15 THINGS TO DO IN THE MALDIVES

Things to Do in the Maldives

Maldives is an Islamic state and their government requires all citizens to be Muslims. It is written in their constitution that in order to be citizen, one must convert to Islam. But non-Muslim travelers are very much welcome to explore this ultra-small country. In fact, it is the 8th smallest country in the whole world. So, you ask – what is worth seeing in Maldives? Well, to answer your query, here is a complete Maldives travel guide for the beach lover like you.

1. Hulhumale

The most visited place in Maldives is Hulhumale. It’s not a natural island. Hulhumale is an artificial one and it was created to extend the land area of the country. Most of the country’s resident live here and that’s about 30,000 people. It has an area of 2 square kilometers with various building developments. It has the Mosque of Hulhumale which can accommodate 1,500 worshippers. The area is filled with housing units and construction is ongoing to this day.

2. Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives

The Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives is part of UNESCO’s tentative list which was submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It is a compilation of mosques in Maldives – the Ihavandhoo, Meedhoo, the Male, the Fenfushi, the Male Eid, and Isdhoo Old Mosques. The first four mosques mentioned are all Friday mosques. These mosques were submitted to UNESCO for review because of its historical significance and sea-culture architectural design. One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit these 12th century structures. It will be worth your time.

3. National Museum of Maldives

Prime Minister Mohamed Amin Didi inaugurated the sole national museum in the country back in 1952. It was opened on Maldives National Day which was in the 11th of November.

The main purpose of the Prime Minister back then as to why he initiated the museum is for preservation of history and teaching the Maldives people of what the country is and how they came about all those centuries ago. They have relics from the Buddhist and pre-Islamic era up to the recent times. The building is located at Sultan Park, another one of Maldives tourist attractions.

4. Hulhule Island

All foreigners are to pass by Hulhulé Island in Maldives because the international airport is located there. Some stay here for the duration of their vacation and check in at the Hulhule Island Hotel. It’s not really a resort hotel and is more like a backpackers lodge but it is the only hotel in the island so it will have to do. Other vacationers do some island hopping so as to see the other islands in the country starting with Hulhule. Good thing the beach there is heavenly and most of the time, peaceful.

5. Villingili

Villingili is a resort located in Seenu Atoll. Actually, it is the one and only resort in the area which was built by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. This project was through the efforts of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as he made a deal with the company to create a posh beach resort. It was partly subsidized by the government.

Today, there are 132 villas in the area and one of the things to do in Maldives is to go there and relax, basically. It has a golf course (the only golf course in the whole country) and also nearby is Mount Villingili, the only summit in the country.

6. Hanifaru Bay

There are no people living near the Hanifaru Bay but it is a tourist spot in Maldives because of its rich waters. Vacationers go there to swim and dive along with manta rays and get this, there are whale sharks too! Of course you can’t observe these sharks in close proximity but you can see them from above. If you are planning to visit Hanifaru Bay to see these lovely sea creatures, the best time to go there is between the months of May to November since manta rays fill up the bay during that period.

7. Meedhoo

The most ancient place in Maldives and the most populated at that is the Meedhoo. It is also called the Midu and is located at the Addu Atoll Island. In Sanskrit language, Meedhoo means Big Island and it is believed that people have started living there since 1000 BC. The whole area is 2.3 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide. Not many people live here as there are only 2,806 residents as of the 2013 census. Still, visitors from other countries pass by Meedhoo just to experience the place.

8. Hithadhoo

Hithadhoo is the second biggest island in Maldives with 11,129 residents according to a 2014 census. The place is famous for its beaches and many tourists stay here for a night or two. One of the things to do in Maldives is to explore Hithadhoo on foot since it’s not too big. The whole island is only 6 kilometers long. The island is filled with wetlands and it is filled with green shrubs and Palm trees. The Equatorial Convention Centre is situated there.

9. Kuruhinna Tharaagandu

Kuruhinna Tharaagandu is an archaeological site which was discovered in 1996 at Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. It was the location of a Buddhist temple back in the 7th century before Islam was spread in the country. The whole edifice was made in coral stone and sixty four structures were excavated in two years. Soon after exposure, the coral stones started to erode and wither. Since 2008, the site has received preservation efforts from the US under the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation group.

10. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

One of the famous attractions in Maldives is the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. It is literally underwater and you can see a family of stingrays swimming above you. The experience of travelers going here is unique and the word coming out of their mouths is – AMAZING.

The word Ithaa means Mother of Pearl and the restaurant is 16 feet below sea level. Only 14 guests can occupy the restaurant at one time and if you are in your honeymoon, this is the best place to go and eat sumptuous meals.

11. Mulee-aage Palace

The Mulee-aage Palace is the official home of the President of Maldives since 2009. It was built in the early 20th century (1914) and was completed after five years. President Mohamed Nasheed found it fitting to live there because the Theemuge was too highly for him. It is located in Male and to be honest, it is a very modest place for a President of a country to be living in. It just shows that President Nasheed and the president after him are grounded people who are in a true sense, a public servant.

12. Medhu Ziyaaraiy

Being the person who introduced Islam to the people of Maldives and helped them convert back to the belief, Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary was “immortalized” by his Islam brothers through the Medhu Ziyaaraiy Mausoleum. A story about Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary back in the 12th century was a bit folklore-like but it was passed on from one generation to the next. Adbul recited the Qur’an to ward off an evil sea monster from killing a virgin girl in Maldives. Because of this, the King reverted back to Islam and compelled everyone in the country to do the same. One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit this place.

13. Utheemu Ganduvaru

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu back in the 16th century. Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu is a national hero and leader of Maldives until his death in 1585. He relentlessly fought Portuguese invaders who wanted to capture the country. If you want to see 16th century homes in Maldives – how the “elite” people back then lived like – just go to Utheemu Ganduvaru. This is where the Sultan was born and raised by his parents.

14. Sultan Park

The 16th century Sultan Park is an important and historic place in Maldives. It is what remains of the Sultanate era and at this time; the Maldives government has exhausted all efforts to maintain this scenic attraction. Most tour packages include the Sultan Park in their itinerary and travelers are brought to the ruins of the Royal Palace and the Old National Museum. It is the only well-maintained flora and fauna section in the country which locals and tourists love to spend time in.

15. Theemuge

One of the things to do in Maldives is to visit Theemuge. The landmark, Theemuge in Maldives, is not similar to the term House of Theemuge. Theemuge as a landmark or tourist attraction refers to the previous presidential palace of the country. It was used as the president’s “home” until 2008 when the elected president felt that it was too highly to stay there.

The House of Theemuge refers to a dynasty back in the 12th century and it is in no way connected with the tourist attraction called Theemuge.

15 PLACES TO VISIT IN MONGOLIA

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

A true traveler will go to a place just to experience what it is in a heartbeat. It’s not about the shopping districts or the big malls and the skyscrapers. Sure, it would be nice to go to a place with modern amenities left and right but Mongolia is not like that at all. Actually, the country brings so much more than that. If you are in the truest sense a “traveler”, go to Mongolia. Here are the best places to visit in Mongolia and experience it with a backpacker’s heart.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

The top one landmark of Mongolia and a famous tourist attraction in the country is the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. From the capital, you will have to travel thirty seven kilometers east, which on a fast truck will take you 10-15 minutes. Along the way, there are many tourist bed camps, food houses and souvenir shops. Rock climbing is the main activity here but there are other things to do as well. If you love nature and like seeing new things, you will love this park.

2. Erdene Zuu Monastery

The Erdene Zuu Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the inscription Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It was inscribed in 2004 with criteria levels ii, iii and iv.

The monastery was initiated by Abtai Sain Khan in 1585 and like many temples in Mongolia; it has a Tibetan-Buddhist architectural style. If you are planning to see this monastery, then, you will be in for a treat because there many other structures to explore in the valley. One day is not enough, literally.

3. Choijin Lama Temple

The Choijin Lama Temple is situated in Ulaanbaatar and it was established in 1904. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this Tibetan-Buddhist type temple because it boasts of its intricate roof designs, unlike any other Buddhist temple in the country. After its establishment in 1904, construction began and after four years, the temple was completed. The temple was for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the brother of Bogd Khan, and it was named after him. A statue of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav is present in the temple area.

4. Chinggis Square

The Chinggis Square is also termed as the Sükhbaatar Square. Some people call it the Genghis Khan Square because it was constructed in his honor. He is by the way the founder of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. No wonder the country filled with monuments in his name.

There are many structures within the square like the Government Palace, the Ulaanbaatar Bank and the Sükhbaatar monument, among others. It is a historical place which shows a glimpse of past and future Mongolia.

5. Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Another one of the most famous attractions in Mongolia is the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. It is a Tibetan Buddhist temple which was constructed in 1727 by the Yongzheng Emperor. It has more than 150 monks at the moment and it belongs in the Gelug sect.

The whole complex has a Golden Temple and a Golden Indoor Statue called the Avalokiteśvara. The same statue has been recognized as the highest indoor statue in the whole world which towers at 16.5 meters. The statue is 20 years old at this time.

6. Tsenkher Hot Spa

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Tsenkher Hot Spa or Hot Springs. It is located in Arkhangai which used to be a volcano-infested place. It was believed that the hot spa was formed because of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Ever since then, water on the spa has always been at 85.5°C. Too warm but a good kind of warm, right?

The locals also believe that the hot springs has a medicinal effect. People with diseases of the nervous system bathe in the springs for its therapeutic result.

7. Sky Resort

The Sky Resort is a ski resort near the capital city, Ulaanbaatar of Mongolia. The trails were divided in three categories – Easier, More Difficult and Most Difficult. The newbies can try the Easier trail. There is also a ski school and a slope for those who want to use the snow sled.

One of the things to do in Mongolia is to visit the Sky Resort. There are tour packages being offered along with various winter activities to go with it. The best time to go here is anytime between the months of November to early April.

8. The Flaming Cliffs

The The Flaming Cliffs has many names. Some locals call it the Bayan Zag. Others refer to it as the Bain-Dzak. In English, people call it the Red Cliffs. So many names for a grand natural attraction – the Flaming Cliffs are located at the Ömnögovi Province and are a part of the Gobi Desert. It is an important location because dinosaur remains were found here. There were eggs that were also discovered in the area as well. Why is it called the Flaming Cliffs? Have you seen its picture? Well, because of sandstone, the colors change during sunset and it appears to be reddish orange.

9. Orkhon Khurkhree and Tuvkhun Monastery

The Orkhon Khurkhree is also known as the Waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan (Orkhon) and it is one of the best places to visit in Mongolia. The falls is majestic, according to its many spectators and people hike up the mountain just to see its splendor. The falls is continuously flowing 16 meters down. If you carefully observe the river where the falls is connected with, the water is so pristine. The whole place is just magical. Some tourists bring their overnight pack and sleep in the area. Tuvkhun Monastery is within the vicinity, too.

10. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Travelers who have been to Mongolia say good things about the Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. It is located in Arkhangai province and is known as a park that “takes your breath away”. It is a bit far from Ulaanbaatar and you will have to travel almost 600 kilometers just to get there. Even if it is a long drive, the journey is worth it and you will surely love the national park. It is surrounded by the Khangai Mountains and some endangered flora species live there too. You will also see wild animals and rare forest herbs within the vicinity.

11. Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park

The Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park is a nature reserve which means that the national park is being managed and maintained by an organization to preserve the trees, plants and flowers living there as well as the animal wildlife present in the park. It is a mountainous region and a part of Gobi desert is right there too which you can explore. You can go horseback riding or jump on the back of a camel for a change. There are many things to do in Mongolia and one of those is to explore the Khugnu Khan.

12. Ugii Lake

The Ugii Lake or Ögii Lake for some Mongolian people is a Ramsar Site of International Importance. This title is bestowed only on natural attractions that are conserved – it is a treaty and a convention on wetlands by many countries in the world. It is a shallow lake and its deepest part is around fifteen meters only. Birds and fish live and thrive on and around the lake. Because of its importance and scenic appeal, tourists stay at the camps and preoccupy themselves with things to do around the area.

13. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Who in this world doesn’t know the name Genghis Khan? By the mere mention of his name, people shiver in fear. He was a fearless Nomadic leader and even after his death, he was praised and his ways was followed. This is the reason why the Genghis Khan Statue Complex was constructed – so that even after centuries, his legend remains. The complex is home to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue which was finished in 2008. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this complex so that you’ll have more knowledge about the great Genghis Khan.

14. Zaisan Memorial

Mongolia has suffered deeply during the World War II and to commemorate the fallen soldiers in their land, the Zaisan Memorial was erected. The monument is a clear example of undying friendship between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Mongolia and it is a nice structure to see with such history. You just need to walk up the hill in order to view the monument. While on top, you will also bear witness to the beauty of Ulaanbaatar as you can get a bird’s eye view. You will also see the Tuul River flowing below the valley.

15. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Ulaanbaatar. It is a Russian-affiliated Christian place of worship which they also call the Trinity Church and it can be found in Bayanzurkh Street. The temple was created because of the Convention of Peking agreement between the Russians in 1860. The Consulate brought with him people who were Christian believers and they required a religious monument. So in 1864, the church was inaugurated and the first mass was held. It has always been well-maintained as you can see in the picture and was renovated seven years ago.

15 THINGS TO DO IN MALAYSIA

Things to Do in Malaysia

Malaysia is a tourist hub in Southeast Asia with a tag line – Malaysia, Truly Asia. Not many Americans and Europeans drop by the place. In fact, Asians are the frequent visitors of the country because they know what they can experience in this small but far-reaching vacation spot. This Malaysia travel guide from Wanderlust15 will assist you on which places to go and things to do in Malaysia. Spread your wings a little bit more and take a chance on this lively country.

1. Petronas Towers

The most famous landmark in all of Malaysia is the Petronas Towers. They also call it the Petronas Twin Towers and to date, it is the tallest twin towers in the whole world. From its erection until 2004, it was the tallest building in the planet until Taipei 101. Still, it is an iconic piece of architectural design and is part of world history. All in all, the tower has 88 floors with forty elevators on each tower. One of the things to do in Malaysia is to visit this tower and marvel at its grandness.

2. Mount Kinabalu

Are you a mountain climber? Do you love to trek the base of a peak? Are you a backpacking traveler and into hiking? If you said yes to all these questions, then, go to Mount Kinabalu. It is 4,096 meters high and one of the most famous natural tourist spots in Malaysia. A climbing permit must be secured before going up the summit and a maximum of 130 climbers are allowed a permit to climb each day. So if you are up for it, then, reserve for your slot beforehand.

3. Bukit Bintang

Now, Malaysia is a shopping hub for Asians and when shopping is concerned, the best place to be is Bukit Bintang. The shopping district starts in Raja Chulan Road and stretches up to Pudu Road. There are many major malls within the area like the Berjaya Times Square which is the 13th largest mall in the whole world. The Starhill Gallery is also there and it is the more luxurious mall in the whole country with well-known fashion houses, lavish boutiques and more.

4. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

One of the things to do in Malaysia is to visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. If you are a bird lover, then, this will be like a tour in heaven for you. Majority of the birds living in the park are local and from Malaysia. About 10% of the birds were imported from other countries. The park has over 3,000 birds living happily within their walls and that’s about 200 bird species in there. You will find Rainbow lorikeets, Milky storks, Red lorry and Egret and Peacock in the park, among others.

5. Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si means the Temple of Supreme Bliss or Temple of Ultimate Happiness in Chinese. It is a temple for Buddhist believers and is part of the pilgrimage by worshippers of Buddha. The temple was constructed for forty years from 1890 to 1930. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Malaysia and to think, the whole temple is a combination of architectural styles. The “pagoda” consists of Chinese, Thai and Burmese designs. You will see the distinctive variation when you get there.

6. Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is the biggest Islamic arts museum in Southeast Asia with more or less seven thousand Islamic relics. The Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Tourism Award Organization recognized the museum as a Platinum Award-Tourist Attraction (Culture, Arts and Heritage) Category awardee. It was established in 1998 and the interior has 12 different galleries. Everything about Islam can be found here like the Qur’an and olden day’s manuscripts, Islamic glassware, gold jewelry, important textile and cloths, weapons and more.

7. Langkawi Cable Car

One of the things to do in Malaysia is to ride the Langkawi Cable Car. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is a must to do when in the country. They also call it the Langkawi Skycab and it is one of the most famous attractions in Kedah, Malaysia. If you are up for an aerial adventure, you have to ride this skycab from Oriental Village to Gunung Machinchang. It takes about 15 minutes to arrive to the destination; so for those with queasy stomachs, this is the exhilarating challenge for you!

8. KLCC Park

KLCC Park is an open park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was founded by KLCC Properties and the purpose of the park is to provide an attractive landscape near the most famous tourist attraction in Malaysia, the Petronas Towers. The park was revealed to the public in 1998 and all in all, it is 20 hectares big and it has no entrance fee. It has a mosque, a jogging track, a kid’s playground, man-made waterfalls, fountains and pools, and an artificial lake called Symphony.

9. Taman Negara

Teman Negara is a park which used to be called the King George V National Park back in the late 1930’s. The term Teman Negara means National Park in Malay dialect and it is home to the one of the world’s most ancient tropical rainforest. It is believed that the rainforest in the park is at least 130 million years old. If you are up for an ecotourism tour, Taman Negara is one of the parks to go to in the country.

10. Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is also known as the Resorts World Genting. It is a casino type hill resort which was founded in 1965. It has survived this long which makes it an important and thriving tourist attraction in Pahang. The resort is on top of the Titiwangsa Mountains which has an elevation of 1,740 meters. You can drive up the hill from Kuala Lumpur which takes about 60 minutes or you can ride the Genting Skyway, a gondola lift up to the resort.

11. Putra Mosque

Putra Mosque or the Masjid Putra is a Sunni-affiliated mosque in Putrajaya. It was established in1997 and it was reported that this beautiful mosque incurred 80M US dollars in construction expenses. It is massive and can hold 15,000 worshippers at a time. Even if you’re not a Muslim, one of the things to do in Malaysia is to visit the Putra Mosque. Everyone is welcome to explore it. The mosque is a very important landmark and tourist attraction in the country.

12. Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and it was inscribed with criteria of vii, viii, ix and x. It means that the National Park has encompassed the following – (vii) means that the beauty of the park is unique; (viii) means that the park represents evolution of planet Earth in an excellent manner; (ix) means that the area is a biological home to many water and land plants and animals; and (x) means that endangered species live within the park because of its natural habitat.

13. Batu Caves

Batu Caves is another tourist spot in the country and it is a landmark as well. The caves are filled with limestone within and even if it is a challenge to climb up the cave, Hindu believers do it without reservation because this is also their place of worship. The shrine on the hill was created by K. Thamboosamy Pillay in 1891 and it was designed according to Dravidian Architecture. The stairs is almost 100 years old and all in all, one must climb 272 steps just to get on top.

14. Kuala Lumpur Tower

One of the things to do in Malaysia is to visit the Kuala Lumpur Tower. It is a famous landmark in the country and the tower itself offers a lot more than a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur. Every year, there is a race in the tower – the fastest person to climb the tower wins. It has six floors and it is the 7th highest free-standing tower in the whole world. What things does the tower offer? For one, you can arrange for a base jumping experience. There is also an Islamic observatory inside the tower.

15. Penang Hill

Penang Hill is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Malaysia. Actually, the whole hill is a resort with many activities and things to be busy with. In Malay tongue, they call it Bukit Bendera and it is 833 meters above the ground. The climate up there is very cool for a tropical country especially during the months of June to October. If ever you want to go up the hill, just ride the Penang Hill Railway since it’s the most accessible transportation to the place.