Yuangshou
Yuangshou Culture House - Mr. Wei is wonderful host. Included with your room are three meals a day. Dinner is an amazing affair with a never ending stream of delicious dishes being brought to the table. He also teaches lessons for free - Chinese, Mahjong, Calligraphy.
Yuangshou Light Show - We try to avoid expensive touristy shows whenever possible but this one was worth every penny. Directed by Zhang Yimou (who did Hero and the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony). The perfect orchestration of 600 dances set on the water beneath the peaks. It was amazing.
Longsheng / Pingan
Countryside Inn in Pingan was a great place to stay in the Dragon's Backbone terraces. Definitely stay in the terraces (Pingan) rather than taking a day trip from Longsheng. At night and early morning, the terraces are most magical without all the masses of other tourists.
Kunming
Cloudland was a great hostel in Kunming.... all the standard hostel ammenities (including a champion ping pong player who Nader beat after 3 tough rounds), and the double rooms are really nice.
Lijiang
Panba Courtyard Guest House in Lijiang was a really nice place to stay. Set a little outside of town, it's quiet with great rooms. They also do a communal dinner which was delicious.
Western Sichuan
This was one of our most memorable journeys all year.... we highly recommend it (if you have a high tolerance for LONG bus rides with spitting and chain smoking cowboys :). Litang is the place you're going to want to spend a few nights along the way. Portola Inn wasn't a bad place to stay, probably the best in town. In Litang, you definitely want to find Mr. Zheng -- he speaks English (kind of) and can connect you with anything you want to see in town, including the Tibetian Sky Burial.
Chengdu
Sims Cozy Guesthouse - Maybe the best hostel we stayed at all year.... All the standard hostel bells and whistles, with DVD players and free movies to borrow. Run by a Japanese-Singapore couple so it's squeaky clean :)
Hotpot - Can't remember the name of the place we got ours, but it was very good... Sim's recommended it. Hotpots are a local specialty so they're all over. Serious spice.
Beijing
Our culinary tour through Beijing was led by local foodie friends.... So these places are all a notch above the backpacker budget, but so well worth it.
Dali Courtyard - Incredible Yunnan inspired cuisine. It's fixed price feast of dishes that just keep coming, no ordering necessary.
Liquin Roast Duck - For your requisite Beijing duck experience this is the place. The rest of the menu is astoundingly creative too so don't be afraid to add a few other dishes to your meal.
Bellagio Cafe - If you're looking for a delicious late night meal set amongst the young Chinese hipsters heading from or to the clubs, this is the place.
Shanghai
Yang's Stirfry Dumplings. Go here early and often. We recommend ordering at least 6 per person, 8 if you can handle it. Might be the best food we ate all year long.
Le Tour Traveler's Rest. This was a nice place to stay. In the private en suite rooms, the shower was actually in its own section which meant no wet room! (Wet rooms were a major frustration for Allison throughout China.... basically a shower head that just sits on the wall of the bathroom which means the floor, toilet, everything gets soaking wet).
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Friday, June 26, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Indonesian Recommendations
Bali (all in Ubud)
Honeymoon Guest House - a bit more expensive than a backpackers budget but still very reasonable with great breakfast and a nice pool area
Gusti Garden Bungalows - a cheaper hotel in Ubud which was still very nice
Sedona Spa - $8 massages in a beautifully clean and comfortable spa... Not bad.
Kalimantan
Borneo Expeditions - Organizes multi-day trips into Tanjung Putting National Park to see the Orangatuns. You pay a bit of a premium to book through them (versus spending a day hunting for a boat and guide down at the dock) but Danson, the guy in charge is extremely responsible and organized. He can also book your flights for you which proves invaluable if you don't speak Indonesian.
Flores
Reefseekers - an EXCELLENT dive shop for exploring Komodo National Park. We dove two days with Kath. It had been awhile since either of us had dove and she made us feel completely at ease, even with the currents that Komodo is famous for. She was incredibly knowledgable about the sea life and we loved the briefings before each dive. They are building upscale bungalows on an island in the area and we're already planning our next trip to Indonesia around returning to visit :)
Lombok (Kuta)
Surfer's Inn - is a great place to stay even if you're not a surfer (although, warning, you will be subjected to endless hours of surf videos at the bar and strange looks as you head off to the beach without your board in tow).
Ashtari Restaurant - an amazing vegetarian restaurant perched in the hills above Kuta. You'll need a motorbike to get there.
Lombok (Gili Air)
Blue Bar - Dean, the owner, is great. Wonderful sunset views.
Italian Restaurant - We can't remember the name but it's the only Italian restaurant on the island, recently opened (as of March 2009) and run by Italians who make their own pasta. It was a delicious break from Indonesian cuisine.
Sumatra (Danau Toba)
Samosir Cottages. We visited many of the hotels in town before settling on this one. Great swimming area and rooms
Jenny's Restaurant. Delicious food (especially the beef rendang) and Jenny was so nice.
Sumatra (Pulau Weh)
Norma's. Best place to stay and eat in Iboah. Norma and the rest of the folks there are a real treat to be around.
Honeymoon Guest House - a bit more expensive than a backpackers budget but still very reasonable with great breakfast and a nice pool area
Gusti Garden Bungalows - a cheaper hotel in Ubud which was still very nice
Sedona Spa - $8 massages in a beautifully clean and comfortable spa... Not bad.
Kalimantan
Borneo Expeditions - Organizes multi-day trips into Tanjung Putting National Park to see the Orangatuns. You pay a bit of a premium to book through them (versus spending a day hunting for a boat and guide down at the dock) but Danson, the guy in charge is extremely responsible and organized. He can also book your flights for you which proves invaluable if you don't speak Indonesian.
Flores
Reefseekers - an EXCELLENT dive shop for exploring Komodo National Park. We dove two days with Kath. It had been awhile since either of us had dove and she made us feel completely at ease, even with the currents that Komodo is famous for. She was incredibly knowledgable about the sea life and we loved the briefings before each dive. They are building upscale bungalows on an island in the area and we're already planning our next trip to Indonesia around returning to visit :)
Lombok (Kuta)
Surfer's Inn - is a great place to stay even if you're not a surfer (although, warning, you will be subjected to endless hours of surf videos at the bar and strange looks as you head off to the beach without your board in tow).
Ashtari Restaurant - an amazing vegetarian restaurant perched in the hills above Kuta. You'll need a motorbike to get there.
Lombok (Gili Air)
Blue Bar - Dean, the owner, is great. Wonderful sunset views.
Italian Restaurant - We can't remember the name but it's the only Italian restaurant on the island, recently opened (as of March 2009) and run by Italians who make their own pasta. It was a delicious break from Indonesian cuisine.
Sumatra (Danau Toba)
Samosir Cottages. We visited many of the hotels in town before settling on this one. Great swimming area and rooms
Jenny's Restaurant. Delicious food (especially the beef rendang) and Jenny was so nice.
Sumatra (Pulau Weh)
Norma's. Best place to stay and eat in Iboah. Norma and the rest of the folks there are a real treat to be around.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
New Zealand Recommendations
Hotels
While in New Zealand we spent about 1/2 our nights camping and 1/2 in backpackers hostels. There are some great campsites and we highly recommend seeking out the Department of Conservation sites vs. the fully equipped "Holiday Park" types. If you're willing to trade in the services for solitude, you will have many of the sites completely to yourself. You can download a complete guide of all DOC sites from their website.
New Zealand has some really great backpackers for very reasonable prices (we were surprised). With a little marketing, many of them could advertise as "Bed and Breakfast"s and triple their prices. But let's just keep that between us :) The best source is Budget Backpacker Hostels New Zealand. Users rank the backpackers and we were very happy anywhere we stayed over 85% satisfaction. Two that it's worth changing your itinerary to stay at (we did):
Old Bones Backpackers. Set on the coast just outside of Oamaru this place is a true gem. Modern energy efficient space, great kitchen, very friendly owner.
Billy Brown's. Nothing around you but 600 sheep, a gorgeous ocean view, and Billie Holiday playing on the old record player. Change you plans to find this place. It's about 20 minutes outside of Dunedin on the East Coast.
Restaurants
Does raman noodles cooked on our camping stove count?? We really only ate out with Mom and Dad in Queenstown.... Fish Bones was very good.
Tour Operators
Ultimate Hikes - our Milford Track outfitter (the only way you can do a guided trip on the Milford Track). They were EXCELLENT. Not a backpackers budget option but very reasonable for what you were getting (at least that's what the people who paid the bill told me :).
While in New Zealand we spent about 1/2 our nights camping and 1/2 in backpackers hostels. There are some great campsites and we highly recommend seeking out the Department of Conservation sites vs. the fully equipped "Holiday Park" types. If you're willing to trade in the services for solitude, you will have many of the sites completely to yourself. You can download a complete guide of all DOC sites from their website.
New Zealand has some really great backpackers for very reasonable prices (we were surprised). With a little marketing, many of them could advertise as "Bed and Breakfast"s and triple their prices. But let's just keep that between us :) The best source is Budget Backpacker Hostels New Zealand. Users rank the backpackers and we were very happy anywhere we stayed over 85% satisfaction. Two that it's worth changing your itinerary to stay at (we did):
Old Bones Backpackers. Set on the coast just outside of Oamaru this place is a true gem. Modern energy efficient space, great kitchen, very friendly owner.
Billy Brown's. Nothing around you but 600 sheep, a gorgeous ocean view, and Billie Holiday playing on the old record player. Change you plans to find this place. It's about 20 minutes outside of Dunedin on the East Coast.
Restaurants
Does raman noodles cooked on our camping stove count?? We really only ate out with Mom and Dad in Queenstown.... Fish Bones was very good.
Tour Operators
Ultimate Hikes - our Milford Track outfitter (the only way you can do a guided trip on the Milford Track). They were EXCELLENT. Not a backpackers budget option but very reasonable for what you were getting (at least that's what the people who paid the bill told me :).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Brazil Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations of our favorite hotels, restaurants, tour operators, etc.
Hotels
Ihla Grande: Overnativa Hostel. Christina's cooking is the highlight of this place... great breakfasts are included and you can pay $3 for a delicious home cooked dinner.
Olinda: Pousada d'Olinda. Nice common space with a pool and grassy area. There's a huge difference in rooms.... Make sure you get one out back.
Gaibu: Aguas Marinhas. Right off the beach, amazing oceans views from the hammock up top. The Belgian owner is a bit strange but this may just have been a language barrier (well, maybe not as he did have Nader transcribe all the words to a Black Eyed Peas video he was trying to learn how to sing).
Restaurants
Rio: Livros e Cafe (at least that's what we think it was called). In Santa Teresa, a bookstore/cafe set up on a hill off the main street. We were drawn in by the ambiance (funky bookstore, live music, casual crowd) and ended up having the best pizza either of us had ever tasted. Sorry to not have better directions but do try to find this place if you can...
Tour Operators
Rio: Be a Local. Their favela tour was excellent... Our guide / owner of the company was very knowledgable and had a genuine respect for and commitment to the community.
Hotels
Ihla Grande: Overnativa Hostel. Christina's cooking is the highlight of this place... great breakfasts are included and you can pay $3 for a delicious home cooked dinner.
Olinda: Pousada d'Olinda. Nice common space with a pool and grassy area. There's a huge difference in rooms.... Make sure you get one out back.
Gaibu: Aguas Marinhas. Right off the beach, amazing oceans views from the hammock up top. The Belgian owner is a bit strange but this may just have been a language barrier (well, maybe not as he did have Nader transcribe all the words to a Black Eyed Peas video he was trying to learn how to sing).
Restaurants
Rio: Livros e Cafe (at least that's what we think it was called). In Santa Teresa, a bookstore/cafe set up on a hill off the main street. We were drawn in by the ambiance (funky bookstore, live music, casual crowd) and ended up having the best pizza either of us had ever tasted. Sorry to not have better directions but do try to find this place if you can...
Tour Operators
Rio: Be a Local. Their favela tour was excellent... Our guide / owner of the company was very knowledgable and had a genuine respect for and commitment to the community.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Argentina Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations for our favorie hotels, restaurants, tour operators, etc.
Hotels
Cafayate: El Balcon. Comfortable airy rooms, good kitchen, a really nice balcony (hence the name.....)
Chalten: Albergue Patagonia. We loved this cozy little lodge. Beautiful views, friendly staff. comfortable common space.
Ushuaia: La Posta. Clean comfortable rooms, good kitchen, friendly staff.
Restaurants
Mendoza: Tablao. The best lomito sandwich we had in Argentina... Lomitos (steak with fried egg, ham, cheese, and more) are heart-attacks on sliced bread but they are SO delicious. Ave. San Juan 165.
Buenos Aires: Cluny. Amazing food, service, ambiance. More expensive than your average Argentinean restaurant but well worth it...
Ushuaia: Rotiseria. This place has huge, deliciously cheap sandwich....great if you´re on a tight budget (together we barely finished one sandwich)
Tour Operators, etc.
Andesmar buses. Fully reclining leather seats (if you spulge for 1st class), flat screen TVs, decent food. Via Bariloche was great also.
Mendoza: Mr. Hugo´s bike rental for wine tasting.... A great reminder that it´s always best to go with the second most popular excursion company (Bikes & Wines is the most popular in this case). They´re scrappy and fighting to win your approval. Mr. Hugo was amazingly friendly, great bikes, and after our tour we were greeted with free carafes of wine while we waited for the bus. Carinae was our favorite vineyard. Small, run by a French couple.
Buenos Aires: Sabor a Tango. A wonderful dinner-tango show... Although more upscale than other shows if you´re on a budget. We recommend the lesson beforehand, it was actually very fun!
Hotels
Cafayate: El Balcon. Comfortable airy rooms, good kitchen, a really nice balcony (hence the name.....)
Chalten: Albergue Patagonia. We loved this cozy little lodge. Beautiful views, friendly staff. comfortable common space.
Ushuaia: La Posta. Clean comfortable rooms, good kitchen, friendly staff.
Restaurants
Mendoza: Tablao. The best lomito sandwich we had in Argentina... Lomitos (steak with fried egg, ham, cheese, and more) are heart-attacks on sliced bread but they are SO delicious. Ave. San Juan 165.
Buenos Aires: Cluny. Amazing food, service, ambiance. More expensive than your average Argentinean restaurant but well worth it...
Ushuaia: Rotiseria. This place has huge, deliciously cheap sandwich....great if you´re on a tight budget (together we barely finished one sandwich)
Tour Operators, etc.
Andesmar buses. Fully reclining leather seats (if you spulge for 1st class), flat screen TVs, decent food. Via Bariloche was great also.
Mendoza: Mr. Hugo´s bike rental for wine tasting.... A great reminder that it´s always best to go with the second most popular excursion company (Bikes & Wines is the most popular in this case). They´re scrappy and fighting to win your approval. Mr. Hugo was amazingly friendly, great bikes, and after our tour we were greeted with free carafes of wine while we waited for the bus. Carinae was our favorite vineyard. Small, run by a French couple.
Buenos Aires: Sabor a Tango. A wonderful dinner-tango show... Although more upscale than other shows if you´re on a budget. We recommend the lesson beforehand, it was actually very fun!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Bolivia Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations of our favorite hotels, restaurants, tour operators, etc.
Hotels
Copacabana: La Cupula. Great views of the lake (amazing sunsets), hammocks in the yard out front, clean comfortable rooms. We went to their restaurant one night and didn´t think it was that great.
La Paz: Wild Rover Backpacker. A quality manifestation of your classic ¨hostel¨experience. Fun bar, clean bathrooms and rooms. We lucked into a room well away from the bar... We heard that it gets noisy late at night if you´re too close.
Restaurants
Copacabana: Any of the trucha stands down by the lake. It doesn´t matter which one as they all serve the exact same deliciously cheap and fresh fish.
La Paz: La Comedie. Delicious french food with a great atmosphere. A ¨spluge¨by Bolivian standards, but really not very expensive.
Sucre: Cafe Mirador. Set near a Children´s Museum in the hills above down, this is a great spot for a drink at sunset.
Tour Operators, Etc.
Tours El Grano de Oro. Salt Flats tour operator out of Tupiza (we recommend starting in Tupiza over Uyuni). Great guide/driver (successfully changed 4 flat tires quickly, being a good mechanic is by far the most important criteria in your guide). Delicious food. Tip for your search in Salt Flat tour operators: try to find a husband-wife duo. Ours were married and great. Apparently some of the younger single guides drive too fast and often drunk...
Hotels
Copacabana: La Cupula. Great views of the lake (amazing sunsets), hammocks in the yard out front, clean comfortable rooms. We went to their restaurant one night and didn´t think it was that great.
La Paz: Wild Rover Backpacker. A quality manifestation of your classic ¨hostel¨experience. Fun bar, clean bathrooms and rooms. We lucked into a room well away from the bar... We heard that it gets noisy late at night if you´re too close.
Restaurants
Copacabana: Any of the trucha stands down by the lake. It doesn´t matter which one as they all serve the exact same deliciously cheap and fresh fish.
La Paz: La Comedie. Delicious french food with a great atmosphere. A ¨spluge¨by Bolivian standards, but really not very expensive.
Sucre: Cafe Mirador. Set near a Children´s Museum in the hills above down, this is a great spot for a drink at sunset.
Tour Operators, Etc.
Tours El Grano de Oro. Salt Flats tour operator out of Tupiza (we recommend starting in Tupiza over Uyuni). Great guide/driver (successfully changed 4 flat tires quickly, being a good mechanic is by far the most important criteria in your guide). Delicious food. Tip for your search in Salt Flat tour operators: try to find a husband-wife duo. Ours were married and great. Apparently some of the younger single guides drive too fast and often drunk...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Peru Recommendations
Here are a few recommendations of our favorite hotels, restaurants, tour operators, etc.
Hotels
Cusco: Casa Elena. We stumbled upon this place wandering the streets after the hostel we wanted was booked.... and we were very happy to have found it. Welcoming atmosphere, great breakfast.
Restaurants
Cusco: Juanita´s Sandwich shop. If you´re tired of the Peruvian set menu, this is a great alternative with seriously good sandwiches. It´s on the main strip in the San Blas neighborhood.
Tour Operators, etc.
Peru Treks. We did the Lares Valley trek with them and had an excellent experience. Great food, well organized, good gear (tent, sleeping bags) professional guide.
Hotels
Cusco: Casa Elena. We stumbled upon this place wandering the streets after the hostel we wanted was booked.... and we were very happy to have found it. Welcoming atmosphere, great breakfast.
Restaurants
Cusco: Juanita´s Sandwich shop. If you´re tired of the Peruvian set menu, this is a great alternative with seriously good sandwiches. It´s on the main strip in the San Blas neighborhood.
Tour Operators, etc.
Peru Treks. We did the Lares Valley trek with them and had an excellent experience. Great food, well organized, good gear (tent, sleeping bags) professional guide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
