DESTINATIONS

Spotlight the world's most captivating places, hidden gems, iconic landmarks

Europe

Cyclists riding through vineyard-covered hills along the Baden Wine Route near Schriesheim in southern Germany.

10 German Mountain Hikes for Beginners and Alpine Experts

Germany offers a wide range of mountain hikes, from gentle summit walks for beginners to demanding alpine routes for experienced climbers. A selection of 10 ...
Panoramic view of Weggis on Lake Lucerne with a church, lakeside village, and surrounding Swiss Alps under a dramatic sky.

Switzerland’s Riviera: Weggis Draws Visitors with Rigi and Lake Lucerne

Weggis, a lakeside resort on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, is strengthening its position as one of central Switzerland’s most distinctive tourism destinations, combining ...
Young girl hiking beside Bannalpsee lake in Nidwalden, Switzerland

Bannalpsee draws hikers to Switzerland’s secret alpine lake

Switzerland’s Bannalpsee is emerging as a quiet draw for hikers, families and photographers thanks to its changing water colours, alpine setting and easy access from ...

North America

Happy New Year banner hanging above Times Square lights at night in New York City.

How to Ring in the New Year in New York City

Every corner of the world has its own way of celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. They just don’t do it at the ...
New Orleans' most popular selfie location, Jackson Square in NOLA

Before the Beignets: A Journey into New Orleans Starts Here

Touching down in New Orleans isn’t just the beginning of a trip—it’s the moment the city starts whispering to you. Even before you catch your ...
Luxury bedroom with chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the New York City skyline

Skyline Secrets: NYC Hotels Where the Views Steal the Show

If you’re exploring NYC hotels for your next trip, let me offer a little advice: don’t just book a bed—book a view. In a city ...

South America

Peru
What places to visit in Peru?
Vedat Özgür Töre January 16, 2025 No Comments
Brazil
Meeting of Waters: A Stunning Natural Wonder for Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
North America
7 Scenic Hiking Destinations in the Americas
Peru
Top Things to See and Do When You Visit Peru
Panoramic daytime view of Ras Rumman Mosque with Bahrain World Trade Center in the background in Manama.

Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Bahrain: Weather, Activities, and Top Experiences

Winter brings out Bahrain’s best qualities: warm sunshine, cool breezes, and a relaxed pace that makes exploring easy and enjoyable. From waterfront walks to desert ...
taking photos uae desert road trip

The Best Day Trips from Dubai: Explore Beyond the City

Dubai is a city that dazzles with its towering skyscrapers, world-class shopping, and endless entertainment. But for travelers who want to see more of the ...
red sea sunset palm trees

From Red Sea to Siwa Oasis: Everything You Must See When Visiting Egypt

Egypt – a place where ancient history, pulsating culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in a blend of variety found nowhere else in the world. ...
Dubai new touristic bus

Explore Dubai’s Top Attractions with RTA’s New On & Off Bus Tour

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to enhance the city’s tourism experience with the launch of the On & Off Bus Tour in ...
museum of the future dubai

Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks: The Story of the Museum of the Future

Rising amid the futuristic cityscape of Dubai, a building transcends ordinary architecture. A shining example of Dubai’s determination to take the lead in shaping the ...
Watersports jetpack

Top Watersports in Dubai

Are you here in search of the best water sports in Dubai? So, you arе at thе right placе. Dubai isn’t just about tall buildings ...

Asia

Aerial view of one of the new Maldives resorts at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives with curved overwater villas, white-sand beaches, and a turquoise lagoon.

New Maldives Hotels & Resorts, 2025 & 2026

The Maldives continues to evolve as one of the world’s most compelling island destinations, where delicate coral ecosystems, centuries-old seafaring traditions, and innovative hospitality coexist ...
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Georgetown, the capital of Penang, Malaysia, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its well-preserved colonial architecture, multicultural influences and historical significance. It was founded in 1786 as a port to serve British interests in South-East Asia and it became a centre for global trading, attracting foreign merchants, largely from China, India and Arab countries. As a result, Georgetown developed a multi-ethnic society that still exists today. One of the key highlights of its UNESCO World Heritage Site is the colonial district that is full of historical charm and features British-era buildings and structures from the late 18th century. These landmarks are located close to each other so you can visit them on a walking tour so let’s go! Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower    (photos 2a and 2b montage) A good place to start is the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower or the Jubilee Clock Tower which was built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee (1837 to 1897) of Queen Victoria, who was Queen Elizabeth II's great-great-grandmother. The clock tower, which was completed in 1902, is over 200 metres or over 60 feet high. Each of the 60 feet represents the years of Queen Victoria’s reign. It was damaged by Japanese bombings during World War 2, resulting in the tower leaning slightly and the tower has undergone restoration over the years.   Stanchart Building and Downing Street   (photo 3a and 3b) The imposing building at 2 Beach Street, built in 1930, was the home of Standard Chartered Bank for decades but is now a co-working space, after the bank relocated in 2017. It was so delightful to see a couple wearing traditional costumes, having their wedding photos taken in front of the building, which has become a popular backdrop for photo shoots due to its beautiful neo-classical and Art Deco architecture. (photo 3c) Penang has its own Downing Street. It is one of the few places worldwide that shares an identical name with London’s famous Downing Street where the official residence of the British prime minister is located. Right opposite the Stanchart building is the HSBC Bank building which has the prestigious address of No. 1 Downing Street. The history of this building dates back to 1884 and it was rebuilt after World War 2.  It is now a six-storey building built in the late Art Deco style and it was the first HSBC (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) branch in Malaysia.   Fort Cornwallis & lighthouse   (photos 4a and 4b)   Fort Cornwallis, the largest and oldest standing fort in Malaysia, and marks the landing site of the British under the command of Captain Frances Light in Penang in 1786. The fort features several historical cannons but it has never seen battle. Entry to the fort is ticketed.  The fort faces a public park and the Esplanade, a seaside promenade so you can enjoy the sea breeze and a nice walk along the coast. Just right next door is the lighthouse, constructed in a form that resembles a ship's mast, and carries a navigational light which functions as a marker for ships heading towards Penang Harbour.  Built in 1882, it is the second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia.   Town Hall and City Hall   (photo 5a and 5b) The Town Hall and City Hall are two of the most striking colonial buildings in Georgetown. They are located side by side. The yellow-walled Town Hall was completed in 1883 and the City Hall in 1903. The Town Hall was used for social events for the European elite and soon deemed insufficient for the governing of the state, hence the City Hall was built.   Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce building   (photo 6) The Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce building was constructed in 1928 as the headquarters for Penang's Chinese business community. It was the first Chinese Chamber of Commerce in British Malaya and Malaysia. The building’s western wing featuring Art Deco architectural style, has been converted into a 12-room boutique hotel, The Chambers.   Penang State Assembly Building   (photo 7) If you see a long building resplendent in white with an orange roof that looks like a Greek temple, it is the Penang State Assembly Building. It was built in the 1820s and the structure exemplifies Anglo-Indian classical architecture. Today, the State Assembly Building is where state laws are enacted, budgets are approved and major decisions for the state are made.   Penang High Court   (photos 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d montage) The Penang High Court, founded in 1808, is the birthplace of Malaysia’s judiciary system. It is housed inside an imposing classical-style building. featuring columns, porticos and a distinctive domed chamber. It incorporates elements typical of British colonial public buildings, with colonnaded walkways and geometric forms. The current courthouse was built in the early 1900s to replace the original structure that was built at the same site in 1809, the first such court to be set up in the Malay Peninsula. Modern annexes were added later.   St George’s Church   (photo 9) St George’s Church is a 19th-century church which is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia.  In 2007, the church was declared one of the 50 National Treasures of Malaysia. The church was built with a combination of neo-classical, Georgian and Palladian architectural styles, and features a portico of Greek columns. The apex of the roof is topped by an octagonal shaped steeple.   Church of the Assumption and State Museum   (photos 10a and 10b) Further along the road is The Church of the Assumption, which is a Roman Catholic church that was established following the founding of Georgetown in 1786, making it is the third oldest Catholic church in Malaysia.  Right next to the church is the 100-year-old Penang State Museum which is currently undergoing major restoration, which includes rebuilding sections destroyed during World War 2.   The Eastern & Oriental Hotel   (photo 11a) The crown jewel of the colonial district is the iconic Eastern & Oriental, which echoes its historical heyday in colonial grandeur. Widely revered as a grand dame of heritage hotels, the E&O was established in 1885 by the Sarkies Brothers, who also founded the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in 1887. The ultra-luxury hotel, which has 100 elegant suites, has been upgraded over the years and annexes added, whilst restoring the hotel to its original grandeur, preserving its historic charm and classical character.   (photo of 11b) Another architectural inheritance that the hotel takes great pride in is the antiquated cage lift with a sliding grill at the lobby area, that is still in working order but no longer in use. It was featured in the Hollywood film "Crazy Rich Asians". The heritage district features many other historical buildings and landmarks, which I will cover in future articles. In the meantime, you can read about Penang’s other attractions here and Penang Hill.

A nostalgic tour of a bygone colonial era in Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Georgetown, the capital of Penang, Malaysia, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its well-preserved colonial architecture, multicultural influences and historical significance. It ...
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Heavenly Well at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, with a green reflective pond, stone railings, and traditional tiled-roof buildings surrounded by trees.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi showcases Vietnam’s ode to academic excellence

Despite the name, the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is not a place for religious worship. It was first built to honour Confucius and later ...
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Main Gate of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Vietnam, with flags and gardens.

Thang Long Citadel – The Crown Jewel of Hanoi’s Legacy of Historical Sites

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, once home to the King of Vietnam, is an ancient architectural wonder that is also a UNESCO World Heritage ...
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Tourists in life jackets paddling a boat through the calm river at Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh Vietnam: Where Every Stroke of the Paddle Brings You Calm Serenity

If you visit Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam, taking a dramatic boat ride to admire the scenery is an unmissable experience. There are two great options ...
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Phat Diem Stone Cathedral in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, showcasing Eastern and Gothic architecture with ornate stone carvings and curved pagoda-style roofs

Vietnam’s Stone Cathedral – A Masterpiece of Stone and Faith

The Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is known as Vietnam’s most beautiful Catholic church and is closely associated with the development of Catholicism in Vietnam.  The ...
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Africa

pool holiday

Discover the Wonders of Tanzania with Safaris

Tanzania, a place that is known for unrivaled normal excellence and various untamed life, offers probably the most fabulous safari encounters in Africa. From the ...
7 Emerging Travel Destinations in Africa

7 Emerging Travel Destinations in Africa for 2025

Emerging travel destinations are like whispers of adventure that are slowly growing louder, promising unique experiences away from the usual tourist crowds. These places are ...
African

Africa’s Wealthiest Cities and Residential Areas

The total investable wealth currently held on the African continent amounts to USD 2.4 trillion and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 42% ...
Oran, Algeria

5 Cheapest Mediterranean Cities for Coastal Holiday

For travelers looking for affordable coastal holidays in the coming months, the Mediterranean has plenty of options to choose from. Financial experts at Gambling ‘N ...
Seychelles

Best Time To Visit Seychelles

Seychelles has won a reputation for being one of the world’s stand-out holiday destinations for travelers in search of authenticity, harmony, safety and one of the ...
Kilimanjaro tours

3 Kilimanjaro tours that you never heard of

Many tourists think of Kilimanjaro only as a climbing/hiking destination. But what if we show you three more Kilimanjaro tours, not that popular but less ...

Australasia

Two wine bottles on a wooden barrel with a lush vineyard background.
Australia

Australia’s Wine Regions: Touring the Best Vineyards and Cellar Doors

Australia is a country known for its beautiful landscapes and an even more prosperous past. However, one area of this country which is the most ...
Traveling in Tuscany in a sunny day
Australia

10 Best Places to Travel in May 2024

May is a magical month for travelers. As spring begins to fade into summer, it offers the last sweet taste of the shoulder season with ...
Bora Bora over the sea villa
Australasia

Luxury in Paradise: An Inside Look at French Polynesia’s Top 5-Star Resorts

As we journey across the globe, our quest for luxury and tranquility leads us to a paradise in the South Pacific Ocean – French Polynesia, ...
A solitary tree on a grassy hill overlooking a blue lake with mountains in the background in New Zealand.
New Zealand

Discover the Best Things to Do in New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful and diverse country with many things to see and do. From natural wonders to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone ...
TV outdoors
New Zealand

What to do in your downtime when travelling in New Zealand

New Zealand is the land of adventure and there is truly always something going on or a new place to explore. This is an incredibly ...
Sydney
Australia

The Perfect Road Trip in Australia: A Guide

Winding down your car window to take in the sweet smell of eucalyptus forests, spotting kangaroos on the side of the road, surfing on the ...

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