The 5 Ws to a Hassle-Free Holiday in Bohol, Philippines

A getaway in a Panglao Island resort beckons you to discover the natural beauty and captivating charm of Bohol, Philippines. Gifted with exquisite surroundings and a rich history and heritage, this tropical destination shows you how a supreme holiday must be experienced. To help you have a worry-free vacation here, take note of important travel information about the locale.

Where to stay
Nothing comes between you and the stunning beach at the South Palms Resort. This luxurious hotel lets its guests experience the tranquility of a private seaside haven by giving them their own exclusive stretch of beach. A stay in this Panglao accommodation doesn't stop with the scrumptious food offerings, spa treatments, or gorgeous outdoor pool. Each of its rooms and villas promises comfort with its spacious living spaces and complete set of sensible amenities.

What to visit
Begin your Bohol adventure by visiting the most famous attraction that defines the province — the Chocolate Hills. Despite the damage caused by a strong earthquake last 2013, this iconic spot remains a wonderful masterpiece of nature. These hills, which number no less than 1,200, are very uniform in shape. Their height ranges between 30 to 50 meters high. They are covered with grass that turns chocolate brown at the end of the dry season, hence the name of the place. Plenty of tour operators and guides will be happy to bring you to the hills, either as part of a day tour or a separate trip.

What to enjoy
Needless to say, do not forget to include in your itinerary the Loboc River Cruise. Sail along the scenic and winding view of the Loboc River while dining on board on one of the town's native floating restaurants. Regularly, visitors pay around PHP450 for a relaxing ride and filling lunch. Cruises start near the historic Loboc Church at the town proper.

What to see
Experience an eye-to-eye encounter with the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) at the Tarsier Sanctuary. Located at the town of Corella, which is just 10 km north of Tagbilaran City, this haven aims to conserve and preserve the habitat of these threatened species. Entrance fee is PHP50 per person. With that you get a guided tour inside the sleeping site where the tarsiers rest during the day.

Where to eat
After a long day of sightseeing, replenish lost energy by enjoying a delightful dinner at the Oceanica Seafood Restaurant. This on-site restaurant of South Palms Resort serves mouthwatering seafood dishes. It is open daily from 6 am to 10:30 pm. Once you tasted Oceanica's specialties, you'll know that it is a great decision to choose this Panglao Island resort as your temporary abode.

Best Western Star Hotel in Indonesia Unveils its Upgraded Booking Engine

Semarang, Indonesia – Travelers can now feel the convenience of booking online as Best Western Star Hotel in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia unveils a new reservation engine on its website. Powered by DirectWithHotels, the upgraded system hosts a number of great features listed below:

Fast and Easy-to-Follow Process
Forget the hassle of making a room reservation over countless emails. The website of this hotel in Semarang provides instant access to booking information in just one click. Guests can simply go online at http://www.bwstarhotel.com/ and select the “Check availability and prices” button. A set of easy-to-follow steps will guide them through the rest of the process. Details about room amenities, booking policies, and other promotions are also provided.

Quick Confirmation
Guests who book online will receive an instant confirmation once the transaction is completed and the 8 percent prepayment is accepted by the system. They will also get a confirmation email as a copy of the booking transaction. The remaining balance is payable at the hotel.

Reliable Security
The booking engine of the website is protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

Simple modification/ cancellation
There's no need to worry about sudden changes in flights schedules because guests can modify or cancel their reservations with ease. However, they should take note of the modification and cancellation policies upon booking their Semarang accommodations for the duration of getting this service for free or with a minimum fee.

Recently established in 2012, Best Western Star Hotel offers convenience to business and leisure tourists since it is only 15 minutes away from Ahmad Yani Airport. This elegant hotel located at the business hub of Central Java offers superior accommodations with pleasurable in-room features such as air-conditioning, an LCD TV, personal safety box, and free Internet access. Guests will surely feel a distinct brand of luxury with facilities that include the Royal Lounge and Sky Pool located at the hotel's rooftop.

For more information about the accommodations at Best Western Star Hotel in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia, visit the hotel's website at http://www.bwstarhotel.com/.


Best Western Star Hotel
Jalan MT Haryono No. 972 Semarang
Central Java 30242, Indonesia

Phone Number: +6224 8644 8888


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.

Best Western Kuta Villa in Bali Now Accepts Direct Bookings Through Its Website

Bali, INDONESIA – Living up to its commitment of providing excellent services to its patrons, Best Western Kuta Villa now accepts room reservations at http://www.bwkutavilla.com/. Equipped with the booking system of DirectWithHotels, the upgraded website of this hotel in Bali, Indonesia warrants guests a more convenient experience right from the time they choose the hotel for their holiday.

By clicking the “Check availability and prices” button on the website to start the booking process, online
visitors get to enjoy the following benefits and perks:

• Check and get available accommodations instantly, and at the best rates – Guests can choose among 5 room types

• Nightly rates of each room and suite and the total cost per room are shown already – These amounts are also shown inclusive of taxes and fees.

• Exclusive access to special promos, deals, and packages – Online visitors just need to click the "Promotion" tab to see the current offerings

• An easy-to-use interface – the booking system has customizable currency views; bookmarking and print options for quick and easy referencing are available

• Safe online transactions – No need to deal with third-party travel agents; the online booking system of this Bali hotel is protected by VeriSign and Trustwave

• Prepayment of only 10 percent of room cost to confirm the booking – The balance of the total reservation charge must be settled at the hotel upon check-in

• Efficient booking procedure – The reservation process only requires 4 easy steps:

1. Indicating the check-in and check-out dates on a calendar.
2. Selecting the type and number of rooms required.
3. Reviewing the reservation details.
4. Filling out a guest detail form and pay for the booking with a valid credit card.

Apart from presenting a quick method of securing accommodations, Best Western Kuta Villa offers guests a 4-star resort experience. Located in one of the most favored destinations in Bali, this hotel presents stylish rooms, suites, and villas that are fitted with sensible amenities. The hotel also affords useful facilities, such as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, concierge, shuttle service, parking, and high-speed Internet access.

To enjoy a fun- and pleasure-filled vacation at Best Western Kuta Villa in Bali, Indonesia, interested parties may book online at http://www.bwkutavilla.com/.

Best Western Kuta Villa
Jalan Nyang Nyang Sari No. 2 80361
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Number: +62361 75 65 65


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.

Top Attractions to Visit in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa

Individuals seeking a Magaliesburg accommodation, maybe at Maropeng Hotel, have a fantastic treat waiting for them, once they arrive at the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. To the west of Johannesburg stands this 180 sq mi UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it does pack a lot for travelers to see.

The most popular attraction here is its complex of limestone caves. The best known is the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus was found in 1947. Excavations still continue here for it has definitely produced a tremendous number of artifacts, including some of the oldest hominin fossils ever found — think 3.5 million years old! Most tour operators around offer half-day and full-day guided tours to explore these places, which certainly create unique travel stories.

Apart from the anthropology stuff, other places to visit and things to do here include:

Lesedi Cultural Village – A visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village is always a fun-filled experience. Found off Route 12, tourists are taken on a journey through Xhosa, Ndebele, Pedi, Zulu and Sotho cultures. It is very interesting, seeing traditional villages and the way of life of the people. As expected, there is plenty of dancing and singing, plus an African feast in the end at the restaurant. For those who want the full African experience, overnight stays in decorated huts are available. The entire package costs around R500.

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve – For a taste of authentic safari experience, head to the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve near the Swartkop Mountains. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with various animals, such as lions, buffalo, and rhinos. The animal creche lets people hug baby lions and tigers too, which certainly make the best travel memories. In addition, the Wonder Cave at the reserve is another lovely attraction, offering views of stalactites in an eerily beautiful interior. For those who want to experience both activities, ask about combined tickets at the gate, which sells for a 20% discount.

Lion Park – People have common knowledge of huge brown lions but what about rare white ones? This is the kind seen at the Lion Park near the Lanseria airport. The park also gives guests the chance to feed giraffes or play with baby lions at Cub World. It is definitely a fantastic place to go to for tourists who step out of their Maropeng hotel room or other accommodation in the area.

Shop 'Til You Drop: 5 Exciting Shopping Spots in Singapore

Frequent travellers know that the hotels in Singapore are among the best in Asia, but aside from its world-class lodgings, the country is also a famous shopping haven. The countless malls and markets scattered around the country are simply irresistible tourist destinations. All your desires from designer creations and authentic souvenirs to the latest gadgets and collector items can be fulfilled.

Before you start a mad dash to the stores, check this list of the major shopping spots in Singapore for a more convenient experience.

Orchard Road

During the early days, Orchard Road was a vast land filled with fruit orchards, pepper farms and a nutmeg plantation. Now, it is Singapore’s iconic shopping strip where you can find high-end designer labels and expensive restaurants. There's almost a dozen malls in this district alone, and you will surely shop until you drop with the myriad of wonderful items to choose from.

Mustafa Centre

Located in the middle of Little India, Mustafa Centre is the place where almost everyone in Singapore goes to spend their money. The shopping complex is so popular that at one time the government was forced to close down a portion due to the uncontrollable influx of visitors. Since Mustafa Centre is one of the few 24-hour shopping malls in the world, you should visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid a huge crowd.

Bugis Junction

Aside from the endless choices of affordable clothes, gifts, and accessories found in Bugis Junction, it is also a popular spot for tourists in Singapore because boutique hotels are located in the vicinity. If you're staying in Hotel Clover 5 HongKong Street, for example, you can easily step out and walk towards Bugis Junction. This is one convenient spot from budget hotels in Singapore that you shouldn't miss out on.

Funan Digitalife Mall

Do you want to find the latest mobile gadgets? Are you looking for the best deals on cellphones and computers? There's no need to fret because Funan Digitalife Mall has got you covered. Positioned as Asia's leading IT shopping mall, the entire building boasts it's free Wi-Fi Internet access for gadget addicts and a wide range top-of-the-line products.

Chinatown

If you haven't been to Chinatown, then you're missing a lot of wonderful deals. Singapore's Chinatown is an energetic place where haggling for prices is a common language. Souvenir shops, snack vendors, and old temples are virtually everywhere, so don't expect a dull moment once you arrive. A lot of hotels in Singapore are near Chinatown, so take this convenient advantage.

From Relics to Religion: The Explorer's Guide to Sri Lanka

The spectacular beauty of Sri Lanka is evident in its natural attractions, and a good place to start your amazing trip is at TheTourmaline Hotel in Kandy. A patch of beauty among the hills of the sacred city, it's a prelude for the wonders that await you in this Asian country.

Get your bags and cameras ready; here are 5 of the breathtaking tourist spots you must visit:

Sigiriya

The former capital of the ancient kingdom, Sigiriya is the most visited historic attraction in all of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the impressively preserved relics and remains of ancient urban planning.

A massive column of rock stands high in the middle of the Sigiriya field. What is left of the king's castle is found on top of it. You can climb the rock through the Lion Gate at the foot. As proof of the excellent urban planning done for the area, gardens, pools, and a moat that dates back to the 10th century surround the rock, allowing the king to look over his domain without obtrusion.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Located just a few minutes from some great hotels in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens. This popular attraction boasts over 4,000 species of plants, including a collection of various types of orchids, medicinal plants, and palm trees.

Fall in love with the timeless floral decorations set up as far back as the early 19th century. You can capture memories by snapping photos with your partner or family with a rich and colorful natural background.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Since most of the Sri Lankan population follow Buddhism, the locals revere elephants as sacred animals; and to care and protect these creatures, The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has been established.

Located in the town of Kegalla, the Pinnawala village has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. At the orphanage, you can observe handlers feeding these gentle giants with grass, jackfruit, and corn and you can also enjoy the view of these animals bathing in the Maha Oya River.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Another significant place to visit is the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This national park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known around the world for its diverse flora and fauna. Some of the species in this vast rainforest include leopards, langurs, medicinal plants, and endemic trees.

If you want to experience the beauty of the forest scenery, the ideal time to visit is around January to April, as these are the drier months.

Adam's Peak

This conical mountain located in the Sabaragamuwa Province became famous among different religions because it is said to have the "sacred footprint" of Adam. For Buddhists, it is Buddha's footprint, while the Hindus refer to it as Shiva's.

Trekking the mountain is ideal from December to May, so plan your accommodations in Kandy or nearby provinces on these months. Aside from the sacred footprint, you can also visit the Sama Chatiya and Bhagava caves.

This list has mentioned only 5 exciting attractions in Sri Lanka, and there's a dozen more for you to explore. An easy way to experience a worry-free travel is by booking early at The Tourmaline Hotel in Kandy to avoid the rush during peak seasons.

The Best Features of Cozy Stay Bali Hotel

If you are looking for a Denpasar accommodation for your trip to Indonesia, Cozy Stay Bali should be on top of your list. This hotel has many features that will not only impress but also make your trip more enjoyable and carefree.

1. Excellent location
A hotel's location will play a great role in the success of your holiday. Cozy Stay Bali boasts a strategic address along Jalan Gunung Soputan, near various destinations and attractions in the city. You can reach many establishments such as restaurants, shops, salons, boutiques, and different offices in a matter of minutes. It will only take about half an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport to reach the hotel. Other tourist attractions that you can visit from here include Tanah Lot, Denpasar Town Square, Seminyak and Legian townships, Kuta Beach, and Nusa Dua.

2. Charming accommodations
After a long day of shopping, exploring, or conducting business in the city, you can come home to stylish and comfortable guest spaces. Cozy Stay Bali's rooms welcome you to a refreshing contrast of cream-and-white walls with splashes of green and earth accents. In addition to the revitalizing interiors, all also have the things that will make you feel right at home. These include a flat-panel television, air-conditioning, telephone, private toilet and bath, coffee/tea making facilities, and a mini-refrigerator. Other features found in each accommodation are a sitting area, private pantry, mini-garden, closet, safe, and balcony/ lanai/ terrace.

3. Reliable facilities and services
While here, you can also take advantage of the various provisions this Denpasar hotel is offering. These facilities and services will make leisure, work, and other daily tasks easier to accomplish. For your dining pleasure, there is a restaurant and a garden plus a designated smoking area where you can relax afterwards. Rounding up the list of features are a parking area, laundry service, vending machine, free Wi-Fi Internet access, and laundry service.

4. Valuable promotions
To further make your stay more satisfying and easy on the budget, this hotel in Bali, Indonesia also has special promos and packages. These exclusive deals entitle you to room rate promos, free meals, complimentary transportation privileges, and many other inclusions — all of which can be had if you book straight at the hotel website.

5. Easy booking process with instant confirmation
Securing rooms here at Cozy Stay Bali is never difficult, thanks to an online booking system installed on its website. To start making arrangements, just click on the “Book Now” button on the right side of the web page. From there, you can easily select dates and room type, and confirm reservations by providing your personal details and 10% prepayment via credit card. Once done, you will receive an email regarding your payment status. The remaining balance must then be settled directly at this accommodation in Denpasar during check-in. All transactions are monitored by Trustwave and VeriSign.