Walking up to the fort, the weather is very hot - around 36c.
Admission fees.
There is big bathe tub for the queen to clean herself....
Steps to go down the bathe tub.
Showing posts with label UNESCO World Heritage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UNESCO World Heritage. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Agra Fort - UNESCO World Heritage site
Agra - After lunch, we went to Agra Fort and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mughals Emperor made this Fort their home.
Walking up to the fort, the weather is very hot - around 36c.
Admission fees.
There is big bathe tub for the queen to clean herself....
Steps to go down the bathe tub.
Walking up to the fort, the weather is very hot - around 36c.
Admission fees.
There is big bathe tub for the queen to clean herself....
Steps to go down the bathe tub.
Taj Mahal - UNESCO World Heritage site
Agra - By the time we reach Taj Mahal, it was already 11am - it took us more than 5hrs to reach here. This place of interest is the must see for many visitors to India and it was crowded. There is a entry price discrimination for foreigners paying Rp750 (S$ 18) whilst locals pay Rp20 only.
Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra and approximately 204 km south of New Dehli. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The building is really beautiful and was built by the Mughal Emperor - Shah Jahan in memory of his Third Wife.
It took 20,000 men 20 years to complete this white marble mausoleum. It was completed in 1653 - as such there are 16 gardens and 53 fountains to be found on the grounds of Taj Mahal.
The entrance to the Taj Mahal - the Western gate entrance.
I am touching the top of the Taj Mahal....
Looking through one of the marble lattice to peep at the Mosque.
The whole Taj Mahal is symetically in design - the left wall is the same in design as the right wall.
This is an optical illusion. The marble with the design has actual flat surfaces but when you look up from a distance this is what it appears.
Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra and approximately 204 km south of New Dehli. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The building is really beautiful and was built by the Mughal Emperor - Shah Jahan in memory of his Third Wife.
It took 20,000 men 20 years to complete this white marble mausoleum. It was completed in 1653 - as such there are 16 gardens and 53 fountains to be found on the grounds of Taj Mahal.
The entrance to the Taj Mahal - the Western gate entrance.
I am touching the top of the Taj Mahal....
Looking through one of the marble lattice to peep at the Mosque.
The whole Taj Mahal is symetically in design - the left wall is the same in design as the right wall.
This is an optical illusion. The marble with the design has actual flat surfaces but when you look up from a distance this is what it appears.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Ha Long Bay - day 1
Ha Long Bay - Woke up early and had breakfast. Our Tour to Ha Long Bay starts 8am - the coach arrive and took us on our journey to Ha Long Bay - it will be a 4hr ride.
Halong Bay (or the Bay of the Descending Dragon), one of the world's natural wonders, is located to the northeast of Vietnam about 4 hrs drive from Hanoi. Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square km, the bay contains 1,969 islands and is designated Unesco World Heritage site. The mainly limestone and karst formations are concentrated in two main areas: the southeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay and southwestern part of Halong Bay. The area has spectacular views and world-famous caves as part of Halong Bay Natural Heritage, which includes Halong Bay and part of Bai Tu Long Bay.
It took me about 1 1/2 months of researching to find the best Junk cruise for my family Ha Long Bay cruise. I found out many unscrupulous junk operators using old junks, add extra cost and cheats. So, I was very careful and found out this operator - Indo China Junk - http://www.indochina-junk.com/
Their junks are new and there are so many good reviews from guests that I trusted by paying the down payment for this trip.
After lunch, the Junk continue on its journey to our next destination for cave visiting and Kayaking.
Halong Bay (or the Bay of the Descending Dragon), one of the world's natural wonders, is located to the northeast of Vietnam about 4 hrs drive from Hanoi. Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square km, the bay contains 1,969 islands and is designated Unesco World Heritage site. The mainly limestone and karst formations are concentrated in two main areas: the southeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay and southwestern part of Halong Bay. The area has spectacular views and world-famous caves as part of Halong Bay Natural Heritage, which includes Halong Bay and part of Bai Tu Long Bay.
It took me about 1 1/2 months of researching to find the best Junk cruise for my family Ha Long Bay cruise. I found out many unscrupulous junk operators using old junks, add extra cost and cheats. So, I was very careful and found out this operator - Indo China Junk - http://www.indochina-junk.com/
Their junks are new and there are so many good reviews from guests that I trusted by paying the down payment for this trip.
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| Private jetty |
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| Boarding time |
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| Boarding the ferry boat to our Dragon Pearl II |
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| Beautiful Harbour |
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| That's our Junk for the next 2 days |
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| Welcome ceremony by the Junk crew (captain in red) |
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| Lunch - Prawns |
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| Pax loves his clams |
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| Tea Pot Island |
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| Monster Island |
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| Quin on the Sun Deck |
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| Red Dragon (sister Junk) |
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| From the cave you can see our Junk on the Horizon |
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| View from the Top of the cave |
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| At the Top of the Cave |
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| After kayaking - watching the Sunset |
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| Our Junk reflection of the Sunset |
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| Another view of the Sunset reflection |
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An - Hoi An Ancient Town is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You can check this on the UNESCO website (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/948). Hoi An was known as Faifoto by early Western merchants. It was a major trading center in South East ASia between the 16th and 17th Centuries, welcoming Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and merchant vessels from the Far East. Several streets have been kept relatively intact in Hoi An.
This ancient town stands still in its antiquated state where remnants of its French past can still be seen in architecture along the riverfront promenade. This town is dotted along the riverside with charming little cafes and souvenir shops, the lanes are small and getting around on foot is the best. Many of the lanes are closed off to cars too.
From Dong Khanh Hotel (our new hotel) to the Hoi An Ancient Town is a short 15 minutes walk. Our room had 4 beds for my family of 5 - the bathroom is clean and the room is cleaned daily.
The temperature was always constant around 17 celcius, very nice and cool.
This ancient town stands still in its antiquated state where remnants of its French past can still be seen in architecture along the riverfront promenade. This town is dotted along the riverside with charming little cafes and souvenir shops, the lanes are small and getting around on foot is the best. Many of the lanes are closed off to cars too.
From Dong Khanh Hotel (our new hotel) to the Hoi An Ancient Town is a short 15 minutes walk. Our room had 4 beds for my family of 5 - the bathroom is clean and the room is cleaned daily.
The temperature was always constant around 17 celcius, very nice and cool.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Seokguram Grotto
Gyeongju - Seokguram Grotto lies about 4km away from Bulguksa Temple driving up steep sloop towards the location.
The grotto was completed by the Silla court in 774, shortly after Gim's death. An old legend stated that Gim was reincarnated for his filial acts in his previous life. The legend relates that the Bulguksa Temple was dedicated to Gim’s parents in his present life while the Seokguram Grotto was dedicated to Gim's parents from a previous life.
List as one of UNESCO historical monument -http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/736
The grotto was completed by the Silla court in 774, shortly after Gim's death. An old legend stated that Gim was reincarnated for his filial acts in his previous life. The legend relates that the Bulguksa Temple was dedicated to Gim’s parents in his present life while the Seokguram Grotto was dedicated to Gim's parents from a previous life.
Entrance to the Seokguram Grotto
Parents pay for prayers for their children during Final exams
Young Jin helping himself to the flowing mountain water
Young Jin drinking from the cup provided
Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju - Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple and one of South Korea's historical treasures. Construction of this temple began in 751 but was burnt down by the invading Japanese in 1593.
Signature at the entrance of the temple
Entrance of the temple
Famous view of the temple
Stairs to the temple
The stairs to the temple is off limits and the only time visitors can climb the stairs is on the Birthday of Buddha. This is one of 2 remnants of the temple that survived the burning of the temple. Visitors have to go via a side entrance in order to come to this top of the stairs.
Another view from the top of the stairs
Side view from the top of the stairs
What does Living House mean?
Young Jin drinking from the flowing mountain water
Mr Kim filling his water bottle from the ever flowing mountain water tap
Another view of the mountain water
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur - It as a very interesting 1 1/2 hrs drive from Jogja to Borobudur. We had a tour guide and driver all to ourself - it was good.
Upon reaching Borobudur it was a spectacular site to behold, the biggest Buddhist temple of the world built around the 8th century. This temple is structured from about 55,000 sqm andesite stone (volcanic rock) and structured without any adhesive. This temple was buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th Century, which took 10 years with donations from UNESCO. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, are host to 2,672 relief carvins, 504 statues of Buddha and 72 stupas surrounding the main dome, each containing a statue of Buddha.
There are many Buddhist carvings all around the temple. The carvings along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world desires, pilgrims spiral up each level, passing through different realms to reach nirvana at the top.
Taman Sari/Water Castle - Quite a disappointment as it was dilapidated and badly need renovations and restorations to her previous glory. Built in 1758, it used as a splendid pleasure park of the Sultans and Royal families. Place of errie ruins, underground passages and a large subterranean mosque.
Ngasem/Bird Market - This is the oldest bird market in Jogyakarta and been operating since 1809.
Batik Factory - Indonesia traditional art, Batik textil printing and the word 'batik' origins is Javanese and from Jogja.
Kota Edge/Silver Town - Visted a Silver making factory. This town is famous as the producer of fine burnished silver.
On the way to Borobudur Temple
Motorbikes everywhere...
Upon reaching Borobudur it was a spectacular site to behold, the biggest Buddhist temple of the world built around the 8th century. This temple is structured from about 55,000 sqm andesite stone (volcanic rock) and structured without any adhesive. This temple was buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th Century, which took 10 years with donations from UNESCO. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, are host to 2,672 relief carvins, 504 statues of Buddha and 72 stupas surrounding the main dome, each containing a statue of Buddha.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur performance
Another Borobudur performances....
More like lego in children's play...maybe the biggest and ancient Lego ever built. Just beware of the many touts plying everything from T-shirts, Kris (traditional knife), wooden puppets, etc.
Borobudur Temple view from afar...
Climbing up the Borobudur Temple
There are many Buddhist carvings all around the temple. The carvings along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world desires, pilgrims spiral up each level, passing through different realms to reach nirvana at the top.
Carvings on the wall
that's Joe and I
View from the Top
Another beautiful view from the Top
Taman Sari/Water Castle - Quite a disappointment as it was dilapidated and badly need renovations and restorations to her previous glory. Built in 1758, it used as a splendid pleasure park of the Sultans and Royal families. Place of errie ruins, underground passages and a large subterranean mosque.
Me and the Tour Guide a the entrance
dilapidated water castle
Royal swimming pool ???
Entrance to the underground mosque
So many people in the Bird Market
Batik Factory - Indonesia traditional art, Batik textil printing and the word 'batik' origins is Javanese and from Jogja.
Kota Edge/Silver Town - Visted a Silver making factory. This town is famous as the producer of fine burnished silver.
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