Celebrate Music, Art, and Food on Your Next Trip to Singapore

Behind its towering office buildings, high-end malls, and fancy hotels and accommodation, Singapore has a thriving culture that celebrates music, art, and food. From an annual rock fest and nightly comedy shows to poetry slams and ice cream buffet, here are some awesome ways to appreciate the different side of this vibrant urban jungle.

Party like a rockstar
For the past years, Singapore's concert scene has been flooded by big names in the music industry. At the recent Singapore Rock Festival held last January, metal heads saw legendary icons Alice in Chains, KORN, and Rob Zombie perform live. This December, it's the EDM fans' turn to party at ZoukOut 2014. Some of the big names in this year's line up include UK trio Above & Beyond, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, and Damian Lazarus. If you want to catch this big event, securing plane tickets and reservation at a boutique hotel in Singapore is a good idea.

Those who want to listen to music without spending for tickets can head to the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Free concerts at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage are scheduled for visitors. The Esplanade Outdoor Theatre also hosts local emerging artists who perform on weekends.

Laugh and listen to local acts
Get a good laugh with your friends from the witty remarks of Singapore's local stand up comics. The comedy scene here has gained popularity, and the fever has spread across bars in the city. One of the popular spots include Comedy Masala at Home Club, which has shows on Tuesday. If you need some mid-week entertainment, you can also try Penny Black, located 5 minutes away from Hotel Clover the Arts.

Fancy watching a poetry slam? Word Forward, a non-profit company, organizes a monthly battle of aspiring poets at Blu Jaz Cafe. Usually, before the showdown begins, there's an open mic session for those who want to try out their rhyme skills.

Appreciate food and art
Every year, Art Stage Singapore showcases Southeast Asian contemporary art in an international stage. Artists, curators, gallery owners, and art lovers gather to celebrate masterful creations, and engage in sales opportunities. This year's event welcomed over 45,700 people for over 5 days. The next event, which is slated at the Marina Bay Sands, is expecting a larger audience from all parts of the world.

If you can't get enough sweet creations from the different shops in the city, then might as well make your own. BakinCalf, a modest baking school in the Yishun area, whips up hands-on baking classes for foodies who love French macaroons. Udders Ice Cream, meanwhile, aims to satisfy the craving of ice-cream junkies with an ice-cream making workshop that includes an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet. There's no need to eat dessert in your accommodation in Singapore after this one.

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 a 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 meters. The 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.

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.

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.

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.

Food Tripping Made Easy From Your Centrally Located Bangkok Hotel

Enjoy the finest meals in Bangkok by picking an accommodation with a central location. Fellow food lovers recommend S33 Compact SukhumvitHotel in Bangkok, Thailand. Located along Sukhumvit Road, it offers an address most convenient to exploring the various restaurants, establishments, and stalls that provide the most delicious avenue to getting to know the city. From this accommodation in Bangkok, get ready to indulge in glorious food tripping and unravel the wonders these places offer:

Signature Bankara Ramen

Sukhumvit Soi 39 is as far from Japan as you can imagine, but here, the bowls of signature bankara ramen are every bit transporting. It is hard not to feel utter satisfaction after eating the delicious yet quite affordable ramen that features toothsome noodles, topped with chashu, bamboo shoots, and green onions, all drowned in a rich tonkatsu soup.

Street food in Langsuan Road

Langsuan Soi 6 is a leafy street to the north of Sarasin Road near Lumpini Park and this is where the corporate crowd of the neighborhood feasts at lunchtime. The narrow alleyways host several stalls that are a hit with the locals. This is the place where all of your Thai street food fantasies come true, with plates of fried rice, noodles, green chicken curry, Thai sausage, sliced mango, Thai milk tea, and everything you can think of.

Polo Fried Chicken

There is always a place and time for fried chicken. Here in Bangkok, the best-tasting and inexpensive chicken comes from Polo Fried Chicken in 3 Soi Polo, Wireless Road, Lumpini. Imagine fat and juicy fried chicken served with sticky rice and som tam — it is pretty much the stuff that makes dreams. To continue your chicken journey, order the nam tok gai tod, a spicy and herbal salad that gives a new twist to your all-time favorite poultry.

Middle Eastern specialties at Beirut

Enjoy a taste of authentic Middle Eastern flavors in Bangkok by coming to Beirut. Located at B1/F, Ploenchit Center, Sukhumvit Soi 2, Sukhumvit Road, the restaurant offers a tour of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Everything tastes really good that it is hard not to order it all to go with the fresh baked pitas. Enjoy huge portions of mouth-watering lamb, falafel, borek, and tabbouleh, all at an affordable price.

Indulge in good food one plate at a time by visiting these places today. Stay at S33 Compact Sukhumvit Hotelin Bangkok, Thailand to make going around the city more convenient so you spend less time traveling and more time eating!