Betty Arnold's Travel Guides

Seminyak used to be the place where tourists flock to see beautiful sunsets and rush back to wherever they come from to resume their moments of indulgence and that was it. However, in recent times, Seminyak is no longer like that. It is now famous for its clean, white beach, funky and elegant boutiques and bars and nightclubs.

Seminyak’s ever-rising number of galleries has also rapidly turned the village into becoming a mecca for the art lovers.  There are plenty of famous galleries such as, the Society Gallery, Oxyzen and the Lukisan art galleries etc.

It is a matter of discourse whether Seminyak grew from within and dre in new investors to enter the scene or enterprising people from outside come and develop it into becoming “the most fashionable area in Bali”. Plenty of shoppers and buyers of Balinese furniture are found in the Jalan Raya Seminyak (also referred to as Jalan Legian) bisects the district and acts as its main artery road.

Seminyak is indeed the place to be when you are in Bali and somehow, you just can’t go wrong in Seminyak.

Sambangan village, located in Sukasada District, is only around ten kilometers south of Singaraja, the chief city of Buleleng Regency in north Bali, but only few people know about its natural beauty. There is a special place called Secret Garden. Secret Garden is the name for a lovely, hidden pool in the headwaters of the Banyumala.

To go there, we have to Cengana village about three kilometers south. Along the way, we can see coconut trees and the green, terraced rice fields which are typical of Bali. There is a big difference between farmers in Java and Bali. In Bali, no women working in the fields or planting rice; this is all done by men, while the women stay at home.

Continue reading "Singaraja, a perfect place for trekking" »

Located comfortably between the banks of the Singapore River and the greenery of Fort Canning Park, Clark Quay is the Singapore’s newest historical attraction. Clark Quay is on the MRT and is so close to both business and shopping. Of course, you can walk but taking a taxi is more comfortable.

In this post, I will tell you about Novotel Clarke Quay, Accor’s latest property right in the heart of this historic zone. With 402 rooms, this hotel has been designed for spaciousness, comfort and luxury.

The rooms have modern amenities including the broadband internet and fully computerized bedside controls for lights and air conditioning but it’s in the food and beverage department that Clarke Quay really comes into its own with four excellent choices for your dining pleasure. They are:

1. The Square
2. The Bar and Lounge
3. Mogul Mahal
4. Dragon Phoenix

When you have tried all of these, the temptations of Clarke Quay’s lots of restaurants, clubs and bars await you – a few steps from the front door! And to help you, Novotel Clarke  Quay has arranged outstanding special offers at many outlets in their best offers at Clarke Quay booklet.

So, for your next trip to Singapore, make a change from Orchard Road and Marina, head for the newest – and still oldest – part of town and try this latest offering from Accor.