The PADS are a nifty little add-on to the Legend Palawan in Puerto Princesa. These rooms have been designed exclusively for budget backpackers.

We loved the layout of the rooms. Although small, the space has been used really well, providing a hip, cozy alternative for backpackers.

Rooms start at P900 a night with breakfast included. This is a great deal, as the price of the room allows guests full access to the Legend’s facilities, such as the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, atrium, and restaurant.

The Pads were added on to the Legend Hotel several years ago in response to a growing demand for budget accommodations from backpackers coming to explore Asia’s last frontier.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would highly recommend the pads to anyone visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The PADS: Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Philippines

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Travelers who find themselves in Puerto Princesa on either business or pleasure will surely find the mid-range accommodations at the Legend good value for their money. The hotel is located in the heart of Puerto Princesa, providing an ideal jump-off for various adventures in and around the city proper.

This hotel is full of special touches and homey comforts that will make any traveler feel at ease. The Atrium is an especially nice touch. This compact alley leads into the heart of the hotel, where guests gather to read and enjoy a cold drink. The swimming pool is also tastefully decorated. A rock wall adds charm to the enclosed area. There’s also a nice lounge area for patio events such as pool-side dining.

The Legend Palawan: Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan Philippines

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EDITOR’S CHOICE  - OUR RATING 10/10

Note: Book ahead. This is not a resort that you can walk into and get a room.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort gets top marks for best accommodations in Sabang. A basic beach bungalow goes for $1500 pesos per night,  a price that will probably deter most budget backpackers. Given what is on offer here, we felt the price was well worth it. We opted for the deluxe bungalow for some beachside luxury.

The service here is impeccable, and I do mean impeccable. The staff went above and beyond to help us out with any requests we had. One look at the guest book on the counter will attest to the quality of services and accommodations that you will receive with Daluyon. Their guest book is full of positive comments and warm wishes.

Our deluxe beachfront bungalow came equipped with air con and fan, mini fridge, flat screen TV, a front porch and beautifully decorated interiors. Daluyon is also very kid-friendly with loads of activities to choose from. The staff have everything on hand from Scrabble and chess to badminton rackets and volleyballs. If sports and sun-drenched activities aren’t up your alley, and it’s shade you seek, you can settle down in one of many beachfront hammocks.

A poolside bar and a beachfront bar serve all kinds of drinks, including some delicious non-alcoholic concoctions.

The beach is immaculate and the swimming pool has lounge chairs for sunbathing and shaded huts. There’s even a basic children’s play structure located right next to the pool.

The cobblestone walkways are nicely lit up in the evenings, creating a pleasant and romantic atmosphere.

Any number of tours can be booked from Daluyon, including caving, snorkeling, jungle trekking, snorkeling, and of course, Palawan’s claim to fame, the Subterranean River which is considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world.

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Nefetari Exlusive Villas, Ubud, Bali

Visitors heading to Ubud, Bali, will no doubt be looking for unique and unusual accommodations that reflect the very essence of traditional Balinese lifestyle. Just a short ten-minute drive outside of the town of Ubud, Nefetari Exclusive Villas offers a peaceful night’s sleep.  Enclosed with a private walled garden and terrace, Nefetari offers one room and family size villas situated amongst lush green rice paddies and jungle.

Uniquely designed with custom-made stone, bamboo and teak furnishings and artwork created by Balinese and Javanese artisans, these villas offer a serene atmosphere and utter privacy to guests. Each unit is equipped with a private plunge pool and sun beds.

The master bedroom is lavishly decorated in traditional teak furniture, while hand-woven linens and fabrics lend an undeniable charm and elegance to the surroundings.

The indoor/outdoor washroom is a delight that any guest will enjoy. An open air bathroom means that you can enjoy a long, hot soak in the large hot tub while gazing up at the night sky.

Each exclusive villa is overseen by the warm and friendly staff of Nefetari Villas, headed by Made. An all-inclusive breakfast is tailor-made to your personal specifications and can be enjoyed in the open air restaurant or consider breaking fast each morning on your front terrace overlooking the garden and pool.

Nefetari Villas are a ten minute drive from the  town center or a twenty minute walk. Transport is available on demand, and the staff are more than happy to pick up and drop off guests in town as well as providing transport to and from the airport. Made and his staff will also arrange for private dinners and make special appointments in town.

Enjoy your stay at Nefetari Exclusive Villas. We did. Nefetari Villas is our personal recommendation for accommodations in Ubud, Bali.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE 8/10

Chiayi is the capital city of Chiayi County in southern Taiwan. As one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, Chiayi houses a number of historical attractions and its traditional folk arts and handicrafts are an essential part of daily life.

Several Buddhist shrines dating back to the 1700s are scattered throughout the region. Other spots include scenic Lantan Lake, which was created by Dutch settlers several centuries ago and now serves as a water supply for the city. This beautiful lake turns into a hot spot for moon gazers during the mid-autumn festival.

Chiayi is a gateway to one of the most famous mountains in Taiwan, Ali Shan. Vistors on their way to Ali Shan often make a stop in Chiayi for a day or two to enjoy the idyllic countryside and local attractions, such as Chiayi Park, the Yimin Pagoda, Orchid Lake, and the Chiayi Museum. During the annual dragon boat, Chiayi also attracts a great number of tourists who come to watch the festivities.

We recommend staying at the Park Motel in Chiayi. This motor hotel is reasonably priced with comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. Each unit has its own separate garage, drinking water cooler, refrigerator, 29″ TV, ultrasonic jacuzzi bath, oven, steam room, and ADSL internet.

Guests receive a welcome basket and the cheerful young woman at the check-in booth will take your breakfast order when you are given your room key. Room rates include a free Chinese or western-style breakfast for each guest. Complimentary drinks are supplied and a free ADSL hookup is included with the room. Guests also receive a complimentary newspaper and sightseeing brochure.

Pick-up and drop-off service to the Jiayi train station can be arranged for an extra fee. Bicycles can also be rented here for a nominal charge. Rooms run anywhere between NT$1600 and NT$4000 a night.

• Phone 05-2757171
• Fax 05-2759661
• Address NO.790 Section 1. Daya Rd, Chiayi, Taiwan
• Web site

By train:

Get off at Chiayi Station. Take Chiayi Bus Company’s “Ban Tian Yan Da Hu” route and get off at the “Shanzaiding” station. Take a taxi to Park Motel or arrange a pick-up time when you reserve your room.

By car:

If you’re coming by National Highway No. 1, take the Sun Yat-sen Freeway to the Chiayi Interchange. Drive toward Chiayi city center. Drive to Jiasiung Overpass on Minsu Road and look for Daya Road. Park Motel is in Sec. 1

If you’re coming by National Highway No. 3, take the southern Second Freeway to Jhongbu Interchange and drive toward Chiayi city center. Get on Mito Road at Ciming Road intersection. Drive to Daya Road, Sec. 1

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EDITOR’S CHOICE – OUR RATING 10/10

The beautiful islands of Penghu are just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for budget accommodations that offer services and activities in English, then the Sunrise B&B on the main island of Penghu is the establishment for you.

Jan Hou and Syliva Lyu, a Taiwanese couple who moved to Penghu six years ago to start their own B&B, can help you with all your travel needs in Penghu. The Sunrise B&B is located in Guoyeh Village, Huhsi Township on the main island of Penghu. This quiet fishing village is just a short drive from the airport and a twenty-five minute drive from Makung City.

The Sunrise B&B offers simple, clean, and affordable budget accommodations that offer travelers a relaxing break away from the main island of Taiwan. Rooms here range from $40 to $100 dollars a night. Enjoy the beautiful harbor view from your room or from the third floor communal lounge area. Your room rate includes breakfast, pick-up and drop-off.

Sunrise B&B also offers a number of activities for adventure travel in Penghu. Owner Jan Hou is a master windsurfer and offers lessons to his guests. If surfing is what you are interested in, Jan can put you in touch with Greg Nolan, an experience Australian surfer who will have you surfing by the end of your first two-hour lesson.

Biking is also a popular activity here. The official Huhsi Township bike route runs through the area and will lead you to some stunning secluded beaches that are well off the tourist trail.

Ocean kayaking is another unique activity that is offered at Sunrise B&B. Jan and Sylvia can also help you book a variety of tours and activities in Penghu. Drop by the Sunrise B&B web site and book your budget accommodations today. You won’t find a better deal in Penghu.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE  10/10

The Peace of Angkor is a private English villa nestled in the heart of Siem Reap. Owners Dave Perkes and Colleen Allan-Burns have built an excellent reputation for their guest house by providing exceptional service in a clean and quiet atmosphere.

The accommodations at this boutique villa are spacious and comfortable, with prices for basic rooms ranging between $20US and $35US a night. Resort and villa rates are $60 – $120 depending on the season.

The second-floor balcony is a communal area, where  guests can gather to sip ice cold beer, take in the beautiful sunset and chat about their travels.

Peace of Angkor Villa is owned and operated by an extremely knowledgeable and friendly expat named Dave Perkes. In addition to owning and operating Peace of Angkor, Dave also finds work as a professional photographer. He is the man behind the lens for several prominent Angkor Wat publications. He offers a select number of tours that take you out and away from the normal tourist hot spots.  We highly recommend seeking Dave out if you’re journeying to Siem Reap.

In addition to great tours and friendly service, the staff of Peace of Angkor are able to arrange private tuk-tuk drivers in and around Siem Reap. They also know some reasonably-priced drivers if you are planning to continue on to Phnom Penh and you want to give the buses a miss.  We decided to take advantage of this offer and ended up visiting several scenic spots along that way, all of which were places we would have missed if we’d decided to use public transportation.

Peace of Angkor Villa

0133 Slorkram Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia

855(0)63 760 475

Serviced Apartments
Peace of Angkor also offers long-term quality serviced apartments at their  new establishment, Wat Bo house.

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EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTELS

OUR RATING 10/10

The “Raffles” experience is one of THE things to do in Singapore. After all, nothing says luxury in Singapore like an overnight stay at one of the most famous hotels in the world.

However, there’s another five-star luxury boutique hotel that deserves an equal amount of recognition for its luxuriousness, elegance and quality of customer service.

The Fullerton Hotel is our choice for luxury accommodations in Singapore. We recently came back from a long weekend in Singapore, and highly recommend staying there if you are looking for a weekend of hedonistic pleasure. The hotel offers shopping boutiques, a beautiful roof-top infinity pool, a relaxing Asian spa and a fully equipped fitness center. It’s also conveniently located in Singapore’s business district and close to some great shopping districts. This world-class boutique hotel is unique for a number of reasons. It combines neo-classical architecture with its elegant décor and furnishings, and it provides a level of service that is second to none. It’s no small wonder that the Fullerton Hotel Singapore has won major travel awards such as the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List award.

Overlooking the Singapore River, this five-star boutique hotel occupies one of the most picturesque locations in the heart of Singapore. Each of its 400 rooms and suites provide a stunning panorama of the atrium courtyard, downtown Singapore’s skyline, the Singapore River promenade or Marina Bay.

The Fullerton has a rich heritage. Building construction was completed in 1928 and originally housed five tenants, including the General Post Office and the Singapore Club (now the Singapore Town Club). In 1997 the building was converted into a hotel and it opened for business in 2001. The  neo-classical columns and high-ceiling verandas, which are defining features of this incredible building, have all been retained. The lighthouse, which was once used to guide ships into the port, has been renovated into a restaurant and serves gourmet cuisine.

Enjoy a meal at any of the superb restaurants in the hotel or spend the evening relaxing in the Post Bar with a Singapore Sling. The hotel’s famous chocolate buffet is a decadent treat and shouldn’t be missed. We particularly enjoyed the extensive buffet breakfast by the riverfront at the Town restaurant each morning. This was included with our room.

The rooms are spacious and beautiful. The beds are huge, and can be tailor-made for your sleeping pleasure. As we were checking in, we were told to call down to Housekeeping if we required an extra mattress pad. There was even a list of pillows to choose from. We also really enjoyed the rain shower, which was one of the best we’ve had.

At night, this trendy district of Singapore is well-known for its entertainment and stunning night life. Fine dining, charming pubs, and open air patios and clubs are all located right next to the water. We enjoyed a romantic stroll along the promenade every night.

The Fullerton Singapore is a perfect choice for guests who demand the very highest standards. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore (00 65 6733 8388)

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The beauty of a frozen landscape is undeniable, but imagine enjoying it from the comfort of your own snow igloo. Wouldn’t it be even more exciting? Glistening lights embedded in ice illuminate your igloo, and the peaceful surroundings lull you into a deep sleep while you are sleeping in the cocoon of a toasty warm sleeping bag just 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.

Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finnish, Lapland is home to a famous Igloo Village with unique glass and snow igloos for your pleasure. It also has the world’s largest Snow Restaurant. Other attractions within the area include the world’s largest smoke sauna and a beautiful stream where guests can pan for gold.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to Finnish, Lapland – other than the unique accommodations – is the chance to view the Aurora Borealis, which are visible in the night sky from late August to late April. The Midnight Sun shines for two months here and the nights are clear and bright from May until the end of August.

The hotel boasts 32 log cabins, 20 snow igloos, and 20 glass igloos. From December until April, visitors can stay in one of 20 snow igloos within the Igloo Village. The village also has an Ice Gallery, a bar made of ice, and an Ice Chapel, which is quite popular for couples looking for a truly unique destination wedding. The Igloo Village also has five glass igloos, which allow guests to sleep under the sky and admire the mysterious northern lights in comfort.

Each guest is provided with a down sleeping bag, woolen socks, and a hood. The hotel guarantees that visitors will never feel cold because the temperatures inside the igloos always stay between -3c and -6c.After a night in your igloo, you can head to the sauna to warm up. Real thrill-seekers can take a dip in the ice cold water of a nearby river if they really want to shock their systems awake.

The Glass Igloos are built from a special thermo glass and remain at a normal room temperature. They are perfect for viewing a starry night sky and, I’m sure, are most interesting during a snowstorm.

Every year the best ice sculptors of the world come to Kakslauttanen to participate in an international ice-sculpting event. The event takes place in December and takes place at the Ice Gallery in the Igloo Village.  Guests are also welcome to try ice sculpting.

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[starthumbsblock tpl=25]Each 6×6×9 room comes with separate bathroom facilities, and the  overhead luggage compartments have wisely been left in each room for handy storage.

The hostel offers rooms for travelers on different budgets. At this time, the Jumbo Hostel is charging $43 (350 SEK) for a night in a dormitory room to $410 (3300 SEK) for a night in the cockpit.

Even folks who have a fear of flying will enjoy this flight. This is one airplane that guarantees a safe landing every time since it never leaves the ground.

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