Dubai Parks and Resorts last part; Motiongate Dubai

28-January 2017 in Jebel Ali of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This is where amazing meets amazing 

"Three theme parks for the price of one". Limited time offer! Book now for Only AED 295! Offer valid for visits between 18-December-2016 to 11-February-2017

How to Go to MOTIONGATE DUBAI;

This park is inside the Dubai Parks and Resorts. There is no cheap direct public transportation. The cheapest way to take a taxi is from UAE Exchange station of Dubai Metro. Taxi travel is around 15mins for a fare of 35 to 40 AED. MOTIONGATE DUBAI opens everyday from 1200H to 2100H. Entrance fee is 250AED. Tour can be finish for around 3-4 hours without long queuing.

The Middle East's largest Hollywood inspired theme park. MOTIONGATE PARK DUBAI is composed of Dreamworks (Kung-Fu Panda, Madagascar, Shrek), Columbia Pictures (Smurf, Ghostbusters, Hotel Transylvania, Underworld) and Lionsgate (Hunger Games).

Dubai Parks and Resorts last part; Motiongate Dubai

Dubai Parks and Resorts 2nd part; Bollywood Parks

28-January 2017 in Jebel Ali of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This is where amazing meets amazing  

"Three theme parks for the price of one". Limited time offer! Book now for Only AED 295! Offer valid for visits between 18-December-2016 to 11-February-2017

How to Go to BOLLYWOOD PARKS;

This park is inside the Dubai Parks and Resorts. There is no cheap direct public transportation. The cheapest way to take a taxi is from UAE Exchange station of Dubai Metro. Taxi travel is around 15mins for a fare of 35 to 40 AED. BOLLYWOOD PARKS opens everyday from 1200H to 2100H. Entrance fee is 285AED. Tour can be finish around 2-3 hours without queuing.

The world's first theme park dedicated to all things in Bollywood. The BOLLYWOOD PARKS is composed of Bollywood Film Studios (Krrish, Hero's flight and Ra-one unleashed), Royal Plaza (Rajmahal Theatre), Mumbai Chowk, Rustic Ravine, etc.

Dubai Parks and Resorts 2nd part; Bollywood Parks

Dubai Parks and Resorts 1st part; Legoland Dubai

28-January 2017 in Jebel Ali of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This is where amazing meets amazing 

"Three theme parks for the price of one". Limited time offer! Book now for Only AED 295! Offer valid for visits between 18-December-2016 to 11-February-2017

How to Go to LEGOLAND DUBAI;

This park is inside the Dubai Parks and Resorts. There is no cheap direct public transportation. The cheapest way to take a taxi is from UAE Exchange station of Dubai Metro. Taxi travel is around 15mins for a fare of 35 to 40 AED. LEGOLAND DUBAI opens everyday from 1000H to 1900H. Entrance fee is 295AED. Tour can be finish for around 2-3 hours without long queuing. 

LEGOLAND DUBAI theme park is composed of Miniland (Ten tallest buildings, Dubai Skyline and Waterfront, Egypt, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, etc), Adventure, Imagination, Kingdoms, Factory and Lego City. Legoland Waterpark has a separate admission fee.



Dubai Parks and Resorts 1st part; Legoland Dubai

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park

4 Days Revisiting Japan in Winter with my Mother

February 10 to February 14, 2015

Kansai South last Part; Cable Car to Koyasan

Himeji's Taiyo Park and 3D Photo Studios (June 2013)

How to go to Taiyo Park;
From Himeji station, walk away around 50m towards the bus terminal which is exactly infront of the exit. Ride bus #43 with fare fee of 490JPY. Bus timings is every hours basis, Tourist office inside Himeji train station has a schedule copy. Travel time is around 30mins, alight to Ushikoshi-Shinden bus stop. Park visiting hours is 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 1,300 JPY ($13) and 600 JPY for children. Bus ride is not included in KTP and no admission discount.

Until now, most foreign tourists don't know about this place because it's tucked away in the countryside and is quite remote. The park is like a journey around the world, this the reason why I revisited this place for my mother's fascination. There was also an added excitement while touring the park which is collecting the 8 stamps placed on the world-renowned tourist spots. Of course, we completed the stamps together with the 3D photoshoots for around 3 hours of strolling.

Kansai West 1st Part; Revisiting Himeji's Taiyo Park (stamps of 8 major spots completed)

London City Tour 1st part; Inside Winter Wonderland

5 Days Winter Solo Travel in Scotland (United Kingdom)
December 05 to 09, 2014

London Heathrow Arrival at Night

How to go to Winter Wonderland;
Located near Hyde Park Corner Station of Piccadilly line or Green Park Station of Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines of Tube Metro. Opens from 1000H until 2200H daily. Free admission, photography and video taking is allowed inside. 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland provides a spectacular festive destination with something to excite people of all ages. Choose from one of our popular attractions, experience the thrilling rides, take a trip to Santa Land, browse the Christmas markets and enjoy the festive fare. FREE to enter and soak up the festive atmosphere! BOOK AHEAD for ICE SKATING, THE MAGICAL ICE KINGDOM, ZIPPOS CIRCUS, GIANT WHEEL and BAR ICE. Advance booking is highly recommended as attraction tickets sell out, especially at weekends and evenings. Advance tickets guarantee fast-track entry into Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!
http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

Inside Winter Wonderland (Magic Ice Kingdom)

Nagoya Tour 1st part; Morning at Nagashima Spa Land

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Chubu International Airport Arrival at night

How to go to Nagashima Spa Land;
From Nagoya Station, take train bound to Kuwana Station @ 350JPY($3.54) fare for 40mins travel. Then, go to bus station bound to Spaland @ 510JPY($5.15) for 30mins. There is direct bus ride from Meitetsu Bus but travel time is long and fare is expensive. Admission fee is 2,100JPY($21.21) for amusement park entrance (no ride) and a hot spring outdoor natural bath in Hotel nearby. Photography and video with monopod and tripod is permitted inside.

Nagashima SpaLand is a major amusement park in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It features several roller coasters, thrill rides, and kid rides, a giant Ferris wheel, and a water park. As of 2012, Nagashima Spa Land is the 18th most visited amusement park in the world. Nagashima Spa Land is the home of Aurora Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel. It is 90 metres (295 ft) tall and 83 metres (272 ft) in diameter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagashima_Spa_Land

Nagashima Spa (Yuami No Shima), a huge natural outdoor baths is one of Japan's largest. Yuami no shima, with its six different types of bubble jet spa baths, has a total of 15 indoor men's and women's baths and huge natural outdoor baths situated in magnificent natural setting recreating the beautiful scenery of Kurobe Gorge in Toyama in Hokuriku and the Oirase rushing mountain streams in Tohoku. Nagashima Spa Land Waterpark is also one of the world's largest and cleanest water parks that contains ten pools and 18 different water slides with a total of 55 lanes.

Nagoya Tour 1st Part; morning at Nagashima Spaland (amusement park)

The Viewing Deck Collections; Scary Rollercoaster Rides

roller coaster is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885. In essence a specialized railroad system, a roller coaster consists of a track that rises in designed patterns, sometimes with one or more inversions (such as vertical loops) that turn the rider briefly upside down. The track does not necessarily have to be a complete circuit, as shuttle roller coasters exhibit.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_coaster

wild wind of circle of fun, no loop (quezon city, philippines)

cyclone loop of star city, single loop (philippines)

The Viewing Deck Collections; Amusement and Theme Parks

Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people. Most amusement parks have a fixed location, as compared to traveling funfairs and carnivals. These temporary types of amusement parks are usually present for a few days or weeks per year, such as funfairs, and carnivals (temporarily set up in a vacant lot or parking lots) and fairs (temporarily operated in a fair ground). The temporary nature of these fairs helps to convey the feeling that people are in a different place or time.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amusement_park

everland themepark, south korea (2011)

universal studios, singapore (jan. 2011)

Remal Sand Sculpture Festival in Kuwait

largest sand sculpture park in the world

March 24, 2014 Saturday

73 of the world’s best sand artists came to State of Kuwait and joined together to re-invent the stories of 1,001 Arabian nights. This arabian-inspired concept of the Remal International Festival is opened from January 30 to April 26 of 2014 at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds.

Remal International Festival stretches 30,000 meters and uses 35,000 tons of sand. Some of the sculptures are among the largest ever built and are first to allow visitors to walk and enter around through them. There are 10-minute shows everyday starting from 1730H with an hour interval. Show program includes "Aladdin and Wonderful Lamp" where the story from 1,001 Arabian nights is told in combination of sand sculptures, sound and light effects. In addition, there are also Fire Dancers, python show and Fata Ole - demonstrating the finest in African folklore within a 3-minute dance performed 3 times daily.

How to go to Remal International Festival;

Remal International Festival Sand park is located in Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref (infront of Australian University in Kuwait). Opens daily from 1000H to 0000H with entrance fee of 3KWD per person.

Sand art is the practice of modelling sand into an artistic form, such as a sand brushing, sand sculpture, sandpainting, or sand bottles. Good sculpture sand is somewhat dirty, having silt and clay that helps lock the irregular-shaped sand grains together. The largest sand castle made in a contest was 18 feet tall; the owner, Ronald Malcnujio, a five-foot-high man, had to use several ladders, each the height of the sand castle. His sculpture consisted of one ton of sand and 10 litres of water to sculpt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_art_and_play

Remal Sand Sculpture Festival in Kuwait

Osaka Day Trip last part: Universal Studios (USJ)

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Osaka day trip 1st part: the Castle

Universal Studios Singapore, USS (Jan. 2011)

2nd part of my Osaka tour, last day-trip in Japan. I initially intended to visit Disneysea Resort because this themepark is the best rated (and much more cheaper, 6,200yen only compared to 6,600 of USJ) among all in Japan. But due to weather discomfort and budget doubt, I decided to spend the remaining money if ever I had to this place. In my honest opinion, the following are my comparative observations regarding personal experience in Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) against researched data of Disneysea Resort (Tokyo).

Universal Studios Osaka (Kansai) versus Disneysea Resort Tokyo (Kanto);

1. Disneysea Resort is the best rated thempark in Japan.
2. Disneysea Resort has cheaper entrance fee.
3. Disneysea Resort is unique and can be found only in Japan.
4. I think Disneysea is much wider.
5. Space Mountain (DSR) has almost the same concept with Space Fantasy (USJ). 
6. Disneysea Resort is mainly for children while USJ is somewhat more for adolescence.

Then, why did I visit USJ knowing that Disneysea wins almost every aspects? Nothing, its the only option I had as my Osaka was my last destination for this trip. If ever I was in Tokyo, I would do the same. Besides, curious to know the difference between USS and USJ just for the sake I visited them both.

Universal Studios Japan (Universal City JR station)

Himeji solo day trip 2nd part: Taiyo Park

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
May 28 - June 04, 2013 Tuesday to Tuesday

Himeji solo day trip 1st part; the Castle & Koko-en

I just discovered this park when the counter in Himeji Castle "koko-en" handed-over mistakenly the Taiyo Park leaflet in Japanese. Since It was already on me, why not check what it offers. Surprisingly, it caught my attention due to its "Terracotta Army" reproduction which originates in China and I missed-out to visit last Febr. 2013 due to limited time. At that instant, change itinerary. Scrap Kobe, extend Himeji stay.

Taiyo Park spreads across the foot of Mt. Mineia. Stone images and ruins of the world, such as the Arch of Triumph (France), the Great Wall (China), the moai statue (Easter Island), a pyramid (Egypt) and the Terracotta Warriors are reproduced in the park. It is wonderful and interesting spot where you can feel as if you were traveling all over the world while in Himeji.

How to go to Taiyo Park :

From Himeji station, walk away around 50m towards the bus terminal which is exactly infront of the exit. Ride bus #43 with fare fee of 480yen. Bus timings is every hours basis, Tourist office inside station has a schedule copy. Travel time is around 30mins, alight to Ushikoshi-Shinden bus stop. Park visiting hours is 0900H-1700H with entrance fee of 1,300yen ($13) and 600yen for children.

Taiyo Park's Terracotta Army (China)

 

Kinugawa for Tobu World Square last part: Soon to Visit

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

Kinugawa for Tobu World Square 1st part 

"Protection of the world's artifacts and architectural monuments, this is the the theme of Tobu World Square". This place has 6 zones namely, Modern Japan zone, Japan zone, American zone, Egypt zone, Europe zone and Asia zone.

This last part of the post regarding this theme park deals with the ones that I really admired and amazed on how the details of the architectural wonders was created to think it was done way long time ago. Actually, this is the main highlight of my trip here in Japan due to the research I have found as describe in their website as follows;

"Couch down to see the miniature buildings from a 1/25 size Park miniature resident`s-eye view, and they will look as vivid as the originals. This is the way professional photographers have taken pictures of them. It is surely worth a try. Closely look at the engravings, relives and stained glasses of the architectural structures and you will tell artisan skills on the exquisite reproductions of their originals. If you have enough time, why don`t you use a pair of binoculars and a potable guide voice device, both for rent, while leisurely wondering about? As many as 140,000 people of 1/25 size live in the Park. Carefully examine them, and you would see no two people alike."

Welcome square

Kinugawa for Tobu World Square 1st part: Revisited Landmarks

7-days wandering solo in summer Japan
may 28 - june 04, 2013 tuesday to tuesday

Tokyo City by day (Odaiba & Ueno Park)

I availed the Kinugawa theme park pass (KTPP) which has a service describe as follows; The Kinugawa Theme Park Pass (4,000 yen / $40) includes the round trip from Tokyo and unlimited travel on trains between Nikko and the Kinugawa Onsen area, as well as buses to the theme parks. Admission to Nikko Edomura, Tobu World Square or both theme parks are included (price will increase). The pass is valid on two consecutive days.

Tobu World Square is a theme park in Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi, Japan. The theme park contains over a hundred 1:25 scale models of famous buildings, including UNESCO-designated World Cultural and Heritage Sites, complete with 140,000 1:25 miniature people. On 24 April 2010, a 1:25 scale model of the Tokyo Skytree was unveiled at the park. This is 26 metres tall, taller than the 19.95 metre replica of the New York World Trade Center.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobu_World_Square

This first part of the post regarding this theme park deals with the ones that I have visited on its actual scale wherein links for details can be found on the caption of every photos.

Kinugawa for Tobu World Square

Family at Last in Disneyland Hongkong

4-days winter budget family tour in Hongkong-Macau

saturday to wednesday february 02-06, 2013

nanlian garden and chi lin nunnery photo-ops

Finally, the highlight/main event of this trip. My aim is to bring my family on this wonderful themepark and experience the never-before-seen fun and fame of disneyland. Admission fee costs 388 HKD ($55.5) for adults and 278 HKD ($40) for children age 11 below. This rate was a voucher bought from China Travel Services (CTS).

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island. The park opened to visitors on 12 September 2005. The park consists of six themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Grizzly Gulch and Toy Story Land. The theme park's cast members speak in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin. Guide maps are printed in traditional and simplified Chinese as well as English, French, and Japanese.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Disneyland
  

family at last in disneyland hongkong

Ferrari World 1st part: Super Cars Showcase

dubai - abu dhabi 2 days weekend solo backpacking
april 13-14, 2012 friday to saturday

day 1: abu dhabi city solo day tour
dubai airport arrival at night and bus trip to abu dhabi
abu dhabi's grand mosque and the leaning tower

how to go to FERRARI WORLD from abu dhabi bus terminal:

for only 2 AED, just ride bus # 190 that leaves every hour and drops-off exactly infront. there are also bus # 170, 180, 185 which goes to yas island and will pass-through the Ferrari World but has approximately 500 meters walk to the main gate. The travel will took around 30 minutes.

Ferrari World situated under a 200,000 square meter (2,152,782 sq ft) roof is the the world's largest indoor theme park and Ferrari's 1st theme park. With entrance fee of 225 AED (php2,588) for adults or 1.5 meter and above, and 165 AED (php1,898) for 1.5 meters below. Ferrari World officially opened on 4 November 2010.

ferrari world abu dhabi super cars

Ocean Park Thrill Rides

touring hongkong and macau in 3.5 winter days

december 4-7, 2011 sunday to wednesday

day 4: hongkong solo day tour and departure

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, situated in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong. Founded in 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong Sir Murray MacLehose, Ocean Park has grown to about 35 attractions and rides. The park has won several awards, including The World's Seventh Most Popular Amusement Park and 33rd Most Visited Tourist Attractions in the World by Forbes.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Park_Hong_Kong

ocean park main entrance

Strolling Macau Fisherman's Wharf

touring hongkong and macau in 3.5 winter days

december 4-7, 2011 sunday to wednesday

day 2: macau day tour

ferry from hongkong to macau

Macau Fisherman's Wharf is Macau's number one themed attraction with a total area of 111,500sq.m. Located on the Outer Harbour, Macau Fisherman's Wharf is just a five minutes walk from the Macau-HK Ferry Terminal and is a landmark for visitors arriving by both ferry and helicopter.

source: http://www.fishermanswharf.com.mo/eng/about/index.html

tang dynasty and the underground as seen in mcau ferry terminal

tang dynasty of macau fisherman's wharf

Family Splash-out in Splash Island, Laguna (lakbay rizal 2nd leg)

another 2011's family outing
july 23, 2011 saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional task: to acknowledge another day-trip only adventure with family and to continue the quest for lakbay rizal spots

important note (laguna):
Laguna is a province of the Philippines found in the CALABARZON region in Luzon. Its capital is Santa Cruz and almost completely surrounds Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country. The province acquired its name from the Spanish word lago, which means lake or lagoon. This place is notable for being the birthplace of Jose Rizal, the country's national hero.

splash island of laguna

splash island of laguna

Amazing Everland Themepark

every budget traveler's dream, feel the chill !!

February 23-28, 2011 wednesday to monday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the Everland’s T-express (world’s most steepest roller coaster) and experience the snow for the 1st time

korea winter get-away

day 1: seoul city tour 1st part (deoksu palace)

day 2: solo on dmz half-day tour

continued...

DAY THREE:
EVERLAND THEMEPARK

We went to everland on public transpo basis. At the gangnam bus station, we rode bus #5002 at 1,700 won trip. Then, the free shuttle bus going to the park.

located in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, everland themepark was opened in 1976, and it is about 1,200,000 square yards. It is ranked as the 4th theme park in the world by offering 5 main Festivals and exciting entertainments all year around. There are five theme areas along with more than 30 kinds of attractions full of high thrilling and various fun.

everland themepark

Singapore Afternoon Adventure 1st part (Universal Studios)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.
additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)
singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

DAY ONE:
SINGAPORE AFTERNOON ADVENTURE

(1) universal studios singapore (USS)
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. Construction of the theme park and the rest of the resort started on 19 April 2007. It is the second Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia (Japan being the first), and the first in Southeast Asia. The official plans for the park were unveiled to the public when Universal Studios Singapore released a park map to the public on 20 October 2009.Universal Studios Singapore has since attracted more than 2 million visitors in the 9 months from its opening. Universal Parks & Resorts markets the park as a "one-of-its-kind theme park in Asia" and promises that the park will be the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years.

universal studios singapore signature icon