15 THINGS TO DO IN PORTUGAL

Best Things to Do in Portugal

One of the things to do in Portugal is to travel the country and see the tourist spots which displays Portuguese ancestry as well their land and water riches. It is a country abundant in religious buildings constructed centuries ago that still exists to this day. You will surely enjoy the beauty of palaces, castles, monasteries and Roman Catholic cathedrals in Portugal. Here is a list of places that you must go visit in Portugal:

1. Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra

Termed as the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place has a lovely palace, a small chapel, and a beautiful park with some grottos, fountains and sculptures created many decades ago. This is a place to go to and one of the things to do in Portugal is to witness this grand palace.

This is a major scenic attraction in Portugal since it used to be the home of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro back in the early 1900’s. His family was extremely wealthy and thus, they had the money to build the palace. You may want to hire a Portugal travel guide if you like a tour.

2. Ponte de Dom Luís I – Porto

The Ponte de Dom Luis I is a bridge which is also a tourist spot in Portugal. It connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It opened in 1886 and has been preserved and maintained up until now. It means that this bridge has been serving Portugal for 130 years.

The bridge is a double decked and has a metal arch for support. It was 1982 when the bridge was termed “Property of Public Interest” by the Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage. To this day, both decks are in use for public and private transport.

3. Lisbon Oceanarium – Lisbon

Lisbon Oceanarium is the biggest enclosed Oceanarium not only in Portugal but the whole of Europe. It has four tanks all in all and is home to some rare marine fishes. It has the Ocean Sunfish which is the boniest fish in the world – it can weigh as heavy as 1,000 kilograms.

The Oceanarium is also a host to the Yellow Pufferfish – this type of fish puffs up and literally drinks water to enlarge itself making it a threat to predators. Afterwards, it goes back to its normal size.

4. Caldeira das Sete Cidades – Ponta Delgada

Here is another crater attraction but people actually live in it! A population of 858 people inhabits this small island which has a lot of natural beauty to offer tourists.

Each year there is a Green Trippin Camp being held in Sete Cidades. It is a musical festival which features trance-like rhythms. The Church of Sao Nicolau is the island’s place of prayer. It has a neo-gothic appeal.

One of the things to do in Portugal is to visit the two crater lakes in Sete Cidades – one of which has blue waters and the other one is green. The story behind it was a young love that needed to part and when their tears fell to the ground, it created the lakes – one green and one blue to represent the lover’s’ eyes.

5. Ponta da Piedade – Lagos

You can ask anyone who has been to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal and they will tell you that the sight is indeed crafted by God. Some tourists even said that they were teary-eyed just looking at the aqua-blue sea and the rock cliffs by the shore.

And speaking of the beach, you can ride a boat or a small yacht and explore the area. You don’t need a mask to look under the sea. From above, you can clearly see fishes swimming around because the water is so clear.

6. Jeronimos Monastery – Lisbon

The Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is fondly called by residents as the Monastery of the Hieronymites. The monastery is for the Order of Saint Jerome.

The structure was a status symbol back in the Age of Discovery. It displayed the prosperity and supremacy of the country. The architectural design adapted the Manueline style and the details included sea animals maybe because during that era, every able country ventured to the seas and captured lands.

7. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Founder’s Collection

The building structure is simple and not that grand. But the art collection inside it deserves attention so don’t judge a book by its cover. It has hidden treasures inside the museum like the statue of Bacchus created by Michael Rysbrack. It also has the Pallas Athen of Rembrandt circa 1655 and an Egyptian Funerary mask which was believed to have originated from the 30th Dynasty.

You will see at least 6,000 art collections of different natures and genres in this museum – some are Greco-Roman and some are from European inspirations.

8. Alfama – Lisbon

Alfama is an ancient district in Lisbon and its name came from an Arabic derivative Al-hamma which meant hot fountains. But there are no hot fountains in Alfama. What you will witness in this dainty old town is a maze of constricted streets. You also have to try their Remodelado trams – it is not like the regular trams anywhere in the world because the roads in Alfama are so narrow that only specialized trams are used.

The town used to be a poor man’s home but the stigma is now gone. Now, it is a historical site full of trendy possibilities.

9. Pico do Arieiro – Funchal

Everyone wants to touch the sky! And by that means being able to touch the clouds. It is not physically possible to do so but there is almost an alternative to that. Go to Pico do Arieiro and you will be able to see and “feel” the clouds below you – this is one of the things to do in Portugal.

Pico do Arieiro is a mountain and is the third highest summit in Portugal. It is now a well-managed tourist attraction and a Portugal travel guide is present to make the experience more convenient for you. There is a road leading to the top where you can see Porto Santo, the nearest island to it.

10. Convento da Ordem de Cristo – Tomar

This is a convent and castle rolled into one and the construction began in 1118 as supervised by the Templar Knights or the Order of Poor Knights of the Temple. At one point, the convent was a citadel and it defended Portugal from the attempt of Abu Yusuf al-Mansur to capture the place in 1190. But the Manueline-style structure was a strong fortress.

Today, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its history and artistic value. The details and sculptures built in this convent/castle is simply gorgeous – you will probably say that the sculptors from centuries ago, using their hands and simple carving materials, performed some magic.

11. Park and National Palace of Pena – Sintra

It is also called Pena Palace and it is the labor of love by King Ferdinand II. He had this palace built on top of the Sintra hills which was heavily influenced by Manueline and Moorish structure. King Ferdinand II was hands-on in the construction of this majestic Palace and from the park’s point of view, the royal home can be seen at all angles. The park enveloping the Palace consists of 500 varying species of trees from all over the world.

12. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – Lisbon

When you want to propose to the love of your life, this is the place that you should go to when in Portugal and about to pop the WILL YOU MARRY ME question. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Lisbon was a secret to the public until it was noticed by tour guides for its “miraculous” story.

The chapel in the area had a stone chair which was built for pregnant mothers and if you sit down there, your child-bearing experience will not be difficult. That’s the story. Also, this is a romantic place because it is on top of everything in Lisbon and one can easily overlook the place in its panoramic scenery.

13. Lagoa do Fogo – Sao Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo means Lagoon of Fire. It was named as such because this lake is actually a crater lake. It means that the lake is on the volcano. Now, it is by Sao Miguel decree and law that Lagoa do Fogo is a nature reserve.

The volcano has long been dormant. The last documented eruption was in 1563. It was proven that beneath the lake was a part of a bigger volcano until 5 million years ago when the top portion fell off and created the crater to which the lake is on right now. Some bird species dock on the crater and it is such a beautiful sight to see.

14. Cabo da Roca – Sintra

There is something about lighthouses that make people nostalgic and sentimental. So if you are one of those individuals, then, the Cabo da Roca will interest you. It is one of the six lighthouses constructed in the 1778 and near the Atlantic Ocean.

It is not an ordinary lighthouse, though, because the base of the tower is composed of nine other buildings. The people who manage the lighthouse take turns in doing so and they practically live on the base of the tower. It is also positioned at the cape’s end so, the scenery is literally breathtaking – most definitely one of the things to do in Portugal.

15. Zoomarine Algarve – Albufeira

Zoomarine is a theme park in Portugal which is also a Conservation and Science center for marine animal life. It has become a rehabilitation center for marine species in the country and it is the first one being established as such. They are working together with the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity to save aquatic animals, especially those at risk of being in the endangered species list.

Aside from that, Zoomarine is a park with its famous attraction – the dolphins.

15 THINGS TO DO IN CAMBODIA

Things to Do in Cambodia

What is in Cambodia? A lot of people are visiting the place because of its vast culture and heritage. It also has the most ancient Buddhist temples and the oldest cities in the world which are still present and existing – some of which are UNESCO recognized. They say that the best time to visit the country is before the rainy season which is during the months of April, May and June. Nevertheless, just to keep you on your toes – Wanderlust15 has come up with a Cambodia travel guide for you.

1. Angkor Wat

UNESCO has given their seal of approval to Angkor Wat and listed it as a World Heritage Site. The top one most famous tourist attraction in all of Cambodia is located at Siem Reap and it is the biggest area of worship in the entire world with 162.6 hectares of land. The temple was a gift of Hindu god Vishnu by the Khmer dynasty which later one became a public temple for the people in the 12th century. Don’t forget to go to Angkor Wat – it is one of the things to do in Cambodia.

2. Bayon

Bayon is one big temple with a lot of doorways and exits. The thing that distinguishes the temple of Bayon from other temples in Cambodia is its unique design – the walls are engraved with faces that are smiling back at you. King Jayavarman VII, a forward-thinking King of Cambodia, is the one responsible for the construction of Bayon in the 13th century. This is the second-most visited landmark in the country and is also well-preserved, at the moment.

3. Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Your holiday to Cambodia will not be complete if you don’t pass by the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city because of its architectural design and its significance. It was erected in 1866 and inspired architecturally in Khmer. It is a compound of structures and one of those building within is the home of the King. Since its foundation, it has been the official residence of Cambodia’s Royal Highness.

4. Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was a capital city back in the Khmer dynasty and for it to still linger after 800 years is truly miraculous. The whole city is 9 square kilometers and if you walk the guided paths, you will see eight centuries worth of temples, structures, monuments and architecture. It is a blessing to be in places like Angkor Thom because it has stood the test of time and have endured forces of nature and men, alike. The ancient city is simply overwhelming and to visit Angkor Thom is one of the things to do in Cambodia.

5. Banteay Srei

There are a lot of temples in Cambodia and Banteay Srei is one of those famous temples that tourists frequent in the country. For one, it is very ancient. It was built in the 10th century and it was a place of worship which was dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva.

The meaning of Banteay Srei is Citadel of Women or Beauty and the meaning of it is not far from the truth. The temple is really beautiful for its age and a true epitome of Angkorian architectural art.

6. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A very dark incident happened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia decades ago. During the Khmer Rouge command, it was documented that at least 20,000 prisoners were murdered that time and the Tuol Sleng was one of the “execution” centers of those killed. The area of the museum used to be a school called the Chao Ponhea Yat High School and it was transferred into a security prison. Today, it is a museum to remember those who were brutally slain. Chilling!

7. Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple is a historical building in Cambodia and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is believed that the temple was erected back in the 11th century but there was a hermitage found in the area and it was a 9th century design. A hermitage, in this context, is used to mean as a residence of people practicing a religious lifestyle. The temple is located at an isolated area and that adds to the value of the structure since it is still well-preserved even at this time.

8. Preah Khan

In the olden days, kings and royal family members, made monuments and buildings to honor their loved ones. The Preah Khan is one of those “honored” monuments for it was established to commemorate the father of King Jayavarman VII during the 12th century. The temple is within Angkor Archaeological Park – along with other important landmarks of the country and it can be found at the northern part of the park. One of the great things to do in Cambodia is to check out Preah Khan.

9. Banteay Kdei

They also call Banteay Kdei as the Citadel of Monks’ Cells. This Buddhist temple has been around since the 13th century and clearly, the whole temple is in ruins. But the Cambodian government is doing their fair share of restoring this historical landmark. At the moment, it is being renovated brick by brick so that people can see how beautiful this citadel was back in the day. You can still visit the area and if you appreciate archaeological monuments, this will make your day.

10. Bakong

Bakong is a man-made structure which was dated as early as 802 AD. People back then wanted to please their god called Shiva. They created an artificial mountain and on top of the mountain was a small temple. Century after century, the believers Shiva made improvements on Bakong and added towers made in sandstone and bricks. It has four levels, some causeways and doors leading to different parts of the area. It will be fun and exciting to explore Bakong.

11. National Museum of Cambodia

The best way to learn more about the country you are visiting and the people you will be socializing with while on your vacation is by going to their museum. With this, one of the things to do in Cambodia is to explore their National Museum. The history of Cambodia and its people are displayed right there – up until their independence from the French. It is also an archaeological and cultural museum. Ancient relics of the Khmer empire are protected there.

12. Beng Mealea

One of the most unforgettable sights in Cambodia is the Beng Mealea. The person responsible for the building of this once grand temple in the 12th century is Suryavarman II. It was not preserved or conserved but there is a hint of mystery in this place – some tourists say they get goose bumps while touring the ostentatious monument. Some people clean it out of goodwill because the jungle plants and roots of massive trees have consumed the whole area but even with that, it still it is a sight to worthy to see.

13. Independence Monument

The Independence Monument is a tourist landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The monument is located at the city central and locals pass by it every single day – admiring the structure. It has an Angkorian design and it was established to commemorate the Sybilles Cambodian Independence Day in 1958.

It is 20 meters high and was the work of renowned Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann. You can take pictures of the monument but tourists cannot go inside it.

14. Wat Phnom

Another historical site to view is the Wat Phnom. There is a story behind Wat Phnom which involves the most famous woman in the history of Cambodia – Penh. Penh lived in the 14th century and was fond of collecting Buddhist artifacts. The collections she made were preserved in this temple called Wat Phnom.

The interior of the wat glows in the dark – there are murals inside which covers the legends of Buddha and Cambodia. Up until now, the ceiling is still as is in its original state and was not touched for repair or preservation.

15. Wat Ounalom

Wat, in Khmer or the Cambodian language means Buddhist temple; and in Cambodia, temples are perhaps their most important and most popular tourist landmarks. Among the list of most visited attractions in Cambodia is Wat Ounalom. It is located at Phnom Penh and it is very near the Royal Palace, which is another tourist spot in the country. One of the things to do in Cambodia is to visit this historic wat which was established in 1422 by King Ponhea Yat. This is the residence of Cambodia’s Chief Monk.

15 THINGS TO DO IN KYRGYZSTAN

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is not a very flashy tourist destination if you want to see big buildings, intricately designed architectural structures and modern amusement parks. No, you won’t find that here. What you will mostly find in the country, as listed in this Kyrgyzstan travel guide, is abundance in natural beauty like lakes and summits. There are a few structures built centuries ago which complement the picturesque scenery of Kyrgyzstan.

1. Lake Issyk-Kul

Lake Issyk-Kul is the top most tourist attraction in the country. It is an endorheic basin meaning there is no water outflow to bigger rivers and seas. Amidst all that, the lake’s water is very clear and it is breathtaking to look at.

The lake is covered with short summits all around it which are sometimes capped in snow. But the shocking thing about the lake is that no matter how cold the surrounding is, Issyk-Kul never freezes. It is a must to visit this lake and it is one of the things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

2. Sulayman Mountain

The second-most famous landmark in Kyrgyzstan is the Sulayman Mountain. The mountain is located in Osh and is also inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2009. They termed it as Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain with a level iii and vi criteria. The organization called it a perfect epitome of a sacred mountain. It is believed that the Muslim prophet Sulayman was buried in this mountain – there used to be a shrine there where his remains lie and women who climb the treacherous mountain shrine is rewarded with healthy children.

3. Altyn Arashan

The meaning of Altyn Arashan is Golden Spa and it is an alpine valley close to Karakol and Issyk-Kul Lake. It has thermal springs and very stunning forest scenery which is 2,300 meters above sea level. Within the area is the Arashan State Nature Reserve. It is a botanical research center which takes care of twenty snow leopards and some bears. If you are into mountain hiking, this is a great location to do just that.

4. Ala Archa National Park

Here is another alpine forest located in Tian Shan Mountains. The Ala Archa National Park is known for its Ala-Archa River gorge and the peaks surrounding it. Locals who want to get away from their busy Monday-to-Friday life in Bishkek go to the park and plan a weekend stay. They bring their own tents and food. Activities like river swimming and mountain trekking is on the to-do list in Ala Archa. On the base of the mountain, it can be dry; but on top, you may be able to experience walking on glaciers.

5. Burana Tower

They also call Burana Tower as the Ruins of Balasagun. In actual, it is a minaret – an Islamic-style tower. It is called as such because it is the only structure left in the ancient city of Balasugan which dates back to 11th-12th century and there is a legend behind the tower. To visit this tower is one of the things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

It used to be the home of a princess back in the day. Her father, the King, had to exile her daughter because of a witch’s premonition. The witch told the King that her daughter will die when she steps the age of 18. And even if she was kept there, she still died as envisioned. A poisonous spider bit her.

6. Osh Bazaar

When in Kyrgyzstan, don’t forget to pass by Osh Bazaar in Bishkek. You will everything “Kyrgyzstan” within the open market stalls. There are food, home essentials, clothing and more. It would be like Pan’s Labyrinth inside meaning it is easy to get lost! The Bazaar is really big but travelers have commented that people are very friendly and accommodating.

Did you say cheap? Yes. You can bargain the already low price of the goods. You might even get lucky and receive a 20% discount on your purchases.

7. Ala-Too Square

The Ala-Too Square is located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and it is one of the most visited landmarks in the country. Residents, locals and tourists flock the area because of its importance. When there are state celebrations or affairs, it usually happens in the square.

Back in 2005, more than 15,000 were there in Ala-Too Square for a protest. They wanted to oust Askar Akayev from office; he was the first president of the country. They succeeded in doing so but had a hundred comrades injured in the process while two have perished in the event.

8. Toktogul

Actually, Toktogul is a town in Kyrgyzstan with natural and man-made attractions. One of its natural tourist spots is Lake Toktogul. If you are in the town center, just walk up to the edge and you will see the beautiful lake. It would also be nice to swing by the Kara-Su Village and take a picture of their non-functioning in-the-forest Ferris wheel.

You also have to try the Toktogul ice cream in the bazaar. It is something different to the taste and uniquely Kyrgyzstan. One of the things to do in Kyrgyzstan is to stop by Toktogul and experience serenity.

9. Lenin Peak

Lenin Peak is a mountain shared by Kyrgyzstan with Tajikistan. It is a 7,134-meter climb but even amateur mountaineers say that it is fairly easy to overcome. The mountain is the second tallest peak in both countries and it was discovered in 1871. It is also part of the Trans Alay Range.

They used to call it Mount Kaufmann after Konstantin Kaufman, Turkestan’s Governor-General in 1867. A few decades after that, it was renamed as Lenin Peak in honor of Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary leader.

10. Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve was recognized by UNESCO in 1978 as part of the Ecological Sciences for Sustainable Development. It is located in the Tien Shan Mountains with an area of 23,868 hectares. It is considered an alpine forest with lots of flora and fauna. For example, you will be able to see Walnut, Fir, Spruce and Juniper here. There are also grape meadows with some apples and pears. A nut forest area also exists in the nature reserve.

11. Tash Rabat

The Tash Rabat Complex is located in the middle of mountains of At Bashy District in Naryn Province. The travel is about 90 minutes from Naryn central and 3,200 meters up. Once you get there, the air is crisp and fresh plus you’ll get to see this 10th century monument. One of the things to do in Kyrgyzstan is to visit Tash Rabat.

Some say it used to be an inn for the Great Silk Road. Others believed it was a Buddhist monastery. The history is quite vague. The only thing certain about it is that the complex it has thirty rooms and a central hall. The materials used to make it were clay and crushed stone.

12. Manas Ordo Complex

The Manas Ordo Complex is a historical place for the people of Kyrgyzstan because their war hero named Manas was buried in the area. The burial site was later on made into a mausoleum in honor of their hero. It was believed to have been created in 1334 AD with a “bizarre” inscription. On his mausoleum it said something like – this mausoleum is dedicated to Kenizek-Khatun, the daughter of Emir Abuka. This was done through the wishes of Kanikey, the wife of Manas.

13. Karakol Mosque

It has many names – Karakol Mosque, Dungan Mosque and Issyk-kul Central Mosque of Karakol City. Karakol Mosque was established by a man named Ibrahim Aji with the help of Chou Seu, a well-known architect in Beijing that time. It was 1904 when construction of the mosque began and they completed it in 6 years. Can you imagine a structure without nails? Well, the mosque is one of those nail-less buildings and to this day, it functions as a sturdy prayer house for Muslims.

14. Zhashyl-Kol

Kyrgyzstan is not big on structures and skyscrapers. But what it has that other countries lack is the beauty of nature. One of the things to do in Kyrgyzstan is to explore their natural attractions like the Zhashyl-Kol. Zhashyl-Kol is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country and in Kyrgyz dialect – the name means “green lake” – when the sun shines on the water, it exudes an emerald color. And that’s not all. You have to climb the Chon-Kemin Valley just to see this scenic wonder because it is 3,200 meters above sea level!

15. Shakh-Fazil Archaeological Complex

There is a story behind the Shakh-Fazil Archaeological Complex. It all started more than 1,000 years ago when the Muslims invaded Ferghana Valley (the area). The locals weren’t happy about it and so they plotted to kill their captors during their most vulnerable time (Friday prayer congregation) and they succeeded.

A local woman by the name of Bulan, who was a faithful consort to Jarir (the Arab leader), tended to the dead soldiers and Allah rewarded her. Jarir’s son, Shakh-Fazil, learned about the ambush, he came back and captured the place. He was the one who had the mausoleum created. Today, you will see Bulan’s shrine in the area and a necropolis of the 2,700 soldiers who died in the massacre.