The impressive Victoria Falls, also known as Vic Falls, is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and attracts around one million visitors every year. This popular waterfall lies on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, along the Zambezi River. It is therefore hardly surprising that Victoria Falls is often described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Did you know that there are actually two well-known lists of seven natural wonders? One is the classic list created for CNN, which includes Victoria Falls. The other was selected through a worldwide public vote and includes places such as Table Mountain. Anyway, back to Victoria Falls! Close to the waterfall, you will find a small town called Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls Town is a lovely place to stay for a few nights, with plenty of restaurants, shops and hotels. There is also a surprising amount to do in and around the town. For more information about Victoria Falls Town, click here! Zimbabwe or Zambia: which side of Victoria Falls is better? You can visit Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, as we did, or from the opposite side of the river in Zambia. The largest section of the waterfall can generally be seen from Zimbabwe, which also has a long walking route with several different viewpoints. For that reason, we personally do not think it is essential to cross the bridge into Zambia purely for a better view. Crossing the border also means passing through passport control both when leaving and re-entering the country. However, both sides offer a different experience. The Zimbabwean side usually provides the most complete panoramic views, while the Zambian side lets you get closer to certain parts of the waterfall when water levels allow. Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool can only be reached from Zambia. Because we found the waterfall especially beautiful and impressive from Zimbabwe, we also recommend staying in Victoria Falls Town. How do you get to Victoria Falls? There are two ways to reach the entrance to Victoria Falls from Victoria Falls Town: on foot or by taxi. We stayed near the edge of town and walked to the entrance in around 20 minutes. Is your hotel located farther away? You can easily take a taxi to the entrance. There are several souvenir stalls around the entrance, and local vendors will work very hard to sell you wooden figures and other traditional souvenirs. Many of the sellers had adopted memorable English nicknames. We heard some particularly unusual ones during our visit, including Tomato, Honey and Treeclimber. Entrance Fee for Victoria Falls You can purchase an admission ticket at the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park. The fee for international visitors can change, so check the current price before your visit. In our opinion, the entrance fee is absolutely worth it. From the entrance, you follow a route through a small rainforest created by the constant spray from the waterfall. You first walk towards the far end of the route before gradually making your way back past several viewpoints. At the beginning, you have a beautiful view of the gorge. As you continue, you get closer and closer to the main waterfall until you are standing almost directly opposite it. You can get very wet here, so a raincoat or poncho is definitely useful! The paths and viewpoints are clearly marked, but the constant spray can make them extremely slippery. We therefore recommend wearing sturdy shoes with sufficient grip. Best time to visit Victoria Falls Victoria Falls can be visited throughout the year, but every season offers a very different experience. The water level usually rises after the rainy season and is often at its highest between February and May. During this period, the waterfall is enormous and incredibly powerful. However, the huge amount of water also creates a lot of spray, which can make it difficult to see the entire waterfall. The water level gradually becomes lower from around June or July. Between approximately August and January, visibility is often better, although parts of the waterfall—particularly on the Zambian side—can become much drier. We visited in August and had a very clear view. Despite the lower water level, there was still plenty of spray, and we definitely needed our ponchos! Tips for visiting Victoria Falls Whether you visit during the high- or low-water season, bring a poncho. You are almost guaranteed to get wet from the spray, especially when there is some wind. We also recommend wearing good walking shoes. Near the entrance, you will find souvenir shops, toilets and a small restaurant where you can buy something to eat. However, we recommend leaving the waterfall grounds afterwards and continuing to The Lookout Café (reserve a table for one of the best seats) or Baines Restaurant. These are beautiful places where you can enjoy views of the gorge or the Zambezi River. See Victoria Falls from the sky or water You can take a relaxing cruise along the Zambezi River, although the boat will not take you directly to the waterfall. It is also possible to take a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. This is clearly a popular activity, as we constantly heard helicopters flying overhead during the day. Although a helicopter flight is, of course, an incredible experience, it is not a cheap way to see the waterfall. Prices vary considerably depending on the operator, flight duration and package you choose, so compare the latest options before booking. Swimming at Devil’s Pool Are you a real daredevil? During certain months, it is even possible to swim at the top of Victoria Falls. You do not swim underneath the waterfall, but in a natural rock pool close to the edge called Devil’s Pool. Devil’s Pool is located near Livingstone Island on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. It can only be visited as part of an organised tour with professional guides and only opens when the water level and current are considered safe. It is generally accessible during the lower-water season, often between August and January, but the precise dates vary every year. To reach the pool, you travel to Livingstone Island before walking and swimming through part of the Zambezi River under the supervision of your guides. Once you are inside Devil’s Pool, the natural rock formation prevents you from being carried over the edge. Guides remain close by and carefully control where visitors can sit or lie. Many tours also include photographs in the pool, so you will have proof afterwards that you really did look over the edge of Victoria Falls!

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not far apart. By car, the journey takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. If you are spending a few days in Dubai and would also like to see some of Abu Dhabi, a day trip is therefore ideal. You can choose to rent a car and explore independently, but there are also plenty of organised tours available where everything is arranged for you. We chose this Abu Dhabi day trip and had a really enjoyable time! Planning a trip to Dubai? Read everything you need to know before travelling to Dubai here. Ferrari World We were collected from our hotel in the morning and drove for just over an hour to our first stop: Ferrari World. During the journey, our guide told us all about Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates of the United Arab Emirates. It was interesting to learn more about everyday life in the country and how the seven emirates came together. Our stop at Ferrari World was only a short photo stop. You do not enter the theme park during this type of tour, but you usually have some time to walk around the entrance and visit the nearby shops. Ferrari World is located on Yas Island, close to the famous Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix is held. If you are a Formula 1 fan, it is a fun area to see during your day trip. Of course, you can also book a full-day visit to Ferrari World if you would like to enter the theme park and experience its rides. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque After our photo stop and a quick toilet break, we continued to the highlight of our Abu Dhabi day trip: the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque is the largest in the United Arab Emirates and is particularly well known for its beautiful white marble architecture. Inside, you will find an enormous hand-knotted carpet, impressive columns and magnificent chandeliers. The mosque was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. During the drive to the mosque, our guide told us more about his life and the history of the country. Once you arrive, the visitor rules and dress code are explained to you. All visitors must dress respectfully. Women are required to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs, as well as a headscarf covering their hair. Men should wear long trousers and clothing that covers their shoulders. Clothing must not be transparent or tight-fitting. Visible tattoos and clothing displaying inappropriate or prominent slogans may also need to be covered. Dress-code services and policies can change, so it is best to arrive wearing suitable clothing rather than relying on being able to borrow an abaya or headscarf at the mosque. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You can follow the designated visitor route or join an official cultural tour to see large parts of the mosque and learn more about its architecture and Islamic culture. Louvre Abu Dhabi or Etihad Towers Depending on the tour you book, you may visit Louvre Abu Dhabi afterwards or, as we did, Etihad Towers. You can usually see all the planned stops in the tour description on GetYourGuide before making your reservation. When we visited Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi had not yet opened, so our tour took us to Etihad Towers instead. We entered the building with our group and travelled to the observation deck on one of the highest floors. From there, we had a beautiful view of Emirates Palace and the rest of Abu Dhabi. Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 and is now included in some Abu Dhabi day tours. It is located on Saadiyat Island and contains artworks and historical objects from cultures around the world. After this final stop, we drove back to Dubai in around an hour. We had a really enjoyable day in Abu Dhabi. Our guide told us a lot about Islam, the history of the United Arab Emirates and everyday life in the country. We were offered plenty of drinks throughout the day, and there was also enough time to have lunch. In short, an Abu Dhabi day trip is a great addition to your itinerary if you are spending several days in Dubai! Looking for more fun attractions in Dubai? Read more here.

Dubai is a wonderful destination if you are looking for a modern city, good weather and plenty of things to do. Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, alongside Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. It is certainly the best-known of the seven emirates. Planning a trip to Dubai? Read more here about everything you need to know before you go to Dubai! How many days do you need in Dubai? To visit several beautiful attractions and enjoy the warm weather, we recommend spending around four to seven days in Dubai. Exactly how long you need mainly depends on how much time you are planning to spend relaxing on the beach. 😉 From Dubai, you can also take several enjoyable day trips to nearby emirates, including Abu Dhabi. More information about taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi can be found here. However, there is also plenty to see and experience within Dubai itself. Below, we share our nine favourite things to do in Dubai. Visit Burj Khalifa The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is located in Dubai and stands an incredible 828 metres tall. Construction began in 2004, and the tower officially opened in 2010. Inside Burj Khalifa, you will find residences, offices, a hotel and restaurants. At.mosphere, located on Level 122, is one of the highest restaurants in the world. Although you can see Burj Khalifa from many different places across Dubai, you can also purchase a ticket to visit one of its observation decks. The main observation experience takes you to Levels 124 and 125. You can also book a ticket that includes the higher observation deck on Level 148. Because Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. Watch the Dubai Fountain The Dubai Fountain is located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, making it easy to combine both attractions during the same visit. The fountain show takes place on Burj Lake, next to Dubai Mall. The performances combine music, water and lights, with the water jets dancing to a variety of songs. Evening shows currently take place every 30 minutes between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. There are also afternoon performances, although the schedule differs on Fridays. Different songs and performances are used throughout the day, so you may not see exactly the same show each time. Go shopping at Dubai Mall We will stay in the same area for this next attraction. Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa are all located close together, so you can easily visit all three during the same day. In Dubai, everything seems to be bigger, taller and more impressive. It will therefore not surprise you that Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. You will find an enormous range of shops, but the mall offers much more than shopping alone. Inside Dubai Mall, you will also find an ice rink, a huge aquarium, entertainment attractions and an impressive indoor waterfall. See Burj Al Arab Besides Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab is another famous and iconic building in Dubai and is therefore well worth seeing. Unlike Burj Khalifa, this building is used entirely as a luxury hotel. Spending a night here can easily cost hundreds of euros. Burj Al Arab is often described as the world’s only seven-star hotel. However, this is an unofficial nickname rather than an official hotel classification. The sail-shaped hotel stands on an artificial island around 280 metres from the coast and is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. Even when you are not staying at the hotel, you can admire it from nearby beaches or book a guided tour or restaurant reservation. Burj Al Arab remains one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks. Walk around Dubai Marina Dubai Marina is a popular neighbourhood built around a large man-made marina. There is plenty to do here, particularly in the evening when temperatures begin to cool down. You will find restaurants, bars and plenty of other enjoyable places along the waterfront. You can walk beside the marina, have dinner or simply find somewhere to sit and enjoy the views. The area is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, making Dubai Marina especially impressive after dark when all the buildings are illuminated. Explore Palm Jumeirah Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s famous palm-shaped artificial island and one of the city’s best-known construction projects. The island was created using reclaimed land and is shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above. It is home to private residences, restaurants, shopping areas, beaches and several luxury hotels, including Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. One of the best places to see the shape of Palm Jumeirah is The View at The Palm. This observation deck is located 240 metres above the ground and offers a panoramic view of the island, Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. Visit Dubai Frame Dubai Frame is an unusual attraction because the building is shaped like an enormous picture frame. It consists of two tall towers connected by a bridge at the top. An express lift takes you to the Sky Deck, located approximately 150 metres above the ground. From here, you have an incredible panoramic view of Dubai, including both the older parts of the city and the modern skyline. The glass bridge connecting the towers is around 50 metres long and offers views straight down towards Zabeel Park. From Dubai Frame, you can also see famous buildings such as Burj Khalifa. Visit Dubai Miracle Garden Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the most colourful attractions in Dubai. The enormous seasonal garden is filled with millions of flowers and plants arranged into impressive shapes and displays. You may see floral arches, buildings, characters and even a life-sized aircraft completely covered in flowers. The designs are regularly changed, meaning the garden can look different each season. Because summer temperatures in Dubai become extremely high, Dubai Miracle Garden is only open during the cooler part of the year. The precise dates can change each season, so check the official website for the current opening schedule before visiting. Take a trip to the desert You can also book a desert safari from Dubai. There are usually several options available, including afternoon excursions and evening trips with a barbecue dinner. You will normally be collected from your hotel in Dubai and driven into the desert. A typical desert safari may include an adventurous drive across the sand dunes, the opportunity to try sandboarding and a visit to a desert camp. Evening excursions often end with a barbecue dinner and live entertainment. It is a fun way to leave the skyscrapers behind for a few hours and experience a completely different side of Dubai.

From impressive skyscrapers and luxurious shopping centres to long beaches and adventurous desert excursions, Dubai is a destination that continues to surprise. But what is the best time to visit? How does public transport work? And how many days do you need to see the highlights? In this article, we share everything you need to know before travelling to Dubai, so you can set off well prepared. How do you get to Dubai? The easiest way to reach Dubai is by plane. You can fly directly to this world-famous city from the Netherlands and several surrounding countries. A direct flight from the Netherlands takes approximately seven hours. Best time to visit Dubai Dubai is a popular destination throughout the year, but it can become incredibly hot during the summer. For the most comfortable temperatures, we mainly recommend visiting Dubai between November and March. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant enough for both a beach holiday and exploring the city. Spring can also be a good time to visit, although temperatures begin to rise quickly, particularly from April onwards. Fortunately, Dubai is well equipped for high temperatures. We once visited in July, when temperatures rose above 45°C. We were not bothered by it too much, as long as we stayed in the shade or inside air-conditioned buildings. Even many of the bus stops in Dubai are air-conditioned! How many days do you need in Dubai? You need at least three days to visit most of Dubai’s main attractions. If you would also like to take a day trip to Abu Dhabi or explore one of the other emirates, we recommend staying for a few extra days. Are you mainly travelling to Dubai to enjoy the warm weather and beaches? One week will give you more than enough time to combine sightseeing with plenty of relaxation. Getting around Dubai It is not necessary to rent a car in Dubai. A rental car can be useful if you are planning a road trip through several emirates. However, if you are mainly staying within Dubai, you can easily use public transport or taxis. Public transport in Dubai, particularly the metro, is very well organised. You can purchase a ticket for an individual journey or use a Nol card. The metro connects Dubai International Airport with several important areas, including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates. If you plan to use public transport regularly, purchasing a Nol card is usually the most convenient option. This is a rechargeable travel card that can be used on the metro, buses, trams and several other RTA transport services. You can also easily take a taxi from the airport, your hotel or most major public locations. Official Dubai taxis are generally cream-coloured and use a regulated meter. Using a Nol Card in Dubai The Nol card works in a similar way to the Dutch OV-chipkaart or London’s Oyster card. It makes travelling by public transport in Dubai quick and easy. There are several types of Nol cards, but the Red Ticket and Silver Card are generally the most useful options for tourists. Nol Red Ticket The Red Ticket is a paper ticket designed mainly for visitors who only plan to use public transport a limited number of times. It costs AED 2 and can be loaded with up to ten individual journeys or five daily passes. The ticket is valid for 90 days. A Red Ticket can be used for the metro, tram and bus, depending on the journeys or passes loaded onto it. It is less flexible than the Silver Card and is mainly suitable for a short stay with only a few planned journeys. Once you have used all ten journeys or five daily passes, you will need to purchase a new ticket. Nol Silver Card The Silver Card is a reusable plastic card suitable for regular travel on Dubai’s public transport network. It can be used on the metro, buses, trams and several other RTA transport services. It also allows you to transfer more easily between different forms of public transport. The card costs AED 25, of which AED 19 is immediately available as travel credit. It is valid for five years and can be topped up when necessary. Both the Red Ticket and Silver Card are available from ticket machines and service desks at metro and bus stations. Where to stay in Dubai Dubai is a large city, so it is important to think carefully about the location of your accommodation before booking. It is useful to choose a hotel close to a metro station, as this makes travelling around the city much easier. Are you mainly travelling to Dubai for the sun, sea and beaches? In that case, Jumeirah is a good area to consider. Are you more interested in shopping and visiting famous attractions? Downtown Dubai is an ideal base. From here, you will be close to attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Dubai Marina is another popular option if you would like to combine beaches, restaurants and modern city views. What is there to do in Dubai? Dubai is known for its unofficial motto: bigger, taller and more impressive. The city is therefore filled with iconic attractions. Visit Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, go shopping inside Dubai Mall or watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show. Dubai is also an excellent destination for day trips. You can book an adventurous desert excursion or visit another emirate, such as Abu Dhabi. More information about all the best things to do in Dubai can be found here.

Gardens by the Bay is not only a beautiful park containing more than 1.5 million plants from all over the world, but there is also plenty to do. It is therefore hardly surprising that Gardens by the Bay has already attracted more than 115 million visitors. With so many different attractions, you can easily spend several hours exploring Gardens by the Bay. Are you planning a city break in Singapore? Take a look at my complete Singapore travel guide too. How do you get to Gardens by the Bay? Gardens by the Bay is easy to reach from Singapore Changi Airport. You can also travel there conveniently by Grab from almost anywhere in the city. Besides being easy to reach, Gardens by the Bay is conveniently located near Singapore’s waterfront and several other iconic attractions. This makes it easy to combine with other places during the same day. Chinatown and Little India are not too far away, and from Gardens by the Bay you can easily continue to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, the towering Singapore Flyer and ArtScience Museum. Do you need tickets for Gardens by the Bay? That depends on which parts of Gardens by the Bay you would like to visit. The outdoor gardens, including Supertree Grove, are free to explore. However, you need an admission ticket for attractions such as the OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Below, you will find an overview of the main attractions at Gardens by the Bay and whether you need a ticket to visit them. Gardens by the Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful attractions in Singapore. Want to discover more Singapore attractions? Read more here. Supertree Grove The most famous sight at Gardens by the Bay is Supertree Grove. There are 18 Supertrees throughout Gardens by the Bay, ranging from 25 to 50 metres in height. Twelve of them can be found in Supertree Grove. The Supertrees are covered with more than 162,900 plants from over 200 species and varieties, turning the enormous structures into impressive vertical gardens. During the day, you can walk between the trees or take the stairs to a higher part of the garden for a beautiful view of the Supertrees. In the evening, this is also the perfect place to watch the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The show normally takes place every evening at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Different versions of the show are performed throughout the year. Supertree Grove is free to visit. OCBC Skyway The OCBC Skyway is a 128-metre-long aerial walkway located 22 metres above the ground. It connects two Supertrees in Supertree Grove. From the walkway, you can admire the Supertrees from much closer and enjoy a beautiful view of Marina Bay Sands and the surrounding gardens. The OCBC Skyway is normally open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with final admission at 8:30 p.m. It occasionally closes for maintenance, so check the current schedule before visiting. An admission ticket is required. At the time of writing, tickets for international visitors cost S$14 per adult and S$10 per child. You can buy tickets online, through the official Gardens by the Bay app or at the ticket counters. Supertree Observatory Another fun attraction in Supertree Grove is the Supertree Observatory. The observatory is located at the top of the tallest Supertree, in the centre of Supertree Grove. From its viewing platforms, you have an amazing view of the OCBC Skyway, Marina Bay Sands, Supertree Grove and the Singapore skyline. Unlike the OCBC Skyway, which is a bridge between two trees, the Supertree Observatory has both an indoor observation area and an open-air rooftop deck. The observatory is normally open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with final admission at 8:30 p.m. At the time of writing, admission for international visitors costs S$14 per adult and S$10 per child. Tickets can be ordered online. Cloud Forest A little farther into the park, you will find two enormous glass conservatories. Both domes can be visited with an admission ticket. The taller conservatory is Cloud Forest, a tropical indoor garden containing an impressive indoor waterfall and many plants from around the world. Despite its tropical appearance, Cloud Forest is not extremely warm. It is a cooled conservatory with a comfortable temperature, although the humidity inside is high. Cloud Forest also has regular misting sessions, when the entire indoor mountain is covered in a layer of mist. This creates a wonderfully magical atmosphere. One of the most enjoyable things about Cloud Forest is that parts of the attraction are sometimes decorated around special themes, such as Avatar or Jurassic World. Take your time walking along the elevated walkways and exploring all the beautiful areas. Allow around one to one and a half hours for your visit. Cloud Forest is normally open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with final admission at 8:00 p.m. It closes on selected dates for maintenance. Tickets for international visitors are usually sold as a combined ticket for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Prices may vary depending on the current exhibition, so check the official ticket page before visiting. Tickets for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome can be purchased here. Flower Dome Flower Dome is the lower conservatory next to Cloud Forest. As its name suggests, you will mainly find an enormous variety of flowers and plants inside. Besides its large floral displays, the conservatory is divided into smaller gardens featuring plants from different parts of the world. These include Mediterranean, South African and Australian gardens. You can easily spend around an hour exploring Flower Dome. Like the other main attractions at Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome is normally open from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Final admission is usually at 8:30 p.m. Flower Dome occasionally closes for maintenance, and exhibitions change throughout the year. Facilities at Gardens by the Bay Singapore would not be Singapore if a park such as Gardens by the Bay did not have excellent visitor facilities. There are several free public toilets throughout the park, which are naturally very clean. You will also find picnic areas, plenty of benches where you can enjoy the views and several restaurants and cafés. But that is not all. Luggage lockers are available at selected locations, and there are also power-bank rental kiosks, free Wi-Fi in parts of the park and shuttle services between several areas. You can also refill your water bottle at various drinking-water points. In short, Gardens by the Bay is the perfect place for an enjoyable day out during your city break in Singapore!

Although Singapore is not very large, there are plenty of fun things to do. Singapore is therefore the perfect destination for a citytrip of around two to four days. Grab makes it easy and relatively inexpensive to travel around the city and visit several places in one day. Below, you will find the best things to do and visit during your city break in Singapore. Are you still planning your trip? Take a look at my complete guide to a Singapore citytrip too. Gardens by the Bay and the OCBC Skyway Gardens by the Bay is one of the most famous places in Singapore. It is a park in the centre of Singapore where you can enjoy a walk and find several restaurants. The best-known part is Supertree Grove, located in the heart of the park. Here, you will find several enormous futuristic trees covered in plants. It is really impressive to walk between them. The OCBC Skyway connects two of these trees, allowing you to walk through the park at a height of 22 metres. Gardens by the Bay itself is free to visit, but you need to buy an admission ticket for the Skyway. Opening hours and admission prices can change, so check the official website before your visit. Want to know more about everything there is to do at Gardens by the Bay? Read more here! Cloud Forest and Flower Dome Next to Gardens by the Bay, you will find Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. These are two large glass conservatories containing two very different botanical gardens. Inside Cloud Forest, you will find an impressive indoor waterfall and many plants from all over the world. The attraction is regularly transformed around a special theme, such as Avatar or Jurassic World. Flower Dome is located next to Cloud Forest and mainly consists of a wide variety of colourful flowers and plants. Both conservatories are fun to visit, and you can easily spend several hours exploring them. You can choose to buy a combination ticket or visit just one of the two attractions. Prices and exhibitions change regularly, so check the current ticket options before visiting. Looking for more information about prices and combination tickets? Read more here. Swim in a rooftop pool Singapore has an incredible skyline filled with skyscrapers. Many apartment buildings and hotels have their own rooftop swimming pools. We stayed at JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, around two kilometres from the city centre. The hotel had a lovely rooftop pool with a great view towards Marina Bay Sands. You can also visit the SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands. You will not have access to its famous rooftop infinity pool, as this is reserved for hotel guests, but you will get an amazing view over Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore skyline. Chinese Garden Besides Gardens by the Bay, Chinese Garden is another beautiful place to enjoy culture and nature in Singapore. It is located a little farther outside the city centre, but it is still easy to reach by metro or Grab. As the name suggests, this is a Chinese-inspired garden featuring traditional buildings, small temples and bridges crossing the water. It is a lovely place to escape the busy city centre and enjoy a relaxing walk. Go shopping Singapore is a true shopping paradise, with several luxury shopping centres along Orchard Road and around Marina Bay Sands. You will find nearly every well-known international brand here, so there is something for everyone. In Chinatown and Little India, you will find smaller markets that are perfect for buying souvenirs. At some market stalls, it is common to negotiate the price a little. This is, of course, not done inside the large shopping malls. One major advantage is that Singapore offers tax-free shopping through its Tourist Refund Scheme. When you spend at least S$100, including GST, at a participating retailer, you may be able to request a GST refund at the airport. You can combine up to three receipts issued on the same day by shops with the same GST registration number and shop name. Make sure you bring your original passport when shopping, as the retailer needs it to register your purchase for the refund. Sentosa Island Looking for even more fun? Visit Sentosa Island. Sentosa is a popular resort island that is sometimes described as Asia’s playground. You will find several major attractions here, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Singapore Oceanarium. There are also artificial beaches, hotels and golf courses. The island is connected to the mainland by road, cable car and monorail, making it the perfect place for a fun day out. You can find tickets for Universal Studios Singapore and more information about Sentosa Island here. Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam Singapore has several colourful neighbourhoods. Three of the most enjoyable ones to visit are Little India, Chinatown and the Arab Quarter of Kampong Glam. Little India is colourful and filled with shops where you can buy spices and other products. You will also find Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the lively Serangoon Road here. Chinatown is a beautiful combination of modern cafés and historic buildings. Besides numerous souvenir shops, you can visit Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The Arab Quarter of Kampong Glam offers a mix of trendy cafés, Middle Eastern food and Instagram-worthy murals. Here, you will find Sultan Mosque and the colourful Haji Lane. Jewel Changi Airport Jewel Changi Airport is the perfect place to begin or end your city break in Singapore. It is connected to Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport and consists of a large indoor garden surrounding the spectacular Rain Vortex, an enormous indoor waterfall that falls from the glass roof. There are plenty of lovely places to sit, as well as shops and restaurants. You may even see one of the airport trains travelling past the waterfall behind the glass. It is definitely a fun final stop to add to your Singapore itinerary!

Why visit Singapore? Personally, we think Singapore is one of the most enjoyable cities to visit. In our opinion, it is also the perfect place to start or end a journey through Asia. Many airlines offer direct flights to Singapore, and there are plenty of affordable flights from Singapore to other destinations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Singapore is an ultra-modern city, incredibly clean and very easy to travel around. It is also around 58 times smaller than the Netherlands, which means you can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time. If you are travelling to Asia, it is therefore almost impossible to resist adding a short Singapore city break to your itinerary. Singapore Airlines even offers special stopover deals, including discounts on selected hotels and other offers for attractions. How many days do you need in Singapore? Because Singapore is not very large and most of its main attractions are relatively close to one another, two to three days is more than enough time to visit many of the city’s highlights. If you would also like to visit one of Singapore’s theme parks, it is useful to plan an additional day. Do you only want to see the main highlights, or do you have limited time because of a long layover? You can already see quite a lot with just one day in Singapore! What is the best time to visit Singapore? Singapore is warm and humid throughout the year, and tropical rain showers can occur during any month. November to January is generally one of the wetter periods, with December and January often receiving the most rain. These tropical showers can be heavy, although they are often brief. You can therefore visit Singapore throughout the year. February is often a relatively dry month, while the period from February to October can generally be a good time for a Singapore city break. However, the weather remains tropical and unpredictable, so it is always useful to carry a small umbrella. How do you get around Singapore? Most international visitors arrive in Singapore by plane, although it is also possible to travel overland from Malaysia. You can take the metro from Changi Airport, but we recommend booking a taxi through Grab. Grab works in a similar way to Uber and is widely used in many Asian countries. We found the app very easy to use. At the airport, simply enter your pick-up location and destination in the app. Depending on traffic and exactly where you are staying, it generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the city centre. Once you have arrived, you can continue travelling with Grab or use the metro. Both options are relatively affordable. What is there to do in Singapore? There is an incredible amount to do in Singapore. Depending on how many days—or even hours—you are staying, you can visit several different attractions. Singapore is particularly famous for Gardens by the Bay, which is also a great place to start your city break. Here, you can admire the beautiful, almost Avatar-like Supertrees. You can walk along the elevated OCBC Skyway, visit Cloud Forest or explore the area around Marina Bay Sands. You can also buy a ticket for the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck and enjoy an incredible view of the city. The famous rooftop infinity pool is only accessible to guests staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel. In the evening, you can watch the light show at Gardens by the Bay, which you definitely do not want to miss. Altogether, you can easily spend an entire day exploring this part of Singapore. If you have more time, you can visit one of the city’s many large shopping malls or spend a day on Sentosa Island, where you will find several theme parks and attractions. You can also explore Singapore’s colourful neighbourhoods, including the Arab Quarter, Little India and Chinatown. Click here for an overview of the best things to do in Singapore! What are you not allowed to do in Singapore? Once you arrive in Singapore, you will quickly notice how clean the city is. There is a good reason for this: Singapore has several strict rules designed to keep public spaces clean. Did you know that the sale and import of most chewing gum is restricted in Singapore? You will therefore not normally find chewing gum for sale in shops. Eating and drinking are also not allowed on the metro or in certain other public places. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Fines for breaking these rules can be high. Whenever you see a sign saying that eating, drinking or smoking is prohibited, make sure you follow the rules. It would be a shame to end your Singapore city break with an expensive fine. Where to stay in Singapore If you do not want to use Grab regularly, it is useful to choose a hotel in or near the city centre, or close to an MRT station. We stayed at JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, around two kilometres from the centre. It was a convenient base for spending several days in Singapore and travelling around with Grab. There were several nice restaurants nearby, and the hotel has an amazing rooftop swimming pool with views towards Marina Bay Sands.

It is a question you may already have asked yourself: where should you go in Southern Thailand, Phuket or Krabi? The easiest answer is, of course, both! Each destination offers a very different experience. However, if you only have time to visit one, this comparison will help you decide whether Phuket or Krabi is the better choice for your trip. Phuket vs Krabi: the overall atmosphere Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and offers a surprisingly wide variety of experiences. Many people associate Phuket with crowded beaches, busy bars and large nightclubs. While that is certainly true in some parts of the island, there is much more to Phuket than nightlife alone. Krabi lies across the Andaman Sea from Phuket. It is also a popular destination, but generally feels much quieter and more relaxed. While Phuket is known mainly for its lively nightlife and wide range of entertainment, Krabi tends to attract more travellers who love nature, beaches and outdoor activities. Read our complete guide to the best things to do in Krabi. Beaches in Phuket vs Beaches in Krabi Krabi is known for its spectacular beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and wide stretches of golden sand. From Ao Nang Beach, you can easily take a boat to Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful and recognisable beaches in the region. The towering rock formations surrounding the beach give Krabi a particularly scenic and tropical feel. Phuket also has plenty of large, sandy beaches where you can relax and sunbathe. Many beaches offer more facilities than those in Krabi, including restaurants, beach clubs and water sports. Activities such as jet skiing, parasailing and other water-based experiences are widely available in Phuket. In general, Krabi is the better option for dramatic natural scenery, while Phuket offers more variety, facilities and beachside entertainment. Nightlife in Phuket vs Krabi If you love lively nightlife, Patong in Phuket is probably the place for you. The area is filled with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. You will also find boxing matches, live entertainment and a constant stream of events. It is busy, colourful and energetic, and you will meet all kinds of people. Krabi also has an enjoyable nightlife scene, but the atmosphere is very different. Instead of huge nightclubs and crowded entertainment streets, you are more likely to find relaxed restaurants, beach bars and small venues where you can enjoy a drink. For big nights out and plenty of entertainment, Phuket is the clear winner. For a quieter evening with dinner and drinks, Krabi may suit you better. Things to do in Phuket and Krabi Phuket offers much more than beaches and nightlife. The island also has several cultural attractions and beautiful viewpoints. You can visit the impressive 45-metre-high Big Buddha or explore Wat Chalong, one of Phuket’s best-known temples. You can also hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to visit viewpoints and discover beaches in other parts of the island. Find a complete overview in our guide to the best things to do in Phuket. Krabi is ideal for travellers who love beaches, snorkelling and island hopping. You can join a tour by traditional long-tail boat or speedboat and visit several islands around Krabi. Various island-hopping tours allow you to enjoy beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes and colourful marine life. The region is also a great choice for kayaking, rock climbing and exploring limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Phuket or Krabi: which one do we recommend? Both destinations are well worth visiting. The best choice depends mainly on what kind of holiday you are looking for. Choose Phuket if you want: A lively nightlife scene More restaurants, bars and entertainment Cultural attractions and temples A larger selection of hotels and resorts Plenty of organised activities Choose Krabi if you want: More nature and dramatic scenery A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere Beautiful islands and limestone cliffs Boat trips, snorkelling and outdoor adventures Less emphasis on nightlife We personally love nature, so Krabi was our favourite of the two. We especially enjoyed the limestone landscapes, boat trips and relaxed atmosphere. However, if you are looking for nightlife, culture and a wider variety of entertainment, Phuket may be the better choice. Still unsure whether to choose Phuket or Krabi? Read our complete destination guides: Phuket travel tips Krabi travel tips

Phuket is a lively island destination in Southern Thailand. There is plenty to see and do across the island, so you can easily spend several days here. Although some places can be explored on foot, most of the Phuket attractions mentioned below are spread across the island. Taking a taxi is often the easiest way to get around. You can travel by regular car, but exploring Thailand in a colourful tuk-tuk is much more fun. Still deciding between Phuket and Krabi? Read our complete Phuket vs Krabi comparison. Visit Phuket’s Big Buddha Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks. The enormous white statue stands 45 metres tall and can be seen from several places across southern Phuket.The statue sits high on Nakkerd Hill, where you can also enjoy sweeping views of the island and coastline. As at other Buddhist sites in Thailand, visitors should dress respectfully. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Bringing a sarong is useful, although coverings may also be available near the entrance. The temple complex includes more than the main white Buddha. As you climb the steps and explore the grounds, you will see several smaller statues, many of them decorated in gold. Access to the Big Buddha has changed in recent years following safety concerns and temporary closures. Check the current opening status before travelling there. Explore Wat Chalong and Phuket’s temples Wat Chalong, officially known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is one of the best-known temples in Phuket. The colourful complex consists of several buildings, each with different details, decorations and statues. You can walk around the temple grounds and enter the buildings that are open to visitors. Entry is generally free, although donations are appreciated. As this is an active Buddhist temple, remember to cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and behave respectfully. There is a large parking area where your taxi or tuk-tuk driver can wait. You will also find stalls selling cold drinks and snacks nearby. There is relatively little shade around parts of the complex, and it can become extremely hot during the day. Bringing water, sunscreen and a hat is therefore a good idea. Take a boat trip to James Bond Island One of the best things to do in Phuket is take a boat trip to the islands and limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay. A popular stop is James Bond Island, which was used as a filming location for the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The island is famous for the tall limestone rock rising vertically from the water. The journey through Phang Nga Bay is an experience in itself. The area is filled with steep limestone karsts, hidden lagoons and small islands, creating beautiful views throughout the trip. We booked our tour through GetYourGuide and had a really enjoyable day. Many tours include a traditional Thai lunch and stops at several places. Depending on the itinerary and weather conditions, you may also have an opportunity to kayak between the limestone cliffs or explore caves and lagoons. Watch the Sunset at Promthep Cape Promthep Cape is one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints. It is located near the southern tip of the island and is especially popular around sunset. From the main viewpoint, you can look out across the Andaman Sea and the surrounding coastline. You can also walk farther along part of the cape for a different perspective, although the path can be uneven and steep. Bring something to drink, find a comfortable place and enjoy the view. The sky can look spectacular as the sun disappears below the horizon. Promthep Cape becomes very busy around sunset, so arrive early when you want a good viewing spot. Visiting earlier in the day offers a quieter experience, although you will miss the famous sunset. Relax on Phuket’s best beaches Phuket has a wide selection of beautiful beaches. Patong Beach is probably the most famous, but Kata Beach and Karon Beach are also popular. Each area offers a slightly different atmosphere. Patong is lively and surrounded by restaurants, shops, nightlife and water activities. Kata has a somewhat more relaxed feel, while Karon is known for its long and spacious beach. Phuket’s beaches are generally wide and sandy, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. At several beaches, you can also book activities such as jet skiing or parasailing. You will usually find stalls, restaurants or beach bars nearby where you can buy cold drinks and something to eat. Experience Phuket’s nightlife Phuket has a lively and varied nightlife scene, particularly in Patong and Phuket Old Town. Patong is the place to go for busy bars, nightclubs and large entertainment venues. Bangla Road is at the heart of the action and becomes especially energetic after dark. Phuket Old Town offers a different type of evening. Here, you will find colourful streets, cocktail bars, restaurants, cafés, live music and evening markets. There are also plenty of rooftop venues across Phuket where you can have a drink while enjoying views of the sea or city. The island’s restaurants cater to almost every taste, with options ranging from vegan and health-focused cafés to seafood restaurants, Thai cuisine and international grills. After dinner, you can visit one of the many bars and take in the atmosphere. Some nightlife areas are loud, crowded and slightly overwhelming, but that is also what makes them such a memorable experience. How many days do you need in Phuket? You do not need to spend several weeks in Phuket to see the main highlights. For most travellers, three to five days is a good amount of time. With three full days, you can visit several temples and viewpoints, relax on the beach and experience some of the nightlife. An additional day or two gives you more time to take a boat trip, visit different parts of the island or simply explore at a slower pace. Best time to visit Phuket The best time to visit Phuket is generally between November and April. During these months, the weather is usually drier and the sea tends to be calmer, making this a good period for beaches and boat trips. The wetter monsoon season normally falls between May and October. During this period, Phuket is often quieter and greener, but rain can be heavier and the sea may become rough. We have only visited Phuket in July and August. Although these months fall within the wetter season, we personally had very little trouble with rain and still found it a good time to visit. Where to stay in Phuket The best area to stay in Phuket depends on the kind of trip you are looking for. Choose Patong if you want to be close to restaurants, bars, nightlife and plenty of entertainment. It is the island’s liveliest tourist area and can become very busy. Choose Kata Beach if you prefer a more relaxed beach atmosphere while still having restaurants and facilities within easy reach. Choose Karon Beach for a long, spacious beach and a generally quieter setting than Patong. Phuket Old Town can also be a good option when you are more interested in local food, colourful architecture and culture than spending every day at the beach. Travelling to Krabi as well? Read our guide to the best things to do in Krabi.

Krabi is a relatively small province in Southern Thailand, located opposite Phuket across the Andaman Sea. The most popular and convenient place to stay in Krabi is Ao Nang. Its central location makes it easy to visit many of the beautiful places in the surrounding area. You will also find plenty of lovely hotels and good restaurants here. Krabi is quieter than Phuket and is perfect for nature lovers. Curious about all the differences between the two destinations? Read our complete Phuket vs Krabi comparison. Go island hopping from Krabi One of the best things to do in Krabi is hire a private long-tail boat or speedboat and explore the islands around the province. A popular option is an island-hopping tour that visits several beautiful places in one day. Our tour first stopped at Pakbia Island, followed by Koh Lao Lading. Koh Lao Lading is an incredible little island surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, palm trees and traditional long-tail boats. It looked exactly like the tropical Thailand we had imagined before our trip. Afterwards, we sailed through Hong Lagoon, where you may even spot monitor lizards swimming in the water. We ended the day at the larger island of Koh Hong, which is a beautiful place for snorkelling. Most island tours take up a large part of the day. A traditional lunch on a quiet or secluded beach is often included along the way. We chose this island-hopping tour and had an amazing day! Treat yourself to a massage Thailand is, of course, known for its excellent and affordable massages. A massage in Krabi may not be very different from one elsewhere in Thailand, but it is the perfect activity when you are spending a few relaxing days in the area. Many hotels offer massages, but you will also find plenty of massage salons throughout Ao Nang. It is a great way to relax after a long day of island hopping, swimming or hiking. Visit Railay Beach and its limestone cliffs Railay Beach is located on a peninsula next to Ao Nang, but it can only be reached by boat. Boats travel between Ao Nang and Railay Beach throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, making Railay an easy half-day or full-day trip from Ao Nang. Once you arrive, you will find a beautiful, long beach surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs. With traditional long-tail boats floating in the water, the scenery is truly spectacular. Railay Beach is a great place to swim, snorkel or simply enjoy a drink at one of the restaurants near the beach. Climb to the best viewpoint in Krabi While visiting Railay Beach, you can also climb to the Railay Viewpoint. This is a short but steep hike that rewards you with a beautiful view across the peninsula. Although the trail is not very long, it is challenging in places. You will need to scramble up steep sections and use ropes to pull yourself higher.Wearing proper shoes is strongly recommended. Attempting the climb in flip-flops can make the route considerably more difficult and unsafe. Large parts of the trail can also become muddy. We recommend only climbing to the viewpoint when it has not recently rained and when no rain is expected during your hike. The descent can become extremely slippery after rainfall, increasing the risk of falling. Even in dry weather, the clay and mud may make your shoes dirty, so this is probably not the best occasion to wear your newest pair. Watch a fire show You can find fire shows in many parts of Thailand, but watching one while having dinner beside the sea is still a memorable experience. Reeve Beach Club in Ao Nang organises evening fire shows on the beach. Try to reserve a table with a view of the sea, so you have a good spot to watch the performance while enjoying your food and drinks. Show schedules can change, so check the current times directly with the venue before visiting. Best time to visit Krabi Krabi can be visited throughout the year. However, the period from November to March is generally considered the best time to visit. These months fall within the drier season, and temperatures usually feel slightly cooler and more comfortable. We have also visited Krabi several times in July and August. Despite travelling during the wetter season, we rarely experienced much rain. It was noticeably warmer and more humid, though. The weather can vary from year to year, so travelling during the rainy season does not necessarily mean it will rain all day. However, boat trips may occasionally be changed or cancelled when sea conditions are poor. Where to stay in Krabi Ao Nang is generally the best place to stay in Krabi Province, especially during a first visit. It is conveniently located for taking half-day and full-day trips to attractions and islands in the surrounding area. The town is also well set up for visitors, with a wide selection of hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Staying in Ao Nang makes it easy to book island tours, travel to Railay Beach and explore other parts of Krabi. How many days do you need in Krabi? Because Krabi and Ao Nang are not particularly large, you do not need to spend several weeks here to see the main attractions. Of course, you certainly can stay longer if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday. However, three to four days will give you enough time to visit many of the best places in Krabi and the surrounding area. During that time, you can take an island-hopping tour, visit Railay Beach, climb to the viewpoint, relax with a massage and enjoy an evening in Ao Nang. Travelling to Phuket as well? Read our guide to the best things to do in Phuket.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and a great place to spend a few days after a long flight. We arrived directly from Singapore and honestly didn't expect to enjoy KL as much as we did! We stayed in Kuala Lumpur for about a week in total, although we also spent a few nights exploring Taman Negara in between. Read more about our trip to Taman Negara here. With more than 2 million residents and a mix of different cultures and nationalities, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant and diverse city. You'll find many different neighborhoods, delicious food, impressive architecture and plenty of things to do. Below you'll find our favorite places and best Kuala Lumpur attractions. Rooftop Bars and swimming pools Just like Singapore and many other large cities in Asia, Kuala Lumpur has an impressive skyline filled with skyscrapers. Because of this, the city is home to many rooftop swimming pools and bars offering incredible views over Kuala Lumpur. Since we were also traveling to Taman Negara for a few nights, we decided to rent an apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Our apartment complex had a large rooftop swimming pool with a direct view of the famous Petronas Twin Towers. Of course, Kuala Lumpur also has plenty of hotels with amazing rooftop pools. However, having an apartment with a washing machine and kitchen was extremely convenient during our trip, especially since we were traveling for a longer period. The fact that we could use the rooftop pool with a view of the skyline was an amazing bonus. Visit the Petronas Twin Towers & KLCC Park The most famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are without a doubt the Petronas Twin Towers. Both towers are 452 meters tall and were once the tallest buildings in the world (a title now held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). The two towers are connected by a famous skybridge, which visitors can access. The towers are mainly used as offices, including by the oil company Petronas, and at the bottom you will find Malaysia's largest shopping mall. As a visitor, you can purchase tickets to access the skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors, as well as the observation deck on the 86th floor. The towers are located next to KLCC Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the skyline, take photos and go for a relaxing walk. Climb the Kuala Lumpur Tower Another famous landmark in KL is the Kuala Lumpur Tower, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur. This communication tower is one of the tallest in the world and reaches 421 meters in height. Although slightly shorter than the Petronas Twin Towers, it is definitely worth visiting. At the top, you'll find an observation deck where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city. There is also a restaurant, an outdoor sky terrace and our personal favorite: a glass viewing box where you can stand above the city and enjoy incredible views of the surroundings. Visit Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur Located only about 15 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the most popular attractions near the city. They are easily accessible by taxi or Grab and make for a great half-day trip. The Batu Caves are a collection of Hindu temples built inside and around a 400-million-year-old limestone cave. The largest cave reaches more than 325 meters high, making it an impressive sight. Before entering the caves, you'll immediately notice the huge 43-meter golden statue of Lord Murugan. Next to the statue, a staircase with 272 steps leads you up into the cave. When we visited, the stairs were still grey, but shortly after our visit they were painted in bright colors, making this already impressive location even more photogenic. Once you reach the top, you can explore the cave, visit several small temples and meet plenty of cheeky monkeys (macaques) along the way. Chinatown & Thean Hou Temple Although we really enjoyed visiting Batu Caves, our personal favorite attraction in Kuala Lumpur was Thean Hou Temple. Located in the Chinatown area, this is one of the most important Chinese temples in the city. The temple sits on a hill in the middle of Kuala Lumpur and offers beautiful views of the Kuala Lumpur Tower. The colorful red architecture is stunning, but our favorite part was the square filled with hundreds of traditional lanterns. It is a beautiful place to visit, especially around sunset. KL Eco Forest Park canopy walk Besides KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur also has another great green escape: KL Eco Forest Park. This park is located right next to Kuala Lumpur Tower, making it easy to combine both attractions in one visit. The park is open daily, although you need to purchase an entrance ticket (around €8 per person). Although it isn't a huge park, you can still spot wildlife here, including different monkey species and many birds. The highlight of the park is the canopy walk. A canopy walk is a raised walkway consisting of suspension bridges and platforms high above the forest floor. These walks are very popular in Malaysia, and the most famous one can be found deep in the rainforest of Taman Negara. Sultan Abdul Samad Building One of Kuala Lumpur's most recognizable historic buildings is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The building was constructed in 1897 and features beautiful Moorish architecture. During British colonial times, it was used as a government building. Today, it remains one of the city's most impressive landmarks and is easy to visit thanks to its central location. How many days do you need in Kuala Lumpur? Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic city where you can easily spend several days exploring. We recommend spending around 3 to 4 days in Kuala Lumpur to visit the main attractions, enjoy the food and experience different neighborhoods. The city is also a great starting point for a Malaysia itinerary. If you want to visit the Malaysian jungle, Taman Negara, it is very easy to organize a trip there from Kuala Lumpur. Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur has two main seasons: dry season from May to September and rainy season from October to April. The heaviest rainfall usually occurs between October and November and again between March and April. Rain showers are often short but very intense, and occasional flooding can occur. However, because Kuala Lumpur is a city destination, it can be visited throughout the year. Getting around Kuala Lumpur From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you can take a train into the city, but the easiest and fastest option is usually booking a Grab. Grab is the Asian version of Uber and works extremely well in Malaysia. Whether you're traveling short distances within the city or heading to a destination further away, Grab is affordable, convenient and the easiest way to get around Kuala Lumpur.

With its blue-green water and thousands of dramatic limestone karsts, Halong Bay is unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The bay attracts millions of visitors, so some areas can become quite busy. This was something we had to get used to after visiting the much quieter region of Ninh Binh. Fortunately, Halong Bay covers a huge area, and there are several ways to escape the busiest places and enjoy its incredible scenery. These were our five favourite ways to find the best views of Halong Bay. Explore Halong Bay by scooter The first thing we did was rent a scooter so that we could explore the area at our own pace. Having our own transport meant we could come and go whenever we wanted. During our scooter rides, we discovered several beautiful spots along the road where we could enjoy views of the bay without many other people around us. The viewpoints we found this way were not necessarily famous attractions, but that was part of their charm. Sometimes, simply following the coastal roads and stopping when you see a beautiful view is one of the best ways to experience Halong Bay. Take a cruise through Halong Bay One of the most popular things to do in Halong Bay is book an overnight cruise. You can spend just one night on board, although cruises lasting two nights or longer are also available. We chose a two-night cruise. For us, this was enough time to visit several beautiful places without feeling as though we were spending too long on the boat. Although it is called a cruise, sailing through Halong Bay is very different from going on a traditional large cruise ship. The boats are much smaller and generally accommodate only a few dozen passengers. Many boats have around 10 to 20 cabins, with options ranging from interior cabins to rooms overlooking the water. Our boat had 12 cabins, all of which had views of the bay and a private bathroom. There was also a restaurant, a bar and a sun deck where we could relax and admire the scenery. Almost everything was included in our booking. We received breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Small boats also regularly approached the cruise ship, selling additional snacks and drinks. On our first evening, the crew organised a Vietnamese cooking class. On the second day, we stopped at several attractions, including a cave and Ti Top Island. We also had the opportunity to go kayaking. A cruise is therefore a perfect way to explore Halong Bay at a relaxed pace. Just bear in mind that many boats follow similar routes, meaning popular stops can become crowded. Visit the Ti Top island viewpoint One of the advantages of taking a Halong Bay cruise is that many itineraries include a stop at the famous Ti Top Island. Ti Top is a small island with a staircase leading to a panoramic viewpoint. The climb can be tiring, especially in hot and humid weather, but the view from the top makes it worthwhile. From the viewpoint, you can look out across the emerald water, limestone islands and cruise boats scattered throughout the bay. It is one of the best-known viewpoints in Halong Bay and, unsurprisingly, also one of the busiest. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when possible, as the steps and viewing platform can become crowded when several cruise groups arrive at once. Admire Bai Tho Mountain Disclaimer: the mountain is officially closed and climbing it is entirely at your own risk. The moment I saw photographs taken from the top of Bai Tho Mountain, I knew I wanted to experience the view for myself. The mountain overlooks Ha Long City and offers one of the most dramatic panoramas of the bay. When we visited, the official entrance had already been closed. A local directed us to Hang Noi Street. We parked our scooter there and started walking down the street. Soon, we were approached by one of the locals standing outside who asked if we wanted to climb the mountain. We had to pay a small entrance fee (converted to a few euros) and were then taken through the resident's house to the backyard. There, through a hole in the fence, we could begin our trek to the top of the mountain. The climb took us around 40 minutes and involved scrambling over steep, overgrown terrain. Once we reached the top, we discovered that we were not the only people who had made the climb. Around eight other visitors were already there. There was very little space, but everyone politely took turns taking photographs. The view was incredible and remains one of the most memorable views we experienced in Vietnam. However, knowing what we know now, we would not recommend following an unofficial route while access is restricted. Conditions can be unsafe, entering through private property may not be permitted and local authorities may carry out checks. See Halong Bay from the air One of the most exciting experiences of our trip was booking a scenic helicopter flight over Halong Bay. For us, there could hardly have been a more spectacular location for a helicopter tour. Although it was certainly not cheap—we paid around €300 for two people—it gave us an unforgettable experience and an entirely different perspective of the bay. Our flight lasted approximately 20 minutes. We flew over the water, cruise boats and limestone mountains while the pilot told us more about the area. At the end of the flight, we were even allowed to take a few photographs from the pilot’s seat. Seeing the karst landscape from above showed us just how vast Halong Bay really is. It was an incredible experience that we will not forget anytime soon. How many days do you need in Halong Bay? How long you need in Halong Bay mainly depends on whether you want to take a cruise and how many nights you plan to spend on board. When skipping an overnight cruise, two full days in Halong Bay should be enough to explore the surrounding area and visit several viewpoints. For an overnight cruise, add another one to three nights to your itinerary. You could, for example, spend one day in Ha Long City, take a scenic flight or explore the area by scooter, and then board your cruise the following day. Combining Halong Bay with Ninh Binh and Tam Coc works perfectly as part of a Northern Vietnam itinerary. Continue planning your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Tam Coc.