Le Jumeyrah is known to serve some of the best food in Paris. This popular French restaurant serves delicious and authentic food that will make you come back for more. This Halal restaurant offers food made with the freshest ingredients.
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79 rue Jean Pierre Timbaud 75011 Paris France
Abu Bakr As Saddiq Masjid 39, Boulevard Belleville Belleville Paris 75011 Ile-de-France
Mosque Abou Bakr As Saddiq 39 Boulevard de Belleville 75011 Paris France
Are you someone looking for adventure and rare experiences – a travel experience that will leave you thinking for days or maybe even months? Then Chernobyl is a destination not to be missed. It is a must-visit for any adventure junkie and should be on anyone’s list of places to see before they die. With dark tourism being a new trend in the world of travel, Chernobyl has started garnering much attention – especially with the HBO TV show about the nuclear disaster. So what is Chernobyl and why should you visit it today? Keep reading to find out! A Macabre Past Image Credit: Nikola Markelov on Unsplash Chernobyl was an active Nuclear Power Plant located near the city of Pripyat, USSR – now modern-day Ukraine. The nuclear disaster occurred on the 26th of April 1986 when the No. 4 reactor exploded during a failed safety test. The accident occurred due to a large amount of energy being released which resulted in a steam explosion that caused the reactor core to rupture. This lead to an open-air reactor core fire which released nuclear contaminants into the air, this lasted for 9 days till it was finally contained on the 4th of May 1986. The radiation spread into the 500,000 populous towns of Pripyat, leading to the ultimate evacuation of its residents – they never returned. To limit the radiation from contaminating the air and surroundings further, the site of the explosion was covered with a temporary sarcophagus, which was made permanent in 2017, built to prevent further radiation contamination for the next 100 years. The now-abandoned city of Pripyat and the nuclear power plant look like the setting for a post-apocalyptic movie or book. The revival of its dark past in the famed HBO TV series ‘Chernobyl’ has once again caught the attention of people worldwide, garnering many tourists to the destination –,, especially influencers. However, this led to controversy as influencers posed inappropriately in front of different locations in and around Pripyat just so they can get more engagement on their accounts. This goes to show that as travelers it is extremely important to respect the destination you have traveled to, especially if it has a sad and horrifying past. How To Get To Chernobyl Image Credit: Valik Chernetskyi on Unsplash The main city closest to Chernobyl is Kyiv, it is 100km away – it is a 2 hour journey to Chernobyl if you go by car. The closest airport to Kyiv is the Boryspil International Airport which has direct flights from all over Europe – London, Zurich, Paris, and Vienna to name a few. It is advisable to plan a trip to Chernobyl as a part of a Europe tour as this will help you save up on cash. In case you are already in Ukraine, you can opt for a train ride; the best route is the intercity train from Lviv to Kyiv. Also, keep in mind that there are many budget airlines available in Eastern Europe, you can check websites like Skyscanner for info on cheap flights. Also Read: 8 Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flights for Your Next Trip Chernobyl and The Exclusion Zone Image Credit: G Meyer on Unsplash Visiting Chernobyl doesn’t just mean going to the nuclear reactor itself but the surrounding exclusion zone. It is a vast area that covers a few towns and a forested area along with the Chernobyl reactor. The exclusion zone is an area of 2,600 Km2 (1000 sqm) that goes around the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The area is off bounds to the general public as it is extremely hazardous. It is required to go through many checkpoints within the exclusion zone; the checkpoint closest to the reactor has the highest levels of radiation. So, is it safe to visit Chernobyl? Yes, to a certain degree. Radiation is known to remain for a very long period, however, in small doses, it cannot harm i.e. x-rays and, long-haul flights. We are exposed to radiation daily however; its effects are almost non-existent. The day tours at Chernobyl are planned in a way that you are exposed to low levels of radiation as you will only be in the area for a few hours and will only be taken to safe spots. People still live within the exclusion zone and a few thousand people work at the power plant decommissioning the old reactors and building the sarcophagus. Everyone who visits the exclusion zone is required to go through an old soviet radiation checkpoint on the way out – this is to make sure that you are not carrying any radioactive contaminants. Important point! Get travel insurance – it is always better to be on the safe side. The Tour Image Credit: Silver Ringvee on Unsplash There are 3 tour options on offer, if you want a quick but informative trip to Chernobyl the one day tour would be a good choice, but if you want to take things slow and, take pictures of the place you can opt for the more longer tours such as the 2-3 days tours or even go for a private tour which will allow you to observe the place at your own pace. The one day tour would be your best bet as it is more convenient and packed with activities. You can get your money’s worth within a span of 10 -12 hours. It is priced between 100USD to 115USD. Also, do some thorough research into the tour companies available; choose a tour that fits you the best. Small groups are always better and, be sure to check if Geiger counter (an instrument that measures radiation levels – mandatory for all tours) are inclusive with the tour package. Are tour guides a must? Yes, definitely. It is better to join a guided tour as you will be safe and the guides will also help make the experience more immersive as they will show and tell you everything you need to know about the place. Other than the famed Nuclear Reactor No. 4, you will be able to see the abandoned city of Pripyat where the staff that used to work at the power plant used to live, abandoned schools, as well as the Pripyat amusement park that was to be opened on the 1st of May 1986 for the May Day celebrations however, it was never to be due to the Nuclear accident that occurred in late April of the same year. You will also be able to witness unique soviet architecture and interior. However, the main showstopper is how nuclear disasters affect humanity and other life, a great example of how important it is to practice ethical science and how the hunger for power can destroy instead of build. Be Prepared Image Credit: Yves Alarie on Unsplash Be prepared for your Chernobyl tour and, remember that weather will play a big role as well – winters can be especially cold but add to the dystopian surroundings of Chernobyl, whilst fall/ Autumn is known to be beautiful. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking most of the time and, carry raincoats or umbrellas as it could rain. If visiting during the winter season wear a warm jacket and keep your head covered – especially ears and, wear a scarf – well covered waterproof shoes are also important. Remember that you should always have a Geiger counter with you if the tour doesn’t include free Geiger counters rent them before leaving on the tour. Where To Stay In Kyiv Image Credit: Kyrylo Kholopkin on Unsplash Kyiv is a beautiful city and a tourist destination in its own right, therefore finding accommodation here will not be a problem. There are many hostels and hotels in the area, as well as AirBnBs which are quite affordable. Opt to find lodging close to the tour meeting point; most tours will depart from the Kyiv Central Station so opt for accommodation close by. If you have chosen a private tour, you will be picked from the hotel. Halal food in Kyiv? Image Credit: S'well on Unsplash Finding Halal food will not be difficult as many restaurants serve Halal food. If you want to cook your food, you can easily find Halal groceries and butchers who supply Halal meats. A Google search can quickly direct you to these places without much hassle. A monument of healing and rebuilding for the modern world, Chernobyl is an intriguing travel destination that must be witnessed by all. Hopefully, this guide helps you to plan out a trip to Chernobyl. Always seek adventure fellow travelers!...
Everyone wants to go to France, Maldives or the US for a vacation but if you would like to experience something slightly different from touristy destinations, we've collated quite a few amazing places that you could explore! Pristine, secluded beaches, historically rich cities, and a diverse range of terrains in one place – this list has got it all! Keep reading to find out what are the 10 most unusual travel destinations off the beaten path. 1. Red Beach, Panjin, China Credit: Wikipedia Yes, you read that right – Red Beach – also referred to as “ Red Carpet Beach” by locals. The Red Beach national corridor is one part of the Liaodong coastline extending for 118kms. It garners more than 2 million tourists annually, so why not be one of that 2 million and enjoy the absolute splendour of this magical landscape. The vibrant red colour is given by the seep weed which grows from summer to autumn. Panjin is a coastal town with a lot to offer to travellers – beautiful countryside, hot springs and ancient towns offer much for sight seeing and leisure. You can get to this scenic coastal town by a long distance bus. You can even take a train from Beijing to Panjin. There are a few halal restaurants within the province such as Ming Mings Dumplings, Yifeng Moslam park and many more. Check the China foreigners guide for more restaurants. 2. Popeye Village, Malta Credit: @popeyemalta on Facebook This fun, quirky town was originally a film set for the famed “Popey” Musical starring the ever wonderful Robin Williams. So, this should be one of the top destinations to visit on your list! Located next to the turquoise sea, this colourful town is for the young at heart, especially for all you Popeye the Sailor-man fans. The town hosts many events throughout the year and has many guided tours. You can find accommodation at Melliha, there are many hotels and getting from there to Popeye village is very easy, you could just walk the 2Km distance or take a bus from there. The bus routes tend to change in Malta so refer the Malta Transport website for all the information you need. There are many Halal restaurants scattered around the islands and it is very easy travel in Malta, since the islands are small and the distances aren’t that long. There are many Turkish restaurants and a few Indian restaurants which are Halal friendly. 3. Pamukkale, Turkey Credit: @Pamukkale.Hierapolis on Facebook Located in the picturesque southwest of Turkey, this pristine white locale is the stuff of dreams. From the white terraces to the crystalline green pools, Pamukkale, Turkeyis a dreamscape worth experiencing. Pamukkale translates to “Cotton Castle” and rightly so, it is also the home of the well preserved ancient Graeco-Roman city of Hieropolis. An all in one location with its travertine limestone formations, hot springs, ancient temples, bathouses and necropolis all rolled in to one, this is a definite once in a lifetime adventure you should take. Bathe in the beautiful warm pools like the Romans once did, and explore the remains of a once great spa city. The easiest way to get there is to board a flight from Istanbul to Denizli Cardak Airport, Turkish Airlines offers flights to Denizli. Denizli is 65km away from Pamukkale, you can opt for an airport shuttle, or you can get a bus from the Denizli bus station – the ride is 40mins. There are many hotels in the city that suit all budgets, as well as many Halal friendly restaurants in the area, so you can easily find food without having to worry about Halal authenticity. Some of the best restaurants are Mhemet’s Heaven, Cadde Grill House and Yildiz restaurant; you can do a quick Google search and find many Halal friendly restaurants easily. 4. Giethoorn, Netherlands Image by Michel van der Vegt from Pixabay Beautiful, serene, quiet, green, these are a few words that describe Giethoorn, a water village also referred to as ‘Dutch Venice’, however minus the crowds and commercialisation. It is an idyllic village setting, with fewer roads and more canals, most areas are not accessible by car – it is either by foot or by boat. The canals are lined with pretty, traditional Dutch thatched roofed houses and almost each house has their own boat, even the mail man uses a boat! It is best explored by joining a canal cruise or by opting for a guided tour with the help of local skippers. You can get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam in one and half hours if you are going by car, you can opt to hire a cab or rent a car and drive by yourself. There is no direct way you could get to the village by public transport, if you really want to however, you could get the train from Amsterdam to Steenwijk, and then catch a bus from Steenwijck to Giethoorn – this trip will take two hours. Accommodation wise, there are a number of hotels within the village, or you could even opt to stay just outside the village. It may be a little difficult to find Halal friendly places in this area, however, there are a few restaurants scattered around the Overjissel province where Giethoorn is located. 5. Socotra, Yemen Image by danielshimmin0 from Pixabay An island that is a part of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, a surreal, alien landscape that is sure to leave you mesmerised. It was recognised by UNESCO as a world heriatage site in 2008, and is referred to as “the most alien looking place on Earth”. It is so isolated that it’s wildlife is unique to the island and have evolved to adapt to its dessert environment, it is home to a very distinct species of tree known as the Dragon’s Blood Tree, aptly named as it oozes blood red sap. The Bottle Tree is a quirky tree that looks like the foot of an elephant with pink flowers on the top, referred to as desert rose. The island has its own version of birds, such as the Socotra Sunbird, Socotra starling and Socotra grosbeak. The only native mammal on the island is the bat. It is best to book a tour to better explore the island and get more insight. You can reach the Island via Sanaa, the capital of Yemen; get a flight to the Sanaa Airport and from there a get flight to Socotra. You could even go for a direct flight to the island through the Arab Emirates, Felix Airways has scheduled flights from Sharjah to Socotra and back. Don’t expect luxurious resorts and hotels here, it is mostly eco-friendly and you will find five hotels, one eco lodge and many eco-camp sites. Since the island belongs to Yemen, their cuisine is mainly Halal, so you don’t have to worry about trying to find authentic Halal fare. 6. Taha’a, French Polynesia Credit: Tahaa Whilst Bora Bora garners most of the crowd, Taha’a is almost overlooked, but that doesn’t mean this flower shaped island has nothing to offer. If you are looking for a romantic escape or just a few days of pampering, Taha’a will definitely fulfil your dreams. A true island paradise with rolling hills, and valleys covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. It is the home of the world’s most priced Tahitian Vanilla, making up for 80% of the export from French Polynesia. The whole island is intoxicated by the scent of vanilla and will draw you in with its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and absolute seclusion. The only way to access Taha’a is by boat from her sister island Raiatea. You will have to take a flight which may have stop overs at Paris, Auckland, or Los Angeles, from where you’ll fly to an airport closest to Taha’a depending on the airlines. There are many resorts and hotels to stay at in Taha’a, the more reputed hotels can be on the pricier end of the spectrum. It may be difficult to find Halal food in Taha’a, however, their cuisine mostly comprises of fruits of the sea and fruits of the land, therefore most of the food are Halal friendly. 7. Isle of Skye, Scotland Credit: @IsleofSkyeScotland on Facebook The mystical Isle of Skye which translates to “Cloud Island” from ancient Norse, it is the second largest of Scotland’s islands and the most beautiful! Magical and mysterious, the island boasts deep lochs, towering cliffs and moors, as well as incredible wildlife – a nature lovers dream! Rich in history and culture Skye is a great place to explore, with places like the Mealt Waterfall and Kilt Rock, the Old Man Storr, the Fairy Pools of Glenbrittle, Dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach, Dunvegan Castle and many more. The closest airports are the Glasgow Airport and the Inverness Airport, from which you can opt to drive to Isle of Skye or take a bus. There is no railway on the island; instead it offers buses and local coaches. The island is full of quaint little cottages that you can rent out; some offer self catering whilst others offer bed and breakfast. The town of Portree is where most tourists stay at; it is the capital of the island and has many hotels, cafes and supermarkets. If you really want to experience Skye, then opt for camping. It is fairly easy to find Halal food in the Island as there is a population of Indians and Pakistanis who live there. They are quite a few good Indian and Pakistani restaurants, as well as some Bangladeshi ones. 8. Bagan, Myanmar Credit: @WonderBaganMyanmar on Facebook This Buddhist temple city was once the capital of an ancient Kingdom, however, now it is an important archaeological zone. Bagan is often compared to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and may even be a rival to Machu Pichu, however, this ancient city has a charm of its own. Witness the majesty of the golden stupas in the temple plain and catch the sunset over the Irrawaddy River. You can witness the beauty of Bagan by Hot Air ballon, the ancient city is a sight to behold 2000 feet up in the air. You can even get more close and personal by biking it on the ground, exercise and a view! Don’t forget to check a local market as well, and get as many souvenirs as you want, also add local festivals to your itinerary as you will be able to taste the best of Burmese hawker food. Flights arrive at the Nyaung-U Airport and it is a 10min taxi ride to Nyaung-U town centre, whilst it’s a 20 minute ride to Old Bagan or New Bagan. When travelling to Bagan it is advisable to go through a travel agent, as they will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, if you do want to travel independently, do a though search on travel requirements and hotels. The more luxurious hotels and resorts are located in Old Bagan, whilst more mid range and budget hotels are found in Nyaung-U and New Bagan. Nyaung-U is Bagan’s largest town, this is where you will find most of the restaurants and hotels, however, it tends to get quite crowded. There are few high end restaurants that serve Halal food, whilst other restaurants will be willing to serve Halal food on request. Most stalls or small restaurants may not have the regular Arabic Halal sign but instead will indicate the availability of Halal food by the number “786” (this is a substitute used within South Asia), therefore look for this sign when looking for Halal eateries. 9. Lake Baikal, Russia Credit: @baikalia on Facebook Known as the “Pearl of Siberia”, Lake Baikal is a crescent shaped lake which is a whopping 1637 metres deep and contains a fifth of the world’s water! It is the world’s deepest lake, and is bigger than Belgium. Due to these properties it has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Summer is the best time to visit Lake Baikal, you will be able to see its natural beauty in all its glory, with the lake’s clear blue waters, and the mountains. Some areas have remained the same since the ancient times – almost untouched or changed by weather. During the winter the lake turns into an expanse of powder white ice and snow, you can enjoy a fun dog sledge ride over its hard surface. You can get to Lake Baikal by flying to Moscow and then boarding a plane to Irkutsk which is 65km away from Lake Baikal or Ulan-Ude which is 150km away from the lake. If you want to have a more interesting journey, you can use the Trans-Siberian Railway and hop on a train from Moscow to Irkutsk which is 3 days, Beijing to Irkutsk which is 2 days, or the train from Vladivostok which is 2.5 days. After which you will have to board a bus from Irkutsk bus station to Lake Baikal, the journey takes 10mins. The best route to take is Mosco -Slyudyanka, it takes 4 days and you will be dropped off right at the shoreline of Lake Baikal. You can stay at the hotels and hostels located around the shoreline of the lake or even camp out or stay on a boat. Finding Halal food may be difficult especially if you are travelling by train; therefore it is better if you pack your own, like instant noodles and other small snacks. When booking a room make sure they provide a stove or small kitchen as you can prepare your own meals that way. You can get grocery shopping done at nearby cities like Irkutsk, which is just a 10min bus ride away from Lake Baikal. 10. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan Photo by Satoshi Hirayama from Pexels Located in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a must see place before you die, photographed multiple times, but you have to really be there to experience it’s green mystique. The bamboo grove is a great spot for a quiet walk or bike ride, rows of bamboo swaying in the light breeze is not a sight to be missed. Absolutely beautiful and pure, it should be a must visit when in Kyoto. The best way to get to Kyoto is by Kansai Airport, afterwards you can board a train to Arashiyama. You can use the Japan Railways, Keifuku Railways, or Hankyu Railways. There are many hotels and guest houses in Arashiyama, and they are available for every budget. There are quite a few Halal restaurants scattered around Arashiyama, as well as shops. You can find a full Halal menu at the Yoshiya restaurant just 10mins away from the Japan Railway Saga-Arashiyama train station. They introduced this Halal menu in 2018, and have served Japanese Halal food since. Book your flight and pack your bags, your unusual adventure awaits you!...
Are you a travel junkie with the soul of an art lover? Then this list of top ten art destinations is curated just for you!Fulfill your travel and art dreams by planning a trip to an art destination which can offer the best of both worlds. If you love contemporary art, modern art or a classical art, this list has got you covered so keep reading! 1. Paris, France Credit: Pexels Home to the most famous art museums and galleries like the Louvre Museum, this city is a must-visit for any art enthusiast. The Louvre has been romanticised by the likes of Kanye to Lorde to countless films and documentaries, so why not be a part of its pop culture history? It houses the world famous Mona Lisa by the Master Leonardo Da Vinci as well as other masterpieces. The Louvre was once a royal fortress and was turned into a Museum in the 1700s and now, it displays around 35,000 art pieces. Be sure to drop by the Musée d’Orsay, it has the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist art in the world. The Museum has been showcasing art since the 1800s and houses works by prominent French artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and many more. If you are more of a Contemporary arts patron, check out the Modus Art Gallery, Yvon Lambert, Galerie Xippas, and La Maison Rouge. If you are looking for a more authentic experience, minus the queues and tickets head over to Bellville neighbourhood which is home to a collection of street art and graffiti. 2. Berlin, Germany Credit: Pexels A city with a controversial political history, this city is now one of the most popular art destinations in the world! Home to the longest open-air street art gallery in the world - the Berlin Wall. A part of it can be found in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. The city is an ever-changing landscape with urban buildings co-existing with Gothic architecture. Berlin is intriguing, unique and will leave you with a sense of giddy wonder and excitement. The city’s busiest spot is the East Side Gallery, which is 1000 metres of kaleidoscopic murals. However, if you want to avoid the more touristy areas, it is not difficult to find world-class street art around the city. Every neighbourhood has its own unique art identity and you can find art adorning every wall, door, and roof, a great place to start would be at Kreuzberg. Street art is a crucial part of its history and a great example of how it is not condemned and has managed to persevere and survive in one of the world’s most famous cities. If you are looking for a more museum or gallery art setting, look no further than Museuminsel or Museum Island – and it lives up to its namesake. A whole island situated in the centre of the city is dedicated to art galleries and museums. It is home to five world-renowned museums. The Alte Nationalgalerie houses works by greats like Monet, Renoir and Manet. The Neues Museum showcases Egyptian art, while the Altes Museum is home to the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy! 3. New York City, USA Credit: @metmuseum on Instagram The city that never sleeps is home to some of the world’s famous Museums: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was famously referred to as the MET as it hosted one of the fashion world’s most flamboyant events – the Met Gala. Every year, the Costume Institute holds an exhibit at the Met Gala with a huge fundraising event opening the exhibit . Thus, this place is a must-visit for any fashion lover. The Guggenheim Museum has appeared in many postcards and been the backdrop for many TV shows and films throughout the years. This museum houses artwork by Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Kadinsky, as well as paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Degas and photography by Robert Mapplethorpe. The MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) houses the best Modern art world. It houses works by Andy Warhol, Frida Khalo and Monet to name a few. However, you don’t always have to visit the world best museums to see the best of Contemporary art; you can also visit other numerous art galleries within the state, especially at Chelsea, Tribeca, SoHo and Lower East Side to witness amazing artwork. You can experience a more immersive art scene in Bushwick, Brooklyn, for interesting street art and have one-on-one sessions with the artists themselves. 4. Miami, USA Credit: @wynwoodartsdistrict on Instagram The USA’s second contender on this list - This vibrant seaside city has a lot to offer for everyone, especially art lovers. Miami boasts an energetic art scene that can be best experienced through one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs: Art Basel. The city also has a whole district dedicated to the arts (Wynwood Arts District) and this houses over 30 contemporary art spaces and studios! You can even enjoy a street art tour at the Wynwood Art Walk Block Party. If you want to witness the best Modern and Contemporary art that Miami has to give, head on over to the Perez Art Museum. 5. Tokyo, Japan Credit: @moriartmuseum on InstagramA city where the traditional co-exists with the Modern, it is definitely an exciting place to visit. You will find a myriad of galleries scattered across this fast-paced city, in between its skyscrapers, old houses and back streets. In an old, traditional Japanese neighbourhood lined up with wooden houses and temples, you can find SCAI The Bathhouse, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries. As its name suggests this was once a bathhouse and has been standing for 200 years. It has housed works by prominent artists such as Anish Kapoor and Tadanori Yokoo. If you are looking for a little more thrill, head to the skyscraper where Mori Art Museum resides at the 54th storey. The museum once exhibited the world famous polka dot art of Yayoi Kusama. 6. Florence, Italy Credit: Pexels Every Renaissance art fan should definitely visit Florence, home of some of the pioneers of the movement. Florence is home to the famous Uffizi Gallery which houses the vast art collection of the infamous Medici family, along with works by the masters like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and more. Be sure to pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the world famous David sculpture. If you want a taste of authentic Contemporary Italian art, head over to the Centro di Cultura Contemporanea Strozzina, which is also known as the “Anti-Uffizi”. 7. Barcelona, Spain Credit: @museupicasso on Instagram Home to the Museu Picasso, which houses the biggest Pablo Picasso collections in the world, it is a must visit for any avid fan of Cubism or art in general. Apart from the Picasso Musuem, Barcelona has a lot more to offer in the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. You can find them displayed at the Museu Nacional d’Art. Also, don’t forget to check out the fantastical architectural designs of Gaudi, a Master of Catalan Modernism. 8. London, United Kingdom Credit: Pixabay An eclectic mix of art styles and movements, London will keep you enthralled till the very end. You can find the likes of classics such as Van Gogh at the National Gallery, for Modernism head to the Tate Modern, which houses works by Warhol and Picasso. You can find more Contemporary art pieces at the Saatchi Gallery. If you are more of a street art fanatic look no further than Shoreditch, a creative inner city district located at East End. The streets are adorned with some of the most impressive street art in the city, for a more in depth experience take part in the Alternative London Walking Tour, hosted by local street artist and creatives. 9. Beijing, China Credit: Pixabay Beijing may seem like an unlikely place to visit for art but this city actually has a burgeoning art scene. Since the recent contemporary art boom, most of the city’s art scene can be found at 798 Art District. Industrial buildings in the district have been converted into contemporary art spaces and open-air installations. Art forms presented there consist of photos, sculptures and fashion design. If you are an avid lover of traditional Chinese art, then the Poly Art Museum is for you as it features ancient bronze works from the Shang and Zhou dynasties! 10. Singapore Credit: @singaporeartmuseum on Instagram Singapore is well-known as being a financial hub. However, it boasts an impressive art scene. Singapore has two prominent up and coming art museums, namely the Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Singapore Art Museum. The National Gallery Singapore houses the world’s largest collection of Singaporean and South Asian art, thus giving the South Asian art world an international platform. Indeed, Singapore is teemed with art, which can be easily found as you take a stroll around the city. Check out Haji Lane for example and witness all kinds of colourful street art which adorn old buildings. You can also witness stunning public sculptures such as Homage to Newton by Salvador Dali at the UOB Plaza and First Generation by Chong Fah Cheong near Cavenagh Bridge. Undoubtedly, art and travel go hand in hand so what are you waiting for? Add all these art destinations to your bucket list and get inspired to create art of your own!...
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is home to over 20 interesting museums you can find easily once you land in this big city. Here are five must-visit museums we recommend if you come to Jakarta to learn about its history as well as to find Instagrammable spots to take a selfie for your social media accounts. 1. The National Museum of Indonesia Credit: @adzlinaabdullah on Instagram Located along Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta, the National Museum of Indonesia is one of the most popular museums in Indonesia. It is home to 141,000 artifacts, including 61,600 prehistoric and anthropological artifacts, from all over Indonesia and Asia. This museum, which was established by the Dutch East Indies government in 1862, is known as the Elephant Museum as it has a bronze elephant statue in its forecourt. What makes this museum special is that it has a comprehensive collection of stone statues of classical Hindu-Buddhist period of ancient Java and Sumatra. Credit: @ullulaz on Instagram Some of the Hindu-Buddhist sculptures, relics inscriptions are on display in the lobby of the museum. Among them is Buddha statues from Borobudur temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. In the museum, the largest artifact is the statue of Adityavarman, the cousin of Jayanegara, the king of Majapahit in the 1300s. The statue, which is 4 meters in height, was discovered in Padang Roco, West Sumatra before it was moved to the museum. Having opened its doors to the public since 1868, the National Museum of Indonesia is also regarded as one of the finest museums in Southeast Asia. To get there, you can take a Transjakarta bus and stop at the Monas station. Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12. Central JakartaTicket Price: Rp 3,000 (Children) | Rp 5,000 (Adults) | Rp 10,000 (Foreigners)Operating Hours: 8AM to 4PM (Tue-Sun) 2. Fatahilah Museum Credit: @benedictusrendra on Instagram If you are in Jakarta and are asking the Jakartans on the location of the Jakarta History Museum, they might be confused. However, if you mention the Fatahillah Museum, they will show you the way to get there because the Jakarta History Museum is locally known as the Fatahillah Museum. Constructed by the Dutch government in the early 1600s, this museum is located in the south side of Fatahilah Square, Old Town area. This area is one of the most famous tourist destinations within the capital. Having opened its doors to the public since 1974, Fatahillah Museum showcases 23,500 artefacts from the prehistoric period of the city, the Dutch colonization period to the era of Indonesia’s Independence in 1945. Among displayed items are historic maps, ceramics, paintings, furniture, and archeological objects. They are saved in several rooms, such as Prehistoric Jakarta Room, Tarumanegara Room, Jayakarta Room, Fatahillah Room, Sultan Agung Room, and the MH Thamrin Room. Fatahillah Museum is also home to Betawi-style furniture from the 17th to 19th century. What makes this museum more special is that it has cells used as dungeons during the era of Dutch colonization. A Javanese freedom fighter named Prince Diponegoro was imprisoned here in 1830 before he was banished to Manado, North Sulawesi. Address: Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 1. West JakartaTicket Price: Rp 3,000 (Children) | Rp 5,000 (Adults) | Rp 10,000 (Foreigners)Operating Hours: 8AM to 5PM (Tue-Sun) 3. Taman Prasasti Museum Credit: @neilamadeusy on Instagram Unlike ordinary museums, Taman Prasasti Museum's main attraction is the Dutch gravestones. This museum is a cemetery of noble people established by the Dutch government in 1795. One of the those buried in this cemetery is Olivia Mariamne Raffles, the wife of British governor-general Thomas Stamford Raffles involved in the conquest of Java island from the Dutch. Credit: @neilamadeusy on Instagram Officially opened in September 1797, the 5.9-hectare-Taman Prasasti Museum is the oldest modern cemetery in the world. The oldest gravestones came from the 17th century to the end of the 18th century. At that time, this cemetery was established to accommodate the rising number of death caused by an outbreak of a disease in Batavia, now Jakarta. In this museum, you can also find ancient inscription stones, the miniature of various styles of gravestones in Indonesia, and the original coffins for Indonesia’s first president and vice president, Sukarno, and Mohammad Hatta. Address: Jl. Tanah Abang No. 1. Gambir, Central JakartaTicket Price: Rp 3,000 (Children) | Rp 5,000 (Adults) | Rp 10,000 (Foreigners)Operating Hours: 9AM to 3PM (Tue-Sun) 4. Basoeki Abdullah Museum Credit: Museum Basoeki Abdullah on Facebook The Basoeki Abdullah Museum in South Jakarta is the private house of late maestro painter Basoeki Abdullah. The house became a museum in 2001 after its owner was murdered on November 5, 1993. He was killed by his gardener who tried to steal his expensive watches. This museum displays Basoeki’s 720 paintings and 123 works of art he had collected throughout his life. This place also showcased the watches and a blood-stained pajama and glasses that the renowned artist was wearing when the tragedy happened in 1993. Basoeki is known for his beautiful landscape paintings of Indonesia’s nature and portrait paintings of important public figures across the globe, from Indonesia’s first president Sukarno to India’s Mahatma Gandhi. Born on January 27, 1915, in Surakarta, Central Java, Basoeki was the grandson of national hero Wahidin Sudirohusodo. His artistic ability, however, was inherited from his father, Abdullah Soerjosoebroto, a renowned landscape painter. He was a Western-educated painter who started painting when he was 4 years old. He received a scholarship to study at Academie Voor Beldeende Kunsten in the Netherlands from 1935 to 1937 and then pursued his higher education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, France. Address: Jl. Keuangan Raya No. 19, Cilandak, South JakartaTicket Price: Rp 1,000 (Children) | Rp 2,000 (Adult) | Rp 10,000 (Foreigners)Operating Hours: 8AM to 4PM (Tue-Sun) 5. Museum MACAN Credit: @museummacan on Instagram The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum MACAN) is Indonesia’s first world-class museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Last year, it was named by TIME Magazine one of the world’s Top 100 Places to Visit in 2018. Established by businessman and renowned collector Haryanto Adikoesoemo, the museum has opened its doors to the public since 2017. This museum is home to Haryanto’s personal collection of more than 800 international and Indonesian works of art, including pieces by the likes of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, American artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, and Indonesian artists Heri Dono and Arahmaiani. Credit: @museummacan on Instagram What makes Museum MACAN even more special is that it is also a picture worthy place. Many young people who visit this place like to take selfies with the artworks. This place also provides various educational programs for people of all ages, such as an educator’s forum, where a regular group of teachers can tour the museum each time a new exhibition is opened and speak to the curators. Credit: @museummacan on Instagram This museum also accommodates Indonesian artists to showcase their work but also allow them to do art performance. Some of the big names who have performed in this museum are Arahmaiani, Tisna Sanjaya, FX Harsono and Agung Kurniawan. Address: AKR Tower Level MM, Jl. Perjuangan No.5, Kebon Jeruk, West JakartaTicket Price: Rp 40,000 (Students) | Rp 50,000 (Adults)Operating Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Tue-Sun)...
If you haven’t already gotten into planning mode, now is the perfect time. As December dawns, you must be wondering where to spend the New Year’s Eve. We have curated a list of 17 destinations that comprises of the most popular, attractive and liveliest of places around the world for you to welcome 2019! 10 Muslim-friendly destinations to visit in 2019 The U.S.A. When you hear about a New Year celebration in the USA, the first thing that pops up in your mind must be the iconic Miley Cyrus song. Eventhough America is known for their wild parties, we’re giving you a list of places that won’t make you feel terrible the next morning. Here are the best places to go on New Year's Eve in the USA. 1) San Francisco Surprised to see this on the list? Besides the regular fireworks displays, San Francisco is made up of very multi-cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It would be an eye-opening experience when you to wander around the different neighbourhoods and have the option to celebrate New Year's whichever way you like. 2) Chicago Most of their top hotels have special New Year’s Eve packages. You can also opt for a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Even though it might be very expensive, it is one of the best ways to watch the firework displays. 3) Orlando If you’re travelling with your family, what better place to spend New Year’s Eve than at the wonderful Disneyland Florida?! They have some of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations with Disney characters that starts at 8pm. You know your kids will love you for giving them the celebration of their lifetime! It is ranges from parades, performances and pageants galore! 4) New York City Well, You knew this would be on the list, didn’t you? Well, how could it not?! Possibly the most vibrant place in the world during New Year's Eve! This is where you can witness the iconic ball drop at the New York Times Square together with thousands of others. Need we say more? Europe Tour Here are the best places to spend New Year’s in Europe! 5) Barcelona, Spain Besides the usual revelry, you can ring in the New Year in a more traditional way – Spanish style, that is. In Plaça d’Espanya, the celebrations are centred around the Magic Fountain that looks incredible on a normal day, let alone when it is dressed up for a special event. Be prepared for a spectacular light show with music and special effects. 6) Rome, Italy First, pinch yourself because the beauty of Italy will make you feel like you're in a fairytale dream. You will find yourself staring at historical monuments that were built thousands of years ago. Second, have a feel of its rich history by having a ‘cenone’, which is a big dinner that you can have at a restaurant or at a friend’s house. That’s how the Italian tradition of ringing in the New Year begins. Then, head to the biggest celebration in town at the Piazza del Popolo. Take your own fireworks if you can get your hands on some and have a blast– it’s all in the experience! Of course, the city does put on its own professional display as well. 7) Venice, Italy What you can’t find in Rome are the plentiful Gondolas floating on the rivers that make Venice what it is. Imagine spending a peaceful night on a gondola by yourself or with a loved one, hidden in the fog, waiting for the light from the fireworks to cut through it. You can also join the huge crowd in Piazza San Marco as you count down the seconds until 2019 arrives. 8) Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a very popular city, to say the least. Imagine starting your New Year in such a magical place. Such a picturesque old town deserves some celebration. There is no specific place where everyone would gather so take a walk around and decide which part you want to revel in. Charles Bridge offers the best vantage point for the firework display set against castles and the river. 9) Paris, France Looking for a more romantic destination to spend your New Year’s Eve? Nothing beats Paris! With the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop, your photos will look as though it was straight out of a movie. If you desire for something even more romantic than watching the fireworks by the Eiffel Tower, you can bring your partner to a luxurious dinner at one of the few high-class muslim-friendly restaurants in town as you welcome the new year. Off the Beaten Path If big celebrations and crowded cities are not what you are looking for, fly off to the less travelled destinations and have a more unconventional New Year’s Eve. These are the more relaxing destinations for New Year's: 10) Iceland You can alway end the year without any fireworks if you want. An alternative would be heading north in Iceland to watch the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis. What's a better light display than a stunning natural one? 11) The Caribbean If just the thought of cold weather makes you shudder, and you can’t quite make up your mind on where you want to go, why not take a cruise to The Caribbean? If money is not a problem, you can go island-hopping and experience different food and cultures. At the end of the night, or should I say the year, you can just chill in the sand while enjoying the breeze. 12) Tasmania Known for their incredible rustic beauty, Tasmania is the perfect place to hike around if you’re an adventure junkie and want to start your New Year fit. If you need a hit of adrenalin as well, you can go white water rafting on the Franklin River. Best Places to Travel in 2019 Want to ring in the New Year right? According to experts, these are some of the top destinations to visit in 2019, so why not get a head start on them? 13) Dubai A whole category in itself, Dubai is iconic in its firework displays. It's New Year’s Eve show has constantly been one the most spectacular ones in the world for a few years now. Crowds gather from many hours ahead to watch the Burj Khalifa light show and fireworks, but if you don’t want to get caught in the stampede, the beach is the best option. Have dinner at any one of the malls or restaurants nearby before heading to the beach, or pack up a little picnic to keep yourselves full. The weather in December can be a bit chilly by the seaside – even though you’re close to the desert – so bundle up a bit. The firework display that is visible from the beach may not be the Burj Khalifa display, but Atlantis and The Palm put up some breath-taking shows as well. 14) Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen has always been a tourist spot but the city is constantly developing. 2019 is definitely a great year to travel to this state now that more attractions are available. In addition to the perfect balance between their old and new architecture, the growing food industry gives you a solid reason to visit Copenhagen. 15) Shenzhen, China Picture: The Independent Everyone knows how popular China is as a tourist destination. Shenzhen is said to be the Silicon Valley of this famous country, with its immense new technology. Besides its technological rise, it has also developed its arts scene in line with the likes of London. You might be happy to know that it has a wide range of new cafes and spots to hang out as well. 16) Mexico City, Mexico A country steeped in their history and culture makes for a beautiful city architecturally. Mexico City won the award for The World Design Capital in 2018 – a nod to the way centuries-old buildings worked so well with modern structures. 17) Zadar, Croatia On the coast of Croatia lies a city that has taken its horrific past and used it to turn into the strong cosmopolitan city it is today. The ancient Roman ruins and buildings are reminders of what was, while its biggest attraction – the waterfront promenade – is a representation of what can be. As the locals gather at the promenade, be drawn into the culture of this small city. If you didn’t have any exciting plans for the New Year’s Eve, we hope this list inspired you to get moving now. If you take us up on any of our suggestions, or even if you decide to do something completely different, do tell us about your travel adventures via our HalalTrip App! HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE! Get inspirations for your 2019 vacations...
Prayer times for Paris,France