger meal. Yum yum. you can't leave Japan without at least trying once!!!!
Nov182010
Hiroshima shopping
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: We went to Hiroshima for a day to check out the shopping, what can I say!!! We did some walking but it was fun!! Stay on Hondori St and find "Sun Mall" or "Parco", there are numerous designer shops in the malls as well as heaps of trinkety little stores on the roads along the way. Hondori St seems to go on forever with a never ending plethora of awesome shopping. Some is expensive, some is cheap, just depends on how willing you are to look first.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Hiroshima Memorial
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: In 1945 Hiroshima was hit with an atomic bomb. The remnance of this is still there today in a small park a few mins from the city centre. As it is a huge tourist destination it was easy to find by train with alot of the maps showing pictures of the memorial park. Theres two sections, one of a broken down dome shap building and across the bridge is the main memorial. We didnt have time to see the main one but we were happy to at least pay our respects at the smaller site.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni
Travel Recommendation
Location: Japan
My Recommendation Tip: We went to the Kintai bridge so we could see what all the fuss was about, reality is its a really weirdly built bridge that is frustrating to walk over, lol. Either side of the bridge is beautiful cherry blossoms and parks nicely placed for relaxing, all within walking distance of several small but very nice restaurants. Once you look at the bridge itself and get the mandatory picture, actually have a look around the area, the architecture is old and very aesthetically pleasing, straight out of an old movie if you will..... You have to see the Kintai bridge, just like the San Francisco bridge of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, amazing workmanship tied in to a beautiful area.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Townsville Gelato on the Strand
Travel Recommendation
Location: Queensland
My Recommendation Tip: We discovered this place while taking a leisurely drive along The Strand in Townsville one afternoon, one word.....AWESOME!!!!!! Located right over from the walking track and with a little pull in parking area this is a tasty treat for locals and travellers alike. Enjoy a quiet shop with your Gelato or take a slow stroll along The Strand getting jealous looks from those who haven't discovered this little treasure trove, hahahahaha. Yum Yum!!!!
My Photos:
Nov182010
Asian Restaurant, Townsville
Travel Recommendation
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Recommendation Tip: Benny's Hot Wok and Café on Palmers street has the best asian dishes in the city! I'd recommend making reservations since they always seem to be packed when we go in there well no wonder since the food is so yummy! This restaurant i highly reccom. It's a good place to start the night with drinks and dinner, Palmer street is the main restaurant strip of Townsville.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Dubai Shopping
Travel Recommendation
Location: Dubai
My Recommendation Tip: I was only in Dubai for a couple of days but they have made a metropolis out of the desert!!! The TV adds are true, it is amazing for browsing and shopping. There is everything you could imagine in all the designer stores you could possibly think of, I forget the name of the large shopping center I went to but just ask a cab driver to go to a large mall and you should get there quite easily. Even if you're "just looking" (lol) you will be amazed with the MASSIVE fishtank aquarium that has been built into the wall as well as the waterfall near the center of the mall. I've never seen that many sports cars inside a shopping complex before but it was pretty cool to see the expensive names on display. Look around and you will also find the indoor waterparks and snowfields, absolute AWESOMENESS for a day of fun!!! Amazing to see what they have built in that devastating desert heat!!!! If you're looking for a definitive shopping experience than Dubai is it, but if you're on a budget, steer well clear!!!!
My Photos:
Nov182010
Reastaruants along the Strand in Townsville QLD
Travel Recommendation
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Recommendation Tip: Jamaica Joes Bara and Grill on the strand in Townsville, has the best bbq/grill styll food, with friendly waiters and great views of the ocean across to Magnetic Island.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Hidden tourist Gem! Pet a dolphin!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: Pet a dolphin at the small animal park, Pet Porpois Pool on Orlando street in Coffs Harbour. Here are some pictures.
My Photos:
Nov182010
City of many flavours.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Penang
My Recommendation Tip: Penang is a culturally diverse place with Malaysian, Chinese, Indian and European infuences. Good for no more than about 4 days to see all you need to see, the food is awesome if you eat at the local restaurants and very well priced (low :-)) you can see the British infuence of days gone by with the architecture in the city aswell as the newer areas with high rise buildings and numerous high density living areas..... If you want a smaller city than Kuala Lumpur to experience the Malaysian lifestyle than I recommend Penang highly.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Hidden tourist Gem! Pet a dolphin!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Australia
My Recommendation Tip: Coffs Harbour not only has the BIG BANANA! but it also has a small sea animals wildlife park in the middle of the city. We only found this place because we like to explore (get lost on the roads haha) It's Coffs Harbour's Pet Porpoise Pool on Orlando street. It's rather affordable, and very familiy friendly. This place is great because it's not a huge arena style tourist trap, it's just a small park with a few dolphins, penguines and seals. And because of how unknown it is there arent any big crowds to fight to get a picture with a dolphin or a smooch from a seal! They do a few shows daily and rely on visiters as donations to keep the park going. This is a must see!
Nov182010
Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove has the best restaurants in Australia.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Palm Cove
My Recommendation Tip: We stayed at Peppers beach resort and spa, this was just the best location, right on the esplenade and one foot out of the hotel and theres so many restaurants to chose from, Italian, Greek, Aussie, Seafood, French! Just amazing, i reccom staying on the Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Hellfire Pass
Travel Recommendation
Location: Thailand
My Recommendation Tip: For the War history enthusiast, Hellfire Pass is a must see. Best place to start from is Kanchanarburi, about 4 hours to the west of Bangkok this is an area where many Allied soldiers lost their lives while building an unbelievable railway linking Thailand through Myanmar. A sobering experience to walk the tracks where hundreds of soldiers and local workers perished, all whilst listening to an audio commentary of what you see in front of you. Depending on how fit you are you can do a full day out at Hellfire Pass itself and walk the approximate 5 km of line that is available to see and the very realistic museum plus do a tour of the Kanchanarburi Death Railway Museum and Allied War Cemetery whilst in the city of Kanchanarburi itself. Or do an individual tour depending on what you want to see.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki
Travel Recommendation
Location: Osaka
My Recommendation Tip: A few hours west of Osaka is Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, it's the home of the blow fish and our friend just HAD to take us here to try the blowfish. It's said that unless the blowfish is prepared and cut by a certified professional you can die immediatly when you eat it. Sooo naturally i was scared but my friends had eaten at this restaurant before. It took about 20min to get in as the tables are always full, but once your seated you can take any item off of the little convaerbelt whenever you like. Each plate is a diff colour and signifies a diff price. After our tummies were full we walked through the hug aquarium and saw every type of blowfish possible and some cute penguins. A must do experience!
My Photos:
Nov182010
Bluey's Horse Riding Tour, Magnetic Island
Travel Recommendation
Location: Cairns & the Tropical North
My Recommendation Tip: Ok, so you want to get out and live a little?? Enjoy yourself?? Be romantic?? Here it is, whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider (this will either give you a longer or shorter horse ride) this caters for all. You end up on the beach to go for a swim with your horse to help you both cool off before heading back to the ranch. Very easy to get there, with a short bus trip from the main Ferry Terminal at Magnetic Island, the tour guides are very friendly, happy to answer questions and extremely patient with beginners. We had lunch at one of the main beaches before heading back to the Ferry and the mainland.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach.
Travel Recommendation
Location: The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
My Recommendation Tip: I've been on two of these cruises on two occasions, one with a group of work/girlfriends for a birthday and the other i wanted to bring my partner along since i believed it also had a romantic element to the cruise...It is only a flat boat with rails on the side but the ceiling can have fairy lights and draping, and a center table with stools to it and a small bar area that is nice and open, and i enjoyed sitting rugged up, with my glass of sparkling and floating around the harbour.. If you take the dinner and cruise option you will be dropped off at a jetty at the Coral Sea hotel's restaurant for your meal. Its a little tricky jumping from the boat to the jetty but the staff are there to help you out (just make sure you are able bodied with good sealegs, tipsy ladies in heals beware haha) the walk to the open pool side restaurant is about 2 mins at a reg walk. The first cruise the dinner was a 3 course set menu, the second time i cruised we managed to catch the seafood buffet night. The romance of the whole night sweeps you off your feet! I def recommend the Sundowner Sunset cruise.
My Photos:
Nov182010
Nov182010
Kanchanarburi Tiger Temple
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bangkok
My Recommendation Tip: So, if you are a wildlife lover then this is a must see!! From the tourist city of Kanchanarburi you can do an afternoon or morning tour to the "Tiger Temple" for just $30US for the basic fee of getting in and out it is worth it, depending on what sort of photos you want this can cost you up to another $30US for up close and personal photos. There is the "Cub feeding" option where you pay around $40US and get to go in with the tiny little Tiger cubs and play with them then bottle feed them for 45 mins..........if you love animals you HAVE TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth the coin to play with some of the most badass animals in the world. Just remember that this is a half day trip and doesn't include meals etc.
Nov182010
Helicoptor ride to a secluded island in Airlie Beach
Travel Recommendation
Location: The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
My Recommendation Tip: When we stayed at a hotel in Airlie beach, the package included a helicopter ride to a secluded island with a packed picnic.. this was perfectr since i had never been on a helicopter. This is a must do, and you are dropped off on a beautiful little island beach, and left to enjoy your surroundings for 45 mins then the helicopter returns. This was an amazing experience because the helicopter was so small you could only fit the pilot and two passengers, so the focus is all on you. The feeling of floating through the air was just magical also!
My Photos:
Nov182010
Tigers and Elephants!!!!
Travel Recommendation
Location: Bangkok
My Recommendation Tip: So with a day trip from Bangkok you can see the Tiger Temple near Kanchanarburi and also ride and feed an elephant before heading back late in the afternoon to Bangkok. Many different companies offer similar tours so make sure you shop around to get the most out of your day. Depending on how much you want to fit in you can put anything from, just Elephant Tour, just Tiger Tour or even just a river rafting tour along some scenic route, or you can combine two or I think three different things. The prices range anywhere from $50US to $150US depending on exactly how much you are doing, but remember these figures change a lot, have a look and get the best one for you at the time. Re accommodation while you're in Bangkok, Batong Road has lots of cheap backpacker areas but once again, have a look around, you never know what you can find at short notice......
My Photos:
Nov182010
Best hotel in Osaka, Sheraton Myako.
Travel Recommendation
Location: Osaka
My Recommendation Tip: With a shuttle bus too and from the Osaka airport, a central city location and just mins from the main train station did i mention english speaking staff...The Sheraton Meyako Hotel is great. What more could you want from this hotel? Their rooms are huge and luxurious! They have an in room massage service. They are located close to the Osaka Castle which is a must see! and an option for a late check out at $10/hour.
My Photos:
Nov182010
India....low and high lights...
Travel Recommendation
Location: New Delhi
My Recommendation Tip: If you've ever been to Asia then you will fit right in whilst in India. It's quite diverse and there are many different destinations depending on what you want to see. If you're after the "old style" experience, then head for the Taj Mahal and Red Fort which shouldn't cost anymore than $40US for a day trip. There's lots of culture packed in with plenty of interaction with the locals.... Or if you're after the straight out bustle of the city vs the stacked up feel of Old Delhi then just check with your local hotel for the latest tours to take you through both the Old and New Delhi areas...If you want the traditional style Indian food then head for the smaller style stalls in "Old Delhi", or if you get over than, stay with the more upmarket restaurants which provide the "westernised" Indian food...up to you, how much India experience do you really want???
My Photos:
Nov182010
Hidden Gem must see Island
Travel Recommendation
Location: Hanoi
My Recommendation Tip: "Cat Ba Island" Leave from Hanoi, for $50US you can have a 3 day adventure all inclusive, meals, accom, and transport to and from the island. Its a must see for singles and families as it can be a party island or a relaxing vacation. Numerous cafe's and bars line the main beach they all offer amazing services.
