Friday, October 24, 2014

Unique Quirks and Glow of Gauteng, South Africa Captivate Travelers

The main reason accommodations in Kempton Park, Gauteng remain popular is the fact that the city carries the pulse of South Africa with as much verve as the first day it rose from apartheid. It is a destination that indeed punches way above its weight. Travelers coming in will definitely find the unique quirks and glow of the city captivating. Here is a primer of what is in store for you:

1. Vilakazi Street housed 2 Nobel Peace Prize winners

Vilakazi Street is a popular tourist attraction in South Africa because it is the only street in the world that housed 2 Nobel Peace Prize Winners: former South African President Nelson Mandela and former Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Further, the house of Mandela has been converted into a National Historical site, the museum attracting a lot of visitors every day. Also, along this street are various restaurants, bars, and local craft sellers.

2. Downhill summer skiing in South Africa

Yes, there is real snow in South Africa and downhill skiing is afforded here, as well as in neighboring Lesotho. There are ski resorts to discover along the Drakensberg Mountains. Visit during the Southern Hemisphere winter, between June and August to experience the runs. They are not very long but are good to ride nonetheless.

3. Hippos have dinner with you at St. Lucia

Downtown St. Lucia is located in the heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is a subtropical estuary, which is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its crowning glory is the fact that it contains the largest concentration of hippos in the world, so much so that you are likely to meet one on your way to dinner. The hippos are known to waltz into town at night and have dinner on lawns in the residential areas.

4. The bottom of South Africa is not Cape Point.

Contrary to popular belief, Cape Point is not the southernmost tip of Africa. Most tourists take the trek to the Cape of Good Hope thinking there is no land between them and Antarctica. But it only takes a 170 km southeast trek to realize this cannot be true. The real bottom of Africa is at the Cape Agulhas. Also, another misconception is that the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet at Cape Point. Again, this happens in Cape Agulhas.

5. KwaZulu-Natal province inspired Graceland.

Paul Simon collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo to produce Graceland, one of the world's best-selling albums. In the process, they introduced the world to the wonders of isicathamiya music, a form of Zulu a cappella. These days, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose name came from the KwaZulu-Natal town they hailed from, is a staple in shows and sporting competitions in the region. The group performs and entertains guests staying in accommodations in Gauteng, like Destiny Exclusive Hotel, while these large contests are happening, as they are usually held in the cities of Johannesburg and Durban.

Monday, October 20, 2014

4-Star Hotel in Puerto Princesa Offers Great Vantage Point to Palawan's Top Attractions

Aziza Paradise Hotel in the city proper of Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a great vantage point for exploring the Philippines' Last Frontier. From the location of this 4-star holiday retreat along BM Road in Barangay San Manuel, travelers can easily go to some of the city's famous natural and man-made attractions. These include the following:

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Located at Barangay Liwanag along Rizal Avenue, this stunning blue cathedral was built during the Spanish occupation. It is easily recognizable because of the pointed arches on its facade, which is reminiscent of the Gothic castles in Europe. The cathedral also features an angular structure, a very unique architectural design that is not seen in most Catholic churches. The easiest way to get here is by riding a local tricycle (a 7-minute ride from Aziza Hotel).

Plaza Cuartel
This historical landmark that is found along Taft Street is a commemoration to the infamous Palawan Massacre. Here, you'll see reconstructed ruins of tunnels and garrisons where American prisoners were burnt by the Japanese during the Second World War. A monument, made by one of the 10 survivors of the massacre, was erected at the plaza in 2009. Plaza Cuartel is just a stone's throw away from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

The Vietnamese Village
Vietville, as most tourists call it, is a 3-hectare hamlet that serves as an asylum for Vietnamese refugees. This place allows visitors to experience an immersion with the Vietnamese who chose to stay in Palawan. A quick tour in their houses, temples, and restaurants showcases their interesting history and culture. Situated at the southern part of the city, Vietville is only 10-minute drive from Aziza's PuertoPrincesa accommodation.

Honda Bay Islands
Apart from the Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Princesa is also known for the exquisite islands in Honda Bay. These include the islands of Cowrie, Luli, Pandan, and Starfish, which are all great for snorkeling and swimming. The surroundings of these islands are studded with patches of white sand and coral gardens. Colorful reefs, meanwhile, can be found close to the surface down to 24 metersThe jump-off point to these islands is about 15-minute drive from Aziza Hotel.


A visit in all these wonderful attractions will surely make your Palawan trip even more memorable. So, for your much-awaited holiday, make sure to book your accommodation at Aziza Paradise Hotel in Puerto Princesa to ensure a rewarding and hassle-free vacation.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Innpera Hotel Istanbul Adds Online Direct-Booking Engine for Convenient Reservations

Istanbul, Turkey – More convenience comes to travelers seeking a simpler way of booking rooms online at 4-star hotels in Istanbul, Turkey, as Innpera Hotel Istanbul launches a new reservation engine on its website at http://www.innpera.com. This system, powered by DirectWithHotels, doesn't only make reservations for this hotel in Taksim Square quicker and hassle-free but also yields instant confirmation.

Click on the “Check availability and prices” button on the website to immediately view the available rooms for planned dates. Here are more advantages of the new booking engine:
  • Real time information – The room availability details shown on the booking engine is in real time. The rates provided are also inclusive of taxes and charges already. Further, a currency selector using the latest exchange rates is available for the reference of guests.
  • User-friendly interface – The system is designed to make the process simpler and quicker for visitors. The details and buttons are vividly designed for maximum efficiency. For a faster date selection, use the virtual calendar that is integrated in the platform.
  • Access to the best hotel deals in Istanbul, Turkey – Get the best deals and special offers by viewing all the running promotions on the website. Discounts, added perks, and high value treats are also available on this direct booking channel.
  • Secure transactions – All transactions are secured by Trustwave and DigiCert.
  • No prepayment required – Complete the reservation process and get instant confirmation. Grab the Best Available Rates and pay the fees upon check-in at the hotel. In addition, cancellation and modifications are free-of-charge within a given period.
Situated in Taksim Square, the popular Innpera Hotel Istanbul, which has been around since 1964, presents travelers with the following conveniences:
  • Exceptional boutique service with excellent meeting facilities, modern architecture, and high-quality accommodation.
  • Comfort, peace, and luxury pervade each of the Standard, Standard Triple, Standard Quadruple, and Economy Double Rooms.
  • Suites that offer a wonderful sea view of the Bosphorus Strait.
  • Guestrooms come with free Wi-Fi Internet, LCD TV, private toilet and shower, mini-bar, and coffee and tea maker.
  • Convenient location. Innpera Hotel Istanbul is only 20 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the main tourist attractions.
Innpera Hotel Istanbul
Siraselviler Cad No:15 Taksim
Beyoglu, Istanbul 34437
Turkey

Phone Number: +90-212-2529600

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

All in a Day's Walk - 3 Ubud Destinations You Can Cover in Just 1 Day

When staying at an Ubud accommodation and pressed for time, the best way to make the most out of the lovely scenery is to tour the sites closest to your hotel. Here are 3 attractions that you can visit in just 1 day.

1. Monkey Forest
An estimated 605 macaques belonging to 4 distinct troops call this forest reserve home. Aside from furry critters and tree species, one can also find temples, pagodas, and pavilions surrounding the area. Local villagers frequently hold feasts to honor ancestral spirits and gods with prayers and food offerings.

2. Kintamani
About half an hour's ride from Monkey Forest and rising 1,500 m above sea level are 9 villages known collectively as Kintamani. The area is 15 degrees cooler than the coast and offers adventurers sights of farmlands and temples, and the warm hospitality of its friendly people.

3. Mount Batur
This active volcano just half an hour's ride from Kintamani is becoming an increasingly popular trekking destination. Lake Batur, the volcano's caldera, is a good source of fish for tourists who wish to go fishing.

A hassle-free tour of these destinations can also be arranged by reserving a promo called Urban Getaway Package offered by Plataran Ubud Hotel and Spa. For about IDR 6,600,000, you and a friend can stay at the hotel's Deluxe Room for 3 days and 2 nights and enjoy a day tour of the 3 itineraries alongside an English-speaking guide. Your downtime at this Bali accommodation will be spent in total comfort since the promo also covers daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and turndown service, as well as a BBQ dinner. Aside from these, the deal also entitles you to return private airport transfer, Wi-Fi Internet access, and 15% discount on F&B, laundry service, and your next treatment at Padma Spa.

Seeing more of Ubud's enchanting surroundings will also be a breeze, since the Urban Getaway Package includes free scheduled shuttle service. The convenient transportation option allows you enough time and energy to attend art and cooking classes offered in the area, as well as visit numerous museums that feature traditional and modern Balinese artworks. Before the shuttle picks you up in the evening, you can even chose to spend an hour or two indulging in relaxing treatments at the spas scattered around town.

All in all, visiting a town crammed with attractions can cause a bit of pleasant confusion. The best way to make the most out of your stay at an Ubud hotel accommodation in Bali, Indonesia is to set your priorities straight and plan which sites to visit ahead of time.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Nature Trips, ATV Tours, and Other Must-Try Activities in Albay, Philippines

When choosing a hotel in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines, make sure it is one with which you will experience nothing but the best hospitality and care. The Oriental Legazpi is a popular choice. It provides travelers with a serene and intimate venue for vacations, and also offers a great base to see the rest of the Albay province.

Here are the places to check out and things to do here:

1. Bask in the beauty of Palale Falls in Malinao or head up to the forest of Malilipot, where 7 hidden falls are waiting to be found. Take a relaxing dip in the water then capture photos of the breathtaking scenery.

2. Visit the Marine Reserve at San Miguel Island. Here, you can witness an amazing view of colorful corals, fish, and other marine life.

3. Spelunkers will enjoy going through the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave features natural limestone formations, numerous entry and exit points, and breezy, well-ventilated passages.

4. Have a different kind of beach experience by taking time to see Sogod Beach in the rural town of Bacacay. The jet-black shoreline in the area stretches for a few kilometers right on the eastern slope of Mt. Mayon.

5. Thrill-seekers will have their fill at Embarcadero de Legazpi. This mall has the Edge Walk, where you can walk high up along a metal railing with the view of the entire Legazpi.

6. Shop for native products and Pasalubong at the Satellite Market near the Central Bus Terminal or Albay Pasalubong Center. Before going back to your hotel in Legazpi, Albay, buy home goods and native handicrafts from the finest abaca products like bags, wallets, footwear, colorful home decorations as well as cutlery and pottery.

7. Visit century-old churches like the San Juan Bautista Church in Tabaco City, Our Lady of the Gate in Daraga, or St. John the Baptist in Camalig. If the spiritual journey alone doesn't attract you, the Baroque architecture, richly decorated facade, and intricate images carved out from volcanic stones will do the trick.

8. Speaking of churches, you shouldn't miss paying a visit to the ruins of the Cagsawa Church left by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. This is a perfect place to take a wide-angle photograph of the perfectly shaped volcano.

*For more information on The Oriental Legazpi Hotel in Albay, Philippines, visit its website at http://www.legazpi.theorientalhotels.com/, which boasts a direct-booking system that gives instant confirmation.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Fun Batam Island Activities That Doesn't Involve Going to the Beach

Tourists and locals from Singapore often search for a resort in Batam Island, Indonesia for a quick island getaway. Not only is Batam easily accessible with a short ride from Singapore's ferry terminal, it's also home to exciting water sports that include windsurfing, kayaking, and parasailing. But aside from soaking up all the fun along the island's shores, you can find a lot more enjoyment with these activities.

Shop for Local Food and Products
Almost everything a tourist needs can be found in the various malls around Batam, from cameras and sports equipment to the usual souvenirs. If you want to bring home some goodies, one of the best places to visit is the Nagoya Hill Mall. Here, you can find local specialties, such as the popular kueh lapis or Indonesian layer cake and indomie or noodles. For batik or Indonesian traditional clothing and Moslem clothes, DC Mall is the place. Although some shops accept Singapore dollars, you still might need to drop by the money changer.

Pamper Yourself With an Affordable Spa Treatment
Take a stroll around Batam Center and you'll surely find an abundance of spas and massages. Since there are a lot of options to choose from, it will be easier for you to get a good and affordable one. Try a traditional Balinese or Thai massage that typically costs IDR 170,000 or SGD 25. This is a perfect way to relax after visiting the attractions in the city.

Taste Fresh Seafood and Cheap Beer
In Batam, you can find a selection of fresh seafood like mantis prawns, black pepper crabs, and chili stir-fried mussels at affordable prices. Some of the popular restaurants that serve these mouthwatering dishes are the Prawn Seafood Restaurant and Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant, which are located just by the waterfront promenade. Cheap beer and alcohol are also served, which is way more affordable than most of the drinks served in Singapore.

Play Golf on Internationally Acclaimed Golf Courses
The beautiful island is also well known for having some of the finest golf courses in Asia. One of the popular names is the Tering Bay Golf & Country Club, where the course has been designed by Greg Norman, a legendary name in the sport. There's also the Tamarin Santana Golf Glub, located right beside Nongsa Point Marina & Resort and accommodation in Batam. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, another golf legend, this one is perfect for those who fancy playing a 9-hole game with a beautiful resort in Batam as a backdrop.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

6 Destinations That Make Bogor, Indonesia a Nature Lover's Paradise

Many nature lovers who want to explore Southeast Asia choose to book Bogor accommodations. Truly, with the city's location on the bio-diverse island of Java, it is a place where a multitude of adventures amid nature's beauty await. So if you think this is just what you need for your next getaway, then this article is for you. Here, you will find a list of Bogor's best nature spots that you can visit.

1. Bogor Botanical Gardens
Covering more than 80 hectares or about 200 acres of land, Bogor Botanical Gardens is located near Jalan Ir. Haji Juanda. It features more than 15,000 species of plants, including about 40 types of palms and some 3,000 varieties of orchids, plus over 50 varieties of birds.

2. Mount Halimun Salak National Park
Established in 1992, Mount Halimun Salak National Park (Taman Nasional Halimun Salak) covers an area of 400 sq km. It comprises 2 mountains, Mount Salak and Mount Halimun, with an 11-km forest corridor. Found in its lower zones are secure populations of the West Javan Gibbon, Javan Hawk Eagle, and Javan Leopard.

3. Mount Gede Pangrango National Park
Featuring Bogor's famous twin volcanoes, Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango, this national park was declared by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. During your visit, you will have the chance to encounter 251 of the 450 bird species found in all of Java. Among these are endangered ones, including the Javan Hawk Eagle and the Javan Scops Owl.

4. Cilember Waterfalls

One of the most refreshing stops you'll find here is the Cilember Waterfalls, a truly remarkable 7-waterfall destination in the Cisarua District. Aside from the series of beautiful, cascading waters it holds, you may visit the park's butterfly-breeding lab.

5. Sentul Paradise Park
Located in Bojongkoneng Village, Sentul Paradise Park is another attraction that features a popular waterfall, the 40-meter-high and 7-meter-wide Angel Falls. What sets it apart from other waterfall destinations in Bogor? A water park where you can enjoy slides and raft rides.

6. Plataran Puncak Villa
The final item on the list is not a mere attraction but an accommodation. Plataran Puncak Villa in Bogor enjoys a location in the cool, mountainous region of Tugu Utara. Aside from its spacious, well-appointed villas, this nature retreat with a lush garden setting lets you enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango. To start booking a stay at this Bogor accommodation, visit its website and click the “BOOK NOW” button.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Make Your Holiday in Johor Bahru Worry-Free By Staying at Grand BlueWave Hotel

A worry-free holiday in Malaysia awaits when you choose to stay at Grand BlueWave Hotel in Johor Bahru. This elegant accommodation doesn't only offer an ideal location in the heart of the city and near key places of interest but also gives an array of practical features that ensure a memorable vacation. These include:

Direct Online Reservation
Secure a room easily by visiting the hotel's website http://www.grandbluewave-johorbahru.com/ on your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. To begin, simply click the "Check Availability and Prices". This activates the online reservation engine powered by DirectWithHotels. Easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the booking process. This user-friendly engine also comes with a bookmark option, currency converter, and print button. All guest transactions made using this system are protected by Trustwave and Digicert, 2 of the most trusted online information security providers today.

No Booking Fee Required
When you're ready to book, just provide the guest details and click the “Reserve Now” button to finalize your booking. You'll be finished in no time because there's no prepayment required. A confirmation email will be sent immediately to authenticate the transaction. Full payment will be settled when you arrive at the hotel in Johor Bahru.

Online Promos
Exciting promos from Grand Bluewave Hotel Johor Bahru are now up for grabs on its website. Currently, there are 2 deals that let you stay at special rates: the Special Promotion 2 Days 1 Night and 3 Days 2 Nights, both valid until September 12, 2014. More details are shown on the hotel's website.

Elegant Room Amenities
Grand BlueWave Hotel boasts 184 exquisitely designed residential suites ideal for long-term vacationers and businessmen. These fully air-conditioned spaces are fitted swith amenities that include a cable TV, high-speed Wi-Fi access, kitchenette, mini-bar, coffee and tea maker, and safe. For more convenience, choose to stay in the executive suites that are designed with dining and lounge areas.

Facilities for Business and Leisure
Find the answer to your business needs at the hotel's fully equipped business center and conference room. If you want to try mouthwatering dishes and drinks, there's the Agehan Restaurant that features Japanese cuisine, Orient Express that serve hearty buffets, and Trevi Fountain Lounge that offers refreshing cocktails with relaxing music. Recreation is also important for travelers, that's why the hotel also has a spa, sauna, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness room.

Visit http://www.grandbluewave-johorbahru.com/ to know more about the rooms, services, and promos from Grand BlueWave Hotel in Johor Bahru.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Destiny Exclusive Hotel in South Africa Now Boasts a Direct-Booking Engine on Website

Gauteng, SOUTH AFRICA — To provide travelers with an easier way of booking rooms online, Destiny Exclusive Hotel in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa has launched a new reservation engine on its website at http://www.destinyhotel.co.za/. This system, powered by DirectWithHotels, doesn't only make bookings to this hotel in Gauteng quicker and hassle-free but also yields instant confirmation.

On the website, upon clicking the “Check availability and prices” button, guests can immediately view the available rooms for their planned dates. Here are more advantages of the new booking engine:

Information in real time – the room availability shown on the reservation engine is in real time, and the rates provided already include taxes and charges. There's also a currency selector with the latest exchange rates that serves as quick reference.
User-friendly interface – the details and buttons on the booking engine are designed vividly to provide an efficient reservation process. A virtual calendar has also been integrated to make date selection faster.
Access to better offers – aside from giving the best prices at this Gauteng accommodation, the booking engine also shows special offers, and discounts that can only be availed on this channel.
Secure transactions – all transactions in the system are secure because it's protected by DigiCert and Trustwave, 2 of the trusted security providers on the web.
No prepayment – secure a room instantly by completing the reservation process, and pay the fees upon check-in at the hotel. In addition, cancellation and modifications are free-of-charge within a given period.

Located on an exclusive private property in Bredell Kempton Park, the 4-star Destiny Exclusive Hotel lets business and leisure travelers enjoy:

Easy access to OR Thambo International Airport, and major highways to Johannesburg and Pretoria
Guestrooms with full-HD satellite TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, individually controlled air-conditioning, and en-suite bathroom
Business center services, and conference and meeting rooms with complete amenities
Leisure facilities that include the Destiny Health and Wellness Spa and restaurant
Express check-in, 24-hour reception, shuttle services, and dry cleaning/laundry

For more information about Destiny Exclusive Hotel's accommodations and services, guests must log on to http://www.destinyhotel.co.za/.

***

Destiny Exclusive Hotel
Estate 154, 3rd Road, Bredell, Kempton Park
Gauteng, 1620, South Africa

Phone Number: +27-11-9790044

***

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.