Out of Norm Travels

My photo-adventure tour for 2015 was to this seriously exotic location which is synonymous with Genghis Khan . The Inner Mongolia  (Chinese:  内蒙古 ; pinyin:  Nèi Měnggǔ ), officially  Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region  or  Nei Mongol Autonomous Region , is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. Located in the north of the country, it contains most of China's border with Mongolia with a small section of the border with Russia, its capital is Hohhot, with Baotou, Chifeng, and Ordos as its other major cities.  (above info extracted from Wikipedia) Map from  http://www.chinahighlights.com/inner-mongolia/map.htm With almost one-third of China's grasslands stretching some 1,490 miles (2,400 km) across northern China, it has the bucket of r olling hills as far as the eye can see. L arge areas of rich grassland provides pasture for sheep,  goats, cattle, and the famous Mon...

This is part 1 of my Thailand adventures in 2014 when I made a trip down to Phanom Rung Historical Park . So what's so special about this place? This is located in the northeastern Isaan, Buri Ram province of Thailand. Phanom Rung (Thai: พนมรุ้ง ), or full name, Prasat Hin Phanom Rung (Thai: ปราสาทหินพนมรุ้ง – Phanom Rung Stone Castle is the largest and the most beautiful Khmer site in Thailand that was built over the 10th to 13th centuries from sandstone and laterite and dedicated to Lord Shiva , a supreme Hindu deity. It is said that the architectural design of this complex symbolizes Mount Kailash, his heavenly dwelling located in India. It consists of 3 naga bridges. Going through the walkway, you can reach the first naga bridge. There are 70 sand stone posts on either side of the walkway. The third naga bridge takes the visitors to the main sanctuary. Here is a photo of the layout of the temple grounds.   After restoring the temples for close to...

Ko Kret or Koh Kred aka Pak Kret is essentially an Island in the middle of Bangkok City, Thailand along the Chao Praya River. Interesting to see the Mon tribe residing at this  island which was created back in 18th century when a canal was constructed  and eventually due to widening, created an island. The tribe retained a distinct identity in their version of Buddhism and, particularly at Ko Kret, their pottery. Did a round boat trip with a drop-off at the pottery, local temple and the biggest Buddha by the river.  Although it is within Bangkok Koh Kret is  another world compared to Bangkok as much of the island is what you would imagine rustic Bangkok with wooden planks at your feet and a certain village air where everyone knows everyone stays in the same area come out to greet each other for the day before going about their business. Much of your day there can be spent just walking around - during the weekends, there is a bustling market but during...

I have been wanting to take this trip to witness the for the past 3 years so I was elated when I found a travel companion 1.5 weeks before the annual Rocket Festival started at Yasothorn, Thailand over the weekend of May 10-12 that I booked my air ticket and made the overnight bus ride down to this unusual and truly unique experience. As in many Thai festivals, the festival varies from year to year due to Thai lunar calendar calculations but understand that essentially it's held during the weekend of the 2nd week of May.  Thailand Rocket  Festival, also known as Bun Bang Fai is one of the most explosive and unusual festivals in the Thai calendar. A must-visit event if you happen to be up in the  Isaan  (northeastern) region of Thailand.   According to www.wherethailand.com, this festival is based on an old folk belief, every May local farmers look to try and coax the gods into the romantic mood needed to produce rainfall by sending huge phallic-shaped rocket...

Getting to Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery was an adventure for me as I am not too familiar with places outside the usual touristy areas. Located at 221 Pai Tau Village, Shatin, New Territories, I had to take MTR East Rail line to Shatin Station (exit B), walk towards the end of Sheung Wo Che Road before reaching the path that will make the journey all worthwhile.  Tips for travelers:  1. Once there, take your time to climb uphill leading up to the monastery as both sides of the pathway are lined with golden colored Buddha statues. I had quite a lovely time making the climb as I reached there around 10a.m., took a leisurely breakfast / lunch at the vegetarian restaurant located at the grounds before heading down at 1p.m.  2. Do make the climb ALL the way up and you will be rewarded with a beautiful white gigantic Guan Yin statue. Oh yes! Did I mention that there is no admission charge? Personally, this was a definite plus since almost everything costs here in HK. Fo...

What can an urban city like Kuala Lumpur offer for jaded travellers?  How about some enlightening (Batu caves) and architecture (Moorish no less) before ending on a high note (KLCC Twin Towers) ? Group enlightening @  Bat u caves Moorish architecture  @ KTM Headquarters KLCC Twin Towers @ Sunset  Till the next time, onto the world & beyond!!

This is my 1st post - set this up cos I tend to blog more about my Travels out of my home country & being the "compartmentalise" me, I want to keep my travelling separate from my regular blog " Meus Sensa ": Travels - so far has been just around the corner in Thailand : Vineyard in Hua Hin Farms outside Bangkok Nostalgia in Hua Hin Kachanaburi outside Bangkok Floating Markets Most memorable recent travel in 2010: Bhutan