East in Contrast: Singapore and Bali

About the destination: Singapore is a city-state and the smallest country in Southeast Asia. Singapore has the highest standard of living in Asia and is a spotlessly clean, efficient, regulated, modern city. The city has an interesting mix of old and new cultures, combining the skyscrapers of the Business District with a very interesting blend of ancient cultures in some of its districts. Singapore is one of the greenest cities so much so that the city is dubbed the Garden City. One of the main attractions are the Botanic Gardens, which includes the superb Orchid garden that is beautifully landscaped and has a great variety of orchids. The Merlion is probably Singapore's most famous landmark. This Merlion structure is located at Merlion Park, which is located in the Central Business District. There are some fascinating ethnic areas such as Little India, Arab Street, Chinatown and Geylang. These areas are definitely worth visiting if you want to experience some real Singaporean culture. Other attractions include world class museums, stunning colourful shops, Marina bay and lush parks. Besides the shopping, Singapore has great food. Being home to various ethnic groups, Singapore has created a wonderful mix of flavors and textures in their cuisine. Singapore is one of the most vibrant and modern cites in Asia with a tropical climate, with delicious food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene it has become one top destination on its own right.

About the destination: Bali is one of the most famous islands of Indonesia. Situated between Java and Nusa Tenggara Island, Bali is a home for 2.7 million people. The island is famous for its unique mixture of fabulous scenery, beautiful ancient temples, richness in culture and art and also the gorgeous beaches. Bali has long been famous worldwide as a leading tourist destination, known for its exotic and vibrant art and culture and the hospitality of its people. The main tourist locations are the town of Kuta, and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. Bali's cultural heartland, Ubud is Bali's defining character, here the visitor is treated to a myriad of cultural offerings, colorful dance and music shows, a good number of reputable art museums, and artists' villages and communities. The must-see temples are the Royal Family Temple at Taman Ayun, Mengwi which is surrounded by water, the Holy Spring Water Temple at Sebatu and the famous Tanah Lot temple at sunset. With a rich cultural heritage that is unique to this island, Bali offers the world-weary visitor the opportunity to contemplate a different way of life. Mesmerizing and captivating, Bali is full of color and life.