JIMUISSS

Virtual Tour #1 [Heritage Walk]

So they are on their way back from the mysterious kingdom of Khmer, a very fascinating place otherwise a friend wouldn’t have visited it for 2 times within 3 years time. We expect interesting posts from Jimuisss once they are back- today!

Feeling imbalance and kiasu- although it’s already 6 days 5 nights, I decided to embark on a virtual tour, although again, can see, cannot touch.

These places are selected because they are:
1) Nearby and within South East Asia- so it’s more realisable + suitable for 3-5 days short trip
2) Accessible- so it’s not so expensive + time consuming
3) UNESCO world heritage centre (UWHC)- so it’s really worth a visit, before the condition gets worse

Destination Airport- Yogyakarta, Indonesia
In short, it’s about Hindu temples and legendary civilization (like Angkor) & local cultural mix. 2 UWHCs :

The Borobudur

Prambanan

Currency: USD1=IDR11,800 (roughly- RM1=IDR3,200)
Suggested travelling period- Wesak, crowded but happening

Destination Airport- Bangkok, Thailand
Ayutthaya Historical Park- more of a Buddhist culture from Siam influence, different from Khmer.

Also, another UWHC- Sukhothai (but it’s about 9 hr per single way, visit only if you really have time)

Currency: USD1=THB 35.5 (roughly- RM1=THB9)
Suggested travelling period- Wesak, or 13-15 April (Water Splashing Festival)

* can arrange to meet up with Master Kim Nam (bai long wang)
** Dare not post up his photo; a friend who had visited him found it really worthwhile

Destination Airport- Hanoi, Vietnam
About 4hr away from capital- Hanoi, a scenic rock formation stood Halong Bay. It’s about seeing island, caves and lifestyle of people in old fishing village. Featured in James Bond’s tomorrow never dies (not sure which second-th of the movie)

Other 2 UWHCs of Vietnam, but not so accessible yet, are

1) Hoi-An- imho, it’s about the historical harbour and trading hub of Vietnam, in short as in Canton in China during its peak

2) Hue- imho, it’s about the historical capital of Vietnam, in short as in Melaka in Malaysia during its peak

Currency: USD1=VND17200 (roughly- RM1=VND4600)
Suggested travelling period- Before October (Rain season)

Other recommended places which fulfil the above criteria:

Melaka

Joanne's House George Town, Penang

Both are grouped and recognized as cultural UNESCO World Heritage Centre- ‘Historic Cities of Straits of Melaka’ in 2008; along with previous awarded site KK National Park and Mulu National Park under natural heritage category. So kiasu Malaysia has 3 (kiasu Singapore, not yet).