Best Hotels

How to Plan Your Next Trip to Kuala Lumpur

How to Plan Your Next Trip to Kuala Lumpur

If you’re going to an exotic destination, some preparations are in order. Here’s what you should keep in mind before visiting the Southeast Asian wonder.

Kuala Lumpur is attractive and inviting. The city is a melting pot of cultures and a prime tourist destination you shouldn’t miss. But as is the case with every remote place, there are several things you should know about before taking the trip.

Here are seven things you should add to your checklist before traveling to Kuala Lumpur.

1. Check Your Visa and Passport

In line with its welcoming nature, Malaysia doesn’t require a visa from citizens of most countries. You could still check only to make sure, but chances are you won’t need it.

However, your passport validity should be the most important consideration. That document needs to be valid for a half year after the date of your intended departure from the country.

Finally, you could be allowed to stay in Malaysia without a visa for up to 90 days. Keep in mind that visitors from certain countries can’t visit for longer than two weeks.

2. Find a Nice Room

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Accommodation isn’t hard to find in the city, and they come with relatively affordable prices, too. Know that the numerous hostels and budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur usually offer rooms with A/C, WiFi, and breakfast.

Hostel prices range from $8 to $25 per person per night, while you can find a hotel room for a price as low as $18. But if you opt for a hotel with more amenities, such as a pool, you’ll likely find rates starting from $50 per night.

Those more interested in Airbnb can choose from a broad range of apartments in every part of the city. If that’s more to your tastes, you can expect to find shared accommodation costing about $34 per night or an apartment for a minimum of $48.

3. Learn a Bit About the Culture

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Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly a modern metropolis. You’ll find visitors from around the world in the city and see every style of clothing as you explore the busy streets.

There are also people from seemingly all over the world going about their business. Some will be dressed in the usual Western fashion. But others, particularly women, might sport a more modest outfit in line with the predominantly Muslim culture.

Keep in mind that there are areas in Kuala Lumpur forbidden for tourists. But no one will make a huge deal if you wander into those by mistake. The areas in question are prayer rooms, and they are a common sight everywhere, from airports and shopping malls to office buildings.

4. Get Ready for Some Seriously Tasty Food

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You can find eateries in Kuala Lumpur that suit every pocket. There are mid-range as well as fine dining options with international and local dishes on their menus, but you might find the street food vendors to have the most attractive offers.

If you want to try local Malaysian cuisine, most dishes won’t cost more than $5 on the street, with table service costing double that amount for the same meal. Of course, those more interested in high-end restaurants will find plenty of options with prices for a full meal and drinks easily reaching $100.

You should keep in mind that western food is generally more expensive, but you likely won’t be tempted by familiar cuisine when surrounded by Malaysian delicacies.

5. Know How to Navigate the City

Tourist Navigating the City of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has a modern, convenient, and a rather cheap metro that is the preferred mode of transportation for most visitors and locals. That being said, the metro isn’t without its downsides – it doesn’t cover 100% of the city area and can get pretty crowded in the rush hour.

Whenever you don’t need to cover a significant distance, walking would be the best option. You most likely won’t be able to get enough of Kuala Lumpur, so navigating its streets by foot will allow you to enjoy the city even more.

Alternatively, you can use the bus or take Grab – the Southeast Asian version of Uber. It might be somewhat more pricey than other options if you’re going alone or in a pair. But if you’re traveling in a group of three or four, Grab can be the cheapest transportation around.

Kuala Lumpur cabs are notorious for frequent scams, so it would be best to avoid them at all costs.

6. The Best Time to Visit

Tourist Enjoying the Weather Kuala Lumpur

Whenever you decide to come to Kuala Lumpur, you can expect hot weather and high humidity. The city does experience two monsoon seasons with heavy rains that somewhat cool it down but the effects brought on by the winds aren’t severe.

Floods are common during those seasons, and you could even witness a thunderstorm or two, but the city’s quite pleasant even in those circumstances. However, you might find sightseeing during a monsoon challenging.

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur would be sometime between May and August. During that period, you can enjoy the best weather and catch some of the phenomenal festivals that take place in the city.

7. Keep Your Stuff Safe

Tourist in Kuala Lumpur keeping her things safe

Petty crime isn’t a very serious thing – hence the ‘petty’ in the name – but losing your wallet, phone, or other essentials is no laughing matter.

Kuala Lumpur isn’t a dangerous place, but it is a city of almost two million people, so it comes with its share of pickpockets, scammers, and similar small-time criminals. In other words, it would be best to always mind your pockets, bags, and backpacks.

When in public transport, avoid carrying anything valuable in your pockets and hold all your valuables close. If you’re picking up money from an ATM, use the ones inside a bank, not the street variety. And, same as in any metropolis, if you feel unsafe going into a shady street or staying in a particular area – move on.

However, people aren’t the only possible culprits when it comes to theft.

When visiting the famous Batu Caves, which you likely won’t miss out on, you would be wise to pay attention to the monkeys. They might be adorable and fun to watch, but they are natural-born criminals!

And that’s not even a joke.

Come Prepared and Enjoy Your Stay

Kuala Lumpur is a gorgeous city with plenty of exciting sights and activities. Knowing some crucial facts about the city and Malaysia, in general, will make your trip to Kuala Lumpur all the more enjoyable.

With a mix of cultures and an atmosphere seldom found in other places, this Malaysian metropolis will leave a strong impression and make for a holiday destination you’ll never forget.

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Dominican Republic

Traveling to Punta Cana? Check Out These Resorts

Traveling to Punta Cana? Check Out These Resorts

There’s no reason to not enjoy some pampering on your Punta Cana trip. Pick the best resort to suit your needs and let go of your troubles even for a few days.

It’s easy to find exactly what you want in your perfect resort when traveling to Punta Cana. After all, there’s a good selection of family-friendly, pet-friendly, and adult-only resorts.

This means that you can never end up in a place you might not feel comfortable in, no matter how little research you do.

The majority of Punta Cana’s resorts offer high-end services and accommodations, but many of them are affordable, too. Here’s a shortlist of some of the best options available for your next trip.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort

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The Secrets Cap Cana is among the best resorts in Punta Cana. It’s a superb Caribbean location equipped with water sports facilities, a spa, and even a casino.

Although it features an outdoor pool, you can also check out some freshwater lagoons close by. Feel free to ask about it with the hotel’s entertainment team – they’re very friendly and knowledgeable about the area.

You can also ask the staff for fun things to do and exciting sites to visit in Punta Cana. The resort is also adjacent to the renowned Playa Juanillo, which is a great place to mingle with locals and other tourists.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Some of the best resorts in Punta Cana are, in fact, in Cap Cana. Similar to Secrets, the Hyatt Ziva resort offers excellent service and accommodations all year round.

The Hyatt Ziva offers quick access to one of the region’s best beaches and is located less than half a mile from Playa Juanillo.

You can also have fun in the resort’s water park, dine at the restaurant, or take the young ones to the kids’ club. And you can likewise stay in shape at the fitness center, relax in the gorgeous garden, or sip cocktails at the bar.

Radisson Blu Resort & Residence

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For an unforgettable all-inclusive Punta Cana experience, check out the Radisson Blu Resort. It offers easy access to the gorgeous Cabeza de Toro Beach and 5-star accommodations the brand is known for.

It’s also a family-friendly resort, which is a big plus considering some of the best resorts in Punta Cana only cater to adults. You can also benefit from a high-end concierge service, airport transfers, and room service.

The resort also has its own bar, pool, and a fine restaurant, so you can still have a blast even without leaving the premises.

Tortuga Bay Resort

If you want something closer to the airport without compromising on service, try Tortuga Bay Resort. It has a private beach, rooms with hot tubs, and VIP packages.

The staff is very welcoming and does a great job of making guests feel relaxed and pampered. It doesn’t have many rooms, compared to other Punta Cana resorts.

But it’s a great place to book a stay if you don’t care for large crowds.

La Piazzetta Villas

For a different experience, you can head over to Bavaro, Punta Cana where you’ll find La Piazzetta Villas. The resort is a complex of villas and apartments occupying a private stretch of the Caribbean coast.

The resort has multiple swimming pools, stunning views, and excellent service. You also take yoga classes, spend time at the dance studio, and taste a variety of local and international dishes.

There’s even a golf course nearby if you want to get some swings in. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the massage pavilions, as getting a massage is always a great way to relax.

Another draw here is the pet-friendly resort policy.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Hard Rock Punta Cana is one of the most popular and best resorts in Punta Cana. It has its own golf course, luxurious rooms and amenities, a fitness center, and even a kids’ club.

You may appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of entertainment for the kids that the hotel offers. The Arcade Center or the mini-golf course, for example, can keep them perfectly content and occupied.

Although it’s a beachfront property, the resort also has 13 pools for the guests, three of which are for the little ones.

The casino always comes up with its own brand of entertainment. You can also enjoy any of the 17 different lounges and bars for a wide selection of drinks and food.

Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar

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If you don’t mind going a bit further from downtown Punta Cana, this resort might be a great pick. It’s an adult-only complex that’s minutes away from the renowned Cana Bay Golf Course.

The resort offers a restaurant, nightclub, tennis courts, and fitness center. It’s also quite close to Splash Park if you’re ever in the mood for water rides and activities.

While it doesn’t offer as many amenities as other accommodations in the region, it still offers excellent service and room conditions.

The fact that it caters to couples is another plus, as it has a calmer and more romantic atmosphere, especially when compared to the larger family-friendly resorts.

The Excellence Punta Cana

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Would you believe that one of the best resorts in Punta Cana sits on a remote piece of shoreline?

The white sand beach and gorgeous palms place the Excellence Resort in an idyllic location.

This resort offers guests a world-class spa, a fitness center, and round-the-clock service. Most visitors tend to be couples, so the hotel staff knows how to make certain preparations.

It’s simply a perfect spot for a romantic getaway in one of Punta Cana’s more secluded and relaxing areas. The private beach, balcony, and ocean views may be just what you need to recharge your batteries and reconnect with your partner.

An Idyllic Destination

It’s not hard to see why so many people visit Punta Cana all year round. The Dominican Republic, after all, is gorgeous and offers an overwhelming number of accommodations and entertainment venues.

This area is famous for its all-inclusive resorts and for catering to very specific guest requirements. But it’s just as easy to find a family-friendly resort with playgrounds as it is a secluded resort with a focus on romantic getaways.

World's Best

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

Miami is a city that comes alive after dark. And with the abundance of world-famous clubs, there’s plenty of parties to choose from.

If you yearn for awesome fun and great parties, Miami is the city for you. It’s not rare for the best clubs in Miami Beach to count among the world’s best as well. Because the city’s huge and party opportunities abound, it might be difficult to find your way to the right venue.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Miami for all the party animals out there. Check out the clubs listed here and have the night of your life.

1. Nikki Beach Miami

They say there’s nothing quite like a beach party, and Nikki Beach Miami club can provide just that. There are tiki bars and cabanas among the great-looking tropical island decor of one of the best clubs in Miami Beach.

The air is filled with non-stop tunes from excellent DJs, and the cocktails keep flowing. And if you need a bite to eat, there’s delicious food from all over the world. Don’t worry about the calories – dancing the night away on the sand will easily take care of those, especially if you plan a whole night of partying.

2. Purdy Lounge

A club out of the ordinary, Purdy Lounge is not one of the usual party hotspots in Miami. The club is inspired by the retro aesthetic of the mid-70s, complete with lava lamps, funky furniture, and an assortment of board games. It offers a different yet refreshing party experience

The drinks are affordable, the music very pleasant, and the games so much fun. All this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a party, but the amount of fun to be had at the Purdy Lounge will surprise you.

3. Beaker and Gray

If partying in style is more your speed, it’s a great idea to drop by Beaker and Gray. The meals and cocktails are sublime, and the atmosphere’s slick yet lively. This isn’t a fine dining experience you can find in more luxurious restaurants, though. It’s still a party venue, but one that accommodates those with specific tastes.

So if you’re not up for the wild parties with loud bass thumping and dancing but still want to have some great fun, pay Beaker and Gray a visit. Stay for the late happy hour and all your nightly party cravings will be satisfied.

4. SkyBar Miami Beach

Skybar’s housed in the unique Shore Club hotel and offers an atmosphere of extravagance and chic. There’s a garden, a lounge by the pool, and of course, the beach outdoors. But the party starts in the captivating Redroom that’s designed to fascinate with its dramatic colors.

The venue is filled with luxurious materials and has a seductive quality about it. If this kind of lounge fits your style, you’ll find it hard to leave one of the best clubs in Miami Beach before sunrise. Luckily, Skybar’s made for just that kind of patrons – you’re welcome to stay for hours while immersed in its splendor.

5. Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain has plenty of tradition behind it, being in business since the mid-30s. While today it might be somewhat low-key as a party venue, it’d still be a mistake to miss out on what it offers.

Once upon a time, legends such as Billie Holiday and Chet Baker performed here, and Ball & Chain keep the tradition of live music events to this day. There’s no shortage of opportunity for dancing and fine drinks await at the bar. This is the sort of place that’s rich in history that you’ll want to be part of.

6. Sweet Liberty

Going back to the more common party joints, Sweet Liberty deserves mention. It’s a casual yet exotic cocktail bar that makes a point of being the main watering hole of the area.

This is a place for those who want the cocktails to keep coming while fine tunes build up the atmosphere. And if you come for happy hour, the drinks are less than cheap, as are the oysters you can grab as an on-the-go refreshment.

7. Basement

s a versatile space focused on nothing but fun. It features everything one could imagine when looking for a great night of partying – it can be a dance club, a bar, a bowling alley, and many more things. So if you’re looking for some of the best clubs in Miami Beach, this is a place to consider.

It’s located in the Edition Hotel, and the exact location of the club is revealed in its name. Here you could catch a performance by world-class DJs and even spot some celebrities among the crowd. That is if you can keep your eyes off the amazing interior. After all, Basement is gorgeous and perfect for taking a photo or ten.

8. No. 3 Social

If there’s one thing that’s not common in the Miami party scene, it’s rooftop venues. That’s where No. 3 Social comes in. The lounge offers an astounding view to go along with the music, food, and, of course, the drinks.

Besides its rooftop location, the club’s famous for the delicate menu full of intricate, delicious meals. The cocktails are just as delightful as the food, and all of it is accompanied by either live music or DJ tracks. No. 3 Social also has a cinema night once a week and an extensive happy hour.

The Fun in Miami Never Ends

There are enough nightlife options in Miami to last a lifetime, but the essential party spots are the ones you shouldn’t miss. With various venues, locations, and available activities, every partygoer will be satisfied by the best clubs in Miami Beach.

If you like those larger-than-life nightly events, there’s a place for you here. And if low-key, classy joints are more up your alley, you can find those in Miami as well.

There aren’t many cities that can satiate every craving quite as good as Miami when it comes to different party tastes.

Best Islands

The 10 Things You Must Do in Dubai

The 10 Things You Must Do in Dubai

Are you ready to experience everything you ever hoped for in the middle of the Arabian Desert? Your trip to Dubai will surprise you.

What was once mostly desert is now one of the premier transport, financial, and entertainment hubs in the world.

In fact, the top 10 reasons to visit Dubai listed here are underselling the experience. But if you have limited time, those found in the list are a couple of activities you can’t afford to miss.

#1 – See the World’s Tallest Building

You’ve seen it in pictures, movies, ads, and everywhere in between. But seeing the Burj Khalifa up close is a different experience. In fact, it’s by far one of the best things to do in Dubai.

The city’s landmark structure is the hottest tourist attraction in the area. Besides, the observation deck sitting 124 floors above street level will give you an unparalleled view of the cityscape.

Visiting at night is even better if you have a mind to take pictures.

#2 – Explore the Culture

The Heritage and Diving Village is a must-visit attraction if you’re looking for a cultural Dubai tour.

It showcases displays of dhow building and some related to pearl diving as, in the past, these two industries were the backbone of Dubai’s economy. You can also see accurate reproductions of traditional coastal village life.

Check out the Persian homes, Bedouin lifestyle, and relax at a traditional coffeehouse. You can even catch local shows if you visit between October and April.

#3 – Walk With the Fish

Everyone knows that Dubai has a way of making everything grandiose. The Underwater Zoo is no exception.

The ground floor of the Dubai Mall features a massive suspended tank with over 140 marine life species living there. But that’s not even the crazy part.

You can go to an Underwater Zoo – a truly unique experience. Tourists dub this one of the best things to do in Dubai because it allows you to walk among the aquarium’s tunnels, making you feel like you’re part of the environment.

Of course, you can also get in on the action and go shark diving or cage snorkeling if you want to interact with the underwater world’s inhabitants.

#4 – Do Retail Therapy and Entertainment

Dubai has the world’s largest retail center in terms of square footage. With around 1,300 stores, it’s an excellent place to visit as it’s not as crowded as other giant malls. The stores here offer everything from trinkets to high-end clothing and accessories.

Various entertainment facilities are also available, such as an aquarium, movie theaters, and a large ice rink. You’ll also find a couple of attractions dedicated to kids. Furthermore, given the scorching temperatures in Dubai, the mall offers an easy escape from the heat.

#5 – Tour the Jumeirah Mosque

It may come as a surprise that people of any denomination can visit this majestic mosque. You may already know what it looks like as it’s featured on the 500-dirham note. The architecture resembles that of typical buildings during the Fatimid period.

Needless to say, touring the Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most incredible things to do in Dubai.

It’s not only a towering coastal building, but it’s also among the few mosques that welcome non-Muslim visitors, giving them a chance to see some aspects of Islamic faith for themselves. It even provides traditional acceptable attire for tourists who want to enter.

#6 – Cool Off on a Manmade Island

Dubai shaped its landmass like no other country in the world. In fact, one of the top Dubai attractions is the Palm Jumeirah.

This palm-shaped island features the amazing Aquaventure Waterpark at the Atlantis, The Palm resort, which has water slides that are out of this world. The park even has the Aquaconda, the world’s largest water slide for groups.

You can also enjoy frolicking on a white sand beach, seeking shade under the palms, or going on an underwater safari.

#7 – See More of the World’s Largest

So far, Dubai has built the largest mall and tallest building in the world. It’s unsurprising, really, as pretty much everything else the city created aims to be the biggest in the world in one shape or form.

How does the idea of seeing about 100 million flowers of various species sound to you?

A tour of the Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the most relaxing things to do in Dubai. It’s the most extensive flower garden anywhere on Earth. The flowers cover every structure, thus creating unique flower displays.

Anyone can enjoy a stroll in the garden and admire a flower replica of the Burj Khalifa from its colorful walkways.

#8 – Go on a Desert Tour

The city doesn’t contain all of the action to be had here. Book your desert tour early to get an authentic experience. The natural scenery in the desert is just as spectacular as the artificial scenery in the city.

Some of the best things to do with kids include camel riding and sandboarding. The latter is both fun and a lot easier to master than you think.

#9 – Explore the Gold and Spice Souks

There are many of these souks, or bazaars, in Dubai, given the history of trade in the area. And when visiting the local souks, you can almost experience commerce as it was centuries ago.

The Gold Souk is perhaps the most jaw-dropping of them all. It’s all about the glamour and glittering displays of gold accessories. Reportedly 20% of the world’s gold may pass through the market year in and year out. Of course, you can also check out other jewelry – diamond, silver, and even platinum.

Meanwhile, the Spice Souk on the northern bank of Dubai’s Creek is a great spot for any foodie. This market is worth a visit if you want to buy some excellent but affordable saffron or stock up on other exotic spices.

#10 – Go Dune Riding in Complete Comfort

Of the many things to do in UAE, dune riding is one of the most popular. If you’re not one to enjoy a bumpy camel ride or sit too long in the heat, you can ride the dunes of the Arabian Desert inside a comfortable rover.

Driving on sand is unlike anything you can imagine until you do it. It’s fun, sometimes dangerous, and somewhat of a roller coaster ride.

There’s no way you can’t enjoy a couple of hours in a desert safari, as it comes with no risk of dehydration or getting hit with sand everywhere.

Dubai – Where Everything is Big

The Emirates builds giant buildings and artificial islands and is located on one of the largest deserts – need we say more?

Everything is on a fantastic scale, whether it’s the attractions, landmarks, shopping facilities, hotels, or entertainment. It may not be the cheapest vacation spot, but it certainly delivers tons of fun.