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>> The Hong Kong International Tea Fair

The Hong Kong International Tea Fair is organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association. The most important exhibit groups comprise of packaging, processing, art, media and processing equipment related to the industry.

The exhibitors are mostly local, but there is also a representation from China, India, Sri Lanka and other parts of the Asian Pacific. Cities all around the globe have taken up tea drinking as a way of life. Moreover, tea has benefits for health and well-being.

This is in addition to tea being a refreshing drink which can be enjoyed any time of the day. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be worked off from 13th to the 15th of August 2009 and will unquestionably be the hallmark for tea merchants and other manufacturers associated with tea. What makes this trade fair out of the ordinary is that Hong Kong does not produce tea and as a result is neutral in its endorsement of tea. Tea is considered as the countrywide drink of China.

Moreover, 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. This makes the Hong Kong International Tea Fair the ideal place for tea traders to display their product and the Chinese tea culture to the whole planet. Connected with the fair are programs targeted at imparting a routine of drinking tea. This will consist of a tea gallery, tea competition, and tea ceremony demonstration, attracting guests and getting the attention of the media.

>> Sea World Indonesia

Sea World Indonesia, now the biggest oceanarium to be found in South East Asia was built in less than two years. In 1992 in the month of October the Governor of Jakarta laid the foundation stone in a three acre land with the mission of conservation, education and recreation for the themed park. Indonesia has always valued it seas which features some of the most diverse coral reefs that can be found in the world. Sea World found in Jakarta is open to the public to gain an understanding as to the habitats and nature of all marine life.

The entire park is based around not only providing information, but the displays and exhibits provide a unique form of entertainment that is visually stimulating and exciting. Sea World Indonesia showcases nearly 3500 aquatic animals, of which some of them you will have the opportunity to feed. Or simply watch the trained and professional staff feeding the animals themselves, including sharks.

Contained in 5 million litres of sea water are thousands of Indonesia's most spectacular animals in the main aquarium, all that separates you from them is an acrylic tunnel. Watch a manta ray glide through the waters above you, and seemingly harmless and oblivious to anyone is a predatory shark alongside. Picture perfect from the large acrylic window, you can't help but me amazed and humbled. Walk over to the freshwater aquarium where you can see the beautiful marine life from the Amazon River and other parts of the world. Gaze at the giant arapaima fish that can reach an astonishing length of six feet, or let your gaze fall on a shoal of piranha swimming by or the stunning electric eel may catch your eye.

Sea World is home to a host of marine life and coral reefs. And there is no ecosystem in the world to be compared with the stimulating colours and dynamics of the coral reef. A spectacular display of coloured fish and corals await you in the marine area. Watch the guileless clownfish swim safely through the poisonous tentacles of a sea anemone. Divers hand feed the marine life in the amphitheatre, be amazed while you watch sharks, sea turtles, groupers, piranhas, crocodiles, dugong and other fish. Not to leave you feeling left out, using long sticks you can also try a hand at feeding sharks, sea turtles and a baby crocodile or two.

Dedicate as many hours as you can to visit Sea World Indonesia, so rich in entertainment and things to learn no matter how old you are. Don't miss out on an experience of a life time and take time to explore these attractions while you stay or live in Jakarta, Indonesia.

>> Sultan Mosque - One of the most significant mosques in Singapore 

Singapore's Sultan Mosque is to be found in the Rochor Planning Area inside the Kampong Glam district. When Singapore was given up to the British in 1819, Sultan Hussain Shah of Johore whose reign saw the collapse of Singapore and the head of the country, Temenggong Abdul Rahman, got hold of diminutive riches in return for their control. Currently the mosque is owned by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura.

Sultan Hussain made up his mind to put up a mosque applicable to his standing. He erected a mosque adjacent to his palace in the mid 1820's with financial resources obtained from the renowned and cash rich East India Company. Subsequently, the original building was replaced with a new mosque. The prayer hall and domes draw attention to the mosque's sterling parts.

Until 1879, the Sultan's grandson was in charge of managing the mosque. Five area chiefs then took it over. In the year 1914, the charter was increased by the regime for an additional 999 years and there was a change in the board of trustees, with a couple of delegates from each section of the Islamic group of people. A yearly stipend was offered to the Temenggong and the Sultan by Sir Stamford Raffles. In addition, Kampong Glam was given for their residence.

Sultan Mosque turned out to be too small for Singapore after it had developed into the hub for Islamic art, trade and customs. The trustees agreed to construct a new place of worship when the mosque became a hundred years old. Denis Santry of Swan, a builder, added in balustrades and minarets. It was finished in the late 1920's. It was made a state monument in the year 1975. Travelers can stay at a Singapore serviced apartment like the Somerset Compass when they are done touring the Sultan Mosque. This will also enable them to see the varied sites that a beautiful island like Singapore has to offer.

>> Asian Civilizations Museum

Asian Civilisations Museum: A Museum Of Asian Cultures...

>> Singapore: Culinary Paradise Like No Other 

>> One of Singapore's Hottest Tourist Attractions

A far cry from the consoles that you hold on your favourite game station, the Flight Experience in Singapore is as good as flying a commercial airplane. Get ready to take to the skies in this thrilling simulator that gives you life like imageries and controls. A flight can last from anything between 30 minutes to 90 minutes. And if you frequent the place often enough, you can rack up some frequent flyers miles and get discounts.

Start your flying session by making a selection of which airport you would like to land and take off in, you will find the runways identical to the existing ones. If you fancy landing somewhere exotic as Maldives, or as commercial as JFK Airport, it is only a matter of choice, of which you will be spoilt for it.

Your instructor will give you a full debriefing to ensure that you are ready to fly the plane. Be strapped in to the captain's seat, your feet on the rudder pedals and your left hand on the control column, whilst your right is on the thrust levers.

Ensuring a life like experience, you can't take off without permission from Air Traffic Control. Advance the throttle and be ready to be hurtling down the runway for take off, climb 2000 feet and then make a 45 degree turn away from the airport. Enjoy an original replica of the cockpit, that a similar version is used for training of commercial pilots. Take in the stunning scenery, watching out for oncoming traffic, maintain your altitude and speed and get ready to cruise the skies.

Make sure to experience the thrill, on your next stay in a Singapore hotel. This flight simulator is ideal for adrenaline rush seekers, aviation enthusiasts or the curious and a definitely one of the more popular Singapore tourist attractions. Millennium Hotels offer a luxurious setting from which to explore the city along with other key tourist destinations in Singapore.

>> Japanese Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple: A Temple for the Goddess of Mercy 

Located in Asakusa Tokyo, Japan, Sensoji is a famous Buddhist Temple which is also known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Founded in 628, this impressive temple is also the oldest in Tokyo.

According to a popular legend, in 628 two brothers went in search to the Sumida River for the statue of Kannon who was the goddess of mercy. Despite their efforts to put the statue back in the river, the statue kept returning back to them. As a result Sensoji Temple was built in the area in respect of the goddess of mercy. The construction of this outstanding temple came to an end in 645.

Visitors entering Tokyo's oldest temple will have to walk through the Kaminari Thunder Gate. Here visitors will see a large red lantern made completely out of paper. Another unique feature at the entrance is the two guardians. The one on the right side of the gate is Fujin who is the wind god and the guardian on the left is the thunder god, Raijin.

From the outer gate to the inner gate of the temple there is a fascinating shopping street which is about 200 metres long. This street which is popularly called Nakamise is lined with numerous crafts shops and Japanese souvenir shops. The Nakamise which also boasts of a long history is the perfect place to purchase yukata, typical Japanese folding fans and even traditional local snacks.

Further ahead in to the Sensoji Temple, visitors will find the Hozomon main gate with the main building of the temple as well as the five storied pagoda. Built in 1649 the Asakusa Shrine is placed close to the main building and close to the pagoda is an extraordinary 17th century tea garden.

Many important local events and ceremonies take place throughout the year at the beautiful Sensoji Temple such as Sanja Matsuri, Hozuki Market, Asakusa Samba Carnival, Tokyo Jidai Matsuri and Hagoita Market.

This charming place of worship is well connected by public transportation. There is also an extensive selection of hotels located in close proximity. Travellers even have the opportunity to stay at a well appointed, modern Tokyo luxury hotel positioned close to the temple.

>> Chinese and Japanese Gardens

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are located upon to islands in the Jurong Lake in Singapore. The gardens are generally collectively referred to colloquially as Jurong Gardens. The gardens are situated on two artificial islands and are found in the East of Jurong, Singapore. The gardens were designed in 1975 by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a renowned Taiwanese architect. The idea behind the Chinese Garden is based on the art of Chinese gardening, while the Japanese Garden is purposed more to evoke emotion. The gardens have marvelously combined a harmonious fusion of nature with the architectural pieces that can be found around the gardens.

As one enters the Jurong Gardens one is met with the "Pai Hung Ch'iao" which means the "white rainbow bridge" in Chinese. The bridge is seemingly similar in nature to the 17-Arch Bridge that can be found at the Summer Palace located in Beijing. The Stone Lion can also be found masterfully sculptured with Taiwanese marble stone.

As one walks across one is greeted by the Main Arch Building. The building is formed in a Chinese architectural style and within the building resides the Garden Courtyard and the Early Spring Courtyard. A fishpond resides at the centre; the fishpond is called "Fishes Paradise". The Stone Boat and Tea House also stand magnificently and incorporate the Peking architectural style with a few adaptations. One can also find a Pagoda, a Chinese Pavilion, a Plateau and Tower, a Bonsai Garden, the Garden of Abundance, the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, the You Yuan Buffet and Sea Food Restaurant and the East Entrance. The Japanese Garden is connected to the Chinese Garden via a bridge.

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